Manila Standard - 2021 March 21 - Sunday

VOL. XXXV • NO. 39 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ONE YEAR AFTER. A woman releases lanterns with messages for earthquake and tsunami victims in Yamada, Iwate prefecture on the 10th anniversary of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster. Japan was hit by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake on Saturday, but it only created a one-meter tsunami, authorities said (see story on A3). AFP

Daily cases hit record 7,999

Experts warn higher figures ahead as active infections soar to over 80k

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Philippines on Saturday posted a new record-high of single-day infections at 7,999 cases, with the number of active infections also the highest in over seven months just as health workers and experts warn of a looming health crisis over a fresh surge.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MARCH 20)

656,056 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

7,999 80,642 NEW

ACTIVE

12,930

30

561,099

597

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

Active cases reached 80,642, the highest number of active infections since August 15 last year, when the country had 83,109. The figure is also the second highest number of active infections since the pandemic started.

The additional number of infections pushed the country’s total to 656,056, breaking the record of 7,103 new cases reported just the day before.

This is also the second straight day that new COVID-19 cases exceeded 7,000, data showed. The new peak came as the Philippines marked a year under lockdown.

Six laboratories were not able to submit their data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS) on time, the Department of Health said.

The OCTA Research group earlier

in the day projected daily infections to reach 10,000 by the end of March should infections become uncontrollable.

Metro Manila, which is under general community quarantine, remains as the virus epicenter. The cities in the region have been tallying the bulk of newly recorded cases in recent weeks, and enforced surgical lockdowns, curfews, and a liquor ban, among other restrictions, in a bid to arrest the surge.

Health authorities earlier said the surge in cases is due to loose compliance with quarantine restrictions, socalled “vaccine optimism,” and the spread of new highly transmissible variants.

Health care workers have, mean-

while, expressed exhaustion and low morale due to the renewed rise in cases, which they are fighting in the frontlines (see related story below – Editor).

More variants found Among the 11th batch of specimens subjected to Whole Genome Sequencing, the Department of Health, the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) have detected 46 additional B.1.1.7 variant cases, 62 additional B.1.351 variant cases, and six additional P.3 variant cases.

These additional cases were among the 150 samples composed mostly of samples from National Capital Region laboratories. Information of cases with these variants are being investigated and verified.

Of the additional 46 B.1.1.7 variant cases, 36 are local cases from the NCR, two are Returning Overseas Filipinos, and eight cases are currently being verified if they are local or Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) cases.

This brings the total number of B.1.1.7 cases in the country to 223. As

to status, case database shows that 45 cases are still active, and one is already recovered.

The two ROFs detected were from the Cagayan Valley and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Of the 62 B.1.351 variant cases, 43 are local cases and 19 are being verified if they are local or ROF cases. This brings the total number of B.1.351 cases in the country to 152. Of the 43 local cases, 41 are from NCR and two are from CALABARZON. Based on the case line list, 60 cases are still active and two have recovered.

On P.3 Variant cases, of the six additional cases, four are local cases and two are being verified if they are local cases or ROFs. The four local cases are from NCR. All six cases are currently active.

The DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH emphasize that at present, the P.3 variant is still not identified as a variant of concern as current available data are insufficient to conclude whether the variant will have significant public health implications.

Nurses ‘tired, losing hope’ amid coronavirus surge, call on DOH’s Duque to resign

By Maricel V. Cruz FILIPINO nurses are tired and losing hope as they face a fresh coronavirus infection surge that had exceeded single-day case reports from last year’s peak, their group said Saturday, even as they didn’t rule out the possibility of asking for a timeout if COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

The Filipino Nurses United (FNU) said the situation of health care workers had gotten much worse than at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March last year.

At the same time, FNU called for the resignation of Health Secretary Fran-

cisco Duque III amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases among nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, the state-run Philippine General Hospital, feeling it is understaffed because some of its workers are getting sick, is not ruling out the possibility of asking for a timeout as they did last year, its spokesman said Saturday.

“We have yet to ask for a timeout but we’re already feeling the spike in cases. At the same time, we are understaffed because we have health care workers who are sick and that affected us in manning our posts, we feel tired so there’s a possibility, if this spills over, that we’ll ask for a timeout,” PGH

spokesman Dr. Jonas del Rosario said.

Only the day before, the Philippines recorded a single day tally at more than 7,000 cases.

Nurse Jaymee de Guzman said: “It’s much worse. We’re losing hope. Many have left for work abroad and we can’t blame them because throughout the year we’ve made several calls to the government but none of them were addressed, and here we are again, the numbers are way higher than last year.”

De Guzman is FNU’s national treasurer and works at government-run San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, in the same compound that holds the DOH headquarters.

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DRAWING A BEAD ON SOUTH COAST CITY

Gone are the days when women are relegated to domestic roles, prevented from participating in and leading tasks outside the confines of their households.

Ayala Land recently unveiled District Square, a prime commercial development here within the scenic seaside South Coast City in South Road Properties (SRP).

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S

“We hope that our leadership will be replaced by a more competent Secretary of Health. Secretary Duque must resign for the betterment of our health,” the FNU said in a statement.

Also, the group said it mourns the passing of its colleagues, one at the Philippine Heart Center and the other at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, after reportedly succumbing to COVID-19.

In an interview on TeleRadyo, Del Rosario said they were concerned about projections that COVID-19 cases could further increase by the end of the month even with the enforcement of a unified curfew in Metro Manila, whose population swells to 15 million during daytime.

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People can have varied responses to this but for someone who had gone under the knife and was satisfIed with the outcome of the procedure, the answer is affirmative.

While the majority of cases are mild, the Department of Health has said officials still see many patients trooping to hospitals.

At the height of virus cases in August last year, medical workers appealed for a timeout as the country’s health system struggled to respond to the surge. This prompted the government to enforce a two-week modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila to contain the virus spread.

“We have yet to feel the effects of the curfew as we continue to see many people going to the PGH. Many are on the waitlist. Currently, 164 patients are admitted,” he said.

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‘Keeping kids inside just exercise of police power’

By Joel E. Zurbano

FIRE ON WATER. Philippine Coast Guard personnel of the BRP Bagacay provide firefighting assistance to the Bureau of Fire Protection amid burning shanties at Campo Islam, Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City on March 20. Meanwhile, Mandaluyong Seawolf Fire and Rescue Volunteers (inset) try to put out a fire at a house in Corinthian Gardens in Quezon City, where five members of the Sy family perished (see story below). PCG, BFP photos

Imee says DOH, NTF ‘crippling’ PH vax program ENTIRE industries are being blocked by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force (NTF) from procuring COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Imee Marcos revealed Saturday.

Marcos said she got hold of a draft administrative order, about to be passed on for President Duterte’s signature, that will prevent the country’s largest manufacturers of tobacco, milk, sugar, soda, and alcohol products, as well as multinational firms based in the Philippines, from assisting the government’s national vaccination program.

“That means the entire San Miguel group, the whole Lucio Tan group, Puregold, Nestle, Destileria Limtuaco, all soft drinks producers, Tanduay, Ginebra, White Castle, et cetera,” Marcos pointed out in a statement.

“If these giant companies cannot buy vaccines, 50% of which will be donated to the public because the government lacks funding, how else will we acquire more vaccines?” the senator added.

This developed as Assistant Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo on Saturday urged the government to allow private companies to import COVID-19 vaccine tax-free for their employees and their families.

“This is the only way the government can speed up vaccination and attain its goal of achieving herd immunity this year by inoculating at least 70 million of the country’s more than 100-million population,” she said. Maricel Cruz

IN BRIEF Grand International bet wows netizens MISS Grand International candidate Samantha Bernardo sent netizens abuzz as she trended on Twitter after her stunning performance in the swimsuit competition at Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand Saturday. #PhilippinesForMGI was one of the top 5 trends in the Philippines while Bernardo’s name was also among the top 20 trending on Twitter.

Bernardo is eyeing to be the first Filipina to win the elusive crown.

The coronation night will be held on March 27.

The Filipina beauty queen captured social media fans’ attention with her graceful pasarela walk and flawless turns while she donned a blue two-piece swimwear in the roof deck of Bangkok’s State Tower.

Corinthian house fire kills 5 family members FIVE members of a family died in a fire that broke out at their home in Corinthian Gardens, Barangay Ugong Norte, Quezon City before dawn on Saturday, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

The fatalities are members of the Yu family, whose house burned down, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Dobol B TV. Four of their bodies were burned, while one died due to suffocation, the BFP said in a report on GMA News TV Live.

