Manila Standard - 2021 May 23 - Sunday

VOL. XXXV • NO. 97 • 2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES • P18 • SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BACK TO THE BEACH. A young girl frolics with the waves on the shores of Boracay Island on Saturday as local tourists returned to the world-famous destination (inset) after a general community quarantine was declared in Metro Manila and areas outside it. Even in Noveleta, Cavite where restrictions were also relaxed, a trio of girls try their hand at posing at the beach for their cellphone cameras (inset). Robert Gines and JR Josue

Gov’t probes ‘vax slots for sale’ Punishment vowed for culprits; House-to-house listup for jabs urged

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE government vowed Saturday to punish individuals found to be behind the reported sale of COVID-19 vaccination slots in the cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan.

“We assure the public anyone found to be responsible – if the reports are true -- will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The DILG has asked the Philippine National Police to investigate the incident reported to their office on Friday afternoon.

Immediately, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group would be coordinating with local government units to investigate the reported selling of COVID-19 vaccination slots and various vac-

cine brands by unscrupulous individuals.

In a related development, the government appealed to community leaders to conduct a house-to-house campaign to register residents with no access online so they can be listed, vaccinated and protect them from the deadly coronavirus disease.

The DILG made the appeal as it welcomed the latest survey made by the Social Weather Stations showing 51 percent of Filipino adults were confident of the vaccines.

Malaya said to be able to continue the positive trend, local government units

need to increase social mobilization in the barangays.

“We are urging barangays to conduct more house-to-house or mobile registration to assist people with no internet connection or with no gadgets so that they can register,” he said.

Malaya said the key to the increase in vaccine confidence was the concerted efforts of both national and local governments, the medical community, and other stakeholders to educate and inform the public about the benefits of vaccination and why it’s important to the government’s overall strategy to end the pandemic.

“The increase in vaccine confidence is also confirmed by our daily vaccinations which have reached 229,600 vaccinations a day nationwide. Our 7-day Moving Average of Vaccinated Individuals has also increased to 108,540 as of May 18 which is a marked improvement from 67,780 as of May 11,” he said.

Malaya said LGUs might also tap homeowners’ associations and other community-based organizations to help in the education and registration campaign.

Malaya added: “We can file several cases against them. First of all, if this modus operandi is really true and not just a scam, definitely, this is a case of theft of government vaccines.

“We could also file several charges in relation to fraud. These are now being studied and investigated by the PNP and we will file appropriate charges based on the result of the investigation.”

A concerned citizen in Mandaluyong City had reported receiving messages from a college friend supposedly offering COVID-19 vaccine slots for P12,000 to P15,000.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos denied that such a scheme was happening in the city. Abalos also urged residents who might encounter such

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MAY 22)

1,178,217 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

6,831 54,326 NEW

ACTIVE

19,946

183

1,103,945

7,981

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

schemes to immediately report these to their office.

Pacquiao unveils August 21 fight PH, China: ‘Open, cordial dialogue’ for sea issues with unbeaten Spence in Vegas LOS ANGELES -- Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao said Friday (Saturday in Manila) he’ll fight unbeaten unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence in Las Vegas in August.

The 42-year-old legend will be fighting for the first time since he beat Keith Thurman in July 2019 for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title.

He revealed his plans with a Twitter post of a promotional poster for the bout captioned “Pacquiao v Spence, August 21, 2021, Las Vegas, Nevada”.

The Athletic, citing an unnamed source, reported that Pacquiao had signed a deal for a bout to be available on Fox pay per view, and the venue was

expected to be the MGM Grand.

But Pacquiao told The Athletic in an interview from the Philippines that he hoped the fight would be at Allegiant Stadium, the 70,000-seat stadium of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

Pacquiao, a serving senator in the Philippines, told the US sports outlet that the fight “might be” his last. If so, he appears to want to go out with a bang.

“I love to challenge the top guy,” the eight-division champion told The Athletic.

Spence, the 31-year-old WBC and IBF champion, is 27-0 and coming off a dominant December victory over Danny Garcia -- his first fight since surviving a near fatal rollover car accident. AFP

Photo shows the poster for the fight with Errol Spence (right) that Manny Pacquiao released on Twitter.

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FRIENDLY MEET. The 6th Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on Friday, co-chaired by Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso (left) and China’s Assistant Minister Wu Jianghao (right), was friendly and tackled the general situation and specific issues of concern in the contested waters. DFA Photo THE Philippine and Chinese governments have recognized the importance of dialogue to ease tensions in the South China Sea during the resumption of their bilateral consultation mechanism meeting.

In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said both sides had “friendly and candid exchanges” on the general situation and “specific issues of concern” in the contested waters.

“There was mutual recognition of the importance of dialogue in easing tensions and understanding each country’s position and intentions in the area. Both sides acknowledged the importance of addressing differences in an atmosphere of openness and cordiality to pave the way for practical cooperation and initiatives,” the statement read.

The Philippines also reiterated its longstanding call for full respect and adherence to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its “authoritative interpretation and application – the final and binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award”.

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The virtual meeting came a month after the Philippine government started firing off protests against Chinese presence within the country’s exclusive economic zone as well as its annual fishing ban that encroaches on Philippine waters.

Both sides reiterated the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and their commitment to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Manila then stressed the importance of other complementary bilateral and multilateral platforms in maintaining regional peace and stability such as the Asean-China Dialogue Relations, the Asean Regional Forum, and the East Asia Summit.

The two nations also tackled common issues and possible areas of cooperation on fisheries, and marine environmental protection/marine scientific research.

Gem-Ver compensation Meanwhile, the country highlighted the progress made in the settlement of the Gem-Ver collision involving a Philippine

fishing boat and a Chinese vessel.

The DFA disclosed that the Department of Justice will take the lead in seeking just compensation for the victims in a negotiation to be held in June 2021.

The incident happened near the Recto Bank within the Philippines EEZ in June 2019, which resulted in the sinking of Gem-Ver, leaving its 22 Filipino crew floundering in the water for several hours until they were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing boat.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra last year said his agency had submitted to the DFA a report on the estimated P12-million compensation being sought by the crew.

Established in 2016, the BCM serves as a confidence-building process for both sides to manage and address differences, promote practical maritime cooperation and environmental protection, and enhance mutual trust.

DFA Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs Elizabeth Buensuceso and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao led their delegations.

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‘Accompaniers’ help Marawi cope with missing folk

JOY AT WORK.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (in blue, main photo) stands witness as a resident receives the COVID-19 vaccine inside the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish church on May 21. Belmonte (in red, inset) then joins MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos in the inauguration of the city’s new and improved bike lanes on Saturday. Manny Palmero

By Joel E. Zurbano

MMDA lauds QC for setting bicycle lanes THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority praised the Quezon City government for establishing bike lanes and promoting the use of bicycles as alternative mode of transportation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. joined Mayor Joy Belmonte in the inauguration of the city’s new and improved bike lanes.

A strong advocate of biking, Abalos lauded the leadership of Belmonte for having the most extensive bike lanes in Metro Manila that promotes the active transportation amid the COVID-19 pandemic wherein mobility is important.

Aside from Abalos and Quezon City officials, other cyclists also biked from Quezon City Hall to Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue, Agham Road, and BIR Road, using the city’s designated bicycle lanes.

The MMDA chief said his agency is assisting the Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works and Highways in interconnecting the bike lanes in the National Capital Region and making bicycle lanes safer and accessible for cyclists.

Under the government’s long-term plan, more bicycle lanes will soon be installed along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Designated bicycle lanes would ensure the safety of bikers and encourage the use of the alternative mode of transportation.

The MMDA advocates the use of bicycles as a reliable means of transportation during the pandemic. Aside from having an active and healthy lifestyle, there is physical distancing when riding the twowheel non-motorized vehicle.

