Manila Standard - 2021 August 29 - Sunday

Paalam’s silver medal caps PH’s best Olympic campaign LIFE-SAVING POWER. Staff

members check their supply of oxygen tanks at the Tondo Medical Center in Manila on Saturday. COVID-19 cases hit a record-high yesterday at 19,441 as almost half of Metro Manila’s hospitals are now – The over Philippines capped considered ‘highTOKYO risk’ with 71 percent its greatest Summer Olympic occupancy rate.Games’ Norman Cruz on Saturday campaign

n By RIERA U. MALLARI

Vol. 35 n No.174

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with a silver from flyweight boxer Carlo Paalam, an eagle-spiked six-under 65 by golfer Yuka Saso and the dawn of a new era in sporting excellence.

Already its best showing in the 97-year history of participa-

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IN MET R MANILAO

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Carlo Paalam celebrates his silver medal for the men’s fly (48-52kg) boxing final bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 7, 2021. AFP

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IN MET R MANILAO

DIAZ

Gold Medalist

Almost half of hospitals in NCR now at ‘high risk’ CLOSE to 50 percent of all hospitals in Metro Manila are now considered “high risk” in terms of COVID-19 bed capacity as cases continue to rise, the Department of Health said Saturday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said only six cities in Metro Manila are at “moderate risk” with 60 to 70 percent bed capacity.

The rest, she said, were at over 70 percent capacity, which means they Bronze are classified as high-risk. A hospital Medalist utilization rate of 85 percent and above is considered critical.

“Almost half of our cities' bed utilization rate is more than 70 percent already. As for ICU utilization, we have at least six cities in Metro Manila that have a 60 percent ICU rate, while the rest have more than 70 percent so we are already trying to mitigate this,” Vergeire said.

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MECQ IN METRO MANILA EXTENDED TO SEPT. 7

COVID-19 cases reach all-time high at 19,441

MARCIAL

Duque vows: I’ll definitely

step down

T

n By VITO BARCELO, JOEL ZUBANO AND RIO ARAJA

PAALAM

Silver Medalist

HE country logged an all-time high of 19,441 COVID-19 cases Saturday as the government extended the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine status of Metro Manila until September 7.

The new infections brought the nationwide tally to 1,935,700. The previous highest daily count recorded was on Monday, Aug. 23, at 18,332 cases.

Active cases stood at 142,679 – the highest since April 17.

“We expect the number of cases will continue to increase in the coming days,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Aside from Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bataan, Ilocos Norte, Aklan and Iloilo as well Silver Medalist Apayao, as the cities of Lucena, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, Mandaue, and Cagayan de Oro would also be

PETECIO

under MECQ from Sept. 1 to 7.

On the other hand, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, Quezon and Batangas in Region 4-A, and Naga City for Luzon; Antique, Bacolod City and Capiz in Region 6, Cebu Province and Negros Oriental in Region 7 for the Visayas; Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental and Davao de Oro in Region 11 and Butuan City for Mindanao shall be placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.

Granular lockdowns loom next week NCR mayors and the Philippine National

Police are now preparing for granular lockdowns – a strict quarantine limited to streets or barangays aimed at containing infection clusters.

“We hope the reproduction rate will decrease so we will not have too many cases, but as it is right now, the mayors are preparing for granular lockdowns,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said he has already tasked police commanders to coordinate with local government units for the possible implementation of granular lockdowns next week.

“This is just a proposal for now but it would be better to prepare ahead to avoid confusion, which may result in misunderstanding,” Eleazar said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said the government is considering granular lockdowns where only health workers will be allowed to leave their CONTINUED ON 2A

n By RIO N. ARAJA

New cases hit 11k, vs. DOH Delta drives surge Mass protest, criminal case readied

HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said he will definitely resign as soon as he clears his name and that of his department over the deficiencies raised by the Commission on Audit in the handling of P67 billion COVID-19 response funds.

“I am stepping down,” Duque said in an interview with Dobol B TV. “Just give me a little more time to fix all the COA observations and findings in the DOH,” the Health secretary added.

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HEALTH workers are preparing to file criminal charges against officials of the Department Health for “criminal neglect” in failing to release their benefits as they continue to lead the fight against COVID-19.

Filipino Nurses United secretary general Jocelyn Andamo said this on top of the planned mass protest on Wednesday, September 1, if they set for the DOH to release their the DOH fails to meet the 10THE government has issued hard-earned COVID-19 benefits. day deadline given by Presithe joint guidelines for the reLabor unions belonging to four dent Rodrigo Duterte to give n By WILLIE CASAS and JOEL ZURBANO lease of financial aid to qualiAT A GLANCE n government-owned and -controlled medical frontliners the Special fied residents in Metro Manila, corporations (GOCCs) and governRisk Allowance, hazard pay HE country logged 11,021 new COVID-19 cases Saturday – the highpaving the way for the distribument financial institutions (GFIs) and meal and transportation tion of ayuda likely this coming est daily record since April – due as the admitted areHealth also pressing for the implemenbenefits them.Department of Wednesday, Interior Secretary tation of theirnot salary “We are now consultingQuarantine with n that the two-week Enhanced Community will be Eduardo Año said. hike that has been put on hold for our lawyers. We are looking at able to stop the surge, likely driven by the more transmissible several years now. Delta CONTINUED ON 2A what case can be filed because Officers of the Kapisanan ng mga to us, this is gross neglect. variant.