Those who died were identified as Gilbert Yu, Ryan Yu, Charito Yu, Abigail Yu and Rita Yu. Two other family members were injured.

The fire, which reached the second alarm, started on the second floor of the Yu house, the BFP said.

Romualdez: Solons back virus recovery programs H

By Maricel V. Cruz

OUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez vowed Saturday the chamber would continue supporting the roll out of programs aimed at helping Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) victims as well as the people adversely affected by the lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of the disease.

This, as Romualdez thanked Sen. Christopher Go for helping his constituents, the people of Leyte -- the latest of which was the assistance Go extended to 800 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association and public market vendors of Tanauan, Leyte.

Romualdez, chairman of the House

Committee on Rules, welcomed the timely assistance provided by Go to the tricycle drivers and vendors who have been affected by the COVID pandemic.

“In the informal sector, tricycles drivers and vendors are among many workers in the country who badly need assistance from the government. We have to con-

tinue providing the needed aid for them,” Romualdez added.

“Thank you Sen. Bong Go for showing malasakit by helping our people in Leyte whose livelihoods have been cut off by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Romualdez, president of the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa).

In a related development, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte renewed his appeal to the key implementers of the COVID-19 vaccination program to prioritize the fast-track training of personnel at the local-government level on the proper storage, handling and administration of the highly temperature-sensitive vaccine doses to avoid drug wastage and ensure the drive’s success when the anti-COVID shots become readily available in the provinces.

Big Pangasinan group bolsters ‘Rody 4 VP’ call CALASIAO, Pangasinan—The call for President Rodrigo Duterte to run for Vice President in the 2022 national elections gathered an “avalanche” of supporters here.

More than 70 local government officials, representing multi-party and multisectoral groups in the province of Pangasinan, have signed a petition to urge the President to continue his socio-economic objectives disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic by running for vice president.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino said: “Pangasinan was badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic especially its tourism sector, but the province is confident that with President Duterte’s continued leadership, a speedy recovery of the economy can be achieved.”

In the same forum, the petition was initiated by Bayambang Mayor Cezar Quiambao, and was unanimously carried by the participants in the multi-party coalition assembly organized by Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon Secretary Raul Lambino.

In his motion, Quiambao said: “The Province of Pangasinan and the country are better off with the policy of continuity to avoid the patterns of unrealized economic objectives and half-done infrastructure projects discontinued every transition of power after every election.”

RODY FOR VP PUSH. Pangasinan Vice Governor Ronald Mark Lambino (right) and Bayambang Mayor Cezar Quiambao sign the Manifesto of Support for President Duterte to run as Vice President in the 2022 elections.

Postpone going home, OWWA tells OFWS THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Saturday advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are planning to go back home, to postpone their trips.

“My advice to our beloved OFW: kindly postpone your planned trip to our dear country, because there’s an increase in the new cases of Covid-19 and the escalation of stayers in our hotel quarantine facilities,” OWWA chief Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Twitter post.

In related developments: • Processions will no longer be held this Holy Week in Catholic churches, while other activities in two Quezon City dioceses will be limited amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, officials said.

“Even if the number of COVID-19 cases has not gone up, processions are really not allowed,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said on Dobol B TV on Sat-

urday.

• The Russian vaccine, Sputnik V, has been found to be effective for senior citizens, a woman legislator bared on Saturday.

San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes, in a statement, said she is grateful that the Food and Drug Administration has given Sputnik V emergency use authorization in the Philippines.

• All 66 personnel of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-B (Mimaropa) who were considered close contacts of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, have tested negative for COVID-19.

“The results of the RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test conducted have been released and all are negative. Likewise, as of this date, not anyone from the identified close contacts experienced COVID-19 symptoms,” PRO 4-B spokesperson, Lt. Col. Imelda Tolentino, said in a message to reporters on Saturday. Maricel V. Cruz

LANDSLIDE. A car teeters on the edge of a landslide near Kinakin Elementary School in Banaue, Ifugao, where a large part of the ground collapsed.

Another car fell into the ravine, but no casualty was reported.

PNP Banaue photo

MALACAÑANG defended Saturday the Metro Manila Council’s decision to prohibit minors from going outdoors in the national capital region for two weeks following the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) comment that such a measure would infringe children’s rights.

“It’s exercise of police power to protect the health of the public,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. told GMA News Online, adding “Exercise of police power will entail restriction on the exercise of some rights, but it’s for the public good.”

On Friday, the UNICEF, while acknowleding government efforts to control the surge of the coronavirus pandemic, said the recent decision of the Metro Manila Council to prohibit minors from going outdoors could be considered as “infringement of children’s rights.”

Only individuals aged 18 to 65 years old are allowed to go outside their residences.

UNICEF stressed that the lockdowns have taken a toll on children.

In its statement Friday, UNICEF said while efforts to contain the spread of the deadly disease required public health and social measures, it emphasized “these measures should consider the highest level of acceptability and feasibility, proven effectiveness and should minimize the negative consequences on health and well-being of all members of society.”

It added: “They should respond to the best interest of the child; should not cause further harm; and should always consider the preservation of the child’s well-being and dignity.”

The organization said the impact on children and young people’s psycho-social well-being and mental health risks was taking a toll.

It also stated that due to the restrictive containment measures adopted since the onset of the pandemic, children have lived away from members of their extended families, teachers and friends.

‘Red’ hunt on after ambush, slay of 5 cops A MANHUNT is underway against communist terrorist group (CTG) members behind the attack in Camarines Norte that killed five police officers and injured two others on Friday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday said he has ordered the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A (Calabarzon) and 5 (Bicol) and coordinated with the military to go after the perpetrators of the ambush.

“Ambushes like this do not usually succeed without the help of the CTG supporters. So I am also ordering the RD (Regional Director), PRO5 to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those who may have aided these NPA (New People’s Army) members in the conduct of their ambush and to bring them to court,” he said in a statement.

Eleazar also deplored the attack which he said proves that the communist movement never desired genuine peace for the country.

“The CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) has been given all the opportunity to sit down in order to give peace and development a chance for the Filipino people. Yet over the years, they repeatedly turned down peace negotiations and instead resorted to cowardly attacks even in the time of the pandemic,” he said.

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Iceland volcano erupts, lights up sky near capital REYKJAVIK—A volcano erupted just 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik on Friday, with red lava spewing out of the ground and a crimson glow lighting up the night sky.

Streams of red lava could be seen flowing out of a fissure in the ground in Geldingadalur, close to Mount Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland, in footage filmed by a coast guard helicopter.

While Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport and the small fishing port of Grindavik are just a few kilometres away, the area is uninhabited, and the eruption was not expected to present any danger.

“The eruption began at Fagradalsfjall in Geldingadalur at about 2045 GMT tonight. The eruption is considered a small one and the eruption fissure is about 500-700 metres (1640-2300 feet) long. The lava is less than 1 square kilometre (0.4 square miles) in size,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), which monitors seismic activity, said in a statement.

“There is little eruption activity in the area.”

The eruption site is in a valley, about 4.7 kilometres inland from the southern coast of the peninsula.

Police and coast guard officials raced to the scene, but the public has been advised to stay away and the main road from the capital region to Keflavik airport was temporarily closed on Friday.

- Dormant for 900 years There were no reports of ash fall, although tephra -- solidified magma rock fragments -- and gas emissions were to be expected.

Police ordered residents living east of the volcano to close their windows and stay indoors due to the risk of possible gas pollution carried by the wind.

Gas emissions -- especially sulphur dioxide -- can be elevated in the immediate vicinity of a volcanic eruption, and may pose a danger to health and even be fatal.

Pollution can exceed acceptable limits, even far away, depending on the winds.

Friday’s eruption took place in the Krysuvik volcanic system, which does not have a central volcano.

Eruptions in the region are known as effusive eruptions, where lava flows steadily out of the ground, as opposed to explosive ones which spew ash clouds high into the sky.

The Krysuvik system has been inactive for the past 900 years, according to the IMO, while the last eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula dates back almost 800 years, to 1240. AFP

IN BRIEF Turkey leaves landmark treaty protecting women ISTANBUL—Turkey has pulled out of the world’s first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, a presidential decree said Friday, in the latest victory for conservatives in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party.