The MMDA, in previous years, has installed bike lanes along EDSA, from Magallanes to Ayala Avenue; University Avenue up to Tandang Sora in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City; Remedios Circle up to Paraiso ng Batang Maynila on M. Adriatico Street in Manila; and from Santolan LRT-2 station to Imelda Avenue along Marcos Highway in Marikina City. Joel Zurbano

229k vaccinated in 1 day; PH lists 6,831 new cases T

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz

HE Philippines, still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, has recorded its highest daily vaccination rate since the rollout of the National Vaccination Program in March.

Authorities said the government administered 229,769 vaccine doses on May 20, breaking its previous highest record of 120,529 jabs on May 15.

“We are very happy with this milestone, as we were able to double the number of jabs in less than a week. I am very confident that, with the current pace that we have, we can breach the four million mark by early next week,” said National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Meanwhile, the Philippines logged on Saturday 6,831 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 1,178,217, as

three laboratories failed to submit their data on time, the Department of Health reported.

Based on data in the last 14 days, the three non-reporting labs contribute, on average, 0.7 percent of samples tested and 0.9 percent of positive individuals, the DOH said.

The DOH reported 54,326 active cases. Of these cases, 93.6 percent were mild; 1.9 percent were asymptomatic; 1.4 percent were critical; 1.9 percent were severe; and 1.26 percent were moderate.

Nationwide, 60 percent of the ICU beds, 45 percent of the isolation beds,

46 percent of the ward beds, and 38 percent of the ventilators, were in use. of informed consent during Covid-19 vaccination.

As of May 20, a total of 3,718,308 doses have been administered nationwide to priority groups A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities).

Galvez said the government is eyeing to administer at least two million shots in May following the steady arrival of anti-COVID vaccines.

This target is twice the total number of shots administered in March and April.

“We are now moving past the crawl stage as we begin to walk. However, this is not yet enough as our main goal is to run, where we will be able to administer at least half a million doses or more daily. And I am certain that if we keep this momentum, along with the continuous delivery of vaccines throughout the country, we can make this happen,” said Galvez.

BIRTHDAY PANTRY.

Debutant Andrea Senense Taña (right), a confessed K-pop fan, dresses the part as she distributes vegetables to her neighbors along Kadena de Amor Street, Arellano Avenue at Brgy.

753, Zone 81 in Manila, from her own community pantry on her birthday Friday.

Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF Protocol violators down 19%—PNP

Keep program for indigents from being abused, solon warns DOH

By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSMAN from Manila has told health department officials to prevent the program for indigent patients in Metro Manila from being abused.

Manila Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez, chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Metro Manila Development, made the statement as his panel called a hearing to get an update by the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development on the P17-billion Medical

Assistance to Indigent Patients Program for Metro Manila.

Lopez said, “It is crucial and important that we ensure that this program is free from abuse. Safeguards must be put in place to ensure the integrity of the program.”

At the congressional hearing, Lopez said the program had been extended and catered to indigent patients hospitalized in private medical hospitals in Metro Manila even as he lauded the DoH for its effective implementation of the program.

DOH-MMCHD Regional Director

Gloria 1 and Assistant Regional Director Maria Paz Corrales attended the meeting.

Lopez said many of his constituents in Tondo were granted access to the MAIP. “I witnessed the big help that this program has provided the needy in Tondo (Manila),” Lopez said, adding, “specially now that this program is being made available to private hospitals in certain cases.”

“With Congress significantly raising the program’s allocation from P10.5 billion in 2020 to P17 billion for 2021, MAIP stands to do a lot of good for a populace reeling

from unemployment, rising prices, and the effects of the pandemic,” Lopez added.

He stressed: “It is important that we have this program also available to private hospitals.”

He added: “There are times when it is necessary for highly complicated cases that require specialist physicians and equipment only available in some private hospitals and in cases for example, of vehicular accidents where stabilizing the patient is time essential ... it becomes imperative that you go to the nearest hospital.”

‘Deploy virus marshals for public transport’ A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Saturday asked Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to deploy public transportation marshals who would be tasked to enforce health and safety protocols on buses and jeepneys.

Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, chairman of the House committee on transportation, suggested this as he observed that numerous buses and jeepneys go beyond the maximum capacity set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 (IATF).

Sarmiento said he has also not seen temperature checks being conducted before boarding PUVs. They also do not have any contact tracing form or QR Code reader/recorders, which is also required under the IATF guidelines for public transportation, he added.

“I am appealing to drivers and opera-

tors to consistently follow the minimum health protocols. Commuters who are asymptomatic COVID carriers are potential super-spreaders and until we are able to reach our vaccination goals, we cannot let our guard down,” Sarmiento said.

Contact tracing on public transports has also become close to impossible because there is no reliable contact tracing system for land transportation, added Sarmiento.

“I understand the situation of our drivers and commuters. It is really timeconsuming and very cumbersome for us to comply with the guidelines set by the IATF. But these protocols were set to stop the spread of this deadly virus. These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures,” Sarmiento said.

Maricel V. Cruz

FOUR years after the bloody siege in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, dozens of families are still unaware what happened to their missing loved ones.

One of those longing for the missing is 26-year-old Julio.

“Life goes on. Four years has passed and it’s still hard to accept (what happened),” said Julio, whose father, a construction worker, remains missing.

“I thank him for raising us well. For instilling in us not to break the law. I just miss him so much because he was my guide (in life),” he shared while getting emotional.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) made an assessment in 2019 to evaluate the needs of affected individuals and families following the disappearance.

“Beyond the psychological pain of not knowing what has happened to their loved ones, families of missing people also have economic, legal, and psychosocial needs. Many have lost their breadwinners and face legal and administrative gaps that limit their access to social benefits and pensions,” it stated.

The assessment also showed that families’ top priority was to clarify the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones, followed by financial aid; and addressing the psychosocial challenges they face in dealing with absence.

This prompted the ICRC to create what it called the Accompaniment Program to strengthen the abilities of individuals and families to deal with difficulties related to the disappearance of their relatives and to eventually resume their social lives.

The “accompaniers” who have experienced the loss of a loved one were trained to set up peer-support groups of 6 to 8 people from the same area. They met twice a month wearing masks in well-ventilated settings, with respect to COVID-19 protocols, in a span of six months.

In these sessions, facilitators taught participants better ways of coping and managing stress. The participants shared their emotions, daily struggles, and positive memories of the missing loved ones, as well as their own roles and the changes they faced after the disappearance.

P10K CASH AID. Wheelchair-bound balut vendor Juliana Maburang, 71, shows

the P10,000 she received during the distribution of cash aid to more than 200 beneficiaries on Gomez Street, Brgy. Kanluran, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, on Friday. The event was organized by the Office of former Speaker Alan Pater Cayetano and Rep. Dan Fernandez (inset). Avito C. Dalan

POLICE authorities appeared upbeat Saturday as they announced the number of protocol violators in the general community quarantine “with heightened restrictions” had plunged to 19 percent.

PNP chief General Guillermo Eleazar told a Laging Handa briefing police had 51,000 violators last week compared to 63,000 in the previous week.

Eleazar said the decrease in the number of violators despite the loosening of restrictions was a good indication that the Filipinos were following public health protocols.

Last Monday, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported to President Rodrigo Duterte 44,157 violations of public health protocols from May 12 to 16.

The number includes 32,867 violations of face mask protocol, 585 violations of mass gatherings, and 10,705 violations of physical distancing.

Bills amending AFP retirement age lauded DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has lauded Congress’ deliberations on bills that would amend the retirement age of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers.

In a statement, Lorenzana cited the need for stability in the implementation of military programs.

“The proposed law will streamline and stabilize the leadership, rank, and organizational structure of the AFP,” he said.

The Senate Defense Committee recently tackled bills prescribing fixed terms for the Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff and other key officers of the AFP, as well as proposed laws that introduce reforms in the pension system of military and uniformed personnel.

Among the bills that were tackled was Senate Bill 1785 filed by Senator Richard Gordon.

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Gaza ceasefire working; aid reaches area GAZA CITY—The ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza was holding Saturday, as humanitarian aid began to enter the Israeli-blockaded enclave ravaged by 11 days of bloodshed.

As thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to their homes, and Israelis began to resume normal life on Friday, international focus turned to the reconstruction of the bomb-shattered Gaza Strip.

In Jerusalem, however, Israeli police cracked down on stone-throwing protesters at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, in a sign of how volatile the situation remains, two weeks after similar clashes sparked the conflict’s worst escalation in years.

Israeli forces beat an AFP photographer who was covering the unrest there.

Clashes also broke out in several other parts of Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem, and at the crossing point between Jerusalem and the West Bank, Israeli police said, adding that hundreds of officers and border guards had been mobilised.

US President Joe Biden said he had told the Israelis to stop “intercommunal fighting” in Jerusalem and pledged to help organize efforts to rebuild Gaza.

He also stressed “we still need a two-state solution. It is the only answer, the only answer”.

Convoys of lorries carrying aid began passing into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing after it was reopened by Israel, bringing muchneeded medicine, food, and fuel. AFP

IN BRIEF Will Joe Biden close Guantanamo prison?

WASHINGTON—The approved release of three detainees locked up in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for nearly two decades has raised expectations that President Joe Biden might try to close the notorious US military prison.

A high-level review board on May 17 signed off on the release of the oldest of the 40 so-called detainees still at Guantanamo, 73-year-old Pakistani businessman Saifullah Paracha, as well as two others.

Despite being arrested and secretly rendered to the US military prison on the Caribbean island between 2001 and 2003, the three were never charged -- like most of the others still there.

Tarred by accusations of extralegal imprisonment, denial of rights and torture, Guantanamo has been a human rights shame for Washington since it was opened in January 2002 as a “War on Terror” prison for people suspected of connections to the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al-Qaeda. AFP

Volvic ‘taking too much water for bottling’ VOLVIC, France—The lush volcanic hills surrounding Volvic in central France have long been a source of mineral water prized worldwide, but locals and geologists warn that too much is now being pumped out, putting the entire region at risk.

“We used to have water up to our knees and the stream could turn two mills,” said Pierre Grodecoeur, 69, pointing out the flow outside the house where he was born in Les Moulins Blancs.

The mills are long gone, Grodecoeur said, and these days the stream bed is often dry.

His village in the Auvergne region is just down the road from the hulking Volvic bottling plant owned by French food and beverage giant Danone. AFP

Awkward question costs journo his job ISTANBUL—A journalist for Turkey’s state news agency Anadolu was fired Friday after raising embarrassing accusations by a mafia boss against the powerful interior minister at a government press conference.

Turkey has been gripped for the past three weeks by videos posted on YouTube by Sedat Peker, an underworld mobster exiled abroad, in which he accuses members of the government and the ruling AKP party of corruption and various crimes.

Anadolu reporter Musab Turan asked Industry Minister Mustafa Varank and Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli to respond to the allegations at a press conference on Friday. AFP

PHOTOG BEATEN. Israeli security forces beat Agence France-Presse photographer Ahmed Gharabli (right) during his coverage of clashes between Muslim worshippers and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound, the third holiest site of Islam, on May 21. AFP

1m Latin America deaths as IMF plans to end virus M ONTEVIDEO—Latin America and the Caribbean passed one million coronavirus deaths on Friday as the IMF proposed a $50 billion plan to end the pandemic, aiming to expand global immunization drives.

Since the coronavirus was first detected in Latin America in Sao Paulo in late February 2020, AFP has recorded over 1,001,400 fatalities—almost 30 percent of the global total—and more than 31.5 million cases.

Nearly 90 percent of those deaths have been recorded in just five countries: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru.

“People aren’t taking care, none of us are being careful and we want to go out and travel,” said Alicia Sepulveda,

a resident of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a country that will go on a nine-day lockdown beginning Saturday after President Alberto Fernandez said it was facing its “worst moment” yet in the pandemic.

Latin America suffers from a lack of access to vaccines and necessary medical supplies, and has only finished immunizing three percent of its population, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Globally, the real number of dead

from the pandemic was “at least two to three times higher than officially reported,” Samira Asma, the World Health Organization’s assistant director-general in charge of data told reporters.

Billions of dollars, doses In Washington, the International Monetary Fund proposed a $50 billion recovery plan with the aim of having at least 60 percent of the world’s population vaccinated by the end of 2022.

The amount pales in comparison to the massive stimulus rolled out by rich nations, including the latest $1.9 trillion US package.

“One of the key messages of this proposal is that the amount that’s needed is not very big,” said IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath. AFP

PRESS CON. US President Joe Biden (right) and

South Korean President Moon Jae-in participate in a press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on May 21. AFP

‘Taiwan willing to help other nations vs. COVID-19’ TAIWAN can help and is willing to help other countries fight the coronavirus pandemic as “no one should be left behind,” Peiyung Hsu, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, said in a statement Saturday.

“Every day, the unpredictable COVID-19 continues to make people around the globe realize the real threat of emerging infectious diseases. In this regard, we urge the World Health Organization (WHO) to set aside political considerations and include Taiwan in its meetings, mechanisms, and activities,” Hsu said.

“We encourage the WHO to listen to the voice of the international community, including US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the World Medical Association, and many parliamentarians from over 100 countries, and to invite Taiwan to the 74th World Health Assembly to be held from May 24 to June 1, 2021,” the envoy added.

He noted that as of May 21, the COVID-19 pandemic has already affected 193 countries, resulted in over 164 million confirmed cases, and has killed more than 3.4 million people.

“A lot of things that were deemed as

usual, like social events, gatherings, and even going to the movies, have all become unusual and prohibited as they could become possible sources of infection,” Hsu said.

“It is without doubt that this pandemic has become one of the most serious crises that the global community, including Taiwan and the Philippines, has encountered in this century,” he added.

Hsu noted that since March 17, 2020, the Philippine government has imposed different levels of community quarantine measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Biden affirms ‘iron-clad’ pact with S. Korea WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden acknowledged Friday there is no easy path to getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons but reaffirmed his “iron-clad” commitment to the US alliance with South Korea after talks with President Moon Jae-in.

“We’re under no illusions how difficult this is -- none whatsoever. The past four administrations have not achieved the objective. It’s an incredibly difficult objective,” Biden told reporters at a press conference with his South Korean counterpart at the White House.

The US leader also announced he had named veteran diplomat Sung Kim, the former US ambassador to Seoul, as his special envoy for North Korea.

Facing a nuclear-armed North Korea and an increasingly assertive China, Biden stressed his faith in traditional US alliances.

Biden called the US-South Korean partnership “the linchpin of peace, security” and promised a “shared approach” to the stand-off with North Korea.

He said that during their talks at the White House he and Moon discussed “freedom of navigation” for international shipping in the South China Sea, as well as “peace and stability” around Taiwan, which has been subjected to growing Chinese saber-rattling.

Moon called denuclearization of the Korean peninsula “the most urgent common task.”

US relations with historic allies in Asia and Europe suffered turbulence under Donald Trump, who recast long-standing partners as cutthroat business competitors and freeloaders.

Biden has worked quickly to restore the previous balance, with an eye on the challenge from China.

Moon came to Washington as Biden’s second foreign guest and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who visited last month, was the first.

“It should send a clear message about the importance of these partnerships and alliances that the first bilateral meetings the president has had … are with Japan and South Korea,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Friday.

War hero Upon his arrival for the talks with Biden, Moon declared that South Korea and the United States share the “same soul,” forged in their bloody Cold Warera conflict with North Korea at the start of the 1950s.

Symbolizing the deep, complex history behind those bonds, Moon was invited to witness Biden awarding the Medal of Honor — the highest US military decoration for bravery—to a 94-yearold US veteran of the Korean War. AFP

Suu Kyi party could be dissolved—junta YANGON—Myanmar’s junta has threatened to dissolve the political party of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi over alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election, an official said.

Union Election Commission chair Thein Soe said Friday the investigation into November’s election result was almost complete.

“What shall we do with the (National League for Democracy) party that (acted) illegally. Should we dissolve the party or charge those who committed this (illegal activity) as traitors of the nation? We will analyze and consider taking this action,” he said, in a video posted on a local media outlet’s Facebook account.

