Manila Standard - 2021 June 20 - Sunday

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PH shooter Valdez gets Olympics slot

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WHO: Poorer states Filipino BTS ARMY suspend vaccination raises over P45k for amid supply shortage grateful delivery rider

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Rainbow pride and no prejudice.

Vol. 35 35 n No.125 No.125

JUNE 20, 2021

2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES

18 .00 IN METRO MANILA

In celebration of Pride Month, members of Baguio City’s LGBTQIA+ community paint a pedestrian crossing with the colors of the rainbow.

June is recognized as the Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall riots in New York City in June 1969.

MIGUEL DAGUMAN / POND NEWS ASIA

DOH: Tighten border controls n By JOEL ZURBANO and CHRISTINE CORTEZ

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HE National Task Force Against COVID-19 is working on a uniform quarantine protocol for fully vaccinated Filipinos even as the Department of Health is pushing for stricter border controls to prevent the entry of the more transmissible Delta variant that was first detected in India and is now causing a deadly surge in neighboring Indonesia.

“Once an overseas Filipino worker is vaccinated abroad and this has been validated, he or she will undergo the same quarantine control protocols as those who are vaccinated here in the Philippines,” vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. “They will follow the same quarantine procedure of seven days and we are also looking at some sort of testing. They are all being studied. We want the policy for vaccinated individuals to be fair and consistent,” Galvez added.

Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire, for her part, said tighter border controls is the best deterrent to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant that accounted for the majority of the fresh cases in Indonesia.

The strain, also known as B.1.617.2, is present in about 70 countries, including the Philippines where at least 13 individuals tested positive for the variant.

“The most important thing now is our border control. There should be uniform implementation across the regions, and whatever we recommend based on the advice of experts should be implemented properly so we can prevent community transmission,” she said.

“This is what we can do to prevent this variant from being the dominant variant here in our country,” Vergeire

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added.

As of Saturday, the country logged 6,959 new COVID-19 cases and 153 new fatalities as six laboratories failed to submit on time, pushing the total to 1,353,220.

This marked the third straight day that more than 6,000 cases were recorded, and the fifth day that deaths exceeded 100.

Some 9,407 more patients recovered from the illness, resulting in the number of active cases slightly decreasing to 59,439.

Of these, 92.2 percent are mild, 3.6 percent are asymptomatic, 1.7 percent are severe, and 1.3 percent are in critical condition.

For its part, private medical cold chain firm Pharmaserv Express on Saturday said it is helping the national government in distributing COVID-19 vaccines to local government units in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Vergeire earlier said 98 percent of COVID-19 jabs the country so far received has been distributed nationwide.

“Almost 98 percent has been distributed already,” said Vergeire, adding that a total of 55 percent of the COVID-19 vaccines delivered this month would also be allocated to the Visayas and Mindanao.

Pharmaserv Express is responsible

Philtwitter.com/ MlaStandard

COVID-19 PH

for the storage, packing and delivery of the vaccines to critical areas for the inoculation of residents in the regions.

In Lucena City in Quezon province, Mayor Roderick Alcala blamed the rise in COVID-19 cases to the looser quarantine restrictions imposed during the summer months.

With the spike in the past few weeks, Lucena, a major business hub, was placed under the stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine from Modified General Community Quarantine.

Meanwhile, the local government of Taguig has started vaccinating economic frontliners in the city using two of its COVID-19 vaccination buses.

On Friday, Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano led the vaccination program at the Central Business District in Barangay Fort Bonifacio where officers and personnel of Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) belonging to A4 Category were inoculated.

Among those immunized was National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua “We truly have come a long way. But we still have much to do to defeat the virus. To stop the spread of COVID19, we need to keep vaccinating more people, while also continuing to strictly follow safety protocols,” Mayor Lino Cayetano said.

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GLANCE

1,353,220 6,959

59,439

23,538

9,407

1,270,243

153

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JUNE 20, 2021

PH shooter Valdez clinches Tokyo Olympics berth

NEWSBRIEFS

Energy dep’t sees improving power supply

n By PETER ATENCIO

THE son of a retired national team member became the 12th Filipino athlete to officially qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.

The 25-year old Jayson Valdez, a Philippine Olympic Committee scholar, got confirmation that he has earned a slot in the men’s air rifle 10-meter event from the Philippine National Shooting Association.

Jayson is the son of Julius Valdez, a three-time Southeast Asian

THE country’s thin power supply that has resulted in rotational brownouts will improve now that stakeholders have committed to cooperate, the Department of Energy said.

“All stakeholders have committed to comply,” Energy Usec. Felix Fuentebella said in an interview on Dobol B TV. The thin power supply in the past weeks, Fuentebella said, could have been addressed if ancillary reserve was robust during peak hours.

“Unfortunately, some of our policies were not followed,” he added.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told Congress the government should be allowed to generate electricity from a nuclear power plant to augment the country’s supply of power.

Testifying before the Senate committee on energy, Cusi also asked for the authority to sanction power industry stakeholders. “[W]e… would like to ask this honorable committee under the leadership of its chairman, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to, among others, look into the following: allowing government to engage in limited power generation, not to compete with private companies but rather to augment the energy supply requirements when needed,” Cusi said.

Games champion who won three gold medals and one silver at the 1987 SEA Games.

PNSA secretary general Iryne Garcia said she learned of Valdez’s status through an email sent to her on Friday by the Munich-based International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF).

“On behalf of PNSA and POC, it is with much pride that I announce that our very own Jayson Valdez has qualified for a quota slot in the 10m Air Rifle Men event in the upcoming

2021 Tokyo Olympics,” said Garcia in a statement released on the PNSA’s Facebook page.

Valdez made the minimum qualifying scores or MQS for his participation in the World Cup and Asian qualifying tournaments.

“That’s an additional chance for us,” Philippine Olympic Committee President and Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino said.

Valdez’s eligibility put an end to an eight-year wait for a Filipino qualifier in the sport.

The last time a Filipino shooter made it was when Paul Brian Rosario competed in men’s skeet as a wild card entry in London 2012.

Valdez now joins 11 other Olympic qualifiers: boxers Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Felix Marcial; pole vaulter EJ Obiena; gymnast Carlos Yulo; skateboarder Margielyn Didal; taekwondo jin Kurt Bryan Barbosa; rower Cris Nievarez; and weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz and Erleen Ann Ando.

E-commerce complaints rose 549% last year n By ELLICIA DEL MUNDO and MARY UMLAS

WHAT WOULD YOUNG RIZAL SAY?

Bouquets of flowers surround the statue of a young Dr. Jose Rizal and his dog that was constructed in 1996 for the centennial celebration of the national hero’s death. The statue is located outside the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna – a reproduction of the original twostorey Spanish-colonial style house where Rizal was born in 1861 – that was spruced up for the commemoration of his 160th birthday on June 19, 2021.

Solon: Allow new voters to register online

CHITO MADAMBA / POND NEWS ASIA

WHO: Poorer states suspend vaccination amid supply shortage

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Saturday pushed for the online registration of qualified voters by the Commission on Elections for next year’s presidential vote.

At the same time, Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged Comelec to allow the online filing of the certificates of candidacy in October.

“Let us allow the youth who are already 18 years old or will be 18 years old on election day – May 9, 2022 – to register online and also those voters who were delisted for failure to vote in two successive elections to reactivate their status as voters also online.

They cannot personally go to the offices of the Comelec because of the risk of getting infected by the highly contagious new coronavirus,” he said.

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Rody appoints special envoy to Saudi Arabia n By VITO BARCELO

THE Philippine is eyeing to enhance the country’s bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia to ensure the protection of thousands of Filipino migrant workers, Malacañang said.

President Rodrigo Duterte designated Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje as special envoy to Saudi Arabia to lead a delegation that will meet with officials of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, and other concerned agencies.

“At the same time, the high-level delegation will also oversee repatriation missions for Filipinos affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Malacañang said.

The President earlier sought the abolition of the kafala sponsorship system to ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East.

The kafala system, prevalent in the Middle East, gives employers control over the mobility and legal status of foreign workers in a country. Saudi Arabia has already initiated reforms aimed at easing expatriate workers’ mobility.

“HUGE NUMBER” of poorer countries have had to suspend their coronavirus vaccination programmes due to a lack of doses, the World Health Organization said Friday.

The shortages often mean people who have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine have to wait too long before they can get their second jab.