New Active Manggagawa sa GOCCs at GFIs Many lives were lost because out of 225 allocated beds, So, that is roughly ches District Hospital – reported full-occuThe fresh cases – the secondthere consecutive (KAMAGGFI) have asked Duterte were no resources, 75 percent occupancy,” PGH spokesman pancy of their COVID beds. day that the 10,000 mark was breached – to implement the Compensation AT A GLANCE there were no funds. You Death Newto 1,649,341, can Jonas del Rosario said.

Philippine General Hospital said its System brought the total withalready 162 new and Position Classification call thisThe criminal MESSAGE SENT.DOH Members of the Philippine Medical Students’ Metro Manila, report75 percent occupied, in 2017.For the entire fatalities.

(CPCS) that he suspended neglect,” AndamoCOVID said. beds are now Association protest in solidarity with health care workers pressing the ed 59 percent of the ICU beds,online 54 percent withhave three minor patients in critical condiActive cases stood at 76,063 active cases, Labor unions from the Philippine Medical frontliners Recoveries government the release ofward their benefits. Composite photo shows some of of the isolation beds, 53for percent of the tion. actions also the highestNew since April 25.vowed to stage protest Health Insurance Corp. thepercent studentsofbearing digital placards using their mobile phones and tablets. beds, and 46 the ventilators were “Based on our last census Saturday mornIn Quezon City, two hospitals – the Queuntil Aug. 31 – the deadline CONTINUED ON 2A (As of 4 PM, AUGUST 28) PMSA Facebook page in use. ing, we have 169 confirmed COVID patients zon City General Hospital and the NovaliCONTINUED ON 2A

COVID-19 PH

COVID beds in 2 QC hospitals fully occupied, PGH at 75%

1,935,700 19,441

142,679

33,?008

167

Año: Ayuda release starts Wednesday

PNP apprehends almost 2,000 ECQ violators – Eleazar

COVID-19 PH

1,649,341

1,760,013 19,191

11,021 New

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28,835 162 Rody, Xi renew India inoculates US launches drone Dixie Fire: Metro Manila mayors target 9,194 1,544,443 to help 3rd largest in pledge record 10 million strike vs. IS target 250k jabs daily underinECQ single dayCalifornia historyfight COVID in east Afghanistan (AS OF 4 PM, AUGUST 7) Philtwitter.com/ MlaStandard

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IN BRIEF

QC releases unified ID cards to 1,000 PWDs

AUGUST 29, 2021

DOH won’t stop Moderna use after Japan contamination

n By RIO N. ARAJA

THE Department of Health on Saturday said inoculation efforts using the Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 would not be suspended after Japan halted its domestic distribution of the brand amid reports of contamination.

“Here in the Philippines, we inspect all the batches of vaccines before we use them and we have not seen similar contamination in the Moderna vaccines delivered to our country,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

“We are not going to stop the Moderna inoculation,” she added.

Japan on Thursday suspended the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine after reports of contamination in several vials, drugmaker Takeda and the health ministry said.

Takeda, which is in charge of sales and distribution of the Moderna shot in Japan, said it had “received reports from several vaccination centres that foreign substances have been found inside unopened vials.”

“Upon consultation with the health ministry, we have decided to suspend the use of the vaccine” from three batches from Thursday, it added.

In a statement, Moderna said the reported contaminations involved “one product lot distributed in Japan.”

Vergeire said the contamination incident in Japan will not affect the Philippines’ procurement of the Moderna vaccine in the future.

ESSENTIAL WORKERS. Some 480 drivers of motorized and padyak tricycles receive their first dose of Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19 in Tabaco, Albay on Saturday. Norman Cruz

Rody, Xi reaffirm virus fight pledge

P

n By VITO BARCELO

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday renewed their commitment to further boost relations between Manila and Beijing to ensure the two nations’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two leaders made the vow during their “warm, open, and productive” phone call that lasted 45 minutes, the Office of the President said in a statement.

They “reaffirmed once again the importance of the enduring friendship and the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation between the Philippines and China.”

AYUDA FOR FRONTLINERS.

Around 2,500 medical and non-medical workers in San Juan City who are in the thick of the fight against COVID-19 get cash aid from the local government.

Medical frontliners receive P5,000 while nonmedical frontliners get P3,000.

Manny Palmero

Duterte, the Palace said, told Xi about the country’s resolve to strengthen its bilateral ties with China, particularly in trade and investment and infrastructure development.