The election commission met with political parties on Friday to discuss potential changes to the electoral system but NLD

representatives did not attend.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his February 1 power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Suu Kyi’s NLD party in a landslide.

On Thursday, local media reported the junta had removed a mandatory retirement age for generals, which would allow Min Aung Hlaing to continue serving once he turns 65 this July.

Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralyzed since the putsch and more than 800 people have died as the military moved to crack down on protesters and dissent.

The coup and its aftermath have also seen a spike in clashes between the military and Myanmar’s numerous ethnic rebel armies, sending tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes. AFP

BURNING MAN. A young man jumps over a burning barricade on his bike during a new protest against the government of Colombian President Ivan Duque in Portal De Las Americas, south of Bogota, on May 22. AFP

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Business

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

Data science and AI guide Republic Cement’s operations

By Othel V. Campos

R

Republic Cement president and CEO Nabil Francis

epublic Cement, one of the leading cement manufacturers in the Philippines, is using artificial intelligence in its daily operations in line with its commitment to operate safely and sustainably.

Company president and chief executive Nabil Francis said it high time that cement industry stakeholders step up and innovate by using data science and artificial intelligence (DSAI) to cut CO2 emissions and produce stronger and more consistent cement.

“Republic has and will remain a close partner in building the nation. Through the use of DSAI, we intend to translate this efficiency in process into something that benefits all Filipinos and will encourage Filipino consumers to patronize local cement. It is our intention that, by further assuring consumers of the strength, quality, and consistency of cement that they are buying, that consumer confidence will also rise,” he said.

In exploring how to turn its data into relevant information, Republic Cement teamed up with the Aboitiz Data Science to build an AI tool for cement manufacturing operations.

The product is designed as a DSAI application to help operators and quality managers optimize concentrations of raw ingredients in the cement mix by instantly harnessing complex algorithms, thus saving time and resources.

The development of the product also led to innovative data-driven adjustments, making it important for the company to embed the tool as part of daily operations.

“The application of DSAI in cement is extremely exciting as it demonstrates that DSAI can be a core differentiator in traditional industries while also allowing them to flourish digitally. This is just the start. Our focus is to innovate and systematically operationalize DSAI benefits in areas such as customer engagement, operations and in materializing ESG [environmental, social and corporate governance] goals,” said ADI managing director David Hardoon.

Francis said two Republic manufacturing plants already adopted the AI tool as part of the overall process strategy, yielding positive results. Improvements

on the first deployment are also underway, while expansion to all Republic’s manufacturing sites is ongoing.

Since cement was reinvented in the late 1800s, cement strength has been traditionally determined through the 28day test. This process as ascertains fully the cement batch’s strength and quality and ensures that the quality of the cement used will lead to safe and strong structures that conform to Philippine National Standards as well as the standards required by the project.

Using the 28-day waiting period, the cement firm explained the process wherein samples cast from one batch of cement are molded into cubes, cured and tested for its strength using a compressive strength testing machine. The compressive strength testing machine applies pressure to the cement cube until the sample breaks, making the load or weight at which the sample breaks the strength of the cement batch.

In coming up with DSAI application, Republic Cement put in place a comprehensive data infrastructure to collect relevant data about the various states and chemical compounds present in cement across the whole manufacturing process and identifying its qualities after curing for 28 days.

Stevia grower in PH bullish on outlook

Geraldine Sab

How a mother does it all

IN THE eyes of a child, a mother can do it all. For mothers, they will, indeed, do everything for their children. Often, there are sacrifices that are now made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geraldine Sab, a mom of three, relates to this scenario. She gave up her degree as a chemical engineer and her dream to become a teacher to give her kids the life and care they deserve.

An entrepreneur from Davao City, Sab is a hands-on mom and a full-time businesswoman. She attends to her children’s needs while managing a beverage distribution business that is as demanding, as well. In short, she does it all.

According to Sab, having a business makes it easier for her to be a mom to her kids. “One of the reasons I decided to do business, instead of working for a company, is my children. I opted to stay home because my eldest has special needs. He needs my care as his mom. So I sacrificed my degree as Chemical Engineer. I also passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers.

But for my children, I chose to stay home and do business,” she said.

For 12 years now, Sab is a distributor of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. She supplies PCPPI products to eight barangays under the second district of Davao City.

“The life of a full-time working mom is not for the faint of heart, especially during this time of pandemic,” Sab said. She has to ensure that every child is safe, performing well in their online class, and their basic needs met—from food, shelter, clothing, to health and safety gears to remain safe from the virus.

Add to that equation the need to take care of her workers’ needs, she said. “I really am an all-around at home and at work. I cook for my family and my staff at 4:30 in the morning. By 6 a.m., I do an alignment meeting with my people. This is while we have breakfast together. I am like a mom to them, reminding them of the things they need to do, where they need to go, etc. I am also the checker, manager, and cashier. I do it all.”

Roadblock A recent study, titled LinkedIn Opportunity Index 2021, of professional networking site LinkedIn, stated that “women, especially working mothers, are facing more significant obstacles under the current setup compared to men. Close to half of working mothers [47 percent] have said they are struggling to balance their work and household responsibilities.”

But even before the pandemic started, Sab already hit a roadblock in 2019. “I reached that point when I wanted to give up and end the business. I was depressed, as I suffered losses after a former driver stole money from us. But I persevered. I recovered.”

GLORIOUS, the country’s first Stevia company, is positive on its outlook despite almost two years of the pandemic as more people now turn to healthier alternatives and demand for stevia products continue to grow.

According to agribusiness finance giant Rabobank, Stevia’s sales are expected to hit $700 million worldwide in the next few years.

Consumers in the Philippines can now get their calorie-free sugar needs from natural alternatives. Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. Recently, it is now widely used as a natural substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

“Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious, the country’s first stevia grower and manufacturer.

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.

Stevia is an herb that has been grown

Mastercard Philippines country manager Simon Calasanz Stevia farm in the Philippines

in tropical climates for centuries. It is a small bushy plant that belongs to the sunflower family and grows in Paraguay and Brazil, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. For centuries, the people of Paraguay add them to their foods as sweeteners, and countries like Korea, Brazil, China, Japan, and South America, have long used stevia.

Stevia products such as teas, juices, healthy coffees, chocolate beverages and natural sweeteners, manufactured

by Glorious, are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association even for people who have diabetes.

“Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you don’t have to add much. It’s good to note that the Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations,” said De Leon.

Stevia is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub. The Stevia plant or (Stevia rebaudiana) has 150 species known to have originated from North and South America. It is produced in several countries countries, with China as the number one exporter.

It can be purchased at garden centers for home growing.

McDonald’s PH joins ‘Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat’ WITH the arrival of more doses of vaccine in the country and the need to encourage more people to get inoculated, McDonald’s Philippines joins different members of the private sector in a campaign to raise awareness and education among Filipinos to boost vaccine confidence.

In a news briefing of Ingat Angat, a private sector-led campaign that aims to restart the Philippine economy safely, McDonald’s Philippines president and chief executive Kenneth Yang expressed the company’s support in participating in the “Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat” multimedia campaign.

Ingat Angat is led by Taskforce T3—a multi-sectoral public-private consortium working closely with the Department of Health, the National Task Force against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force to manage the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines.

“In McDonald’s Philippines, safety is always an integral part of our operating culture and will always be. Our M Safe program is a testament to this. The health

McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth Yang shows support to the Task Force T3 as he shares the importance of boosting vaccine confidence among Filipinos as a way to encourage more to get vaccinated.

and safety of our people will always be a priority, as we are grounded on the principle that when we keep our employees safe, we keep our customers safe,” says Yang.

“With the arrival of vaccines, we will double down our efforts in supporting the government’s program towards the vaccination of more Filipinos. We have

started by first informing and educating our employees on the importance of vaccines, as an additional layer of protection to keep themselves safe first so they can keep their family, co-workers and customers safe always,” he says.

