Manila Standard - 2020 April 28 - Tuesday

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM APRIL 27)

7,777

NUMBER OF CASES

511 (10 new) DEATHS

932 (70 new)

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 68 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RECOVERIES

198

NEW CASES

4 drugs for use in PH cure tests

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

O

FF-LABEL drugs may now be used in clinical trials in the Philippines to test for possible cures for the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department of Health said Monday.

The drugs—litonavir, ritonavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine-are used to treat other diseases, but will be tested by hospitals and doctors on patients as part of the World Health Organization multi-nation Solidarity Trial to see if they can help against COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire also mentioned remdesivir, lopinavir combined with ritonavir, and the last two drugs plus interferon beta.

Only recently, the US Food and Drug Administration warned about hydroxychloroquine and its adverse effects on the heart and other body parts, but Vergeire said patients will first go through screening procedures before participating in the tests.

She said qualified patients, who must sign consent forms, will then be monitored by investigators and doctors

to make sure that the treatments such as hydroxychloroquine will not be harmful.

She said the DOH is coordinating with WHO on the arrival and storage of the drugs that are part of the international Solidarity Trial.

She said 21 Philippine hospitals will take part in the trials, which will be conducted with proper guidance of a licensed doctor.

While waiting for the arrival of the shipment of these drugs, she said they may now use the drugs that are available from the HIV and malaria control programs of the DOH. World leaders have committed to hasten work on tests, drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and to share them around the globe.

The video conference to launch what the WHO had billed as a "landmark

DEATH AND RECOVERY. The picture on top is not a real dead or dying person, just a dummy paraded by a group to teach a neighborhood in Navotas how to transport potential COVID-19 patients safely. In another part of the city, an elderly man gets wheeled out of the hospital as one of the 70 persons who recovered from the dread disease on Monday. Above shows the four types of drugs to be used in clinical trials in the country to test for possible cures for the new coronavirus. Andrew Rabulan

"This is taking place simultaneously with their medical aid and assistance and offers of cooperation on this pandemic."

Meanwhile, former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said Monday the Philippines should patrol the disputed areas in the South China Sea jointly with Malaysia and Vietnam to fend off Beijing’s assertiveness, which he said persisted even if many countries were grappling with the coronavirus pandemic.

Carpio cited a Chinese warship’s “hostile” act of pointing its radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship patrolling the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 17, saying it was “just one step to firing.”

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Wuhan virus-free, global lockdowns eased—reports

China pushes sea aggression, uses virus aids as camouflage CHINA is using its aid to other countries in the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent pushback in its continuing aggression in the disputed South China Sea, a maritime law expert said Monday.

Beijing is also using other claimant nations' pre-occupation with the pandemic to expand its control in the disputed waters, according to Jay Batongbacal, director of the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea. "One could argue that it is using this cooperation against any criticisms of China as a leverage against any actions or protests against China for its activities in the West Philippine Sea," he told ANC.

collaboration" to fight the pandemic was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

But the United States did not take part in the launch of the WHO initiative.

"We are facing a common threat which we can only defeat with a common approach," WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said as the virtual meeting got underway.

"Experience has told us that even when tools are available they have not been equally available to all. We cannot allow that to happen,” he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the objective at a global pledging effort in early May would be to raise 7.5 billion euros ($8.10 billion) to ramp up work on prevention, diagnostics, and treatment.

"This is a first step only, but more will be needed in the future," von der Leyen told the conference.

Macron said: “We will continue now to mobilize all G7 and G20 countries so they get behind this initiative. And I hope we’ll manage to reconcile around this joint initiative both China and the US, because this is about saying: the fight

GUIDE MODEL. This image from the Department of Science and Technology shows the prototype of a specimen collection booth government hopes the public can create to aid the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019.

BEIJING―The city of Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, no longer has any COVID-19 patients in hospital after the last 12 were discharged on Sunday, the South China Morning Post reported.

Their release ended a four-month nightmare for the city, where the disease was first detected in December. The number of patients being treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus, peaked on Feb. 18 at 38,020 —nearly 10,000 of whom were in severe or critical condition.

This developed as coronavirus restrictions eased elsewhere and governments around the world began charting a path out of the pandemic lockdown.

Italy and New York laid out partial

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Lawmakers look Gov't seeks public help to design ventilators, respirators Fate of POGOs post-quarantine for recovery path

By Willie Casas, now under study

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas SENATE President Ralph Recto said he expects the Philippines to make a full recovery in two to three years after being hit by the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Confidence, he said, would return once a cure or vaccine is found.

In the meantime, however, he said Next page

THE Department of Science and Technology is in search of people willing to design ventilators and respirators to be used in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement, the DOST called on prospective designers to submit concept proposals—including preliminary work done, description of design, work plan, and deliverables—

along with a letter of intent from the medical expert or hospital and the budget.

DOST executive director Enrico Paringit, who leads the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), said prototypes must be made from medicalgrade materials and components should have an assist control (AC) mode, tidal volume, back-up or respiratory rate (RR), inspiration: expiration (I:E) ratio, fraction of inspired oxygen, alarms, and a humidifier.

Proponents must have partnered with medical experts,

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ByVito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja

THE operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations or POGOs in some provinces in Luzon, where the Enhanced Community Quarantine will be lifted or downgraded, is being studied if those will be allowed to raise funds for the COVID-19 pandemic, an official said Monday.

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News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Martial law not in Rody’s plans M ALACAÑANG repeated Monday that declaring martial law is not included in the plans of President Rodrigo Duterte and that he will not use the COVID-19 crisis to declare a military takeover of the Philippines.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said there was no mention of martial law during a meeting between Duterte and the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the implementation of guidelines in areas to be downgraded from the Enhanced Community Quarantine to General Community Quarantine after the

April 30 deadline.

Duterte on April 23 extended the ECQ in Metro Manila and other area considered high risk for COVID-19, while some provinces were declared either under a “general” or “enhanced” community quarantine to address the rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases.

4 drugs...

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Ramon R. Jimenez Jr.

Palace mourns passing of DOT ex-Sec. Jimenez

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta MALACAÑANG on Monday condoled with the family of former Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., known as the brains behind the slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” who died Monday.

He was 64.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat confirmed Jimenez’s passing and who, like Senator Francis Pangilinan, expressed condolences to Jimenez family.

“On behalf of the officials and employees of the Department of Tourism, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved loved ones of former Tourism Secretary Ramon 'Mon' Jimenez Jr. who recently passed away,” Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.

In the Senate, Senator Francis Pangilinan stressed Jimenez Jr. “will be remembered for the country’s most popular campaign slogan, ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’”

After being appointed by then President Corazon Aquino to head the Department of Tourism, Jimenez said the “Philippines should be as easy to sell as Chickenjoy,” —in reference to the menu fare popular to the masses at food giant Jollibee.

Fate...

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Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement during a televised press briefing, saying the operations of POGOs was among the issues to be discussed by the Inter-Agency Task Force this week.

“POGOs are sources of funds to help fight COVID-19,” Roque said, but he admitted that under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the possible reopening of POGOs was nil.

“While some industries and sectors could resume partial to full operations in GCQ areas, other businesses will not be allowed to operate at all. These include those involved in leisure, amusement, gaming, fitness, recreational businesses,’’ Roque said.

Still, Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday challenged the government's plan to reopen POGO operations allegedly to boost the government’s revenue collection.

"Why give them [POGOs] the privilege to reopen when their contribution to the domestic economy is not big?" Robredo told CNN Philippines.

Filipino-owned business employing fellow Filipinos must be given the first consideration to reopen, and not the POGOs, she said.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. head Andrea Domingo and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap, House appropriations committee chairman, had proposed the reopening of the POGOs. Legislative inquiry The nominee of a partylist organization in the House of Representatives on Monday sought a legislative inquiry into POGO hubs “as they seem to be protected by corrupt officials.”

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate made the call after the arrest of 44 Chinese nationals in a raid on a POGO in Parañaque City that remained open despite President Rodrigo Duterte's order that they stop operating while the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine is in effect.

against COVID-19 is a common human good and there should be no division in order to win this battle.”

Ramaphosa, chairman of the African Union, warned that the continent--with its generally poor standards of health care--was "extremely vulnerable to the ravages of this virus and is in need of support.”

Leaders from Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas also joined the videoconference, but a spokesman for the US mission in Geneva had said the United States would not be involved.

US President Donald Trump has lambasted the WHO as being slow to react to the outbreak and being "Chinacentric" and announced a suspension of US funding for the UN agency.

Tedros has steadfastly defended the WHO's handling of the pandemic and repeatedly committed to conducting a post-pandemic evaluation, as the agency does with all crises.

The DOH on Monday reported 70 patients recovered from COVID-19 while 10 more died as of April 27.

The latest figure brought to 932 the total number of recoveries while the death toll climbed to 511. There were 198 news confirmed cases, bringing the total to 7,777 cases.

Meanwhile, Lung Center of the Philippines administrative services head Dr. Antonio Ramos said no personnel from the hospital has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, nearly a month since it was designated a COVID-19 hospital by the DOH. the

Lawmakers...

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problem is likely to linger for two years.

“We have to prepare our hospitals,” he said.

He also cited the need to provide assistance to workers and loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “[We need to] open the economy smartly. Allow people to start working and to care for their families. Invest in growth areas,” he added.

Recto and Senators Cynthia Villar and Franklin Drilon supported a proposal to allow workers in agriculture, construction and manufacturing to return to work to curb mass hunger, social unrest and criminality amid a prolonged lockdown in Metro Manila and some provinces.

Villar noted that agriculture comprises 22 percent of workers in the country, 10 percent are in manufacturing and 10 percent are in construction. Construction workers numbered 3.9 million in 2018 and manufacturing had almost the same number.

“Agricultural and construction workers work outdoors in open spaces and are exposed to sunlight, so the risks of them getting infected are much lower, as long as the people practice personal protection measures,” Villar said.

While the agriculture sector is in full swing, she said some allied industries have limited operations or have ceased operations.

“This has displaced food manufacturing workers and limited the supply of food in the market. With the extension of the ECQ for another half a month, we need to intensify food production as well as ensure the unimpeded flow of fresh produce and food products all over the country,” Villar said.

Those employed in the construction and manufacturing have also been adversely affected by the lockdown. With work stoppage, many of them are not only stranded in their workplaces but without any income as well.

“As we all know, workers in construction and manufacturing are daily wage earners who are compensated on a ‘no work, no pay’ basis. They have no source of income while on ECQ. While the government and companies may have extended financial assistance and relief goods, those will not be enough,” Villar said.

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“We don’t do that because if we make a mistake, you can trigger an accidental war. Navies really do not do that unless you want to bully another country,” Carpio told an online forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

Last week, Beijing received Manila's

The GCQ will limit people’s movements to accessing basic necessities and work and direct uniformed and quarantine personnel to be present at border points.

"Let's not complicate things by making it a peace-and- order problem,” Roque said in a televised briefing when asked to respond to the criticisms of Duterte’s latest pronouncement.

“It's already hard as it is. It is not only in the Philippines that we have the pandemic.”

‘Compassionate lockdown’ Vice President Leni Robredo said Monday she hoped law enforcers could be "more compassionate" as they kept watch

over the millions of residents locked down in their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"There are some hard-headed people and we think enforcement should be strict. However, I wish that it will not lead to violence,” Robredo told CNN Philippines.

“Enforcement should be more compassionate. Everyone should have flexibility. Enforcement shouldn't end up in violence.”

A policeman last week shot dead a former soldier who had post-traumatic stress disorder for allegedly the lockdown in Quezon City. Vito Barcelo

He said donations beefed up the supply of safety gear for the hospital's workers, who were given stringent protocols to follow.

With the help of donors, he said the hospital is also building an air-conditioned facility that will house workers who are reluctant to go home during the crisis.

“Because of donations, personal protective equipment, modified infrastructure and procedures, for the past 29 days, no Lung Center personnel had tested positive. This adds to the confidence of our people....We should be afraid enough to be careful, but not too afraid to lose hope," he added.

At present, the LCP official said they have more than 50 COVID-19 patients, of whom fewer than 10 have severe symptoms and need ventilators to help them breathe.

Vergeire, meanwhile, clarified that University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital is the only health institution in the country with the approved protocol to conduct convalescent plasma therapy to treat COVID-19 patients.

The UP-PGH reported that a total of 19 survivors donated blood for the collection of plasma after weeks of urging COVID-19 survivors to donate blood.

This requires donors to be at least two weeks asymptomatic and fully recovered, among other criteria.

Plasma from the blood of a recovered COVID-19 patient contains antibodies, proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or diseasecarrying organisms.

When infused into a patient still battling the disease, it can potentially help fight the

virus. It has been reportedly used in China and South Korea.

PGH renewed its call for blood donations to help save patients while a medicine is not yet available.

COVID-19 survivors who fit the criteria for donors may call 0917-8053207 (look for Dr. Sandy Maganto) or PGH Hotline, 155-200.

On Sunday, some P30 million worth of medical supplies were sent from Fujian, China to Manila.

The shipments include 20,000 personal protective equipment (PPEs); 3,000 face shields; 3,000 goggles; 100,000 gloves; 42,000 KN-95 masks; and 500,000 surgical face masks, which were bought

by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

The donations were turned over to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Task Force COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that as of April 24, a total of 552,808.27 pounds of cargo had been transported. The items arrived Sunday on a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft.

Meanwhile, two more persons were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 in Lanao del Sur almost three weeks after health authorities reported seven cases in the province on April 6.

Three persons have died of COVID19related infection cases in Lanao del Sur, since the national government declared a national health emergency on March 18, according to the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. With Nash B. Maulana

Wuhan... reopening plans, with France and Spain to follow suit this week, while tens of thousands of students returned to school in Shanghai and Beijing after months of closures.

But leaders and experts remain on how quickly to revive shuttered economies while maintaining a delicate balance between freedom and safety. (See related story on A6—Editors) “With the joint efforts of Wuhan and the national medical aid given to Hubei province, all cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan were cleared as of April 26,” Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission, said on Sunday afternoon.

The announcement came only one day after the city discharged the last patient who had been in a severe condition. That patient also was the last severe case in Hubei province.

Wuhan was the hardest-hit city in China, accounting for 50,333 of the 82,827 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases recorded in China. More than 4,600 died in the country from the disease.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday claimed the country had scored a significant victory against the spread of the coronavirus, as it began a phased exit from lockdown.

"There is no widespread, undetected community transmission in New Zealand," Ardern declared. "We have won that battle."

After nearly five weeks at the maximum Level Four restrictions—with only essential services operating—New Zealand will move to Level Three late on Monday. That will allow some businesses, takeaway food outlets and schools to reopen.

But Ardern warned there was no certainty about when all transmission can be eliminated, allowing a return to normal life.

In the United States, New York, which has ground to a halt to stop the coronavirus pandemic, may start reopening manufacturing and construction after May 15, Governor Andrew Cuomo said Sunday.

Cuomo, however, said that any easing of measures would take place first in the north of the state and not in the New

York City metropolitan region, by far the hardest-hit area in the US. "The regions that would be more likely able to open sooner would be the upstate regions," Cuomo told reporters.

"Downstate New York is going to be more complicated."

He said that any potential reopening of New York City, the country's most populous city, could need to be coordinated with authorities in the adjacent states of New Jersey and Connecticut.

A lockdown of New York ordered by Cuomo is set to expire on May 15. Under a plan for reopening, the first sectors would be construction and manufacturing.

Ardern said everyone wants to "bring back the social contact that we all miss, but to do it confidently we need to move slowly and we need to move cautiously."

"I will not risk the gains we've made in the health of New Zealanders. So if we need to remain at Level Three, we will," she added.

The easing of restrictions came as New Zealand, a nation of five million people, reported only one new case of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, taking the total to 1,122 with 19 deaths.

The last patient discharged from Wuhan Chest Hospital, a 77-year-old man surnamed Ding, twice tested negative for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and was released at noon on Sunday.

“I missed my family so much!” Ding told Changjing Daily.

Another unidentified patient exclaimed as he left the hospital: “The air outside is so fresh! The weather is so good today!”

Wuhan faced a long journey to bring its patient count down to zero.

The city of 11 million, the capital of Hubei province and a transport hub for central China, was put under a strict lockdown on Jan. 23 that barred anyone from entering or exiting the city without official approval for 76 days until it was officially lifted on April 8.

Residents were ordered to stay in their apartments as the city stopped public transport and banned private cars from city streets. As the epidemic worsened, more than 42,000 medical staff from across the country were sent to the city and to Hubei province to help ease the burden on the local health care system. AFP

diplomatic protests following the incident.

Batongbacal said there was a "sensitivity to timing" in Manila's filing of the diplomatic protests.

