Manila Standard - 2020 June 29 - Monday

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Cebu dance fest draws flak Organizers face charges for violating lockdown—police

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 125 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Willie Casas

EBU police said Sunday they would file charges against the organizer of a dance procession that wound its way through the streets of Barangay Basak San Nicolas on Saturday, drawing a crowd in a village classified as a COVID-19 hotspot.

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Reports quoted Police Col. Cydric Earl Tamayo, acting Cebu City police chief, as saying they had identified the organizer of the Sinulog dance and would file a case against him for violating quarantine restrictions.

The dance involved more than 10 people but caught the attention of residents in the area who gathered to watch it.

A statement from the barangay Facebook page said the dance was held without the knowledge of Barangay Captain Norman Navarro.

Photos of the event posted on social media showed a crowd lining up to watch the dance and the procession of the image

LOCAL ROUNDUP

Hospital workers up in arms; Imee hits utility firms

By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey Requejo and Rio Araja HEALTH workers in different hospitals in Metro Manila held an online protest during their lunch break to announce their appalling situation after nearly five months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly five months now, but the DOH [Department of Health] and the Duterte administration still have no clear and comprehensive plan on how to combat the deadly virus and the health workers’ situation is getting worse,” said Robert Mendoza, Association of Health Workers national president.

As of June 20, DOH data showed there have been 3,122 infected health workers, of which 2,235 recovered, 33 died and 854 Next page are active cases.

of the Sto. Nino.

Cebu City is under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) because of a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Barangay Basak San Nicolas and 11 other barangays have been identified as hotspots for the outbreak.

A Joint Task Force Covid Shield official on Sunday said Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos and soldiers would be deployed in Cebu City to contain the “unnecessary” movement of people during the ECQ. “We have only one enemy here and this is the invisible coronavirus. We

DANCE OF DEFIANCE. Residents of Sitio Alumnos in Cebu City staged a Sinulog-type dance festival Saturday night despite a governmentimposed ban on mass gatherings amid surging cases of virus infections, a controversial move that had the police special action force (SAF) taking over to enforce discipline. FB page of Barangay Basak San Nicolas

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Virus cases top 35K; Pampanga raises alarm

By Willie Casas and Jess Malabanan THE number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines climbed to 35,455 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 653 more infections—485 “fresh” or newly validated and 168 reported late cases.

The death toll climbed to 1,244 with eight new fatalities, while total recoveries rose to 9,686 after 258 more patients recovered from the disease.

Online news sites have analyzed data from the World Health Organization from

June 26 to 28, arriving at the conclusion that for the said period, the Philippines had the fastest rise in new cases among 22 countries in the Western Pacific region.

For the 13-day period, the Philippines logged 9,655 new cases, followed by Singapore with 2,610.

The Department of Health, however, cautioned against cherry picking data.

“The comparison made with Singapore and other countries requires a deeper understanding of population ratio versus number of cases. Our socioeconomic context, particularly living conditions, as

(AS OF 4 PM JUNE 28)

35,455 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

653 NEW

485 FRESH

1,244

8

DEATHS

NEW

9,686

258

UV Express gets greenlight to ply WORLD ROUNDUP 47 MM routes 10m worldwide

By Benjamin Chavez tally bared; US, Europe hard hit

Oil prices still rising; tax factored in PUMP prices will likely go up by as much as P0.50 per liter next week to reflect the movement of prices in the world market, an oil distributor said in its weekly forecast.

“Expect fuel prices to go up next week (June 30to July 6). Diesel should increase

by P0.30 to P0.40 per liter. Gasoline should increase by P0.40 to P0.50 per

Next page

AT A GLANCE

RECOVERIES

ALL GEARED UP. UV Express operators and drivers install plastic dividers and health protocol reminders (inset) inside their vehicles to remind passengers to observe social distancing and wear face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus diseases. Along with the jeepneys, protocol compliant-PUVs will be allowed to ply several routes within the week, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. UV Operators/Drivers FB page.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

well as health system capacity, even prior to COVID, is different from Singapore.

Please take that into account when we do our analysis,” the DOH said.

“Singapore has a population of 5.9 million, with a caseload of 43,246, the Philippines with 109 million with 34,803 cases.

Per one million people, Singapore has a higher case rate at 7,393 cases /1M popn compared with Philippines at 318cases /1M popn.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the surge may have been because of “the

COVID-19 PH

liter,” Unioil Philippines said.

But analysts expressed concern over the increase in coronavirus cases in the United States and the new infections in China, which they said could hamper demand.

The total year-to-date adjustments in pump prices stand at a net decrease of P5.67 per liter of gasoline, P9.14 per liter of diesel and P13.39 per liter of kerosene.

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MUSIC LEGEND PASSES AWAY, 83 THE Philippine music industry lost another legend with the death of the Haring Solomon hit maker .

Pedro G. Santos, also known as Boy Sullivan, died on Friday, June 26, at the age of 83.

Sullivan started the novelty music genre when Vicor Music released his first album in 1972, which included his greatest hit "Haring Solomon” (May Alagang Pagong).

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THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced Sunday that 980 UV Express vans traveling to and from Metro Manila and nearby provinces will be allowed to operate on 47 routes starting Monday, June 29.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said that the approved guidelines rationalizing the deployment of the UV Express vehicles is in line with the gradual, calibrated and calculated approach of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the resumption of public transportation in Metro Manila under a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Delgra said the LTFRB is not discounting the possibility of deploying additional modern and traditional jeepneys later to augment the operations of the UV Express vehicles, depending on passenger demand.

Delgra also reminded UV Express

NEW

MORE than 10 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared around the world, half of them in Europe and the United States, according to an AFP tally Sunday based on official sources.

At least 10,003,942 infections, including 498,779 deaths, have been registered globally.

Europe remains the hardest hit continent with 2,637,546 cases including 195,975 fatalities, while the United States has 2,510,323 infections including 125,539 deaths.

The rate of infections worldwide continues to rise, with one million new cases recorded in just six days.

The tallies, using data collected Next page

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CDO FOODSPHERE MARKS 45TH YEAR

NEWS / A3

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News

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Budget for laptops sought

By Rio Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

R

EP. Bernadette Herrera on Sunday called on Malacañang to include the allocation for the Education department’s provision of laptops to 880,000 public school teachers in the proposed national budget for 2021.

“We hope that a budget for the purchase of laptops for all teachers in public schools will be included in the 2021 National Expenditure Program to be submitted by Malacañang to Congress in July or August,” Herrera said.

Cebu..

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would like to contain the unnecessary movement of the people in the area,” Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, JTF Covid Shield commander said in an interview with radio dzBB. “The deployment of police commandos and soldiers here in Cebu City is not a militarization as some people would describe it, and therefore, is not a wrong approach,” he said.

He said the strong presence of policemen and soldiers in Cebu City “is neither meant to scare the people of Cebu City nor curtail their rights.”

“We are here because it is necessary, we are here to help, we are here to protect the people of Cebu City, and we are here to strengthen our frontline against the spread of Covid-19,” he added.

Eleazar said quarantine violators in Metro Manila went down from 3,000 to 1,000 following the deployment of SAF troopers and soldiers when the NCR was still under ECQ. Upon approval of the PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, at least 150 SAF

Virus...

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delay in actions and responses, including contact tracing and aggressive research on medications.”

"IATF must address the health protocols and programs being done by the DOH. Something is very wrong,” Sotto said.

As of Sunday, among the fresh cases, 245 are from Metro Manila, 120 are from Region VII or Central Visayas, eight are repatriates, while the remaining 112 are spread out across the country.

Among the late cases, 111 are from Metro Manila, 11 are from Region VII, 21 are repatriates, and 25 other patients came from various areas nationwide.

The DOH said it removed two cases from the total tally of recoveries and one case from the total number of infections after validating the patients’ information.

As of June 26, the Philippines had 49 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 19 GeneXpert laboratories that had tested a total of 622,549 individuals.

Some 37.2 percent or 1,301 of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients are occupied while 2,002 or 22.43 percent of mechanical ventilators are in use, the DOH said.

There were 24,137 active cases undergoing treatment or under quarantine, 23,090 of which are mild, 898 of which

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, said she supports the Aug. 24 opening of classes despite the doubts that the Philippines is not ready for a "blended learning.

She said that even if the school year begins in September or December, the problems on "unprepared-

gram is to post doctors, usually in most remote areas where access to health care is a challenge, and where quality health care service is most needed.

COVID-19 cases have reached a critical point in Cebu City and the department is grateful to those who have risen to this patriotic call,” the DOH said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has also deployed a medical team consisting of nine doctors, 10 nurses, and 13 medical aides to Cebu City.

Headed by Maj. Maria Adesitas Sagario, its members underwent precautionary swab testing and flu vaccination before their flight at 8 a.m. via Philippine Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft.

"We are proud of this team for stepping up in this dangerous but very important mission. This is what it means to be a soldier and we know more than anyone that no danger of disease will stop us from accomplishing our mission," AFP vice chief-of-staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr., said in a statement during the send-off ceremony at the Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Collado was joined by National Task Force-Covid-19 head Secretary Carlito

Galvez Jr. and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, who is in charge of enforcing Covid-19 protocols in Cebu City.

Galvez lauded the AFP medical team for answering the call for help from medical front-liners in Cebu City.

So far, the AFP has already deployed 405 medical personnel in different emergency quarantine facilities nationwide, including the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, World Trade Center and Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Metro Manila.

Over 1,500 doctors, nurses, and military medical auxiliary are also deployed in military treatment facilities all over the country.

Also on Sunday, the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) called for the mass hiring of nurses with a minimum salary of P32,000 a month and hazard pay to address the “severe understaffing” in Cebu City.

The FNU said it was high time that the government heeds the call for wage increases for government nurses, they said.

The FNU said a nurse in Cebu had informed them that nurses there have not received their hazard pay under the DOH program.

are asymptomatic, 125 of which are severe and 24 that are in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Pampanga raised the alarm after a sudden increase in the number of infections, days after the province was put under a modified general community quarantine (GCQ).

Pampanga recorded 133 cases of COVID 19 after the province was placed under MGCQ on June 16, said Gov. Dennis Pineda.

He said the provincial government is ready to recommend to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to bring the province back to an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) if cases continue to rise.

In a span of 10 days, Pineda said additional 25 new cases were reported - the highest increase recorded in the province so far.

The governor cited the resumption of work in Manila as a factor in the sudden increase of COVID cases. He said travel to the National Capital Region (NCR) and other neighboring provinces by Kapampangan workers could be one of the reasons for the rise in cases.

According to the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU), eight of the 25 new cases have a travel history to Metro Manila.

He urged residents of his province to follow health protocols and guidelines aimed at containing the virus.

Local...

18 to June 28 to give way to the disinfection and sanitation of the offices.

Ready to serve The government is ready to serve more returning Filipino workers displaced by the pandemic, the Labor department said Sunday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the assistance programs and other measures to aid migrant workers would be in place the moment they arrived in the country.

Bello made the statement as he welcomed the assurance of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines that more airlines would fly more Filipino workers home.

Appeal Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito-Castelo on Sunday appealed to the government to immediately repatriate 16,000 Filipino workers stranded abroad "who are ready to go home."

Citing the testimonies of resource persons during a House committee inquiry, she said those Filipinos “have plane tickets and exit visas and permits from their employers and host countries.”

Out of the 16,000 who were prepared to fly home, 8,000 were in Saudi Arabia, 4,000 were in the United Arab Emirates and another 4,000 were in Qatar, Castelo said.

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operators and drivers to follow the LTFRB guidelines to operate on a terminal-to-terminal basis with no pick ups and drop offs in between, and not to travel along EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue except to cross.

The existing fare rate would remain, he said.

Under quarantine guidelines, operators must regularly examine a driver's fitness to work, checkING their body temperature and screen for symptoms of COVID-19. Drivers and conductors must wear masks and gloves at all times, as must commuters. Passengers

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On June 23, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P1.05 per liter, diesel by P0.85 per liter and kerosene by P0.30 per liter.

Meanwhile, some oil companies have started implementing the additional 10-percent tax on crude and petroleum products as provided in Executive Order 113.

Malacañang issued the EO on May 2, imposing an additional 10-percent

Herrera said the use of laptops is now more important for public school teachers for their online teaching as part of the Education distance and blended learning program in response to the pandemic.

“We have to make sure that our teachers are equipped with at least the most basic tool for online teaching, which is a laptop,” she said.

The Education department earlier said it needed a P27-billion budget to be able to provide each public school teacher with a laptop.

While the procurement of laptops for the teachers could cost a lot to the government, "it's money well-spent," she said.

commandos were deployed in Cebu City to strictly enforce the ECQ rules particularly the wearing of face masks, observing proper physical distancing and refraining from engaging in mass gatherings.

Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the military’s Central Command (CentCom), also deployed soldiers to help enforce ECQ rules in Cebu City.

Following reports that the Cebu City health care system was being overwhelmed by the rise in COVID-19 cases, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III ordered the deployment of Doctors to the Barrios.

“The doctors will not be permanently deployed in Cebu City but will only provide relief similar to previous temporary assignments (i.e. Marawi, Yolanda),” the DOH statement said.

“The assigned doctors are rural health physicians (RHP) and not municipal health officers (MHO). Meaning the municipality they serve already has a municipal-hired doctor ensuring that the municipalities they serve will not be left doctor-less during their assignment. Health care services will continue,” the DOH said.

“The very nature of the DTTB pro-

UV...

Oil..

ness" remain.

Senator Imee Marcos shared her views, while Senator Christopher Lawrence Go urged the department to lay down an action plan to address the concerns in preparation for the coming school year.

Rep. Roman Romulo urged the leading private corporations to donate online learning tools for public school students at the elementary and secondary levels to avail themselves of tax incentives.

Under the adopt-a-school program, donors of basic education materials may deduct from their gross taxable income up to 150 percent of the value of their contributions, he said.

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Suspend disconnections Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday urged public utility companies to suspend disconnection for unpaid electric and water bills while the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the country.

Senator Bong Go also requested the power companies to defer disconnection should some of their consumers fail to pay their electricity bills incurred during the ECQ. "We were electric shocked with our electricity bill the past months. And then, they're saying it's not like that coz its automatically generated daw," Marcos said.

Lockdown to be lifted Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday the 11-day lockdown of the Department of Justice’s offices along Padre Faura, Manila, which was imposed on June 18 after five of its employees and one outsourced personnel tested positive for coronavirus, will be lifted today, Monday.

Guevarra said they decided on the lockdown lifting after they conducted daily sanitation and disinfection activities in all buildings and rooms at the main office.

He ordered the lockdown from June

must not exceed two per row, one seat apart, to maintain physical distancing. Operators must also install impermeable barriers to seal off the driver's compartment from the rest of the vehicle.

Earlier, Delgra said jeepneys will also be allowed on the streets this week after a three-month ban following quarantine protocols implemented by authorities due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Buses and modern public utility vehicles have been allowed to ply the streets to serve commuters since June 1, and based on the hierarchy set by the government, UV Express and jeepneys will only be allowed to operate if there is not enough public transportation available.

import tax on petroleum products to boost government resources to finance programs to ease the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Petron Corp., Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Philippines have started charging the higher import duty.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier ordered the Oil Industry Management Bureau to ensure the implementation of the additional 10-percent duty.

The Energy department says the additional tax is expected to be reflected in

In the Senate, Senator Grace Poe said traditional jeepneys that have passed the road worthiness test should be allowed to ply their routes to augment the transportation needs of commuters in Metro Manila as it transitions to a more relaxed quarantine.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said jeepney units that would be back on the road should also be compliant with safety and health protocols to limit the risk of the COVID-19 transmission.

She said commuters were experiencing daily distress in getting to their destination because of the apparent lack of public utility vehicles on the road and the fewer capacity they can accommodate as part of social distancing.

the price adjustments only after the oil companies have exhausted their inventories that were purchased before EO 113 was issued.

Meanwhile, sources said Pilipinas Shell had asked the department to extend its one-month refinery shutdown.

The company temporarily shut down its 110,000-barrels- per-day refinery in Batangas starting May 24 due to low demand.

Petron also temporarily shut down its 180,000-barrels- per-day refinery in Bataan for maintenance in early May.

Music...

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That album was followed by two more albums in the same year, which all went gold and platinum in less than a month.

Sullivan’s other hits included “Kikay,” “Pinagbigyan” (Anak Ka ng Pu...), “Itlog at Mani” and the classic “Mang Gusting.”

Before he wrote the hit "Haring Solomon," Sullivan was one of the original members of The Big 3 Sullivans with Mar Lopez and the comedian Apeng Daldal.

During the 1980's all his songs were

ANTONIO CUENCO

Cuenco, former Cebu lawmaker, passes away at 84 FORMER congressman Antonio Cuenco passed away Saturday afternoon due to COVID-19.

“Today, a great man has passed on.

What is very shocking is the manner and the suddenness of his passing,” wrote his son, James, on his Facebook account.

“It happened so fast and has left us very shocked to realize that the good man that we have had the opportunity to have as our father (with my siblings Ronald, Antonio Jr. and Cynthia) and a good husband to my mother, Nancy, is gone.”

The 84-year-old Cuenco was first elected congressman of Cebu City in 1965. He served the same position from 1987 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2007.

He tested positive for COVID-19 on June 20, two days after exhibiting symptoms of mild fever and cough.

World...

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by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization, probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases and some do not have the capacity to carry out wide-scale testing.

China puts half a million people in lockdown China imposed a strict lockdown on nearly half a million people in a province surrounding the capital to contain a fresh coronavirus cluster on Sunday, as authorities warned the outbreak was still "severe and complicated."

After China largely brought the virus under control, hundreds have been infected in Beijing and cases have emerged in neighboring Hebei province in recent weeks.

Health officials said Sunday that Anxin county—about 150 kilometers from Beijing—will be "fully enclosed and controlled," the same strict measures imposed at the height of the pandemic in the city of Wuhan earlier this year.

Only one person from each family will be allowed to go out once a day to purchase necessities such as food and medicine, the county's epidemic prevention task force said in a statement.

Limited fans allowed at sports games South Korea said Sunday it will begin allowing limited numbers of spectators at sports games as it seeks to return to normal after months of strict social distancing rules to combat the coronavirus.

The country endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the disease outside China but appears to have brought it broadly under control with an extensive "trace, test and treat" program while never imposing a compulsory lockdown.

Social distancing rules were relaxed in early May and some professional sports—including baseball and soccer—started new seasons albeit behind closed doors.

"We will take phased measures including allowing spectators at sports events," health minister Park Neunghoo told reporters Sunday, without elaborating.

The move comes despite alarm over a second wave of infections in recent weeks, with the South seeing around 35 to 50 new cases a day, mostly in the Seoul metropolitan area where half of the population lives. AFP

monster hits among the Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia and the other countries in the Middle East.

Sullivan was the father of singer/composer and musical director Charlie Fry, who followed his steps with novelty and parody songs.

Dubbed as the Pinoy Parody King, Fry is the composer and singer of today’s Pandemic lockdown favorites of netizens like “Oh Meyor” and “Quarantine.”

The wake for Sullivan is being held at the San Sebastian Chapel in Barangay San Sebastian in Hagonoy, Bulacan. He will be interred tomorrow, June 30.

News

Malabon launches KKC for moms, kids

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT.

The Malabon City government has been helping poor families by providing nutritional support for poor pre-school children and expectant women with their ‘Karinderia Para sa Kalusugan ni Chikiting at Buntis’ program.

THE crisis brought by the health pandemic will affect the most vulnerable sectors of our society—including kids under three and the lactating moms. Both of them need the most help with correct nutrition, most especially for proper brain development during a child’s first 1,000 days.

This moment, however, is not a time to implement or test just any kind of nutrition program. Time is of the essence as the economic impact of the pandemic reaches the economically-challenged sectors. LGUs and groups must immediately implement a nutrition program that has a proven record of success, showing the largest and most compelling impact, with a long-term viability which can be easily replicated by the most number of barangays.

That program is called “Karinderia Para sa Kalusugan ni Chikiting at Buntis” or KKC. This program, started by the Malabon LGU in 2018 by Mayor Lenlen Oreta, is one of the most awarded and cited nutrition programs by the National Nutrition Council.

“The pandemic will greatly affect all of us, especially the low-income families of our nation. One of its grave effects will be the rise of malnutrition, especially among the kids,” said Mayor Oreta. “With the success of the KKC program in Malabon, where our city’s stunting rate fell to 5.84% in 2018 from a double-digit figure four years ago, the program can be replicated by other LGUs, who need all the help to recover from this Covid-19 crisis.”

In essence, the KKC has a different approach to the traditional feeding programs.

This is the first of its kind as it ensures program sustainability since it considers both the providers (livelihood and income for small karinderias in every barangay) and the beneficiaries (those in need of nutritious food).

PNP seizes P99-M illegal drugs, nabs 51 IN BRIEF A ‘Pride 20’ concerned over COVID-19 infection TWENTY members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) arrested earlier during a rally on Sunday expressed concern that they might get infected with COVID-19.

“Members of Pride 20 have been confined in the Manila Police District Headquarters for 3 days now,” the group said in a statement released through women’s group Gabriela.

Despite the violent and illegal arrest, and the risk of contracting COVID infection here in the public and cramped detention facility, they said their spirits remain indomitable.

As of today, June 28, 2020 the City Prosecutor has yet to decide whether to dismiss or forward to the court the charges filed against us.

The Manila Police District seeks to charge them for alleged violations of the Public Assembly Law (BP 880) and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code on “Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents of such Person” in relation to RA 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Law). Willie Casas

QC introduces online legal aid AMID the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Quezon City government has launched an online legal assistance program to assist residents in need of legal resources and documents as well as access to the city’s ordinances.

“Even during this pandemic, many of our residents need legal aid -- from drafting legal and business forms and contracts, to understanding legal documents,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

She likened the program, conducted in partnership with online legal resource MyLegalWhiz, to a virtual lawyer ready to provide legal knowledge and assistance any time.

The program provides free 500 credits to residents of the city’s 142 barangays who would sign up on the website.

The credits could then be used to access case summaries, drafts of legal documents and ordinances. Rio N. Araja

NBI arrests 8 illegal quarrying suspects THE National Bureau of Investigation on Sunday announced the arrest of eight persons in Capas, Tarlac for excavating lahar sand and loading in a dump truck for disposition without necessary permits from the authorities, as authorities seized more than P10 million worth of equipment.

NBI Officer-In-Charge Eric Distor identified the suspects as Erwin Feliciano, Renoel Paulino, Eugene Madolid, Rolly Verdeflor, Alex Gato, Rodel de Jesus , Rico Duron, and Gilbert Cubelo.

Seized from them were six dump trucks and two pay loader and one backhoe with an estimated value of P 10,860,000.00.

On June 25, 2020, the eight suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial ProsecutorTarlac City for violation of Section 103 (Theft of Minerals) of R.A. 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995”. Willie Casas

UTHORITIES seized around P99.67 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested 51 suspects in intensified operations nationwide last week.

In a statement, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa took note of the latest anti-drug offensive by PNP units even as most parts of the country are still under general community quarantine to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

He said intensified anti-illegal drugs operations last week resulted in 51 drug suspects being rounded up in 25 separate operations across the country, yielding a total of 7,606.69 grams of shabu and 239,500 fully-grown marijuana plants, all estimated to be worth P99.672 million in the black market.

“The PNP has been consistent in its warning. No let-up in the pursuit of criminals. Our recent accomplishments nation-

wide validate the PNP’s determination to eradicate threats to the public’s safety and security,” Gamboa said.

Drug suspect Anthony Valerio, 35, was killed in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Gaya-gaya, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan when he engaged arresting officers in an armed confrontation on Friday. His eight cohorts holding a pot session were arrested.

Another drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City also resulted to the arrest of Omar Salliaguia Pagayawan, a 35-year-old Philippine Army reservist of Barangay Hugo Perez, Cavite City; Amel Dipatuan Abdul, 30; and Junaid Desuma Londay, 26. A total of one kilogram of shabu worth PHP6.8 million was seized

in the operation.

In Cordillera, police forces in Kalinga province destroyed 239,500 fully-grown marijuana plants estimated to be worth P47.9 million during two days of eradication operations on two separate clandestine marijuana farms in the hinterlands of Tinglayan, Kalinga.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office arrested 29 drug suspects in its intensified buy-bust operations in cities Quezon, Valenzuela, Taguig, Marikina, Manila, Caloocan, San Juan, Parañaque and Pasig.

In other parts of the country, social amelioration program beneficiary Rey Patrick Sangoy Dingal, 36, was arrested along with Harold Glenn Moralde Ytang, 45, who was listed as the 7th most wanted drug personality of Cagayan de Oro City during a service of warrant of arrest at Kingston Hotel in Barangay Kanitoan, Cagayan de Oro City on Friday.

PH must narrow budget gap —Salceda AN economist legislator has urged the government to consider borrowing money to “narrow the country’s budget gap amid the economic downturn caused by the pandemic,” and for Congress to pass fresh revenue measures to pay these debts back.

