Manila Standard - 2020 April 3 - Friday

WEARING OF FACE MASKS MANDATORY; VIOLATORS FACE PENALTIES—IATF

By Vito Barcelo

ID-19 while the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is in effect, CabiTHE government has made mandatory the net Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesman wearing of face masks in public as part of of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Manefforts to counter the spread of the COV- agement of Emerging Infectious Diseases

on Thursday said. allowed to help contain the respiratory disIn a virtual press briefing, Nograles said ease, which has afflicted 2, 633 so far in the medical or home-made face masks, earloop Philippines. masks, indigenous, reusable or do-it-yourself The requirement was prompted by the Next page masks, face shields, and handkerchiefs will be

MANDATORY. Wearing of masks and observing ‘social distancing’ have been made a pre-requisite for people going out to buy food, medicines and other essential needs as exemplified in this photo taken at a grocery mall in Divisoria, touted as the bargain-hunters’ capital in Metro Manila. Norman Cruz

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 51 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DSWD takes over Probe protocol violators—PACC distribution of aid A woman wearing a face mask walks by a sign posted on a restaurant in San Francisco, California on April 1, 2020. The US death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic topped 5,000, according to a running tally from the John Hopkins University. AFP

By Rio N. Araja, Rey E. Requejo, to provide relief during the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Macon Ramos-Araneta The Presidential Anti-Corruption and Maricel V. Cruz THE Duterte administration is training its guns on national and local officials it accuses of violating lockdown protocols, including Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, even though Robredo and Sotto were trying

Commission (PACC) has urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe Robredo over her relief drive, which it said undermined the efforts of the national government to stop the spread of COVID-19.

PACC Commissioner Manuelito Next page

Rody clips LGU powers for centralized move

By Joyce Pangco Pañares, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz

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MID reports of corruption and red tape, President Rodrigo Duterte has stripped local government units of their role in distributing P200 billion in cash aid to the 18 million most vulnerable households across the country amid the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Duterte said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will now take the lead in the distribution of cash aid and relief goods to hasten the process.

He said he was fed up of complaints that some corrupt local politicians have been pocketing aid meant for Filipinos affected by the Luzon-wide en hanced Pimentel

Robredo

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM APRIL 2)

2,633

NUMBER OF CASES

107 DEATHS

51

RECOVERIES

322

NEW CASES

Sotto

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PNP: Maximum tolerance despite shoot to kill order

By Francisco Tuyay, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday it would not carry out President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to shoot dead anyone causing trouble in areas locked down due to the new Next page

Nudists told: Take it off but wear mask IN THE Czech Republic where wearing masks has become obligatory in public spaces, the zeal for the new practice is such that when a group of nudists gathered at a lake during last weekend’s unusually warm weather, police ordered them to cover up – their mouths.

community quarantine and lockdowns in other areas across the country.

“I have removed from politicians the distribution of money and rice and food because there have been several complaints...Some local officials were embezzling relief funds. Instead of seven, you make it five in the repacking,” he said in a televised address to the nation aired late Wednesday evening.

“I put Secretary (Rolando) Bautista in charge of all these because the DSWD has its own distribution network through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program...That money is yours. But I cannot give everything unevenly so we in government will distribute and to determine how much (you will receive),” Duterte added.

He said Bautista will focus of the distribution of relief goods while Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential peace adviser and chief implementer of the National Action Plan against COVID-19, will focus on releasing the cash aid.

“Do not entertain doubts about dishonesty and corruption. This is not the time for that. Not this time, I am telling

MASKED MAIDEN. Nudists gathered at a Czech lake have been told that that they can ‘take it off’ Next page but they must ‘put it on’—meaning wear masks.

DSWD workers arrange boxes of relief goods in this file photo.

7-yr-old girl youngest fatality

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey E. Requejo, Rio N. Araja and Alena Mae Fores

positive for the new coronavirus, which has infected 2,633 people, 107 of whom died and 51 of whom recovered.

In a statement, San Fabian, Pangasinan THE youngest fatality from COVID-19 Mayor Constante Agbayani said the girl, in the country was a 7-year-old girl who lived in Barangay Inmalog Sur, was from La Union province who tested Next page

Virus cases nearing a million CONFIRMED coronavirus infections Half the planet is under some form of around the world approached one mil- lockdown as governments struggle to lion Thursday as the pandemic spread tamp down a virus that has killed tens at a “near-exponential” rate, with a of thousands of people. six-week-old baby becoming one of the Those restrictions—while necessary youngest known victims.

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News

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SMC chief backs ECQ extension

By Alena Mae S. Flores

pact of the extension to businesses, he said the entire world economy has been affected by COVID-19.

“At this point, what is most important today is life than money. Money we can make that money again but life, once you lose it, it is lost forever. So for me, if it’s life or money, I’ll choose life.

Money we can make that later on,” said Ang, whose businesses involve food, transport, power and infrastructure.

“My advice to my fellow Filipinos is to eat live and also to stay home. Make sure that you don’t mix up with other people until such time that we have really found a vaccine or medicine to cure this coronavirus. Otherwise, a lot

of innocent people will die,” he added.

Like many businesses, San Miguel has been doing its share to help the government combat the virus, spending P500 million to purchase personal protective equipment for frontline health workers.

Ang said the company is also coordinating with the Trade department to source locally the protective equipment.

“Most of this is going to be manufactured in Clark, Subic, all these export manufacturing zones. We have ordered ICU hazmat suit, gloves, googles, surgical face mask. I think we should be able to give away quickly this safety equipment because its locally manufactured,” he said.

relief goods, but Senate President Vicente Sotto III said cash aid is preferred.

He said under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the intention of Congress was to release cash aid and not relief goods.

“We have to clarify that and iron that out. If that is the understanding of the executive or the DSWD, then we will have to talk to them immediately,” Sotto said, adding that cash is easier to distribute that relief goods.

“We passed this law with cash aid in mind so that people will have the capacity to buy the goods that they need, so that they can budget their own money,” he added.

In the House of Representatives, Magdalo party-list Rep. Manuel Cabotchan III said allowing centralized operations with DSWD at the helm is a step in the right direction.

Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte earlier berated the DSWD for its snail-paced action on the distribution of cash aid.

“I am sorry but I don’t share the same sentiment [as Villafuerte]. I respect his view from where he sits but for me putting

the blame on and singling out the DSWD leadership is most unfair,” he said.

Villafuerte said DSWD sat on the requirements for the release of the Emergency Subsidy Program funds 10 days since Congress convened in a marathon special session to approve special but limited powers for President Duterte to best deal with the COVID-19 global health crisis.

He said the DSWD should have released the requisite forms to all local government units for them to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the department as soon as Duterte signed into law the Bayanihan Act. “No wonder that not a single LGU has yet to sign a MOA with the DSWD. It has started to do only now what it should have accomplished last week, which was to send the requisite MOA documents to each and every LGU covered by the Bayanihan Act,” Villafuerte said.

ESP funds can only be downloaded to local governments through their accredited banks after their respective MOA are endorsed by the legislative council and then signed by the local chief executives with the DSWD.

Luna said that “being a part of the national government,” Robredo is barred from competing with the Department of Health and other agencies, “or undermining their efforts, and from soliciting donations, in cash or in kind, from the taxpaying public, especially since funds have already been appropriated or set aside for relief assistance, disaster mitigation, [and] rehabilitation.”

He said Robredo’s involvement in COVID-19 response undermines the government’s efforts to address the crisis and this must be investigated.

Robredo has been working with private companies and groups to raise funds to help frontline health workers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Robredo’s efforts, such as the provision of free shuttle service, dormitories and protective gear for health workers may be in violation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Solicitation Permit Law,” he said.

The PACC also accused Robredo of politicking, as her name was prominently displayed on buses and boxes of donations being given to the public.

While the people may welcome her efforts to extend the necessary help to the people, the tarpaulins clearly don’t serve any purpose other than whatever interests Robredo seeks to advertise, it said.

Robredo’s camp slammed the PACC. “The PACC statement is so ridiculous, so inappropriate, so out of touch, that I had to verify if it was really true. I am deeply disappointed that it was,” Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said.

“Since Day One of the COVID-19 crisis, VP Leni has done all she can to help health workers, government institutions, and ordinary Filipinos overcome the challenges they have had to

face due to the restrictions on travel, the shortages in supplies, and, of course, the ever present threat of infection,” he said in a statement.

The Vice President was able to mobilize the private personalities tohelp in the procurement of personal protective equipment for medical workers; provide free transportation for essential travel; buy extraction kits for the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine; offer food at police and military checkpoints, and even establish dormitories for health workers in need of a place near their hospitals, he said.

“As of today (Thursday), the Office of the Vice President has delivered PPEs to over 100 hospitals, clinics, and LGUs nationwide, and yet, nearly 500 requests remain in the pipeline. Other private initiatives have also done their part. And I am certain that all these groups that have come together to help, the OVP included, would only be too thrilled if national government agencies came in with their larger budgets and bigger organizations to provide all the equipment and supplies that these institutions need,” he said.

Gutierrez said health workers all over the country are running out of the much-needed PPE while attending to the medical needs of the COVID-19 patients, and that where the PPE would come from does not matter to them.

“She has done al this without requesting additional public funds or seeking expanded powers. She did this because she saw a need, and she took action to meet it.

She did this because it was the right and responsible thing to do,” he said.

“And now, unbelievably, the PACC wants to ‘investigate’ her for it. And for what reason? Because she was ‘competing’ with other agencies,” he added.

“Anyone who insists that bringing much-needed assistance to hospitals, health workers and poor Filipinos is somehow a ‘competition’ has absolutely no understanding of the gravity of the

crisis we are all facing.”

“Besides, is the largest crisis the world has faced since World War II really the best time to talk about investigations, particularly of people who have done nothing except do the best they can to help out?

I leave it to the PACC, and the rest of national government leadership, to answer this question for themselves,” he said.

“In the meantime, rest assured, VP Leni will continue to do all she can to help,” he said.

Robredo’s supporters in the Senate lambasted the PACC. “It saddens us that there are people who could be so heartless and power hungry as to take advantage of this crisis to advance their political ambition,” said Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan, in a joint statement.

“National and local officials who have shown initiative and innovation in responding to COVID-19 crisis are politicized, criticized and crucified,” they said.

Senators as well as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also slammed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for summoning Pasig Ciy Mayor Vico Sotto for allegedly violating the Bayanihan Act that was recently passed to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

Taking the cudgels for his nephew, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the mayor, who had used improvised tricycles to transport health workers during the lockdown, did so before the law cited by the NBI was passed.

“Any so-called violation of RA 11469 (Bayanihan Act) can’t be retroactive,” the senator said. “What are they talking about? Laws are never retroactive if detrimental to any accused.”

On his Twitter account, the Senate leader also asked: if no law was violated, why summon the mayor? With AFP

A total lockdown was also imposed in Inmalog Sur and nearby areas. Local officials are doing contact tracing.

Meanwhile, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, checked into a hospital over the weekend, a member of his staff said Thursday. The senator had a mild cough and his family wanted him to receive proper medical attention, the staff member added.

On Monday night, Angara posted a picture of his bearded face on Instagram. He said he was getting well.

“Recovering thanks to your prayers and some good medical attention,” the 47-year-old lawmaker said.

Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Aquilino Pimentel III also tested positive for COVID-19, as did former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “The test was over a week ago but the results just came out,” Marcos posted

on Twitter. “In the meantime, I’ve been slowly getting better.”

Also on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the country’s ambassador to Lebanon, Bernardita Catalla, died of COVID-19.

“With deep sadness, the DFA announces the untimely demise on 2 April 2020, of Ambassador Bernardita Catalla, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon, from complications arising from COVID-19,” the DFA said, in a statement.

Catalla, the first Filipino senior career diplomat in active service who died from COVID-19, passed away in a Beirut hospital where she was confined.

The DFA described Catalla as a career diplomat for almost 30 years who has served in key posts like Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and was passport director, where she delivered frontline service to millions of Filipinos.

USINESSMAN Ramon Ang, top executive of diversified San Miguel Corp. is pushing for the extension of the Luzonwide enhanced community quarantine by two weeks to a month, choosing “life than money” as the country struggles to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

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“For me, we have to be sure, that when we are going to lift, we have already flattened the curve, otherwise when we lift it too early and then all of a sudden so many unknown cases comes out, then there’s going to be a lot of people, a lot of innocent people will die,” Ang said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The lockdown, which began March 14 and is scheduled to end on April 14 unless otherwise extended, aimed to stem the spread of the pandemic across the country.

“For me, I would only lift this by the end of April or by May 15,” Ang said.

When asked about the possible im-

PNP:...

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DSWD...

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coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Of course not,” PNP chief Dir. Gen. Archie Gamboa said, when asked if police would shoot troublemakers. “Probably the President just overemphasized on implementing the law in this time of crisis. We see the strong message and I think all the PNP personnel understood it.”

In an interview on the ANC news channel, Gamboa said the PNP does not condone abuse in enforcing the lockdown, and said it was investigating a Manila police officer caught on video hitting and cursing a resident for violating home quarantine.

He said the PNP would always exercise “maximum tolerance.”

About half the country’s roughly 110 million people are currently under quarantine -- including millions in deep poverty, left jobless by tough restrictions on movement.

Hours before Duterte gave the order in a speech late Wednesday night, nearly two dozen people from a slum community in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, were arrested for holding a protest that accused the government of failing to provide food aid to the poor.

“My orders are to the police and military, also village officials, that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line, shoot them dead,” Duterte said.

“Instead of causing trouble, I’ll send you to the grave,” he said, adding that the outbreak is getting worse more than two weeks into the lockdown.

The Philippines has so far detected 2,633 cases and reported 107 deaths, but the country has only begun ramping up testing and so the number of confirmed infections is expected to keep rising.

With Willie Casas

you...I removed all politicians, and this is now purely national government operations,” Duterte said.

He expressed confidence that Galvez, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bautista, a former Army chief, will have the discipline to distribute the aid efficiently and quickly.

“The goods, rice – whatever government can release – we will hasten the release. Money will arrive. Food will arrive.… Bear with it if there are delays in delivery, but aid will come and you will not go hungry. You will not die of hunger,” the President added.

Under the P200-billion cash assistance program, select households will receive subsidies ranging from P5,000 to P8,000 for two months.

Among those entitled to receive cash aid are senior citizens, persons with disability, homeless persons, and solo parents.

The DSWD is reportedly planning to distribute part of the money in the form of

Virus...

From A1 for health – risk causing global food shortages, experts have warned, as supply chains gum up and panic buying sparks export controls.

The death toll from COVID-19 continued its relentless march upwards, with more than 46,000 people known to have died worldwide.

The United States, which now accounts for almost a quarter of reported global infections, logged its 5,000th death overnight, according to a tally

by Johns Hopkins University.