"During the intervening period you had all of the government playing up cooperation with China, with the expectations of donations, the sending of a medical team. All of that had to take place first before they could release information that a protest was actually made," he said.

The February incident between the Philippine Navy and a Chinese warship was also an escalation as this was the first time it happened in the history of the two nations' maritime dispute, Batongbacal said.

"We have not seen those kinds of action being taken against Philippine ships until this year," he said.

"That is regarded as a hostile act, an act of aggression. Such an action has caused a major diplomatic fallout."

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'Fix quarantine plan for OFWs, even at NAIA'

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vito Barcelo A SENIOR official of the House of Representatives said Monday top national government officials should get their act together and agree on a common policy on the mandatory quarantine of returning overseas Filipino workers.

House Deputy Majority Leader Wilter Wee Palma II addressed his appeal particularly to Foreign Undersecretary Brigido Dulay who claimed that overseas migrant workers who underwent 14-day quarantine abroad would be allowed to go straight to their homes upon their arrival.

But Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Hans Cacdac maintained all returning migrant workers, even asymptomatic ones, were required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in facilities and hotels being provided by the government.

Meanwhile, Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport said they would assist the government in identifying OFWs to be subjected to mass testing and undergo mandatory 14-day facility quarantine as required by the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the directive was in line with the recent pronouncement from IATF requiring all arriving OFWs to undergo mass rapid testing at the airport before they were brought to a designated facility for their mandatory quarantine.

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secured an ethics clearance from an institution capable of conducting clinical trials, and identified industry partners with a license to operate from the Food and Drugs Administration.

"Ventilators are vital in ensuring that our patients, especially those confined in the ICU, are given the maximum care and support they need to recover," said PCHRD executive director Jaime Montoya.

"Aside from addressing the need to secure more ventilator units, we also have to make sure that the equipment we produce or procure are reliable and efficient," he added.

Proposals should be sent through DOST e-mail at pcieerd@pcieerd.dost. gov.ph on or before April 28, 2020.

Prototypes that pass industrial standards will have the backing of the PCHRD for the clinical trials and other clinical acceptance protocols.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit has issued a directive temporarily relaxing its rules on the inventory of donated goods and funds to speed their distribution to those affected by COVID-19.

Under COA Circular No. 2020-009, the sorting, recording and inventory of donated relief goods is “put on hold during the quarantine.”

Only the remaining balance at the end of the quarantine period will be costed and recorded in the books, the agency said.

Stressing “difficult times” besetting the country due to COVID-19, COA said it saw the need to back the government in its efforts to provide basic necessities to people under the enhanced community quarantine and medical supplies to health care workers and the other frontliners.

It said, however, that the directive does not disregard basic controls to ensure that the donations are properly accounted for.

Subject only to the directions of the Office of the President, all agencies may now transfer responsibility over relief distribution to the local government units based on a validated list of affected families.

“The goods need not be released by the agency directly to the intended beneficiaries, but it may be done through the LGUs, particularly if the concerned agencies lack the resources or facilities to do so,” the COA circular read.

Agencies accepting donations are encouraged to adopt an electronic tracking platform to facilitate recording, monitoring, and utilization of donations, whether in cash or in kind, on the condition that the chosen platform should be able to generate an audit trail on the processing of transactions.

In lieu of traditional official receipts, COA is allowing the use of electronic receipts or mere recording of proof of receipt for cash donations as long as the date, nature and amount of the donation is recorded as well as the name of the donor and a reference number, if applicable.

“For donations made directly to the recipient agency’s bank account, the credit memo or bank statement shall serve as proof of receipt,” the commission said.

Also on Monday, the Bureau of Immigration said it will conduct massive rapid anti-body testing for all its officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus.

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Transport group eyeing more gov’t assistance

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

QUARANTINE VANS. DPWH Build, Build, Build Committee Chairperson Anna Mae Lamentillo conducted an inspection of a quarantine facility made from 10 container vans that would be converted into a quarantine facility, at Quirino Grandstand Manila on Monday April 27. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF PAL suspends domestic, Int’l flights until May 15 LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines has announced that it is suspending all domestic and international flights until May 15 following the decision of the government to extend the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.

“We intend to resume flying by May 16, 2020, if allowed by government authorities, global public health conditions and the travel environment,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna.

Villaluna said PAL will announce the list of operating flights and routes once finalized.

“If your flight is canceled, we assure you that your ticket is safe and remains valid.

We’ve enhanced our policies to give you more flexibility due to the evolving COVID-19 situation,” she added.

Meanwhile, PAL will operate special international flights from New York JFK Airport to Manila on May 4 and on May 6.

Flight PR 5127 is scheduled to depart from New York (JFK) at 7:15 p.m. (local time) and arrival to Manila will be at 11:45 p.m. local time on May 5 and 7. Joel Zurbano

PCSO okays release of P38m as medical aid THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Monday said it has approved the release of over P38 million in medical assistance to more than 4,400 eligible indigent beneficiaries nationwide.

PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said despite the suspension of operations in its main and extension offices due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the agency has approved P38,855,070 medical assistance for confinement, chemotherapy, dialysis, hemophilia and post-operation medicines of 4,468 eligible indigent beneficiaries nationwide.

“In all given situations, PCSO will always live up to its mandate of providing medical and healthcare services to Filipinos, bearing a part of the weight and augmenting government efforts,” Garma said in a statement.

From April 20 to 24, the National Capital Region approved assistance amounting to P4.4 million for 340 individuals, P9 million for the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region (STBR) for 1,101 patients, P12 million for Northern and Central Luzon with 1,432 cases, P8 million for the Visayas Region for 858 clients and P5 million for Mindanao area with 737 cases.

Globe employees raise over P27.5m for PPEs GLOBE Telecom employees have raised over P27.5 million from a fundraising initiative primarily aimed at providing much-need personal protective equipment, face shields, and face masks to healthcare workers in 50 hospitals across the country.

The #OneGlobeVsCOVID project of the company’s over 8,000 workforce realized a total employee donations of P13.79 million which was 100 percent matched by Singtel and Globe. Singtel is one of the shareholders of Globe.

“We are extremely proud of our employees for their generosity. Our efforts as OneGlobe have seen support for our fellow Filipinos coming together not only from our employees and shareholders but even our customers as well,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO. The list of intended beneficiaries of face shields, face masks, and/or PPEs include: Sta. Ana Hospital, Veterans Hospital, National Kidney Transplant Institute, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Manila Naval Hospital, General Trias Doctors, UHBIParañaque Doctors’ Hospital, Perpetual Succor Hospital, UST Medical Center, San Juan De Dios, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Manila East Medical Center, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, National Center for Mental Health, San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, Amang Rodriguez Hospital, Rizal Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Ortigas Hospital and Health Center, St. Lukes BGC, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Hospital, and San Juan Medical Center.

‘Rein in’ authorities, HRW says after Makati incident

By Willie Casas and Joel E. Zurbano HE Philippine government should immediately rein in out of control law enforcers and public officials committing rights abuses while they enforce the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Enhanced Community Quarantine and lockdown regulations, the Human Rights Watch said on Monday.

T

“Even before the incident in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City, there has been an increasing number of incidents in which police and government personnel abused their powers by committing rights violations,” Phil Robertson, the HRW Deputy Asia Director, said in a statement.

The HRW issued the statement following an incident on Dasmariñas Village, a posh subdivision in Makati City, after a policeman confronted an Italian who allegedly disobeyed authorities who were implementing the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

The confrontation, which was caught

on video, took place between Police Senior Master Sergeant Roland Von Madrona and Javier Parra, an Italian national and a resident of Dasmariñas village.

Authorities said Madrona, while patrolling the village as per request of Barangay Dasmariñas chairperson Rosana Hwang, noticed Parra’s housemaid, Cherilyn Escalate, watering the plants outside the property’s perimeter with no face mask--a violation of ECQ rules.

Madrona, together with Bantay Bayan personnel Esteban Gaan, approached and advised the maid to wear a face mask for her safety.

The maid then went inside the house to get her face mask. Minutes later, Parra and his wife went outside the residence and confronted the law enforcers.

Police claimed that Parra had even lectured Madrona on how to properly implement the guidelines of the quarantine.

While both parties were in the middle of an argument, Gaan took video clips of the incident.

This made Parra, who was without a shirt and face mask, furious, prompting him to humiliate and throw foul words to the cop, a police report said.

Police Major Gideon Ines, Makati City’s Assistant Chief of Police for Operation, said they will file charges against Parra for alleged violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Disobedience to a Lawful Person in Authority), Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act) and City Ordinance 2000-089, for not wearing a face mask, as well as Direct Assault.

TRANSPORT group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide on Monday urged the government for more assistance amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

George San Mateo, PISTON emeritus president, lamented the government’s plan to limit the passenger capacity to 30 percent to comply with the Department of Health’s protocol of social or physical distancing.

“We need government help if we would only allow the 30- percent passenger capacity,” he said.

“If there would be no other assistance, the only solution is for us to increase the fare,” he added.

He, however, clarified that it is not timely to increase the rate since most workers have been severely affected by the lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Meanwhile, San Mateo slammed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the “snail-paced” distribution of the special amelioration program for public utility drivers.

Out of the 280,000 drivers in the list of the LTFRB, only 20,164 of them received the cash assistance of P8,000 each, he said.

San Mateo said that under the original list submitted to the LTFRB, there were 435,319 target beneficiaries of the program.

“The number of beneficiaries was slashed to 280,000 only,” he added.

In a related development, Senator Grace Poe, said on Monday that there should be no further delay in the release of emergency subsidy for affected tricycle drivers following the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the NCR and other high-risk regions.

“We should not make them wait any further. Their perseverance to bring us even to remote areas must now be repaid with prompt aid,” said Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public services handling transport concerns.

The senator made the call in the wake of the report made by the 2.9-million strong National Confederation of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines that “many of its non-4P members have only received measly or partial subsidy, if not none, from the government.”

“The first wave of help is yet to be distributed when the quarantine had already been extended,” NACTODAP National president Ariel Lim said.

Manila realigns infra budget for aid

By Willie Casas THE Manila City government has realigned P611 million of its budget originally set for infrastructure to fund its financial assistance and food subsidies for over 600,000 residents affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said that the local government decided to reallocate P611 million for cash aid, food packs, and rice subsidies of Manileños who continue to be affected by the lockdown imposed over Luzon island due to the disease.

“Humigit-kumulang P611 milyon na nakatakda sana para sa infrastructure projects ay ating ni-realign at ginastos na natin para sa food at non-food assistance para sa bawat Manileño upang ibsan ang epekto ng krisis na dulot ng COVID-19 (We realigned about P611 million that was originally allocated for instrastructure projects and used it instead for food and non-food assistance for every Manileño to help alleviate the effect of the COVID-19 crisis.),” said Domagoso in a Facebook message.

“Dahil tulad po ng aking pangako sa inyo, uunahin po muna ang bituka, bago ang kalsada (As I promised you before, I will prioritize food over roads.),” Domagoso said.

Domagoso and other city officials previously donated their combined April salaries worth P4.7 million to the Philippine General Hospital, one of the referral hospitals for COVID-19 patients in the country.

To take care of the city’s elderly, the local government said it has distributed milk food supplements to more than 120,000 senior citizens in Manila. Domagoso said that a total of 120,886 senior citizens will receive a can containing 400 grams of Ensure Gold milk.

“Ang City of Manila ay bumili ng gatas at ito po ang nakita namin na isang masustansyang gatas o supplement na maaari namin manlang maibigay sa inyo pandagdag sa proteksyon sa inyong kalusugan,” Domagoso said.

Domagoso said that the move of the Manila City government was made after some studies revealed that senior citizens were more vulnerable to become infected

by COVID-19.

INSPECTION. An Air Force officer wearing a frontliner ID inspects the quarantine pass of a man before he can enter a public market in Trece Martires City in Cavite on April 27 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. JR Josue

QC expands help to nursing moms

By Rio N. Araja THE Quezon City government has expanded its “Kalingang QC” program to cover high-risk nursing or “nutritionally challenged” mothers affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“Around 6,000 nursing mothers all over the city will start receiving P2,000 from the program, which we recently widened to cover more residents who need immediate help,” Belmonte said.

The city government has allocated P600 million from its P2.8-billion supplemental budget for 2020 for the project expansion.

During the program’s initial roll-out, many vendors were not accounted for in the list of beneficiaries.

Also covered by the expanded program were ambulant and unregistered vendors, solo parents, persons with disability and senior citizens.

The city earmarked P200 million in its initial roll-out for 100,000 residents, including drivers of public utility jeeps, tricycles, pedicabs, taxis, Transport Network Vehicle Service and AUVs; market vendors, and other daily wage earners.

UST Singers alumni sing for the world THE global alumni of the University of Santo Tomas Singers have reunited in an unprecedented virtual expression of solidarity and brotherhood amid a worldwide lockdown caused by the pandemic coronavirus.

Forced into social distancing by the pandemic, which has infected and killed thousands, 95 alumni of the USTS broke chains of isolation and uncertainty, bringing life to composer Dodjie Simon’s anthemic ‘Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi at Musika,’ with choral arrangement by Dr. Joel Navarro.

The founder and conductor of 2019 Choir of the World Champion of Champions, Prof. Fidel G. Calalang Jr., credits the seed of the special project taking root when a USTS Physician alumna expressed exhaustion from being a COVID-19 frontliner, yearned for the comfort of music in such difficult times.

Calalang reminisced: “The power of music. I guess it all started there and the rest is magical. God led us anew to a true blessing.”

The support the alumni singers poured into this project eventually reached full-scale.

Undeterred by time and place, this rich group of artists, professionals and healthcare frontliners collaborated and chose a song, among many Filipino compositions, which embodied a grateful, unified nation despite the challenges of a society and economy under crisis.

The song, written and recorded in Filipino, required translation for English subtitling to communicate its universal message of peace to non-Filipino viewership.

The translation was done by Hermione Cabie-Santos, a freelance writer/ editor who has been featured in “Women on the Journey” and “Women of Worth (CSM Pubishing, Manila)” who is based in Toronto, Canada.

According to Calalang, “The spirit of driven unity that stemmed from Amor y Amistad is relived. This time, the music is not only for ourselves but for a more noble cause.

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Opinion

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

We’ll never return to normal restrictions!

In the first place, the condition Duterte mentioned as his basis for declaring martial law does not exist. Communists may be committing atrocities in the countryside, but that is not enough basis. Neither does it qualify as lawless violence that endangers public safety.

While what the New People’s Army is doing can qualify under “rebellion,” these rebels are mostly bandits collecting “revolutionary taxes” for their own purposes.

The AFP can still suppress their activities.

As a lawyer, surely Duterte must be aware of this. *** Meanwhile, my attention was caught by the statement of presidential spokesman Harry Roque that the rate of infection is starting to flatten. I think it is premature to say that. It’s almost speculation. He should take note of the World Health Organization’s statement that the cure for COVID-19 may take weeks, even months! Hence, we still have a long journey ahead of us!

People should realize the need for greater sacrifice and discipline. It’s all for the common good. But, my gulay, how can you tell that to those who are out of jobs?

Businesses and the economy are losing so much—I am lucky I still have my job, being able to write this column three times a week.

What really worries me is what will happen to this country once we return to normal. The National Economic and Development Authority says initial losses due to the pandemic now amount to P800 billion.

Indeed we will never be the same again. *** While we were not looking, there were reports that China continued to militarize the West Philippine Sea. Reports also have it that Chinese Coast Guard vessels have been making incursions into our territory.

They say there has been a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels. Antique Rep. and former Senator Loren Legarda was even complaining about the entry of China’s vessels near Semirara Island in Panay.

My gulay, all we could do was file a diplomatic protest, thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs. What China is doing to us is short of criminal. This leads me to ask— Can we still trust China to be our friend given the way it has been bullying us? *** Turn to A5

PEOPLE more or less expected President Duterte’s announcement that he was extending, to May 15, the enhanced community quarantine in critical areas. These include Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon.

Other places will be under general community quarantine. Duterte, however, did not specify what GCQ meant, exactly.

I am so afraid for the future of our country.

The President did not stop there. He went on to threaten the communists. He said they should stop their acts of lawlessness like committing atrocities and killing soldiers who were just carrying supplies. Or else, he said, he would declare martial law nationwide.

To make matters worse, Duterte’s words were echoed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces.

No word came, however, from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who shoud normally react.

I also expected the President to extend the ECQ given that we still have not flattened the curve of the infection.

But the good news is that recoveries are far outpacing deaths.

As a journalist, I know the implications of a martial law declaration. I was there when the same declaration was made in 1972. But while martial law targeted the communists, it also meant the suppression of basic freedoms. If Duterte is thinking of a Marcos-style martial law declaration, he should take another look at Section 19 of Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.