House Ways and Means Chairman Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda noted that the country’s budget deficit for the first five months of 2020 has reached P562.2 billion, nearly 695 times the previous year’s budget gap of only P809 million for the period.

The Bureau of Treasury reported that government disbursements have continued to increase to P1.665 trillion, while revenues shrank to P1.102 trillion by end of May. A budget deficit occurs when expenditures exceed revenues.

Citing several revenue measures now pending in Congress, Salceda said they can pass these proposals to boost the Philippines’ credit ratings and make loans cheaper. The proposed tax on digital economy – which he recently filed – is estimated to yield P29.1 billion annually in incremental revenues, while the taxes on POGO, or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, will give the government P45 billion annually.

HB 6765, titled An Act Establishing a Fiscal Regime for the Digital Economy, aims to better capture the value created by the digital economy in the country’s tax system, and plug loopholes caused by ambiguities as to what kind of taxes digital services are liable to.

The proposal will make Lazada-like e-commerce platforms as withholding agents for VAT on imports from their seller-sources, mostly overseas-based; and require digital services providers like Google, Facebook and Netflix to be domiciled before offering their services so they become subject to value added tax and corporate income tax.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE. The Quezon City government has launched the QC Online Legal Assistance in coordination with the Office of the City Mayor, the City Legal Department and mylegalwhiz website. Through this portal, QC residents can access legal documents, local ordinances and other legal resources. QC Government Twitter Photo

Gov’t sets anti-hunger program in CL THE government is set and ready to implement its Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty program in various provinces in Central Luzon after the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and farmers’ groups entered into a Memorandum of Understanding through “virtual signing” at Clark, Pampanga last Friday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday said the administration is fully committed to ensuring food security and addressing hunger through programs that strengthen agricultural yield and increase the income of farmers.

“We would help our agricultural sector by supplying government entities such as penal institutions and public hospitals

with harvested produce provided by our local farmers,” he said.

Based on the 2019 4th quarter Social Weather Station survey, Nograles said 8.8 percent of households or roughly 2.1 million Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger once in three months, a slight improvement over the 9.1 percent and 2.3 million families logged in September 2019.

“The annual average hunger rate for 2019 is 9.3 percent compared to 10.8 percent in 2018. The December 2019 hunger rate is supposed to be the lowest if the basis of comparison is the 7.4 percent from March 2004. But we of course also acknowledge the latest SWS results of 16.7 percent which reflect our current realities

CDO Foodsphere marks 45TH year FOR 45 years this June 25, CDO Foodsphere has been serving the Filipino through its nutritious, but affordable products. What started as a backyard business, which flourished from the desire of one housewife to provide better food to her children and to help her neighbors earn a living, is now a multi billion-peso business that helps families and communities nationwide.

Its founder, Mrs. Corazon Dayro Ong, is a nutritionist-dietitian. With her education, experience and ingenuity, she was able to develop products that became a Filipino household staple for over four decades. This year, the company that she and her husband Jose de Jesus Ong started in 1975 continue to influence the lives of many families by bringing them together around the dining table and in family gatherings.

With the life-changing events of 2020, this has become one of the challenges at the present time, given their strong family ties and desire for social interaction. However, in its 45th year, CDO Foodsphere remains committed to its purpose. As it marks a new milestone in its history, CDO in the midst of these challenges, chooses to stand up for the meaningful mealtimes that families deserve.

The Company’s history is filled with victories over challenges that tried their resilience over time. Nevertheless, 45 years after being nurtured by Pepe and Cora Ong, CDO has now grown tremendously, with over 15 brands that are either category leaders or major challengers in the food industry. The husband-and-wife tandem has delivered amazing creations, and laid down the foundations of one of the country’s leading food manufacturers.

To celebrate their anniversary, CDO Foodsphere unveiled something new for the company – a new look, a new brand, represented by a new logo. The new logo was thoughtfully conceptualized, to represent the elements of what CDO as a company stands for – and that is bringing meaningful mealtimes to families, here and abroad.

This new mark connects the generations of Filipinos who have enjoyed CDO products for almost half a century now. At the same time, it reminds us of the promises that every product deliver – good, nutritious and affordable meals.

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LGUs

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TOGETHER AGAIN. A camp resident reunites with his family after 14 days of quarantine at the Red Cross campsite (inset), while other graduates stand for a souvenir photo on their last days there. Dahlia Orit/Red Cross Maasin

Red Cross COVID camp brings hope to Maasin CONCLUSION

By Ronald O. Reyes

M

P12-b circumferential road to hasten Pampanga dev’t

AASIN CITY­—The Red Cross 143 COVID-19 Skills Camp in Danao Forest Park, some 15 kilometers away from this city in Southern Leyte, has changed lives for returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and overseas Filipino workers from big cities reeling from the coronavirus.

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—The four congressmen of Pampanga and Gov. Dennis Pineda are working together for the immediate completion of the ongoing P12-billion circumferential road that will turn the province into “a mecca of development” after the coronavirus pandemic.

Pineda is working closely with 1st District Rep. Carmelo B. Lazatin ll, 2nd District Rep. Juan Miguel M. Arroyo, 3rd District Rep. Aurelio D. Gonzales, and 4th District Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc, along with Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as advisers.

Bondoc said an initial P3 billion was already released for the project last year,

According to Red Cross provincial administrator Jonas Maco, they are blessed with the support of Maasin Mayor Nacional Mercado, the church, partner government agencies like Bureau of Fire Protection through its chief Raul Inocando, Philippine National Police, and various donors.

“What makes this quarantine facility unique, aside from the camp setting, is that during the 14-day quarantine, the dwellers will undergo various skills training,” Maco told Manila Standard.

“This is in compliance with the Department of Health protocols to let them stay safe in a quarantine facility, for the locally stranded individuals not to be

but they are working on an additional release for its immediate completion and to spur the growth of the province.

“We are working closely with the national government for the release of the remaining funding for the completion of the project,” he said.

The road will accelerate the growth and progress of the 19 municipalities of the province, Bondoc said.

During an interview with local reporters, he said the initial of P3 billion was spent on the construction of municipal, provincial and national roads along the MacArthur Highway in the municipalities of Minalin, Guagua, Bacolor, Sto. Tomas and Lubao. Romeo Dizon

bored, enjoying while staying safe and so with their family, and to be physically active within the 14-day quarantine period,” he added.

While the returning locals stayed at camping grounds, they also attended a daily mass and a spiritual retreat officiated by Msgr. Cadayona.

“A city not as resource-rich as other big cities, the COVID-19 crisis has greatly impacted and is pushing Maasin City to the limit. Being the smallest city in Eastern Visayas with very limited human and logistical resources, the City of Maasin’s local funds are also dwindling fast. We have creatively managed our limited resources to respond to the needs

of our constituents,” said Mercado.

During their 14-day stay, camp residents learned free lessons on volunteer management orientation course, psychosocial support program, hygiene promotion, proper handwashing and COVID-19 prevention, forest tree planting, and emergency first aid training.

Also, they were taught about basic life support training through cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fire safety, substance abuse prevention education program, gardening, food security, and new normal orientation.

As spiritual and skills development programs abounded at the camping site, the 29 returning locals found their 14day stay “memorable.”

Maria Mavel Malbas, 24-year-old call center worker from Cebu, said she is thankful to the organizers who welcomed them despite the health risk.

“I will remember this in my entire life.

Never imagined how a quarantine life could have a twist,” wrote Malbas, adding that she learned so many things during her stay.

“Cheers to all the frontliners who never hesitated to help and assist us every day. For the support and for the love and care you have shared to us,” Malbas said.

Maasin, with over 85,000 population, has recorded two confirmed cases of coronavirus as of June 28.

Globe, Fort Boni boost Taguig’s anti-virus efforts San Pablo hospital adds new virus GLOBE has partnered with Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation Inc. (FBDFI) to support Taguig City’s efforts to help its residents and frontliners in this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has donated at least P5 million to FBDFI to purchase items such as relief packs, thermal scanners, meals and checkpoint support to boost Taguig’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

The partnership has also helped protect the city’s frontliners and other personnel manning the entry and exit points of its central business district, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

FBDFI is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC), the main developer of Bonifacio Global City, a 240-hectare world-class business district at the heart of Taguig City.

“We share in the challenges of making Taguig City safe and giving its residents support they need. We hope this financial assistance will give them the morale support and assurance that we are together in the fight against COVID-19,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Chief Commercial Officer of Globe.

Globe and FBDFI were also able to give more than 4,000 food packs to 4,388 low-income families (or more than 12,000 individuals) from Brgys. Ususan, Ibayo, Katuparan, and Lower Bicutan. At least 1,000 meal packs were also given to frontliners who keep BGC clean and sanitized at all times.

“As one of our most valued locators in BGC, we cannot thank Globe enough for answering FBDFI’s call for donations and community action in these trying times,” de Larrazabal added.

molecular test lab, ICU, more staff SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez recently led officials in launching the new Intensive Care Unit and Molecular Laboratory-COVID-19 Testing Facility at the San Pablo City District Hospital (SPCDH) here.

This facility contains nucleic acid extraction machine, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, biosafety cabinet, laminar flow hood, micro-centrifuges, autoclaves, cold storage / ultra-low freezers, and pass boxes. There is also a template room, sample extraction room, fast bath and more.

The project is part of the P72 million supplemental budget requested by Hernandez and thoroughly studied and adopt-

Operation Smile PH gives PPE to frontliners HARD AT WORK. Globe Telecom has donated at least P5 million to Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation Inc. to purchase relief packs, meals, and checkpoint support, while security guards use thermal scanners help protect the city’s frontliners and other personnel going into Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Agri dept. pushes ‘Plant Plant Plant’ in Sarangani THE Department of Agriculture (DA) recently rolled out projects anchored on the government’s “Plant, Plant, Plant” program to improve the country’s food security in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also known as the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban COVID-19” initiative of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, a key element is the Rice Re-

ed by the Laguna Provincial Council.

It will include six medical technologists who have undergone training for laboratory technicians, and the hospital has received accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) as a Stage 4 facility.

“There is still work to be done. with some more rules to become Stage 5,” the governor said.

SPCDH now welcomes patients who have been treated with COVID-19, and at the opening of this facility many people will be given a diagnosis for the disease, Hernandez said.

“The Hospital and Molecular Laboratory are now ready, with doctors, nurses and technicians assigned,” he said. Benjamin Chavez

siliency Project which will distribute seeds and fertilizers for free to farmers in the wet cropping season to boost rice production.

In a recent roll-out in Sarangani province, DA Region 12 Director Arlan Mangelen said the government will help farmer beneficiaries ensure a good harvest by providing crop insurance, particularly on rice.

He disclosed that the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program specifically caters to smallholder rice farmers whose farm size ranges from one-half hectare to 2 hectares.

He added that the DA is giving out hybrid and certified palay, fertilizers, and OPV (open pollinated variety) corn seeds, livestock for livelihood, as well as vegetable seeds for backyard gardening.

ADAPTING to the urgent and current global health concerns, Operation Smile has refocused its efforts towards extending assistance to frontliners, while supporting patients and their families in new ways amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) has utilized the $10,000 (about P500,000) grant from the headquarters to purchase 1,000 complete sets of PPEs (personal protective equipment) consisting of face shields, gowns, gloves and foot covers that were distributed to 19 hospitals in Metro Manila and three in Quezon Province.

In addition, OSP provided another $10,000 worth of medical supplies to its partner hospitals in Cebu and its partner cleft center in Davao.

A total of 66 OSP volunteers composed of 22 medical doctors and 44 nurses are working in the frontlines battling

the pandemic.

OSP beneficiaries include Sta. Ana Hospital (Manila Cleft Care Center), Pagamutan ng Dasmarinas (Cavite), Jesus Datu Medical Center (Pampanga Center), East Avenue Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital; National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Rizal Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Calauag St. Peter General Hospital, Calauag Municipal Infirmary; RHU Calauag, Pasig Children’s Hospital, Bicol Medical Center, Marikina Saint Francis Hospital, San Juan Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, Fabella Hospital, and Makati Medical Center.

Opinion Bubbles AUSTRALIA and New Zealand will be exchanging flights to and from their countries in order to re-charge their tourism sector. The concept is to create a travel “bubble” for two countries which did well, and in the case of NZ, exceedingly well, in managing the ill effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan for its part will begin welcoming citizens coming in for mainly business purposes, as well as students enrolled in their universities. The countries in the first tier, which are considered “low-risk” because they managed their COVID-19 responses pretty well are: Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Fiji, Mongolia and Bhutan.

The bubble concept is indeed workable, but will remain a bubble for as long as the country’s health management is deemed unacceptable.