He also emphasized the need for enhanced economic cooperation to hasten the two countries’ post-pandemic recovery, it said.

Scientists discover world’s most northern island SCIENTISTS have discovered what is believed to be the world’s northernmost landmass – a yetto-be-named island north of Greenland that could soon be swallowed up by seawaters.

Researchers came upon the landmass on an expedition in July, and initially thought they had reached Oodaaq, up until now the northernmost island on the planet.

“We were informed that there had been an error on my GPS which had led us to believe that we were standing on Oodaaq Island,” said the head of the mission, Morten Rasch from Copenhagen University’s department of geosciences and natural resource management.

“In reality, we had discovered a new island further north, a discovery that just slightly expands the kingdom” of Denmark, he added.

Oodaaq is some 700 kilometers south of the North Pole, while the new island is 780 meters north of Oodaaq. AFP

“Asia’s dynamic future depends on how hard we all work together, how we respect each other, and how we ensure that we as nations are mindful not just of our rights but of our responsibilities,” Duterte said.

Malacañang said the President also expressed hope for increased Chinese investments in key sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, information and communications technology, and science and technology.

Duterte likewise conveyed gratitude for China’s assistance to the Philippines in its COVID-19 response, and expressed optimism on the two nations’ greater collaboration in the public health sector, particularly in vaccine development and production.

POEA warns OFWs vs. dating apps scam n By VITO BARCELO THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warned Filipino overseas jobseekers to disregard job offers from unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of online dating apps and websites for their illegal recruitment activities.

FromtheFRONTPAGE COVID-19...

THE Quezon City government has started releasing QCitizen identification cards to over 1,000 residents who are persons with disabilities.

“As we start distributing QCitizen IDs, we are hoping to collect more comprehensive data about our residents that belong to different sectors, so that we can tailor-fit services to their needs and ensure that the city’s resources are distributed more equitably,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Launched in January, the QCitizen ID is a unified identification for all city residents that streamlines city government services, and in the case of PWDs and senior citizens, prevents fraud.

The QCitizen ID would replace the existing senior citizen, solo parent and PWD’s ID over time but for the meantime, existing IDs will continue to be valid.

Registered PWDs are also entitled to get free PhilHealth membership sponsored by the city government as mandated by Republic Act 11228.

According to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office head Renato Cada, the city aims to register all its projected 74,073 PWDs for the QCitizen ID early next year.

homes. Even authorized persons outside residence (APORs) will be prohibited from leaving their homes.

‘Vax as One’ Meanwhile, local government units in Metro Manila have started inoculating residents of neighboring provinces in line with the “Vax as One” concept, opening their COVID-19 vaccination sites to areas outside the region.

Abalos said the priority areas in the program would be the four nearby provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna.

“Considering that each LGUs have established effective vaccination sites and highly trained manpower and that some LGUs have almost hit their targets, they have decided to accept more non-residents in their vaccination operations. All would be by schedule, and strictly no walk-ins allowed,” he said.

Courts in MECQ areas to remain closed All courts in Metro Manila and other areas under MECQ will remain physically closed until Sept.

7, the high court said Saturday.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said courts, except the Supreme Court, shall be “physically closed to court users for the duration of the MECQ,” and will operate online and conduct videoconferencing hearings only

for “urgent incidents.”

Urgent incidents include applications for bail, releases due to dismissal of cases or acquittal, habeas corpus, and applications for temporary protection orders for Violence Against Women and Children cases, among others.

ALMOST...

Across the country, 74 percent of the 4,100 ICU beds intended for COVID-19 cases were utilized, the DOH said.

Of the 14,600 beds in COVID-19 wards nationwide, at least 70 percent were also occupied.

DOH data also showed that 55 percent of the entire country’s 3,200 ventilators are in use, while 61 percent of the 1,100 ventilators in Metro Manila are occupied.

According to Vergeire, more than 70 areas in the country are under Alert Level 4, which means the hospitals in these areas have more than 70 percent utilization rate.

MASS...

(PhilHealth), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PSCO), Philippine National Railways (PNR) and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) will hold a briefing today (Sunday) to reiterate their demands.

For her part, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire appealed to health workers to reconsider their planned mass protest on September 1.

Vergeire said the mass action would strain the health care system and

The POEA said it received reports from individuals who were offered migration and employment in countries such as the United States and Canada via online dating apps and websites.

The scammers used fictitious cyber identity or resorted to catfishing to contact potential victims in dating apps who have common interests or mutual connections.

hospital operations, especially at this time when the country is experiencing a spike in the number of active cases.

"We appeal to our health care workers because this would affect hospital operations, and we all know the situation in hospitals nowadays,” she said.

“We hope this kind of action will be deferred in the meantime. Let us give way to caring for our patients. The DOH is doing all it can to provide the benefits and address the concerns of our health care workers,” Vergeire added.