And, said President Donald Trump, things were going to get worse.

“We’re going to have a couple of weeks, starting pretty much now, but especially a few days from now, that are going to be horrific,” he said.

“But even in the most challenging of times, Americans do not despair. We do not give in to fear.”

Among the latest US fatalities was a six-week-old baby who was taken to a Connecticut hospital late last week. AFP

7-yr-old...

From A1 confined at the La Union Medical Center on March 26 and tested for COVID-19 on March 31, five days after her death.

Agbayani said the girl died on the same day due to hypovolemic shock caused by acute gastroenteritis and severe dehydration.

Agbayani said the girl was earlier brought to a rural health center due to diarrhea, nausea and fever. She was sent home later.

Local officials are looking into the possibility the girl was infected by two relatives who came from Metro Manila and Nueva Vizcaya, two areas hit by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 victim was buried immediately, and disinfection procedures were implemented in her house.

Probe...

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Wearing...

From A1 World Health Organization which found that droplet transmission is one of the major spreading ways for coronavirus as people can easily be infected by others if they don’t wear face-masks.

The virus can be taken by the droplet from a person when a person is speaking, coughing or sneezing and fly into others’ noses or mouths.

“Wearing a face-mask is the most effective and essential way to protect everyone from coronavirus infection,” Nograles said.

In areas where the ECQ is in effect, individuals leaving their residences to buy goods are required to wear any type of face mask to help slow down the spread of COVID-19, the Palace of-

Media industry also a casualty of pandemic THE ailing news industry, struggling during a pandemic-induced economic slump, is pressing for new government relief as media outlets scramble to keep covering the health crisis.

News outlets have begun layoffs, furloughs and pay cuts even as readers increasingly turn to the media for reliable information about the coronavirus outbreak.

Many local news organizations are facing “an existential crisis” with the near collapse of advertising revenues, according to a letter from two industry groups to President Donald Trump and congressional leaders.

“We will be engaging with elected representatives in a discussion of options for actions the federal government could take to help sustain our local news ecosystem,” said the letter from the News Media Alliance and America’s Newspapers, which represent hundreds of media groups.

Earlier this week, the largest US newspaper chain, Gannett, announced a combination of pay cuts and temporary furloughs in an effort to ride out the crisis. Another media firm, Lee Enterprises, is asking employees to accept two weeks of unpaid leave during the next three months at its more than 70 newspapers.

The Tampa Bay Times said it would cut its print editions to only Sundays and Wednesdays due to the sharp ad revenue drop.

The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, the largest news organization in New Orleans, is to furlough about 10 percent of its staff due to the slump, and C & G Newspapers has suspended publication of its 19 print newspapers in the Detroit area.

“While many publishers have seen increases in online traffic and digital subscriptions, the additional revenue has in no way made up for the sharp losses in ad revenue,” said a blog post

by David Chavern of the News Media Alliance. AFP

Nudists...

From A1 “Citizens can be without clothes in places where this is allowed, but they must have their mouths covered,” police spokeswoman Marketa Janovska told the Police Weekly newspaper.

Adherence to mask wearing is also being rigorously enforced elsewhere in the region.

Austria is preparing to join neighboring states in turning to mask wearing as a further weapon to fight the coronavirus, presenting citizens under lockdown with another challenge to cultural norms due to the pandemic.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had said he wanted larger supermarkets to start providing shoppers with masks.

The measure will only come into full force on Monday. Nonetheless, some Austrians have taken to the new rule with gusto.

“We have to do all we can to slow down infections and lots of people say that wearing a mask helps, so I think it’s right,” 42-year-old Vienna resident Stephan Hofmann told AFP – through a mask.

But he admits that “you have to learn to use it, how to put it on and take it off.”

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has begun sporting one in public but is still struggling to adapt, having to wear his only over his mouth and not his nose.

“My head is too big for this mask!

It is too small for my muzzle,” he exclaimed during one appearance on Monday. AFP

ficial said, adding “even handkerchief or small face towel will do.”

The Palace official also noted that some groceries, stores and supermarkets have already taken measures such as putting plastic covers behind cashier windows and employed guards at the entrance to disinfect every customers coming inside the supermarkets or groceries.

He said local government units are mandated to issue necessary executive orders or ordinances on the mandatory wearing of face masks and impose such penalties as may be appropriate.

President Duterte placed the entire island of Luzon under the state of calamity on March 15 due to the growing threat of COVID 19, forcing millions of Filipino families to stay at home and banned mass gatherings while public transportation.

The ECQ will expire on the midnight of April 13, 2020. With AFP

News IN BRIEF

DAR-issued IDs to access aid for farmers

By Rio N. Araja

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HE Department of Agrarian Reform is eyeing the distribution of 352,511 identification cards for select farmer-beneficiaries for the easy accessibility of the government’s various programs, projects and services.

Aboitiz, Lalamove deliver ‘med’ supplies METRO MANILA—The Aboitiz Group, via its corporate social responsibility arm Aboitiz Foundation, and on-demand logistics company Lalamove are working together to quickly and safely deliver medical supplies to different areas around Metro Manila as the country continues to battle the threat of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“In handling our COVID-19 response, the Aboitiz Foundation team recognized the need for efficient logistics and timely movement of medical supplies to the hospitals and partner agencies that need them the most. With the enhanced community quarantine and with most teams working on a skeletal crew, this was a challenge,” said Aboitiz Foundation’s President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth L. Marasigan.

The donations include nitrile gloves, goggles, personal protective equipment gowns, 70% alcohol, and surgical masks.

These are among the much-needed supplies by medical frontliners who continue to face the threat of COVID-19.

Over 2,000 cases have been registered all over the Philippines, with the highest percentage of confirmed cases located in Metro Manila.

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REPATRIATED. The wave of repatriation amid COVID-19 pandemic continues as DFA facilitated the return of 454 Filipino crew members from Miami, USA early morning today. The group consists of 253 crew members from the Norwegian Star and 201 from the Norwegian Dawn Cruise ships.

Tulong Kapatid helps in relief efforts TULONG Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies, foundations and affiliates under the leadership of Manuel V. Pangilinan, conducted a series of relief efforts and activities to help frontline health workers, government response teams as well as some underprivileged and homeless families in Metro Manila.

“We are fully committed to supporting our frontline health workers who are working tirelessly to save lives and to combat this pandemic. We will continue to pour in resources to address the needs and demands of our frontline workers, including PPEs and relief packages,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

To date, here are some of the efforts of the Tulong Kapatid: donated 14,000 liters of 70% Ethyl alcohol to frontline health workers and government hospitals. The ethyl alcohol donation was from the Roxol Bioenergy Corporation, a company under the Roxas Holdings, Inc. These were transported and distributed to Metro Manila through the assistance of the Metropac Movers, Inc., PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and the Makati Medical Center Foundation.

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), along with Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF); provided personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as nitrile gloves, goggles, and coveralls, as well as boxes of vitamins to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and the Philippine Genome Center. Initial donation of 500 units of 1,000 virus specimen collection tubes were also turned over to RITM.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DISINFECT AND PROTECT. Barangay volunteer workers spray disinfectants to every barangay in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, including along the Maharlika Highway going to Lucena City in Quezon as part of the LGU’s efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease amind the ongoing Enhanced Community Qurantine in Luzon.

Two prov’l airports make own masks BI urges foreigners still in PH to stay at home

By Joel E. Zurbano

By Vito Barcelo

DUE to the shortage and limited supply from the government, airport personnel in Tacloban and Zamboanga decided to produce their own face masks to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus disease.

“As COVID-19’s threats remain, our frontliners have started to think of creative ways on how to protect themselves from the virus. With limited protective gear, CAAP’s staff at Tacloban Airport (or Daniel Z. Romuldez Airport) and Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) started initiating the production of their own masks,” said Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines spokesperson Eric Apolonio.

Apolonio said CAAP Tacloban Nurse Fatima Obiña saw the opportunity to be resourceful after learning that there is a shortage of face masks at the airport.

With this need in mind, Obiña sought the help of a seamstress friend who gladly sew 200 masks for the airport’s staff.

Obiña said that it is better for them to take action instead of relying on donations and waiting for supplies.

In Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA), employees have also launched efforts to aid their frontliners by producing face shields for the airport’s medical staff.

The ZIA project is a joint effort by the airport’s Medical staff, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting unit, Area Corporate Planning Office, and Security and Intelligence Service.

In creating face shields, they used acetate sheets, dishwashing foam, and garters. The face shields will be mainly used by the airport’s nurses, security personnel, and flight recorders.

CAAP officials lauded the initiative of the airports’ staff in producing these essential items, which are now being used by the airport’s frontliners. They said the move showcases the ingenuity and resilience of Filipinos in these trying times.

THE Bureau of Immigration appealed to all foreigners still in the Philippines to stay at home during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Immigration commissioner Jaime Morente said that aliens who decided to remain in the Philippines are advised to follow the guidelines of the ECQ “as this is our best solution to buy time in

the fight against Covid-19”.

Morente added that they are discouraging aliens in the country from going out to apply for visa extensions.

“We have eased immigration requirements for foreigners who remain in the Philippines during the ECQ. Aliens anywhere in the Philippines whose visas will expire during the period, shall not be charged penalties as long as they file their applications within 30 days from the lifting of the ECQ,” he added.

However, the BI clarified that applications filed after the lapse of thirty days from the lifting of the ECQ and aliens whose visas expired prior to the declaration of the ECQ will not be exempt from penalties.

“We are issuing this reiteration as there are still some aliens proceeding to our offices to file for extensions despite the quarantine,” said Morente.

“For everyone’s safety, please stay at home,” he added.

‘Take care of mental health amid ECQ’

Man guarding QC roadblock shot dead

By Rio N. Araja

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR on Thursday advised people cooped up in their homes due to the enhanced community quarantine to take stock of themselves and to take care of their mental health.

“Aside from physically guarding one’s body to prevent infection from Covid-19, people should also take serious effort to take care of their mental health during the enhanced community quarantine period,” San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes said.

“Anxiety and depression are on the rise because of the social distancing and enhanced community quarantine,” Robes said.

Robes, chairperson of the House committee on people’s participation, added: “there is a lot of anxiety, fear and confusion at this time over our loved ones, our jobs, and all of us are affected. These conditions are more pronounced for those experiencing mental health problems even before the Chinese virus hit the country,” Robes said.

Robes, an advocate for mental health, is the country’s ambassador of Sunfull Foundation Internet Peace Movement, a Korean nongovernment organization that promotes mental health and fight against cyber-bullying.

Secretary John Castriciones said the IDs would contain the farmer’s basic information, such as the specific number of their certificate of land ownership award (CLOAs); province, municipality and barangay where their property is located, and their recent photo bearing his signature.

“The agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARBs) IDs will be distributed free of charge to those who were awarded with CLOAs from 2010 to 2020. These will be distributed personally by the regional directors and provincial agrarian reform program officers to ensure the integrity of the IDs,” he said.

The IDs shall be the basis of DAR and the other government agencies in providing the necessary assistance to the farmers, and shall serve as proof that a beneficiary has already received government’s cash aids or any relief assistancw.

“The ARB IDs, in coordination with Department of Agriculture, Land Bank of the Philippines and Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., is also intended as basis for providing the ARBs with credit and insurance projects, which include among others, agrarian production credit program, credit assistance program for program beneficiaries development and rice competitiveness enhancement fund,” the DAR chief said.

GARBAGE COLLECTION. Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) personnel load household garbage into a dump truck along Manunggal Street, Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City on Thursday (April 2, 2020). Garbage collectors are essential workers as they continue with their tasks amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. PNA

AMID the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, four unidentified men on Wednesday night shot dead one of two civilians who were manning a road closure in Quezon City.

Authorities identified the fatality as one Ronaldo Cumayas, a 37-year-old painter who lost his job because of the lockdown.

Aldredo Batino, 20, an air-condition technician, was hit in the arm and was rushed to East Avenue Medical Center.

Both victims lived in Sitio Veterans in Barangay Bagong Silangan.

Witnesses said the four men were riding in tandem in two motorcycles.

The suspects managed to flee the area despite the checkpoints near the place.

The incident took place last April 1 at 10:30 p.m.

Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo of the Quezon City Police District has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit and Station 6 to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind the shooting incident, including illegal drugs.

The mother of Cumayas claimed that her son had no known enemy in their community and had no criminal case.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Test, treat, prevent CROSSROADS

J.A. DE LA CRUZ LET US make one thing clear. The fight against COVID-19 is ours to undertake. Not government alone.

Not the medical practitioners. Not the security forces. Not any person or groups of people doing the things that they know need to be done. It needs the total, undivided effort of a nation and, yes, the entire world in the eye of a huge, huge deluge never been experienced in modern times.

This is the only way we can win this war.

This pandemic needs a total, comprehensive, disciplined, science- and fact-based response. Not bits and pieces of information and initiatives meant to answer each and every issue or concern that comes about. That response begins and, hopefully, ends in ourselves and our families. By sticking to the facts and science based protocols we can remain healthy and strong in situ, and from there move on to help restart life under new normal—not business-as-usual.

The hospitals and their dedicated staff should be our last line of defense. We should, as best as we can, endeavor not get into one at all except perhaps in the worst of circumstances.

Which is why I urge government and all concerned citizens out there

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

to insist that we get back to the basics before it's too late. First, as I said, keep U and I and our families healthy to retard or completely cut off the spread of this virus by all means possible, medically, economically and socially. The lockdown imposed on the entire Luzon and suggested for implementation, as needed, in Visayas and Mindanao has provided a menu of initiatives and solutions to make this work. Then, the WHO has issued the TTP protocol to finally flatten the curve of infections, and get the country on its track again.

TTP or Test, Treat, Prevent is the WHO’s basic protocol after the initial response of a lock down or, as in the case of South Korea and Singapore a modified ban, has been put in place for the global collaborative efforts meant to combat COVID-19. Indeed this virus has wreaked havoc and changed the landscape worldwide in more ways than one. We have no other recourse but to face up to this newest disease which, as WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus aid, has turned our lives upside down.

Although this protocol has been an extant medical and scientific response to all kinds of diseases, newly discovered or rediscovered, this time around it has gained renewed currency resulting from the fear and panic.

In a world experiencing not just an invisible contagion but an epidemic of fake news and misinformation - an infodemic as WHO's chief calls it - so it is well that we are going back and fast tracking such basic formation if only to provide the needed impetus to the international effort to combat the disease.

The focus and immediate concern right now is to flood all countries

Lockdown vs. the economy stores and supermarkets, and established checkpoints along major and minor roads.

The rigid measures, however, have taken their toll on the economy, ordinary workers and small entrepreneurs, prompting the World Bank to significantly reduce its 2020 economic growth forecast for the Philippines to 3 percent from the actual expansion of 5.9 percent.