“We have a huge number of countries that have had to suspend their rollout of their second doses of vaccine,” said Bruce Aylward, the WHO’s frontman for the international COVAX scheme which provides vaccine doses to poorer countries.

“If I remember correctly, it’s over 30 or 40 countries that could have been targeted for second doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, for example, who will not be able to do that,” Aylward added.

The countries affected by this problem are spread throughout the Indian subcontinent, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, the WHO expert said.

Countries around India, like Nepal and Sri Lanka, have been “particularly hit hard” and face “a severe wave of disease,” he added.

The Serum Institute of India (SII), producing AstraZeneca doses, was supposed to be the

backbone of COVAX’s supply chain – but India restricted exports to combat its own devastating coronavirus surge.

“We are now urgently trying to work with AstraZeneca itself, as well as SII, the government in India to restart those shipments so that we can get those second doses into those populations because we are running to a longer interval than we would have liked in that regard,” said Aylward.

He bemoaned that “only countries right now that have got the financial resources, who are producing the products, actually have access to vaccines.”

On Monday, the WHO warned that coronavirus is moving faster than the vaccines, and that the G7 nations’ vow to provide a billion doses for poorer nations is simply not enough.

In Africa only about one percent of the population is fully vaccinated, according to WHO figures.

As of Thursday, the COVAX scheme had provided just 88 million vaccine doses, spread out over 131 countries, far less than originally planned. AFP

INFRA PUSH.

Workers install steel bar components on a concrete post at the construction site of the MRT-7 along North Avenue in Quezon City.

The construction of the railway system, one of the flagship projects under the Duterte administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, is in full-swing despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

MANNY PALMERO

DECEPTIVE and unfair online transactions rose by more than 500 percent during the pandemic as more Filipinos turned to e-commerce amid the lockdowns, the Department of Trade and Industry said.

A total of 15,967 complaints for online transactions were logged by DTI last year, 549.86 percent higher than the 2019 record of 2,457 complaints.

“When people are no longer allowed to go out, they will have to depend on online platforms not just to work but also to get their basic needs and the services that are required for them to do their jobs as well as go on with their lives,” said DTI Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection Group Ann Cabochan.

She said online transactions done through social media are also posing problems for Filipino consumers.

“I think the bigger problem really this time is not e-commerce platforms like Shopee or Lazada. It is those sellers that are selling on Facebook marketplace. If you buy there, and they receive your money and suddenly they disappear, we have no way of tracing that,” Cabochan said.

“When you shop with platforms – Shopee, Lazada, Zalora – DTI knows who to run after when there is a complaint. When a complaint is filed before he Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, the FTEB will now call the platform, whether Shoppe or Lazada.

PH BTS ARMY reward foodpanda delivery rider n By MARY UMLAS and MHERYLL ALFORE

FILIPINO BTS ARMY members flexed their muscles and raised over P45,000 for a grateful foodpanda delivery rider who saw an increased volume of orders with the BTS Meal launch in the country Friday.

“Lakas ng BTS meal ngayon.

Umaarangkada na. Kaming mga foodpanda riders, masayang dedeliver sa inyo ang BTS meal. Kaya mga BTS fans dyan, go go go go na, order na kayo [BTS meals are selling like crazy. We foodpanda riders are very happy to deliver your BTS meal. So to all BTS fans, go, go, go, go. Keep on ordering],” foodpanda rider Benjamin Baetiong said in a now viral Facebook post.

Baetiong’s appreciation post did not go unnoticed by the community of Filipino ARMY – BTS’ official fandom name that means Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.

Twitter user @therealkittenwp, who goes by the name Kit, started an online fund-raising initiative for Baetiong using the hashtag #ARMYMealProject.

“Sa mga BTS ARMY, maraming salamat po sa pag appreciate niyo po sa akin at sa tulong na nalikom nyo. Malaking tulong po ito para sa aking pamilya lalo na sa aking tatay na may sakit [To the BTS ARMY, thank you for appreciating what I do and for the help you have extended. This money will go a long way for my family, especially since my father is sick],” the foodpanda delivery rider said.

The fanbase managed to raise P45,230.77 in less than a day via hashtag #ARMYMealProject.

“We were inspired to give back because he showed respect for our love for BTS. Respect begets respect,” said 31-year-old Kit in an interview with Manila Standard.

Rolando G. Estabillo can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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WORLD

2 HK media executives denied bail

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Two executives from Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Apple Daily appeared in court on Saturday on charges of collusion and were denied bail after authorities deployed a sweeping security law to target the newspaper, a scathing critic of Beijing.

Chief editor Ryan Law and CEO Cheung Kim-hung are accused of colluding with foreign forces to undermine China’s national security over a series of articles that police said called for international sanctions.

Chief magistrate Victor So said there were insufficient grounds “for the court to believe that the defendants will not continue to commit acts endangering national security.”

It is the first time the political views and opinion published by a Hong Kong media outlet have triggered the security law, which was imposed last year by Beijing to stamp out dissent in the financial hub.

Apple Daily and its jailed owner

Jimmy Lai have long been thorns on Beijing’s side, with unapologetic support for the city’s pro-democracy movement and caustic criticism of China’s authoritarian leaders.

More than 500 police officers raided the paper’s newsroom on Thursday, carting away computers, hard drives and reporters’ notepads.

Five executives were also arrested.

Law and Cheung were charged on Friday while the three others were released on bail pending further investigations.

Dozens of supporters were queuing to get seats in court on Saturday morning, including many former and current employees of Apple Daily.

A staff member, who gave her

surname as Chang, said she and many other Apple Daily employees treat “every day like it is our last” working for the paper.

“At first, authorities said the national security law would only target a tiny number of people,” she told AFP. “But what has happened shows us that it is nonsense,” she added.

Another staff reporter, who gave her first name as Theresa, said she felt Apple Daily’s legal troubles were a warning shot.

“I think what has happened to Apple Daily today can eventually happen to every other news outlet in the city,” she said.

Multiple international media

companies have regional headquarters in Hong Kong, attracted to the business-friendly regulations and free speech provisions written into the city’s mini-constitution.

But many are now questioning whether they have a future there and are drawing up contingency plans as Beijing presses on with a broad crackdown on dissent in the city.

Local media have an even tougher time, with journalist associations saying reporters are increasingly having to self-censor.

Hong Kong has steadily plunged down an annual press freedom ranking

by Reporters Without Borders, from 18th place in 2002 to 80th this year.

Mainland China languishes 177th out of 180, above only Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials say the arrests were not an attack on the media. AFP

Bishops, Biden lock horns over abortion rights US ROMAN Catholic bishops issued a challenge Friday to President Joe Biden over his support for abortion rights, agreeing to draft a statement on the meaning of holy communion which could potentially be used to deny the sacred rite to the American leader.

Biden, 78, a devout Catholic who attends mass at least once a week, supports the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision affirming a woman’s right to an abortion.

Catholic bishops, defying appeals from the Vatican, voted at their spring general assembly to draft a formal statement on the “meaning of the eucharist in the life of the Church.”

It was approved by a vote of 168 to 55 with six abstentions and the statement will be discussed at their next meeting in November. Biden on Friday seemed to dismiss the possibility that he could be denied communion.

“That’s a private matter and I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he told reporters during a White House event on the coronavirus pandemic.

The eucharist, also known as holy communion, is among the most sacred rituals in the Catholic Church and there have been calls from some conservative church leaders to deny the sacrament to politicians who support abortion rights.

At a press conference on Thursday, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort WayneSouth Bend, Indiana, said the committee drafting the statement “will be looking at that whole issue of eucharistic consistency.”

“That is not the task of our committee, to look at individuals,” Rhoades said.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, said the planned statement “is about what we believe about the eucharist, how to live a eucharistic life, and to go forth in service.

“We do not cut off any person from the church,” Burbidge said. It is up to each local bishop to decide who receives communion in their diocese. In 2019, a priest at a Catholic church in South Carolina refused holy communion to Biden because of his stance on abortion.

The Catholic News Service reported in May that the Vatican had warned US bishops to proceed cautiously with policies designed “to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils.”

Abortion is a hot-button issue in the United States, and the brewing stand-off is playing out as the Supreme Court is preparing to hear a case that could pose a challenge to the landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling legalizing abortion.

The case, involving a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, will be the first abortion case considered by the nation’s highest court since former president Donald Trump cemented a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the panel with the appointment of three justices.