The Alliance of Health Workers earlier warned that at least 2,000 health workers would stage a massive protest if the agency fails to meet the Aug. 31 deadline.

Vergeire said there is a process that the government follows in releasing the funds.

“We are doing everything to respond to their concerns. We're just asking for their patience and consideration not to immediately resort to the actions they are planning,” she said.

The DOH has downloaded P311 million to its regional offices for the SRA of at least 20,208 medical front-liners.

The department has also requested some P201 million for the allowances of an additional 17,670 medical workers who are not part of the initial batch.

DUQUE...

This is the first time Duque gave

“The unscrupulous individual would then send fake job contracts and company profiles and refer the unsuspecting victims to overseas visa consultancy firms,” the agency said in a statement..

“After convincing their victims, the scammer would then demand payments to release visa documents, including supposed airport clearances,” it added.

a categorical statement that he will resign.

On Friday, Senator Christopher Go, a close associate of the President, advised Duque to “make the supreme sacrifice when the right time comes” amid the public backlash over the COA findings.

Duque gave then a non-committal answer: “If the time comes when I need to resign, there’s no problem with me.”

Go’s advice came three days after President Rodrigo Duterte said he will accept it if Duque offers to voluntarily resign.

“This is my appeal. Let me clear the COA findings, the COA observations, [and lay down] our action plans to the recommendations, and then I am leaving,” Duque said on Saturday.

“It’s only a matter of time,” he added.

Duque said his resignation will not affect the government's COVID-19 response since the vaccination program is already ongoing.

Despite criticisms leveled against him, Duque expressed confidence that history will judge him fairly as the country's Health secretary during the pandemic.

“People will judge me with the number of deaths recorded. They will check if the number of deaths is similar to other countries where there are hundreds of thousands or one million people dead. Somehow, in our country, the death rate is low compared to other countries,” he said.

“So let the people be the judge.

Unfortunately, their judgment

won’t come anytime soon. We still have to wait until we achieve herd immunity, the people are already vaccinated, or once COVID-19 becomes an ordinary illness like common colds. If we achieve that, it means I have done my role, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, however, said Duque should resign immediately as Filipinos have already lost their trust on him.

“Resign now before we here in Congress demand your forced resignation during the budget hearings.

Secretary Duque, we have zero confidence in you. We cannot entrust the Department of Health budget to a health secretary we have no confidence in,” she said.

“You are not the leader the DOH needs to lead the country out of this pandemic. We cannot have a DOH secretary who lets our frontliners suffer. You create more problems than solutions. Resign now so President Rodrigo Duterte will accept your resignation as he has promised,” she added.

During the Senate hearing Friday, Go said he was advising Duque to step down because he pities the President who has to shield the Health secretary.

In April year, at least 14 senators co-authored a resolution pressing for Duque to resign, citing his "failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight, and inefficiency in performance" which led to "poor planning, delayed response, lack of transparency, and misguided and flip-flopping policies and measures" in addressing the pandemic.

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WORLD

IN BRIEF AUGUST 29, 2021

US conducts drone strike vs.IStarget inAfghanistan

T

HE US conducted a drone strike against an Islamic State target in Afghanistan on Saturday, as the airlift of those desperate to flee moved into its fraught final stages with fresh terror attack warnings and encroaching Taliban forces primed to take over Kabul airport.

US forces overseeing the evacuation have been forced into closer security cooperation with the Taliban to prevent any repeat of a suicide bombing that killed scores of civilians crowded around one of the airport’s main access gates and 13 American troops.

The attack was claimed by a regional chapter of the Islamic State group, and the Pentagon announced it had carried out a drone attack on a “planner” from the jihadist group in eastern Afghanistan.

“Initial indications are that we killed the target,” said Captain Bill Urban of the Central Command.

With the airlift window narrowing sharply ahead of an August 31 deadline, more than 5,000 people remain inside Kabul airport awaiting evacuation, and crowds continue to throng the perimeter gates pleading for entry.

The carnage of Thursday’s suicide attack only injected further stress and tension into a situation already fraught

Afghan nationals walk along a fenced corridor after crossing into Pakistan through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing point in Chaman on August 28, 2021 following the Taliban’s military takeover of Afghanistan. AFP

with panic and despair for those wanting to leave and high risk for the US forces tasked with securing the operation.

The suicide bombing followed a chorus of warnings about an imminent threat and, as people gathered outside the airport Saturday, the United States issued a fresh alert for US citizens to leave areas around the main gates “immediately.”

In recent years, the Islamic State’s Afghanistan-Pakistan chapter has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks in those countries – massacring civilians at mosques, shrines, public squares and even hospitals.

At the White House, President Joe Biden’s press secretary Jen Psaki said US national security experts consider another attack is “likely” and the next few days will be “the most dangerous period to date.”

Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said on Twitter that the group’s fighters had already

moved into parts of the military side of Kabul airport, but the Pentagon stressed that US forces retained control over the gates and airlift operations.