The quarantine, the bank noted, restricted all non-essential movement of people and closed down businesses and government agencies in Luzon―which accounts for 70 percent of national GDP―until April 14.

It warned that the Philippines economy could contract this year in case of a rapid surge in confirmed cases, resulting in a prolonged community quarantine, lengthier disruptions to government and business activities, loss of incomes and a protracted weakening of the public health system.

The government and the private

G

OVERNMENTS across the globe are in a quandary over how long they can keep their lockdown measures without causing permanent damage to the economy.

Some form of lockdown covers half of the planet—a response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) outbreak that has already killed over 46,000 people. The restrictions aimed at containing the outbreak have disrupted supply chains, virtually stopped air travel, left millions of workers jobless and sent the global economy into a vicious recession.

The Philippines was one of the early Third-World nations that implemented a widespread lockdown. The Luzon-wide lockdown closed schools, banned public transportation to limit travel, shuttered malls except drug-

sector, meanwhile, are pondering a “selective lockdown” and gradual resumption of economic activity when the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon ends on April 14, wary of a more damaging effect on the economy if the stringent measures are extended.

A modified quarantine scheme in which public transportation may be allowed to bring workers to their job sites could be one of the preferred options. The government, however, must conduct more extensive COVID-19 testing procedures to keep the virus curve in check and preserve the gains during the quarantine period.

Keeping the population healthy and safe from the virus is a tough task in the absence of a vaccine that can finally stop COVID-19. Equally daunting is keeping the economic afloat at the same time in order to preserve jobs and provide incomes to the displaced workers. These are tough choices that policy makers should carefully weigh.

Turn to A5

Rapid test kits will help flatten the curve WE'RE glad that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved the use of rapid test kits as another weapon in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19.

It's about time.

The Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies, among them the FDA and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), had balked at utilizing the lateral flow assay technology behind the onsite test kits. They claimed that this did not focus on finding out whether a person had already been infected with the new coronavirus, but on the antibodies produced by the body when infection had already set in.

But those who were adamant in their insistence that onsite or rapid testing is just as important as the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technology eventually won, as the FDA has approved the application of five suppliers to distribute their products here.

Of the five rapid test kits approved by the FDA, one is manufactured by a Singapore-based firm under license from a Chinese company, the four others by China-based firms. These are: (1) Nanjing Vazyme COVID-19 Detection Kit manufactured by Biolidics Limited, Singapore; (2) Novel Coronavirus Detection Kit (Colloidal Gold Method) manufactured by Nanjing Vazyme Medical Technology Co. Ltd. based in Nanjing, China; (3) Diagnostic Kit for IgM/IgG Antibody (Colloidal Gold Method) manufactured by Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics, Inc. Guangdong, China; (4) 2019 COVID-19 Test (Colloidal Gold Method) manufactured by Innovita BioTechnology Co. based in Tangshan, China; and (5) SARS COVID-19 (Lateral Flow Method)

manufactured by Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech, Co. Ltd., based in Guangzhou, China. These companies are listed on the website of the National Medical Products Administration of China as of March 16, 2020 as among those approved to produce test kits for COVID-19.

The five rapid test kits are to be used only under the supervision of trained health professionals as these may show false positive or negative results.

The locally developed test kits will be commercially available starting today.

The FDA decision came a day after more than 30 business leaders and heads of chambers of commerce proposed the use of rapid test kits to curb the pandemic.

The FDA decision was hailed by Joey Concepcion, presidential adviser for entrepreneurship, who said: “To win this war, we have to have a clearer view of COVID-19 in the country.

We cannot emphasize enough; it is critical that we do rapid testing now.

Hopefully, this rapid testing will help prevent another lockdown from happening.”

FDA Director General Eric Domingo pointed out that the results from the use of the rapid antibody test kits would still need confirmatory testing to verify if the patient really contracted the disease. “Interpreting the results of these rapid test kits is not simple. This is why it is important for a doctor to read the results so that he could give the patient the right advice and guidance on what should be done after the test. Equally important is the confirmatory testing [for positive cases] using the PCR- based kits in Turn to A5

Lifting the lockdown: Lives vs. money THE emerging consensus in the business community is to continue with the Luzon-wide lockdown, from the current March 17, 2020-April 12, 2020 period, to April 12-April 30, 2020.

A two-week extension looks good; another month-long lockdown will be devastating, creating havoc that in turn could inflict permanent damage, to us, as a people; employment, to the economy, and to our sense of nationhood.

An extension can take two forms: One, lockdown in its present form, with very few industries exempted (only medical, hygiene, supermarkets, pharmacies, media, and Grab services allowed). Two, a modified lockdown or partial easing to allow for more exemptions—like including construction and hardware, maybe, to relieve boredom in homes and to prepare for the only stimulus that counts fast and with the most benefit—construction and infra.

Either way, a two-week lockdown will cost the economy a minimum of P500 billion, a loss of at least half a million jobs (thousands of them gone

forever), and the complete obliteration of a third of the country’s one million small enterprises. Add to that mass hunger and unrest staring at us now in the face.

“Extension is a difficult topic and one where there is no wrong or right,” says Jojo Concepcion, CEO of Concepcion-Carrier, the giant airconditioner manufacturer which has been idled by the lockdown. “If we allow the economy and business to open too early, then we stand the risk that the virus spreading again. On the other hand, the longer the economy and business are not allowed to start, the more many businesses become not viable and people will lose their jobs or have no income.”

I favor an extension of the current lockdown, by another two weeks, provided we: 1) Ramp up testing to 10,000 per day.

The Philippines’ testing capacity is woefully inadequate. It did 2,300 tests in eight weeks, for a population of 110 million. During the same period, South Korea did more than 358,000 tests, for a population of 51 million. I understand the Department of Health has now 121,300 test kits— from Brunei, Singapore, South Korea and China.

I favor an extension of the lockdown by another two weeks, provided we...

At 10,000 tests per day, 121,000 kits would last only 12 days—in a period of the gravest peril for the would-be infected.

Besides, the local testing capacity, given the need for skilled personnel, adequate equipment and facilities, is still 1,000 per day. At 1,000 tests per Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

No room for chaos

Calling on Filipino patriots FOOTNOTES TRANQUIL G.S. SALVADOR III THE recent spike in the number of COVID-19- positive individuals, the serious threat to health, safety, and security of Filipinos, and the severe disruption of economic activities led the Philippine Congress to declare a state of national emergency leading to the enactment of Republic Act No. 11469 otherwise known as the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act.” It is a law with a “good, sound bite” that capitalizes on the Philippine custom of unity to achieve a collective goal. With the present realities, President Duterte was given, by law, the power to adopt provisional measures to address the actual and anticipated effects of the pandemic.

But how effective will the measures be in grappling with the needs of the heavily affected? Are the funds of government adequate for these needs?

The measures appear to be broad in scope, but its efficiency remains to be seen. As capsulized, the temporary measures are: (a) to shoulder the medical expenses of health workers if found to be COVID-19 positive; (b) to compensate for illness or death of public and private health workers as a result of COVID-19; (c) to give a special risk allowance on top of hazard pay for health workers; (d) to provide subsidies to low income households; (e) to direct privately owned hospitals and medical facilities as quarantine areas or medical relief locations; (f) to protect the public from hoarding, profiteering and pernicious practices that affect supply and distribution of basic necessities; (g) to ensure availability of credit to the productive sectors; (h) to liberalize the grant of incentives for the manufacturing of healthcare equipment and supplies; (i) to allocate cash, funds, and investments including unutilized or unrealized subsidies held by any GOCC or any national agency to address the COVID-19 emergency; (j) to move deadlines and timelines for the filing

Test,...

From A4

with the needed resources to the point of rushing the development of reliable diagnostic tests, public health surveillance tools which can detect cases for treatment and isolation. The scarcity of test kit supply worldwide has become a scare in most countries that charges of underreporting have been lodged against health officials. Even the United States, with its vaunted Center for Disease Control (CDC) and related disease prevention network has come under fire after it was found out that it was not only taking its time in undertaking the much needed testing of suspected cases but had in fact botched part of the test protocols in the initial phase of its diagnostic efforts.

Closer to home, DoH officials have been skewered no end for their continued inability to calm the waters, so to speak, with their inexplicable and wishy washy ways in combating COVID-19, starting with the paucity of diagnostic procedures and, of

Lifting...

From A4

day, the virus would have been gone and we are still in testing mode.

2) Ramp up contact tracing by forming 1,000 tracing teams each team with a doctor, IT, police or one from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The National Bureau of Investigation, instead of wasting its personnel and equipment summoning Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto to explain for paying attention to his constituents, should perhaps join the tracking teams. Tracking involves locating potentially infected people, interviewing them, testing them, confining them while under observation or monitoring their whereabouts every minute.

of any document, and the payment of taxes, fees and other charges; (k) to direct all banks, quasi-banks, financing companies and other financial institutions including GSIS, SSS and Pag-ibig Fund to implement a grace period for a minimum of thirty (30) days for the payment of the loan; (l) to provide a grace period of thirty (30) days on residential rent payments during the enhanced community quarantine without interest, fees and other charges; and (m) to hold liable those who create, perpetuate, and spread false information regarding COVID-19 on social media and other platforms.

Information— correct information— saves lives.

With the immense power given to the President, he has to dutifully submit weekly reports to Congress of all acts and measures performed during the preceding week. To monitor these, Congress established a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. While the President’s actions are carefully monitored, do we expect the same level of monitoring of the local government officials implementing the measures on the ground? Is the potential liability, and penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment under R.A. 11469 and other existing laws enough to abate the abuses of public officers? The general public is apprehensive of the known practice of some politicians in diverting government funds for their personal benefit and pursuits. These stopgap measures, though positive actions, may be utilized by these unscrupulous individuals as convenient leaks or cracks to deplete our already limited resources.

What then can we, as Filipinos, do to ease the impact of the COVID-19 on our way of life?

Transparency in disclosing material information is imperative since correct information saves lives.

When a person under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 goes through

the triage in the hospital (to decide the order of treatment), it is important for the PUI to make full disclosure of his travel history, persons he had contact with, places he previously visited, and the symptoms he manifested.

This cannot be emphasized enough.

Otherwise, the health and safety of the medical frontliners will be jeopardized.

Another is not to engage in compulsive hoarding and profiteering that will affect the supply and distribution of basic necessities. Barangay officials should not issue quarantine passes for profit, knowing that this is part of their duty to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in their respective communities. Social media platform users including political operators should desist from disseminating false news and information that will further sow confusion, anarchy, and fear at this time of uncertainty.

Relevant authorities should not procure sub-standard personal protective equipment (PPE) and nonFDA certified test kits just for profit.

There should be stringent regulations regarding the distribution of the limited PPEs to the hospitals that need it the most. Accountability should be observed for the limited government funds to be allocated to government hospitals, for financial assistance to disadvantaged and displaced workers, for livelihood programs, feeding programs, and distribution of food and non-food items for local government units.

Make donations to established and credible groups and institutions that will see to it that your donations will reach the intended beneficiaries. Stay home unless going out is extremely necessary, as it will help contain the spread of COVID-19. Being a volunteer to supplement and support the tired, drained and quarantined medical workers is an option that will be most appreciated. We salute the volunteers. In short, this is not the time to engage in politics, and excessive brand promotions; nor is it the time to encourage the culture of diversity and regionalism.

Let us be one nation in battling this pandemic.

course, the very basic protocols on how to deal with the virus—from information and education advisories to preparation of health first responders to public health facilities including isolation areas to coordination with the private medical care sector and so on and on. Hopefully, with the continued shipment of such kits we will, in the next week or so, be able to put the testing protocols not only in place but widely administered.

Then, there is the question of the TP (Treat and Protect) part of the WHO protocol. We have yet to get a clearer idea of what resources, i.e., personnel, facilities, equipment, etc., have been put in place if not countrywide at least the entire Luzon. Do we have consultation-on-demand operations? Can we administer random testing or testing on demand on a much wider and faster rate? Are our barangays up to the task of monitoring each and every household in the area for PUIs and PUMs? Do we have pre-screening and hospitalization areas for mildly symptomatic cases so we do not overwhelm our hospitals?

Are our hospitals specially in the

provinces fully equipped to deal with COVID-19 patients?

Finally, are the measures meant to protect the general public from the spread of the disease adequate to prevent panic and unrest among the populace now in place? Quite apart from the medical protocols which are mandatory and non-negotiable, are the economic and social measures in place as well? By these we mean food and cash relief, household and community clean up, information and education tools so people will not be prey to fake news and even agitators.

Admittedly, these measures are very hard to undertake. It will take patience and resoluteness to get these going and even so we will have problems along the way.

But that is, I believe, the only way we can win this war against an invisible enemy. There are no shortcuts to it, no magic wands, no instant remedies. And, until such time as we have the vaccines and the needed cures to this pandemic we just have to bear with it. And pray that things will turn for the better. Sooner rather than later. No ifs and buts about it.

3) Ramp up treatment gear.

We need easily nine million sets of PPEs—personal protective equipment; and 30 million face masks These should be given away free and not hoarded. In South Korea, the government commissioned half of a company’s output and sold the masks at cost or at a loss.

We also need 100,000 hospital beds (on top of the current inventory of 97,000) to treat COVID-19 patients.

Treatment takes two weeks to one month during which time the patient is isolated and barred from having visitors. There is a claim though that majority of patients could be treated at home since their sickness is only mild.

But the experience of Senators Koko Pimentel and Sonny Angara shows hospital confinement is still best.

Wuhan, a city of 11 million, devot-

ed 45 hospitals for COVIC-19 patients alone. Metro Manila, a city of 14 million, has no more than half a dozen hospitals with COVID-19 capability.

As for medical personnel, if you believe DILG Secretary Eduardo Año’s extrapolation of 75,000 patients, we should probably recruit now easily 300,000 people—doctors, nurses, assistants, and cleaning crews in hospitals.

4) Ramp up food rations, not cash, to 18 million poor families a day.

Food, even if stolen, has to be eaten; cash, if stolen, is still cash.

For his part, Jojo Concepcion proposes four criteria before lifting the lockdown: 1)a 100 percent testing of all PUIs and PUMs; 2) facilities be set up for the isolation of all positive Covid-19 cases, and separate isolation facilities for all PUIs and PUMs; 3) set

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

THE incident of residents scrambling for food they heard were to be distributed in Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City Wednesday noon is exactly the chaotic scenario the government is trying to prevent, as the country struggles to resolve the local coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.

It turned out that the frantic gathering was triggered by some groups and was intended to provoke the poor residents of the said neighborhood to hold a protest rally against the government, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It’s not surprising that the enemies of the state shall exploit the situation to incite mass action against the authorities. Rest assured that such would be met with the full force of the law.