The 2011 Istanbul Convention requires governments to adopt legislation prosecuting domestic violence and similar abuse as well as marital rape and female genital mutilation.

Conservatives had claimed the charter damages family unity, encourages divorce and that its references to equality were being used by the LGBT community to gain broader acceptance in society.

The opposition CHP party criticised the move.

Gokce Gokcen, deputy chairman of the CHP responsible for human rights, tweeted that abandoning the treaty meant “keeping women second class citizens and letting them be killed.” AFP

Tsunami warning lifted after 7.2 Japan quake TOKYO—Japan’s meteorological agency lifted a tsunami advisory around an hour after a strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s northeastern coast on Saturday, causing no immediate damage or injuries.

The quake hit at 6:09 pm (0909 GMT) in Pacific waters off Miyagi region with a depth of 60 kilometres (37 miles), the JMA said, issuing an advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre.

Thousands of households received evacuation warnings over the tsunami alert, which was lifted around 7:30pm (1030 GMT), prompting municipalities to also end the evacuation measures. AFP

NIGHT GLOW. In this still image captured

from a handout video filmed by the Icelandic Coast Guard, lava flows from the erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano some 50 km west of the Icelandic capital Reykjavik, on March 19. The volcano erupted on Friday, some 40 kilometres from the capital, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said, as a red cloud lit up the night sky and a no-fly zone was established in the area. AFP

Biden side ‘tough, direct’ in first US talks with China A NCHORAGE—The first talks between President Joe Biden’s administration and China were “tough and direct,” a senior US official said Friday, amid rising tensions between the rival world powers.

The meeting had begun Thursday with the top diplomats of both sides exchanging fiery broadsides, setting the stage for tense discussions as Washington seeks to hem in China’s expanding influence, and with Beijing’s Yang Jiechi accusing the Americans of trying to “strangle” his country.

But after three rounds of talks in frigid Anchorage, Alaska, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the economic giants had found areas where their interests overlap.

He said the American side was candid about its concerns over Beijing’s behavior toward Hong Kong and Taiwan and its actions in cyberspace.

“But we were also able to have a very candid conversation over these many hours on an expansive agenda,” said Blinken.

“On Iran, on North Korea, on Afghanistan, on climate, our interests intersect,” he told reporters.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said Beijing hopes the US will meet it halfway with mutual respect, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

But Wang, it said, “made it clear to the US side that sovereignty and territorial integrity are major issues of principle.”

Wang said Washington should not “underestimate the Chinese people’s will to safeguard national dignity and legitimate rights and interests,” Xinhua said.

- US ‘clear-eyed’ on differences The talks, two months into the Biden administration, were set up as an exchange of views, and no agreements or pacts were expected.

Biden inherited the tense relationship from his predecessor Donald Trump and has indicated so far that he is holding the same tough line, viewing China as the number one US competitor, economically, politically, and militarily, in the decades to come. AFP

FOR THE FALLEN.

People bring flowers to the memorial sight set up outside of The Gold Spa on March 19 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mourners have gathered across the United States to pay respect to the Asian community after suspect Robert Aaron Long, 21, attacked three spas, killing eight people, six of whom were Asian. AFP

PARIS—Some European countries resumed AstraZeneca vaccinations Friday after an all-clear from EU regulators and the WHO, including France which was preparing for a third of its population to enter a new partial lockdown.

Worries that AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine may cause blood clots have seen countries from Venezuela to Indonesia pause its use in recent days, a setback for the drive to vaccinate populations against a virus that has killed nearly 2.7 million people.

Germany and Italy, both of which are attempting to fight off a third wave of the coronavirus, announced they were using the jab again as of Friday after the European Medicines Agency said it was “safe and effective”.

World Health Organization vaccine safety experts said that “available data do not suggest any overall increase in clotting conditions” among vaccinated people.

Seeking to reassure their populations that the vaccine is safe, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his French counterpart Jean Castex received their first AstraZeneca dose on Friday. AFP

BBC journalist detained; Yangon exodus underway

Biden visits Atlanta, condemns violence vs. Asian-Americans ATLANTA—US President Joe Biden on Friday denounced the upsurge of violence against Asian-Americans, telling a community plunged into grief after this week’s Atlanta murders that the nation must not be complicit in the face of racism and xenophobia.

After meeting with leaders of Georgia’s Asian-American community, Biden delivered a brief speech at Atlanta’s Emory University, where he branded hate and racism “the ugly poison that’s long haunted our nation.”

Europe resumes AstraZeneca jabs; Paris on lockdown

Such bigotry and violence have been “often met with silence” in the United States, he said.

“But that has to change because our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit,” Biden stressed.

“We have to speak out, we have to act,” he added, as he called on Americans to “combat this resurgence of xenophobia.”

And he leveled a rebuke of previous president Donald Trump without mentioning his name, saying: “Words have consequences. It’s the coronavirus, full stop.”

Trump faced severe blowback last year for repeatedly calling Covid-19 -- which has now killed 540,000 people in the United States -- the “China virus” after the country where it was first detected.

Biden noted that attacks on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been “skyrocketing,” a trend confirmed by the group Stop AAPI Hate which says nearly 3,800 cases have been reported since last year, including verbal and physical assaults, discrimination, and civil rights abuses. AFP

\YANGON—A Burmese journalist with the BBC’s Myanmar language news service was detained on Friday, as civilians fled the coup-hit country’s largest city after the junta’s deadly crackdown on dissent.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, triggering a mass uprising that security forces have sought to crush with a campaign of violence and fear.

The junta has also gone after the country’s press corps, revoking the licenses of five independent local broadcasting services, raiding newsrooms, and arresting journalists working to cover the news.

BBC News Burmese journalist Aung Thura was taken away by men in plain clothes while reporting outside a court in the capital Naypyidaw, the British broadcaster reported.

The men had arrived in an unmarked van at around midday and demanded to see him and Than Htike Aung, a journalist for local media outlet Mizzima, according to the BBC. AFP

‘Caliphate’ or not, ISIS expands its reach

RECORD FLOODS. A TV crew provide coverage of the overflowing Parramatta river during heavy rain in Sydney on March 20, amid mass evacuations being ordered in low-lying areas along Australia’s east coast. Torrential rains caused potentially “lifethreatening” floods across a region already soaked by an unusually wet summer. AFP

PARIS—In the two years since Kurdish forces wrested away the Islamic State’s last Syrian bastion, the jihadist group has proved it does not need a stronghold to pose a potent threat in more countries than ever.

At their apogee, the extremists controlled a territory the size of Britain covering large swaths of Syria and Iraq, where it waged one of the most brutal campaigns of systematic terror in modern history.

Its defeat on March 23, 2019, was, it turns out, far from definitive, with the group managing to maintain its cohesion despite the dispersal of its leadership.

It has also continued to claim scores of deadly attacks far beyond its original base, while taking advantage of the vast deserts of war-scarred Syria to target

forces loyal to the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad.

“It has for the time being gone to ground, but with the goals of maintaining its insurgency in Iraq and Syria and a global cyber-presence,” General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command that oversees troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, said last month.

At the same time, the group is “building and retaining a cellular structure which allows it to carry out terrorist attacks,” he said.

Shortly afterwards, France requested a meeting of the coalition partners who teamed up with Kurdish forces to drive out the insurgency, warning of a “strong resurgence of Daesh,” an Arabic acronym for the group. AFP

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Business

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

World Vision, partner firms commit to help uplift children

By Othel V. Campos

First Circle executives meet with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

First Circle opens revolving credit to help 10,000 MSMEs

F

IRST Circle, a Philippines-based financial technology platform, celebrates five years of supporting the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises sector with the launch of a groundbreaking revolving credit line to support at least 10,000 MSMEs nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously only accessible to large companies, a revolving credit line is a business need that is unfortunately out of reach for 99.6 percent of businesses nationwide because of how they are not able to meet the formal documentation and collateral requirements of local banks.

“This challenge in financial inclusion

inspired and pushed the team to innovate and find ways to deliver financial inclusion to those who need it the most using technology,” said First Circle vice president for external relations Benedict Carandang.

The company utilizes alternative data sources that feed into an advanced proprietary underwriting system to assess the credit worthiness of borrowers in just a few days, compared to weeks or months by incumbents.