Racing to meet the Tuesday deadline for the US withdrawal has required close cooperation with the Taliban on evacuee movements and the IS threat.

The head of US forces at the airport, Rear Admiral Peter Vasely, is in constant contact with the Taliban official overseeing security around the airport.

And with the Taliban poised to take over when the last US plane leaves, discussions have begun on resuming normal flight operations.

Turkish officials have held initial talks with the Taliban in Kabul about helping get the airport back up and running.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Taliban offer was for them to oversee security at the airport, while Ankara runs logistical operations. AFP

Biden says China still withholding ‘critical’info on COVID origins

India vaccinates 10 million in one day INDIA has given more than 10 million Covid-19 jabs in a single day for the first time, authorities said Saturday, as the South Asian giant bolsters its defenses for a predicted new surge.

The health ministry said the 10 million landmark was passed on Friday, beating the country’s previous daily record of 9.2 million.

The government has been stung by criticism after a brutal coronavirus wave in April and May killed more than 200,000 people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the milestone as a “momentous feat” for the nation of 1.3 billion people.

“Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success,” he said on Twitter.

The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but shortages, administrative confusion and hesitancy have held back numbers. Only around 15 percent have had two doses since the drive began in January.

India’s daily infection count has dropped A health worker prepares a dose of the Covishield vaccine against the novel coronavirus at a temporary vaccination centre set up inside a multiplex cinema hall complex in Mumbai. AFP

dramatically since the devastating surge in AprilMay which overwhelmed its creaking health infrastructure.

Almost all restrictions on movement and activity have been lifted even though experts have warned of a new wave hitting as early as next month as the festival season starts.

Daily case numbers have started rising again above 40,000 and more than 500 deaths were reported on Saturday. The 46,000 new cases reported Saturday was the highest figure in two months. Much of the spike has been blamed on a surge in the southern state of Kerala.

India is currently administering three vaccines – the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V. The country has so far recorded 437,370 deaths and more than 32 million infections, the second-highest in the world after the United States. Experts say that because of under-reporting, India’s true toll could be more than four times higher. AFP

PRESIDENT Joe Biden said that China was withholding “critical information” on the origins of COVID-19 after the US intelligence community said it did not believe the virus was a bioweapon -- but remained split on whether it escaped from a lab.

The United States, however, does not believe Chinese officials had foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of the pandemic that has now claimed 4.5 million lives, according to the unclassified summary of an eagerly awaited intelligence report.

“Critical information about the origins of this pandemic exists in the People’s Republic of China, yet from the beginning, government officials in China have worked to prevent international investigators and members of the global public health community from accessing it,” Biden said in a statement.

“To this day, the PRC continues to reject calls for transparency and withhold information, even as the toll of this pandemic continues to rise.”

US intelligence has ruled out that the coronavirus was developed as a weapon, and most agencies assess with “low confidence” it was not genetically engineered.

But the community remains divided on the pathogen’s origins, with four agencies and the National Intelligence Council judging in favor of natural exposure to an animal as the likely explanation, and one agency favoring the lab leak theory.

Analysts at three agencies were unable to reach a conclusion.

“Variations in analytic views largely stem from differences in how agencies weigh intelligence reporting and scientific publications, and intelligence and scientific gaps,” the summary said.

The intelligence community and global scientists lack clinical samples or epidemiological data from the earliest COVID-19 cases, it added.

Biden said the United States would continue to work with allies to press Beijing to share more information and cooperate with the World Health Organization.

“We must have a full and transparent accounting of this global tragedy. Nothing less is acceptable,” he said.

The office of the director of national intelligence said it was reviewing de-classifying parts of the report in the near future, in light of the historic nature of the pandemic and the importance of informing the public, while protecting its sources and methods.

Beijing has rejected calls from the United States and other countries for a renewed origin probe after a heavily politicized visit by a WHO team in January also proved inconclusive, and faced criticism for lacking transparency and access. AFP

US coast braces for ‘extremely dangerous’ storm RESIDENTS evacuated high-risk areas and lined up to buy supplies as Louisiana braced for Hurricane Ida, expected to strengthen to an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm when it hits the southern United States this weekend.

The National Weather Service is now forecasting a “life-threatening storm surge” when the hurricane makes landfall along the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi, warning of “catastrophic wind damage” and urging those in affected areas to follow advice from local officials.

“The time to act is NOW. Hurricane Ida is now forecast to make landfall as a category 4 hurricane,” the New Orleans branch of the US National Weather Service urged in a tweet.

That level is the second-highest on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, with a minimum wind strength of 209 kilometers per hour.

Louisiana has declared a state of emergency in preparation for the storm, forecast to make US landfall Sunday – 16 years to the day after the devastating Hurricane Katrina first hit the state, which flooded 80 percent of New Orleans and killed more than 1,800 people.

Officials have already ordered mandatory evacuations outside the levee-protected areas of New Orleans and flood-prone coastal towns on the state’s coast such as Grand Isle.