McDonald’s Philippines continues to support its employees with regular RT-PCR testing conducted to the company’s frontliners, the distribution of care kits and strict implementation of M Safe protocols to ensure a safe working environment for the employees, and a safe McDonald’s experience for customers.

Earlier this year, McDonald’s announced that it purchased close to 100,000 doses of vaccine to be given to its employees for free.

“The private sector plays a very big role in supporting the government’s vaccination program. From ensuring that our own people are vaccinated, to using our voice and influence to encourage our consumers to do the same. It is only through getting more Filipinos vaccinated at the soonest time possible that our country can recover and rebuild,” Yang says.

Mastercard appoints new country manager MASTERCARD announced the appointment of Simon Calasanz as its country manager for the Philippines, bringing nearly two decades of local experience in the banking and finance industry to the organization’s local leadership team.

As country manager, Calasanz will be focused on accelerating acceptance and usage of digital payments, especially for smaller merchants and businesses, while also expanding on Mastercard’s digital and financial inclusion initiatives in the country.

Calasanz’s ‘digital-first’ business acumen and two-decades long career in the Philippines payments industry will support Mastercard to double down on work with partners in different industries. He will also focus on accelerating the uptake of contactless card payments and strengthening Mastercard’s proposition as a multi-rail payments technology company.

“Simon is an invaluable addition to Mastercard’s leadership team in the Philippines. He brings with him unrivalled experience in the Philippines’ finance and banking sector and a wealth of knowledge and strategic insights about the intricacies of the market and consumers. Simon will support Mastercard in doubling down on efforts to build an inclusive and digitalized economy in Philippines, while enabling customers and partners to better prepare for economic recovery and growth,” said Ari Sarker, co-president, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.

Calasanz started his career with HSBC Group where he moved up through the company to positions such as senior vice president for product management in personal financial services. His last position with HSBC was in 2015 as senior vice president, head of sales, in the bank’s retail banking and wealth management department.

Oracle Digital Assistant handles PLDT’s customer service PLDT Inc., the largest, fully-integrated telecommunications company in the Philippines, selected Oracle Digital Assistant to improve the digital experience and customer service it provides to its 3.3 million broadband subscriber households.

The new service provides real-time, contextual responses to about 12,000 users a day, freeing up staff to spend time on the more complex customer enquiries, thereby boosting satisfaction levels and enabling PLDT to become more cost-efficient.

With ongoing social distancing and businesses operating remotely, PLDT’s mission—to keep families and businesses connected—has never been more important. To continue delivering smooth and rapid access to its leading digital and entertainment services around-the-clock and provide a superior customer experience, the company wanted to transform its customer service delivery.

This is also part of the company’s broader strategy to keep its leadership in

the country amidst intensifying competition in the local market. To help achieve this goal PLDT turned to Oracle Digital Assistant, which provides a new level of AI-powered customer service.

“Digitizing our customer service touchpoints is an essential part of our thrust in creating great customer experiences through leading edge technology that enables seamless transactions. We will never stop evolving as our vision for the future is one where all Filipinos are digitally-em-

powered,” said PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio.

“The Oracle Digital Assistant has helped us provide customer service in real-time, reducing the time it takes for customers to get what they want and helping us be better able to handle large volumes of customer queries, and do so more cost efficiently,” said PLDT first vice president and commercial operations head Marco Borlongan.

Youth & Culture B1

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

First Officer Tiffany Piccio (right) on her first productivity flight alongside Capt.

Aleks Aguirre.

A

T A young age, Bensie Tan already knew he wanted to take to the skies one day.

“My mom tells me that, noong bata pa ako (when I was a kid), I’d always say, ‘I want to be a pilot,’” shares the 35-year-old husband, father of two, and Cebu Pacific pilot.

But realizing his dream was not that easy.

Bernadette Lunas, Editor

Tiffany Piccio in Singapore for type-rating training inside an Airbus flight simulator.

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Capt. Bensie Tan (left) with Capt. Danilo Maralit in the cockpit of an Airbus A320 on the former's official day as captain.

@manilastandardlife

@MStandardLIFE

Capt. Bensie Tan (left) with his parents and younger brother Capt. Renz (right).

First Officer Neil Mark Enriquez was one of the applicants to get in the Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program.

Neil Mark Enriquez (front row, left) with the other graduates of the 2019 Cebu Pacific Cadet Pilot Program.

Dream takes off

Tan graduated with an Aeronautical Engineering degree at PATTS College of Aeronautics. But despite coming from a traditional Chinese-Filipino family of businessmen and professionals, he was made aware early on that sending him to flight school was something they couldn’t afford.

Fortunately, he got word of Cebu Pacific’s pilot program which includes a sponsorship of half of the necessary fees to get licensed. He got accepted to the program in 2007.

“There was a lot of bumps and obstacles along the way,” recalls Capt. Bensie Tan. “What was supposed to be a one-year course took us over two years to finish.”

His perseverance paid off, and he formally joined the Cebu Pacific team in 2009.

Much like an aircraft’s steady ascent in altitude, Capt. Tan also steadily rose through the ranks at the airline known for enabling “everyJuan” to fly: from limited first officer to regular first officer; to his promotion to captain, and then as instructor and examiner; and now as part of the management team as the fleet manager of the airline’s A320/A321 aircraft.

Capt. Tan is able to remain optimistic in the current situation, knowing that “our leaders have steered towards the direction that will not only get us through these arduous times, but more importantly come out better prepared, equipped, and well-rounded than ever before—with the strength to face any challenge going forward”.

Passion for flying

Like Capt. Tan, First Officer Neil Mark Enriquez’s love of flying started when he was a kid.

He would save his daily allowance just so he could buy plastic model airplanes, which he would then line up in

KEEPING HEAD UP:

Airline pilots look back

on their journeys to the skies his room after assembling them together. This childhood hobby exposed him early on to different types of aircraft, allowing him at a young age to easily differentiate one from the other. “I already knew what a 747 or an A-10 was.

Or even an F-14,” beams Enriquez.

It was when he first saw and rode an Airbus in a flight to Manila from his hometown Cagayan de Oro that Enriquez knew he wanted to be a pilot – only it took him a while to get there, graduating with a degree in Library and

Information Science first.

He was finally able to go through intensive aviation training in Australia with the help of Cebu Pacific, thereby making his childhood passion a career.

Enriquez is now a first officer assigned to Cebgo’s ATR fleet. He remains grateful to the airline for opening many doors he would otherwise never have been able to get into.

“I’m glad to be part of a company that exemplifies its values by investing in their people, by fostering diversity, and equip-

ping them for eventual leadership in the area. That was when she realized that service of the flying public,” he enthuses. women can be pilots too.

Owing to the opportunities given by Sky is the limit Cebu Pacific through a study now, pay First Officer Tiffany Piccio fondly later program, Piccio is well on her way looks back on the early days when she towards reaching the peak of her career in was dreaming of becoming a pilot. the aviation industry, as part of the coun“I was just amazed at how such huge try’s growing number of female pilots. metal ships could carry so many people “I’ve met a lot of lovely women who at such high altitudes,” she recalls. This are either studying or having a successyearning was further pushed when, dur- ful career as an air traffic controller, air ing a flight to visit her grandparents, she force jet pilot, and even an aircraft mesaw a man and a woman in the cockpit chanic!” she shares.

Macoy Dubs, Laureen Uy urge youth to register and vote CELEBRITIES and social media personalities join a youth-led, nationwide coalition campaign encouraging young Filipinos eligible to vote in 2022 to register.

During the recent online event spearheaded by Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed PH), Mark “Macoy Dubs” Averilla (who hosted the event), Kean Cipriano, Laureen Uy, Miggy Cruz, and Ria Atayde lend their voice to help further expand the reach of Kabilang Ka Sa 2022, an inclusive coalition

launched by the representatives of 700 youth organizations for the upcoming national and local elections.

The #KabilangKaSa2022 online talk centered on discussions on why youth participation is important in the upcoming elections, how the youth can respond to apprehensions about being apolitical, and how to combat fear of the pandemic and doubts on the integrity of the elections.