“Shoot dead the trouble makers,” said Manong Digong in response, making emphatic as always his marching order to protect the innocent and serve the interest of the greater public against the ill designs of saboteurs.

PNP chief General Archie Gamboa assured that human life and human rights will be respected and valued. In the same way, we must appreciate and value the service of our law enforcers now in the frontlines like health workers. They are staking their own life, too.

The government assistance to our less fortunate kababayan is on the way. There is no cause for panic, as we have so far avoided going through the tragic experience of other countries, such as the United States, Italy, Spain, China, Germany, and France where hundreds die each day from

COVID-19.

Panic, chaos and anarchy have no room at this juncture when the Duterte administration is weighing all factors on whether to terminate or extend the community quarantine in Luzon and other places.

Everyone should realize that the better we cooperate within the next few days and help keep the public health situation under control, the sooner this whole lockdown gets lifted.

It’s not surprising that the enemies of the state shall exploit the situation to incite mass action against the authorities.

We are at a critical point at which our healthcare system, including both public and private entities, have started to conduct mass COVID-19 diagnostic tests with more testing kits and facilities in operation.

In so doing, we get to identify those infected with the dreaded virus. They need proper treatment.

And then we get to cope with the influx of COVID-19 cases, eventually reaching a plateau or flattening of the spike in COVID-19 incidence on the graph.

Only when we have clearly kept the further spread of the disease and placed the general public health situation under control can we consider lifting of the restrictions—and returning to normalcy.

That should be our goal now, over two weeks since the President’s declaration of the enhanced community quarantine. Only then can we get back to work and open businesses as usual.

Rapid test...

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our laboratories to be certain of the results."

The locally developed test kits will be commercially available starting today (April 3) after field validation, according to Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña The massive roll-out of rapid test kits for the novel coronavirus is no doubt a positive development.

As Health Secretary Francisco Duque has pointed out, current statistics on the number of COVID-19 cases may not reflect the current situation on the ground because of the limited number of test kits since the crisis began. With rapid test kits to be made available, then authorities can find out the real score as to the scope of the public health menace and map out the appropriate responses.

Apart from the RITM, laboratories that can test for COVID-19 are San Lazaro Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health in Metro Manila; Baguio General Hospital in Baguio City; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu; and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

The RITM can conduct up to a thousand tests a day, while the other laboratories can process a total of 200 tests daily. Results from the RITM typically come out in two to three days, according to news reports.

While we're at this, a DOH consultant, Dr. Edsel Salvaña, told DZMM radio that private hospitals now charge at least P5,000 to as much as P10,000 for testing for COVID-19. But what about the test kits donated by China and other countries to government hospitals, will they be free of charge or not? The PhilHealth has already said they would shoulder the full cost of hospitalization of all COVID-19 patients. We take that to mean that all those hospitalized COVID-19 would not have to pay a centavo for treatment.

Dr. Salvaña's price quote should send shivers down the spine of the poor and the disadvantaged as they cannot expect any free lunch if they fall prey to COVID-19. How's that for Duterte's pledge that the government has enough money to deal with the COVID-19 crisis? ernhil@yahoo.com

up procedures, processes and teams for handling the identification, isolation, contact tracing and segregation of all exposed and infected people; 4) wait for clear reduction and deceleration of new cases for one week before lifting the lockdown.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang has downplayed the negative impact of the enhanced community quarantine on businesses, saying he’ll “choose life over money.”

“What is more important are lives, not money," Ang said in an interview with CNN Philippines April 1. "We can make money again but life, once you lose it, it's gone forever. So between life and money, I’d choose life.”

RSA cautions: “We have to be sure that when we’re going to lift it on April 15, we have already flattened the curve.” If it were up to him, he

would “lift [the quarantine] at least by the end of April or May 15.”

SMC has launched a number of initiatives to assist those affected by the pandemic. It has committed P500 million to purchase PPEs for distribution, free, to frontline workers. It has spent P181 million for food donations to poor communities.

SMC has rejigged its liquor plants to produce alcohol. Over 100,000 liters of free alcohol have been distributed to hospitals, local government units, and the police.

“We invite other businesses to join us in this initiative and work together to support our selfless health care workers on the front lines of this crisis," pleads RSA. "We are all in this together." biznewsasia@gmail.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

A6

World

TODAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

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Australia in huge operation to test 9,000 crew stranded on cruise ships AUSTRALIAN police and military will soon begin helicoptering doctors to several cruise ships stranded near Sydney to assess nearly 9,000 crew for COVID-19, officials said Thursday.

The military-style operation, due to begin by the weekend, is aimed at resolving a standoff between cruise line operators and authorities who fear a wave of new imported coronavirus cases would overwhelm local hospitals.

Australia ordered a ban on all cruise liners in mid-March, but later allowed Australian nationals to disembark from four ships in Sydney—a decision which led to more than 450 new COVID-19 cases in the country.

“I’m holding the line on this,” said Police Commissioner Mick Fuller of New South Wales state, which includes Sydney and where most of the cruise ships are located.

“My fear is by bringing 9,000 people off the cruise ships into isolation, not knowing if they have the virus or they may develop symptoms, that would absolutely overload our hospital system,” he said Thursday.

“We will drop doctors across eight ships, 9,000 people—It’s a big task in itself,” he said.

Fuller said anyone found to need urgent medical care would be brought to facilities onshore, but the ships would be expected to head to their home ports with the rest of their crews.

“We are taking a sensible but pragmatic approach to these cruise ships,” he said, adding that talks with the ships’ owners were ongoing.

Local media reports say a total of 18 foreign-registered ships are in Australian waters or ports with up to 15,000 crew on board. AFP

INVITATION TO BID FOR MODERNIZATION / AUTOMATION OF MAASIM DAM’S OPERATION (LMD # 1 & 2) ITB NO. NIAR3-2020-BUL-AMRIS AUTOMATION-G1 1.

NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2020 intends to apply the sum of Forty-Three Million Three Hundred Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Fourteen and 08/100 Pesos (P 43,314,514.08) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for NIAR3-2020-BUL AMRISAUTOMATION-G1. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from Regional Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Noncompliance will be a ground for disqualification.

3.

Only those submitted Document Request List (DRL) from Philgeps, Letter of Intent with a company profile, submitted by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

4.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Modernization / Automation of Maasim Dam’s Operation (LMD # 1 & 2). Delivery of the Goods is required One Hundred Fifty (150) Calendar Day. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

5.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

1.

2.

6.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on March 31, 2020 to April 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and April 30, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

7.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of April 30, 2020. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of April 30, 2020 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR.

9.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan

Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

Noted by:

(SGD.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC-Chairperson

(SGD.) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager (MS-APRIL 3, 2020)

INVITATION TO BID FOR MODERNIZATION / AUTOMATION OF UPPER MAASIM DAM’S OPERATION ITB NO. NIAR3-2020-BUL-AMRIS AUTOMATION-G2 1.

NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, through the General Appropriations Act of CY 2020 intends to apply the sum of Thirty-Seven Million Four Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Three and 24/100 Pesos (P 37,489,663.24) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for NIAR3-2020-BUL AMRIS-AUTOMATION-G2.

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from Regional Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Noncompliance will be a ground for disqualification.

3.

Only those submitted Document Request List (DRL) from Philgeps, Letter of Intent with a company profile, submitted by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

4.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Modernization / Automation of Upper Maasim Dam’s Operation. Delivery of the Goods is required One Hundred Fifty (150) Calendar Day. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

5.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

6.

1.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

2.

Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the IRR of RA 9184.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on March 31, 2020 to April 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and April 30, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., except holidays from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Thirty-Eight Thousand Pesos (P 38,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

7.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on April 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents.

Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before 9:30 a.m. (PST) of April 30, 2020. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 a.m. (PST) of April 30, 2020 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR.

9.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10. For further information, please refer to: BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan

Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608

Noted by: (SGD.) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

(SGD.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC-Chairperson

(MS-APRIL 3, 2020)

FLOWER POWER. A woman takes pictures of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo amid concerns on the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP

US Navy evacuates virus-struck aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt T

and dependents had been infected by the novel coronavirus, including 771 military personnel, the Pentagon said.

HE US Navy is evacuating thousands of sailors from the nuclearpowered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam after its captain warned a coronavirus outbreak was threatening the lives of the crew.

Ninety-three COVID-19 cases have been discovered among the 4,800-strong Roosevelt crew so far, according to the US Navy.

Pentagon officials said Wednesday they were rapidly arranging hotel rooms on the Pacific island for many of the crew, while organizing a skeleton team of uninfected sailors to keep the ship operational.

“The plan at this time is to remove as many people off the Teddy Roosevelt as we can, understanding that we have to leave a certain amount of folks on-board to perform normal watch-standing duties that keep the ship running,” Rear Admiral John Menoni, commander for the Marianas region, told reporters in Guam.

Speaking in Washington, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said that almost 1,000 of the crew had been removed, and that that number would rise to 2,700 within a couple days, and more after that.

But they need to retain around 1,000 on board just to maintain the vessel, as it

Balancing health and security

undergoes a thorough sterilization.

“We cannot and will not remove all the sailors from the ship,” Modly said.

“This ship has weapons on it, it has munitions on it, it has expensive aircraft, and has a nuclear power plant,” he said.

‘Sailors don’t need to die’ Earlier this week the Roosevelt’s captain Brett Crozier told his superiors that the new coronavirus was spreading uncontrollably through the ship and called for immediate help to quarantine its crew.

“The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating,” Crozier wrote. “We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die,” he pleaded.

“Removing the majority of personnel from a deployed US nuclear aircraft carrier and isolating them for two weeks may seem like an extraordinary measure,” Crozier said.

“This is a necessary risk.”

As of Wednesday more than 1,400 Defense Department employees, contractors

The Roosevelt’s docking in Guam on March 28 left both of the Pentagon’s western Pacific aircraft carriers in port, with the USS Ronald Reagan berthed in Japan, also reportedly suffering an unknown number of coronavirus cases.

Modly admitted it was a challenge for US forces’ defense readiness.

“Right now the Teddy Roosevelt is a frontline theater in this new battle,” he said.

However, he added, “If the ship needs to go, if there’s a crisis, the ship can go.”

He stressed that the Roosevelt was the only US Navy ship out of 94 deployed at sea that had active COVID-19 cases.

There were scattered cases in vessels that are not deployed, he added, but in each case only in the single digits.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that while the military was following guidance on social distancing and sanitation, the Roosevelt’s plight and the broader pandemic was not eroding the US military’s war-fighting abilities. AFP

Activists slam China’s use of bear bile in virus treatment BEIJING—China has approved the use of bear bile to treat coronavirus patients, angering activists and raising fears it could undermine efforts to stop the illegal animal trade which is blamed for the emergence of the new disease sweeping the globe.

The move comes just weeks after China banned the sale of wild animals for food, citing the risk of diseases spreading from animals to humans.

But the National Health Commission in March issued guidelines recommending the use of “Tan Re Qing”—an injection that contains bear bile powder, goat horn and three other medicinal herbs—to treat critically ill coronavirus patients.

It is one of six traditional Chinese medicine products included in the directive.

President Xi Jinping has been keen to promote traditional medicine, calling it a “treasure of Chinese civilization” and saying it should be given as much weight as other treatments.

A Chinese worker collects bile from a caged bear at a farm in Fujian province. Beijing is promoting the use of bear bile to treat coronavirus patients but it has no proven effectiveness. AFP

The active ingredient in bear bile, ursodeoxycholic acid, is used to dissolve gallstones and treat liver disease but has no proven effectiveness in treating COVID-19.

China has used both traditional and Western medicine in its battle against the novel coronavirus,

which has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 82,000.

But activists say greenlighting a treatment that uses an animal product is “both tragic and ironic” given that the origin of the deadly coronavirus is linked to the trade and consumption of wild animals.

Social dis-dance: clubbing goes online as virus shuts nightspots SINGAPORE—Strobe lights flash across a near-empty dance floor, as a DJ live-streams thumping electronic music from a Singapore nightclub to revellers confined to their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The outbreak sweeping the globe has shuttered once lively nightspots from London to New York, but innovative DJs have started putting their performances online so clubbers don’t miss out.

The trend is another example of how the virus, which has left some 3.6 billion people stuck at home under lockdowns, is upending daily life in ways unthinkable until recently as governments impose social-distancing curbs to stem its spread.

After Singapore ordered the closure of many entertainment venues last week following a steady rise in infections, popular nightclub “Zouk” threw a “cloud-clubbing” party, streaming live

performances by six DJs via an app.

It took place on a Friday night when the club is often packed with hundreds of partygoers—but only a handful of people were allowed to attend, most of them staff members.

DJ Nash D conceded he found it weird at first.

“When you play for a dance floor with a room full of people, you can feel the energy come back, and I like to DJ off that energy,” the DJ, real name Dhanish Nair, told AFP. But he quickly got used to it, and said live comments from clubbers scrolling past on his laptop were helpful: “Whatever song requests that they had actually guided me in a certain direction.”

As well as the comments which came in via live-streaming app Bigo Live, clubbers sent virtual gifts to the DJs such as bells and snowflakes that can later be exchanged for cash. AFP

“We shouldn’t be relying on wildlife products like bear bile as the solution to combat a deadly virus that appears to have originated from wildlife,” Brian Daly, a spokesman for the Animals Asia Foundation, told AFP. The novel coronavirus is believed to have come from bats, but researchers think it might have spread to humans via an intermediate host mammal species.

Cruel trade Chinese disease control officials have previously identified wild animals sold in a market in Wuhan market as the source of the coronavirus pandemic.

Conservationists have long accused China of tolerating a cruel trade in wild animals as exotic menu items or for use in traditional medicines whose efficacy is not confirmed by science.

Scientists say Severe Acute Respiratory System (SARS)— another deadly coronavirus— likely originated in bats, later reaching humans via civet cats.

AFP

Disgraced Cardinal Pell gets new day in court BRISBANE—Australia’s High Court said Thursday it will rule on Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against child sex abuse convictions on April 7, giving the senior cleric another chance to clear his name and leave jail.

The 78-year-old former Cardinal Pell Vatican treasurer is trying to overturn a six-year sentence for sexually assaulting two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s.

Pell, who once helped elect popes, is the highest-ranking Catholic Church official ever convicted of child sex crimes.

He maintains his innocence.

Legal experts have struggled to predict the progression of the high-profile case, as it threw up one surprise after another.

Judges could yet deny Pell’s appeal, order a retrial or quash his conviction altogether.

The case relied largely on the testimony of Pell’s surviving victim. The second choirboy—who is not known to have ever spoken of the abuse—died of a drug overdose in 2014. Neither man can be identified for legal reasons. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

A7

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market retreats; ICTSI, PLDT fall S TOCKS fell Thursday on profit taking tracking a sharp drop on Wall Street as the deadly coronavirus sweeps the planet.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 66.21 points, or 1.2 percent, to 5,342.31 on a thin value turnover of P4.4 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 126 to 54, with 35 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., dropped 6.5 percent to P72, while PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, declined 6 percent to P1,090.

Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei Group slumped 6 percent to P13.68, while parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. fell 5.4 percent to P53.

The rest of the equity markets were mixed in Asia on Thursday but the deadly coronavirus is keeping traders on edge, with infections approaching one million and countries forced to tighten already strict lockdown measures.

The selling extended into Asia early on but investors managed to pare the losses, with some markets moving into positive territory.

Tokyo ended down 1.4 percent, while Sydney and Kuala Lumpur shed two percent apiece and Singapore dropped 0.2 percent. Wellington is also down.

But Hong Kong rose 0.5 percent and Shanghai rallied 1.7 percent, with Seoul up more than two percent. Jakarta and Bangkok also rose.

Oil soared 10 percent on hopes for a US intervention to end a Saudi-Russia price war, with President Donald Trump saying he expected the two to resolve the row, while dealers were also cheered

pointing,” John Porter, at Mellon Investments Corp., told Bloomberg TV. “The global economy has hit a wall, there’s a tremendous amount of uncertainty, and that’s contributing to the volatility in the markets and the downward trajectory we’ve seen the last few days.”

US and European markets fell around four percent Wednesday, with investors ignoring data showing far fewer privatesector jobs were lost last month than were expected.

Eyes are on the release later in the day of US jobless claims figures for last week, which some estimates have put at a mind-boggling 6.5 million.

“With the global economy in free fall, markets have gone back to risk-off mode... as investors are struggling to look through President Trump’s ominous forecast suggesting Americans could keep dying into June,” said AxiCorp’s Stephen Innes. With AFP

by China’s decision to enter the market.

After two weeks of much-needed gains fueled by trillions of dollars in stimulus and widespread monetary easing, focus has returned to the devastation wreaked on populations and the long-term impact of the pandemic.

Trump’s COVID-19 task force has warned the US could see almost a quarter of a million deaths and the president warned of a “horrific” couple of weeks ahead.

His sobering comments came as a number of countries said they would extend lockdowns, which have already gouged economies around the world.

Adding to the unease on trading floors was a report saying China had masked the true extent of the virus in the country, which is just coming out of an extended shutdown.

“The incremental news on the virus in the last 24 to 48 hours has been disap-

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review thurSday, april 2, 2020

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

45 60.5 100 0.59 20.5 14.9 7.8 2.8 0.86 0.27 38.7 8.5 16.02 19.44 168 77 42.5 17.1 109 1,639 52.6

45.5 62 101.8 0.59 20.5 14.9 7.92 2.81 0.86 0.28 39 8.5 16.02 19.44 168 77 42.5 17.1 112 1,639 53.75

45 60 99.6 0.52 20 14.9 7.54 2.69 0.86 0.27 37.6 8.5 16 18.8 168 77 42.45 16.8 108.1 1,580 52.6

FINANCIALS 45.5 5,100 60.55 3,130,890 100 3,178,100 0.52 82,000 20.15 27,100 14.9 5,400 7.54 306,400 2.81 22,000 0.86 1,000 0.28 60,000 37.9 4,228,500 8.5 100 16 304,400 19.12 351,300 168 20 77 450 42.45 600 16.8 14,600 111.6 146,440 1,580 105 53.7 1,740

230,050 189,618,895.50 318,512,053 43,480 547,265 80,460 2,369,601 60,790 860 16,400 160,419,390 850 4,876,410 6,704,820 3,360 34,650 25,490 246,568 16,154,184 170,900 92,321

85,950 -75024059.5 -176467597.5 -115,795 7,450 -266,347 -56,865,210 -2,605,862 25,626 -4,329,870 -

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

27.9 2.04 6.25 0.52 1.01 2.29 0.163 99 1.06 13.6 6.3 28 1.91 4 3.4 4.95 7.4 5.19 8 1.95 17 49 1.16 31.5 0.8 11.62 4.51 0.98 102.9 30.3 4.6 9.65 4.71 6.38 231.2 1.8 2.55 2.56 10.4 18.88 4.3 4.35 1.36 0.77 4.79 50.2 7.9 0.102 0.7 101.5 0.9 15.06 0.54

27.95 2.04 6.55 0.52 1.01 2.4 0.166 99 1.06 13.8 6.3 28 1.91 4 3.54 4.95 7.4 5.19 8 1.95 17.1 49 1.17 32 0.81 12.2 4.52 0.99 103.2 30.35 4.6 9.75 4.71 6.38 234 1.82 2.55 2.6 10.4 18.88 4.3 4.4 1.45 0.77 4.89 50.2 8.03 0.108 0.75 103.5 0.9 15.06 0.57

26.6 1.96 6.25 0.5 0.94 2.23 0.163 99 1.02 13.6 6 27.85 1.91 4 3.18 4.81 7.31 5.1 7.86 1.88 16.9 48 1.13 31.1 0.75 11.62 4.49 0.93 102 30.3 4.6 9.44 4.63 6.02 222.2 1.78 2.2 2.51 10.4 18 4.3 4.3 1.34 0.73 4.7 48 7.73 0.102 0.68 99 0.86 15.06 0.54

INDUSTRIAL 27 2,089,300 1.97 5,062,000 6.48 212,100 0.5 32,000 1.01 76,000 2.4 1,337,000 0.166 120,000 99 10 1.02 2,975,000 13.7 1,484,900 6.16 756,100 27.85 1,200 1.91 25,000 4 2,000 3.53 75,000 4.9 2,761,000 7.35 523,200 5.11 125,500 7.98 12,525,400 1.91 664,000 17.02 2,471,100 48.05 60,000 1.17 4,595,000 32 377,600 0.81 373,000 11.84 692,300 4.52 275,000 0.99 390,000 102 1,284,860 30.35 600 4.6 2,000 9.46 1,531,600 4.69 94,000 6.19 413,200 232 126,520 1.81 396,000 2.3 39,000 2.6 1,535,000 10.4 35,000 18.5 139,200 4.3 12,000 4.4 60,000 1.45 551,000 0.76 193,000 4.75 525,000 49.5 323,920 8 30,100 0.108 60,000 0.75 88,000 101.5 1,519,130 0.87 861,000 15.06 100 0.56 480,000

56,645,655 10,038,090 1,369,351 16,470 76,530 3,147,860 19,830 990 3,083,450 20,341,310 4,661,580 33,525 47,750 8,000 248,310 13,509,310 3,851,092 649,769 100,173,350 1,261,980 42,056,970 2,935,350 5,318,260 12,082,860 294,670 8,303,164 1,240,400 372,030 131,839,911 18,200 9,200 14,606,078 439,050 2,554,381 28,868,664 710,600 92,340 3,933,310 364,000 2,570,088 51,600 260,250 770,220 144,150 2,498,060 15,863,255 236,679 6,420 62,730 153,867,476.50 756,250 1,506 262,700

-42,999,995 -782989.9997 -666,172 21,060 -426,960 4,873,422 653,178 -42,080 -2,363,330 -3,627,648 331,907 -96,187,378 28,500 1,324,408 -63,440 240,050 11,574,400 5,340 -3,889,040 -333,740 -41,864,963 -5,975,150 -140,780 -476889.0001 -8,555,086 30 -29,380 -249,770 -894,232 173,000.00 140,000 -4,460 -927,080 210,794 -57439863.5 2,240

8990 HLDG A BROWN ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND AYALA LAND LOG BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND COSCO CAPITAL CROWN EQUITIES DM WENCESLAO DMCI HLDG DOUBLEDRAGON FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MEGAWORLD METRO PAC INV MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PRIME MEDIA PRIMEX CORP

11.9 0.51 0.51 38.4 6.95 0.5 6 1.09 0.62 5.56 0.5 0.56 451 30.5 1.63 1.3 3.88 0.36 0.54 5.19 0.116 7 3.85 16.16 0.92 0.75 403 3.61 54 0.405 2.86 7.5 2.55 2.46 0.141 0.38 0.69 0.75 1.7

11.9 0.53 0.52 39.1 6.95 0.5 6 1.09 0.62 5.85 0.5 0.56 470 32.3 1.63 1.3 3.9 0.36 0.59 5.19 0.117 7 3.85 16.16 0.92 0.75 409 3.7 54 0.41 2.86 7.7 2.63 2.52 0.148 0.38 0.7 0.75 1.7

11.8 0.51 0.5 37.4 6.7 0.45 6 1.09 0.58 5.5 0.495 0.55 446 30.1 1.53 1.2 3.7 0.355 0.54 4.85 0.116 7 3.74 15.9 0.89 0.73 400.2 3.61 51.5 0.405 2.79 7.4 2.5 2.46 0.14 0.38 0.68 0.75 1.7

1,034,798 223,080 428,710 12,616,105 15,421,069 17,640 148,800 43,600 1,409,720 455,884 349,940 41,200 437,339,628 321,908,125 2,138,380 723,330 1,226,730 675,600 2,750 8,965,886 228,640 219,800 18,559,980 856,350 8,727,490 134,980 51,051,624 54,240 223,502,547.50 122,000 669,610 3,671,015 84,292,660 72,615,730 1,749,250 19,000 81,070 97,500 1,700

2,040 1,592,550 -7,164,284 145,800 -136,745,134 -21,835,360 -1,118,380 519,000 -36,000 -2,162,258 -2,506,060 440,330 -1,570,690 2,774,486 -39,800 -105,934,898 -669,610 -1,760,943 22,137,850 -23,580,770 -29,400.00 -

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SAN MIGUEL CORP SHANG PROP SM INVESTMENTS SM PRIME HLDG SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP

14.2 1.45 92 2.98 800 27.9 0.6 0.83

14.48 1.56 92 2.98 820 29.6 0.6 0.83

13.22 1.41 90.8 2.7 795.5 27.5 0.6 0.83

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS ZEUS HLDG

1.96 1.17 152 152.5 4.03 3.55 0.123

2.04 1.2 169.9 152.5 4.12 3.55 0.124

1.88 1.15 150 135.1 4.02 3.41 0.122

2 1.18 169.9 152.5 4.09 3.54 0.124

816,000 469,000 900 1,290 587,000 88,000 590,000

1,545,100 553,050 143,378 195,952 2,380,540 307,220 72,570

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DISCOVERY WORLD DITO CME HLDG EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER ISLAND INFO LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B NOW CORP PAL HLDG PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

6 15.9 5 0.25 0.038 2.06 5.92 0.025 46 6.07 2.68 1.96 1.52 4.71 2,000 4.95 0.76 73.15 0.08 13 1.35 4.52 0.37 1.47 1.5 1.59 1.54 6.6 130.1 1.5 1,146 0.3 0.196 38 57 1.29 0.4 0.159 0.38 12.84

6.2 15.92 5.22 0.265 0.039 2.2 6.04 0.026 46.5 6.07 2.68 1.96 1.62 4.8 2,000 5.05 0.78 74 0.08 13 1.35 4.57 0.37 1.47 1.5 1.59 1.54 6.65 132 1.59 1,146 0.3 0.2 38.1 57 1.3 0.4 0.159 0.38 12.98

5.95 15.56 4.85 0.25 0.038 2.02 5.87 0.024 44.9 6.07 2.49 1.89 1.5 4.71 1,973 4.89 0.74 72 0.073 11 1.35 4.27 0.365 1.42 1.4 1.58 1.46 6 130 1.5 1,090 0.295 0.191 36.4 54.8 1.24 0.39 0.153 0.38 12.8

SERVICES 5.99 15.8 4.9 0.265 0.039 2.14 6 0.025 45.5 6.07 2.57 1.89 1.58 4.8 2,000 5.05 0.74 72 0.076 11 1.35 4.3 0.365 1.43 1.43 1.58 1.51 6.6 132 1.58 1,090 0.3 0.192 36.4 54.9 1.3 0.395 0.155 0.38 12.98

14,600 176,100 6,627,000 1,620,000 1,500,000 164,000 3,870,800 34,700,000 130,600 1,000 4,192,000 5,000 36,402,000 10,000 52,545 842,900 412,000 2,135,640 3,610,000 5,400 24,000 2,645,000 20,000 711,000 751,000 14,000 1,674,000 5,500 132,480 705,000 148,800 2,040,000 630,000 3,899,900 860,000 775,000 7,220,000 800,000 300,000 85,900

87,624 2,754,014 32,925,010 421,200 57,500 339,640 23,072,255 850,200 5,934,545 6,070 10,570,470 9,550 56,803,280 47,640 105,006,625 4,151,116 310,550 155,630,570.50 287,930 65,014 32,400 11,594,240 7,350 1,025,230 1,086,220 22,250 2,502,550 35,810 17,233,691 1,094,040 167,517,485 611,200 121,760 144,929,220 47,234,245 990,740 2,849,200 123,760 114,000 1,108,458

-53,508 -4,487,560 41,600 9,629,582 -862,205 115,820.0002) -2,528,640 16,506,840 25,010,796.50 -9,450 1,285,870 -112,510 -386,430 6,650 -3,496,471 203,990 -47,222,125 -23,600 -11,614,515 -41,125,508 -38,110 -2,562,350 390,682

ABRA MINING ACE ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.001 5.2 0.7 1.9 10.86 2.55 0.205 6.07 0.56 0.076 0.09 0.58 1.52 0.89 0.475 0.0083 0.0084 0.0074 2.06 4 11.6 0.0037

0.0011 5.2 0.7 1.9 10.86 2.61 0.205 6.33 0.59 0.076 0.09 0.58 1.62 0.89 0.475 0.0083 0.01 0.0075 2.06 4.1 11.72 0.0037

0.001 5.02 0.68 1.9 10.86 2.55 0.205 5.96 0.56 0.076 0.088 0.58 1.51 0.87 0.46 0.0082 0.0084 0.0074 1.97 3.96 11.24 0.0037

MINING & OIL 0.001 11,000,000 5.18 133,300 0.69 76,000 1.9 5,000 10.86 6,000 2.61 325,000 0.205 70,000 6.3 4,500 0.58 1,323,000 0.076 4,230,000 0.088 60,000 0.58 13,000 1.55 4,457,000 0.87 10,000 0.46 70,000 0.0083 20,000,000 0.01 9,000,000 2,000,000 0.0075 2 611,000 4 205,000 11.44 1,440,100 0.0037 1,000,000

11,200 690,721 52,220 9,500 65,160 835,110 14,350 28,080 758,830 321,480 5,380 7,540 6,988,370 8,840 32,650 165,100 81,200 14,900 1,221,350 818,680 16,549,398 3,700

450,750.00 102,030.0001) -1,918,670 -937629.9998 -130,940 2,288,934 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