“People are packing and leaving right now,” Scooter Resweber, police chief in Grand Isle, told local media. “We know this is going to be a big one.”

The declaration, approved by President Joe Biden, will funnel federal supplemental funds and aid to the southern state to bolster its emergency preparedness and response efforts.

The hurricane made landfall late Friday in western Cuba as a Category 1 storm, packing maximum sustained winds near 80 miles per hour.

Ida struck Cuba in the province of Pinar del Rio, the current coronavirus epicenter of the island. More than 10,000 people were evacuated and electricity was cut off ahead of the storm as a precaution.

In the capital Havana, public transport was suspended by midday and thousands of people were evacuated. AFP

End of the line looms for hawkers at Bangkok station AN UNCERTAIN fate awaits the hawkers, drivers and rough sleepers who have made a second home under the ornate arched ceiling of Bangkok’s century-old central railway station.

The elegant Italianate columns and stained glass windows of the station at Hua Lamphong will soon echo no more to the constant rattle of trains arriving and departing.

The vast majority of services will move to a new rail hub on the capital’s northern outskirts later this year, with plans for eventual fast services to China through neighbouring Laos.

The coronavirus pandemic has already bought a year’s reprieve for the current station, near the city’s Chinatown district – its replacement is almost finished but currently being used as a vaccination center.

But movement restrictions and a lack of foreign visitors have crippled the kingdom’s tourism-dependent economy and the dozens of people eking out a living are already feeling the pinch.

“We have to be very frugal – I’m using my savings to cover living expenses,” said Boonkerd Khampakdi, who has sold food to hungry travellers at the station for the past 20 years.

The 51-year-old told AFP she now makes only 1,000 baht ($30) per day, a tenth of what she made before the pandemic and barely enough to cover monthly rent for her stall.

Nearby, tuk-tuk driver Wutthisak Inthawat waits patiently for what few potential fares pass through the station’s entrance.

He said it had been increasingly difficult to cover the hire fees for his vehicle, pay rent and feed his family.

“I have two young daughters – a three and nine-year-old,” said Wutthisak, 34. “If I can’t manage to pay off my debts I will have to return to my home province.”

The long platforms and languid atmosphere of the Hua Lamphong station have long imbued an element of romance to rail travel in Thailand. AFP

UN issues urgent appeal to help Afghan farmers THE United Nations issued an urgent appeal Saturday for aid for some seven million Afghan farmers in the war-ravaged nation facing the threat of severe drought.

COVID-19 has further squeezed agricultural workers in the country, which is now controlled by the Taliban after they toppled the USbacked government this month.

The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization said the farmers worst affected by a drought in the country are among some 14 million people – or one in three Afghans – who are “acutely food insecure and need urgent humanitarian assistance.”

“Urgent agricultural support now is key to counter the impact of the drought and a worsening situation in Afghanistan’s vast rural areas in the weeks and months ahead,” FAO director Qu Dongyu said in a statement.

Afghanistan is facing its second severe drought in three years and the UN said this week it could run out of its staple wheat flour from October.

“If we fail to assist the people most affected by the acute drought, large numbers will be forced to abandon their farms and be displaced in certain areas,” Qu added. AFP

Money transfer company supports education sector n By Mary Beatrice Umlas and James Paul Gomez

WorldRemit country-director Earl Melivo

WORLDREMIT, a global payments company, views remittances from overseas Filipino workers as a tool to support education in the country.

As the Covid-19 pandemic led many Filipino students to halt their education, WorldRemit country-director Earl Melivo articulated the company’s

commitment to fuel education.

“We help ensure that remittances are received in a timely, safe fashion by their beneficiaries in the Philippines. As we all know, those remittances are used for living expenses, paying for bills and other necessities, and building their dreams, including those for the education of their children,” Melivo told the Manila Standard.

According to the Consumer Expectations Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during the second quarter of this year, 52.2 percent of the 345 OFW household respondents indicated that they allocate their remittances for education.

Students are struggling to remain in class amid the pandemic.

In August last year, the number of enrollees dropped from 27.7 million AUGUST 29, 2021

n By Julito G. Rada

Y

OUNGER Filipinos are becoming more concerned about their financial security amid the continuing global health crisis, according to a recent study by life insurer Manulife Philippines.

Melissa Henson, chief marketing officer of Manulife Philippines, said in an online briefing Wednesday that millennials (ages 25 to 40) and generation Zs (ages 15 to 24) expressed heightened financial and mental health challenges, prompting them to take more proactive steps toward achieving financial security and personal wellness.

The report titled, “Know Your Ys and Zs: A closer look at the financial and mental well-being of Filipino Millennials and Generation Z in the time of COVID-19,” surveyed 500 respondents across the Philippines between April and May 2021, to further understand the attitudes, behaviors and habits of younger generations toward finance and personal well-being, as well as actions they are taking to achieve financial independence and improve mental wellness.