Citizens from these countries coming to Taiwan will only be required four-day self-quarantine after health checks at the airport. In time, even these would be ruled out as the pandemic remains controlled in the island. *** Our tourism secretary announced last week the possibility of creating a similar travel bubble between some island destinations in the Philippines, such as Bohol, Boracay and possibly some parts of Palawan. The incidence of COVID contagion in these islands have been few and far between. Bohol has a new Panglao International Airport and so does Boracay, both from Caticlan and Kalibo, capable of accepting charter flights.

The bubble concept is indeed workable, but will remain a bubble for as long as the country’s health management is deemed unacceptable, not only by governments elsewhere in the world, but by their citizens as well who keep tab of the numbers that keep rising. *** In Taiwan however, domestic tourism has considerably perked up. And I have seen more and more people, especially the young, do away with the ubiquitous utilization of face masks wherever they go.

Last Thursday, the beginning of the fourday Dragon Boat holiday in celebration of the change of seasons from spring to summer, I went to Ruifang in New Taipei City, where we went up to a relatively low but steep 100 meter climb, through some 5 kilometers to reach a peak from whence one gets a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Domestic tourism seems to have been re-energized. Even the remote Green Island

Cardinal Sin of which were Catholics. But even these two instances did not lessen his resolve to speak for truth and justice, as he did time and again, to reject calls to amend the 1987 Constitution and to reject the passage of a Reproductive Health Bill.

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE FIFTEEN years ago, with the death of Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin on June 21, the Catholic Church in the Philippines lost its strongest and perhaps most authoritative voice in Philippine politics.

Neither side of the political fence can discount Cardinal Sin’s role during the 1986 EDSA Revolution that catapulted former President Corazon Aquino to power and the removal of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada from Malacañang in 2001. To his friends and proteges, Cardinal Sin was a revered pastor and courageous prophet for democracy, but to his many critics even within the Church, he was a wayward priest who dragged the Church to politics.

While Cardinal Sin is often remembered for his political influence, it is seldom mentioned that some of his political views were left unheeded by the faithful.

During the 1992 presidential elections, for example, he indicated preference for Ramon Mitra; still, a Protestant, Fidel Ramos, won the presidency. During the 1998 elections, he adamantly called on the faithful to vote for any candidate except Joseph Estrada. Again, he failed to convince the Filipino voters, an overwhelming majority

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Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

in Taitung received thousands of visitors that kept dozens of ferries busy the whole long week-end.

Ruifang in New Taipei City is just less than a leisurely 40-minute drive from downtown Taipei City, where one could climb its low but very well-maintained mountains, and swim and snorkel in the clear waters of the currently calm sea. And later gorge on excellent locally-produced seafood, such as lobsters, crabs, abalone and groupers. At very affordable prices, I might add. *** The key to the workability of the travel bubbles, as well as enhancing domestic tourism is safety and security, especially peace of mind on questions of health. So Sec. Berna’s hopes are really a function of how long it will take the country to reverse the current trends of health mismanagement.

One is relieved to know that Sec. Cimatu has been charged to take over the pandemic management in Cebu City as earlier requested by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas from the President, who is himself considered a Cebuano, his father having been a Mindanao migrant from Danao.

Now it has been discovered that regional health officials based in Cebu City were “managing” reports on the number of Covid infections in their public hospitals, creating an earlier atmosphere of false complacency.

Now the “bubble” has burst, and Cimatu comes to the rescue. Still, the toxic nature of Cebu politics has reared its ugly head once more, indulging in fake news and recriminatory accusations against both local and national government officials. Even Sec. Cimatu, an Ilocano with frugal habits, has been falsely accused of having taken 40 rooms at the Seda Hotel in Lahug, when all he brought with him was an assistant.

Slay the toxicity, Cebuanos, and just follow the quarantine rules strictly. *** Here in Taiwan, a returning Japanese student who was asymptomatic but upon testing was found to be positive for the virus last June 22 raised quite a furor. But within the next three days, government traced 123 persons with whom the student interacted upon his arrival, from airport to eateries. Fortunately, all 123 tested negative, thanks to face masks and other precautionary measures ingrained as habit in the population. By June 26, all fears were laid to rest.

Just one case added to 446, since the virus spread out in January in this supposedly “lucky” Year of the Rat. *** And as we write this article on a hot Sunday morning here in Taipei, we read about the departure to a “safer” beyond of three persons, to whose families we would like to extend our profound condolences.

To Sen. Bong and Mayor Lani, on the demise of their father, Ramon Sr., after a long and lingering illness; To Ma’am Nancy and the children and grandchildren of our good Cebuano friend Congressman Tony Cuenco, who was once Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs, and thus a predecessor in office; And finally, to my immediate predecessor as Chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Congressman Amadito Perez Jr. of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan.

Their departure from earthly life, days after Ambassador Danding, sends intimations of mortality upon us all.

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

None of his successors ever dared step into this man’s shoes.

The gravest betrayal to his legacy would come years later with the presidency of Benigno Aquino III who pushed Congress to pass the Reproductive Health Act in 2012. Ironically, if not for the Cardinal’s support, the divided anti-Marcos opposition may never had the chance to win the elections, and Cory Aquino would never become president. With their political fortunes tied to the Church’s support, the second Aquino administration may never had happened.

But again, President Noynoy Aquino chose to repay the Church’s support by defying her position on artificial contraception. One wonders what Cardinal Sin would have said about the second President Aquino if he were still alive by then.

Without an authoritative voice like Cardinal Sin, critics are quick to assess that

What’s wrong with changing names?

S

EVERAL lawmakers have taken the trouble to file a bill to rename Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas.

the economy.

That we have become used to the emergency situation does not diminish the urgen-

The proposal is arbitrary and frivolous—at best, a source of comic relief.

But who is in the mood for jokes these days?

Presidential son and Davao Rep. Paulo Duterte, along with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and party list Rep. Eric Go Yap are convinced we need “more representative branding for the international gateway of our country.”

The new name, the proponents say, bears our country’s name and is in the national language.

The initiative gave rise to a range of criticism—from hilarious memes on the new acronym, PAPAPI, to biting commentary on misplaced priorities, especially now that we are still seeing surges in fresh cases of COVID-19 even after more than 100 days of lockdown.

Aside from the number of infections, also raging are still-unanswered questions on the capability of the government to gather data for an accurate picture of the situation, make science-based decisions, and balance the need to protect the health of the public and the health of

cy of the need of frontliners, of the poor and the jobless, of overseas Filipino workers. We also ponder a post-COVID world­—how do we begin anew when it appears most people working in most industries have been affected by the crisis?

With all these weighing down on us, it becomes clear that the proposal to change the airport’s name at this time is arbitrary and friv-

olous. It serves no other function than comic relief at best, and a revelation of lawmakers’ lack of anything better to do—a tragedy during ordinary times, doubly so during a pandemic.

It is not just the timing, that is objectionable, either. To be clear, changing names per se is not bad. In fact, it is good to evaluate, every so often, how things are called and what message these names send out into the world.

Names are more than what we call people, places or things. A change in name is best accompanied by a corresponding change in the essence of the thing that is being named.

If we can associate our current premier airport with efficiency and convenience, and if we can reform it in such a way that there are no more corrupt personnel who escort favored foreigners and regale them with privileges, there are no flight delays and apparent indifference to passengers’ plight, there are no frustrating homecomings for much-distressed OFWs who have no idea how they can make it home and find a new source of income after their displacement—then, perhaps, we can begin to think about a name change for our gateway to the rest of the world.

Paths to green economic recovery we will have to revisit policies on underutilized industries such as the mining industry in order to stop the country’s economic hemorrhaging.

However, we must only proceed if we uphold the responsible and sustainable practices under an environmental stewardship-centered economic agenda.”

Rep. Elpidio F. Barzaga, Jr., Chairperson of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives underscored the need for the government to act and look for solutions to the internet connection in the country, as it is has become indispensable technology and a key component in our post pandemic economy. He further highlighted the need to expand and upgrade the country’s digital infrastructure as it will be necessary for government, as well as corporate transactions.

OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES WE ARE facing the most difficult challenge to humanity that many sage observers say has never been seen in modern history. As of this writing, World Health Organization COVID-19 data reports confirmed cases about to breach 9.6 million and deaths approaching 500 thousand worldwide.

This is a global crisis that is now teaching its inhabitants that tipping the fragile balance of human and environmental health will have catastrophic consequences. The symbiosis of our health, the environment, and economic security is no longer a quixotic cause of tree-hugging fanatics but a reality essential to our existence.

As the country starts to make tentative steps to restart economic activities, alarming spikes in new cases further feed the anxiety of the people who must now venture out of their quarantine domiciles and adjust to the myriad of safety protocols to shield themselves from the deadly Wuhan virus.

We must move forward and get the economy going. But we must first accept that this global crisis is the consequence of our civilization’s committed or omitted mistakes, always biased to feed our insatiable need to have more of everything in the name of development.

In the latest online forum hosted by Stratbase ADR Institute and Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), over 200 stakeholders from government, civil society, academe and the private sector were in consensus in seriously pursuing paths towards a “Green Economic Recovery” in the context of environmental stewardship.

The institute’s President, Prof. Dindo Manhit in his opening remarks said, “We must push for a more circular economy, one wherein we all efficiently manage our solid wastes as well as our mineral and forest resources. After all,

the Church’s influence over Filipino society have begun to wane. The passage of the Reproductive Health Act is believed to have signified a political setback for the Church, significantly diminishing its once-unquestioned moral authority.

Whether one agrees or not with his politics, Jaime Cardinal Sin will be remembered for bringing the Catholic Church in the Philippines to its own “aggiornamento,” echoing the renewal of the Catholic Church following the Second Vatican Council. Filipino society as a whole, will forever be grateful for his openness, candor and courage. Before Cardinal Sin became the Archbishop of Manila, the Catholic Church in the Philippines was often perceived to be removed from issues of the day and acquiescent to the political establishment. Majority of the bishops were reluctant to express their political and social views publicly. Most priests and

Let us not repeat the mistakes that have led us to this planetary mess.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs, Juan Miguel Cuna will push the National Greening Program, where 16,000 families will benefit from the seedling production, plantation maintenance and protection. The department is also fast tracking the assessment of largescale mining operations, to determine if they are compliant to resume operations to provide employment and revenue to the national government and host communities. Minahang Bayan for small scale miners will be allowed to operate legally in different provinces under strict monitoring to ensure their extractive activities comply with environmental regulations. Multi-stakeholder approaches to revive tourism, build treatment storage and disposal facilities, strengthen water security and the

religious were then confined to their rectories and convents. It was a Church that clearly took to heart the admonition “to be in the world, but not to be of the world.”

It was Cardinal Sin that transformed the image of the Church. Ending years of “critical collaboration” with the Marcos regime, the Church found its voice to speak against the excesses of Marcos’ “New Society”. With the Church becoming a part of an emerging civil society, more priests and religious were encouraged to more openly join political protests, not only to express its moral positions in the public sphere, but to actively participate in building a just and humane society.

As a pastor, Cardinal Sin knew how to combine his conservative theological views with a genuine concern for the poor. His sense of humor and amiable demeanor allowed him to work alongside politicians,

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

implementation of wildlife handling protocols are among the DENR’s flagship programs to support the government’s financial and social reconstruction in the wake of the pandemic.

DENR Undersecretary for Climate Change Analiza Teh recommended policies that would contribute to achieving economic and climate goals, clean physical infrastructure investment, building efficiency with long overdue renovations and retrofits, investment in education and training, natural capital investment for ecosystem resilience and regeneration, and clean Research and Development investments.

Usec. Teh pointed out that dealing with the long-term climate emergency will not come from shutting down the economy, rather, it will come from structuring systems enabling people to live in a low carbon way, such as investing in sustainable infrastructure to ensure long term impacts and sustainability. She further underscored the need for private sector’s support, more policy reforms, and called for a shift in cultural behavior in how people treat the environment.

Mr. Ludwig Federigan, Executive Director of the Young Environmental Forum and Stratbase ADRi Non-Resident Fellow called for an aggressive push for a ‘green’ recovery plan that sets the economy on a pathway towards a low-carbon development that focuses on: (1) healthcare investments in national laboratory system, real-time surveillance, workforce development, preparedness, emergency response operations, risk communication, and national legislation, policy and financing; (2) strengthening our disaster preparedness; (3) allotting more funding for clean research and development spending; and (4) clean/renewable energy infrastructure investments.

I highly recommend that you check out the entire recording posted at the PBEST Facebook page to appreciate the enlightening discussions of the other speakers, reactors, and participants.