Biden’s position on abortion was cited by many evangelical Christians in explaining their support for the anti-abortion Trump in the November presidential election, despite numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and other scandals against the thrice-married real estate developer. AFP

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WORLDBRIEFS

Australia takes China to WTO over wine duties AUSTRALIA will take China before the World Trade Organization over Beijing’s imposition of crippling tariffs on Australian wine exports, it announced Saturday, in the latest sign of worsening tensions between the two countries.

The decision “to defend Australia’s winemakers” comes six months after Australia lodged a separate protest at the WTO over tariffs on Australian barley and is in line with the government’s “support for the rulesbased trading system”, it said in a statement.

It added, however, that “Australia remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue.”

It is the latest incident in an escalating tussle between Australia and its largest trading partner and follows warnings by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that his government would respond forcefully to countries trying to use “economic coercion” against it.

China in November slapped tariffs of up to 218 percent on Australian wines, which it said were being “dumped” into the Chinese market at subsidized prices. AFP

Ultraconservative Raisi wins Iran’s presidential polls

CANDLELIGHT PROTEST. A woman holds a candle as relatives and friends of Juan David Montenegro attend a vigil on June 18, 2021, in Cali, Colombia, after his death during clashes with riot police on June 16 during a protest against the government of president Ivan Duque, amid a national strike. The European Union is concerned about the deaths of dozens of protesters during the demonstrations that broke out in Colombia on April 28, and trusts the government’s commitment that those responsible “will be held accountable,” special envoy Eamon Gilmore said on June 17. AFP

Flower power: Protesters wear blooms to mark Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday ANTI-COUP protesters in Myanmar donned flowers in their hair Saturday to mark the birthday of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest and is due to face court again next week.

Suu Kyi’s elected government was overthrown in a February 1 coup that sparked mass protests and renewed clashes between the military and ethnic rebel armies in border regions.

Flowers tucked into a bun have long been a signature look of Suu Kyi, who turns 76 on Saturday.

Many replicated the floral hairstyle and uploaded pictures onto social media across Myanmar on Saturday.

Among them was Myanmar Miss Universe beauty queen Thuzar Wint Lwin, who wore red flowers in her hair and wrote: “May our leader be healthy.”

In Yangon’s north, protesters put up posters on power lines wishing Suu Kyi a happy birthday and expressing solidarity.

“Happy Birthday Mother Suu. We are right behind you,” the signs read.

Some marched with black umbrellas and banners that read “freedom from fear” alongside pictures of Suu Kyi. In the border region of Karen state, some rebel soldiers were photographed holding their guns and yellow, white and purple posies and single flowers tucked behind their ears.

Demonstrators in the south-eastern city of Dawei made a giant pink birthday cake and brought it to their street protest.

The Noble Peace Prize Laureate’s international reputation was dam-

SUKHASANA. Yoga practitioners exercise ahead of the International Yoga day at a park in Amritsar, India on June 19, 2021.

aged after she defended Myanmar’s military over allegations of genocide against the ethnic minority Rohingya population in troubled Rakhine state in 2017. Not all Myanmar flower protest participants were full of praise for Suu Kyi. “I am involved in this campaign because now she is unfairly detained by the military and her civilian rights... and freedom is denied,” a 35-year-old activist told AFP, adding it wasn’t personal support.

“After she is free from her detention, she will have to take full responsibility over her silence concerning the suffering of Rohingya and other ethnic groups.”

The civilian death toll since the coup is estimated to be at least 870 people and close to 5,000 protesters are in detention after being arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

The UN General Assembly on Friday took the rare step of calling on member states to “prevent the flow of arms” into Myanmar, part of a non-binding resolution condemning the military coup in the violence-wracked country.

The resolution – which did not go so far as to call for a global arms embargo – also demands that the military “immediately stop all violence against peaceful demonstrators.”

It was approved by 119 countries, with 36 abstaining including China, Myanmar’s main ally. Only one country, Belarus, voted against it.

Suu Kyi is due back in court next week and has been hit with an eclectic raft of criminal charges, including accepting illegal payments of gold and violating a colonial-era secrecy law.

She went on trial for sedition on Tuesday, but journalists were barred from observing proceedings. AFP

US cutting forces, anti-missile batteries in Middle East – Pentagon

THE Pentagon said it was cutting the number of troops and air defense units deployed to the Middle East, confirming a Wall Street Journal report that eight Patriot batteries were being moved out from the region.

The move comes as President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to ease tensions with Iran after they heated up in 2019 and saw a strong escalation in the US military presence across the region.

The Wall Street Journal said the Patriot anti-missile batteries were being removed from Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and that a separate anti-missile system, called THAAD, was

JUNE 20, 2021

being transferred from Saudi Arabia as well.

Each battery requires hundreds of troops and civilians to operate and support them.

Pentagon spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty said that some of the units were being redeployed to other countries and some were returning to the United States for maintenance.

She would not say where the redeployed units were being moved to.

“This decision was made in close coordination with host nations and with a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our security commitments,” she

said in an email.

“We maintain a robust force posture in the region appropriate to the threat and are comfortable that these changes do not negatively impact our national security interests,” McNulty said.

“We also retain the flexibility to rapidly flow forces back into the Middle East as conditions warrant.”

The US military is rapidly adjusting its global footprint as it pulls out of Afghanistan entirely and sees a greater threat from China in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Pentagon also slashed its troop presence in Iraq last year to 2,500, sup-

porting Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group.

Iran is still viewed as a major threat across the Middle East, but the Biden administration is in negotiations to restore the agreement on Tehran halting its nuclear development program, which would also see some sanctions on the country lifted.

“The Defense Department maintains tens of thousands of forces in the Middle East, representing some of our most advanced air power and maritime capabilities, in support of US national interests and our regional partnerships,” McNulty said. AFP

CONGRATULATIONS poured in for ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi Saturday on winning Iran’s presidential election as his rivals conceded evenbefore official results were announced.

The other three candidates in the race all congratulated him for hisvictory, which had been widely expected after a host of heavyweightrivals had been barred from EBRAHIM running.

RAISI “I congratulate the people on their choice,” said outgoing moderatePresident Hassan Rouhani without naming Raisi. “My officialcongratulations will come later, but we know who got enough votes inthis election and who is elected today by the people.”

The other two ultraconservative candidates – Mohsen Rezai andAmirhossein Qazizadeh Hashemi – explicitly congratulated Raisi, as didthe only reformist in the race, former central bank governorAbdolnasser Hemmati.

Raisi, 60, takes over from Rouhani in August as Iran seeks to salvageits tattered nuclear deal with major powers and free itself frompunishing US sanctions that have driven a sharp economic downturn. AFP

New museum explores German wartime suffering A NEW museum dedicated to the long-silenced trauma of German civilians forced to flee eastern Europe at the end of World War II opens next week after decades of wrenching debate.

Perhaps reflecting what its founders call their delicate “balancing act,” the new institution in Berlin carries the unwieldy name of Documentation Center for Displacement, Expulsion and Reconciliation.

Some 14 million Germans fled or were ejected from what is today’s Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Baltic states, Romania, Slovakia and the former Yugoslavia between 1944 and 1950.

Escaping the Russian army and later forced out by occupying powers and local authorities, an estimated 600,000 Germans lost their lives on the trek.

Those who fled included people who had settled in Nazi-occupied territories as well as ethnic Germans who had lived for centuries as minorities.

Seventy-six years after the conflict’s end, director Gundula Bavendamm said Germany was finally ready to talk about their suffering, while still acknowledging the unparalleled guilt of the Nazis. AFP

JUNE 20, 2021

BUSINESS

How 2021 Filipino college graduates seek jobs amid pandemic

n Editor: RODERICK DELA CRUZ | email: roderick_delacruz@yahoo.com

Telecare provider democratizes health services

RCBC chief innovation and inclusion officer Lito Villanueva (From DiskarTech’s Facebook page)

n By OTHEL V. CAMPOS

n By MARY BEATRICE L. UMLAS and JAMES PAUL R. GOMEZ LIFE starts after college. Finishing a degree is indeed a hard-fought achievement for college students, yet little did they know that it is not the end. It is only the beginning of verging on at the crossroads.

It is almost innate in the economic culture of the Philippines that fresh college graduates fight battles to land a decent job, some even aspire to leave the country and work abroad to keep their degree in line with the nature of their work.