“Elections belong to the people. The more that you know about your can-

From left: Mela Habijan, Macoy Dubs, and Ria Atayde. (Photo from @macoydubs/Instagram)

didate, the more you can inspire other people to vote,” stated Uy. Uy and the rest of the panel agreed on the importance of researching about the candidates. “An informed vote is a responsible vote,” asserted Atayde, emphasizing the importance of voting for candidates whose vision for the country is aligned with the youth.

Atayde also considers track record and attendance. “Part of their duty is to show up. Hindi pwedeng staff lang nila ang may alam (It is not enough that only their staff knows what’s going on).”

For his part, Cipriano stressed the need for a firm resolve. “Kailangan mo panindigan ang pinaniniwalaan mo. Hindi yung sinabi ng barkada or tita mo. Kailangan firm ka sa sarili mo kung ano ang gusto mong future para sa country mo (You must stand for what you believe. Don’t base your vote on what your friend or your aunt said, be firm in your resolve to get the kind of future you want for your country).”

He also advised to look for leaders who are reliable during crucial times, citing the country’s pandemic experience as an example.

Kabilang Ka Sa 2022 aims to register at least 1 million first-time voters. According to YouthLed, young voters only accounted for almost 38 percent of the voter turnout in the 2019 elections.

“Hinihikayat natin ang mga kabataan na sabayan ang mga nakatatandang ‘suki’ ng eleksyon na bumoto sa 2022 elections (We are encouraging the youth to join the older voters to vote in the 2022 elections),” said Mildred Ople, YouthLed PH program officer and Kabilang Ka Sa 2020 spokesperson.

She further encouraged young Filipinos to be “superspreaders” of correct information on voter registration, voter education, and transparency in governance.

Globe K'mmunity brings to the Philippines TinyTAN’s Breathable Mask collection.

TinyTAN masks for K-fans and frontliners

GLOBE K’mmunity is on a mission to bring smiles to K-fans and frontline workers alike.

During its second anniversary celebration last week, K’mmunity PH, Globe’s hallyu hub for, announced its partnership with global K-pop group BTS’ cute animated characters, TinyTAN. K’mmunity is bringing TinyTAN’s Breathable Mask collection in the Philippines through Globe’s 0917 Lifestyle website. The three-pack Breath TinyTAN square face mask is now available

Together with The Ripple Society, K'mmunity will be donating face masks to frontline workers for every purchase of TinyTAN face masks at 0917 Lifestyle.

at 0917lifestyle.com.

In addition to making BTS fans happy, K’mmunity and youth-oriented nongovernment organization The Ripple Society will donating masks to medical frontliners and delivery riders for every TinyTAN Breath Mask purchased.

HEY, YOUTH! SHARE your unpublished essays with the readers of Manila Standard. Chosen essays will be published in the Young Life corner that comes out every Sunday.

This space is open for young writers, aged 13-29 years old.

Send your essay (maximum of 800 words) with photo/s, if available, to manilastandardlife@gmail.com with the subject: “Young Life - (title of your essay)” along with a brief description of yourself.

B2

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

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

V

Home/Design

Kizuna Heights hurdle COVID-19 scare

ISTA Residences —the condominium development arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.—recently featured Kizuna Heights in Malate, Manila, its joint venture with Japanese real estate developer Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. (MEC).

In a virtual launch, Vista Residences, showed its readiness and flexibility amid the COVID-19 scare. Targeting young adults who believe that living independently is one step closer to achieving their dreams, Kizuna Heights is billed as a premium condominium close the to central business districts and prime locations, said Vista Land president & CEO Manuel Paolo A. Villar.

Logical investment The 42-tower complex is located on Taft Avenue, close to major schools and universities, and accessible to business districts like Makati, Pasay and Taguig.

Kizuna Heights is currently offering pre-selling units for aspiring homeowners. Its location makes it a

lasting investment amid the restrictions brought by the pandemic, or those looking for sources of passive income.

“We are sure about the high value of the project despite the conditions of COVID-19,” said MEC Asia managing director Masato Aikawa. “We have shared a bond with Vista Residences through this project and we’re confident that this strengthens the kizuna between friends and family.”

Aside from Kizuna Heights, the virtual launch also displayed other Vista Residences projects in key cities and provinces, such as Makati, Quezon City, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu.

For more information about Kizuna Heights and Vista Residences’ other projects, visit www.vistaresidences.com.ph.

ALI turns plastic waste into building bricks

REBUILDING A COMMUNITY. Close to 500 houses for families displaced by the conflict in Marawi, have been built as part of the partnership to support the city’s rehabilitation by Holcim Philippines, Inc., the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Over 1000 units are currently being built for the first phase (Shown in photo). Holcim Philippines supplied close to 72,000 bags of Holcim Excel cement to project sites in Marawi, through its plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. An additional 85,000 bags have been earmarked for the rest of the houses. The reconstruction is being led by Marawi residents, 116 of whom were trained and certified by TESDA under Holcim Philippines’ ‘galing mason” program. The skills and certification from TESDA will enable beneficiaries to explore job opportunities in other areas. The project is part of efforts to rebuild Marawi after a devastating conflict there several years ago that rendered nearly 80,000 families homeless.

HOUSING PACT A BOON TO CAVITE FOLK. Over 1,200

residents of Alfonso, Cavite will be getting their own one-story townhomes, thanks to a joint project of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and the local government there under the Community Mortgage Program (CMP).

The socialized housing initiative, called RS Ville, in Barangay Taywanak Ibaba, came about due to a memorandum of understanding signed by SHFC Cavite branch OIC-manager Amando Mendoza, and Mayor Randy Salamat (Shown in photo). Beneficiaries can choose between a 36sqm or a 40sqm-model, which they will pay monthly for 25 years. SHFC is the lead agency assisting underprivileged communities through shelter financing and development solutions by Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive (BALAI) communities.

SOME 28 metric tons of plastic waste, the equivalent of 2.8 million plastic water bottles filling up 73 basketball courts, was recently recycled into useful eco-products by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) as part of its “circular waste management” initiative.

The plastic waste, which would have otherwise filled up Metro Manila’s dumpsites or find its way into Manila Bay, had been recycled into eco-products like bricks for pathways, sidewalks and fences, according to the country’s leading property developer.

ALI said it expanded its commitment to environmental protection amid the Covid-19 pandemic by using a circular economy approach to waste management, turning plastic waste to products that can be used in projects.

Eco-products from ALI, Green Antz ALI has been recycling tons of dry plastic waste from its properties and communities as early as last year, and is continuing to turn these into ecomaterials used in its estates and residential communities (Shown in photo).

It said that with online shopping and delivery becoming a necessity during the pandemic, plastics use for packaging and food containers have been increasing in volume.

These plastics would normally end up in garbage landfills or, worse, find its way to waterways and eventually end up in already polluted oceans.

The company linked up with an environmental solutions company, Green Antz Builders, which converts dry plastic waste into eco-products using a technology that mixes plastic with cement and other materials. The finished product is formed into construction materials like bricks, pavers and casts. These materials are now being used in Ayala Land estates and sites as pathways, fences and sidewalks (Inset).

“The cycle involves collecting clean and dry plastics at designated dropoffs and transporting them to eco-hubs, which are recycling facilities where the plastics are shredded and incorporated into concrete products developed by Green Antz,” explained Anna Maria Gonzales, sustainability manager of ALI. Eco-hubs The first eco-hub, built in partnership with Green Antz, opened in March, 2019 in Arca South, a 74-hectare mixed-used development in Taguig City.

In October, 2019, the Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, Palawan opened its own eco-hub to collect plastic within the estate and nearby communities, and turn these` into eco-products to be used by the estate.

Among the users of eco-products were

Globe Telecom, which turned over 24,500 eco-bricks to seven communities.

The Makati Central Business District installed 60,000 ecopavers for sidewalks.

AC Energy’s SolarAce and GigaSol used more than 24,000 eco-casts to build the control rooms of their solar power plants in Alaminos Laguna and Zambales.