Let us not repeat the mistakes that have led us to this planetary mess. It must not be business as usual.

businessmen and others of diverse backgrounds. He was appreciated at home for being known and respected abroad. In fact, he was the first Catholic cardinal to be able to visit Communist China since the Cultural Revolution, and the first to visit the Soviet Union since the Bolshevik Revolution.

None of his successors ever dared step into the shoes of Cardinal Sin. Not even the entire Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) would match his charisma and decisiveness in speaking against the political issues of the day. There is no doubt that Cardinal Sin strongly wielded the Church’s influence in the country’s social and political affairs, and in shaping the nation’s political and economic policies, especially when these ran counter to the Church’s teachings and discipline.

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Princeton removes Wilson’s name from school PRINCETON University said it was removing the name of president Woodrow Wilson from its public policy school and a residential college, calling the former US leader a racist.

The Ivy League school's board of trustees "concluded that Woodrow Wilson's racist thinking and policies make him an inappropriate namesake for a school or college whose scholars, students, and alumni must stand firmly against racism in all its forms," university President Christopher Eisgruber said in a statement.

Wilson served two terms as US president, from 1913 to 1921. He was the founding father of the League of Nations, a forerunner of the United Nations, and embodied the end of American isolationism.

But the 28th US president also supported racist policies, notably allowing segregation in federal agencies even after they had been racially integrated for decades.

"He not only acquiesced in, but added to the persistent practice of racism in this country, a practice that continues to do harm today," Eisgruber said.

The New Jersey university will now be home to the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. A residential college named after Wilson will be known as First College.

Since the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed African American killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck, the United States has been swept by civil unrest with protesters demanding the end of systemic racism.

Businesses and institutions have been examining their roles in perpetuating injustice.

The efforts are even gaining ground in highly conservatives places like Mississippi, where lawmakers on Saturday took procedural steps to redesign the southern state's flag, which prominently features a Confederate emblem.

Governor Tate Reeves has said he will sign any bill passed by lawmakers to change the banner. AFP

ART IMITATES LIFE. A man rides a bike past a coronavirus-related mural by urban artists Mick Martinez and Were Torres in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state, Mexico. AFP

1 dead in shooting at BLM rally O

NE person was killed and another wounded in a shooting at a Black Lives Matter rally in the US state of Kentucky, police said.

The incident Saturday took place at Jefferson Square Park in the center of Louisville where protestors have gathered for weeks over the killing of African American woman Breonna Taylor.

Her death in March helped fuel a campaign against racism and police brutality in the United States that has since spread across the globe.

Manila

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Louisville Metro Police Department said officers were called to the park at around 9:00 p.m.

"Calls then came in that Sheriff's Department personnel were in the park performing life-saving measures on a male who eventually died at the scene," the department said on Twitter.

Soon after another person was shot across the street at the city's Hall of Jus-

tice, police added. own apartment.

It was unclear if there was more than The 26-year-old emergency room one shooter and authorities have yet to technician was shot dead after police release any details of the victims. barged into her home, alleging that Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said he drug dealers had used the apartment to was "deeply saddened by the violence." receive packages.

Before the shooting, Fischer had The case helped trigger fresh waves urged counter-protesters to stay away of anger in the United States over racial from the park, after local newspaper injustice and police brutality.

Louisville Courier Journal reported that Those protests expanded dramati"armed patriot groups" were planning cally after the May 25 killing of George on confronting the demonstrators.

Floyd, an unarmed black man who died Louisville has seen especially pas- in Minneapolis after a white police ofsionate Black Lives Matter protests ficer pinned his knee to Floyd's neck for due to the police killing Taylor in her more than eight minutes. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Exist, persist, resist: Gay Pride events go online for 50th year

TODAY

FIFTY years on from the first Gay Pride march, the LGBT community and their supporters took many of their events online Saturday, responding to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

While some activists took to the streets to mark the event, much of the movement's energy was channelled into Global Pride, a 24-hour online event broadcast live online.

London Pride, one of the biggest events in the Gay Pride calendar, was one major victim of the new restrictions imposed by the pandemic.

Online events replaced it under the slogan: "Postponed, but still united."

But veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell, wearing a rainbow-coloured mask, led a group of 12 fellow activists to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the London Gay Liberation Front.

"We are seeking to reclaim Pride as an event for LGBT+ human rights," said the 68-year-old campaigner.

Some events were broadcast on the giant screen in Piccadilly Square and London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, tweeted his support. "We may be apart, but we are still united, as neighbours, as allies, and as one city."

In Berlin, police estimated that around 3,500 people marched in temperatures of around 30

degrees Celsius.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted a message of support to the Global Pride event: "Be proud of yourself! No matter who you love, no matter where you live."

In Vienna, around 200 cars and motorbikes decked out in rainbow flags and inflatable unicorns paraded down the city’s famous Ringstrasse on Saturday afternoon.

Organizers said around 5,000 people turned out to watch the scaled-down event. Vienna's Rainbow Parade, which normally attracts hundreds of thousands of people, was otherwise replaced by online events.

The online Global Pride event—running with the slogan "Exist, persist, resist"—got underway at 0500 GMT in London.

Fronted by singer and drag queen Todrick Hall, known for his role on the American Idol talent show, it also featured stars such as Kesha and Ava Max. Politicians were also appearing, including Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado, whose country has just legalized gay marriage.

Global Pride, put together by the organizers of several of the major Gay Pride events around the world, was aiming to attract hundreds of millions of viewers around the world. AFP

‘China sent militia to India border’ CHINA reinforced its troops near the Indian border with mountain climbers and martial arts fighters shortly before a deadly clash this month, state media reported.

Tensions are common between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in the mountainous border terrain, but this month's fighting was their deadliest encounter in over 50 years.

Five new militia divisions including former members of a Mount Everest Olympic torch relay team and fighters from a mixed martial arts club presented themselves for inspection at Lhasa on June 15, official military newspaper China National Defense News reported.

State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of hundreds of new troops lining up in the Tibetan capital.

Tibet commander Wang Haijiang said the Enbo Fight Club recruits would "greatly raise the organization and mobilization strength" of troops and their "rapid response and support ability," China National Defense News reported, although he did not explicitly confirm their deployment was linked to ongoing border tensions.

Chinese and Indian troops clashed later that day in the most violent confrontation between the two powers in decades, in the Ladakh region 1,300 kilometers away.

India says 20 of its own soldiers were killed in brutal hand-to-hand combat that day, while China suffered an unknown number of casualties.

Both sides have blamed each other for the battle, which was fought with rocks and batons without any shots fired.

India said Thursday that it had reinforced troops in the contested Himalayan border region, saying it was matching a similar buildup by China.

Chinese state media have in recent weeks highlighted military activity including high-altitude anti-aircraft drills in the Tibet region bordering India. AFP (MS-JUNE 29, 2020)

IN BRIEF Trump denies intel on Russia-Taliban THE White House has denied that President Donald Trump was briefed on intelligence that reportedly showed Russia had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US soldiers in Afghanistan.

The rewards were purportedly incentives to the guerrillas to target US forces, as Trump tries to withdraw troops from the conflict-torn country—one of the militants' key demands±and end America's longest war.

The claim was first reported by The New York Times on Friday. The newspaper, citing anonymous officials, said Trump was briefed on the findings in March, but has not decided how to respond.

Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Saturday that "neither the president nor the vice president were briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence."

But she left open the possibility that such intelligence existed.

"This does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence but to the inaccuracy of The New York Times story erroneously suggesting that President Trump was briefed on this matter," McEnany said.

However, her denial that Trump was aware of the matter was met with skepticism from Washington's national security fraternity. AFP

Cannabis sales uptick not enough CANADIAN cannabis sales soared at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but not enough to bolster a sector in the throes of reorganization only two years after the drug was legalized.

Fearing a shortage of the dried flower, Canadians rushed to cannabis stores and websites to stock up ahead of what would turn out to be a three-month governmentordered lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Sales jumped almost 20 percent in March from the previous month and continued at a brisk pace through April, according to the government statistical agency.

Classified as an essential service, pot stores remained open while online sales exploded.

Industry expert Bradley Poulos, who teaches at Ryerson University in Toronto, said the pandemic has had a positive effect in that the legal market has actually seen an uptick in business.

"We saw a transfer of some of the illegal (black market) business over to the legal market during this time," he told AFP. But, he added, that hasn't been enough of a boost for an industry in trouble and still struggling to reach profitability. AFP

Business Controversy over Huawei opens field for other bidders TOKYO—With growing pressure to keep China’s Huawei out of 5G network development, it could be time for firms like Japan’s NEC and South Korea’s Samsung to shine.

Washington has pushed allies to bar Huawei, a Chinese telecom giant, from building next-generation 5G mobile networks, claiming its equipment can be used to spy for Beijing.

Huawei denies the charges, but US pressure has prompted an about-turn in Britain.

The government had already pledged to cut the firm out of the most sensitive “core” elements of 5G that access personal data, and is now reportedly pushing for plans to end Huawei’s involvement in Britain’s 5G infrastructure by 2023.

But excluding Huawei is not without challenges, because there are currently only two alternatives in Europe for 5G equipment such as antennas and relay masts: Finland’s Nokia and Sweden’s Ericsson.

Britain has encouraged Washington to form a club of 10 democratic nations that could develop its own 5G technology, but there has been little movement so far.

“The vast majority of the commercial networks sold in the world come from the big three,” said Sylvain Chevallier, in charge of telecoms at BearingPoint consultancy, referring to Huawei, Nokia and Ericsson.

“But a world of three is not good for operators, and if it goes down to two it will be worse still,” he told AFP. Teaming up That leaves a tempting potential opening for telecoms firms like Samsung and NEC. But building a successful 5G network is no simple task.

That is a lesson Samsung has already learned. Despite being a major player in 3G, it found itself unable to compete with the big three on 4G and struggled to win commercial contracts.

“This has been a challenge for Samsung,” said Daryl Schoolar, a mobile technology specialist at consulting group Omdia.

In building its 5G network, Samsung has so far focused on North America and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

“So while operators may feel uncertain about Samsung Networks, they are much further along in the process of being a global presence than NEC,” Schoolar added.

NEC does have some advantages, including a partnership in Japan with mobile operator Rakuten. AFP

Stock market eyes Q2 earnings S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HARE prices are expected to trade sideways over the near term period, with investors likely to take profits ahead of the release of secondquarter earnings of listed companies.

BPI Securites Haj Narvaez said in a recent briefing some technical indicators had turned slightly south over the last few days, signifying the market was losing its upward momentum.

Narvaez said investors were likely to stay on a wait-and-see mode ahead of the release of second-quarter earnings.

They expect negative earnings results due to the lockdown.

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Work at an appropriate height.

You need to invest in a table and a good adjustable office chair.

Adjust the height of your chair by first sitting on the chair and then adjust the height until the feet are flat on the floor.

Adjust the backrest forward or backward until it fits the contours of the lower back. If the seat depth is too large such that the back does not reach the backrest, get lumbar support or pillow to pad your backrest.

Bend the elbows at right angles and adjust the armrest to that level.

If you cannot afford a good office chair, then use your dining chair and place a pillow on the

oil which lost 4.4 percent and property which fell 4.3 percent.

The services index decreased 3.3 percent, while the financials and holding firms dropped 3.2 percent and 0.2 percent respectively.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P5.08 billion, while the average daily value traded stood at P9.3 billion from P8.5 billion in the previous week.

Meanwhile, Wall Street stocks suffered their second rout in three sessions Friday as surging coronavirus cases prompted large US states to impose new public health restrictions, threatening the economy’s recovery from widespread business shutdowns.

Major US indices fell around 2.5 percent or more to finish the week in the red after Texas and Florida ordered bars to stop serving alcohol on site, along with other measures intended to halt a huge jump in virus cases. With AFP

BACK TO THE BEACH. Tourists sit on the beach at the Krk Premium Camping Resort on the northern island of KrK on June 17, 2020. Relaxation of travel restrictions within most European Union nations earlier this month enabled the arrival of foreign guests to Croatia and raised the Adriatic nation’s hopes that boating and camping, as socially-distanced tourism options, could save some of the season. AFP

PSEi June 26, 2020 TOP GAINERS

MOST ACTIVE

France pulls plug on country’s oldest nuclear plant FESSENHEIM, France―France’s oldest nuclear power plant will shut down on Tuesday after four decades in operation, to the delight of environmental activists who have long warned of contamination risks, but stoking worry for the local economy.

The Fessenheim plant, opened in 1977 and already three years over its projected 40-year life span, became a target for anti-nuclear campaigners after the catastrophic meltdown at Fukushima in Japan in 2011.