13.98 498 99.5 97.8 102 4.9 99.5 990 1,015 107 996.5 75.5 73.5 73.5 74.8 74 74.05 74

13.98 498 99.5 97.8 102 4.9 99.5 990 1,016 107 999 75.5 73.5 74.35 74.8 74 74.05 74

13.94 498 99.5 97.7 100.1 4.9 99.1 990 1,015 107 996 75.5 73.5 73.05 74.5 74 74 74

PREFERRED 13.98 106,500 498 780 99.5 400 97.7 530 100.1 10,000 4.9 10,000 99.1 1,110 990 780 1,016 15,720 107 860 996.5 3,060 75.5 48,070 73.5 3,100 74.35 7,910 74.5 6,100 74 3,800 74 6,200 74 150

1,488,470 388,440 39,800 51,789 1,006,220 49,000 110,241 772,200 15,957,920 92,020 3,049,105 3,629,285 227,850 580,138.50 455,120 281,200 458,957.50 11,100

-1,349,070 -49,000 -

LR WARRANT

0.7

0.76

0.7

WARRANTS 0.75 54,000

40,370

-

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

1.96 6.19 0.46

1.98 6.19 0.47

1.9 5.92 0.46

1.96 6 0.46

673,000 51,700 480,000

1,288,430 310,926 224,350

-

FIRST METRO ETF

80

80.5

79.9

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 80.5 51,700

4,150,969

10,400

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

9.9 9.91

9.9 9.91

9.9 9.91

MS

HOLDING FIRMS 11.8 87,500 0.52 430,000 0.52 844,000 39.1 328,300 6.95 2,263,400 0.49 36,000 6 24,800 1.09 40,000 0.59 2,406,000 5.52 81,900 0.5 702,000 0.55 74,000 450 961,900 32.3 10,361,500 1.56 1,365,000 1.3 565,000 3.9 316,000 0.36 1,900,000 0.59 5,000 5 1,795,200 0.116 1,970,000 7 31,400 3.75 4,928,000 16.14 53,200 0.9 9,682,000 0.74 182,000 403.2 126,590 3.61 15,000 53 4,232,930 0.41 300,000 2.79 239,000 7.57 484,700 2.63 32,672,000 2.47 29,252,000 0.147 12,020,000 0.38 50,000 0.7 117,000 0.75 130,000 1.7 1,000 PROPERTY 13.68 4,692,400 1.42 397,000 92 146,570 2.85 110,000 820 256,030 29.6 9,894,400 0.6 84,000 0.83 1,000

63,949,134 564,330 13,391,508 299,020 207,133,690 277,417,945 50,400 830

-7,798,482 -153,150 -1,525,496 -3,442,785 5,226,195 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

14,075,110

INDUSTRIAL

50,682,253

HOLDING FIRMS

49,495,712

PROPERTY

91,259,622

SERVICES

121,148,480

MINING & OIL

56,087,446

GRAND TOTAL

384,018,543

9.9 9.91

SME

DDS

110 15,000

1,089 148,650

-19,477 322,680 -

-

VALUE 1,194.84 (down) 44.57 835,873,709.85 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 6,327.97 (down) 84.66 706,526,035.69 HOLDING FIRMS 5,235.08 (down) 92.83 1,147,197,415.60 PROPERTY 2,863.91 (up) 85.92 1,173.81 (down) 45.25 807,846,801.59 SERVICES MINING & OIL 4,206.93 (down) 11.22 871,821,498.495 PSEI 5,342.31 (down) 66.21 28,690,426.332 All Shares Index 3,238.48 (down) 40.33 4,403,937,060.56 Gainers: 54; Losers: 126; Unchanged: 35; Total: 215

Aboitiz drops plan to take full control of Mekong Wind

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. terminated its planned acquisition of a 100-percent ownership interest in Mekong Wind Pte. Ltd., which holds a majority stake in a 39.4-megawatt onshore wind power facility in Ninh Thuan province in southern Vietnam.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Thursday that it was informed by Aboitiz Power International Pte. Ltd. its planned acquisition of Mekong Wind from Armstrong Southeast Asia Clean Energy Fund Pte. Ltd. “was not completed due to a condition precedent being unmet by the agreed longstop date.”

“As a result, Aboitiz Power Intl. decided to exercise its right to terminate the transaction,” the company said.

Aboitiz Power International is in discussions with Armstrong to revisit the acquisition at a future date.

“The termination of the transaction has no impact to AboitizPower’s existing operations and financial performance,” it said.

Aboitiz Power Corp. in August signed an agreement to buy Mekong Wind for $46 million in. The move set the tone for its expansion in the international energy market.

The purchase is in line with Aboitiz Power’s goal to reach 4,000 MW in net attributable capacity by 2020 through a balanced mix strategy.

Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power announced in separate disclosure it filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue the fourth tranche of its P30-billion fixedrate retail bonds registered in 2017.

The fourth tranche bonds, with an aggregate principal amount of up to P9.55 billion, including oversubscription, are expected to be issued in the second or third quarter, in one or two series.

Aboitiz Power plans to use the proceeds from the bond sale to reimburse equity infusions and succeeding investments in AA Thermal Inc. and fund equity infusions into Therma Power Inc. in relation to the construction of the-1,336 MW coal-fired power plant of GN Power Dinginin Ltd. Co.

San Miguel hits Metro streets with stores on wheels SAN Miguel Corp. expanded its Manukang Bayan on Wheels program to broaden food availability and accessibility in several Metro Manila areas during the enhanced community quarantine period.

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the presence of food trucks in strategic and accessible locations around the country would make it easier for consumers to buy fresh chicken and other refrigerated meats minus the long queues in wet markets, groceries and supermarkets.

“We thought of expanding our Manukang Bayan on Wheels to somehow lessen the time people spend lining up at stores to buy chicken,”Ang said.

“We understand that these are not normal times and people put themselves at risk when they go out to get necessary supplies, so wherever possible, we are bringing the supplies directly to them,” he added.

“Also, doing this will allay fears of food supply shortage. As I’ve said before, there is no reason to panic as we have enough food supplies to last way beyond the quarantine.”

Initially, reefer vans selling poultry and other refrigerated meats are found in Katipunan, Quezon City (Petron La Vista Katipunan corner Mangyan Road); Commonwealth (Petron Commonwealth Avenue corner Atherton St, Fairview, QC); Litex (Petron Litex Road, Violago Parkwood, Payatas); JP Rizal, Marikina (Petron JP Rizal corner Spain St., Concepcion Uno); Santolan, Pasig (Petron Dona Aurora Village, Marcos Highway, Santolan, Pasig City); Boni Serrano (Petron Katipunan Avenue corner Boni Serrano, QC); and C5 Diego Silang (Petron C5 Diego Silang, Ususan , Taguig City).

“We are looking to expand the coverage of these rolling stores in more locations in the coming days as long as there is a need. We will also make available more food products as we expand distribution channels to online retailers, for those who cannot go out of their homes to purchase food,” Ang said.

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

A8

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Business

IN BRIEF ADB launches $5-m food supply project THE Asian Development Bank said Thursday it launched a $5-million project to help the Philippine government deliver critical food supplies to 55,000 vulnerable households in Metro Manila and neighboring areas under the enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.

It said in a statement the Rapid Emergency Supplies Provision Project would be implemented under the “Bayan Bayanihan” program. It will leverage ADB and private sector resources to provide essential food supplies to vulnerable households in Luzon island, including Metro Manila, to bridge the gap until other support mechanisms are activated.

Beneficiaries will include the poorest families and informal sector workers who have lost their livelihood because of an extended period of selfisolation and business closures—measures needed to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control.

“This project will ensure that tens of thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable households in the Philippines, our host country, will continue to be able to put food on the table as they cope with the impacts of COVID-19,” ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said. Julito G. Rada

DBP offers financing to support hospitals STATE-RUN Development Bank of the Philippines offered to provide financing to public and private health care institutions and boost the overall capacity of the health care system in the country.

DBP president and chief executive Emmanuel Herbosa said the bank’s initiatives under the Strategic Healthcare Investments for Enhanced Lending and Development program would be beneficial to companies and local government units seeking to enhance accessibility to healthcare services especially to lowincome groups in underserved communities.

“DBP is prepared to fill in the need to develop new healthcare facilities in the country and improve overall preparedness of the nation especially during outbreaks and national public health emergencies” Herbosa said in a statement.

Based on government data, there are more than 1,400 hospitals in the country with about 32 percent or around 463 run by the government. Of the total number, about 58 percent are located in Luzon, 17 percent in the Visayas and 19 percent in Mindanao.

DBP SHIELD is a specially-designed program that provides funding support to hospitals, laboratories, diagnostic centers, clinics, and primary care providers. Julito G. Rada

Smart donates free load cards to PGH SMART Communications Inc. said it extended communications assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine General Hospital as part of its continuous support for COVID-19 frontliners.

Smart donated free Smart and TNT SIMs and load cards to more than 1,000 AFP personnel deployed across Metro Manila for their connectivity needs during the enhanced community quarantine.

Smart also donated smartphones and load to support the PGH’s newly opened COVID-19 ward and to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, the designated COVID-19 hospital in Cagayan de Oro. This is the latest in PLDT-Smart’s ongoing efforts to provide communications support to frontliners working with local government units, hospitals and government agencies across the country. Darwin G. Amojelar

Peso expected to be stable at 51.7 per dollar THE peso is expected to be resilient this year, averaging 51.7 against the greenback despite the volatility in global financial markets caused by the spread of coronavirus disease-2019, according to Fitch Solutions, a unit of Fitch Group.

“We at Fitch Solutions maintain our forecast for the Philippine peso spot rate to average P51.70/US$ in 2020, given the relative resilience of the peso to wider emerging market currency weakness,” Fitch Solutions said in a report Thursday.

“Indeed, in the short term, we expect the peso to depreciate only moderately as its fundamentals remain supportive amid uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak,” it said.

The peso ended 2019 at 50.635 per dollar. The closing at the final trading day of 2019 was also P1.945 stronger compared to 52.58 a year ago.

The interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee made a pesodollar exchange rate assumption of 51 to 54 against the greenback from 2020 to 2022.

The peso reached its weakest level against the greenback in 2018 at 54.325 on Sept. 26 because of the lingering trade tensions between the world’s leading economic powerhouses the United States and China.

Meanwhile, Fitch Solutions said the Philippines’ current account deficit was expected to widen as a collapse in external demand outweighs the impact of softer domestic consumption amid the pandemic.

“The Philippine economy will be hit by the duel shock of a sharp drop in global demand and a concurrent tightening of global financing conditions. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in partial to full lockdowns of key export markets for the Philippines, including the US, China and Japan, and a risk aversion move within global financial markets,” it said.

Julito G. Rada

LT GROUP’S DONATION. The Lucio Tan Group Inc. and its affiliates team up with local Filipino fastfood chain Binalot to cater meals and provide comfort and sustenance to doctors, nurses and healthcare workers struggling to keep Filipinos safe and well amid the pandemic. Michael Tan, president of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, says the company is looking for an efficient way to support frontliners against Covid-19.

Office space sector seen to post double-digit fall T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE office space sector is expected to post a double-digit decline this year because of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019, according to consulting firm.

Leechiu Property Consultants president and chief executive David Leechiu said in an online briefing office demand was expected to reach between 800,000 and 1 million square meters by the end of 2020, lower than 1.75 million sq. m. in 2019.

Leechiu said while office demand would decline this year, supply would also drop over delays in completion of buildings amid the enhanced commu-

nity quarantine period.

“With the enhanced community quarantine, we expect delays in construction, therefore we are reforecasting 2020 supply to be 842,000 square meters, down 44 percent from 1.498 million square meters,” Leechiu said.

Leechiu said that in the first quarter, some 157,000 sq. m. of office transactions were finalized, down by 47 percent year-on-year because of COVID-19.

Leechiu, however, expects demand to pick up in the second half of the year.

“There are 636,000 square meters of live requirements being transacted today, and we expect this demand to grow by another 25 percent,” Leechiu said.

“Many of the transactions are expected to close beginning the second half.

Based on what we know today, we are optimistic the Philippines total demand to range between 800,000 square meters and 1 million square meters this year,”

he said.

Leechiu said once the travel ban was lifted, the Philippine online gaming sector would help boost domestic office demand.

He said there was an increasing interest in the Philippines from multinational corporations now in China who would seek to diversify out of that market.

“These corporations will now intend to set up disaster recovery centers in the country having observed through the success of the POGO [Philippine offshore gaming operation] sector that the Philippines can attract Chinese labor at a significant scale,” he said.

Leechiu said office demand from the information technology-business process management sector was expected to pick up as multinational companies worldwide seek to aggressively cut costs and increase production in a climate of falling revenues.

Moody’s warns of rising risks in banking sector

By Julito G. Rada GLOBAL debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the outlook for the banking system in the Philippines and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries to negative because of the impact of coronavirus-related disruptions that will weaken the lenders’ operating environment and weigh on asset quality.

Moody’s said in a report Thursday it also maintained its negative outlook on the banking systems of Hong Kong and Japan, which meant the outlook on 14 systems in the region became negative.

“Outlooks for the Australian, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Korean, Malaysian, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam banking systems are changed to negative. Moody’s expects that the operating environment for these banking systems will deteriorate significantly as a result of coronavirus-related disruption,” Moody’s said.

It said that changing the outlook for the Philippine banking system to negative from stable reflected expectation that a shutdown of the Luzon island, which includes Metro Manila, as a result of the coronavirus outbreak would negatively impact the near-term economic outlook for the Philippines, raising asset risks and increasing pressure on profitability for banks.

“Large parts of the country are under a lockdown, which will severely constrict economic activity. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases is increasing, so restrictions on activity may remain in place for a prolonged period, further weakening the economic outlook. Further, remittances may decline due to disruptions in the Middle East and the United States, the two largest origins of remittances to the Philippines,” it said.

Moody’s said the asset quality of domestic banks would deteriorate as economic growth slows sharply.

It said the key asset risks stemmed from concentrated exposures to large domestic conglomerates. It said these business groups could withstand immediate disruptions but if the situation persists for a prolonged period, debt payment capacity of weaker companies will deteriorate materially.

Moody’s said capitalization of domestic banks would be stable at strong levels as growth in both retained earnings and loan growth slows. Rated Philippine banks are comfortably capitalized, with an average common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 13.7 percent as of the end of 2019.

It said any material downgrade of credit ratings of borrowers would increase the capital that banks need to set aside for those exposures, which would erode capitalization.

2 1700

Lazada, BillEase offer zero-interest installment on essential goods

By Darwin G. Amojelar FIRST Digital Finance Corp., the financial technology company behind credit app BillEase, teamed up with e-commerce player Lazada to offer an interestfree installment on all essential goods to provide payment relief on a variety of products needed by consumers affected by coronavirus disease 2019.