With First Circle, B2B companies that were previously underbanked are now empowered with up to P5 million in credit line, and they are able to draw down from anytime for a term of up to 6 months in case their business demand calls for it.

Government leaders and ministers, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Securities and Exchange Commission, Credit Information Corp., among others, expressed excitement and support for the trailblazing innovation that will change the game for the country’s economic growth and boost

Women leading through the pandemic THE COVID-19 pandemic proved that women are natural-born multitaskers and most of them have double duties working at home and taking care of domestic work. But the global health crisis and lockdowns proved to be quite a challenge for working women.

For women leaders like Maricel Guro of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., the pandemic brought unprecedented changes to their lives and jobs.

“We prepare for the things to come, expect the challenges and plan to win over them. But the pandemic is something we never saw coming. We were not prepared for it,” said Guro, assistant vice president and general manager of PCPPI’s modern trade business unit.

Before the pandemic, PCPPI’s modern trade operations are on target. “But the lockdown affected our channels, particularly food service and convenience stores. Our business struggled along with our accounts,” she said.

During the lockdown, PCPPI implemented flexible work arrangements.

These include skeleton workforce, community partnerships and in-plant accommodation to support the needs of customers and the safety of people.

“As we go out to work, there is legitimate fear of getting the virus. I remind our team to follow the established health protocols to protect themselves.

We continue to provide tools for safety

like masks, shields and alcohol. We keep providing reminders to our employees to adhere to and mindfully follow safety protocols. Every day, prayer for protection is also important,” she said.

Last year, the company created a playbook that served as a primary guide to the company’s “new normal.”

Guro said there are three interdependent focus areas in the playbook.

The first focus area, “Great to be back,” centered on the right information and health protocols. The second focus area, “Great to be Pepsi,” set the right employee perspective as they embark on the new normal. The third focus area, “Great for others,” is about taking positive action for others.

For Guro, accepting and adapting to these realities were key to overcome the challenges.

“I learned to look at the bigger picture and consider all angles before making decisions. There are decisions that may be unpopular, but are right. I need to be brave to do it.”

This year’s International Women’s Month highlights the impact of the pandemic on working moms. “This pandemic made me realize that things can change in an instant. We had to revisit our strategy and be open to adjustments. We need to constantly adapt to the changing demands of our home life, jobs, and the industry as a whole,” said Guro.

economic recovery from the pandemic.

“The focus of First Circle is supporting and financing the country’s SME sector, which plays a vital role in the continued development and growth of national economy, is admirable and deeply appreciated,” former Ambassador to UK and Ireland Jesus Tambunting said in a video message.

First Circle was recently named as one of the inclusive startups globally in the 2020 Cohort Inclusive Fintech 50.

It was the only company from the Philippines selected from over 400 fintech firms from 111 countries.

The firm was recognized for its impact on unserved and underserved businesses and individuals even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since it signed its first memorandum of understanding with DTI in 2018, the finance firm extended borrowings to 6,000 SMEs and disbursed over 16,000 loans.

First Circle has provided P4.5 billion worth of loans to the MSME sector since then.

WORLD Vision, a Christian advocacy group dedicated to lifting children and their families from poverty, is staging a follow-up to the successful virtual Corporate Social Responsibility Summit.

The second summit will pool together companies that are actively supporting similar well-intended events as part of their CSR efforts.

Businesses are coming up with ways to extend assistance to those who are in great need, according to World Vision national director Rommel Fuerte.

“World Vision is privileged to once again hold the Corporate Social Responsibility Summit in Cebu. God’s work is truly amazing as we witness how our partner organizations implement their CSR initiatives. Let’s continue working together to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, their families and communities,” he said.

“God is truly faithful in enabling us to reach these individuals, especially the most vulnerable children, despite the challenging times. We’ve done all this because of our partnerships with the government, with individuals, private sector, churches and other nongovernment organizations,” Fuerte said.

He said companies’ CSR programs aim to improve health facilities, support the frontliners and provide food and financial assistance to affected communities especially in this time of crisis.

The virtual CSR Summit will take place on March 23, 2021 in Cebu City.

Distinguished business leaders from Cebu are coming together to share their experiences and learnings during the pandemic. The event will be streamed live on World Vision Philippines’ Facebook page.

Business industry leaders joining World Vision’s virtual CSR Summit in Cebu include the Cebu Chamber of Commerce Inc., Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Rotary Club of Cebu and the Singapore School Cebu.

World Vision will also recognize the valuable contribution of its partners— the Cebu Chamber of Commerce Inc.,

World Vision national director Rommel Fuerte

JCI Cebu, JCI Plaridel del Pilar, Public Relations Society of the Philippines and Rotary Club of Cebu.

Fuerte said World Vision aims to discuss the significant role and relevance of a company’s CSR during critical times, and to inspire businesses and other organizations in the private sector to develop and implement CSR campaigns to be able to reach and improve more lives.

“And given the challenges, we’re facing now with COVID-19, the limited movements, food shortage, limited access to health care and despite these, we’re still wanting to do something good. And I think the reason we’re doing this CSR Summit is to bring together like-minded individuals to showcase that whatever challenges we’re facing, we can do something really good, especially for the least, for the most vulnerable among us,” Fuerte said.

World Vision Cebu Cluster Area manager Faith Richelle Sy said the group reached out to eight municipalities and three cities in Cebu, including Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.

The group aims to reach out to at least 4,000 children through the CSR Summit. Right now, World Vision has launched education projects with livelihood component enabling sustainability for every family.

10 new housing developments completed nationwide

Bria continues to expand its portfolio of strategically-located housing developments nationwide.

CONSISTENCY and commitment have defined property developer Bria Homes’ efforts to provide Filipino families with high-quality, yet affordable housing all over the Philippines.

To deliver the brand of stylishly modern and affordable houses and lots to more Filipino families, Bria continues to expand its portfolio of strategically-located housing developments nationwide.

Bria Homes announced the completion of ten new residential projects in key locations: Magalang (Pampanga) and Norzagaray (Bulacan) in Central Luzon; General Trias (Cavite), Trece Martires (Cavite), Calamba (Laguna) and San Pablo (Laguna) in South Luzon; General Santos (South Cotabato), Dumaguete (Negros Oriental), Panabo (Davao) and Tagum (Davao) in the Visayas and Mindanao.

These ten new Bria sites give Filipinos access to communities close to their

hearts. These are positive news for city dwellers who seek safer, more secure and healthier environments to raise their families and for investors who foresee fresh revenue streams from the value appreciation of their properties.

Among the newly-rolled out locations in Central Luzon is Bria Homes in Magalang, Pampanga—a great choice for property seekers looking at affordable ready-for-occupancy house-and-lot packages. Bria Magalang, which is near Clark International Airport, offers a scenic view of the nearby Mount Arayat.

Situated south of Metro-Manila, Bria Homes in General Trias and Trece Martires in Cavite are located near thriving commercial centers that may provide ample opportunities to business start-ups.

Bria Calamba in Laguna boasts of heritage sites and popular hot spring resorts; retail establishments such as

Mercado De Calamba, SM Calamba and Puregold; schools such as Calamba City College, Liceo De Calamba and Bañadero National High School; and hospitals like Calamba Medical Center, St. John the Baptist Medical Center and Calamba Doctors Hospital.

Located in Barangay Bañadero, the 22-hectare project is a fine place for metro folks who want to trade stressful city life for Bria Calamba’s wholesome, placid and secure community.

Also in Laguna, Bria San Pablo is a 14-hectare housing development in the City of Seven Lakes.

Meanwhile, prospective homebuyers in Western Visayas will be happy to check out Bria Dumaguete in Negros Oriental.

Situated in a city famous for rich culture and tourists’ attractions, Dumaguete is also home to the prestigious Siliman University.

Ohmyhome launches feature allowing OFWs to ‘buy homes from overseas’

With the government’s heightened optimism on economic recovery, Ohmyhome encourages OFWs and other overseas investors to explore investment opportunities here.

PURCHASING properties in the Philippines used to be a complicated process—especially for prospective buyers and investors residing in other countries. For instance, overseas Filipino workers seeking to buy a house for their families were often daunted by the tedious paperwork involved.

Similar concerns deterred potential property investors that are based abroad.

All these challenges are now addressed by industry game-changer Ohmyhome’s recently launched ‘Buying from Overseas’ page, which is specifically primed to help users abroad initiate their buying journey. The new service will

make the homebuying process straightforward and simple for OFWs who want to purchase properties in the Philippines, while allowing overseas property investors to explore opportunities here.