However, with the ever-growing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession, it is truly challenging to make this possible.

Haunted job-hunters

Dennis Jaraula, 23, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Adamson University last February 2021. He started looking for a job as early as June 2020 even though he was not ‘technically’ a graduate as he did not attend a graduation ceremony nor gained a diploma.

He almost landed a job in late August or early September but due to some issues with his application, he missed the opportunity.

“Nagsimula ako maghanap simula mga June. Oo, ganoon kahirap.

Muntikan na akong matanggap. Kasi pang-anim ako sa limang hinahanap noong kumpanya. Kung hindi tumuloy ‘yung lima, tsaka pa lang ako,” Jaraula said in an interview.

“Kumbaga, natanggap na talaga ako, kaso lang tumuloy ‘yung lima,” he added.

Jaraula acknowledged that it is troublesome to secure a job in the engineering industry but the onset of the pandemic made the hunt even more impossible.

“Nahihirapan ‘yung mga kumpanya, nagtatanggal sila ng mga empleyado.

Sa dami rin talaga ng naghahanap ng trabaho, sobrang hirap makipagkumpetensiya. Kailangan mayroon ka talagang iyayabang,” Jaraula said.

It is the same case for Angel Jubillee Biscocho, 21, as she worries that she might not land a job considering that she started looking for one since the first month of the year.

Biscocho finished a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from the College of San Benildo-Rizal.

She was not expecting that few to no tourism-related companies are looking for new employees as it is one of the most pandemic-hit industries in the country.

“Umabot na ng higit sampu ‘yung pinag-applyan ko. Sa lahat nang iyon, isa o dalawa lang ‘yung sumagot sa akin,” Biscocho said in an interview.

“Nangangamba ako kasi maraming kumpanya ang nagsasara. Maraming nagbabawas ng mga trabahador.

Nangangamba ako kasi kakatapos ko lang grumaduate, saan na ako magtatrabaho? Inisiip ko rin naman ‘yung future ko,” she added.

If the pandemic did not happen, Biscocho believes that there will be more opportunities for her even after she graduated and she will be at ease looking for a job.

On the other hand, Loreta Arroyo, 21, has not yet applied for a single job but she has set her eyes on ten small companies. Apart from that, she has been receiving invitation applications from three companies.

Arroyo, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, showed less concern in getting a job amid the pandemic. Since for her, the willingness to apply matters more.

“Okay lang sa akin na hindi magtrabaho kung ang rason ay walang kumpanya na tumatanggap. Ang hindi okay sa akin ay ‘yung hindi ako mag-aaply kasi of course that is an error on my end,” Arroyo said in an interview.

However, such a statement may not be applicable to all as some graduates are urged to merely accept the reality that destiny will not always favor their plans.

Jaraula waited several months to get accepted to any of more than ten companies he applied for. It led him to question his qualifications and prolonged his agony.

“Ano ba ang pangit ba ng resume ko? Dumating sa point na syempre ina-anxiety na ako, unti-unti nang nade-depress. Ilang buwan na akong nag-aapply eh. Ang dami ko na ring nilapitan para irefer ako, kaso wala.

Sobrang hirap din talaga,” Jaraula expressed.

How RCBC became a top digital bank RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. decided to forego branch expansion amid the pandemic last year and shifted its priorities to digital banking that quickly saw an exponential growth in transaction volume and value over the past 12 months.

The result is a new leader in digital banking— DisKartech—an app that has become popular in the provinces and among millennials--the specific markets which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas wanted banks to focus on to promote inclusive banking.

DisKartech is a Cloud-based app that was downloaded a million times within a month of launch, a record for finance mobile apps. It allows users to register and open a bank account in less than three minutes, according to Lito Villanueva, the architect behind DisKartech which targets the mass market and the new RCBC Mobile app that focuses on the mass affluent.

RCBC started its digital transformation on July 1, 2020 in the middle of the crisis. “When I came in as the chief innovation and inclusive officer in charge of digital transformation of the bank, our digital group focused mainly on the delivery of customer-centric banking products and services—with an awesome user experience. And of course, this includes the creation of innovative, inclusive and interoperable digital solution aligned with the BSP’s task on promoting financial inclusion among the underserved bank segments,” says Villanueva.

“We provide the opportunity for every Filipino to be able to experience banking and to have access to responsible financial services wherever and whoever you are,” Villanueva says in a virtual briefing.

Villanueva, the executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer of RCBC is an award-winning thought leader on digital transformation and inclusive digital finance. He also serves as the chief digital transformation advisor for the

Yuchengco Group of Companies, the parent firm of RCBC. Villanueva confirms that some RCBC branches were closed at the height of the enhanced community quarantine last year. “Despite the closure of those branches across all banks, we have seen the surge in the digital transactions,” he says.

“Actually, one of the aims of digitalization is how to migrate or how to move branch-based over-thecounter transactions to digital, because that would be cost-effective, transparent and more efficient for both the customer and for RCBC,” says Villanueva.

“You have also seen the dramatic decrease in the number of check deposits being done in branches. You’ve also seen a drop in ATM withdrawals because people are now doing electronic transfers,” says Villanueva.

“We have started since last year how to move at least 50 percent of branch-based over-the-counter transactions to digital. That’s why we have introduced the mobile check deposit. You can now take a photo of your check regardless of the issuer of the check.

And of course, you don’t need to go to the branch to deposit a check. In a matter of 24 hours, that would be credited to your account,” he says.

“Everything is being done now through the mobile app. What we are trying to observe is the health protocols because COVID-19 is still a threat to everyone.

That’s why RCBC, as a bank, still would want everyone to be safe in their homes or anywhere, and of course, to avoid crowded places. That’s why we are investing heavily on introducing more features to ensure that more and more customers or Filipinos would shift to digital,” he says.

Developer expands horizontal and vertical projects

Affordable housing units are a staple of Bria’s lineup of horizontal developments.

AS FILIPINOS start regaining a semblance of the normalcy, they restart their lives with a priceless lesson: long-term financial stability.

Prospective homebuyers are cashing in on the ‘property rush’ as the Philippines’ leading real estate developers present countless housing options.

As one of the most prolific property developers in the Philippines, Bria Homes’ residential projects count more than 50 in key cities and towns nationwide. Bria’s property portfolio features horizontal developments like house and lot units in self-contained communities, as well as vertical developments such as affordable midrise condominiums.

Included in Bria Homes’ vertical developments is their recently launched

Astra Vertical Villages, dubbed as “the future of condominium living.” The mid-rise residential condominiums offer amenities that are not commonly found in affordable living spaces, such as a swimming pool, a communal clubhouse and complete gym facilities. Astra touts three important factors favored by home seekers: affordability, accessibility and independence.

From its vast array of horizontal projects, Bria is rolling out Bria CityVille— small pocket developments that are a perfect fit for aspiring homeowners who crave for serene suburban life outside, but not too far from, the din and chaos of metropolitan living. Situated in Cagayan de Oro, Bria CityVille CDO offers access to essential establishments like schools, churches,

retail hubs and hospitals.

Rounding out the list of housing projects is Bria Executive Villages— exclusive residential enclaves located next to existing Bria communities in Baras, Rizal; Calamba, Laguna; General Trias, Cavite; and Calbayog, Samar. Bria Executive Villages are best suited for Filipino home seekers looking to invest in more capacious living spaces than what is offered in other Bria horizontal villages.

As trademark features of the contemporary Bria lifestyle, it includes recreational amenities such as basketball courts, multi-purpose halls and eco-friendly spaces. Security is ensured by 24-hour CCTV coverage, perimeter fences, and guarded entrances and exits. Proximity to schools, hospitals, and retail estab-

MEDGATE Philippines, a pioneer in the telecare space, is reaching out to as many health assistance and healthcare providers to help democratize remote health consultations and diagnoses, particularly to people who are less mobile and in this time of global health crisis.

Medgate Philippines country manager Ronald Estrella underscored a general observation that the health crisis crippled not only the health secMedgate Philippines tor’s capacity to serve country manager the sick and Ronald Estrella health-compromised, but also the public’s ability to commute to clinics and hospital.

The situation, he said, was exacerbated by the fact that there are only 40,000 doctors in the Philippines to serve over 100 million people based on the data released by the Philippine Medical Association in 2020.

“The problem that we face is the difficulty in accessing a doctor.