FDFC said the limited zero-based financing would enable consumers to avail of interest-free, installment credit solutions through their Lazada Wallet.

“Essential goods purchased on the Lazada platform and paid through Bil-

lEase will enjoy a 0-percent APR and pay later option up to 3 months,” FDFC said.

The offer aims to mitigate the burden on consumers during the crisis and encourage customers to use non-cash payment options as cash-on-delivery payment method was temporarily suspended, leaving limited payment options to customers.

“We are taking extraordinary steps to alleviate consumer pain points at this difficult time,” said FDFC chief executive Georg Steiger.

“In addition to extending payment deadlines and suspending penalties, we’ve partnered with Lazada to provide

customers an option to defer payments in all essential products with zero interest and encourage the use of cashlessbased transactions to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus infection and ensure the practice of physical distancing,” he said.

The limited offer is an extension of the fintech company’s successful consumer installment payment platform which gives shoppers the ability to pay for purchases in monthly installments using their existing BillEase accounts.

New customers can avail of the offer without credit cards for zero-interest transactions.

After creating a BillEase account, users can choose to fund their Lazada Wallet as a top-up option. Once triggered, the installment plan is activated, and they can use the funds to purchase for essential products.

The entire process is instant to consumers with credit lines and terms continuously growing after successful repayment. The limited offer, which runs from April 1 to April 15, 2020, imposes no interest, charges only a small processing fee and is more accessible than a conventional loan for consumers that speeds and eases both payment and reorder processes.

Consumer groups ask DOF to clarify PH position on electronic cigarettes A CONSUMER organization asked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to clarify the position of the Philippine government on smoke-free nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco products and snus ahead of a global meeting in November.

The Vapers Philippines sent a letter to Dominguez as the government prepares its position on ENDS, or electronic nicotine delivery systems, preparatory to the Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP9) to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) to be held in The Hague, Netherlands.

“As the government is sending delegates to COP9 to represent the electorate, and as consumers’ rights to use less harmful products to switch from smoking remain under tremendous threat from FCTC’s continuing failure to address scientific evidence, democratic processes and human rights, we respectfully request that you share with us the details of our nation’s position,” The Vapers PH said in the letter.

The group said that while the FCTC

has a mandate to pursue harm reduction as a core tobacco control policy, it has singularly failed to acknowledge or implement this over the past 18 years.

It said scientific studies show that smoke-free nicotine products are much less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes because they do not produce smoke. She said that some governments erroneously claim that nicotine is carcinogenic. “We hope the Department of Finance does not contribute to this falsehood,” she said.

This is because it has been known for decades that tar, and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, cause the death and disease associated with smoking, and not nicotine. Research has proven that nicotine, while usually mildly addictive in the same way as caffeine, is not a health issue.

The letter stated that even WHO accepts this fact, as demonstrated by its position on the use of nicotine patches, gums and sprays and other pharmaceutical ‘smoking cessation’ products which it has announced are safe for long-term use by smokers looking to switch to less harmful forms of nicotine consumption.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES. SM Foundation announces the arrival of the second batch of medical supplies and other essential medical equipment. The packages will supply critical medical equipment, giving hospitals nationwide N95 masks, surgical masks, alcohol, goggles, medical gloves, personal protective equipment, raincoats, shoe covers and hygiene kits. The newly-arrived shipment forms part of the P170million allocation pledged by SM to be of service to the Filipino public, medical institutions and the government to overcome the pandemic together.

Sports

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

NBA Lakers, Nets symptom free after 14-day isolations

In this file photo, a water feature with the Wimbledon logo stands by the members area at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 1, 2018, on the eve of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament. Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the tennis stars left devastated on Wednesday as Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to the coronavirus. The cancellation of the oldest Grand Slam tournament at London’s All England Club leaves the season in disarray, with no tennis set to be played until mid-July. AFP

Wimbledon canceled for 1st time since WWII; stars upset Fil-Japanese karate bet stays in shape at home

By Peter Atencio JUNNA Tsukii, who has slightly moved up in the world rankings, is staying in shape at home.

This will help her prepare for competitions, which will keep her on track for a slot in the Tokyo Olympics, now slated in July of 2021.

The Fil-Japanese member of the national team said this as she and her family isolated themselves inside their home in Saitama, Japan.

Last February, Tsukii moved up to world no. 9 when she reached the fourth round of the Dubai leg of the 2020 Karate1 Premier League.

Tsukii, who was bracketed in Pool 3, got past Jelena Pehar of Croatia, 3-0, in the third round. She fell out contention when world no. 6 Bettina Plank of Austria beat her in Round 4, to earn the top berth in their bracket.

Philippine Karatedo Federation president Richard Lim is keeping his fingers crossed that Tsukii will remain on track for a slot for next year’s Olympics.

Born in Pasay City, Tsukii moved to Japan when she was just three years old.

She studied in Takushoko University, inspired by legendary karateka Hirokazu Kanazawa, who studied in the same school.

“In the morning, I do physical training at home or I do sprints near my home. In the afternoon, I practice karate,” said the 29-year-old Tsukii in an online interview with the Manila Standard.

The Tsukii family has decided to stay at home as the number of coronavirus infection rose in Japan and with the international karatedo community urging its athletes to train at home.

The Karate 2020 Qualification tournaments have been postponed. This includes that event was scheduled to be held in Paris this year, which was suspended due to the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by the International Olympic Committee.

The Qualification Tournament’s new schedule has yet to be decided.

The first-ever Olympic Qualification tournament for the sport had initially been scheduled in May 2020. But it was transferred to June 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Junna Tsukii

L

ONDON—Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the tennis stars left devastated on Wednesday as Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to the coronavirus.

The cancellation of the oldest Grand Slam tournament at London’s All England Club leaves the season in disarray, with no tennis set to be played until mid-July.

“Devastated,” tweeted eight-time champion Federer, while Serena, who has won the tournament seven times, said she was shocked by the momentous decision.

Wimbledon was due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles.

But tournament chiefs bowed to the inevitable on Wednesday, saying in a statement that they had made the decision with “great regret”.

US tennis chiefs responded by saying the US Open, due to finish a week before the controversially rearranged French Open, was still due to take place as planned.

All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt

said the decision to cancel Wimbledon had not been taken lightly.

“It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of The Championships has only been interrupted previously by world wars,” he said.

“But, following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios, we believe that it is a measure of this global crisis that it is ultimately the right decision to cancel this year’s Championships.”

Halep tweeted her disappointment.

“So sad to hear @Wimbledon won’t take place this year,” she said.

“Last year’s final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward to defending my title.”

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray added: “Very sad that Wimbledon

has been cancelled this year but with all that is going on in the world right now, everyone’s health is definitely the most important thing!”

The decision to cancel Wimbledon was widely expected, with the world struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has claimed more than 43,000 lives and infected more than 860,000 people, according to an AFP tally.

‘I’m going to miss it’ Organizers had earlier ruled out playing the event behind closed doors while postponing it would also have created its own problems, with shorter days later in the English summer.

The ATP and WTA have also cancelled the grass-court swing in the build-up to the tournament, meaning the tennis season will not now restart until July 13 at the earliest.

The US Tennis Association said it was sticking to its August 31 to September 13 dates for the US Open in New York.

“At this time the USTA still plans to host the US Open as scheduled, and we continue to hone plans to stage the tournament,” it said in a statement. AFP

Tan’s struggles away from home PEOPLE all over the world are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but for ONE Championship lightweight Trestle “Jun Minion” Tan, it is more challenging.

Aside from traveling to places to compete in The Home Of Martial Arts, he also flies from one country to another to work and train.

That means he is isolated from his family—who lives in Toledo, Cebu—as the world tries to contain this virus.

“I remember this is exactly what we did in life back then. We stay together at home, eat together, clean the house together, but my situation is tough since I am away from my family,” Tan said.

After working in Vietnam as a fitness coach, Tan is now the head coach of Gorilla Gym in Trestle Tan Hamburg, Germany.

Work opportunities might be raining down on him now, but the 34-year-old would rather be with his family if given the chance.

“We all don’t know when the situation is going to get back to normal. As much as possible, I want to be on their side to protect and guide them away from this virus,” Tan said.

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“My parents are in a small town of Cebu, which is a good thing because they are away from the main city. I am confident that they know how to act in these situations.”

“Although I have constant communication with my family, I still prefer to be around them right now because if one gets sick, that’s another story.”

“Jun Minion” is hopeful that when this is all over, the world will be a better place because of the lessons that can be taken away from this virus.

“This is a challenge that will teach everyone a lot of lessons. COVID-19 might have hit us hard, but I know we can definitely overcome this problem and will become a better nation moving forward,” Tan said.

“Hygiene, cleanliness, patience, and respect are the things I see improving after this, alongside our appreciation for what we have and love, how we spend time with our families, and understanding how valuable this time can be.

“I also see the benefits of communication with family and friends, even just over the phone.”

Catch all the ONE Championship action live and for free by downloading the ONE Super App.

NEW YORK—The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have completed 14day home isolations without any players showing symptoms of coronavirus, the NBA clubs said on Wednesday.

The clubs intend to continue to follow safety guidelines set by health and government officials regarding social distance and sheltering in place.

Nets general manager Sean Marks, the first New Zealand-born player in the NBA, said the four Nets players who had tested positive for the virus, reportedly including superstar forward Kevin Durant, now show no symptoms of of COVID-19.

The entire travel group for the Nets has completed isolation after learning March 17 that a player was showing coronavirus symptoms.

Durant has not played a game for the Nets due to a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last June’s NBA Finals while with Golden State.

Kyrie Irving played only 20 games for Brooklyn before calling it quits for the season due to a shoulder injury.

But with the NBA season shut down and playoffs potentially pushed back into August, they might both be recovered enough to play in post-season games if they are played.

“I don’t think it’s fair to those athletes nor the performance team to put a timeline on it,” Marks said. “I think everyone is dealing with bigger, far more pressing things.”

All team practice facilities have been closed due to the outbreak.

“Just by getting time off, yes, does that make your body heal and so forth?

But there were several of our players that need the facilities, need game reps, need to be playing,” Marks said.

“You could take the other side of this and say that this hiatus has set their rehabilitation back and it has slowed them.”

Marks and other Nets personnel are only seeing players from a distance.

“They know their bodies better than anyone else, so at the right time and when they are 100% and they are up for it, I’m sure they will be making those decisions.” AFP

Tiger-Phil rematch to add NFL stars Brady, Manning NEW YORK (AFP)--Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are in talks to stage a golf event to help coronavirus relief efforts that would also include NFL stars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

Golf.com and CNBC reported the 18-hole match, which has yet to be approved by US PGA Tour officials, will be played and feature two-man teams with each major golf star joined by an NFL quarterback legend.

Mickelson defeated Woods in 2018 in a one-on-one matchup for $9 million in a pay-per-view event staged in Las Vegas.

The two-on-two sequel, expected to be played in May, would be a rare event at a time when most global sport has been shut down by the deadly virus.

CNBC reported 15-time major winner Woods, the reigning Masters champion, would partner with fellow 44-year-old Manning, a two-time Super Bowl winner, against 49-year-old US left-hander Mickelson, a five-time major winner, and Brady, who won a record six Super Bowls in 20 seasons with the New England Patriots.

Brady, 42, signed with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month.

The Golf.com report said pairings had not been decided but noted Manning and Woods played together in a pro-am at last year’s Memorial tournament.

Ateneo DReaM Team calls for donations UAAP Season 82 host Ateneo de Manila University, through its Disaster Response and Management Team (DReaM Team), has been helping out the country’s heroic frontliners and vulnerable communities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As of March 29, 2020, a total of 1,994 family bags of groceries and thousands of personal protective equipment have been distributed by the DReaM Team to 27 hospitals and 15 partner communities nationwide.

But more is needed.

“On behalf of every Blue Eagle both past and present, we are calling for more donations to be made for the Ateneo DReaM Team,” said Matt Nieto, who

himself has been helping in the relief efforts in Cainta, Rizal.

“This is our one big fight right now.”

To help out, cash donations are accepted by Ateneo DReam Team through its BPI and Metrobank accounts.

BPI: • Enroll Ateneo DReaM Team as merchant • Depositor/Merchant: Ateneo DReaM Team (Frontliners vs COVID-19) • Policy/Reference Number: Name of Donor • Email vpsd@ateneo.edu a picture of your receipt Metrobank: • Company name: Ateneo de Manila University

• Subscriber name: Ateneo DReaM Team • Reference number: Frontliners vs COVID-19 • Subscriber number: 0040780000 • Email vpsd@ateneo.edu a picture of your receipt Donations can also be made through the school’s partner institutions Tanging Yaman Foundation and Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan.

For Tanging Yaman Foundation, the Metrobank account name is Tanging Yaman Foundation, Inc. with account number 448-7-44800988-9 while the BPI account of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (account name) has the peso checking account number 3081-1111-61.

Besides this, numerous varsity teams of Ateneo have been posting workout videos to promote health and fitness amid the enhanced community quarantine. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-J_ Gk0DgoB/ “While we wait for our return to the court, the push for excellence never stops.

Whether it’s on the court or at home, let’s continue to uplift each other through movement,” read Ateneo Volleyball’s post.

“As we stay indoors, let’s do our part in helping flatten the curve and fight the spread of COVID-19, the grind never stops as we look forward to returning to the court and giving you a ONE BIG FIGHT!”

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Entertainment

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com

Isolation ups interest in ‘chill’ music PEOPLE spending more time cooped up in their homes to curb the spread of the new coronavirus have changed their daily soundtracks, with many opting for more “chill” music, streaming service Spotify said Monday.

But they also noted a surge in the streaming of the old hit by The Police: “Don’t Stand So Close To Me.” “As people around the world have increasingly moved inside over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen music and podcast listening change in a variety of ways,” the

company said in a statement.

In these stressful times, Spotify has, for instance, noticed that their users seem to add more “chill” songs to their playlists— songs that are “more acoustic, less danceable, and have lower energy than songs previously added.”

The company also reported that more people were using devices in their homes to stream music, such as “computer desktops, TVs, smart speakers, and gaming consoles.”

The streaming service also said listeners had started veering towards “cooking- and

housework-themed playlists,” rather than those for social get-togethers.

There’s also an increased interest in news podcasts, and as parents are trying to work from home Spotify noted an increase in music and podcasts for children and “particularly music to help kids sleep.”

Following repeated calls from authorities to keep a safe distance from one another, the streaming giant also reported that the 1980 hit “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police had seen a 135-percent increase in streams in recent weeks. AFP

NOTHER imaginative lady who has taken an appreciated initiative during this pandemic is student-idol Faith Shanrae A. Santiago, who adapted a unique approach to help keep students and her fans engaged during this period of home quarantine.