Marcos based his martial law on the 1935 Constitution which did not have limitations like the 1987 charter has. My gulay, under the 1987 Constitution, martial law would be a toothless tiger. It has so many

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

What the public deserves

T

Diseases, the President extended it to April 30. As that deadline drew near, the President again extended the lockdown to May 15.

For the millions of Filipinos, this means that the shelter-in-place restrictions will have been in force for two full months by the time the lockdown expires again. This is long time for people to lose their freedom of movement, but particularly disastrous for the vast majority of those who, because of the nature of their jobs, simply cannot work from home.

From the start, it was clear that if the anti-COVID-19 measures were to succeed, the public needed to understand that this was a necessary sacrifice.

Also, the authorities would have to be honest about the situation and present a reasonable plan and timetable to return to normal—albeit a new normal.

What we do not need are recurring threats to impose martial law because a small minority of people are too stubborn to abide by the stayat-home restrictions. What we do not need is to see police shoot dead a

HE lockdown in Metro Manila and other high-risk provinces has been extended until May 15 in an effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The extension has been widely seen as prudent and necessary, as new cases of COVID-19 and deaths as a result of the disease continue to be reported daily. By April 27, there were 7,579 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 501 deaths reported—and nobody wants to see a flare-up of new infections.

But this was the second extension of the lockdown, officially referred to as the Enhanced Community Quarantine, which aims to limit the spread of the deadly virus by keeping people home.

Imposed on March 16, the ECQ was supposed to end on April 12, but acting on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious

mentally challenged lockdown violator. What we do not need is to hear is government officials dodge responsibility for the infection and deaths of health workers, simply because they don’t want to acknowledge their failure to provide an adequate supply of personal protective equipment against COVID-19 to medical frontliners.

What the locked down public needs is some transparency and honesty in COVID-19 reporting. What the public needs to hear is a detailed plan of testing, isolation and treatment, do that by the end of two months, we will have a better idea of how we can reasonably deal with this public health emergency.

Finally, the President needs to address the vast majority of Filipinos who are staying home because they want what is best for everyone. What the public needs and deserves is not more threats and warnings, but congratulation for coming this far, and words of encouragement that will take us to the new normal.

The media in a pandemic

WITHOUT the media, Philippine and global, I would not know how to navigate this challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic. As Jayvy Gamboa and I wrote in an article published online, this crisis is accompanied by a massive infodemic, which according to the World Health Organization is “an over-abundance of information that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it.”

We observed that, in our country, what is worse is that we seem to have both an overabundance of information we don't want, and a shortage of the information we actually need. And unfortunately, without reliable information in this time of crisis, the people are left blind, anxious, and helpless.

Jayvy and I also recognized that the media bear the responsibility for searching for truth and delivering it to the public: “Round the clock, journalists verify information on the ground: at government offices, checkpoints, hospitals, public markets.”

In this time, we observed that we do not see a lot of so-called “envelopmental” journalism, where paid media prevails. Instead, “we see journalists brave through each day not merely for their livelihood, but to fulfill their roles as watchdogs, so the public can stay informed inside their homes.”

This is a good time for me to acknowledge all my collaborators and friends from traditional and new media.

Thank you to my colleagues in Rappler (disclosure: I serve in its Board of Directors)—both the senior managers and editors—Maria Ressa, Glenda Gloria, Chay Florentino, and Gigi Gowho are all old friends whom I trust completely (I also trust Marguerite de Leon who edits my Rappler articles even if I do not know her as much and long as the others) and all its great reporters (Lian Nami Buan, Pia Ranada Robles, Mara Cepeda, Camille Elemia, and others) to whom I am a source and frankly I am their fan. Twice a day I browse through the Rappler front and other pages.

And because most of its editors and reporters are my social media friends, I usually get advance notice of breaking news.

To my editor Adelle Chua and other colleagues in Manila Standard where this Eagle Eyes column has been published twice a week for ten years now, and whose editorial page and news reporting, led by

Joyce Pañares, stand out in terms of their independence. My fellow columnists in Standard, especially Emil Jurado and Elizabeth Angsioco, always challenge my thinking.

To Carol Arguillas my editor in MindaNews and the many Mindanawon colleagues, like fellow Cayayan de Oro native Froilan Gallardo and my former student Dale Mordeno, who write for this media online platform. MindaNews is my go-to site for everything about Mindanao. It also publishes my Riverman Vista columns which I usually write in my Cagayan de Oro home base which is by the Cagayan river.

Media bear the responsibility for searching for truth and delivering it to the public.

To friends and colleagues in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, especially its columnists whose opinions I value greatly—John Nery, Gideon Lasco, Ambeth Ocampo, Manolo Quezon, Ciel Habito, Mike Tan, Randy David, Rina Jimenez, Winnie Monsod, Joel Butuyan, Peter Wallace, Ceres Doyo, Rufa CagocoGuiam, and others.

To Boo Chanco of the Philippine Star and Malou Tyquia and Bobi Tiglao of Manila Times. Their columns always provoke and challenge my views.

To those on broadcast media: in ABSCBN, which in this crisis has proven that it deserves a renewal of its franchise— Gigi Reyes, Francis Toral, Karen Davila, Christian Esguerra, Karmina Constantino, and many others; in GMA 7—Howie Severino, Vicky Morales, Kara David, and others; in TV5 and OneNews—Roby Alampay, Ed Lingao, Luchi Cruz, Cito Beltran, Daniela Laurel, etc.; in CNN— Pinky Webb, Pia Hontiveros, Mitzi, etc; DZAS—Efren Pallorina and others; Radio Bombo—Arlene in Bacolod and James in Cagayan de Oro; Mai Bermudes from UNTV; and many others.

To Regine Cabato from The Washington Post, Raissa Robles from South China Morning Post, and all the journalists from the other international publications/media organizations—especially the ones I rely on—CNN, New York Times, and The Guardian. With these five top global organizations, I get good international coverage.

Turn to A5

COVID-19 vaccine will take time, even years

WAS President Rodrigo Duterte serious when he said he would lift the lockdown only when a vaccine has been developed to prevent or cure COVID-19?

This after he earlier dangled P10 million to a Filipino or a group of Filipinos who would be able to develop such a vaccine.

Last Thursday, he said he would even increase the amount to P50 million or even P100 million if he felt particularly generous.

From what we've read so far, there are already advanced efforts especially in the developed countries, such as the United States, Europe and China, among others, to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine.

The National Institute of Health in the US is working with research firm Moderna on human trials of a vaccine for COVID-19. Their product could be available in about a year and a half, according to Dr. Antonio Fauci.

At the University of Pittsburgh

School of Medicine Center, scientists are also looking at a potential new vaccine based on their previous ground research on the similar viruses SARS and MERS. In Europe, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations based in Oslo, Norway is working in partnership with the French Institut Pasteur-led consortium to test eight different vaccine candidates against COVID-19.

How will the post-pandemic world look like?

In China, a vaccine being co-developed by CanSino Biologics and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences started its first stage clinical trial in Wuhan on March 16, with results expected by end of April.

If there are ongoing efforts by Filipino scientists to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, they should be given full support by the government. But if we're just starting research, we will have to wait a long time before our own scientists can see the fruit of their labors.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a potential COVID-19 vaccine must first undergo an exploratory phase, followed by the preclinical stage, clinical development, regulatory review/approval, and manufacturing and quality control, before they are approved by regulatory agencies for widespread use. Scientists are saying that it normally takes between 10 and 15 years for a drug or vaccine to go from development through testing phases and on to licensing and largescale manufacture.

In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, the most optimistic projection is that it would take between 18 months to two years to mass-produce the vaccine and deliver them to hospitals.

So what does that make of President Duterte's statement that he would lift the Luzon lockdown only after a vaccine is developed?

Do we have to wait for two long years or by the end of his term before he lifts the lockdown?

How will the 'new normal' look like?

Experts predict that the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way we do things. How will the post-pandemic Turn to A5

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Opinion ‘Balik-probinsya’

FOR starters this week, here’s a quick reminder about face masks that might help to dispel a potentially dangerous fallacy: The common surgical mask that’s most widely used today is designed to keep germs IN, not out. When a surgeon is operating, that mask is protecting the patient from him, not the other way around. So if you’re in a crowd that’s standing too near just one mask-less guy who happens to be infected (even without symptoms), then your own masks won’t help you. Better to throw the clueless guy out of the room instead.

In short, wearing surgical masks works only when everyone, bar none, is doing it. Which brings up the question: Can Filipinos be relied upon to wear those masks regularly, after we regain a “new normal,” when the intention behind wearing them is to protect others and not yourself? Would we care enough about others to accept this imposition? The new normal could take us out to 2021 before a vaccine is developed. The answer tells us whether or not we in fact deserve to be succored from any future resurgence of this epidemic. *** At the President’s latest Cabinet meeting covered by the media where he announced extension of the lockdown in some areas to May 15, I was pleased to hear the ubiquitous Senator Bong Go hold forth on a planned legislative initiative of his that he christened “Balik-Probinsya.”

The irony seemed obvious. The provinces where the lockdown was relaxed from “enhanced” to “general” might be described as relatively rural and/or underdeveloped. And yet it is to provinces like them where the teeming crowds of Metro Manila should gradually be relocated, so that an enhanced lockdown in the capital against a future epidemic like this one need not be so prolonged or so brutal.

At this point, the senator’s initiative is very much in early days. His is a fine idea that unfortunately has already been around a half century, even before he was born. One of my first jobs was with the investment bank Bancom in the mid-seventies, where I joined a group intent on fleshing out the radical “integrated area development” concepts being pushed by Bancom’s visionary leader Sixto Roxas III. His was an overriding faith in the rationality of planning and the power of corporatism and market forces, which by themselves together could lift entire rural communities out of poverty.

COVID-19...

From A4

world look like? Here are some possibilities from what I've gathered.

Working from home: The pandemic has led to “work from home” arrangements for many. We can look forward to more people opting to work from home in part due to horrible traffic in Metro Manila. Advances in ICT, such as 5G and cloud technology will also make this more widespread. Office meetings through videoconferencing will increasingly be conducted.

Education: Although teachers will always be integral to the education process, they should have flexibility and agility when it comes to delivery of content, testing, and grading. We can expect an increase in mixed learning environments that include learning in both the physical classroom setting and online.

Healthcare: The adoption of digital health tools, from assessment services to telemedicine, has rapidly accelerated, with healthcare organizations across the world looking to digital solutions to support their efforts against the pandemic.

Computer technology: Within the next 12 to 18 months, we can expect quantum computers to routinely solve problems that supercomputers and cloud computing cannot. When humanity faces the next pandemic, a quantum computer will be able to model the virus, its interactions within the human

The media...

From A4

I also want to thank my friends in Facebook and Twitter whom I rely on as sources of information and opinion: Karen Cardenas, Rayvi Sunico, Sarah Elago, Le Anh Nguyen, Rowie Azada-Palacios, PJ Mariano-Capistrano, Remmon Barbaza, Leland Dela Cruz, Edre Olalia, Sol Taule, Krissy Conti, Neri Colmenares, Judy Taguiwalo, Ipat Luna, Joy Aceron, Ron Mendoza, Grace Santos, Tonton Neri, Gang Badoy, Judy Taguiwalo, Bobby Capco, Benedict Esconde, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Margie Holmes, Mahar Mangahas, and many others.

From the Catholic Church, I am grateful for the social media presence of Fr. James

The years since have, alas, proven unkind to such optimism. The economic forces that drive ordinary people to leave the comfort of their rural origins and take their chances in strange and hostile urban settings like Metro Manila are simply too powerful. Just as forceful are the risk/reward considerations that drive investors to put their money in the same urban (or at least “urbanizable”) settings, where (undefined) uncertainties and (defined) risks are low enough to justify their investment. ***

If Senator Go is really serious about this, he might consider levelling up his thinking to a more meaningful “Angat-probinsya.”

If Senator Go is really serious about this, he might consider levelling up his thinking from just “Balik-Probinsya” to a more meaningful “ANGAT-Probinsya.” The line of reasoning is straightforward: The urban poor in Manila will not return to the provinces unless there are jobs there. The jobs will not appear in the provinces unless investors put money there. And investors will not bet their money there unless their usual concerns are being, or will be, addressed.

The list of those concerns is not long.

Today they mainly include: reliable power; good infrastructure (distribution logistics and digital connections); peace and order; a low-cost, manageable, and trainable workforce that won’t beat them up with unreasonable demands; and local governments that partner with them instead of trying to milk them.

None of these is anything that investors should be expected to bring along.

All of this is the responsibility of government. Building out the power backbone and last mile together with infrastructure; keeping the peace; educating workers’ families and providing them with essential services like housing and schooling; administering rules and regulations impartially—all of these are the job of government.

But the chronic shortcomings we see in these areas indict the Manila-centric shape of our current governance.

The distance between the central government (which sets policy and allocates resources nationwide) and the local governments especially at the municipal and barangay levels (which implement policy and disburse those resources to the citizens) was measured—very unflatteringly—by the volume of complaints that attended the otherwise well-intentioned responses

body that will drive possible solutions, and limit future economic damage and human suffering.

Transportation: As we look to the reopening of cities, people will be looking for affordable, reliable ways to stay socially distant while commuting, including turning to transportation options such as ride share, bike share, and scooters. There will also be an opportunity for local governments, as well as key advocates and stakeholders, to consider reshaping cities to be built around people and not cars.

Manufacturing: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused supply chain and factory disruptions across the world globe. Before this, manufacturers relied on creating products in centralized factories with low-cost labor halfway around the world. In the future, businesses, factories and supply chains will have to become more resilient due to full automation and software-based management.

Retailing: COVID-19 will not mean the end of brick-and-mortar stores, but they will have to change the way they operate. The crisis will force small businesses relying on foot traffic as their main source of income to develop alternative revenue streams. Restaurants, for example, may have to link up with delivery service platforms or expand their geographic reach via ghost kitchens. Boutiques will have to develop or broaden their online presence that reaches beyond local communities. ernhil@yahoo.com

Martin, Fr. Joel Tabora, Bishop Mylo, Fr. Nono Alfonso, Fr. Johnny Go, Fr. Vic Balthazar, Fr. Rannie Aquino, Fr. Aris Sison, the CBCP, America, Vatican News, and Crux Now, Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, Patheos, and Aletheia.

Among government officials, the most helpful sources of information in social media are Leni Robredo, Karlo Nograles, Edsel Salvaña, Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Vico Sotto, Isko Moreno, and Naguib Sinarimbo.

With all of these sources, I am updated and am able to take advantage of a diversity of opinions from where I can build my own perspective.

Facebook page: Professor Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

of government to the COVID crisis. *** At the same time, it is wishful thinking to expect the country’s 81 provinces, nearly 200 cities, and over a thousand towns to individually—each by themselves—respond properly to a national crisis like the epidemic, let alone address the investor concerns listed above. This is simply too much fragmentation for implementation, let alone for planning or risk preparation.

Here is where the bright boys at DILG—which has been a frontline agency in the fight against the virus— have come up with another bright idea.

Their idea is to put enough teeth into the currently toothless regional development councils and convert them from purely recommendatory bodies into substantive planners and implementers of regional development programs.

The RDC presently comprises, within a given region, its provincial governors, mayors of cities, mayors of provincial capitals and other major towns, and the regional directors of the different national government agencies. This membership already puts together both national and local levels of governance through their respective regional officials and representatives.

Who better, after all, than a regional development council to determine which parts of which provinces should be hooked up first to the national grid?

Or determine where the roads, bridges, railways, and ports need to be built.

Or deliver social services—yes, in particular the building of hospitals and healthcare systems. Or look over the shoulders of provincial, city and town officials to make sure they’re doing their jobs properly.

The local governments are expecting a windfall soon once the Supreme Court’s “Mandanas ruling” is implemented to give them a substantially larger portion of the nation’s tax collections. These are monies that the regional development councils would be in the best position to determine how to spend, so that Senator Go’s “Balik-Probinsya,” after fifty-odd years, finally starts to become real. *** In closing, allow me to post a quick shout-out to Dra. Mylene Vicuna, an internist based in Las Vegas, who was kind enough to refill the prescription for my wife’s maintenance medicines while she remains stranded in that desert gambling oasis. Dra. Mylene happens to be the daughter-in-law of my wife’s Upsilon Sigma Phi/Sigma Delta Phi batchmate, Will Vicuna, also from the casino capital. To father and daughter, marami pong salamat from a grateful and lonely hubby.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Fighting COVID-19: Federalism would have been messy

WITH only two years left of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, it is virtually certain that this country will not see a shift to the federal form of government before June 30. Still, the federalism-under-Duterte zealots talk and write as though that governmental change remained a possibility. Give the political and legal resistances that it is bound to encounter, a late-in-the-day push for a federalized Philippines will be a highly unrealistic enterprise.