According to Ohmyhome, users simply need to visit the “Buying from Overseas” page available on its website and chat with one of Ohmyhome’s agents to begin their housing journey. Interested homebuyers or investors will then be guided through all the steps of the process.

The page comes at a time when data from Ohmyhome research found that Filipinos based

abroad are taking a closer look at cross-border investment. This may be spurred by the government’s heightened optimism in the country’s economic recovery.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and his economic team projected a gross domestic product growth of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2021.

The Philippines was likewise included in the 42 most improving economies in 2018 and 2019, according to the World Bank Group, a family of five international organizations known as the largest development bank in the world.

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Feel the power of female power Breaking barriers, blazing trails, making waves

By Steph Llarena

G

ONE are the days when women are relegated to domestic roles, prevented from participating in and leading tasks outside the confines of their households.

While the journey to truly empowering all women and achieving gender parity still continues, stories about real women leaders and trailblazers show young girls out there, that they, too, can run the world.

Breaking barriers in the financial services industry Candy Suarez is the chief financial officer at an insurance firm. Her role involves risk management and part of this responsibility is ensuring the company’s capability to fulfill its promise of protection.

She has seen how the life insurance industry has evolved, and how her job contributes to the financial well-being of the customers it serves, filling her with “great fulfillment.” She says, “Young Filipinas now are also more financially literate and aware than ever because of the wealth of information that is available to them.”

“Fortunately, in Manulife, there is a conscious decision to empower women and help them advance in their careers.

This has given me confidence to do the job at hand, without unnecessary distractions or worry from dealing with unproductive gender biases,” shares Suarez.

With her experience as the president and chief executive of Manulife Asset Management Trust Corporation, Aira Gaspar encourages women to seek a career in investment management. “As they develop their knowledge and skills

Women leaders in an insurance company. From left: Melissa Henson, chief marketing officer; Aira Gaspar, president and chief executive; Candy Suarez, chief financial officer

in understanding how financial markets work and the factors that drive the movement of asset prices, they will find that investment management can be a fulfilling career,” she emphasizes.

Getting customer insights and understanding the messages that will resonate with their needs, while bringing fun and flavor to an industry usually seen as traditional has been Melissa Henson’s bread and butter. Becoming a chief marketing officer is a long-time dream, and to this

day, it continues to be her dream job.

“Courage helps in advancing your career because you need to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, both in personal development and in exploring new projects and initiatives,” shares Henson.

Gaspar also acknowledges the value of being bold. “Do not let the possibility of failure keep you from pursuing your aspirations. When failure happens, do not allow it to define what you can achieve.”

Ladies of LRT-1. From left: Lou Ambrosio, lead station supervisor; Christine Cunanan, train operator; Melca Samson, head of buildings and facilities section and infrastructure division manager

Light rail’s trailblazers Some of the people responsible for ensuring the public safely gets to their destination are the female team members of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the operator of LRT-1.

Lead station supervisor Lou Ambrosio is in charge of properly leading the team that directly interacts with customers, including station supervisors, tellers, and other personnel directly performing their functions within the station. With the goal of delivering a reliable and quality customer service to the riding public, especially during the pandemic, the weight on her shoulders is pretty daunting. Despite the added challenge, she ensures safety protocols are followed to keep everyone,

her colleagues, their customers, and even her family safe.

The primary caretaker of LRMC’s employees is also a woman. Head of human resource and admin, Florence Bautista’s job entails looking after the well-being and concerns of team members. “Although stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns have always been there, this pandemic brought the employees’ mental health to the forefront,” she reveals.

“As a leader, I can never overemphasize the need to consistently reach out and communicate to our employees,” says Bautista.

Working in a male-dominated indus-

try, the pressure of being a woman train operator will always be there, according to Christine Cunanan. Despite the challenges brought by the current health crisis, she says, “I am very thankful to the company for providing and ensuring the health and safety of employees in our workplace.”

Other women-in-charge at LRMC include Melca Samson, head of buildings and facilities section and infrastructure division manager, whose job involves handling the overall management of tracks, buildings, and facilities, and ensuring all project and construction works are done on time; and Jireh Canoy, head of maintenance planning section.

Making a difference in the company and the society Fast food chain McDonald’s Philippines takes pride in its gender-diverse workforce where women account for 55 percent of the total employee population. Out of this number, 56 percent manage the company’s over 650 stores.

Through its newest campaign #MPowered, McDonald’s lauds women leaders and team members who have helped steer the company amid a trying year.

“We survived 2020 due to the exemplary leadership that the women of McDonald’s have shown—the roles they played in initiatives that have propelled our business and brought us closer to different communities,” enthuses McDonald’s Philippines president and chief executive Kenneth Yang.

The company’s women leaders have driven landmark projects for McDonald’s in partnership with other stakeholders amid the pandemic.

Managing director Margot Torres co-led Ingat Angat, the country’s biggest consumer confidence campaign for Task Force T3, a consortium of private companies that supports and partners with the government for its test, trace, and treat initiatives against COVID-19.

She continues her work on another national project as the private sector lead for Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, a multisectoral initiative in partnership with the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger—all while continuously overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations.

Following the strict lockdowns last year, McDonald’s was able to continue its operations, drive-thru, McDelivery, and dine-in at a limited capacity through its M Safe Program, led by corporate communications manager Puch Agodon.

McDonald's celebrates 'MPowered' women who lead the company while contributing to the betterment of the society amid the pandemic.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) executive director Marie Angeles was at the helm of McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. Initially intended to feed 50,000 frontliners and individuals from vulnerable sectors, the project progressed to feeding over 400,000 through the concerted effort of RMHC and its corporate partners including Metrobank, Coca-Cola, HAVI, and Angkas. The McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen remains committed to serve more meals to more Filipinos this 2021.

HEY, YOUTH!

SHARE your unpublished essays with the readers of Manila Send your essay (maximum of 800 words) with photo/s, Standard. Chosen essays will be published in the Young Life if available, to manilastandardlife@gmail.com with the corner that comes out every Sunday. subject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old. brief description of yourself.

Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero encourages women entrepreneurs to get the help they need to overcome obstacles.

Webinar empowers women entrepreneurs THE recently concluded two-day free webinar SM hosted for women entrepreneurs offered a holistic approach to addressing issues regarding managing a business amid a pandemic.

The “Women at Work” webinar on March 11-12 featured a panel composed of successful entrepreneurs and experts from finance and retail sectors as well as government and NGOs.

Tips and trends “You have to take ownership of your life. Who do you want to be, where do you want to be, and what choices can you make to move forward?” said Gina Katigbak, life coach and SM Supermall’s assistant vice president of leasing strategy and operations, as she gave tips on how to own your power, find calm, and create a roadmap for success.

Gina Romero, co-founder of Connected Women shared how to get the help one needs—technology, partners, community—to overcome obstacles.

Successful entrepreneurs like Jamm San Juan of Frankie and Friends General Store and Felicia Atienza of the Chinese International School Manila talked about surviving and thriving in a changing landscape. Their message focused on pivoting marketing, building a strong financial foundation, understanding customers, and more.

Felicia Hung-Atienza, president and chief executive of the Chinese International School Manila

SM’s top executives also shared important retail industry trends. SM Supermalls vice president Gino Borromeo talked about new shopping behaviors and the rise of the “new essentials” or what people are willing to buy. The SM Store senior vice president Aldwin Co, meanwhile, shared consumer categories that are growing, and how to sell to the new online shopper.

Funds and tools For small entrepreneurs who need capital to start or grow their business, Karen Cua—the senior vice president and group head of BDO Network Bank’s MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) division—talked about the financial tools available for them.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) undersecretary Blesila Lantayona also shared some free resources that women entrepreneurs can access from their local DTI office, including roving academies and shared service facilities like processing equipment.

Philippine Commission of Women (PCW) chairperson Sandra Montano, and WeEmpowerAsia country programme manager Rosalyn Mesina also graced the event, and talked about how companies and communities can work together to support women entrepreneurs.

“Women empowerment benefits women, business, and economy. A diverse workforce drives innovation and market growth, and builds trust and credibility with employees and stakeholders,” said Mesina.