“The far-reaching consequences of the pandemic on public health, personal relationships, and the global economy have made the younger generations of Filipinos more aware of the importance of their physical, mental and financial health, and how interconnected these are to achieving optimum well-being,” Henson said.

in 2019 to just 23 million.

With the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Filipinos are once again facing tighter lockdowns which would potentially limit sources of income for the average household, potentially affecting the number of out-of-school youths again this year.

Aware of the role of remittances in supporting education, Melivo said WorldRemit is doing its part to help OFWs send more of their money to their families back home. “By making our transfers low cost, reliable and safe, we in turn help fulfill the goal of providing financial support on education,” he said.

The company, established in 2010, hopes that Filipinos will recognize which digital financial platforms are more secure and trustworthy than others.

Millennials worry over finances amid pandemic

A study by Manulife shows that the top concerns of millennials and generation Z during the pandemic are running out of money, getting sick, losing their lives or their loved ones, declining mental health and drowning in debt.

TOP CONCERNS The Manulife’s study showed that the top concerns millennials and generation Z are grappling with during the pandemic are running out of money, getting sick, losing their lives or their loved ones, declining mental health and drowning in debt.

Millennials and gen Zs also feel they have limited funds and limited job opportunities during the pandemic, so 77 percent of them prioritize spending more on necessities than wants. Also, 82 percent don’t want to incur debt or take loans as much as possible, 82 percent save money every pay period or every month, 75 percent follow a monthly budget and 87 percent avoid going over budget.

While they claim that at least 25 percent of their monthly income goes to savings, and they stick to a budget conscientiously, in reality, they are only able to save about 10 percent.

FINANCIAL SECURITY Despite these constraints, the study found that 81 percent of millennials and Gen Zs started taking steps to secure their future financially because they both believe it is important to know where their money goes. In addition, 67 percent percent of millennials started

investing in financial instruments, 79 percent are looking for ways to grow their money and 77 percent are exploring diversifying their portfolios to mitigate risks.

On the other hand, Gen Zs are actively educating themselves about finance, recognizing that they are not yet financially stable amid the COVID-19 situation. As they pursue ways to achieve financial security, though, they have been quite ahead of the preceding generation. Filipino Gen Zs, on average, start saving money at 17 years old and investing at 21, while millennials only began saving at 23 and investing at 27.

Moreover, 92 percent of Gen Zs plan to purchase an insurance plan in the next one to two years, with life, health and variable unit-linked products as their top considerations.

MENTAL HEALTH About 53 percent of Gen Zs, particularly students, turn to social media to relieve stress and cope with the pressures of the extended lockdowns. Unfortunately, social media exposure may have added to their mental health struggles, as they consider toxic social media posts as a prominent stressor for them.

Digital fraud originating from PH eases Over 500 7-Eleven Stores in Metro Manila and Cavite now have ATMs.

More than 500 7-Eleven stores now have ATMs MORE people in Metro Manila and Cavite can now withdraw cash at over 500 7-Eleven stores. This convenience is made possible by Philippine Seven Corp., the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, in partnership with Pito AxM Platform Inc., a subsidiary of Seven Bank Ltd. PSC has plans to continue installing more ATMs in the remaining 7-Eleven stores in NCR (CaMaNaVa, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and other areas within Cavite).

“With the threat of COVID-19 still present, and the continuing implementation of community quarantines, the need for easy access to financial services is paramount. Now, more Filipinos can withdraw cash at ATM machines in over 500 7-Eleven stores,” said PSC chief executive Jose Victor Paterno.

ATMs at 7-Eleven stores have the

lowest transaction fee for cash withdrawals compared to transacting at another bank’s ATM. “We want to offer our customers the most convenient service, which is why we also want them to save on transaction fees they would have otherwise spent when withdrawing at another ATM,” Paterno said.

Apart from allowing customers to withdraw cash from any of its partner banks, the ATMs at 7-Eleven stores have a unique feature of adapting the ATM interface depending on the customer’s bank, making it easy for customers to use.

The installation of ATMs in 7-Eleven stores began on Feb. 22 this year.

By June, 300 7-Eleven stores had the ATMs installed. PSC plans to expand coverage to 1,000 stores by the end of 2021, with the end goal of covering all existing 7-Eleven stores in the future.

AS THE prevalence of digital fraud attempts on businesses and consumers continues to rise, TransUnion’s newest quarterly analysis found that the Philippines bucked the wider global trend and had a drop of 59.4 percent in the rate of suspected digital fraud attempts in the second quarter from a year ago. Globally, the rate rose 16.5 percent across industries during the same period.

The industries with the largest declines in suspected digital fraud originating from the Philippines were telecommunications (-98.7 percent), logistics (-71.1 percent) and financial services (-61.3 percent). These industries have been the most impacted in previous periods, illustrating how fraudsters shift their focus every few months, following the money where it is most profitable.