If ever an argument were needed to clinch the case against a shift to the federal form of government, the present crisis would be that argument.

It is just as well that this is the case, because if one were to go by what is happening today in the world’s largest federal State—the United States of America—the handling of the coronavirus pandemic in this county by a federal government would have been attended by disorder, discord and disparity.

There is discord between the US federal government, represented by President Donald Trump, and the 50 states of the Union, represented by their governors.

Yet, the relationship between the federal government and the states—more specifically, the distribution of powers between the Presidency and the state capitols—has been generally stable and discord-free for almost two and a half centuries. That is, until the US’ fight against COVID-19 has seen President Trump lock horns often with a great deal of acrimony, with the governors on issues relating to the respective powers and responsibilities of the federal government and the state governments. At one point Trump declared, completely without basis, that the President had “total authority,” only to do a full aboutface the following day. One of the first discord-causing issues was whether the stockpiles of essential medical supplies

belonged to the federal government or to the 50 states; the latest issue is whether or not the state governments have the power to terminate the lockdowns under which they placed their citizens and reopen their state economies. With Donald Trump focused on wanting to escape blame for his administration’s handling of the pandemic, there is bound to be more discord between the White House and the state capitols in the coming days.

If this can be the state of affairs, during the present crisis, in a country with a very long history of federal government, how would things have been in a country that only just shifted to that form of government? The answer?

Much worse.

The questions that were raised about federalism during the Congressional hearings would simply have come into play during the handling of the coronavirus pandemic by a federalized Philippine government. What would be the respective accountabilities of the central government and the proposed 13 federal states and the administrative regions? Taking into account that some of the federal states would be economically stronger than the others, how would a fair distribution of central-government resources be assured? Who would be responsible for the stockpiling and transportation of the medical frontliners’ requirements? And would the testing of people for COVID-19 infection be the function of the federal states solely?

A further question raised in the Congressional hearings on the federalism proposal related to this country’s political culture. Since Philippine politics is definable as palakasan plus favoritism plus dynasticism, the federal states’ programs for fighting COVID-19 would surely have been made more complicated and messy by the entry of non-health-related issues into the picture.

The handling of the pandemic by the present presidential government has been far from perfect; there have been numerous inadequacies and inefficiencies. But the frontline governmental entities, especially the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and more local governments, have been functioning in well-directed we-know-our-role fashion, They have been doing their best and deserve the nation’s thanks.

A federal government would have done a messy job of combatting the coronavirus pandemic. If ever an argument were needed to clinch the case against a shift to the federal form of government, the present crisis would be that argument.

Gov’t help yet to reach poorest of the poor WE ARE inundated with cries for help from our fellow Filipinos who belong to the poorest of the poor and have not until now received any cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program. It’s not surprising that we hear news reports that the SAP has not reached those who actually need it most.

There is no question about the noble intent of the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that provides for, among others, the funding of the SAP. However, we wish to remind those in charge with its implementation, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development, of the need to speed up the distribution of the cash assistance to deserving beneficiaries.

Labor experts say up to 1.8 million workers have been displaced by the Enhanced Community Quarantine, particularly in Metro Manila and surrounding suburbs.

Countless small- and-medium-scale businesses have closed due to immense losses since the lockdown began abruptly in March.

In connection with our public service, through the ACT-CIS Party-list headed by Rep. Eric Yap and the Erwin Tulfo Center for Media and Public Assistance, we have witnessed widespread suffering with our own eyes.

This weekend, this heartbreaking story reached us: A 76-year-old man was thrown in jail for complaining at the barangay hall about not being included in the list of cash assistance from the Social Amelioration Program being implemented by the DSWD. The poor, sickly-looking senior citizen is still languishing in jail in Barangay Ilais, San Isidro, Surigao del Norte as of this writing, awaiting the filing of criminal charges against him for alleged violation of Republic Act 11469 or Bayanihan Act provisions on ECQ. I can also understand the frustration on the part of the barangay officials who have to deal with insufficient funds to accommodate everyone.

But I don’t think the senior citizen could have hurt anybod,y no matter how loud he

We’ll...

From A4 The Commission on Human Rights, in a bid to make its presence felt, wants the police and military to respect the human rights of citizens.

Also just recently, another senior citizen literally died from hunger while he waited in line for relief goods for hours in Nabua, Camarines Sur. The 67-year-old man had to do it himself because his three sons could not return home from Manila.

We are hoping and praying not to encounter any more similar stories.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go is pushing for the full implementation of the Balik Probinsya program to help resolve the public health crisis caused by the global pandemic novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

Balik Probinsya, however, must be complemented with job opportunities and other livelihood in the provinces with the help of both the national government, the LGUs and, of course, the private sector. Otherwise, Balik-Probinsya will be just another failed DSWD program.

It makes sense to take steps about overcrowded communities and thereby decongest Metro Manila teeming with a daytime population of 15 million, with workers from neighboring provinces.

As we’ve said here all along, enforcing lockdowns by itself will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, it may have contributed in breeding a local epidemic due to overcrowding in households and communities where social distancing is almost an impossibility.

The key to flattening the curve is to step up mass testing, isolate the confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and treat them.

The authorities now face the challenge of arresting the COVID-19 epidemic in Quezon City, Cebu City, New Bilibid Prison, Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, and other facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

There have also been reports of a COVID-19 outbreak in the National Center for Mental Health, also in Mandaluyong.

The coronavirus outbreak in Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz, Cebu City, is reportedly spreading to nearby densely populated communities with nearly 200 residents reportedly infected. It is blamed on the overcrowding in the households and the delay in the mass testing for COVID-19.

In Quezon City, which accounts for the highest COVID-19 cases among the country’s localities, several barangays had to be completely sealed due to outbreak of the disease in the jampacked neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, the same factor of overcrowding has contributed to the person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 among doctors, nurses and other health workers in the frontline.

It is indeed a welcome development that mass testing is now being conducted to seek out those who may be sick, bring them to isolation and treat them accordingly.

With more sensible and practical ECQ and GCQ guidelines, we can certainly hope for the flattening of the COVID-19 epidemiological curve and score more recoveries in the days to come.

The CHR must remember that the country is in a state of national emergency in the wake of the pandemic. The common good and national interest prevail over individual freedoms and rights.

Still, it does not mean that anybody can just trample over human rights. The end cannot justify the means.

*** The repatriation of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers is a big economic issue. For decades, remittances have shored up our economy. With the specter of a global recession upon us, I am afraid our economic future is grave danger. My gulay, who can help us?

was complaining about not getting any help to appease his family’s hunger. Thank God he was not shot dead. I hope the poor old man gets a reprieve for humanitarian reasons.

In an interview over PTV4/Radyo Pilipinas, DILG Usec. RJ Echiverri said he would refer the matter to the DILG regional office.

It makes sense to take steps about overcrowded communities and thereby decongest Metro Manila.

World

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Trump denies health exec to be dismissed PRESIDENT Donald Trump dismisses reports he was considering sacking health secretary Alex Azar President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed reports he was considering sacking health secretary Alex Azar as criticism mounts over the US response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump, who risks losing public support ahead of the November election due to the climbing death toll, lashed out over stories on CNN and other media outlets.

“Reports that H.H.S. Secretary Alex Azar is going to be ‘fired’ by me are Fake News,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

“They are desperate to create the perception of chaos & havoc in the minds of the public.”

Trump renewed his attacks on Fox News, which he targets when its generally supportive broadcasting veers into criticism.

“No respect for the people running @ FoxNews. But Fox keeps on plugging to try and become politically correct,” he said.

“The people who are watching @ FoxNews... are angry. They want an alternative now. So do I!” He separately threatened lawsuits over his media coverage, and asked the “Noble Committee” to rescind awards -- presumed to be a reference to the Nobel Prize, which has no journalism category. AFP

Russia suspends grain exportation until July 1 RUSSIA, the world’s largest wheat exporter, is suspending grain exports, including wheat, rye, barley and corn until July 1, the ministry of agriculture said Sunday.

In early April, the government introduced export quotas for certain grains until the end of June but these were “fully exhausted” by Sunday, the ministry said in a statement.

“After exporting all grain declared under the quota, the export of wheat, meslin, rye, barley and corn to non-member states of the Eurasian Economic Union will be suspended until July 1, 2020,” the statement said.

The Eurasian Economic Union groups Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

Global bodies, including the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organisation have warned countries against imposing export restrictions that could interrupt the global food supply chain as the coronavirus pandemic causes massive economic upheaval.

Moscow said its earlier quotas were introduced to ensure the stability of the national market.

Sunday’s statement made no reference to the coronavirus crisis. AFP

(FILES) This photo taken on August 28, 2016 and released

by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on August 29, 2016 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waving while attending a torchlight gala of members of a youth vanguard at the May Day Stadium to mark the 9th Congress of the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League in Pyongyang. - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is “alive and well”, a top security adviser to the South’s President Moon Jae-in said late on April 26, 2020, downplaying rumours over Kim’s health following his absence from a key anniversary. AFP

N. Korea’s Kim ‘alive and well’ N

ORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un is “alive and well”, a top security adviser to the South’s President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim’s health following his absence from a key anniversary.

Conjecture over Kim has grown since his conspicuous no-show at April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North’s founder —the most important day in the country’s political calendar.

“Our government position is firm,” said Moon’s special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. “Kim Jong Un is alive and well.”

The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan—a resort town in the country’s east—since April 13, adding:

“No suspicious movements have so far been detected.”

Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers’ Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported on him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit.

His absence unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on.

“We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now,” the South’s

presidential office said in a statement last week.

South Korea’s unification minister Kim Yeon-chul reiterated Monday that remained the case, adding the “confident” conclusion was drawn from “a complex process of intelligence gathering and assessment”.

The comments came two years after Kim and Moon’s first summit in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula.

Seoul marked this anniversary with a ceremony at the South’s northernmost train station, seeking to highlight its commitment to a cross-border railway project.

But inter-Korean relations are largely frozen with talks between Washington and Pyongyang at a standstill, and there was no indication of any commemoration in the North.

‘Grave danger’ Daily NK, an online media outlet run

‘Were going out’: Kids get back streets

Express delivery: Moms rally to donate breastmilk WHISKED out of her Hong Kong home by medics in protective gear, Catherine Kosasih didn’t know if or when she would see her children—aged just four months and 21 months—again.

Once in hospital, her COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed, she was kept in isolation and her husband and children quarantined. Worse still, they discovered that because her youngest was allergic to formula, there was no way to feed her.

“I left the house suddenly and I didn’t know how long I would be in the hospital.

I had so many worries but one of the biggest ones was for the baby, who is breastfed, especially after she had such a bad reaction to formula that my husband was close to calling an ambulance,” explains the 33-year-old.

After doctors told Kosasih to dump her pumped milk because the medication she was taking to treat the virus could be passed to her baby, she contacted Gemma MacFarlane founder of Hong Kong Breastfeeding, a social media support group.

MacFarlane posted an SOS call for donations online.

Within hours, scores of mothers had come together to offer what they could, and within a day more than 15 litres -enough to feed the baby for around two weeks -- had been pledged. AFP

French cops seize 140k face masks FRENCH police have seized 140,000 face masks intended for the black market in a record haul since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is the largest seizure since the French government banned the resale of protective masks to prioritise their distribution to health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two individuals were arrested while they were unloading boxes in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, a police source said on Sunday.

One of them said he was a business owner and had bought the masks, including 5,000 high protection FFP2 masks, in the Netherlands for a total of 80,000 euros ($87,000).

The masks were to be sold to construction workers for a large profit, according to police.

In March, 32,500 masks from China were seized from a warehouse near Paris and 28,800 masks were discovered in a shop in a district of Chinese wholesalers, also in the Paris region. AFP

mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was undergoing treatment after a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month.

Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was “monitoring intelligence” that Kim was in “grave danger” after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him.

On Monday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project.AFP

Joan, 45, chases his daughters Ines, 11, and Mar, 9, as they play in the street on April 26, 2020, in Barcelona, during a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. - After six weeks stuck at home, Spain’s children were being allowed out today to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world’s toughest coronavirus lockdowns. Spain is one of the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running a more than 23,000 to put it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14, including keeping all children indoors. Today, with their scooters, tricycles or in prams, the children accompanied by their parents came out onto largely deserted streets. (Inset) Students wearing face masks arrive at the Huayu Middle School in Shanghai on April 27, 2020. Students returned to class on April 27 for the first time since schools were closed down in January as part of efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP

Saudi junks death Unions go virtual, scrap May 1 marches penalty for minors SAUDI Arabia on Sunday ended the death penalty for crimes committed by minors after effectively abolishing floggings as the kingdom seeks to blunt criticism over its human rights record.

The reforms underscore a push by de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernise the ultra-conservative kingdom long associated with a fundamentalist strain of Wahhabi Islam.

The death penalty has been eliminated for those convicted of crimes committed while they were minors, Human Rights Commission president Awwad Alawwad said in a statement, citing a royal decree.

“Instead, the individual will receive a prison sentence of no longer than 10 years in a juvenile detention facility,” the statement said.

The decree is expected to spare the lives of at least six men from the minority Shiite community who are on death row.

The were accused of taking part in anti-government protests during the Arab Spring uprisings while they were under the age of 18.

United Nations human rights experts made an urgent appeal to Saudi Arabia last year to halt plans to execute them.

“This is an important day for Saudi Arabia,” said Awwad Alawwad.

“The decree helps us in establishing a more modern penal code.” AFP

MILLIONS of workers traditionally take to the streets for May Day marches, but with half of humanity in lockdown, this is going to be a May 1 like no other.

With rallies cancelled in many coun-

May Day marches have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but unions see the crisis as a chance to get workers their due AFP

tries because of the coronavirus pandemic, unions are instead urging supporters to deck their homes and balconies with banners or take to social media to spread the message.

Britain’s Trades Union Congress shelved its planned events last month but said “it was more important than ever to mark the contribution that workers make”, especially as staff in the country’s heavilyunionised National Health Service are risking their lives fighting the virus.

They have urged people to post a “short video to social media thanking a worker who’s made a difference to you” with the hashtags #mayday and #ThankAWorker.

While US and Canadian unions show their muscle on Labor Day in September, and the holiday is marked on different dates in Australia and New Zealand, in Europe and much of Asia activists have being forced to go virtual by the lockdowns.

MADRID, Spain—Spanish children ventured outside for the first time in weeks on Sunday, April 26, and Italy and New York laid out partial reopening plans as marked decreases in deaths from the global coronavirus pandemic stirred hopes.

Even as confirmed virus infections around the world approached 3 million, governments were increasingly itching to revive shuttered economies – although there was intense debate on how quickly to move forward.

In one sign of the turnaround, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to his Downing Street official residence, a month after he tested positive for the virus and later went into intensive care.

Children in China’s two most important cities went back to school Monday after more than three months at home, as coronavirus restrictions eased and governments around the world began charting a path out of the pandemic lockdown.

“I’m glad, it’s been too long since I’ve seen my classmates,” 18-year-old Hang Huan said in Shanghai. “I’ve missed them a lot.”

“At home, it was difficult to be in front of the computer all day and not very good for learning,” she said.

Shanghai students in their final year of middle and high school were allowed back into their classrooms on Monday, while in Beijing only high school seniors were back on campus, furiously studying for the make-or-break university entrance exam.

Students must have their temperatures checked at school gates and show “green” health codes on an app that calculates a person’s infection risk, according to China’s Ministry of Education. AFP

Million Australians download smartphone tracker app THE Saudi-led military coalition on Monday rejected Yemen separatists’ declaration of self-rule over the country’s south and demanded “an end to any escalatory actions”.

The separatists’ move complicates a long and separate conflict, fought by the coalition and the internationally recognised government, against Huthi rebels who control much of the north.

Yemen’s separatists signed a powersharing deal in Riyadh last November that quelled a battle—dubbed a “civil war

within a civil war”—for the south that had in August seen them seize control of the second city of Aden.

“Following the surprising announcement of a state of emergency by the Southern Transitional Council, we re-emphasise the need to promptly implement the Riyadh Agreement,” the coalition said according to tweets from the official Saudi Press Agency.

“The Coalition demands an end to any escalatory actions and calls for return to the

Agreement by the participating parties.”

The STC, which is backed by key coalition partner the United Arab Emirates, on Sunday declared self-rule in southern Yemen, accusing the government of failing to perform its duties and of “conspiring” against the southern cause.