Karen Cua, senior vice president and group head of BDO Network Bank's MSME division

Mesina added the importance of providing women support—not just through promotions or financing for business, but help with the roles they’re expected to fulfill at home. Ideally, they should not feel pressured to “do it all” or have to give up one for the other. According to her, families, communities, and companies can all do their part to ease the burden, share the responsibility, and create work-life balance.

Community-wide support The webinar was a joint effort by SM and its advocacy partners: UN Women, DTI, PCW, Connected Women, and BDO Network Bank.

“SM’s affinity to SMEs comes naturally. SM started as a small shoe store in downtown Manila. We are an SME by heart, and since SM started, we’ve worked closely with small businesses.

Today, SM is a community of 90,000 SMEs, from farming to artisan communities, from local manufacturers to shop owners, from food kiosks to restaurant owners,” said Chelo Monasterio, president of The SM Store.

Chelo Monasterio, president of The SM Store

B2

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

Drawing a bead on South Coast City Cebu to host SM-Ayala consortium project

BEEHIVE OF ACTIVITY. Construction at District Square, envisioned to be Cebu’s prime waterside address, and home to a plethora of office, hotel and commercial developments (Inset).

C

EBU CITY—Ayala Land recently unveiled District Square, a prime commercial development here within the scenic seaside South Coast City in South Road Properties (SRP).

Flexibility is key for building renters

By Rochelle Campos OFFICE space vacancy hit 8 percent across all Metro Manila business districts in the last quarter of 2020, according to a report by real estate consulting firm Lobien Realty Group (LRG).

In the 4th quarter of 2020, supply of office space in Metro Manila totaled 739,312 square meters (sqm), of which 57.59 percent or 425,778.83 sqm. remain leased, with available remaining supply at 313,533.17 sqm.

From an average rent of P1,160/sqm in February 2020, the current value has gone down 3 percent to P1,120/sqm. A bigger drop in rental rates brought about by the exit of Philippine Offshore Gamings Operators (POGOs) was kept at bay due to the 1-year advance rent and deposit requirement.

Renegotiated rental rates LRG expects renegotiated rental rates to remain at current levels or at by at least 10 percent. Highly affected will be the cities of Makati, Taguig and Bay Area, which have had the highest asking rates for the past 3 years. The Grade A buildings in these CBDs have already shown an 8 percent to 11 percent decrease from their rental rates for the same period in 2020.

The 3 major factors that affected rental rates in Metro Manila CBDs include

closure of offices of many tenants, led

by POGOs who exited the country in droves; the postponement of new and current companies’ start of operations and expansion plans; and the work from home arrangements that has effectively reduced the need for office space.

Patience is a virtue LRG’s CEO Sheila Lobien noted office property owners in CBDs have learned not to force the issue and be patient with the current situation while most have slowed down some planned construction in anticipation of high vacancy rates and lower rental rates.

Building owners have also become more flexible in their rental expectations and were actually giving rental discounts of as much as 20 percent to existing tenants

and/or offering lower rents to new ones compared to pre- pandemic rates. Many were also offering office spaces fitted with furniture which were left in good condition by the previous tenants.

LRG advised prospective tenants to start scouting for their preferred CBD, buildings and office cuts to maximize the current situation.

Despite the slowdown in office space take up due to the pandemic, commercial property values in the CBDs have remained almost the same because of the low and finite supply of land in these locations.

No significant decline in land values Generally, LRG has not observed any significant decline in land values in CBDs due to the pandemic.

Makati and Taguig’s selling price ranges from P400,000 to P1 million/sqm; Pasig at P80,000 to P350,000; Mandaluyong, P120,000 to P230,000; Quezon City, P170,000 to P230,000; Alabang P250,000 to P400,000; and Bay City, 300,000 to P500,000.

Most of the landowners are also expected to comfortably survive the pandemic because of the robustness of their companies and the possibility that they have secure cash positions.

The Bayanihan Law has also given assistance to many landowners. Moreover, property owners also expect this pandemic to be temporary. Lobien says that when vaccines are available and the economy recovers, capital values will be back to where they were pre-pandemic.

GUARDIANS OF MEDINA. Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently shored up its partnership with the Municipality of Medina, Misamis Oriental through a sustainability assessment of its three year-long marine protection, inspection, and conservation guardians program. Misamis Oriental is recovering into its role as one of the Philippines’ prime dive sites following detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the a five-year budget of around P6.8M, MPIF is implementing the guardians program, which includes the deputization of local fishermen, training, equipment, and monthly allowances to serve as stewards of marine protection in the municipality. They have the responsibility to conduct foot and seaborne patrols, and implement coastal clean-ups in all coastal barangays, among others. “The MPIC Guardians Program in Medina kickstarted MPIF’s vision to create a network of partner sites that uphold solid marine protection and conservation practices in marine protected areas,” explained MPIF president Melody Del Rosario (shown in photo with Medina vice mayor Kim Michael P. Odchigue; Atty. Donn Kapunan; Medina mayor Donato N. Chan, and Benjie del Rosario).

The project reflects the company’s track record for developing integrated estates that are positioned to become catalysts of local economic growth.

Land bank, investment opportunities “District Square is a unique opportunity to build or invest, given the combined investment plans of both ALI and SM in South Coast City, the infrastructure program in the area, and the progressive Cebu market where master planned estates are hard to come by,” said Meean Dy, SVP and head of the Ayala Land estates group.

District Square offers commercial lots that present land bank opportunities to those who want to locate in South Coast City in the future. The lots sizes

range from 1,777 to 2,601 sqm, ideal for offices, hotels, and other commercial uses.

South Coast City is located along the Cebu south coastal road and can be accessed via the CCLEX bridge (third Mactan Bridge) which is expected to be completed by 2022. Fronting the Cebu Strait, South Coast City enjoys waterside views and features. A pedestrian road network is designed to link the main areas of the development and a 1.1-hectare civic park will be its center piece. A wide array of retail and entertainment concepts anchored by an arena and convention center are also planned for the area.

P90 B in investments projected Developed by the consortium of SM Prime Holdings, Ayala Land, Inc. and Cebu Holdings, Inc., the 26-hectare property in SRP broke ground in 2020.

It aims to boost the economic recovery efforts of the province by enhancing the offerings available to the region. Ayala Land is expected to generate P90 billion in investments over the next 15 years for this project.

BIGGER FOOTPRINT FOR RUSSIAN HOMEBUILDER. PIK, a homebuilder in Russia and Europe, is set to expand its footprint to key markets in Asia, starting with the launch of its first real estate project in the Philippines. HDRP group corporation, a local subsidiary of PIK, is kicking off the project, One Sierra, in Mandaluyong City. The development is a low-density residential building with only ten units per floor, totaling just 250 units spread across 30-storeys starting on the fifth floor. Buyers can choose from spacious studio, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, or smalloffice/ home-office (SOHO) units, all ranging from 32 to 84 square meters. One Sierra is located along EDSA highway, accessible to Metro Manila’s central business districts and main commercial areas. With over 25 years in the industry, PIK, with its headquarters in Moscow, has built over 500,000 homes in major cities in Europe

SANCTUARIES FOR THE NEW NORMAL. Sta. Lucia Land was one of the first developers to expand and create landmark developments outside of Metro Manila. It currently has over 250 projects spanning across 10,400 hectares in 15 provinces. “Spaces have become vital in the new normal,” ac acknowledged Sta. Lucia Land president Exequiel Robles. “As families spend more time at home, they need bigger spaces to move about inside their houses and more importantly, within their communities. Robles pointed to the Lake at St. Charbel in Cavite (Shown here), which inspires a laid back lifestyle with its lake, a picturesque lighthouse, and picnic area nestled in greenery. Leisure farm lots at La Huerta Farms and Residences in Laguna, meanwhile, allow one to live sustainably. In Batangas, Sta. Lucia has Catalina Lake Residences Bauan, a Spanish-Mediterranean themed lakeside community. In Iloilo, Sotogrande, located within Iloilo City’s first lake community, Green Meadows, boasts of wide open spaces, and picturesque views.

In Davao, Sta. Lucia Land has 18 projects spanning across more than 700 ha, the latest of which is Las Colinas at Eden, a residential leisure farm subdivision.

Entertainment

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021

B3

Nickie Wang, Editor; E-mail: nickie.standard@ gmail.com

Justin Bieber trends worldwide with Justice’s multiplatform release ‘Justice’ is the sixth studio album by Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber. It was released through Def Jam Recordings and serves as the follow-up to his previous album, ‘Changes’ (2020).