Evo City in Kawit, Cavite are using 60,000 eco-bricks and 50,000 eco-casts for fencing. Lio Tourism Estate produced 158,000 ecopavers for its sidewalks and pavement.

The total plastics recycled

by ALI in 2020 is comparable to the amount of clean and dry plastic waste gathered from two of its largest malls in a regular year.

“Processing and using these eco-products effectively prevented clean and dry plastics from Greenbelt and Glorietta from ending up in dumpsites,” claimed Gonzales.

Entertainment

B3

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 Nickie Wang, Editor; E-mail: nickie.standard@ gmail.com

SB19 honors parents in new rousing ballad

By Nickie Wang P-POP Kings Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin, otherwise known as SB19, have recently launched “Mapa,” an emotive ballad that they dedicate to their parents.

“The song is for our parents who serve as our guidance and direction in life. Mapa is short for mama and papa. Mapa is map in English and without our parents, we wouldn’t be here right now. They are our guide,” Pablo told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.

“We released this song to show gratitude and appreciation for helping us survive all the challenges and difficulties that we’ve encountered growing up,” Pablo added.

Released last Sunday, “Mapa” is SB19’s follow-up single to “What,” which has now garnered 10 million views on Youtube.

SB19 is transcending the genre that positioned them to become the formidable stars that they are now.

Giving viewers their daily dose of everything and anything NCAA are hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron.

Days before the official announcement for the new single, the fivemember group was included in the nominees for the Top Social Artist category for this year’s edition of Billboard Music Awards. They are nominated along with some of the world’s most celebrated pop acts BTS, Blackpink, Seventeen, and Ariana Grande.

“We can’t thank just one person for the success we are experiencing right now. We’ve reached this far because of a group effort and the support of the people who rally for us,” Pablo stated.

“Of course, ATin is also instrumental to our success. They’ve been with us since day one. We are inspired to do our best because of them,” he carried on.

Released via Sony Music Philippines, “Mapa,” is the second single off SB19’s upcoming album, the follow-up to their debut album, Get In The Zone.

The faces of ‘Rise Up Stronger:

The Road to NCAA Season 96’ G

ET to know the athletes, the coaches, the teams, and what to expect this season as GMA Network via GMA Synergy unveils Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96,” airing everyday beginning today on GTV.

“Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96” will keep sports fans entertained and warmed up in preparation for the country’s first athletic league’s return to the spotlight. Every day, they will get a chance to know the athletes joining this season as well as the other faces of the NCAA such as the coaches, sports luminaries, and outstanding alumni, who started their sports journey in the said league.

Giving viewers their daily dose of everything and anything NCAA are hosts Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron.

A familiar face in Philippine sportscasting, Martin is regarded as one of the best among sports commentators, anchors, and hosts of this generation. He has under his belt years of experience, determination, and hard work. Every inch a courteous man, Martin shines as a host with his adventurous personality, boyish charm, and natural wit.

Like any athlete, Kapuso actress, model, and entrepreneur Sophia knows how to endure and triumph over pressure. A champion debater and a beauty queen, Sophia became the first winner of Miss Multinational in 2018, besting 34 candidates from around the world. Sophia is set to win the viewers’ hearts with her outgoing and charming demeanor as co-host of “Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96.”

During the hosts’ reveal on 24 Oras last May 14, Martin and Sophia expressed their excitement on headlining the latest sports program about the country’s first collegiate athletic league.

“Napakagandang liga nito, napakaraming magagaling na players na nanggaling dito. Ako ay natutuwa na narito rin ako sa bagong tahanan ng NCAA,” shared Martin.

Meanwhile Sophia is no newbie when it comes to NCAA as she is an alumna of San Beda University.

Internet Money puts its stamp on ‘His & Hers’ CONTINUING their dominant run with some familiar friends and a new superstar collaborator, the collective founded by Taz Taylor shares ”His Hers,” a new single featuring Don Toliver, Gunna, and Lil Uzi Vert.

The new song features Internet Money’s trademark mixture of pop-friendly song structure and booming percussion, as Internet Money producers Taz Taylor, Nick Mira, Alec Wigdahl, Cxdy & Pharaoh Vice layer gently-strummed acoustic guitars over lightly-swung hi-hats and hard-hitting 808s.

Like their triple-Platinum 2020 smash “Lemonade,” the breezy and romantic “His & Hers” is anchored by a multi-faceted hook from Don Toliver, who rhymes about wearing matching designer with his girlfriend, and supplemented with melodic turns from Lil Uzi Vert and Toliver’s fellow “Lemonade” returnee Gunna.

Zane Lowe recently debuted “His & Hers” on his Apple Music 1 show during a globally timed release.

Taz Taylor and Nick Mira joined Zane for an interview via FaceTime, and both Internet Money producers are currently gracing the cover of Apple Music’s New Music Daily playlist.

“His & Hers” is Internet Money’s second single of 2021, following the Nick Mira-produced “Jetski.’ Released in March, the single racked up over 40 million global streams, including over 10 million views on its Omar Jones-directed video.

“His & Hers” is available on all platforms via Internet Money Records/10K Projects.

This summer, Internet Money will perform DJ sets at Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash in Chicago (Aug. 21), and Milwaukee’s Summerfest (Sept. 14). Check out the festival websites for tickets and more information.

“It’s really close to home. It’s really close to my heart and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity [to host],” she said.

“Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96” promises to give sports fans the excitement of watching NCAA again soon on the Kapuso Network.

“Iba kasi yung excitement pag sports, iba ‘yung nagagawa niya for people who are watching, iba ‘yung bonding,” said Sophia.

“Maraming firsts ‘to. Unang ligang collegiate na magre-resume sa Pilipinas, maraming ipu-pulloff yung mga online games, online activities natin,” added Martin.

For its pilot week, joining Martin and Sophia as well are Kapuso stars and personalities Derek Ramsay, Kyline Alcantara, Boobay, Kim de Leon, Chef JR Royol, Yasser Marta, Faye Lorenzo, and Elle Villanueva, among others.

“As the NCAA’s new home, GMA Network is excited to show to our viewers here and abroad the worldclass talent of our Filipino student athletes. And we at the Kapuso Network, especially the GMA Synergy team, are looking forward to sharing with our viewers our newest offering on GTV. Following health and safety protocols, ‘Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96’ serves as our warm-up to the very unique and special NCAA Season 96 and we hope NCAA fans will also look forward to the episodes we prepared for them every day,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso.

Catch “Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96” starting today and airs Sundays at 5:05 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Mondays to Fridays at 2:45 p.m. on GTV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe for more details.

Reuniting With Two Artists Featured on Their #6 Hit “Lemonade,” the MultiPlatinum ArtistProducer Collective Shares Their Second New Single of 2021, Following “JETSKI.”

Pets Yes, honey is safe for MOST dogs B4

I

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Desiree Carlos, Editor

daycarlos28@yahoo.com

N SMALL quantities, honey can be given to dogs.

ties, Staughton said. It can be topically applied to wounds to prevent infections, “while also stimulating blood flow and speeding up the healing process,” he added.

“Simple and sweet, honey contains natural sugars that is reported to have a wide variety of medicinal properties. It also, occasionally, finds its way into the mouths of our dogs,” said Anna Burke in “Can Dogs Eat Honey?” in the American Kennel Club website.

Aids digestion

Honey soothes inflammation in the gut, Staughton said. It can “balance bacterial levels, and reduce the symptoms of common stomach problems for your pooch, such as diarrhea and vomiting, “ he said.

Benefits of feeding honey to dogs

Honey and some health concerns for dogs

Yes, you can give honey to your dog, but do not give too much, Burke said.

“Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.

It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, and is used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages,” Burke said.

Honey can be beneficial to your dog’s health, said John Staughton in “ Can Dogs Have Honey” in Organic Facts website.

The risk associated with honey is very low, said Staughton.

“Honey is packed with nutrients and sugars and is one of the most commonly used sweeteners in the world,” he said.

But like any other human food, Staughton said one must give honey to one’s dog in moderation.