The government has condemned the move and said the separatists—who have long agitated for independence in the south—would be responsible for the “catastrophic and dangerous” outcome. AFP

Business

A7

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market down; ICTSI advances T

HE stock market fell slightly Monday as investors continue to weigh the impact of the extended enhanced community quarantine on the economy.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 14.53 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5,450.45 on a value turnover of P4.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 112 to 88, withy 32 issues unchanged.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group dropped 4.2 percent to P780, while sister unit BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, declined 3 percent to P97.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest bank, slipped 3.9 percent to P37.50, but International

Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator and owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., rose 5.1 percent to P82.

The rest of Asian equity markets, meanwhile, rallied Monday as the rate of coronavirus deaths dropped in several badly hit countries and leaders stepped up plans to reopen their economies, though oil prices tumbled again with supply glut fears overshadowing output reductions.

Traders were also keeping a keen eye on meetings of key central banks this week, hoping for further financial support to offset the impact of the pandemic, which is expected to send the world into recession.

But while more than 205,000 people have died from COVID-19 with nearly three million cases recorded, the latest figures from Europe’s worst-hit countries provided some much-needed hope

to markets that the peak of the crisis may have passed.

Asian traders welcomed the developments. Tokyo ended 2.7 percent up, while Hong Kong jumped 1.9 percent in late trade.

Taipei and Mumbai put on more than two percent while Sydney, Seoul and Singapore were each more than one percent higher.

Bangkok and Shanghai were also up though there were small losses in Jakarta.

“Although life is not about to return to normal anytime soon, the hope that peak virus is upon us has lifted financial markets modestly in Asia,” said OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley.

“The hopes that even a partial return to regular economic activity, to draw a line under the economic carnage wrought by the pandemic, should see markets such as equities outperform this week.”

Britain’s daily tally was the lowest since March 31, while Italy and Spain’s were the lowest in a month.

France’s toll was a drop of more than a third on the previous day’s figures.

Germany said Monday it had seen the slowest pace of infections and deaths since March 29.

And the relative improvement in the data has allowed governments to start easing up on lockdowns that have kept half the planet stuck at home.

In Italy, wholesale stores and restaurants will be allowed to resume business on May 4 and people will once again be permitted to stroll in parks and visit relatives, while other shops and museums will open three weeks later.

Spain on Sunday let children play outside for the first time since mid-March and Swiss hairdressers, massage parlours, florists and garden centres will be able to reopen from Monday. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Monday, april 27, 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 MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

48 59.5 100 0.63 19.84 16 7.85 2.83 0.91 639 0.29 38.8 8.52 17.9 23.4 165 41 17.52 103.4 1,510 54.75 1.09

48 59.6 100.1 0.87 19.86 16 7.9 2.98 0.91 639 0.29 38.9 8.52 18 23.5 166.9 41 17.52 103.5 1,510 54.8 1.09

48 58.35 97 0.63 19.78 15.5 7.65 2.72 0.91 620 0.29 37.5 8.5 17.9 22.6 165 40.1 17.5 100.5 1,510 52 1.09

FINANCIALS 48 7,000 58.95 3,581,770 97 3,406,510 0.87 10,000 19.8 105,000 15.8 16,500 7.68 208,200 2.97 36,000 0.91 6,000 620 70 0.29 10,000 37.5 4,453,500 8.5 7,200 18 2,700 22.75 179,800 166 850 40.1 8,200 17.5 24,200 100.5 417,770 1,510 30 54.4 15,940 1.09 10,000

336,000 211,055,131.50 332,861,505.50 6,810 2,078,918 261,426 1,605,571 101,640 5,460 43,780 2,900 167,765,480 61,202 48,570 4,105,520 140,699 333,670 423,564 42,097,056 45,300 841,028.50 10,900

331,200 -158,490,508 -185,558,718.50 -1,655,062 -201,833 -102,877,290 48,570 -1,834,910 49,500 -15,911,289 -749,261 -

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

26.55 2.31 8.42 0.54 1.04 2.9 0.18 1.05 14.08 8.3 13.8 27.5 51 3.65 5.45 8.45 5.1 7.9 2.88 18.5 55.5 1.45 32.4 1.24 11.94 5.7 1.12 135 3.41 6.34 10.7 6.1 6.7 255 1.91 2.5 3.15 8.88 11.38 18.3 4.2 4.5 1.62 1.35 1.07 6.03 58.3 7.8 0.107 0.8 118 2.31 0.8 0.71

27.2 2.35 8.96 0.59 1.04 3.04 0.18 1.07 14.34 8.8 13.8 27.9 51 3.75 5.55 8.46 5.24 7.98 2.88 18.6 55.5 1.46 32.4 1.26 11.94 6.15 1.37 136.5 3.5 6.4 10.7 6.53 6.7 255 1.91 2.5 3.15 8.88 11.38 18.5 4.2 4.5 1.62 1.35 1.46 6.43 58.3 7.94 0.113 0.93 121 2.5 0.82 0.73

26.05 2.26 8.42 0.53 0.92 2.82 0.18 1.03 14 8.15 13.8 27.5 51 3.65 5.1 8.02 5.02 7.74 2.67 18.2 55 1.39 32 1.17 11 5.7 1.12 134.3 3.41 6.34 10.48 6.1 6.15 251.2 1.9 2.4 3.1 8.88 11.1 18.12 4.2 4.5 1.52 1.3 1.07 6 57.5 7.8 0.107 0.79 116.6 2.31 0.8 0.71

INDUSTRIAL 27.2 512,200 2.33 4,759,000 8.61 2,314,400 0.58 4,061,000 0.92 8,000 2.92 10,113,000 0.18 100,000 1.07 5,221,000 14 485,600 8.3 2,807,800 13.8 1,000 27.9 200 51 10 3.65 20,000 5.26 4,145,100 8.02 1,033,700 5.04 3,342,400 7.88 1,938,600 2.68 4,237,000 18.58 569,500 55 14,170 1.41 12,286,000 32.4 1,000 1.24 3,137,000 11.18 557,600 5.82 632,600 1.2 5,347,000 134.5 1,602,920 3.5 12,000 6.4 10,800 10.56 1,386,700 6.25 1,584,000 6.2 1,697,500 252 214,730 1.91 3,229,000 2.4 27,000 3.15 880,000 8.88 100 11.36 403,500 18.48 414,700 4.2 770,000 4.5 3,000 1.57 2,597,000 1.3 291,000 1.34 31,661,000 6.41 2,824,500 57.75 326,440 7.94 17,200 0.113 450,000 0.86 2,472,000 121 1,117,260 2.5 8,000 0.82 10,844,000 0.73 781,000

13,675,595 10,995,420 20,031,830 2,273,060 7,480 29,657,240 18,000 5,504,990 6,858,038 23,800,626 13,800 5,540 510 73,300 21,780,229 8,390,638 16,940,468 15,409,755 11,640,860 10,496,334 782,126.50 17,414,630 32,350 3,822,110 6,295,240 3,774,059 6,663,840 215,981,572 41,340 69,028 14,601,418 10,027,147 10,773,463 54,315,126 6,153,900 66,200 2,756,000 888 4,532,830 7,602,884 3,234,000 13,500 4,035,400 380,400 42,409,330 17,613,390 18,854,730.50 135,787 48,460 2,206,570 131,934,485 18,670 8,811,600 563,290

-2,878,075 544,630.00 -507,230 -1,105,880 -540,450 -727,808 -186,531 -58,400 -4,792,524 -1,405,871.00 -1,215,559.00 -3,940,050 27,500 -2,335,128 -719,892.50 -768,800 4,900 -2,184,928 -743,096 -1,500 35,004,730 -3,969,024 -585,426 -4,498,093 -24,858,036 3,811,030 2,400 -337,120 1,227,576 -630,000 145,300 -39,190 435,470 12,546,542 -8,720 -4,620 -52,471,882 -68,800 -

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

0.59 41 6.36 0.53 6.04 7.11 0.53 0.53 554 1.89 4.79 4.19 8.59 444 49 5.07 0.475 2.69 7.77 0.5 2.61 2.8 0.82 2.4 98 818 0.69 0.99 163 136.2 0.16

0.59 42.5 6.36 0.53 6.05 7.36 0.53 0.54 562 1.98 4.88 4.28 8.59 449.8 50.5 5.07 0.52 2.69 7.85 0.5 2.62 3.02 0.9 2.5 98 818 0.69 0.99 163 141 0.16

0.56 40.4 6.22 0.53 5.97 7.04 0.5 0.53 539 1.75 4.76 4.17 8.1 433 48.5 5.06 0.475 2.63 7.51 0.47 2.51 2.8 0.76 2.4 96.45 780 0.63 0.98 162 136.2 0.152

HOLDING FIRMS 0.57 4,025,000 42.5 412,800 6.3 1,562,200 0.53 31,000 6 45,400 7.08 8,300 0.52 2,852,000 0.54 733,000 562 153,210 1.8 6,931,000 4.81 479,000 4.2 2,149,000 8.1 1,300 435.6 192,510 50 1,326,200 5.06 4,900 0.485 150,000 2.63 338,000 7.6 449,500 0.495 38,000 2.53 19,525,000 3.02 7,000 0.86 1,473,000 2.5 8,000 97.5 130,440 780 356,720 0.68 340,000 0.99 34,000 162 1,010 141 2,480 0.159 1,590,000

2,292,910 17,231,975 9,810,446 16,430 273,514 59,031 1,472,640 388,500 84,857,755 12,928,610 2,307,330 9,019,860 10,677 83,965,410 66,073,950 24,814 73,400 898,440 3,406,810 18,040 49,550,320 20,480 1,259,870 19,500 12,650,414 279,745,015 221,010 33,610 163,670 344,706 248,070

178,620 -3,619,085 -4,952,827 109,200 387,960 -25,439,040 779,250 -1,572,670 -989,840 -13,622,330 -48,170,940 -791,780 -2,282,102 -12,333,080 -2,110 -7,660,665 -49,346,610 -215,079 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND

10.88 0.56 9.1 1 0.59 29.3 1.34 3.97 0.355 0.72 7.26 16.14 0.29 0.91 0.81 2.61 0.163 0.33 0.82 0.249 1.52 15.38

10.88 0.58 9.1 1.01 0.62 29.45 1.34 4.02 0.355 0.75 7.38 16.16 0.29 0.93 0.85 2.65 0.163 0.33 0.82 0.249 1.52 15.48

10.72 0.56 9.1 1 0.59 28.2 1.32 3.91 0.35 0.72 6.82 15.9 0.29 0.9 0.8 2.55 0.158 0.3 0.8 0.249 1.48 14.8

PROPERTY 10.8 27,700 0.56 1,537,000 9.1 100 1.01 116,000 0.59 4,401,000 29.2 6,908,300 1.32 17,000 3.98 241,000 0.355 3,140,000 0.72 11,000 6.85 235,900 15.92 119,000 0.29 50,000 0.93 5,525,000 0.85 87,000 2.58 9,439,000 0.163 6,570,000 0.305 2,260,000 0.8 344,000 0.249 30,000 1.5 58,000 15.48 1,732,400

299,164 870,980 910 116,150 2,650,400 199,567,945 22,700 954,570 1,103,100 7,950 1,662,133 1,912,868 14,500 5,086,700 70,150 24,258,100 1,046,610 681,000 277,910 7,470 87,070 26,213,660

-2,160 -26,790.00 -15,150 -63,435,390 -366,770.00 -297,538 -520,110 -711,270 -7,762,810 -3,384,756

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

1.5 2.69 28.95 1.88 1.31 4.09 3.9

1.5 2.71 28.95 1.9 1.35 4.1 4.1

1.5 2.69 27.6 1.86 1.25 4 3.9

1.5 2.7 28.8 1.9 1.26 4 4.1

26,000 19,000 13,845,600 41,000 1,984,000 1,525,000 100,000

39,000 51,400 393,390,050 77,030 2,579,140 6,132,880 402,900

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

10.5 16.6 5.75 0.31 0.037 16.86 2.65 5.48 0.03 47.55 6.49 3.55 2.31 7.12 2,208 4.9 323 0.91 79.9 0.081 13.5 1.51 5.3 0.36 1.94 1.76 2.78 2.54 10.7 1.84 1.7 7.3 2.03 3.03 130 2.42 1,227 0.32 0.275 47.25 60.8 5.2 1.2 0.35 0.204 0.41 14.1

10.7 16.7 5.8 0.31 0.039 16.86 2.79 5.55 0.03 48.3 6.49 3.55 2.33 7.12 2,248 4.9 323 0.91 82 0.082 13.5 1.51 5.5 0.375 1.94 1.99 2.85 2.54 10.7 1.84 1.75 7.3 2.03 3.09 130 2.42 1,270 0.32 0.285 48 62 5.2 1.2 0.35 0.204 0.42 14.1

9.25 16.5 5.5 0.31 0.036 15.56 2.43 5.28 0.029 47.3 6.49 3.21 2.09 6.51 2,156 4.8 323 0.86 79 0.081 13.3 1.44 4.8 0.35 1.94 1.76 2.25 2.37 10.5 1.74 1.66 6.77 2 2.83 130 2.23 1,226 0.305 0.25 46.95 60.5 5.2 1.16 0.34 0.185 0.395 13.7

SERVICES 9.35 16.58 5.67 0.31 0.036 15.58 2.5 5.35 0.03 48.3 6.49 3.29 2.09 6.7 2,210 4.85 323 0.9 82 0.082 13.3 1.46 4.85 0.35 1.94 1.9 2.38 2.37 10.6 1.74 1.66 7.3 2 3.06 130 2.3 1,239 0.315 0.26 47 62 5.2 1.2 0.345 0.194 0.42 14

1,043,600 187,000 1,063,100 20,000 10,900,000 55,300 1,474,000 3,916,100 4,800,000 140,300 600 1,054,000 62,603,000 52,400 62,340 174,000 30 565,000 734,270 1,020,000 1,300 139,000 16,837,600 320,000 3,000 6,713,000 5,671,000 55,000 700 2,658,000 21,000 52,300 50,000 28,000 210 3,423,000 162,180 5,880,000 28,840,000 6,682,300 300,680 300 1,987,000 7,130,000 3,080,000 1,070,000 930,100

10,153,271 3,100,660 6,002,251 6,200 399,500 861,698 3,863,670 20,920,639 140,500 6,705,120 3,894 3,494,370 137,068,360 350,142 137,858,430 841,510 9,690 496,040 59,250,887 83,140 17,520 202,730 86,272,504 113,550 5,820 12,639,850 14,454,660 132,430 7,380 4,775,020 36,120 363,573 100,800 81,070 27,300 7,907,100 201,710,080 1,849,850 7,707,750 316,472,835 18,437,250.50 1,560 2,327,840 2,462,100 593,640 429,900 12,971,588

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

0.001 6.71 1.04 1.9 10.7 1.1 2.73 0.202 6.65 0.76 0.203 0.085 0.094 0.007 0.6 1.66 0.91 0.39 0.475 0.0085 2.39 4.35 11.8 0.0042

0.0011 6.97 1.04 1.9 10.7 1.1 2.73 0.205 6.87 0.93 0.21 0.085 0.094 0.007 0.61 1.73 0.96 0.39 0.5 0.0085 2.39 4.38 12.6 0.0042

0.001 6.71 0.95 1.9 10.7 1.1 2.73 0.193 6.55 0.75 0.202 0.083 0.085 0.007 0.58 1.63 0.91 0.39 0.475 0.0085 2.3 4.12 11.68 0.0042

MINING & OIL 0.0011 59,000,000 6.96 43,600 1 1,640,000 1.9 10,000 10.7 500 1.1 1,000 2.73 160,000 0.205 580,000 6.87 5,900 0.93 19,617,000 0.202 1,190,000 0.084 3,830,000 0.093 620,000 0.007 4,000,000 0.6 100,000 1.73 23,059,000 0.96 2,000 0.39 40,000 0.475 190,000 0.0085 5,000,000 2.37 51,000 4.2 1,857,000 12.6 718,100 0.0042 1,000,000

59,700 293,276 1,619,350 19,000 5,350 1,100 436,800 115,890 38,697 16,846,060 241,920 319,150 54,170 28,000 60,070 39,062,410 1,870 15,600 90,650 42,500 120,130 7,839,080 8,538,268 4,200

697 52,200 -3,159,590 -61,570 228,080 1,882,304 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2R ALCO PREF C CPG PREF A FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

15.6 491 504.5 98 99.5 103 480 996 981 100 1,001 99.5 1,005 76.3 74.85 74.9 75.3 75.05 75 75

15.6 491 504.5 98 99.5 103 480 997 981 100 1,013 99.5 1,005 76.35 74.9 75 75.3 75.3 75 75