AWARD-WINNING global pop star Justin Bieber on Friday released his sixth studio album Justice via RBMG/Def Jam Recordings.

The album includes the chart-topping global smashes “Holy” feat. Chance The Rapper, “Lonely” feat. Benny Blanco, “Anyone,” and “Hold On,” which combined have garnered over two billion streams worldwide, dominating radio airplay to the tune of over 215 million in US audience alone.

Headed into release, the tracks alone have amassed an equivalent of 400,000 albums in the U.S. and over 1.3 million albums worldwide.

The album also features the new track and video “Peaches,” featuring Giveon and Daniel Caesar, as well as guest appearances from The Kid LAROI, Dominic Fike, Khalid,

Beam, and Burna Boy. The Justice campaign has reasserted Justin’s dominance as a live performer; from his triumphant return to the live stage with his T-Mobile-sponsored NYE livestream concert, to his record-breaking TikTok performance Journals Live to his stunning AR-assisted performance for Spotify, to his epic Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards set and this week’s blockbuster NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Justin has delivered undeniable, show-stopping performances.

Along the way, Justin has appeared as musical guest twice on Saturday Night Live, performed on The American Music Awards, The People’s Choice Awards, and much more. In the spirit of the theme of Justice, Justin has teamed up with Propeller—the digital platform that works at the crossroads

of culture and social good—to raise awareness and generate support for organizations that are doing the important work embodying what justice and healing looks like in action.

The nonprofits benefiting from the campaign include Alexandria House, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Baby2Baby, The Compton Pledge, Equal Justice Initiative, Lift Communities, Poor People’s Campaign, Self Help Graphics & Art, The King Center and This Is About Humanity.

With over 75 billion career streams and over 70 million albums sold worldwide, Justin Bieber continues to reign as one of the biggest artists in the world. Bieber is the #1 artist on YouTube with over 60 million subscribers worldwide and broke global records at Spotify with over 65 million monthly listeners.

Young power diva

builds up her confidence 5 reasons to watch Zach Snyder’s ‘Justice League’

D

OES plastic surgery boost self-esteem?

People can have varied responses to this but for someone who had gone under the knife and was satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, the answer is affirmative.

For The Clash Season 3 grand champion and Power Diva Jessica Villarubin, having cosmetic enhancements was a tough decision but it was something that she had been wanting to do after experiencing a series of bullying because of the way she looks. No, she was not unpretty, but for some reason, being in the limelight made her decide to slightly alter her face to feel more confident.

“I feel super happy now. I feel more confident and now, happiness is the only thing I feel,” the champion singer told the entertainment press during a virtual presser for her debut single under GMA Music titled “Ako Naman.”

“I hope you understand my decision because I am happy with it. I joined a contest before and someone said, ‘The ugly one’s here again, only her voice is beautiful.’ It’s painful for me,” Jessica opened up.

Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo, helped Jessica get her confidence back by doing some changes to her face. In an interview, Belo shared that she made sure Jessica wouldn’t lose her natural charm.

“Ikaw pa rin naman yan. Hindi naman nagbago na sobrang layo pero ang pinakamagaling na enhancement is when people don’t know. They just say something’s new with you,” she said.

Jessica made her first public appearance after the surgery on All-Out Sundays’ stage looking more confident than ever. She sang her single “Ako Naman,” which was penned by Christian Bautista. The song is reminiscent of her journey from being a simple Cebuana girl with big dreams to now a rising performer. It was also her winning piece during the grand finals of The Clash.

“I’m so grateful to finally sing a song that I can call mine. I feel happy and blessed po sa lahat ng mga nangyayari sa buhay ko ngayon. Sa kantang ito, mararamdaman ng listeners ‘yung mga pinagdaanan ko at kung paano ako pinalakas nito. Sana marami rin ang ma-inspire ng ‘Ako Naman,’” Jessica told Manila Standard Entertainment.

“Ako Naman” is now available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms worldwide.

NEW LOOK. From having long black hair, the Power Diva from Cebu is now sporting a mid-length bob cut with layers. In her interview with the press, Jessica Villarubin also admitted that she had gone under the knife and she’s happy with her decision.

Laguna’s boy next door

By Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Jcee Macalalag is a 17-yearold student-athlete who plays for La Salle Greenies as power forward.

EVERY time he holds the ball in his hands during a game, his legion of fans who are usually girls swoon over this tall and goodlooking lad from De La Salle Greenhills Greenies.

Indeed, more than just his pretty face and boy-next-door charm, his talent in basketball is also something that endears him to his supporters.

Many of his followers can attest to the fact that Jan Clement Macalalag, who is treading his studies and basketball at the same time, is blessed with both good looks and talent inside the hardcourt.

Born on June 13, 2003 in Sta. Cruz Laguna, this rising teen basketball star

towers at 6-foot-1. The young cager, who is now a grade 12 student, plays as power forward for La Salle Greenies. He is also under the virtual playground sports agency management.

He considers his stint at Junior NBA Asia as his most unforgettable game “because of the overwhelming support I got representing the Philippines and found new friends from different countries as well.”

He lists NBA star and Los Angeles Lakers player Lebron James as his biggest basketball idol, while in the PBA, he likes Scottie Thompson of Ginebra Gin Kings.

“They can do whatever they want inside the court, they can shoot inside and outside the arc and they also lead their respective teams,” Jcee, as he is fondly called by his fans and friends, says.

Jcee’s career-high is 34 points in a PSBL game. And just like other aspiring cagers who started out at a very young age playing the sport, he dreams to become a professional basketball player.

ZACK Snyder’s Justice League has more to offer to fans in this superhero-stacked film featuring Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg. It promises to be a rollercoaster ride experience.

Here are five reasons why fans should watch it as it arrives on Philippine shores on HBO GO via SKY: 1. Zack Snyder’s version is four hours and two minutes long Zack Snyder’s version proves to be a jam-packed wonder for fans to experience as it promises a four-hour epic, expanding the backstories of our beloved heroes—from the introduction of Cyborg’s mother, Elinore Stone; the love interest of The Flash in Iris West; the appearance of Vulko (Willem Dafoe) and how he deepens Aquaman’s story arc; to the emotional affair between Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Superman himself.

More screen time also means more action-packed scenes, more characters to behold, and provides viewers a much broader spectrum.

2. Never-before-seen, existing-footage for die-hard DC fans With its extended running time, the film promises more never-beforeseen footage.

Apart from the featured Justice League heroes — Superman (Henry Cavill), Batman (Ben Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), The Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher)—fans should watch out for another member in the mix in Calvin Swanwick, also known as the Martian Manhunter (Harry Lennix).

Fierce adversary Deathstroke (Joe Manganiello) also has extended scenes in the film, while Ryan Choi (Zheng Kai) expands his role for viewers to unravel. Fans can watch the triumph of the Justice League against Akropolis’ nightmare, Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), in its extended glory, along with the first-time appearance of apocalyptic god Darkseid and the haunting return of Jared Leto’s Joker.

3. Zack Snyder’s Justice League divided into six chapters For a much easier viewing experience for fans, the producers made sure to divide the four-hour film into six chapters, including a special epilogue, to make give fans the options how to watch it. It also gives fans to get to know more about the characters which a theatrical version cannot.

4. Additional editing for the spectacle of fans The film also showcases a new musical score, written by its original composer Junkie XL, also known as Tom Holkenborg.

Its visual effects team worked tirelessly on thousands of shots that needed to be done or re-done for the avid viewers.

5. New scenes to watch out for Fans and movie-watchers alike should expect new scenes from Zack Snyder’s execution of DC’s Justice League. Apart from reshooting The Flash’s scene virtually, archrivals Batman and the Joker have additional footage together and how it will turn around the highly anticipated franchise.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League premiered on HBO Go in HD and commercial-free on March 18. Subscribers can avail of an HBO GO plan for as low as P99/month for SKYcable plan users or P149/month via any SKY Fiber plan. For more information, visit mysky.com.ph.

B4

By Blanche P. Mapile

H

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

Pets

How Do I Love Thee?

OW do I love thee, my furbabies? Let me count the ways.

When Papa passed in 2016 after five years of battling Alzheimer’s Dementia, you were there to comfort me, distract me, keep me busy so I did not have much time to sulk and be lonely.

In one decade of being a hands-on furmom, you have all given me not only comfort, but joy, pride and purpose.