Santiago is a graduated member of the local idol group MNL48, a franchise of the wildly popular AKB48 group in Japan. She has garnered a total of five consecutive appearances in the group’s singles, which are available on major streaming platforms and physical CDs. Santiago continues to promote as a local independent idol.

Santiago and others follow the aidoru system of Japan, wherein they are considered entertainers who sing and dance primarily pop music to the general public.

Idol culture is widely admired in countries such as Japan and South Korea, where these performers are regarded as role models and

inspiration by fans and the general public.

Meanwhile, during the quarantine, Santiago encourages the community through her movement #YourOwnTake, to contribute their art and writing pieces to be published online on Face-

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

book, Instagram and Twitter, under her handle @faithshanrae.

“It’s a small project,” she admitted.

“But I hope this mission creates a ripple of change.”

Each week, Santiago comes up with an art or prose challenge which are then cascaded to her leagues of followers on social media.

“I prepared these tasks to uplift the spirits of the youth in quarantine. Since a lot are in their homes, we can use that time to hone our skills,” she stated.

“These talents, in turn, may be utilized to create art that sends a message to the public and especially to those who need our support the most -our frontliners. We can likewise use our art to accumulate help for who are most at need,” she continued.

Today, Santiago continues to perform in conventions and affairs while she balances her studies as a multimedia arts student at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

Looking forward, the 3rd OtaCute Cosplay Festival, a massive gathering of Japanese music enthusiasts at the Laperal YOU.suites in Manila, which has been postponed to a later date, will host Santiago as she plans to perform a duet with De La Salle University Manila alumni Ashley Cloud Garcia (@ ashley31garcia), along with jpop girls performance unit Seishun Kakumei (@ seishunkakumei) and newly-debuted cosplay idol group AIDreamin!(@aidreamin)

Faith Shanrae Santiago, a Multimedia Arts student from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, aims to create a ripple of change through honing artistic skills of those currently in quarantine

G GMA Network has joined millions of people around the world in switching off their lights in support of nature and our planet.

MA

GMA Network, through its environmental corporate social responsibility initiative Kapuso ng Kalikasan, recently joined the Earth Hour 2020 in unity with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ response to the growing need for environmental action.

Held last March 28, the Kapuso Network took part in encouraging Filipinos to switch their lights off from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m..

GMA likewise switched off non-essential lights in certain areas in its Quezon City headquarters as well as in its regional stations on the said day.

Also known as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, the Earth Hour is an effort to bring together millions of people around the world in a show of commitment for the planet.

WWF-Philippines used this year’s celebration as an opportunity to launch is newest campaign nationwide dubbed #ChangeTheEnding, which shows the public that there is now a great need for awareness on the importance of nature and a healthy planet, and for long-term solutions to the current environmental crisis.

NETWORK TAKES PART IN EARTH HOUR 2020

Student-idol uplifts fellow youth through online art challenges A

Spotify noted a rise in the streaming of “chill” songs since the start of world-wide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Cartoon Network characters promote message of proper hygiene BE CLEAN, BE COOL

CARTOON Network has launched an animated public focusservice announcement focus practicing on good hygiene practic es, in support of worldwide efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Designed to be a fun way of helping children understand the importance of keeping healthy, the music video will run on Cartoon Network and Boomerang, initially across Southeast Asia, Australia and

New Zealand. It’s also available on Cartoon Network’s social channels and YouTube.

The rap features iconic characters from its shows: The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Teen Titans Go!, Adventure Time and Ben 10. Messages include covering your mouth when you sneeze, trying to avoid touching your face and washing your hands properly. Be clean. Be cool!

Powerpuff Girls and other Cartoon Network characters are featured in a new video that promotes proper hygiene.

Outputs by her fans from the previous week

Life

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

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Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Helping children

deal with COVID-19 stress

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EHIND the innocent looks, the jolly smiles, the endless questions, children may be affected by harmful factors brought by the current COVID-19 pandemic, obviously aside from contracting the virus itself.

Disrupted education, loss of income of parents due to the enhanced community quarantine, and other negative triggers to their emotional, social, and physical well-being can result to great amount of stress for kids.

“Children are not exempted to the effects of this pandemic especially those who are directly affected and currently living in the most vulnerable and poor conditions,” says Rommel V. Fuerte, national director of World ViReassure children while educating them, in a clear and child-friendly way, about the situation. sion Philippines.

In light of the glaring need to safeguard children from the lingering threat of COVID-19, the children-focused organization suggests 11 ways adults can do to help children cope with stress.

• Help children find positive ways to express disturbing feelings.

• Encourage a caring environment around them.

• Make opportunities for children to play and relax.

• Keep them close to their parents and family.

• Ensure regular and frequent contact (via phone and video calls) and reassurance.

• Keep regular routines and schedules, or help them create new ones.

• Educate them about the situation and give clear child-friendly information.

• Demonstrate to children how they can keep themselves safe. Social distancing and sanitation practices like It's vital to make opportunities for children to play, even if they are stuck at home.

Pierart dou Tielt's illustration of the citizens of Tournai burying the plague victims (ca. 1353).

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Of diseases, plague, and pandemic

By Mikaela Kristina Acido Muega ures existed back then, maybe, just WE ALL know disease spreads. Whether it’s a bunch of itchy spots on your skin or a common cold, the microorganisms causing the disease find a way to inhabit something, including living things, to spread the infection further.

In the history of diseases in the world, the Great Bubonic Plague or Black Death is a pandemic that struck Europe and Asia in the mid-1300s. The disease hit China, India, Persia, Syria, and Egypt, then it spread in Europe when reportedly 12 ships with infected corpses arrived at its docks, killing an estimated 25 to 30 million people—others said the number could be around 50 million—or about 40 to 50 percent of the European population.

In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and after watching an episode of History’s “Mankind: The Story of All of Us” on the Bubonic Plague, I realized that the quarantine the government has ordered is for our own good.

Back then, there was no quarantine or lockdown, so the plague spread very quickly. I suppose if those two meas-

maybe, the death toll wouldn’t have been that bad.

It has made me realize all the more that hygiene is important, especially in times like this. Virus and bacteria like to breed in wet and filthy areas. I believe that during this COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene kits should be distributed, especially to those who can’t afford to buy them and those who live in places with unsanitary conditions. There should also be testing and investigation.

It also made me think of the social impact of this to the world. One of the most disturbing moments during the Bubonic Plague was the Strasbourg massacre on February 14, 1349 when hundreds of Jews were blamed for the plague and were thus publicly burned to death. They should have conducted an investigation before pointing fingers.

I think the Black Death spread easier back then because there was lack of communication. I bet if there were news and social media back then (minus the fake news, of course!), people would

The author

have been alerted and started taking precautions earlier, thus reducing the number of deaths.

In summary, this is an important event in history that every generation must learn, especially the budding doctors and politicians, so history won’t repeat itself. Along with the knowledge we have gathered and technology we have developed throughout the years, maybe, just maybe, we could eradicate all diseases especially communicable ones like the bubonic plague.

(Editor’s note: This article first appeared in The ELECTRON, Quezon City Science High School’s student publication. Minor edits have been made.)

World Vision lists down the 11 things adults can do to help children cope with COVID-19 stress.

proper handwashing protects them from COVID-19 and other diseases.

• Avoid spreading rumors and fake news.

• Support activities for children during home isolation/quarantine.

• Manage your own emotions well and stay calm.

To help address the growing number of cases nationwide, World Vision commits to support at least 100 health

facilities with basic health facility disinfectant kits and provide medical frontliners, including barangay health emergency response teams, with personal protective equipment. World Vision also looks into providing families with sanitation kits that include bath soaps, alcohol, face masks, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

To donate, go to wvph.co/covid19.

Clean your phone!

How to sanitize the gadget you always have in hand YOU wash your hands everyday—a dozen of times for at least 20 seconds each—but the job is only about half done if the very thing you always touch, always in your hand remains unclean.

Your phone.

“We touch our smartphones more than anything especially now that we try to stay connected to our loved ones who are away from us and keep updated on the latest news. But it can pose a health risk especially since dirt gets easily transferred into our phones,” said Zen Han, vice president for national sales of Oppo Philippines.

According to a study published in February 2020 in the Journal of Hospital Infection, viruses are capable of surviving up to nine days on smooth surfaces, and that includes a smartphone screen.

“So, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, we strongly encourage our consumers to practice proper smartphone sanitation in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus,” said Han. Here’s how you can sanitize your phone using guidelines proven to significantly cut down the number of bacteria found on a smartphone’s surface, as demonstrated by Dr. Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London: 1. Wash or sanitize your hands. To avoid transferring any harmful bacteria, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after you clean your phone.

2. Ready a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths such as towels and paper towels. Using such may damage the surface of your screen.

3. Use 70 percent Isopropyl Alcohol.

Isopropyl Alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant against viruses particularly the ones with 70 percent concentration. Anything beyond it may evaporate too quickly. When cleaning your phone with alcohol, make sure to use cotton balls or felt-tips swabs when cleaning hard to reach areas like ports and mics and to avoid liquid spilling

Oppo shares tips on how to properly sanitize mobile phones.

on such parts that may cause damage to internal components.

4. Use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content. If Isopropyl Alcohol is not readily available, you may use hand soaps with alcohol content. Add a few drops on the screen and gently wipe the whole phone with a microfiber cloth. Make sure to avoid getting moisture in any openings. Wipe off the soap with a damp microfiber cloth afterwards, and then dry your phone with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

5. Avoid using harsh home cleaning products. Window and household cleaners with strong chemical components like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide may damage your smartphone screen.

6. Use UV light sanitation. UV-C light in particular, also used in hospital-grade d isi n fe ct i ng procedures, is a potent solution that targets certain bacteria.

UV devices can be used as well to sanitize your smartphone.

Is it safe to use alcohol to sanitize smartphones? Experts say yes.

Life

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

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YOUNG LIFE

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

Jo Yi-Seo (played by Kim Da-Mi) is the queen of cool in her oversized blazer and chic Loewe Gate Mini Bumbag in Episode 5.

Bucket bags get a much-deserved attention in this scene in the final episode where Yi-Seo wears a Loewe Balloon Bag.

Carried with cool and class

Designer bags we loved in ‘Itaewon Class’

By Monica Sanchez

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LAME it on Filipinos’ love of K-drama, blame it on the quarantine, blame it on the binge-worthy plot and relatable characters. Blame it on whatever, but one thing’s certain: these Korean drama shows sure have some fashionable characters and drool-worthy ensembles.

In the latest K-drama fashion roundup, after the well-loved Crash Landing On You, we list down a few of the designer bags Jo Yi-Seo (played by Kim Da-Mi) in Itaewon Class totes around all cool and classy.

Power blogger and DanBam manager Jo Yi-Seo is the queen of cool with her Loewe Gate Mini Bumbag (P83,000), a chic belt bag she pairs with oversized coat.

Sparkly but tough, that’s the vibe Yi-Seo exudes in her black and gray outfit punctuated by a small Alexander McQueen Jeweled Satchel (approx.

P121,990).

Yi-Seo is the girl many Itaewon Class fans want to be when she totes two arm candies in Episode 7, a Loewe Mini Lazo Tote (P98,100) on her right and Park Seo-ro-yi (played by Park Seo-joon) on her left.

It’s leather on leather as Yi-Seo pairs a black

Valentino Garavani Candystud Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag (approx. P121,200) with a black leather jacket.

In her transformation (spoiler alert!) from barrestaurant manager to company CFO, Yi-Seo swaps her leather jackets for more structured suits but with the same edgy style.

A structured and solid-colored Mrs. Thom Mini Crossbody Bag (approx. P127,600) stands out from her bold checkered trench coat.

Complementing her corporate-cool look in Episode 14 is an equally chic and cool arm candy, the Bottega Veneta BV Twist (approx. P78,900).

Bucket bags get a much-deserved attention when Yi-Seo wears a black and tan Loewe Balloon Bag (P169,800) in the final episode.

Photos from JTBC, Netflix, Loewe, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Thom Browne.

Mrs. Thom Mini Crossbody Bag in Episode 13.

Bottega Veneta BV Twist in Episode 14.

Quarantine pastimes of the bored and curious

By Steph Llarena THEY say time flies when you’re having fun. And if that’s true and you’re stuck at home, with no work or classes, for three weeks now, time probably moves slower than Internet Explorer.

But Filipinos, particularly the younger set sure knows how to pass the time even when there are no other places to go, so long as they have a smartphone with Internet connection and lots of imagination.

Comparative analysis of canned sardines by Diuvs De Jesus

TikTok has become the app of choice of quarantined citizens, as more and more give in to the urge to download.

Time for TikTok The peer pressure is real as social media sites have been recently inundated with TikTok videos of people dancing, singing, lip synching, and acting. They’re everywhere—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter—as the world is at a standstill and people are required to stay put.

Apparently, if you have nothing better to do, you might as well join the TikTok flock.

For the uninitiated, TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech firm ByteDance, is a social media app where users can watch, create, and share short-term mobile videos—many are funny, some are entertaining, and others are educational.

Anyone with the app can post anything they want, editing skill is not required. It could be a reenactment of iconic movie scenes or a lip sync to a song or a dance entry. There are organic videos as well as replicas of popular entries. It has also spawned other trends such as the viral Dalgona coffee which many have tried at home.

Browsing through hundreds of videos could help alleviate boredom and distract the user from what’s on the news and happening—or not happening—outside, perhaps the reason why many have downloaded (over 100 million, as of this writing) the app.

Marine scientist Diuvs De Jesus' comparative analysis of local canned sardines brand shows which has the most number of sardines and has the saltiest sauce. (Photos from Facebook) The viral Dalgona coffee only requires a few ingredients and a lot of arm strength. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Playing chef in the kitchen It might be because many restaurants are close or food deliveries take longer than usual or that we need to be a little creative with our meals, but the quarantine period has indeed brought out the chef in many of us.

First, there’s your “trending” frothy Dalgona coffee which requires a few ingredients and a lot of arm strength, and the tuna pie alternative—with spicy version, too. Aside from trying out viral recipes, many pass the time experimenting in the kitchen, tweaking or coming out with new dishes (Creamy Pancit Canton and hotdog sinigang, anyone?)

Sardines study and 3-in-1 coffee While others are busy inventing new dishes, others are occupied studying their groceries.

Facebook user Diuvs De Jesus, for instance, did a “comparative analysis” of local canned sardines brands—because he can. He broke down 555, Ligo, Mega, and Young’s Town based on quantity, length of the sardine, calories, price, and sodium content. The marine scientist also included short description of the sardines’ flavors.

“I only sampled one can per brand and only the regular green flavor. Taste test is based on perception of three respondents (including me),” he said in the now viral post.

Truly bored and curious people, meanwhile, are doing the nation a favor by separating the content of 3-in-1 coffee. Props for the patience!