Despite a pledge by then-president Francois Hollande just months after the Fukushima disaster to close Fessenheim―on the Rhine river near France’s eastern border with Germany and Switzerland―it was not until 2018 that his successor Emmanuel Macron gave the

final green light.

Run by state-owned energy company EDF, one of Fessenheim’s two reactors was disconnected in February.

The second is to be taken off line early Tuesday, but it will be several months before the reactors have cooled enough for the used fuel to be removed.

That process should be completed by 2023, and the plant is not expected to be fully dismantled before 2040 at the earliest.

“We hope, above all, to be the last victims of this witch hunt against nuclear” energy, Fessenheim union representative Anne Laszlo said ahead of the closure that will see about 150 families depart the tiny Alsatian community of 2,500 inhabitants this summer.

More will follow, with only 294 people needed on site for the fuel removal

process until 2023, and about 60 after that for the final disassembly.

By the end of 2017, Fessenheim had over 1,000 employees and service providers on site.

There is no legal limit on the life span of French nuclear power stations, but the EDF had envisaged a 40-year ceiling for all second-generation reactors, which use pressurized water technology.

France’s ASN nuclear safety authority has said reactors can be operated beyond 40 years only if ambitious safety improvements are undertaken.

In the 1990s and 2000s, several safety failures were reported at Fessenheim, including an electrical fault, cracks in a reactor cover, a chemistry error, water pollution, a fuel leak, and non-lethal radioactive contamination of workers. AFP

Working ergonomically and safely from home

Green Light

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Listed companies reported an average decline of 25 percent in the first quarter of the year. Narvaez said the second quarter could reflect an average of 50-percent decline in earnings as the lockdown lasted longer than expected.

He said investors wanted to see how the COVID-19 case count would progress, with the second wave in some countries likely to dampen overall sentiments.

Stock picks of BPI Securities, meanwhile, include PLDT Inc., Century Pacific Food Inc. and Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp., which have been benefitting from work-from-home arrangement because of the pandemic.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week fell 2.5 percent to 6,315.07 while the broader All Shares Index dropped 3 percent to 3,684.55.

All major sub-indices ended on the negative territory, led by industrial which declined 5.3 percent, mining and

TOP LOSERS

DR. ALMA JENNIFER GUTIERREZ DUE to this pandemic, we are all forced to work from home. However, not all of us have a workspace at home, so some use their laptop while sitting on their bed, sitting on a couch, using the kitchen counter as a table, sitting on the floor, etc. This practice is not good since you cannot sustain these postures for long periods. Besides, there should be boundaries between your personal and work life.

Setting up an ergonomic workspace will decrease stress by allowing you to work with attention to your health, comfort, and safety. The goal is to manage your day without aches and pains because these can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Practicing ergonomics at home increases our body’s circulation. Our body was engineered to move. So, here are some tips for working smartly.

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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

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seat pan to prevent the numbness of your buttocks.

Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard to prevent awkward positions of the shoulder.

Maintain proper working postures. Your limbs should be in a relaxed position.

Your monitor should be at arm’s length. Adjust the font size according to your vision.

Every 1.5 hours, you need to take breaks away from your computer. Check on your kids, make coffee, or have personal breaks.

Stand up and do stretching exercises. Stretch your hands, shoulders and forearms, neck and back. Do these exercises to ease the tension of the muscles involved in prolonged typing tasks.

Ensure that your work area is beside a light source, or it is well lighted. Avoid glare by having window shade or curtains.

To avoid eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds or close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Manage your home and work activity.

Stick with your schedule. Even though we are on quarantine, it does not mean we need to work till midnight.

Dress appropriately when having zoom or google meetings.

that you can enjoy life outside of work.”

Alma Maria Jennifer Gutierrez, Ph.D. is a South East Asian Network of Ergonomics Societies (SEANES) Educator Award 2018 recipient and currently an Associate Professor of the Industrial Engineering Department at the Gokongwei College of Engineering at De La Salle University and also an ASEAN engineer. She also serves as Vice President of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines (HFESP) and Associate Director of DLSU’s Human Factors and Ergonomics Center. She has publications in the Sustainability Journal, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, and International Journal of Aviation Psychology. Aside from this, she also contributed a book chapter in the Human Factors and Ergonomics in Consumer Product Design published

by CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group. She held leadership positions in the University as the Department Chairperson (AY 2016-2019; AY2006-2007) and Vice-Chairperson (AY2003- 2006; AY2010-2012).

Currently, she is engaged in ergonomics consultancy on Safety Productivity Enhancement through the Ergonomics Development program to the government and private sector. She can be reached at alma.gutierrez@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of De La Salle University, “Your health is more important so its faculty, and its administrators.

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Tourists sit on the beach at the Krk Premium Camping Resort on the northern island of KrK on June 17, 2020. Relaxation of travel restrictions within most European Union nations earlier this month enabled the arrival of foreign guests to Croatia and raised the Adriatic nation’s hopes that boating and camping, as socially-distanced tourism options, could save some of the season. AFP

European Union agrees on list of 14 ‘safe countries’ for border reopening BRUSSELS, Belgium—The EU cannot agree on a list of “safe countries” from where travelers could visit Europe in July, with some member states requiring more time to decide, diplomats said Saturday.

After days of talks, EU envoys on Friday agreed to propose a list of 14 countries to their national governments, with the United States, where the coronavirus is still spreading, to remain excluded.

Croatia, which currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, requested that countries offer feedback by Saturday at 1600 GMT, with hopes the matter could then be put to a vote among the 27 member states.

“There are still ongoing consultations, which will continue until Monday,” an EU source told AFP. “There is no visibility on where this will go, but the presidency still hopes

to put this matter to a vote on Monday,” the source added.

The proposed “safe” list contains just fourteen countries: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.

Crucially, travelers from China would be approved to enter, but under the condition that Beijing would do the same for Europeans.

Non-essential travel to the EU has been banned since mid-March, but only after member states closed their national borders in confusion and without coordination as the pandemic grew.

The restrictions are to be gradually lifted starting July 1, as the infection rate recedes—at least in Europe—and some countries hoped for close EU coordination.AFP

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

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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

Business

Exodus of POGOs continues PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 26, 2020

73.58 points

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

1,071,419,891 93,003 5,297,655,674.74

ADVANCES 99

6,191.84

DECLINES 91 UNCHANGED 54

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.0130

Japan

Yen

0.009333

0.4668

UK

Pound

1.242600

62.1462

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129026

6.4530

Switzerland

Franc

1.053963

52.7119

Canada

Dollar

0.733353

36.6772

Singapore

Dollar

0.718649

35.9418

Australia

Dollar

0.688600

34.4390

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651113

132.590

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

13.3347

Brunei

Dollar

0.716076

35.8131

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.032342

1.6175

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.6171

Euro

Euro

1.121700

56.0996

Korea

Won

0.000832

0.0416

China

Yuan

0.141693

7.0865

India

Rupee

0.013240

0.6622

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.233863

11.6962

New Zealand

Dollar

0.642800

32.1484

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033901

1.6955

By Julito G. Rada

during the community quarantine, more shutdowns were forthcoming.

Suncity has left,” Pagcor chair TATE-RUN Philippine and“Yes, chief executive Andrea Domingo Amusement and said when asked to confirm talk that Asia’s leading casino junket operator Gaming Corp. said had ceased its operations here. it expects more shutdowns Jose Tria, PAGCOR assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing, and exodus of Philippine said aside from Suncity, Don Tencess offshore gaming operators Asian Solutions also sought for the canafter two major companies, cellation of its license.

“I’ve heard there are other companies including a unit of Macau’s that also plan to cancel their licenses, Suncity Group, left the but I haven’t received their official letcountry. ters, so I can’t name them yet,” Tria PAGCOR said as stringent tax rules said. against online gaming deepened the efThe government allows offshore fects of a ban on all casino operations gaming centers to partially resume

S

operations, but majority of POGO licensees were unable to reopen over issues on taxes being imposed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue against the industry.

The primary issue hampering the resumption of POGO operations is the BIR tax clearance, which requires foreign-based online casino licensees to pay additional franchise tax, including supposed arrears, on top of franchise fees paid to PAGCOR. POGO licensees, which usually don’t have offices in the Philippines, are contesting the imposition of the BIR franchise tax since the Tax Code allegedly does not state that entities with no physical presence in the country are subject to the levy.

Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

Electronics firms keep export target

THE semiconductor and electronics industry is keeping its medium-term export targets despite the health crisis.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines Inc. said in an update during the second-quarter general membership meeting that the industry was still on track to meeting the export targets.

The industry seeks to hit $37 billion to $52 billion in exports in the medium term or until 2022, based on recent projections.

“So that means, you have to hit this target in 2018 when exports totaled almost $38 billion, and we are sustaining this growth as 2019 exports totaled $43 billion,” said Trade Undersecretary and IPOPHL directorgeneral Rowel Barba.

Electronics exports reached $43.32 billion in 2019 accounting for 61.6 percent of the total commodity exports, or a 4.06-percent growth based on the adjusted number for 2018.

The group sees exports improving in the second half of 2020 as the government lifts the quarantine measures to allow more export companies with stalled operations to reopen. Othel V. Campos

NPC eyes privacy rules for schools THE National Privacy Commission said it is working closely with universities and colleges to create a code of conduct to guide and enable school management, teachers, students and parents to cultivate a data privacy-conscious environment as most activities are done online amid the quarantine.

“The planned Code of Conduct will set the standard policies and measures schools must adopt to prevent data breaches and be able to act accordingly in such occurrences,” said NPC commissioner Raymund Liboro said at a Friday meeting with more than 40 data privacy officers from various schools across the country.

“Setting clear-cut guidelines is crucial today as the pandemic has compelled most businesses to migrate online. As this is uncharted territory for many, including the education sector, intensified guidance and awareness on data privacy and security practices must be provided to all,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

PREMYO WINNERS. National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon (extreme left) leads the ceremonial turnover for the winners of the Premyo Bonds first and second quarter rewards draw. Winning the first-quarter rewards draw is China Bank Employee Retirement Plan, represented by China Bank first vice president and treasurer Christopher Ma. Carmelo Salazar (from left), first vice president Mary Ann Lim and first vice president and trustee Maria Rosanna Catherina Testa. The prizes include P1 million and a brand-new house and lot unit from Lessandra by Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

WB approves $370-m loan for land titling project THE World Bank approved over the weekend the $370-million (around P18.5 billion) Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project lona to accelerate the subdivision of collective certificates of land ownership award and generate individual titles on lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Around 750,000 people are expected to gain improved land tenure security and stable property rights through this project that will facilitate land titles for over 1.3 million hectares of land that was granted as part of CARP. Achim Fock, World Bank acting country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, said many farmers who were granted lands under CARP had been waiting for individual

titles for decades.

“This project will provide them the opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to get legal proof and the security of individual land rights. We expect that this will encourage them to invest in their property and adopt better technologies for greater productivity and higher incomes,” Fock said.

He said the improved land tenure security would contribute to poverty reduction and rural economic growth and strengthen farmers’ resilience against impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to the economic slowdown, subsistence farmers are at a significant risk of falling deeper into poverty,” Fock said.

“Many of them lack social security, savings, and access to formal financing.

With individual land titles, beneficiaries

MPIC expects toll road unit to recover

will have greater access to credit and financing, as well as government assistance,” he said.

The Philippines has an extensive history of inequitable land tenure. Beginning with the Spanish colonial period from 1565 to 1898, large private estates dominated the rural landscape. Farmers cultivated the land under share-cropping arrangements, with neither freedom to choose the crops they grew nor the option to own the land they tilled.

By 1980, 60 percent of the agricultural population was landless, many of them poor. To rectify this pervasive land tenure inequality, Congress passed the agrarian reform law in 1988 and implemented the CARP to improve the lives of small farmers by offering them land tenure security and support services. Julito G. Rada

YOKOISADA EXPANSION.

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. expects its tollway business to recover in the second half as the government eases the community quarantine in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Most likely the second quarter would be down compared to first quarter, but the trend starting late April and May and June showed traffic and the revenues have gone up,” MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“I think second half would be much better than the first half,” he said.

Pangilinan said vehicle traffic at North Luzon Expressway went down by 10 percent compared to last year. “We are optimistic that it will return to normal, maybe in few more months, but not 100 percent,” he said.

MPTC though Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. operates NLEX, Manila-Cavite Expressway, Subic Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Cavity Laguna Expressway.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Japanese company Yokoisada (Phils.) Corp. announces plan to expand its Philippine operations and double its current production capacity for facemasks.

It is also set to begin manufacturing nonwoven fabric and earloop raw materials for their masks to lessen reliance on raw materials from China.

Shown is Yokoisada’s manufacturing facility in Clark Freeport Zone.