When I feel blue, you give me cuddles and wet kisses. You follow me around like love-sick puppies to the point of me almost stumbling around when in a rush for errands or meetings (before and during the pandemic). When I have to go out even to buy groceries and other essentials, you all whine and wail as if I’d be gone for ages, and you are all piled up to greet me when I arrive, or even as I wake up and get ready to go out the bedroom foyer. Like I’m your Mona Lisa.

You all curl around my ankles, or lick my legs. When I pick you up, my face and ears always get moist with kisses, or get rubbed with furry fervor. You each have your way of getting my attention or making me feel like I’m the best thing next to chopped liver.

You give me joy with your antics and dynamics. How you stand on your hind legs, pawing at me to show off or get me to play with you. How you play bow to let me know how you love me. That’s how you say that you love me. How you all sit and beg at meal times, or sit and wait for treats.

Angel is a trilingual poodle and multi award winner in fashion, talent, agility and swimming events. (Photo by Blanche Mapile)

Because I trained you the “no sit, no treat” policy. I love watching your doggie communications or dynamics, and I’m lucky if I catch it on video and edit it for Tiktok, where you have gained me almost 26 thousand likes and over 2000 followers in such a short time. Like how Annika and Morgan mimicked hu-

man lovers when Annika Belle seemed peeved and Morgan wooed her with a gentle paw on her snout and she gave in.

There is also how Holly Golightly, after getting a bone or a treat, climbs over the play pen that protects the sofa and safely gnaws at her prize without any paw managing to disturb her. How Devlin These beautiful dogs give her joy, pride and purpose.

Aside from family and friends, her dogs keep her happy and sane, specially during this pandemic.

(Photo by Che Vienes)

Athena, pawgent titlist and product endorser.

(Photos by Che Vienes annd Pawtograpia)

once came running to me, paws on my lap as he is too tiny, because his Yaya (pet nanny) took something away from him. Joy when my puppies begin to eat solid food or walk on their fours, or play and make funny faces even. Awe when Angel always goes before me to the toilet and inspects all corners, then lays guard while I do my business.

You make me one proud furmom when you win fashion, agility, talent, sports contests online and in real time before and even during the pandemic. I claim dibs at the most awarded pack in the metro, at least eight of my then pack of twenty have won various awards. I likewise have maybe the only local trilingual poodle.

She can understand commands and do tricks in Filipino, English and French. Her name is Angel, and I playfully call her my supawstar, because of her multiple awards in fashion, talent, agility and swimming categories. Observing her natural flair for water, I coached her on her very first swimming match, in which she bagged the grand prize in the medium category.

She can also sing and dance on cue.

Then there is Athena, my alpha dog and the queen of my pack. She is a pawgeant titlist, a canine amabassadress, a product endorser, a ramp and

print pawdel, a tv pawsonality and an all-around celebrity dawg. When in an event, and someone you do not know comes up to you and tells you they are fans of your dogs, you can’t help but beam with pride. My dogs have been featured in print and on television, showing off their wardrobe, or doing doga (dog yoga), or rocking the catwalk and bagging awards. Some have also guested in social media webinars.

But more than all that, my dogs have given me purpose. Someone said, where you find purpose, it is where you find happiness. I find happiness in my teaching and in my dogs. During this crisis, when many are besieged with mental health concerns, my dogs and my support network of family and friends have kept me grounded, and quite literally sane. They keep me company in times when my mind refuses to shut off, or when fears set in.

Blanche P. Mapile, MBA, is a facilitator at John Robert Powers Manila, was a mentor and coach at La Vie Institute, and a lecturer at the De La Salle University Taft campus for four years. She is also a free lance writer, PR practitioner, social media manager and influencer, and animal welfare advocate.

Paracetamol is poisonous to cats and dogs DURING this pandemic, it is difficult for owners to bring their pets to the clinic. This is specially true for pet owners with no vehicles as public transportation is scarce, and most drivers will not allow pets inside their vehicles.

Due to this limitation, some owners have resorted to “self-medicating” their cat or dog. But prescribing medicine for your pet can bring more trouble. It is always best to consult a vet. You can go to the clinic, or consult your vet on the phone or in messenger or through viber instead of prescribing medicine to your pet.

Please do not give medicine you think will cure your pet without consulting a vet. Most medicine for humans are harmful to cats and dogs and should be kept away from your pet. Paracetamol is one such medicine that you should never give to your pet.

PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS

“Cats are (obviously) very different to people

and it is simply not safe to give your cat paracetamol or any other human medicines. There are lots of safe cat painkillers that have been developed specifically for felines and these are available from your vet,” Vetsnow said.

“If you’re worried about cat pain or any aspect of your cat’s health, please contact your vet in the first instance,” Vetsnow added.

Cats and paracetamol

Paracetamol is not good for cats in pain.

The medicine can worsen her condition.

“We’ve all been there, your cat comes in having had a scrape and you think ‘ouch, where are the painkillers?’ However, don’t ever be tempted to give your cat paracetamol as it will do a lot more harm than good,” said Vetsnow in https://www. vets-now.com/pet-care-advice.

If your cat has eaten paracetamol, call your vet immediately or bring your cat to the clinic because “no dose is too small,” said Vetsnow.

“There is an antidote called acetylcysteine, which may save your cat’s life if it is given to them early enough. Taking quick action is paramount to your cat’s health,” Vetsnow said.

Paracetamol is harmful to cats because they can not break down paracetamol safely. This leads to the rapid formation of dangerous toxic compounds in the body

“Just like with children, make sure all medication is locked away in cabinets out of reach of wandering paws,” Vetsnow said.

“Medicines that contain paracetamol include some cold and flu remedies, liquid medication such as Calpol. Paracetamol even has a different name in America, where it is called Acetaminophen, “ Vetsnow added.

2. Do not “self-medicate” your cat.

Bring your cat to the vet.

Paracetemol is dangerous for dogs, and can be fatal to pups since their body weight is much less than humans. Do not give paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen, Aspirin and medicine with paracetamol.

,Vetsnow said. This, in turn, causes irreversible damage to the red blood vessels and leads to a syndrome called ‘methaemaglobinaemia’ where the tongue and gums turn chocolate brown. This, and liver damage, causes death.

To avoid cat paracetamol poisoning, Vetsnow suggests cat owners do the following: 1. Make sure all human medicine are out of reach of cats. Some human medicine also contains paracetamol.

Dogs and paracetamol

Paracetamol is bad for dogs too, according to Vetsnow. It can cause liver or kidney failure and even death in dogs, said Vetsnow.

Vetsnow listed the potentially dangerous painkillers for dogs below: Paracetamol Ibuprofen Diclofenac Naproxen Aspirin “When your pet is unwell or has a painful injury, you may be tempted to give them human painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, codeine and ibuprofen. Please do not do this — human painkillers can be poisonous to pets.

Owners can now bring their pets inside SM Dasma mall and bond with their furbabies in a different location other than their home. (Photo by Dennis Abrina)

Some over-the-counter medications can cause stomach ulceration, kidney or liver failure and even death in small animals,” Vetsnow said.

Calpol can be dangerous for dogs

It is best not to give Calpol to your dog.

Vetsnow said that “Infant suspensions, such as Calpol, contain paracetamol.

While paracetamol is occasionally used in dogs, it was formulated for humans so (it)can be dangerous. This is particularly the case if taken in large doses. There are other drugs used by vets that have similar effects to paracetamol and are not as damaging to the liver.”

So ask your vet for another pain killer for your dog with no paracetamol in it.

“Like humans, dogs naturally produce substances that protect their internal organs. One of those substances is called prostaglandins. These prostaglandins help maintain blood flow to a dog’s kidneys, prevent clotting, and pro-

tect the inner lining of the stomach. One of the effects of human painkillers on dogs is they can hinder prostaglandin production. When this happens dogs can develop intestinal problems, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding disorders and even kidney or liver failure,” Vetsnow stressed.

If your dog has eaten a human painkiller, bring him to the vet immediately.

Try to provide the vet the following information: name of medicine, strength, and amount ingested.

Park for dogs

Owners now have another way to bond with their dogs or cats.

SM Dasma launched last Sunday, March 14, the Paw Park for pets to allow owners to bring their cats or dogs to the mall.

The Paw Park is located at the third floor of the mall. Owners must put a leash and diaper on their pets. It is also urged that dogs in heat are not brought to the park.