15.1 491 491 98 99.5 103 480 996 981 99.7 1,001 99 1,000 76.3 74.85 74.9 75 75.05 74.8 75

PREFERRED 15.16 57,000 491 10 491 40 98 880 99.5 40 103 20 480 20 997 1,500 981 30 99.7 220 1,013 210 99 3,240 1,000 4,320 76.35 15,400 74.9 7,040 75 26,010 75 10,400 75.3 42,020 74.8 7,000 75 9,700

875,790 4,910 19,910 86,240 3,980 2,060 9,600 1,495,490 29,430 21,973 210,330 320,880 4,333,900 1,175,780 527,146 1,950,497 780,450 3,163,146 524,600 727,500

-614,100 -100,100 -

LR WARRANT

0.77

0.77

0.75

WARRANTS 0.75 53,000

40,050

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

2.18 6.75 0.64

2.3 7.15 0.65

2.05 6.65 0.57

2.06 7.05 0.61

FIRST METRO ETF

83.5

84.4

82.75

MS Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

12,509,056

INDUSTRIAL

133,293,215

HOLDING FIRMS

45,475,090

PROPERTY

60,426,187

SERVICES

182,068,012

MINING & OIL

122,724,579

GRAND TOTAL

568,771,271

SME

9,391,000 48,500 2,812,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 82.8 21,450

-24,300 -17,757,940 -1,973,850 -100,922 2,092,078 0 -6,721,851 1,407,770 -1,166,380.00 -20,041,910 8,495,949 10,200 -8,579,568 -20,700 54,820 3,900 53,160.00 26,405,675 -71,550 -38,302,340 -3,869,684 -896,070 -4,000 9,470,360

-

20,187,960 334,456 1,714,470

345,480 -

1,782,942

114,347

VALUE 1,162.61 (down) 26.08 764,277,344.09 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 7,249.67 (up) 40.19 798,494,355.60 HOLDING FIRMS 5,312.58 (down) 49.20 649,870,580.14 PROPERTY 2,732.44 (up) 16.98 1,318.23 (up) 17.66 669,742,177.076 SERVICES MINING & OIL 4,834.86 (up) 242.41 1,084,746,124.83 PSEI 5,450.45 (down) 14.53 75,863,082.78 All Shares Index 3,342.72 (down) 8.01 4,067,018,730.97 Gainers: 88; Losers: 112; Unchanged: 32; Total: 232

UnionBank’s net profit rose 22% to P2.6b in first quarter

By Julito G. Rada UNION Bank of the Philippines, the eighth-largest lender in terms of assets, said net income in the first quarter rose 22 percent year-on-year to P2.6 billion, on the strength of its core businesses.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday revenues increased 37 percent to P9.5 billion, fueled by net interest income, which grew 47 percent on year to P6.8 billion.

Customer loans climbed 24 percent to P391.8 billion due to the expansion of commercial lending ( up 35 percent), consumer loans (31 percent) and SME banking (25 percent).

Margins rose by 114 basis points to 4.5 percent from 3.4 percent in the previous year, driven by lower funding costs resulting from the expansion of current and savings account deposits (22 percent), as well as from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ cuts in policy rate and reserve requirement ratio.

UnionBank allotted higher provisions in the first quarter of the year in anticipation of the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the bank’s credit portfolio.

It raised the provision for loan losses by 750 percent to P1.3 billion from just P174.6 million in the previous year.

“We deemed it prudent to set aside higher provisions for the year given the uncertainties brought about by this unprecedented health crisis,” Jose Emmanuel Hilado, UnionBank chief financial officer and treasurer, said.

“Our solid financial performance and capital base shall provide us the cushion to withstand the economic impact of the enhanced community quarantine,” Hilado said.

UnionBank president and chief executive Edwin Bautista said the bank was committed to support the economy and its customers by ensuring access to liquidity and other financial needs amid this crisis.

Bautista said branches remained open to the public and the bank’s digital channels were highly accessible.

“We encourage everyone to safely Bank from Home and take advantage of the features of our UnionBank Online app such as digital account opening, online check deposits, fund transfers, and remittance to partner outlets, including remittance centers nationwide,” Bautista said.

“I am deeply thankful to all UnionBank frontliners and employees operating the bank from their homes, who ensure that we deliver full banking services to our customers during this unprecedented pandemic,” Bautista said.

MacroAsia says income in 2019 up by 10% to P1.19b

By Darwin G. Amojelar MACROASIA Corp. said Monday consolidated net income in 2019 rose 10 percent to P1.19 billion from P1.08 billion a year ago.

The company, owned by airline and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan, posted consolidated revenues of P6.16 billion last year from P3.42 billion in 2018.

Revenues of MacroAsia’s catering segment, which contributed 47 percent of total sales, grew 75 percent to P2.91 billion last year from P1.66 billion in 2018.

The company attributed the higher revenues to the increased number of meals served to airline and institutional clients from 5.8 million in 2018 to 12.4 million meals in 2019.

The increase in meal count is attributable to contributions coming from subsidiaries of MACS, namely MSFI, which begun commercial operations in March 2019, and MacroAsia SATS Inflight Services, a subsidiary of MACS that was designated as inflight caterer of Philippine Airlines starting March 16, 2019.

The revenues from ground-handling and aviation services rose to P2.87 billion from the previous year’s P1.46 billion.

“The growth is due to increasing passenger and ramp services for PAL and PAL Express in Manila and Cebu,” the company said.

MacroAsia Airport Services is one of three ground handlers that received concessions to operate in the new Terminal 2 in Mactan, Cebu. It started to book revenues in the terminal in October 2018.

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

A8

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

Business

Razon Group begins quick antibody tests for employees

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Razon Group of Companies started rapid antibody testing of its employees for their protection and in preparation for eventual re-entry into the workforce.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. and Bloomberry Resorts Corp.’s Solaire Resort & Casino teamed up with the Tropical Disease Foundation and Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. to screen employees for coronavirus disease 2019, both for those who have been working from home and those who have been working in the frontline to help keep the economy moving.

“Our employees are our number one asset. As we try to overcome this most difficult phase and into the ‘new normal,’ we do so without letting our guard down,” said ICTSI and BRC chairman Enrique Razon Jr. “Consistent with our aim of helping the country’s health infrastructure in tackling the extent of the pandemic, our decision to invest in mass testing will give us, our employees and their loved ones the reassurance that they will have a safe working environment which ICTSI and Solaire are well-known for,” he said.

Using a two-pronged strategy proposed by health experts, rapid testing will be done through point-of-care test kits, a diagnostic tool that measures antibodies from a blood sample in 10 to 15 minutes. An emerging science, rapid testing works on the premise that antibodies can potentially be markers of past and active infections.

It said in conjunction with required confirmatory testing, a second test using traditional kits, processed through a realtime polymerase chain reaction or RTPCR machine, can detect the presence of the actual coronavirus within days and are deemed more accurate.

The group said to ensure that the samples are processed properly and the results interpreted correctly, trained health professionals from the TDF and AC Health are supervising the entire testing process.

It said that as part of efforts to ramp up local testing capability, the TDF is working with the Department of Health and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to fast-track the validation and approval of its required laboratory certification to do coronavirus tests.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. and Bloomberry Resorts Corp.’s Solaire Resort & Casino start rapid antibody testing of its employees, mainly for their protection and in preparation for their eventual re-entry into the workplace. Trained health professionals supervise the entire process to ensure the samples are processed properly and the results are interpreted correctly.

Small businesses to incur P461-b losses under ECQ

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Finance Department asked Congress to give small businesses more time to recoup their losses amounting to over P460 billion under the enhanced community quarantine this year.

It proposed that Congress extend the tax deductibility of losses incurred by small businesses in 2020 to five years from the current three years.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement under the proposed extension of the net operating loss carry-over for small businesses to five years, the government would absorb as much as P139.6 billion in the form of foregone tax payments.

Dominguez said stretching the NOLCO by two more years which under the National Internal Revenue Code should be up to three taxable years would require congressional approval.

“We will propose to Congress an extended NOLCO of five years for net losses that will be incurred in 2020.

This means that a small business’ losses

this year may be deducted from their income for up to the next five years for tax purposes. The purpose of extending NOLCO is to give them more time to recoup their losses arising from implementation of the enhanced community quarantine and other measures to contain the spread of COVID-19,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said estimates showed that financial losses of small businesses would amount to P465.3 billion as a result of the ECQ and other containment measures that have forced them to temporarily close shop or to continue operating but with only a skeleton force.

“The longer NOLCO period will have the effect of lowering the tax payments between 2021 and 2025 of affected small businesses by a combined

Aboitiz Equity trims ‘20 capex budget to P47b

FACE SHIELDS.

Health workers use face shields provided by Universal Robina Corp. and Gokongwei Brothers Foundation.

URC temporarily repurposed some parts of its production line to manufacture 100,000 reusable face shields vital to frontline health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. The face shields will go to some hospitals that have been at the forefront of the country’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Dominguez unperturbed over decrease in sin tax collections THE Department of Finance said it will not recommend the easing of restrictions in the trade of cigarettes and liquor to increase sin tax collections in the middle of the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

“No,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a brief response to reporters. “Sin taxes are imposed to discourage consumption of products that are detrimental to health. We do wish not to exacerbate the current health crisis.”

Dominguez said one of the restrictions to cigarette trade was that companies were not allowed to withdraw from their factories because they were covered by a halt in manufacturing activities as cigarettes were considered non-essential.

Several local government units also

estimated total of P139.6 billion,” he said.

Estimates by the department showed that small businesses operating in malls and other retail outlets would incur losses of about P461 billion while those that remained open but on skeleton force capacity would lose around P4.3 billion.

Dominguez said the enhanced NOLCO for small enterprises to cover losses in 2020 is similar to the tax relief measures being adopted in the United States and China to provide relief to their respective business sectors.

Based on the existing provisions of the NIRC, net operating losses, which had not been previously offset as a deduction, should be carried over as a deduction from gross income for the next three taxable years immediately following the year of such loss.

Dominguez said the DOF’s enhanced NOLCO proposal is part of the three-pronged rescue program to help small businesses and their workers survive the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

imposed ban on the sale and consumption of liquor during the ECQ to prevent people from going out of their homes and interacting with their neighbors.

Tax collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue plummeted by a third and fell 45 percent short of the target as of mid-April amid the community quarantine measures that paralyzed economic activities in Luzon and other parts of the country.

Data showed total collections of the BIR from January to mid-April this year dived to P480.64 billion, P226.15 billion or 32 percent below of what it collected in the same period last year.

The BIR extended the deadlines for the filing and payment of income and other taxes to next month as a result of the community quarantine measures de-

signed to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.

Preliminary data submitted by the BIR to the Department of Finance also showed collections from Jan. 1 to April 17 was also P398.54 billion or 45.3 percent short of the P879.18-billion target for the period.

The BIR, which accounts for 78 percent of the state’s tax collection capacity, said that the April figure represented less than 10 percent of its target for the month. It said that from April 1 to 17, tax collections amounted to only P25.01 billion, or just 8.66 percent of its P288.75-billion target for the entire month. It was also 89.5 percent lower than P237.93 billion it collected in the first 17 days of April 2019.

Julito G. Rada

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. said Monday it reduced its planned 2020 capital expenditures to P47 billion from an initial target of P73 billion as the company weighs business strategy amid the current economic conditions.

Aboitiz Equity said in a statement it would move back some spending considering the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the company’s operations and future growth.

Most of the capex reductions were from the infrastructure, power, and land units. These mostly covered operating, maintenance and expansion costs, it said.

The company said that with the ongoing global threat of COVID-19, the group and its business units were carefully weighing opportunities and further embracing an agile strategy in the execution of the 2020 plans.

“Digital infrastructure investments in previous years and regular business continuity planning has allowed us to cope with the adverse impact of COVID-19.

While it’s anyone’s guess how the future will unfold, we assure our stakeholders that we are fully equipped and prepared to guarantee the continuity of all business transactions,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.

Aboitiz Group started adjusting to a work environment that vastly changed since the middle of March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the first steps we took was to protect our team members. We earmarked P900 million in assistance [early release of end-March salary and the 13th or 14th month pay] to help our team members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. We did more online work, more work from home—preventive measures are going to be the name of the game until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed,” Aboitiz said.

Meralco’s net profit dropped 54% to P2.6b in first quarter

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, said Monday net income dropped 54 percent in the first quarter to P2.619 billion from P5.671 billion a year ago because of its exposure to Singapore Electricity Market, which suffered a huge decline in electricity prices.

Meralco said net income declined with the recognition of the company’s P2.7-billion share in the impairment of investment in PacificLight Power Pte Ltd. amid lower electricity prices in Singapore.

It said core net income actually improved 2 percent in the first quarter to P5.724 billion from P5.598 billion in the same period last year as the company had not yet fully absorbed the lower local demand for electricity under the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

“As we communicate our firstquarter results in the midst of this unimaginable impact on our economy, health and healthcare, financial and logistics environment, it may be too early to guide on our earnings outlook for the year 2020. The full tragedy of COVID-19 has yet to unfold.

That said, we remain optimistic that we will see a recovery in the overall business environment starting the second half of 2020,” Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“Challenging as the second quarter may be, we saw some silver lining as our April 22, 2020 demand peaked at 5,491 MW [for the first time since the start of the ECQ, which had always hovered at the 3,500 MW to 4,300+ MW range].

Whilst the virus has brought unprecedented pain and sorrow into our lives, we cannot allow it to break us; instead, we shall emerge from this broken world into the light, stronger and wiser,” Pangilinan said.

IN BRIEF

PH rice inventory to hit 94 days by end of 2020 THE Agriculture Department said the Philippines will end 2020 with a rice inventory of at least 94 days despite the great demand for the commodity.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said new estimates showed an ending rice inventory of 3.27 million metric tons by the end of this year.

“This will settle, once and for all, the misconceptions espoused by uninformed quarters on the rice supply outlook, as the Department’s estimate is based on the official data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, and validated on the ground by the regional field offices,” he said.

The country’s rice supply comes from three sources—from beginning stock or surplus carried over from the previous year, local production and imports.

The estimated rice supply by the end of the year is about 17.99 million MT, or 18 percent higher than tota demand of 14.67 million MT. The computation included the contribution of the Rice Resiliency Project under the Plant, Plant, Plant Program or the Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) kontra Covid-19.

Othel V. Campos

Electric co-ops allot P365m as assistance ELECTRIC cooperatives allocated around P365 million to the Pantawid Liwanag, a program that will benefit lifeline or low-income consumers, the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association said Monday.

Philreca, the national association of 121 electric cooperatives throughout the entire Philippines, estimates the Pantawid Liwanag program to initially require at least P250 million before it was increased to P365 million as more electric cooperatives joined the program.

“A partial estimate of P365 million has been allocated already by ECs to support this program…At least three million consumers do not have to worry about their electricity bill this quarantine period. They do not have to be concerned about how to pay for their electricity consumption–a basic need–as their electric cooperatives will be paying for their bills through the Pantawid Liwanag Program,” Philreca said in a statement.

Pantawid Liwanag seeks to aid the memberconsumer-owners of electric cooperatives that are categorized as “lifeline consumers,” or those who live below the poverty line and use electricity not exceeding 50 kWh based.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Fruitas set to reopen more stores this week LEADING food and beverage kiosk operator Fruitas Holdings Inc. is ready to reopen more stores in Metro Manila and in provincial areas where quarantine restrictions will be eased starting later this week.

Fruitas said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday it already reopened more than 10 stores in the past week and is set to reopen at least 10 more this week, bringing the total active stores to above 60.

The company said it would gradually expand operations taking into account local circumstances.

“As we resume operations in more stores, we will continue to adapt our business model and optimize the use of our resources. We are looking at ways to make it easier and faster for our customers to order our products and at contactless pick-up options,” said Fruitas president and chief executive Lester Yu. “We are harnessing our model of maximizing sales and profits with limited space, including the utilization of kitchen capacity in our foodparks to fulfill delivery orders,” he said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Cocolife Tigers to resume training for MPBL battle THE DAVAO Occidental Cocolife Tigers can now resume their comprehensive training and physical conditioning in preparation for their south division title retention bid against Basilan in the Lakan Cup of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League right in their bailiwick in Mindanao.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced last Thursday the downgrading of the Enhanced Community Quarantine to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in many areas of Mindanao, particularly Davao Occidental, the home of the pacesetting Tigers.

The continuing increase of affected citizens from COVID-19 in the National Capital Region and other regions in Luzon and Visayas has prompted the President to extend the ECQ until May 15, as a result of the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

The GCQ status in the south has paved the way for the Tigers of Dumper Party List Rep. Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental, with support from Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque, to train in their hometurf as part of their motivation from the coaching staff and management, led by team manager Dinko Bautista and assisted by deputy Ray Alao.