“Most of a dog’s nutrients are taken care of in the course of a normal diet, but small treats on the side are typically fine,” Staughton said.

Here are the health benefits of honey, according to Staughton: 1. Increases energy level.

2. Boosts the immune system.

3. Relieves allergies.

4. Heals wounds.

5. Aids digestion.

Roxy is given honey by his owner. Honey has health benefits but can not be given to obese dogs, dogs with diabetes, and dogs with some medical condition. Ask your vet if your dog can be given honey.

suppress the allergic response in the body, “so if Strengthens immunity Honey is said to have antibacterial qualities, your pooch seems to be allergic to every plant or Boosts energy which clear out a dog’s gastrointestinal system. It weed it sniffs, a bit of honey in their meals can help Honey has lots of carbohydrates which are bro- also promotes the production of white blood cells. soothe these symptoms,” Staughton said. ken down into the body as simple sugars. This Heals wounds can energize your pup, specially when they seem Reduces allergies Honey is also known for its healing properoverly fatigued.

There have been studies that showed honey can

BUT raw honey is not good for puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the botulism spores, Burke said. Botulisms spores can cause an illness that can lead to paralysis.

“Honey should not be given to diabetic or obese dogs,” Burke said. Ask your vet when you can give honey to your dog.

Like other sweet food, Burke stressed, “That sweetness (honey) comes at a price.”

Because of its high sugar content, too much consumption of honey can lead to obesity in dogs.

Owners with obese dogs are also advised to provide adequate exercise for the dog.

Aside from obesity, sugar can also cause tooth decay. Owners are advised to brush their dog’s teeth regularly if they are feeding honey to their dogs.

Recommended amount

Two tablespoon of honey are sufficient for a dog in one day. More can lead to gastrointestinal problems and other side effects, Burke said.

“Letting your dog lick a bit of extra honey off your fingers is fine, and you can even add honey to their food in small amounts. Excessive consumption of honey, however, can lead to problems with your dog’s blood sugar levels and can lead to obesity since honey is a dense source of calories,” Burke added. DC

Cooling tips for cats PET TALES

BY DESIREE CARLOS

CAT owners are worried that their pets might have a heat stroke as it gets too hot these days, specially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the past few days, the temperature rose to as high as 41 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and a dangerous high of 51 degrees Celsius in Dagupan.

While we know cats love sunshine and warm weather, we also know that excessive heat can cause cats to collapse and worse, suffer a stroke.

“Cats can worship their own personal sunbeam, but excessive heat is dangerous. Like us, felines are susceptible to heatstroke, sunburn, heat exhaustion, skin cancer and dehydration. So while you find ways to stay cool, make sure you help your cat do the same,” said Magda Romanow in “Summer Tips for Cats” in petcurean. com.

Here are some tips to cool your cat this summer:

Water

Always give clean water, and change the water in their bowl as the temperature rises.

We change the water in our cat’s bowl every hour, specially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., because the heat can be too much during these hours.

The warm atmosphere will make your cat’s water hot. Thus, the water has to be changed.

“Cats are not big drinkers and need encouragement to consume enough water needed to stay hydrated. Make sure their water is always clean, and their dish is washed daily. If you are going to be away from your house for an extended period of time you may want to put a couple of ice cubes in their water,” Romanow said.

Romanow added that running water, specially from a cat fountain or a tap or faucet attracts cats.

You can switch on the faucet every now and then

to make your roaming cats drink water.

You can also put water dishes throughout the house so that your cat is always near a source of water.

For senior cats, some may require additional hydration via subcutaneous fluids. “Dehydration is a very common concern with elderly felines,” said Romanow. Bring your senior cat to the vet for assessment and to do this. The vet can also teach you how to do it to your cat and when.

Food

Bacteria grows faster in warm weather, so please always check the food and water of your pet.

“Pay extra attention to food in the summer heat as well… Canned food especially needs to be kept fresh. Try to avoid putting dishes in direct sunlight and store any uneaten portions in the fridge,” Romanow said.

You can also give frozen treats to cats to keep them cool, hydrated and entertained, Romanow said.

“There are many foods that you can freeze and make into popsicles for your cat. You can find recipes for homemade ‘catsicles’ online, or you can buy cat food products that can be frozen,” Romanow added.

During the summer, it is best to give cats more wet food to provide more moisture in the body.

We boil ground chicken (without the ski) and put some grated or mashed pumpkins and give this mixture to cats with lots of chicken broth.

We also boil chicken parts like gizzard, liver or heart and then put them in a blender with some pumpkins or carrots. Cats love this at it is tasty yet easy to eat.

You can also freeze this mixture and give a 'catscile' to your cat every now and then.

Their Castle (Your Home) Extreme heat can be too much for cats, and can interfere with a cat’s natural ability to regulate their own body temperature.

For a cooler place, here are some tips from Romanow:

Cats love napping in high, shaded areas. During hot days, cats need more shaded areas. Plant a tree or shrub in your garden to provide cooling areas for cats. Here, rescued cat Tres of Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL Inc) decided to sleep on top of the wall but under some leaves of the mulberry tree.

1. Close windows, blinds and curtains in the morning.

2. Switch on the fans all over the house to keep the air moving.

3. Ice in front a fan will make an area a colder zone.

4. Freeze water in a large pop bottle, wrap in a towel, and put it in one of the areas where your cat stays.

5. If you have air conditioning, use a timer (if possible) to turn it on periodically when you are not at home.

6. Brush your cat regularly. Matted fur traps the heat.

7. Some cats also like being covered with a cool damp towel.

Heatstroke

Here are signs your cats are feeling so hot or are already hot: 1. Cats will pant and breathe with their mouths.

2. The paws will get moist from sweating.

3. They might lick their paws or parts of their body more or over groom in an attempt to moisten their fur.

Provide a cool, calming and comfy space for your cat anywhere in the house or outside the house where he or she can go to rest. Raffles here is enjoying a makeshift hammock made by her adopters.

Dos, another Save ALL rescue, had just eaten wet food with dextrose water. We added water with dextrose powder in the wet food to hydrate the cats who roam in the garden. Mix one tablespoon of dextrose powder in one glass of water to make dextrose water.

RED ALERT: WHEN THE PANTING IS FRANTIC, YOUR CAT IS TOO HOT AND MAY BE HAVING A HEAT STROKE. When you see this, 1. Place a cool towel on their paws (not ice cold because that may shock their system).

2. Give water. Do not force the cat to drink as he or she might choke.

3. If the cat does not want to drink, wet a dish towel and rub it on the gums.

Signs of a heatstroke that follow frantic panting are red tongue and gums, drooling, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, and collapsing. You need to

call your vet right away if you suspect heatstroke.

Outdoor Animals/Strays

It is ideal that all cats be kept inside the house or indoor. But if this is not possible, and to help stray cats, you can do the following to help cats battle the heat.

1. Put shades in some areas in your garage or garden or yard. You can tie a table cloth or a bedsheet somewhere in the garden or even the garage.

2. Put potted plants in the garage or tiled areas.

It is best to use terracotta pots, not the plastic ones.

The plastic pots keep heat in; clay pots are cooling.

Choose plants that have many big leaves for more cooling effect.

3. You can put a big umbrella in the garden also.

4. Even before summer, grow plants that provide a cool shade like calathea lutea which grows tall and has big round leaves. Lutea costs only P150 to P250 per seedling bag.

Some owners plant banana sometime December or January so that by April, the banana plant has become a tree with its big leaves as shade.

5. If your yard lacks plants, put out an umbrella, a cardboard box, or anything that will create shade for your cat or visiting stray cats.

6. If you have some room or storage area outside your house, be careful not to lock your cat into one.

7. Water is very important. Put clean, cold water in several shaded areas around your home. Do not use plastic; stainless steel or ceramic bowls are good. Change the water all the time.

8. Put pet-safe sunscreen on any areas of your cat that lack fur. White cats do get terrible sunburns on the tips of their ears if they don’t have sunscreen on.

9. Please give water to homeless cats in your community. Please also make some makeshift shaded area for them like a cardboard box.