MORE, Iloilo mayor blame alleged syndicate for increase in illegal power connections

By Alena Mae S. Flores POWER retailer MORE Electric and Power Corp. and the Iloilo City government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas issued a stern warning to the alleged syndicate behind the rising incidents of pilferage of electricity in the city.

MORE Power president Roel Castro said the huge number of illegal power connections in the city was the biggest contributing factor to high electricity rates that Iloilo residents paid under the

old utility Panay Electric Co. The illegal connections caused overloading in the distribution system and damage to equipment, including distribution lines and electricity transformers, he said.

“The proliferation of illegal connections in the city, which has been a problem since the time of the previous distribution utility, drives up systems losses which are actually paid for legitimate consumers,” Castro said.

MORE said it was receiving two to

three reports of illegal power connections every day and a technical analysis showed there could be around 30,000 illegal power connections that raised the total system losses to 20 percent.

Castro said these illegal connections could account for as much as 20 megawatts of the 100 megawatts that Iloilo City consumes every day.

“Illegal connections are the main causes of unscheduled brownouts because the lines and transformers are overloaded. If we can lower the systems losses, it will

translate into lower rates. It also has aesthetic value because we will minimize those illegal wirings that are attached to our distribution lines,” Castro said.

He said it was possible that an organized group was operating in the city to profit from illegal power connections. “[It is] possible [that it is committed by an] organized group. It already became a business. The syndicates have their assigned areas, or franchise so to speak. We already identified them and in due time we will deal with them,” Castro said.

Ayala Land raises P10b from bond sale

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. raised P10 billion from the issuance of two-year retail bonds on strong demand despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Ayala Land president Bernard Vincent Dy said during the virtual listing ceremony at Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that the bonds were oversubscribed by 1.7 times, which enabled the company to excise its oversubscription option and raise a total of P10 billion.

This is the first corporate bond to book-build, price and issue within the community quarantine period.

Ayala Land is also the first nonbank corporate issuer of fixed-rate bonds that braved the local market since the country was placed under community quarantine.

“We hope that our success would spur investor confidence and pave the way for the reopening of the local debt capital market,” Dy said.

The bonds were priced at the tight end of the range at 3 percent interest rate per annum for two years, which is currently the lowest coupon achieved by corporate and bank issuers in the local market of comparable tenor.

Securities and Exchange Commission commended Ayala Land for its leadership and confidence in entering the market under the unprecedented circumstances.

“ALI’s decision to tap the local bond market is also a strategic one.

Clearly, ALI and its financial team is aware of the value that bond investors place on well-known issuers with an established track record of capital market access, bolstered by strong credit ratings,” SEC commissioner Ephyro Luis Amatong said in a speech during the listing ceremony.

Amatong said the SEC remained committed to facilitating access to the debt capital markets, following the institution of the shelf-registration program, the adoption of the Philippine Peso Bloomberg Valuation Reference Rates and the recent approval of the Revised Schedule of Fees at PDEx. Amatong said these initiatives aimed to support the development of the capital market as a number of companies expressed plans to tap the bond market despite the current conditions.

GMA Network registered 19% drop in Q1 profit

By Darwin G. Amojelar GMA Network Inc. said net income fell by 19 percent in the first quarter from a year ago in the absence of political ads and the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in the tail-end of March.

The broadcast company said net income amounted to P583.4 million in the January-to-March period, down from P721.8 million in the same period last year.

Consolidated advertising revenues declined 7 percent in the first three months to P3.52 billion from P3.79 billion in the same period last year.

GMA said that of the total, advertising revenues accounted for P3.25 billion and subscription and other revenues amounted to P277.5 million.

“It must be noted though that last year also benefited from the influx of political advocacies and advertisements in light of 2019 mid-term elections. Hence, it was the impact of the latter which contributed the drag to the company’s top line this period more than the effect of the novel coronavirus 2019 disease towards the tail end of this first quarter,” the company said.

Online advertising sales grew by 39 percent, particularly from GMA News Online, GMA Entertainment Online and the network’s YouTube channels.

GMA’s consolidated operating expenses reached P2.69 billon, down by 4 percent from last year’s P2.81 billion. Production costs and talent fees amounted to P1.22 billion, a 17-percent decline from a year earlier.

GMA on Friday launched its own affordable digital television device called “GMA Affordabox” for only P888. The device features a multimedia player and a personal video recorder, including nationwide emergency warning broadcast system.

It also comes with a built-in multimedia player that makes it an allaround digital file access device, allowing users to play compatible video files, view photos and even listen to music using a USB drive.

Sports

Japan awards first-ever ninja degree TOKYO, Japan—Japan has produced its first ninja studies graduate after Genichi Mitsuhashi spent two years honing his martial arts skills and absorbing the finer traditions of the feudal martial arts agents.

The 45-year-old completed the master’s course at Mie University in central Japan, the region considered the home of the ninja.

In addition to researching historical documents, Mitsuhashi told AFP he took the practical aspect of being a ninja to heart.

“I read that ninjas worked as farmers in the morning and trained in martial arts in the afternoon,” he said.

So Mitsuhashi grew vegetables and worked on his martial arts techniques, in addition to copious ninja study in the classroom.

“With this combination, I thought I could learn about the real ninja,” he said.

Better known as black-clad assassins famous for secrecy and stealth, ninjas also had “comprehensive survival skills,” he added.

Mitsuhashi, who has also learned kung fu and a Japanese martial art known as Shorinji Kempo, teaches ninja skills at his own dojo and runs a local inn while pursuing his PhD. The Mie University set up the world’s first research center devoted to the ninja in 2017 and opened a graduate course a year later.

It is located in Iga—350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Tokyo—a mountain-shrouded city once home to many ninja.

Yuji Yamada, a professor of Japanese history at the university in charge of the ninja centre, was surprised at Mitsuhashi’s devotion to the task.

“We provide historical classes and courses on ninja skills. But I didn’t expect him to engage to this extent” like a real living ninja, Yamada said.

To enrol, students have to take an exam on Japanese history and a reading test on historical ninja documents.

“About three students enroll every year. I think there’s demand,” the professor said.

“We get many inquiries from overseas but I have to say one thing: This is a course to learn about the ninja, not to become one.” AFP

Antonio rules Yabut Realty online chess tournament GRANDMASTER (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. showed yet again why he’s one of the greatest athletes in the field of online blitz chess.

The 13-time Philippine Open Champion Antonio topped the M.A. Yabut Realty and Construction Birthday Chess Online Tournament at the lichess.org last Saturday.

Antonio, the pride of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro won with undefeated score of 13 points on 11 wins and four draws in this 15-round Swiss tournament.

Claiming the second to third places, respectively were Sherwin Tiu and Fide Master (FM) Richard Alejandro Garcia Mortos of Cuba. They finished with 12.5 points apiece.

Jerome Villanueva took solo fourth with 11.5 points.

National Master (NM) engineer Robert Arellano, led the group with 10 points. They include Jess Calabia, Woman Fide Master (WFM) Allaney Jia Doroy and Jasper Faeldonia.

Rounding up to the top 16 were International Master (IM) Barlo Nadera (9th), Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Marlon Bernardino (10th), Genghis Imperial (11th), Rheann Estareja Auza (12th), Ted Ian Montoyo (13th), Juan Carlos Presente (14th), Jayril Ramos (15th) and Robert Cacho (16th) with 9.5 points each.

Also receiving special awards in the recent free registration tournament organized by Bayanihan Chess Club in close cooperation with Arjie Bayangat were Bernardino (top Media), Arellano (top PECA executive), Doroy (top Lady), Nadera (top OJ chess team), Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Franiel Angela Magpily (top kiddy 11 years old and below) and Engr. Mark Anthony Yabut - (Top Pampanga).

Meanwhile, wizard Jasper Concepcion Faeldonia claimed the overall championship in the Happy 1st Month Gabriel Neri Online chess tournament held last week at lichess.org, organized by De La Salle University coach Susan Grace Neri.

The 15-year-old Faeldonia, an incoming Grade 10 student of Arellano University who is training under the watchful eye of coach National Master (NM) Rudy Ibanez, stood out among country’s young chess players from all over the region to take home the coveted title.

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

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

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Genichi Mitsuhashi shows his ninja training in Iga, Mie prefecture in this handout photo taken June 21, 2019 Mitsuhashi has become the first student ever to graduate from a Japanese university with a master’s degree in ninja studies. AFP

Morrison, Knott continue to chase bus to Olympics

By Peter Atencio

F

IL-AMERICAN standouts William Morrison and Kristina Knott will have more time to get ready for the Tokyo Olympics.

They devoted a lot of time preparing for Olympic qualifying competitions while in lockdown in their respective area of residence in the United States.

They may have initially felt bad and disappointed with the protocols due to ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

But, their continuing effort to adjust to their current situation has kept them focused on their bid to make the qualification standard for the Olympiad.

“At first I was upset when the NCAA was cancelled. It was crazy. It was bad, it was weird. But it just gave more time

to prepare,” said Morrison in an online huddle with scribes on Google Meet.

Last February, the Indiana Universitybased Morrison achieved a distance of 20.21 meters in the shotput in a National Collegiate Athletic Association meet in Indiana.

Morrison, who had 15 meets lined up, did it when he ruled the Meyo Invitational in Notre Dame, Indiana, surpassing the 18.38m he threw to break both the Philippine and Southeast Asian Games record last December.

And he was supposed to improve on the national mark, and seek qualification

for the Olympics when Olympic qualification events were cancelled.

On the other hand, Knott, 2019 SEA Games 200-meter queen, found plenty of time to work at her gym in Orlando, Florida while waiting for updated schedule for competitions from the international federation.

“I was totally disappointed. When I saw the numbers, I saw it coming.

But then the Olympics, its postponed.

So, it’s still gonna happen. It’s just not gonna happen this year. So, it just gives me more time to show my talent and go back to the drawing board and stuff like that,” said Knott.

The two are the remaining bets in track and field who can make the cut to the Olympics and join pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, and gymnast Carlos Yulo.

Taulava will coach after PBA playing career NLEX Road Warriors veteran big man Asi Taulava says he will turn to a coaching career once his playing days in the Philippine Basketball Association are over.

He is already sharing his knowledge of the

sport by serving as deputy coach of the University of the Philippines women’s basketball team, where his daughter Ash Taulava plays.

The 47-year-old Taulava is one of the assistants of coach Paul Ramos.

“I have one leg in. I’ve already stuck one

NLEX Road Warriors big man Asi Taulava (88) seals inside the paint to allow teammate Kiefer Ravena (with ball) to drive to the hoop. PBA Media

of my foot to the door,” said the former league MVP. Taulava confessed that he’s still learning the ropes of coaching and is thankful for the help given by the UP staff led by Ramos, who’s setting up a solid program for the women’s Fighting Maroons.

“I have a good coach ahead of me. I want to thank coach Paul (Ramos) for giving me that opportunity,” said Taulava.

The PBA veteran is also grateful to NLEX coach Yeng Guiao and former Blu Detergent teammate Patrick Aquino for their guidance. Aquino is the most successful women’s coach in the country.

He turned the National University Lady Bulldogs team into a basketball power.

“I always ask for advice. I want to understand the women’s game of basketball a little bit more. It happened to him (Aquino), and he just learned from experience,” said Taulava of Aquino, who is also head coach of the Philippine women’s team.

While he hasn’t been able to practice outside his home Taulava has spent most of the long break by teaching Ash and his other children to stay in shape. He works out daily with his daughters, from 6 to 7:30 in the evening.

Ravena joins Nippon tilt to improve MONETARY consideration was far from Thirdy Ravena’s mind when he signed up with the San-en NeoPhoenix club team in the Japanese B.League’s 2020-2021 season.

Having the proper exposure in a professional league was his main concern.

“We really didn’t even pick nga if you’re wondering yung highest offer. Pero we only picked kung ano talaga yung best fit doon sa hinahanap talaga namin, which is yung makakalaro ka. Walang expectation kasi ganoon nga yung standing. So mag-i-improve na lang kami from there,” said Ravena.

The 6’2” Ravena, who will play shooting guard for the Phoenix, talked about his choices during a podcast that was hosted by his brother Kiefer Ravena last Friday.

“There’s only room for a lot of improvement pag sa mga ganong bagay so it’s one of the reasons why I chose Neophoenix,” added Ravena.

The Phoenix finished at the bottom of the standings of the Central Division with a 5-36 win-loss record.

But good exposure in the league because of the presence of many former National Basketball Association players made him chose a playing career in Japan instead of going to Australia or New Zealand to accept two other offers.

“Alam ko nga yung standing wasn’t really the best standing.

But yun nga, when you look at it, pwede rin siyang maging positive kasi walang expectation,” Ravena explained.