“We will still follow the social-distancing scheme, where we will focus primarily in our physical conditioning.

We are optimistic that we will go back to normal in the near future, where action to the tournament will once again witnessed by basketball-loving Filipinos in the MPBL,” said Alao, who acknowledged the players’ gains in their recent on-line practice sessions via Zoom.

The Tigers and Basilan are tied 1-1 in their best-of-three southern finals to force a rubber-match that was reset due to the coronavirus outbreak.

PH Dota 2 scene vies for chance to face 2-time world champs RED Bull River Runes returns to the Philippines for the second year in a row as players from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will go headto-head in 1v1 Dota 2 battle.

Regional qualifiers will take place digitally through the month of May, with the eventual winner being awarded the chance of facing a member of the back-to-back The International World Champions—OG. What is Red Bull River Runes?

Red Bull River Runes is a custom map built in the Dota 2 environment.

The tournament offers players a fast-paced 1v1 mirror matchup that rewards intuition and the ability to make quick decisions.

In order for a player to progress through the tournament, they must first achieve three kills or score the first kill on an enemy T1 Tower.

Red Bull River Runes is open to all players ages 18 and above, with their own Steam and Discord accounts.

Qualifying rounds and the Philippine Finals will commence online on the following dates: May 8th & 9th—Mindanao Qualifier; May 15th & 16th—Visayas Qualifier; May 22nd & 23rd—Luzon Qualifier; May 29th—Last Chance Qualifier; May 30th—Philippine Finals (to be livestreamed via Lupon WXC); and June—1v1 Finals with OG The International 2019 Champions.

Registrations officially opened on April 23.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

B1

SMB’s Austria named Coach of Year th a 4 time San Miguel Beer mentor Leo Austria is the scribes’ Coach of the Year.

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INNING championships and bagging the Coach of the Year award have become a habit for San Miguel Beer mentor Leo Austria.

For the fourth time in the last five years, the San Miguel Beer mentor will be the recipient of the coveted Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan trophy in the annual Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps Awards’ ceremony.

Austria, 62, edged Barangay Ginebra coaching great Tim Cone for the honor named after the late great ‘Maestro’ of Philippine basketball.

The crowning glory for Austria will have to wait further, however, as the awarding rites, originally scheduled last March 16 at the Novotel Manila in Araneta Center and to be aired over Cignal TV, had been postponed indefinitely following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Austria, the former Rookie of the Year (1985), clinched the award annually given by the men and women who regularly cover the PBA beat, after guiding San Miguel Beer to back-toback championships in the 2019 season, including a record fifth straight crown in the Philippine Cup. Following their title triumph in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup, the Beermen were in line to gun for a rare grand slam, but faltered in the homestretch of the Governors’ Cup, which Cone and the Kings eventually won.

But there was no denying Austria, who now owns a total of eight championships since becoming SMB coach in

2014, of winning the award again.

The soft-spoken coach from Sariaya, Quezon made history three years ago when he became the first to win the award three seasons in a row as he earned the right to keep the Perpetual Trophy—first given in 1993— permanently.

He lost to Magnolia’s Chito Victolero for the 2018 award.

The Coach of the Year title is the fourth for Austria, moving him solo at no. 2 in the all-time winning list after previously being tied with Cone and Ryan Gregorio.

Chot Reyes, the former Gilas Pilipinas mentor, tops the honor roll as the only five-time winner of the award.

Other multiple winners are Yeng Guiao, Jong Uichico, and Perry Ronquillo, all with two each for a tie at no. 4.

Subba challenges Lakay’s Banario MALAYSIAN star Keanu Subba wants to make an impressive return to the ONE Championship Circle, and he has a former Filipino World Champion in his crosshairs.

Subba has his eyes set on former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario after a long layoff due to a shin injury.

“I need to make a statement when I make my return because I’ve been out for almost a year,” Subba told ONEFC.com.

“Honorio Banario is the perfect opponent for me. After him, I have a whole list of guys I want to compete against, but Honorio is the guy now. Beating him, a former World Champion, is going to put me right back in the mix.”

Banario became the division’s inaugural World Champion after he beat fellow Igorot Eric “The Natural” Kelly back in 2013.

A string of setbacks prompted Banario to move to the light-

Honorio Banario

weight division, where he blew hot and cold. Recently, Banario returned to the featherweight division and beat Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE in February.

With 19 bouts in the promotion, Banario is one of the most experienced athletes in The Home Of Martial Arts, and Subba believes there is no guy better to test his skills against when he returns.

“Just look at his experience—he has fought guys like Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, Lowen Tynanes, and Ev “ET” Ting. He was even winning that fight against Amir Khan [in September 2018] until Amir took him down and choked him out,” Subba said.

“At first, I thought about facing Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci. But after doing some research, I realized that [Honorio] has a bigger fanbase, and that is why I want to face him.”

He also credited Banario’s evolution as an athlete as the Mankayan, Benguet native turned from just merely a wushucentric athlete to a more rounded competitor. It was most evident in his win against Wiratchai, where his takedowns played a big part in the decision.

“Stylistically, when he first signed with ONE, he was known as a very wushu-dominant guy,” the Bali MMA representative said.

“However, he has evolved into a well-rounded fighter. In some of his recent fights, he has been going for the takedowns and submissions rather than just wanting to knock people out. I have improved, too, so this would be an interesting fight.

“His strength and striking are his greatest threats, but I can figure out his pattern, and if it goes to the ground, I can do even better.”

At the moment, Banario remains disconnected from the online world as he is currently enjoying solitude in Buguias, Benguet, but his Team Lakay head coach in Mark Sangiao is already up to the challenge.

“Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario is being summoned,” he said. “We never say no!”

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

Commissioner wants to play NFL season as planned LOS ANGELES—Roger Goodell described the last few weeks as some of the most unpredictable in National Football League history, but the commissioner says he is moving forward and intends to play the NFL season “as planned”.

Goodell said it is too early to know how the coronavirus outbreak will play out over the coming months but the league is making plans and talking to government officials about how best to get the teams on the field.

“We’re going to be prepared, obviously, to play as planned,” Goodell told ESPN from the basement of his home just before he announced the first pick in the 2020 entry draft.

“But we’re also going to be prepared and look at alternatives.

“Right now, it’s too early to speculate on anything specific that we’d be focusing on. We’ve still got three and a half months before we kick off (the preseason).”

Asked if the league would play without fans, Goodell declined to give a specific answer. He said the next step is to reopen the club’s 32 training facilities around the country.

“We have to do it collectively as 32 teams,” he said.

“The one thing I’ve always learned, and I think it’s been evident in the past few weeks, is that it’s difficult to predict the future,” Goodell said. “Particularly in this kind of environment.

“None of us could have made a realistic expectation about what was going to happen over the last 60 days if you look back three or four months ago.”

The league offices have been shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Goodell and team owners have been communicating with employees and government officials at the federal, state and civic level via virtual platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime.

“I just believe that our job is to continue on, and to operate within whatever guidelines are necessary to keep our personnel safe,” he said. AFP

NBA allows individual player workouts LOS ANGELES—NBA team practice facilities will reportedly reopen Friday in states and cities where coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home requirements have been loosened, allowing players to conduct individual workouts.

ESPN reported that teams will remain banned from conducting group workouts or other activities, citing unnamed sources.

The May 1 move would allow players to return to team facilities in such states as Georgia, home of the Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder, for fitness workouts in a safe and controlled environment.

The move, according to the report, does not reflect a new timetable for resumption of the 2019-20 season, which was halted March 12 when Utah Jazz

center Rudy Gobert was diagnosed with the deadly virus.

But it would mark a small first step on the road back to a possible completion of the regular season and playoffs, which typically last two months.

Most areas with NBA teams have more restrictive confinement measures remaining in place, so the league is telling clubs they will work to find alternative workout arrangements for players not in areas where they could report to team facilities.

With many NBA players not hunkered down in their club’s home markets, it could happen that NBA franchises with open facilities allow players from opposing clubs to use gyms on a limited basis for solo workouts.

With Georgia reopening many businesses in the past few days, some

players had asked team officials about the possibility of going to Atlanta and working out in gyms there, a move team general managers did not favor.

Some general managers, according to ESPN, expressed concerns about the safety of reopening facilities given that medical officials have been against the idea of reopening businesses.

Georgia’s reopening move, for instance, came without the 14 days of diminishing coronavirus positive tests that were sought in federal guidelines of a multi-step process to reopening businesses across the United States.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said he will not begin to consider a timetable for resumption until May. The NBA playoffs were to have started on April 18. AFP

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks reacts in the second half against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NBA team practice facilities will reportedly reopen on May 1 in states and cities where coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home requirements have been loosened, allowing players to conduct individual workouts.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B2

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020 Kanye West, seen in New York in November 2019, is worth some $1.3 billion according to Forbes.

Sylvia Sanchez considers her family as her source of strength.

Sylvia Sanchez finds a new lease on life

RAPPER Kanye West is now a billionaire thanks largely to the basketball shoes bearing his name that he developed with Adidas, Forbes magazine said Friday.

The rough figure of the wealth of Kim Kardashian's hubby is $1.3 billion, the magazine said in announcing the musician is now on its list of people worth at least $1 billion.

The 42-year-old, Chicago-born rapper's Yeezy footwear often sells for more than $200 a pair in the United States and elsewhere.

West was associated with Nike for years but broke away in 2013, lending his name to Adidas as they launched their first

SHTICKS JOSEPH PETER GONZALES

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APAMILYA actress Sylvia Sanchez can now put her mind at rest especially that she’s already home after her battle against the coronavirus disease.

Late last month, the Pamilya Ko lead star and her husband Art Atayde tested positive for the dreaded disease. Fortunately, Sylvia was confirmed to be COVID-free after her last two tests.

In her recent Facebook post, the actress thanked God and all those who prayed for her and husband’s speedy recovery. Sylvia revealed that Art had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days more for his next swab test.

The seasoned screen actress is grateful to have passed the critical stage. In her recent interview with ABS-CBN News, she said that she’s glad that she’s overcome this ordeal.

“I’ve been through a tough stage, you know. It was simply life-threatening.

There’s this certain drug that affected my heart. When it was injected to me, my body didn’t respond positively. My blood pressure and the oxygen in my blood went down drastically,” she revealed.

“I learned later on that had I continued taking the medicine, it’s possible that I’d have cardiac arrest. I’m thankful that the doctors were able to stop the spread of the virus in my body. It was only during the first three days that I had difficulty in breathing.

It didn’t reach the point that I had to be intubated. Thank God,” she added.

When she was in the hospital, the actress said that she kept thinking of her children, that she should be strong for them.

“I really thought of them when I was in the hospital. I’m not yet ready to leave them. I told myself, ‘Lord, I’m not yet prepared,’” she said.

Even if she’s already home, Sylvia knows she still has to be quarantined for 14 days to ensure that she won’t contaminate other members of her family. The same applies when her husband comes home, too.

The award-winning star also expressed her desire to help other patients of the dreaded disease.

“I’m willing to donate my plasma if it can help in their recovery," she pointed out.

Kanye joins Jay-Z in billionaire rappers list shoe together in 2015.

Forbes said that for years West has been pressing the magazine to be listed as one of its mega-rich but that it declined, for lack of proof.

The magazine said tongue in cheek that for years it had applied what it called the Trump rule to West: "take whatever the future president insisted he was worth, divide by three, and start honing from there."

Much of the rest of West's wealth comes from real estate he owns, the magazine said.

West is the second American rapper to make the Forbes list after Jay-Z, who made the cut last year. AFP

Betong Sumaya

fulfills another dream Sylvia thanked her doctors and nurses after she has tested negative and officially recovered from COVID-19.

In the end, Sylvia reiterates her gratitude to those who prayed for her and Art in one of the most crucial moments in their lives.

“Thanks to all of you—for your prayers and concern,” she ended. *** While the taping for her top-rating GMA afternoon soap opera Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is currently put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyline Alcantara’s fans are happy because she has just released her latest single titled, “Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo” and it’s a hit on Tiktok and Instagram.

“During this time of quarantine, it’s heartwarming that people like my latest offering,” she stated.

She is happy that many already accepted the ‘Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo’ Tiktok challenge.

Apart from netizens, some of her fellow Kapuso artists accepted the challenge as well like Rodjun Cruz, Kate Valdez, Sofia Pablo, Althea Ablan, Rere Madrid, and Cassy Legaspi.

“My song simply sounds like the popular phone app Tiktok. I believe many listeners can relate to it since its one effective pastime this quarantine period,” she said.

Scoring a major hit via “Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo,” Kyline reveals that she feels good that the public appreciates the dance and how the dance moves are done.

Another dream has come into reality for Kapuso comedian and TV host Betong Sumaya as he launches his debut single under GMA Music.

Kyline Alcantara drops a new dance single.

ANOTHER dream has come into realreal ity for comedian and TV host Betong Sumaya as he launches his debut single under GMA Music titled "Nang Minahal Mo Ang Mahal Ko.” Music has always been a big part of Be Betong’s life. No wonder, recording his mu music is definitely a feat for the Kapuso star. sic is definitely a feat “I am so thankful. Nag-uumapaw ang kaligayahan sa aking puso puso. Although it’s been my dream, I didn't think that I would realize it until GMA Music gave me a chance to record a song. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala. Hindi naman din kasi la lahat nabibigyan ng chance kaya I’m very thankful sa GMA Network, GMA Artist Center, at sa GMA Music,” says Betong.

Betong shares that this novelty song evokes deep emotions that go straight to the heart, ““Punung-puno ng hugot yung kanta. It’s about a complicated love in involving a person you love who apparently loves someone else. I think at one point, you’re able to experience that.”

He also gave a piece He also gave a piece of advice to those who are brokenhearted, “Try to let go but at the same time, unti-unti mo ‘yang matatanggap. If you’re not meant for each other, just pray that someday some someone would come and stay by your side.”

Composed by Jerry Olaguer Olaguer, "Nang Minahal Mo Ang Mahal Ko" is currently being aired exclusively on Barangay LS 97.1 Forever and all other Barangay FM radio stations nationwide. Listeners may also request for the song on the mentioned radio stations.

"Nang Minahal Mo Ang Mahal Ko" will be available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and beginother digital stores worldwide begin ning today.

LizQuen film among ABS-CBN movies premiering on China cable TV LEADING media and entertainment company ABS-CBN continues to bring more entertainment choices to Chinese viewers as 16 of its blockbuster movies air on China’s Phoenix Movie Channel.

The airing of the movies was made possible by a deal that ABS-CBN signed with Phoenix Satellite Television in 2019. The channel aired Four Sisters And A Wedding in December followed by Barcelona: A Love Untold and Love You To The Stars And Back last month.

In May, The Achy Breaky Hearts and Dear Other Self will hit Chinese TV screens.

'My Ex and Whys' stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano.

June brings a host of romantic movies, starting with My Perfect You, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Always Be My Maybe, Can We Still Be Friends, To Love Some Buddy, and the blockbuster Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil starrer romantic film My Ex and Whys.

In July, viewers can catch award-winning Filipino films, including Everything About Her, the comedy You’re My Boss, digitally restored classic I Will Wait for You In Heaven (Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit), an adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, and romantic drama Kasal.

In November, Siargao, which tells the

story of a burned-out musician who escapes the troubles in the city and goes to an island where he eventually finds love, will hit Chinese TV screens.

ABS-CBN has been a premier source of high-quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 50,000 hours of content worldwide.

Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its first line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures. Visit https://www. abs-cbn.com/internationalsales/about for more details.

Life

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

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

B3

How to ward off infections THERE is, at the moment, no magic pill versus coronavirus. There are, however, many ways to protect the body from contracting it, one of which is keeping the immune system in tip-top shape.

Natural products retailer Healthy Options offers the following tips to improve health and promote overall well-being:

PANDEMIC DIET.

A registered nutritionist-dietitian suggests adding melatonin-rich food items, such as cereals (in photo), to our diet to help revitalize our immune system during a crisis.

Eat right

A nutritionist’s guide

Double the immune system’s capability to fight disease by eating leafy greens like broccoli and spinach, and vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges, lemons, papayas, and grapefruits.

Detoxify the body and supercharge it with “healing foods” such as carrots, apricots, carrots, and kale for beta carotene, and vitamin D-rich mushroom, tofu, and eggs (Healthy Options offers fresh eggs as well as other food items that promote stronger immune system).

to reducing anxiety in the midst of pandemic

By Teddy S. Manansala, RND

W

HILE the world is confronted with uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we should also remember to focus on strengthening our immune system, which acts as our natural defense against this virus.