This problem of access is primarily caused by three factors. One, there is a shortage of doctors with only 40,000 doctors to serve 110 million Filipinos. Second, the doctor is not available at the time of patient need. And lastly, the doctor is not available at the location of patient needs,” he said.

“The shortage of doctors results in long commute, at times, and a long time waiting in line for their turn. Both the commute and the waiting in line exposes patients to communicable diseases,” he said in an attempt to draw a visual of what usually happens when seeing a doctor face-to- face, both pre and during pandemic.

He said things were particularly difficult with many hospitals and clinics shutting down outpatient departments with inpatient care full to capacity during the enhanced community quarantine, both in 2020 and in 2021.

“Despite ECQ being relaxed into general community quarantine, we have found that the fear of going to clinics and hospitals persists with many people deferring medical care to a later time. This is a real problem because we know that early intervention reduces morbidity and mortality. Patients, shouldn’t be putting off consulting with a doctor,” Estrella said.

He said Medgate offers easy to use solution without the need for a face-to-face visit. Medgate services are available anywhere and anytime and at the fraction of a cost of the cost of face to face consultations.

Just last year, the telemedicine provider saw a 170-percent jump in the use of its services—leading to a total patient base of 1.5 million. In these consultations, Medgate employs a medical co-management approach where doctors with multiple specializations consult with a single case. This means that an internist may also treat a pediatric case to get a better background of and solution for a patient’s condition, contributing to high treatment rate for the provider.

Medgate viewed the growth as an initial step to creating more collaborations with health providers, foreseeing steady increase in demand in the near future. Medgate will continue to innovate and grow its telemedicine core business as new technologies emerge.

The advent of 5G broadband should make for an immersive high resolution video experience further enhancing the experience of patients. Advances in wearables, especially those with the ability to capture body temperature, blood pressure, and even blood sugar will usher in a new wave of customers.

Medgate Philippines created strong collaborations with the country’s leading HMO and health insurance companies including Intellicare and Generali. Through these partnerships, members can conveniently consult with a doctor on the Medgate platform 24/7, even having the option to have their prescribed medicines delivered.

JUNE 20, 2021 email: manilastandardlife@gmail.com

n Editor:

RIERA U. MALLARI; Assistant Editor: RANDY M. CALUAG

Nesthy Petecio

Eumir Marcial

Irish Magno

Carlo Paalam

Path to Olympic gold not easy, but within reach

n By RANDY CALUAG OXING has long been a traditional source of medals for the Philippines in the Olympic Games.

As proof, Filipino boxers delivered five—two silvers and 3 bronzes—of the 10 Olympic medals of the country, which has never won a gold since making its debut in 1924.

The silver medalists were featherweight Anthony Villanueva during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and in the Men’s Featherweight Silver medal.svg Silver Meda and light flyweight Mansueto “Onyok” Velascoin the 1996 Atlanta Olympics while the bronze medalists were bantamweight José Villanueva in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, light fly Leopoldo Serantes in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and Onyok’s older brother light fly Roel Velasco in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Under what is called a “new normal” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino pugilists hope to play the lead roles once again and perhaps, finally collar the elusive gold medal in the world’s greatest sporting arena.

The pandemic had somehow limited the preparations of the four Filipino Tokyo-bound boxers—Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno and Carlo Paalam—but they somehow found ways to prep themselves up with overseas training arranged by the Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines and financed by the

Eumir Marcial (men’s 75KG)

MARCIAL is seeking action in a middleweight class that is not fit for a lot of Filipino fighters.

Most successful world boxing champions excelled in the lower weight categories, except of course, boxing legend and eight-world division champion Manny Pacquiao, who undoubtedly is a one in a billion boxing specie.

There is no doubt that Marcial is in a dreaded weight division, prowled by world-class beaters.

After the conclusion of the European qualifying tournament, the top two ranked boxers have emerged— Ukrain’s Oleksandr Khyzniak and Russia’s Gleb Bakshi – and both have defeated the 25-year-old Marcial in their past meetings.

Doubts were cast on Marcial’s ability to overcome the tough field following his upset loss to unranked Uzbek fighter Jafarov Saidjamshid in last month’s Asian championships in Dubai.

But there’s no doubt that Marcial, who also plies his trade as a professional fighter under the care of world-renown trainer Freddie Roach, could shine at any given time.

His credentials speak a lot about his potential to bring home a medal. He was world juniors’ champion in 2011, best Asian boxer in 2014, many-time SEA Games champion and the 2019 World AIBA silver medalist.

Irish Magno (women’s 52KG)

IRISH Magno tried boxing just for kicks when a local coach prodded her to join a town fiesta boxing match in her hometown in Iloilo.

That sort of a hobby grew to become a passion and a glorious search for a better life, finding out that she could pursue her studies while playing for the national team.

Admittedly, she was not one of the more outstanding performers in the national team. After winning a gold in the 2012 Taipei Open in Taiwan, she competed in three editions of the SEA Games, finding relative success in her last one in 2019 with a silver medal finish.

She competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta–Palembang but found the early exit door.

Yet she surprised everyone when she performed at hear peak and qualified for the Summer Games via the Asia/Oceania qualifiers held in March 2020 in Jordan.

Beating a six-time world champion Mary Kom of India via a 5-0 shutout was not expected from Magno, but she did just that to raze the opposition in the flyweight division.

What makes her mild feat special was the fact that she became the first Filipina athlete to qualify in Tokyo.

Will there be another first in the land of the rising sun?

Philippine Sports Commission.

ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson does not promise any medal, but he guaranteed a good showing.

“We cannot say whether they can win medals, but we think we are giving them all the preparation and opportunity to do well.

The coaches, led by Olympic head coach Don Abnett, are pacing them so that they will reach their peak when the Olympics come around,” Picson said.

Marcial is currently in Colorado, USA for training camp that will end on June 29, while the rest “opted to stay in Thailand to avoid travel fatigue and quarantine protocols which could set back their physical condition.”

“We are optimistic that both the Thailand and Colorado camps will give our four Olympians the necessary tools to perform well in Tokyo. A medal or medals are not far-fetched given their work ethic and determination,” Picson added.

The Fabulous Four will fly to Tokyo, along with their coaches on July 17 with the boxing competition slated to commence on July 23 and end August 8.

Carlo Paalam (men’s 52KG)

Nesthy Petecio (women’s 57KG)

NESTHY Petecio was devastated when she failed to book a ticket to Tokyo following her quarterfinal exit in the Asia and Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Jordan last year.

A lot was expected of her as a 2019 Southeast Asian Games champion and 2019 AIBA Women’s World titlist. She admitted that she became too conscious and afraid to fail.

She failed to make it via the regular route, but destiny had other plans.

The raging COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of several qualifying events and her lofty world ranking earned him a ticket to Tokyo, along with compatriot Carlo Paalam, also due to his high status in the world rankings.

This time, the Davao City pride vowed to be more focused and composed.

“Hindi ko na papayagan maulit ‘yung sa Jordan na masyado akong kabado.

Ngayong kung may marinig akong hindi maganda or masamang pakiramdam sa sarili ko, hindi ko hahayaan manatili sa sarili ko ‘yun, pinipilit kong balewalain ‘yun at focus na lang sa performance,” said Petecio, who is making her first Olympic appearance.

“Ito na ang peak ng career ko. Para sa akin, hindi kumpleto ang pagiging atleta kung hindi ka makalalaro sa Olympics.”

While the path to the Philippines’ Petecio almost quit boxing before first-ever gold in the Olympics maybe rocky becoming the world AIBA champiand full of obstacles, ABAP president Ricky on. “Parang ayaw ko nang bumalik Vargas is hopeful that anyone from the country’s sa training noon. Pero may iba pa four hopefuls can deliver the goods. palang plano para sakin,” she said.

Her unexpected Tokyo sojourn “For the Philippine pride and glory, the next immediate may be another one of those target is a medal or medals in Tokyo this July. It will not “great” plans. be easy, but we believe it is within reach,” said Vargas.

JUST like Magno, Carlo Paalam found boxing as a vehicle to escape poverty.

Paalam used to pick garbage at a sanitary landfill in Cagayan de Oro city.

While doing this, he was persuaded by a neighbor to try boxing. So he found himself doing both and make some money.

He had no idea that boxing will bring him to places he never dreamt of visiting.