Ravena hopes to join his squad before the scheduled of opening of the 2020-2021 season.

The 2020-21 campaign is scheduled to begin in October.

Peter Atencio

Murray fears for safety of top players LONDON, United Kingdom—Britain’s Andy Murray said Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) he fears for the safety of top players while Rafael Nadal was described as wavering over defending his US Open title or preparing for an assault on a 13th Roland Garros, as tennis emerges from its fivemonth coronavirus lockdown.

Tennis has been on ice since mid-March and will not return until early August.

The US Open will run from August 31 to September 13 on the hard courts of New York with the rescheduled French Open on clay taking place just a fortnight after.

In between are Masters events in Madrid and Rome, both on clay and also rescheduled from the spring.

Murray expressed his fears over player safety in quickly switching from surface to surface.

He suggested that a rankings rethink might be a solution.

“It’s not safe for players to go from the semis or final in New York, quarters even, and then you’re playing on the Tuesday in Madrid at altitude on the

clay court, when players haven’t competed for a very long time,” said Murray.

“None of the top players have competed a week before a Slam. The rankings, if you can keep the points as they are, could get a bit skewed.”

Murray added: “It might be worth potentially looking at a two-year ranking for the time being so that the guys who did well last year and are not able to defend their points properly aren’t punished.

“There are big tournaments every single week and it’s going to be very difficult for players that are winning consistently to commit to that many events. I just think we need to be a bit careful with the rankings.”

Meanwhile, Nadal is said to be seriously considering which Grand Slam events to join because the tournaments will be held so close together.

“I have spoken to Rafa and he is doubting which tournaments to play,” Nadal’s uncle—and long-time former coach—Toni told ESPN Deportes.

“The schedule is unrealistic, especially for veteran players, who cannot compete for so many weeks in a row.

Andy Murray of Britain hits a return against Juan Ignacio Londero of Argentina during their first round men’s singles match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament in Shanghai in this file photo taken on October 7, 2019. AFP

“I think it is a bit ugly what the ATP has done. This decision is totally against players like Rafa and Novak Djokovic.”

Murray, returning from injury, went down to a 1-6, 6-3, 10-8 loss to Dan Evans in the semi-finals of the ‘Battle of the Brits’ tournament exhibition event in Roehampton on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time). AFP

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Life

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com

FOOD

Bringing the flavors of well-loved chains into your home M

ORE food choices are now available online, thanks to delivery services covering wide range of areas and offering convenient ways to order and settle payment.

For instance, Landers Central, the in-house food establishment in members-exclusive Landers Superstore, now delivers its well-loved New Yorkinspired items to customers at home through Central Delivery (www.centraldelivery.com).

Landers Central’s pizza choices include the customer-favorite NY Cheese Deluxe—which boasts soft dough, tasty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—and other flavors such as Manhattan Supreme, Bronx Pepperoni, and Brooklyn Bomber.

The quick-service’s US Famous Beef Hotdog is made with flavor-packed sausage and complimentary toppings, while the US Beef Jalapeno Cheese Hotdog is made for those who want their hotdog sandwiches with a kick.

Landers Central also serves NYCinspired fried chicken available in solo orders or eight-piece bucket, and US Angus Beef Burger made with juicy patty, tasty sauces, and vegetables sandwiched in freshly baked buns.

E-party food bundle Homegrown Max’s Restaurant offers a unique party bundle for customers hosting virtual parties or conferences.

Dubbed Max’s E-Party, the bundle features the restaurant’s fried chicken,

pancit canton, kare-kare, halo-halo, and Max’s Corner Bakery’s Chocolate Message Cake. Party favors, such as balloons and party hats, are included to make the celebration more festive.

To order, access the order form through this link: bit.ly/MaxsEParty.

Customers can then place their orders and schedule simultaneous deliveries in three easy steps: Select the date and time; input the delivery details and food per address; and pay online.

E-party hosts can order for up to 10 different locations and expect their meals to come at the same time.

“Despite everything we’re dealing with now, we continue to find ways to be there for the Filipinos who have made Max’s an indispensable companion in every celebration and occasion,” said Max’s Restaurant marketing director Mark De Joya.

De Joya added, “We are proud to introduce Max’s E-Party not only because it is the first of its kind in the country, but because it also allows us to connect more people and come together, virtually for now, and delight over a SarapTo-The-Bones experience.”

Max’s E-Party bundle caters to virtual parties and conferences, delivering food and party favors to guests in different locations.

ALL-AMERICAN FLAVORS. Landers Central’s bestselling New York-inspired Cheese Deluxe Pizza and US Angus Beef Burger, among others, are now available for delivery through a one-stop online platform.

Pizza Hut treats delivery riders IN CELEBRATION of Rider’s Pizza Day on June 30, restaurant chain Pizza Hut will give each rider a box of pizza for every order they deliver.

On the day of the promo, Pizza Hut will give a box of Regular Hawaiian Supreme Handstretched Pizza for free to the corresponding delivery rider for every ala carte order of a Large Super Supreme Pan Pizza.

“Pizza Hut values the everyday modern-day delivery hero, which is why we decided to honor their hard work through this initiative. It’s our own simple way of giving back to our delivery partners for helping us bring food safely to countless Filipino homes,” said Pizza Hut marketing manager Lorent Adrias.

Riders delivering an ala carte order of Pizza Hut’s Large Supreme Pan Pizza gets free one box of Regular Supreme Hawaiian Handstretched on June 30.

(Photo from Pizza Hut PH/Facebook)

AS TIM Hortons reopened its selected branches in Metro Manila and Laguna for dine-in services on June 15, the coffee chain has implemented measures to ensure customers and staff members’ safety.

In compliance with the regulations of the Department of Trade and Industry and Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Tim Hortons requires all of its guests to undergo a temperature check and accomplish a health declaration form if they wish to dine-in. Also accessible via QR code to minimize contact, guests must accomplish the form at the entrance of the store to certify that they meet the necessary health requirements before they are allowed entry.

Aside from the provision of proper personal protective equipment and requirement to wear them at all times, all staff manning the stores have been tested for COVID-19 and yielded negative results.

“We are more than ready and looking forward to welcoming guests who wish to dine-in with us once again. All

Orders can be made through Pizza Hut’s hotline 8911-11-11 for Metro Manila orders, #11111 for provincial orders, via www.pizzahut.com.ph, or through its food delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda.

Universal Robina Corporation’s food and beverage products are now available online through its official Lazada store.

URC brands now on Lazada WELL-loved potato chips Piattos, Cream-o cookies, C2 beverages, and other food products from Universal Robina Corporation are now available online through Lazada.

The food and beverage manufacturer has recently opened its official Lazada store on LazMall.

Customers may order through the Lazada mobile app or its website, enter the LazMall channel, search for URC products, and add them to a virtual basket. Upon checkout, customers can opt to pay cash on delivery or use credit/debit cards.

Coffeehouse ensures dine-in customers’ safety

Canadian coffeehouse chain Tim Hortons implements safety protocols, such as filling up a health declaration form prior to entering, to ensure dine-in guests safety.

of our staff are well-equipped with the proper training and equipment and our stores are in compliance with sanitation measures to ensure everyone’s safety,” says Tim Hortons Philippines president

and chief executive Rickie Yap. Enhanced front of house cleaning procedures and reduced contact guidelines are mandatory in all stores to keep customers safe and comfortable. Orders are

taken and served within a one-meter distance between staff and customers to reinforce social distancing.

Payment trays are also in place for dine-in, take-out, and drive-thru trans-

actions. Thorough and immediate sanitation is done in high contact areas such as POS screens, dining tables and chairs, door handles, pin pads, and cash drawers after every use.

Special Report on Clean Water

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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2020 advertise@manilastandard.net

LWUA on the move as pandemic proves water management essential amid crisis

By Peter Paul Duran

F

ROM taking care of its employees to ensuring water sustainability amid rising demand, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the country’s governing body addressing water development in the countryside, is keeping busy as the COVID-19 pandemic heightens the need for the vital resource.

LWUA administrator Jeci Lapus said there is an urgent need to address the shortage of water supply in the Philippines, also considering that it currently only caters to 23 percent of the population outside of Metro Manila.

For one, Lapus said funding water supply projects should be among the priorities of the national government to improve access to safe water.

“Water demand has significantly increased during the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) period. Also, because the ECQ/ lockdown was implemented during the summer period, water consumption has significantly

increased per household,” Lapus said in an interview with Manila Standard.

Moreover, the pandemic has prompted LWUA to seriously consider surface water as an alternative source.

“But we are also aware of the impact of rainfall on the reliability and sustainability of surface water sources. (We are also endorsing) for funding of priority projects that will significantly increase (the) proportion of households with access to safe water,” Lapus said.

This comes as vital as many Filipinos still struggle to secure access to improved water sources

particularly in rural communities, the World Health Organization said in 2019. It said that in 2016, acute watery diarrhea was one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines with 139,000 deaths.

During the ECQ, LWUA ensured that the water districts provide uninterrupted water supply to hospitals and quarantine facilities in their respective areas, making them a top priority. Hand washing stations were also installed by the water districts in different strategic locations. For this, it also established an Emergency Response Teams for Repairs and provided water for public disinfection.

LWUA also strictly monitored the operations of water districts to ensure continuous water supply.

Lapus said the COVID-19 outbreak primarily affected category D, or small water districts as their finances dwindled due to the suspension of consumer payments for basic utility services.

“Operations-wise, all water districts ensured the continuity of water supply to their coverage area despite the implementation of skeleton workforce schedule.”

As a response to the situation of water districts, LWUA allowed debt relief by suspending billings and amortization during the ECQ. It also allowed underprivileged water districts to tap into their mandatory reserves to pay for essential operational expenses during the quarantine.

Meanwhile, as the pandemic slowed down economic activi-

Jeci Lapus

ties, LWUA moved to ensure that its employees are properly compensated. This has allowed LWUA to continue its operations even amid the ECQ. It implemented a work-fromhome scheme and a skeleton workforce arrangement to continue its operations and gave out hazard pay to employees

who reported for work during the ECQ. In celebration of the World Water Day last March amid the lockdown, LWUA reminded their water districts to continue campaign to conserve water and raise awareness that access to safe water will protect health and save lives.

component of its operations, they are challenging themselves to do more.

How they will do so is based on a 4-point agenda aimed at reducing their water consumption and protection of vital water resources.

Eliminate wastage of water across operations SMC says it will adopt new and stricter measures to improve the efficiency of their water use as well as utilize water-saving technologies and implement conservation programs.

SMC continues drive for water conservation WE’VE been bombarded with terms like physical distancing, quarantine, and “new normals” as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc all over the globe.

But in these bleak and trying times, indeed the new normal activities for us seem to revolve around heightened consciousness of our hygiene, limiting our exposure to the outside world,

and acceptance of the fact that these restrictions would be part of our lives for years to come.

Big corporations aren’t spared as well. Conglomerates in various industries have reeled from the effects of government-imposed lockdowns. Forecasts paint a grim outlook on the world economy, making bouncing back after this pandemic a seemingly insurmountable uphill climb.

Indeed these are the “new normals” of our society but these did not stop companies from pioneering another new normal in these times: we are all affected, but helping others in need is still a top priority.

San Miguel Corporation or SMC, led by its President and COO Ramon S. Ang, is one such conglomerate. It has have been spearheading monumental initiatives to fight the effects of this pandemic

since the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon was imposed back in March.

Banking on its “Walang Iwanan” campaign, SMC’s COVID-19 effort has produced billions of pesos worth in relief projects and has helped hundreds of thousands of people not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the country.

Though truth be told, selfless acts are nothing new for one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates.

In fact, by 2025, SMC commits to reduce its use of water in all processes across the San Miguel group by 50 percent as part of its 50 x 2025 campaign.

While their water management efficiency level is among the highest in the Philippines, and while water conservation and protection has always been a key

Reuse and Recycle more water The company also stressed that it will optimize all its wastewater treatment facilities to further lessen their water footprint. It also commits to make greater use of treated greywater for non-essential processes.

Reduce the use of ground and surface water and protect vital water resources SMC will continue to lessen its use of ground and surface water, protect these water resources, and empower their communities to do the same.

Harvest rainwater It will harvest rainwater and runoff water from creeks and rivers which includes collecting, filtering, and storing rainwater for irrigation and for various other purposes in its facilities in the hopes that others will follow in their example.

It is equally committed to providing water-challenged communities not just with access to safe, potable water, but also the ability to be selfsustaining when it comes to water management.

Asked why SMC is doing all of these, the conglomerate says,” Why do we care? Because it’s everyone’s water." Peter Paul Duran