Vegetables. Peppers contain relatively high concentrations. Other vegetables with varying levels of melatonin content are onion, garlic, ginger, black olive, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, cucumber, carrot, radish, beetroot, purslane, spinach, asparagus, chungitsu, taro, Indian spinach, Chinese cabbage, Japanese butterbur, ashitaba, and radish.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology recommends to follow the principle of a balanced diet using the Pinggang Pinoy as a menu planning guide, which emphasizes various portions of go, glow, and grow food, complemented by fats and oils and high intake of water.

The food that we eat can also help strengthen our immune system especially when fear, panic, and anxiety—which Edible oils. Top contenders are refined linseed and are common during a crisis—affect our ability to relax and virgin soybean oils. Others include refined olive, sunflower sleep, the lack of which lowers body’s defenses. oils, and extra virgin olive oil.

Enter: melatonin.

Melatonin regulates human physiological rhythm, alleviates related disorders like insomnia, acts as an antioxidant, enhances the immune system, provides anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, and facilitates the control of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

Enrich your diet with the following food sources of melatonin:

Cereals. Non-glutinous black rice contains twice the level of melatonin, while the concentration is reduced to 1/3 less when rice is polished. For other cereals, melatonin is relatively high in wheat, barley, and oats. Meanwhile, bread crumbs have higher levels than the crust.

Animal food. Eggs and fish have higher melatonin content than lamb, beef, pork, and chicken. descending order: skin of grapes, cherries, and strawberry.

Consumption of food items with melatonin may revitalize Others include pineapple, kiwi, apple, pomegranate, mulone’s immune system by increasing circulating melatonin berry, and cranberry. in the blood stream, and increasing the body’s antioxidant capacity.

Fruits. These are the highest melatonin-rich fruits in

About the writer: Teddy S. Manansala is a registered nutritionist-dietitian and holds two master’s degrees—from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and University of the Philippines. He is an Assistant Professor at the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management of the DLS-CSB where he teaches Culinary Nutrition, WellWell n e s s , Food Safety, Sanitation, and Security, among others.

Legumes and seeds. Legumes and seeds such as white and black mustard, and sautéed mung bean sprout (togue) are good sources. Melatonin is also found in lentils, kidney beans, barley seed, alfalfa, coriander, green cardamom, fennel, anise, flax, and almond.

Support immunity Supplements with a nod of approval from a licensed healthcare provider (meaning the right type and dosage suitable for each person) help fill the nutrient deficiencies in each individual. Examples of supplements are vitamin C, iron, and zinc tablets.

Sleep well Health experts emphasize that sleep and wake cycle or circadian rhythm govern people’s immunity. A body that barely has energy to carry out basic functions is more susceptible to infections and toxins. Sufficient sleep also helps manage stress.

Studies reveal working out promotes rapid circulation of antibodies which may be able to detect viruses more quickly.

Stay active

Too much caloric intake without sufficient physical activity leads to storage of fat in the abdomen, among other parts in the body. Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, five times a week to boost immune system. According to studies, working out causes the body’s antibodies to circulate more rapidly which may be able to detect viruses more quickly.

Healthy Options’ online store (shop.healthyoptions.com.ph) offers a limited range of essential items such as supplements, kitchen staples, healthy snacks, beverages, and other grocery items. Continuous replenishment of fast-selling items such as antioxidant vitamins is in progress.

Delivery coverage for orders include all cities in Metro Manila, Antipolo, and Cainta. A minimum purchase of P1,500 is required; free shipping applies to orders worth P5,000 and up.

Fitbit introduces in-app COVID-19 resource hub FOLLOWING the roll out of the 90day trial of its Premium feature, Fitbit has introduced a new tab in the app that offers helpful information, motivation, and resources about coronavirus disease.

Users with the Fitbit app and a Fitbit account in select countries, including the Philippines, can now see a new tab on the bottom right, titled COVID-19.

In this new tab, users can access tools to help them stay active and healthy from home, and stay up-to-date with the latest information from the World Health Organization.

In addition, the company said it is collaborating with The Scripps Research Institute and Stanford Medicine on important research to see if wearable data can help detect, track, and contain COVID-19.

These studies use data from wearables to determine if tracking changes in heart rate, activity, and sleep can provide an early indication of viral illnesses, like COVID-19, before actual symptoms start.

Users can support COVID-related health research, just by wearing their Fitbit device with heart rate tracking and choosing to share their data.

Nuts. Pistachio and walnuts are the top sources from this food group.

Pistachio is one of the top sources of melatonin.

Wearable technology company Fitbit launches an in-app COVID-19 resource hub that offers latest information about coronavirus disease.

TECH & Gadgets

Riera U. Mallari, Editor

B4

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2020

Virtual learning sessions thru SWEEP eBootcamp DATA analytics has been a key player in making our daily tasks easier, particularly in making complex ideas more easily understandable. Today, it plays an even more crucial role in creating tools that can help trace and alleviate the impact of COVID-19.

In the first-ever SWEEP eBootcamp, Philippines’ leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) emphasized the need of supporting the Filipino youth in its pursuit to learn and develop tech solutions, including analytics, that can bring a significant impact to our country.

“Data analytics as the modern oil of the industry, can help us in adapting and finding solutions for our current situation. Empowering the students with the knowledge on how to utilize it is somehow a way of giving our future a chance to be better than it is now,” said Darwin F. Flores, VP for Community Partnerships at Smart.

“The lockdown presented us with a lot of challenges, but this is also one of the main reasons why we must continue learning and innovating,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP for Community Partnerships at Smart.

Held on April 24 in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management— Dado Banatao Incubator, the e-Bootcamp brought together over a hundred students and mentors from all of the Philippines.

Prim Paypon, Executive Director, Asian Institute of Management—Dado Banatao Incubator opened the session which showcased educational training lectures spearheaded by startup entrepreneurs from various industries such as Raphael Layosa, Founder and CEO of Retailgate (retail); Angela Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of Eskwelabs (education); JoJo Gumino-Ocol, Co-Founder and COO, Agrabah (farming); Timmy De Jesus, Co-Founder and COO, Payruler (human resources); and Engr. Aaron Hilomen, Co-Founder and Director, Antipara (environment and marine resources). They also shared their journey and tips on how to respond to the current COVID-19 crisis through innovation and technology.

“This year’s SWEEP Bootcamp takes place under the most exceptional circumstances. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing people to stay at home and practice social distancing, technology and innovations have truly become the most powerful means for people to stay in touch and work together,” said PLDTSmart Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn.

New research shows most employees (87%) feel at least somewhat ready to make the shift to working from home if required

Extended quarantine pushes employees, businesses to expand WFH capabilities

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ESEARCH just released by Lenovo shows that employees and businesses are adapting to work from home (WFH) arrangements, with smart technologies having already enabled the rise of a global workforce that stays connected in a work-from-anywhere world.

With the government extending the enhanced community quarantine to May 15 in Metro Manila and other high-risks areas to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the Philippines is joining the worldwide trend of encouraging people to work from home wherever feasible to intensify social distancing.

“Our survey suggests that the employee experience was already changing before the pandemic hit,” said Michael Ngan, President and General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “For example, in the past 15 years, the number of those regularly working from home has grown 159% in the US and the same increase is happening in other markets. While our current situation is extraordinary, we are seeing a real willingness from workers to adapt and adopt flexible work arrangements. This confirms that corporate technology investments are paying off, as most people now feel productive at home and believe that the workforce will move more in this direction once the crisis has passed.”

The Lenovo study, which looked at employee attitudes towards WFH in China, Japan, Germany, Italy, and the US, found that a majority of employees (87%) felt at least somewhat ready to make the shift to WFH when required. Most had already

been either encouraged (46%) or required (26%) to WFH as part of COVID-19 mitigation measures. Furthermore, 77% expect that companies will either encourage or at least be more open to letting staff work remotely in the future.

Even when the quarantine is lifted, the Philippine government is expecting reduced economic activity as a result of the public’s hesitation to engage. In addition, a pro-work from home stance has already been raised as a solution to traffic woes, particularly in the capital region of Metro Manila. The Telecommuting Act (R.A. 11165) was signed into law to allow employees to conduct work at home or remotely outside the workplace.

The move to telecommuting is also a welcome development to the nation’s rising gig economy which thrives on hiring employees on a flexible and freelance setup through online platforms. The Philippines currently ranks sixth in the world and is the fastest-growing market for the gig industry, revealing a 35% year over year growth in freelance earnings as reported in financial services company Payoneer’s 2019 Global Gig-Economy Index.

With the freedom to work anywhere, flexible schedules, the opportunity to prioritize work according to personal

schedules, plus the ongoing pandemic, the gig economy in the Philippines is expected to see tremendous growth this year.

All these reiterate the need for companies to invest in smarter mobile technologies designed to bolster employee productivity at home or outside the office.

Worldwide, the rapid adoption of WFH policies has been made possible by the increasing sophistication and affordability of smart mobile technology, which has enabled many employees to work when away from their desk. Changing workforce demographics play a part too. The Millennials and Generation Z employees who make up nearly 60% of the workforce today grew up with video on demand, networked video games, and video communication platforms. These digital natives are driving the development and adoption of technology for remote working and collaboration.

The ‘race for talent’ has also put organizations under significant pressure to rethink their workspace, technology, and culture to attract and retain the best people. A 2018 Harvard Business School global study of 6,500 business leaders found that over 60% predicted that employee expectations for flexible working will significantly affect the future of work. A human resources consulting firm recently revealed that a majority of employers are still hiring talent, despite the anticipated business impact from the coronavirus outbreak. In late February 2020, 44% of respondents said that they already offer remote working as an employee benefit to either all of their staff

OPPO Find X2 Pro supports HDR on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video

Mobile phones as PPEs MOBILE phones as personal protective equipment, or PPEs? Yes, that is how these devices are being used by health workers at the COVID-19 wards of the Philippine General Hospital.

The challenge in treating Covid patients is that the virus is highly infectious. So, close and prolonged contact with these patients is discouraged in order to protect doctors and health workers. Also, not all doctors enter the Covid wards in order to conserve PPEs which are often in short supply.

On the other hand, clear and frequent communications between the patients, doctors, and hospital staff is a key requirement for effective treatment. This is important because each patient has different needs and situations, which need to be determined accurately to ensure proper care is given.

Apart from giving medical information, doctors also deal with patients’ emotions.

They have to acknowledge the anxiety, fear, and sadness that the patients and their families experience.

To resolve this dilemma, doctors, nurses, and some patients at the Covid wards of the PGH are now using mobile phones provided

by PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications as PPEs. PGH Department of Internal Medicine vice chair for research Dr. Cecilia A. Ji-

meno said her team had long identified the need for mobile devices to provide an extra layer of safety for health workers at the COVID-19 wards.

“The medical and nursing staff have to be protected from this highly infectious disease, therefore, they have to wear the proper protective equipment before coming near patients,” said Jimeno, who is also the department’s officer in charge of logistics and supplies.

“The doctors on duty need to contact the patients, fellow doctors in other subspecialties, and the crisis committee. We need new ways to communicate since we cannot just call up the landlines of the various departments and divisions and expect the on-call doctors to answer. The nurses also have to talk to patients, some of whom may not have their own cell phones,” said Jimeno.

When Smart officials were alerted to the idea of using cell phones in the Covid wards, they quickly responded and provided 40 mobile phones with load for the purpose. The phones have been deployed in at least 14 areas within the Covid units of PGH. Aside from doctors and nurses, laboratory technicians at the electrocardiogram, arterial blood gas, and clinical chemistry areas also use the handsets, along with the fellows of various subspecialties, who need to communicate instructions and recommendations to

or select employees and functions.

“At a time when all companies need to navigate uncertainty and keep their business running, technology enables them to keep moving forward. Companies need to adjust now and ensure their employees have the video tools, technology, and training required to succeed today and in a future where more remote working may be the norm,” Ngan added.

LENOVO’S TIPS FOR A PRODUCTIVE REMOTE WORKFORCE Get the tech in place: The team will need the right technology for remote work. Laptops need to be easy to carry, seamlessly integrated with the corporate infrastructure, and installed with video conferencing technology and other collaboration tools. Accessories like noisecancelling headphones and additional large monitor could also be essential for some workers.

Hold a team meeting at the same time every day: When teams are working remotely, there’s nothing more important than ongoing communication.

Going beyond official emails and work updates, a scheduled team meeting to discuss daily priorities will help everyone stay on track.

Make video conferencing the new normal: Video conferencing and content-sharing tools keep employees connected across town or around the world and help them avoid feelings of isolation.

Employees appreciate the engaging style of video, but they need to have the right technology and the confidence to use it.

Medical workers at the COVID-19 wards of PGH use mobile phones to communicate with patients and with their fellow hospital staff.

the on-duty doctors at the Covid floors.

COVID-19 patients undergo many tests, such as ECG, ABG, and various other blood tests, which are analyzed by the clinical pathology laboratory. Test results also need to be communicated to the “hot zone” by contact-less means to prevent the spread of the virus.

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OPPO believes the ultimate visual experience encompasses three facets: a ground-breaking performance for hardware, software, and content. These are qualities embodied by the Find X2 Pro. All three video-streaming services have strict HDR smartphone screen requirements. The Find X2 Pro passes the test, with a screen that is the most advanced one OPPO has developed to date. OPPO Find X2 Pro’s 120Hz ultra high refresh rate ensures smooth and clear display. The screen-covering 100% film industry-grade P3 WCG, also supports QHD+ and is capable of displaying over 1 billion colors, with HDR 10+

certification. The high-quality screen has been well received by the industry, receiving A+ score from DisplayMate, and Eye Comfort certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Besides the excellent screen display quality, the Find X2 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 flagship chip and a chip that supports Widevine L1 hardware encryption and HDCP2.2.

The OPPO Find X2 Pro ensures that users are provided with the technical backing required to enjoy high-quality HDR content while protecting the video copyright. And to complete the package, Find X2 Pro is also equipped with a dual Dolby Atmos speaker system ensuring the best immersive viewing experience unlike any other.

The OPPO Find X2 series signifies the brand’s firm step into the high-end market. Besides bringing users a better screen experience, the OPPO Find X2 Pro also promotes the HDR screen in the smartphone industry, bringing forth a brighter tech future for all.

Beko Pilipinas extends aid to frontliners, communities THE global pandemic COVID-19 has claimed hundreds of lives in the Philippines and more so globally. It has held the economy at a standstill with people losing their sources of livelihood or uncertain about their fates. Everyday, our frontliners work in hospitals, medical facilities and local municipalities; and even outside the roof to make sure the safety and well being of the community. They lay and risk their own lives on the line to serve others.

In times like this when things get rough, the tough ones lend a hand to those who need it. This is true in the case of Beko, the Philippine subsidiary of Europe’s No. 1 home appliances brand, shows its gratitude for today’s unsung heroes.

Beko Pilipinas is teaming up with local municipalities of Pasig, San Juan and Manila; the hardest-hit hospitals like Philippine General Hospital, San Juan De Dios Medical Center,

Quirino Memorial Medical Center, and Delos Santos Medical Center; together with actress Angel Locsin’s #UniTentWeStand campaign for San Lazaro Hospital in Manila and recently to the converted mega quarantine facilities in Philippine International Convention Center, Rizal Memorial Stadium and Philippine Arena by donating its innovative washing machines, freestanding cookers and refrigerators for use during the COVID-19 crisis.

The frontliners are facing one of the world’s toughest battles and they do too, deserve support to carry out an important duty. They do need to feel protected from the harmful viruses and bacteria. And they do need to be refreshed and energized with healthy meals. That is why Beko shares its innovative technologies with our today’s heroes.

With Hygiene+ wash program technology,

frontliners will get hygienically clean laundry because of its custom drum movements, additional rinse and spin cycles and sensitive temperature control, especially at 60degrees cycle as approved by Allergy UK, eliminates 99% of allergens. Meanwhile, EverFresh+® technology in the fridge ensures ideal humidity & temperature to keep fruit and vegetables crisp and fresh up to 3 times longer or even up to 30days. This will help our frontliners stay healthy and keep their meals, fruits and vegetables, fresh any time they most need. More than just a function to cook food efficiently, Beko’s CookMaster® capacity means it can cook loads of food in one go, especially during this situation when time is of the essence where people need a reliable cooker in preparing food for big groups of frontliners fighting the pandemic.

Helping LGUs and the private sectors is

Donation turnover to OCD-NDRRMC, to be brought to COVID facilities in Rizal Stadium, Philippine Arena, and PICC.

consistent with Beko’s brand purpose to “empower new generations to live healthier”. “Frontliners are our today’s heroes and we are happy to provide refrigerators, cookers and washing machines to make the place where

they are resting more convenient and homey. We are also looking at ways to continue extend our support during the war against COVID-19,” said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.