His natural skills have caught the eye of city sports officials and he was included in the boxing program of then Mayor Oscar Moreno that saved a lot of out of school youth in the city.

Under the program, young boxers with great ring talents are provided monthly allowances, board and lodging, and scholarship Paalam has not forgotten and is using this as an inspiration when he competes in Tokyo.

“Gusto ko pong suklian ang pagtitiwala ng mga dating kong coaches at Mayor Moreno sa akin by performing my best sa Tokyo,” said the Paalam.

Olympic outlook

JUNE 20, 2021

Dad jokes that are so corny they’re funny n By ELLICIA FRENTZEN C. DEL MUNDO and THERIZ LIZEL R. SILVANO FATHERS may not be good at expressing their affection and emotion at all times, but one of their love languages is to make their family smile with their corny, goofy jokes.

This Father’s Day, the limelight focuses on the man of the house. Our Papa, Tatay, Dad, Daddy, and Itay who bring happiness and joy to our household. The following sons and daughters share with us their fathers’ corny jokes that cracked them up: “Anak, why is dark spelled with a K and not a C? Because you can’t C in the dark.”

– Rodante D. Dela Cruz, 50, hotel admin as shared by Naomi, 21 “Si Juan nagdala ng sisiw para makalibre ng entrance fee sa sabungan.”

“Nasita siya?”

“Oo. Tinanong siya bakit sisiw yung dinala niya.”

“Ano sagot ni Juan?”

“Sabi ni Juan, ‘Eh may laban kasi yung ama niya, syempre kailangan ng moral support!’”

—Eduard Marquez, 52, Driver as shared by Eunice Ann, 21 “Kapag magpapatayo ako ng kainan, papangalanan ko ng ‘She Can Wings’.”

—The culprit of this joke prefers to be anonymous “Pa, may multo raw sa kusina natin.”

“Sino naman ang may sabi niyan?”

“Si Mama po.”

“Ay nako! Huwag ka nga naniniwala sa Mama mo. Ang mabuti pa, samasama han mo na lang muna ako sa kuku sina at iinom lang ako ng tubig.”

– Alexander Anore, 51, government employee *Dad congratulated child on Facebook* “Thanks ‘dy! Kailan natin gagawin ang #DagdagBaonChallenge?”

“Kapag natapos na yung #IbalikAng NinakawSaPhilHealthChallenge” —The culprit of this joke prefers to be anonymous “Alam mo ba na bawal mag-gupit ng kuko sa gabi?”

“Bakit? MamalaMamala sin ako?”

“Hindi. Lalabo ang mata mo. Ang dilim kaya!”

– Jerry S. Lababo, 46, Technical Engineer as shared by Kyrie, 24 “Anong tunog ng aso kapag nauntog?”

“Aw aw?”

“Hindi.”

“Ano po?”

“DOG!” —The culprit of this joke prefers to be anonymous *Late night talk shoe* “Anong ‘shoe’ ang masakit?

“Ano po?”

“Edi shoe-ntok!”

“Anong mas mama sakit pa dun?”

“Ano po?”

“Edi shoe-gat!”

“Sinong sapatos ang sikat?”

“Si Liza Shoe-beShoe-be rano?”

“At si Enrique Heels.”

– Eugene V. Josue, 44, barangay official as shared by Erin, 19 “Dad, you’re so corny.”

“What do you mean? I’m not made of corn.”

—The culprit of this joke prefers to be anonymous *The jokes were edited for brevity

n By IRAH MARIE TAN, JESSICA ASPRER, and THEA ANDREA MAGUERIANO

ATHERS and father figures — through their advice and stories, and how they sometimes translate their affection in ways we don’t always understand — are often the ones who discipline us and teach us to play the cards we’re dealt but also step out of complacency and live for more.

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We may not always wrap our heads around their silly dad jokes, but their words of wisdom are something we can live by.

Put family first

Family nurtures and develops us. Victor Labao, a student, shared with Manila Standard what his father instilled in him about family.

“Family comes first over everything else.

Family is always there for us through good and bad times,” he said. “We must never put them second because they are the people who made us who we are today.”

This, he said, was not only limited to our blood relatives but also to the people we call family.

Value your friends

and to budget my money,” shared Arreola, a horse veterinarian.

As hard as fathers work to provide their children with a comfortable life, they also want us to be able to survive the world they have no control of.

There may be uncertainties on whether working smart or working hard is the way through life, but knowing and seeing the fruits of hard work, the 24-yearold also wants to pass the same lesson to his future children.

The influencer marketing officer at Smart Communications, Inc., shared, “Ever since he told me this, naging mapili ako with my friends, tinanggal ko mga toxic people sa buhay ko. That made my life much better with healthy people!”

Crying is not a weakness

Dharla Silva’s father ingrained in her that crying has no gender and everyone feels pain.

“My father has a soft-hearted personality, he [is] never ashamed of crying,” she shared.

The 21-year-old student learned that crying is no sign of frailty, but rather a medium to express one’s pain and to gain a sense of relief.

With his father setting an example, she

Clockwise: Marie Dominic Castillo with her father; André Chavez (right) with his family; Camilo Bien Medina with his father; Eli Seludo with his father.

André Chavez grew up in a home where openly expressing emotions to one another was quite unusual. This was common for Filipino-Chinese households, he pointed out.

For the 22-year-old mechanical engineering graduate, it was not always easy getting along with his father, but in time, rough patches were soothed; long, hearty talks during their drives to their lola’s house in Olongapo and genuine conversations over their beer sessions were to credit – although Chavez said he wouldn’t mind swapping the beer for Johnnie Walker sometimes.

The bit of wisdom he learned from his father is about the value of people. “Minsan mas magandang maging mayaman sa kaibigan kaysa mayaman sa pera,” his father once told him.

His business owner father, he shared, was a former PBA and PBL assistant coach for the Tanduay basketball team, winning three backto-back championships back in the day.

“My dad is the chillest person I know. Always wants everyone to laugh.

A great people person. And arguably the person with the most friends I have ever met,” Chavez shared.

realized earlier on that “[I] don’t need to be strong all the time, that I can cry whenever I want.”

“I want to share this life lesson with my future sons and daughters for them to acknowledge that crying is not a weakness.”

Everyone deserves to be respected

Respect plays a big role in our everyday lives, and it starts within the family.

“The first lesson I learned from my father is to respect my parents because parents are our first guide in knowing what is right and wrong,” Alvin Ruiz, a rider, said.

He added, “Respect is needed especially this time. I am a father and I teach my daughter to have respect for us and for everyone, not just only to older people. Everyone needs and deserves to be respected.”

Do your best

Eli Seludo’s father, Raul, is both his mentor and best friend.

“He makes sure that he is always available,” Seludo shared. “He lets you know that he really listens to your stories.”

Both electrical engineers, Seludo, 24, has learned much from his father from following in his footsteps: giving his best efforts in everything he does, being accountable, and upholding integrity through it all.

To his father, whom he counts as a blessing, he said, “Thank you for being a good role model and for always walking the talk. You don’t know how many lessons I have learned just by looking at how you live life.”

Work hard, be money-smart

Dan Arreola learned the importance of slowly achieving goals and the value of money from his father.

“I learned from him to always work hard and to always work towards my dreams...

God above all

“My father taught me how to give glory everyto God in every thing that I do and make good choices,” shared 26-year-old

Be honest

The best lesson Maureen Grace Avestruz learned came from a mentor she considers her father and calls “Tatay”. “His best advice [is] to always choose to be honest, no matter how painful it is,” she shared.

The nurse had learned much of her work ethic from him, and part of that is to “never settle for being second best, be better and continue to learn along the way.”

Tatay is a health care professional and frontliner who shows her how to be generous and selfless. Tatay would empty his pocket full of candies and chocolates every time he comes home, Avestruz shared. “[I am] so proud to be part of his pack,” she enthused.

Trust is earned

Children are taught not to talk to strangers, which boils down to the importance of trust.

Camilo Bien Medina tells kids to not easily trust others as his father used to say, “mahirap nang magtiwala”, referring to those who cannot be trusted.

Like respect, Medina’s father believes trust is earned. While learning the importance of trust, throughout his 25 years of existence, Medina was also taught how important it is to choose friends.

Marie Dominic Castillo.

Aside from faith in God, the architect’s father also taught her that everyone has the capacity to do a lot of things, “but not everything that you do will be beneficial”.

Castillo continued, “I always keep this lesson in my heart to be mindful of the life I live.”

Choose kindness

Kindness is not just being kind to the people who are good to you but to everyone, even if they are not your cup of tea. That was the first basic lesson Bea Lagman learned from her father.

She shared that her father also taught her that the right thing to do when you are being challenged is to always look at the bigger picture before reacting to the situation.

Lagman uses this lesson to guide her. She always calls to mind what her father taught her to better understand the situation. She said, “You’ll think that ‘hey there’s a bigger story here,’ hindi lang kung ano yung nakikita mo.”

She takes inspiration from how her father lives a life that is genuinely compassionate.

JUNE 20, 2021

I got it from my

how GTV’s public affairs hosts share much they’re like their father

NO MATTER how far we go through life and no matter how successful we become, we will always carry a part of our parents in us. As we celebrate Father’s Day, the hosts of GMA Public Affairs shows on GTV—which will be on their new timeslot beginning tomorrow, June 21 at 6:00 p.m.—pay tribute to their fathers by sharing that undeniable trait that makes them the son or daughter of their dad.

Vicky Morales (Good News, Mondays): Aside from the big round eyes and thick eyebrows, it would be his passion for his work and child-like enthusiasm. I saw how my dad, a heart doctor, would give up sleep and other comforts to care for his patients because he wanted to make sure they got the best treatment possible. My dad is also very enthusiastic to learn new things. He would diligently attend medical conferences abroad be-

cause he is always excited to share the latest findings with his fellow doctors back home. Everyone who knows my dad will also tell you how “game” he is, especially when it comes to doing things that make him happy. I really love everything about my dad and I thank God for him every day.

Kara David (Pinas Sarap, Tuesdays): The trait that I got from my dad is my love for writing and storytelling. He also reminded me when I entered the media, to always have respect for all the people I interview. Be truthful, accurate, and give justice to their stories.

Susan Enriquez (Pera Paraan, Wednesdays): The trait I got from my father is his patience and tolerance. Kasi ang Tatay ‘pag may misunderstanding sila ng nanay ko hindi lang siya kikibo. Pababayaan lang niya na magsalita nanay ko hanggang kusang tumigil. Sabi kasi niya

pag galit si Nanay at pinabayaang magsalita, mapapagod at titigil na lang. So ang sabi niya habaan ang pagtitimpi at pasensiya. Mahirap daw kasi magsalubong ang parehong mainit ang ulo. Dapat may magpaparaya para walang gulo.’

Gabbi Garcia (IRL, Thursdays): There’s no doubt about it, the trait I got from my dad is being adventurous and living life to the fullest. My dad would always tell me that life is short, and you should live it to the fullest. He would tell me that it’s good to be hardworking but to also never forget to be genuinely happy and to enjoy life.

Drew Arellano (Biyahe ni Drew, Fridays): [The trait that I got from my dad] is his playfulness and “kengkoyness.” And his natural urge to be friends with everybody.”

There’s no doubt about it, these Kapuso hosts are making their dads

proud of how they’ve become some of the country’s most trusted personalities.

Catch these shows at 6:00 p.m. on GTV. Viewers abroad can also catch these programs on GMA’s interinter national channel, GMA News TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.gmanetwork. com.

n By AMIRA DANICA PASION

INGER and screen actor Kyle Echarri is unwrapping big surprises for his fans with a birthday concert, which was also conceived to promote his new album New Views.

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Last month, Kyle surprised his fans when he announced that he would be celebrating his birthday (he turns 18 today, June 20) with his fans via a digital show to express how much he appreciates their unparalleled support.

In his Instagram post, he mentioned that this concert would be open for all as it will be streamed live via Kumu channel.

Kyle invited his supporters to join the digital event, which also serves as a celebration of his career milestones that make him one of the bankable stars of his generation.

“As my way of saying thank you for being a big part of my journey, six years in the industry, I am holding this virtual concert for everyone,” Kyle stated in his Instagram post.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual event on Thursday, The Gold Squad member shared that his virtual birthday concert is his way to give back to his supporters.

“It’s very important for me to be able to spend time with my fans even if it’s just virtual. And I’m thankful that I was given this platform to spend my actual birthday with the fans and sing a bundle of new songs for them,” Kyle stated further saying that viewers will get the first

Decorated film ‘Fan Girl’ goes to Netflix n By REEYA TATJANA HO

ANTOINETTE Jadaone’s coming-of-age drama Fan Girl, awarded as Best Picture at the 4th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The Eddys) and 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, is now streaming on Netflix.

The award-winning film starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino also received mixed reviews from both the film industry and audiences after its premiere at the 33rd Tokyo International Film Festival on Oct. 31, 2020.

The movie follows the story of 16-year-old obsessed fangirl Jane, played by Charlie, who meets her on-screen idol,

played by Paulo, after sneaking into the back of his pickup truck. Much to her surprise, her idol isn’t what he portrays himself to be in front of the cameras.

Last Sunday, Charlie expressed her excitement to have the movie on Netflix by sharing pictures taken on the set.

“Exactly two years ago, I auditioned for Fan Girl and now it has made its way around the world and in a few days it will be streaming on Netflix,” she said in her social media post.

Meanwhile, in a social media post, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is pleased to announce that Jadaone’s decorated film will be one of the eight local films to be part of the official selection of this year’s Udine Far East Film Festival, which will run from June 24 to July 2.

Fan Girl along with Joel Lamangan’s Anak ng Macho Dancer will represent the country as competition films, while Grace Simbulan’s A is for Agustin will be screened in the non-competition Documentaries section.

Charlie Dizon and Paolo Avelino in a scene from Antoinette Jadaone’s multi-awarded drama that tackles the theme of unhealthy obsession.

chance to see him perform the songs in his new album.

Regarding his latest album New Views, the singer included seven songs that also presented collaborations with different artists such as Seth Fedelin and Arvey.

Besides Kyle’s live performance at his virtual birthday concert, he also revealed some of the special guests present at the fan con.

Through his Instagram posts, he disclosed that some of the guests are Zephanie Dimaranan, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Darren Espanto.

As Kyle achieved such goals in his career, the singer explained that he is still the Kyle Echarri that people knew from the start.

“Hindi po talaga ako magbabago, I’m still always very humbled and blessed.

At the end of the day, I know where I came from and I am very thankful to everyone that has supported me since day one,” Kyle stated.

In line with this, the singer admittedly shared that his inspiration in music does not also change as he still looks forward to Justine Bieber as his music idol.

“Hindi po talaga ako

magbabago, I’m still always very humbled and blessed. At the end of the day, I know where I came from and I am very thankful to everyone that has supported me since day one.”

BIRTHDAY BOY. Kyle Echarri drops a new album just in time for his 18th birthday.

DonBelle spreads ‘kilig’ with version of ‘Sigurado’ n By MHERYLL L. ALFORTE TRENDING loveteam Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, otherwise known as DonBelle, have released a duet version of the song “Sigurado,” the soundtrack of their web series, He’s into Her. The track was initially a single by Belle released last month on YouTube. To date, it has already garnered more than half a million views on the platform.

The thrilling duet version performed

by Belle and Donny encapsu- lates the rising loveteam’s chemistry as characters in the adaptation of the Wattpad hit.

The lyric video features stills and clips that captured “kilig” moments shared by the two in the series.

On Friday, the lyric video landed

on 22nd place on YouTube’s trending videos list with over 100 thousand views.

Just a few hours after its official release, DonBelle’s duet entered the top 100 songs chart on iTunes Philippines, according to PopVortex.

He’s into Her follows the story of Max (Belle Mariano), a spunky teenage girl who makes an enemy out of popular varsity captain Deib (Donny Pangilinan). As the two spend time bickering and outwitting each other, their relationship eventually blossoms into something more.

Max and Deib’s love story can be streamed on iWantTFC, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z Channel 11 every Sunday at 8:45 p.m..

Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan released a duet version of ‘Sigurado’ for Star Cinema series ‘He’s into Her.’

JUNE 20, 2021 n Editor: DESIREE CARLOS | email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com WESLEY is an abandoned puppy with severe skin problems who was rescued in Makati almost two weeks ago. The once-fearful dog now smiles at his rescuer and foster. When he is completely well, he will be up for adoption.

NACHO will have his ears checked by the vet because he keeps scratching his ears.

HENRY just arrived from the clinic where he had to be sedated so that his ears can be cleaned by the vet.

Ear infection in dogs

LEILA was a fearful kitten when she was found on the street.

Now she’s healthy and ready for adoption, for a furever home, and loving furparents.

TISOY is now a happy, healthy dog in his adopter’s home where he is loved and safe. He had severe skin problem while on the streets. He had to scavenge for food to survive.

A LOT of dogs suffer from ear infections. It is one of the most common health problems in dogs.

Unfortunately, the treatment is not simple, said veterinarian Jennifer Coates in “4 Tips for Treating Ear Infections” in the PetMD website.

“While they may seem like quick-and-easy issues to deal with, they can actually lead to some serious health complications for dogs, “Coates said.

When you see signs of an ear infection, bring your dog

By DESIREE CARLOS to the vet immediately.

“Chronic dog ear infections can lead to permanent alterations in the anatomy of a dog’s ears, making future infections more likely and more difficult to treat,” Coates warned.

When you see these signs, bring your dog to the vet immediately and have your dog’s ears cleaned properly.

“While it may be Signs of E tempting to try to ar Infectio n clean your dog’s 1 You r do g sh a k es h is /h (n er o t just du ri ears, this can actually ng or af te h ead r b ath). cause more damage 2 You r do g sc ratch es at th e ea rs . or be very painful for 3 Th ere is re dn your dog,” Coates un de rs ide of es s on th e th e ea r fla p. warned.

4 Th ere is di sch a rge “Go to your vetfrom th e ea rs . erinarian and allow 5 A fo ul sm el l is com in g from th e ea them to properly rs . and safely clean all of the ‘gunk’ out of your dog’s ears. In severe cases, a veterinarian may need to sedate your dog to thor thoroughly flush out their ears down to the level of the eardrum,” Coates said, “Once clean, your veterinarian will then thoroughly examine the eardrum to determine the root cause of your dog’s ear infection,” Coates added.

Follow Vet’s Directions at Home

n By ROWENA DAVID

E SEE them everywhere.

Malnourished dogs scavenging for food in the garbage. Mangy cats waiting for some passersby to throw them their leftover food. Homeless kittens hiding under cars, too afraid to come out in the open lest some cruel children would hurt them.

Stray puppies looking confused and scared. ......................................................................................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................................................................................

Most people do not notice the distressing situation of these stray animals, some even perceive them as a nuisance. But before we blame these unfortunate animals for being strays, let us look at the root cause of why there are stray animals in the first place.

Several individual animal rescuers and different animal welfare groups have pointed out repeatedly that pet abandonment and not having our pets spayed or neutered are the main reasons the number of stray animals increase every year. Sadly, the reasons for abandoning pets can be avoided or can be addressed or resolved. The reasons cited by owners for abandoning pets include a dog’s aggression, the pet has grown bigger than what owners expected, owners are moving to a new place where pets are not allowed, owners cannot afford to keep their pets anymore, a family member is allergic to animal fur, and they are having a new baby, just to name a few.

Pet owners play a huge part in the welfare of their pets, as well as in making our streets stray-free. We must learn how to be responsible pet owners for the sake of our fur babies and the sake of stray animals everywhere.

Pet owners play a huge part in the welfare of their pets, as well as in making our streets stray-free...

For fur parents, and also for those who are thinking of getting a pet for the first time, here are some of the responsibilities of a pet owner:

Have your pets spayed or neutered. Un1 spayed cats can multiple in just a matter of months,

so it is important to have them fixed. What happens when there are just too many cats than the pet owner can afford to feed? Most of the time the kittens are thrown away or abandoned, which is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Spay/neuter service can be expensive in private vet clinics. Fortunately, there are several low-cost spay/neuter clinics where you can take your pet. Some LGUs even offer free spay/neuter. You can call your city’s Veterinary Services Office (VSO) to inquire.

Provide enough exercise for your pet. A 2 dog who is kept in a cage all day tends to become

aggressive. Not surprisingly, dog aggression is one of the reasons why dogs are abandoned or surrendered to the animal pound, and it is not even their fault why they are aggressive. Additionally, dogs with little human interaction, and therefore not properly socialized, can become depressed, so it’s important to set aside a bonding time with them daily.

your pets properly. There are certain hu3 Feed man food that you cannot feed your pets. Garlic, on-

ions, chocolates, raisins, and alcohol are known to be toxic to pets. You can find the complete list of food your pets should avoid on the internet.

your pets safe. As the human guardian of 4 Keep your pet, it is your responsibility to ensure that they

are in a safe environment at all times. Do not let your pets roam freely outside your property without supervision. This is for the safety of your pets and your neighbors. Remember that pet parents are liable for any damage caused by their pets.

The law and ordinances also allow city pounds to catch your pet if he/she is found on the street without a leash and without a human companion. The pet is brought to the pound where he/she is killed/euthanized if not claimed in three days.

not harm your pets. It is against the law to 5 Do harm or maltreat an animal, as stated in RA 10631, also known as the Animal Welfare Act. Pets are family so they deserve to be treated with love and understanding, just like any human family member.

Train your pets. Train your dog when and where 6 to do their business. Similarly, train your cats how to use the litterbox.

your pet healthy. Take your pet to the vet 7 Keep if he/she is sick. Have your pets vaccinated so that they are protected from illness or disease. Your pet should also have an anti-rabies shot. Please keep the vaccination record book in a safe place.

The old saying, “Think before you act” can be 8 applied if you are thinking of getting a pet for the first

time. You will be responsible for your future pet’s life, a pet who will be dependent on you for survival, so consider everything. If other people are living in the house with you, consult them first before bringing a new pet home. Your lifestyle and financial situation should also be taken into consideration. Make sure that you have the time and money to spend on your pet.

Lucky are the pets who get adopted to good homes, and only a few stray cats and dogs get lucky to be rescued and given a second chance. We can help by educating our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, and family about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay and neuter.

About the Author: Rowena David is a faculty member of the College of Computer Science in the University of Makati, freelance writer (Tagalog short novels), admin of Philippine Pet Lovers Society (PPLS) Facebook group, animal rescuer and animal welfare advocate.

...We must learn how to be responsible pet owners for the sake of our fur babies and the sake of stray animals everywhere.

Once your dog has been assessed fully, the vet will prescribe the most effective dog ear infection treatment for your dog. Follow the instructions.

Never use products in your dog’s infected ear that you have not discussed with your veterinarian.

“Certain topical medications can cause deafness when used on pets with ruptured eardrums,” Coates warned.

Also, “Dog ear infections that involve structures behind the eardrum will require more aggressive treatment,” Coates said.

If your veterinarian rs ea s will suggest you clean g’ do na How to clea u yo your dog’s ears, use at th so ea rflap up the product he or she 1 Li ft th e e ea r ca n al vi si ble. ca n se e th has recommended. ca n al y fil l th e ea r 2 Com pletel ea ne r pres cr ib ed by Never use cotton w it h th e cl it overflo ws. swabs or any object l ti un t ve th e th e ca n al . to dig down into your ea rflap over 3 Fo ld th e Dosage th e pet’s ear canal. Do d sl ow ly m as 4 G en tl y an ti l yo u he ar a sq ui sh y ing this will simply ea rflap un push the material no is e. possi le t yo ur do g . deeper and possid an ck ba 5 St an d vigo ro us ly ad he rupbly lead to a rup r he sh ak e hi s/ ture of the eardrum, Coates said. im“Allowing your dog to shake their head is im portant because it will bring deeper material to the surface where it can be wiped away,” Coates said.

Underlying Issues

The healthy adult dogs with “normal” ear anatomy almost never get ear infections, Coates said.

In most cases, she said it is best to look at ear infection as a symptom of an underlying illness or condition.

“Many people Here are some causes think ear mites of dog ear infections might be to blame, 1 Food allergie s but almost every 2 Environ mental allergie s (such as case of ear mites pollen, molds, and dust mites) I’ve diagnosed 3 Anatom ical abnorm alities has been in a kit4 Masses ten. Puppies can also get ear mites, 5 Foreign materia l within the ear but if you have an 6 Chronic ally damp ears adult dog or cat 7 Hormon al disorde rs that has not been 8 Bacteri al infectio n in contact with 9 Yeast infectio n kittens or puppies with ear mites, the chances that they have mites is very small,” Coates said.

If you suspect that there is something wrong with your dog’s ears, please bring him or her to the vet immediately.