The sudden shift in focus of fraudsters is apparent in financial services. Global financial services online fraud attempt rates rose 149 percent when comparing the first four months of 2021 and the last four months of 2020. But when comparing second quarter of 2021 and second quarter of 2020, the rate of suspected online financial services fraud attempts increased at a much lower rate of 18.8 percent globally.

TransUnion monitors digital fraud attempts reported by businesses in varied industries such as gambling,

The Philippines bucks the wider global trend and sees a drop of 59.4 percent in the rate of suspected digital fraud attempts in the first half.

gaming, financial services, retail and travel and leisure, among others.

The conclusions are based on intelligence from billions of transactions and more than 40,000 websites and apps contained in its flagship identity proofing, risk-based authentication and fraud analytics solution suite – TransUnion TruValidate.

“Among all the markets that our research covered, the Philippines recorded the second biggest decline in the rate of suspected digital fraud originating from that country, next only to Brazil. It is possible fraudsters have recognized the fraud controls our customers have after experiencing them first-hand and have gone elsewhere for the time being. However, constant vigilance is still warranted as we’ll likely see them again in industries where transactions are increasing,” said Pia Arellano, president and CEO at TransUnion Philippines.

There’s simply no time for complacency as certain sectors still observe an uplift in attacks. Gaming and travel and leisure were the two most impacted industries globally for the suspected digital fraud at-

tempt rate, rising 393.0 percent and 155.9 percent in the second quarter.

In the Philippines, this rate rose 51.4 percent for gaming and 198.5 percent for travel and leisure.

In the travel and leisure industry, the top type of fraud globally is credit card fraud. This happens when a customer uses a fake or stolen credit card for a purchase, resulting in a chargeback to the site. In communities, profile misrepresentation is the top fraud type, wherein a user posts inaccurate information in their profile and/or uses bogus profile photos.

Meanwhile, the global gaming industry is plagued by gold farming, a practice wherein a user sells ingame assets/currency for real-world cash – an act that violates game rules.

More than a third of consumers continue to be targeted by COVID-19-related digital fraud As online fraud attempts against businesses continue to escalate, one in three consumers stated that they have been targeted by a digital fraud scheme related to COVID-19 in the second quarter of 2021.

Golden referral program presents income opportunities for OFWs THE overseas Filipino workers represent the enduring values and enterprising spirit of the Filipinos. Their persistent hard work to help support their families back home has done immeasurable good for the country.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reveal that cash remittances from OFWs reached $16.616 billion in the first half alone. OFWs, now numbering 2.2 million, are helping reboot the economy despite intermittent lockdowns.

To show gratitude for their immense sacrifices, Golden Haven, a leading name in the deathcare

industry, launched Kabayan Rewards—a referral program that presents income opportunities to OFWs worldwide.

This encourages OFWs to refer any number of their fellow Filipino workers to Golden Haven and spur them to invest in its wide array of products—memorial lots, columbarium vaults, family estates and even professionally curated mausoleums called “The Golden Shrines”.

All successfully completed deals will entitle OFWs to 5 percent of the total contract price, a no-fuss way to earn extra income.

With a great number of OFWs aspiring to come home this year, Golden Hands believes that hard-working ‘balikbayans’ deserve a chance to leverage their hard-earned money on stable, long-haul ventures such as property investments.

Few opportunities trump those that are afforded by Golden Haven.

Spread over 30-plus nature-inspired locations across the country, Golden Haven Memorial parks offer easy payment terms and an inherent appreciation value that makes it the everyday Filipinos’ dream investment package.

Golden Haven believes that hard-working ‘balikbayans’ deserve a chance to leverage their hard-earned money on stable, long-haul ventures such as property investments.

AUGUST 29, 2021

• Don’t hit the ball out of bounds • Don’t’ volley the ball on the service return • Don’t step into the non-volley zone (the first seven feet from the net, also known as the 'kitchen') in the act of volleying the ball.

• Don’t touch the net with any body part, paddle, or assistance device (includes walkers, canes, or portable oxygen concentrators) To win the set, the first side to scoring 11 points leading by at least two points. If the two sides are tied at 10 points apiece, the side that goes ahead by two points wins the game.

ion ederat leball F F) k ic P P ilippine from P the Ph port (Photo y b d s e ibut the l play it distr will wil arter k t t s a ll h t a kleb tions The pic s or associa p u o to gr

Let’s play PICKLEBALL ■ By RANDY CALUAG

Tournament games may be played to 11, 15 or 21 points with players rotating sides at 6, 8 or 11 total points respectively.

The doubles game, which begins at 0-0, gets two faults before the side is “out.” In singles play, each side gets only one fault before a side is out and the opponent then serves.

HERE’S a new game in town.

And if you have not found a sport yet to keep yourself healthy and fit in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the perfect way to start.

Pickleball is so easy to play. From beginners to net gamers, young and old alike, everyone can play and have fun and get sweat.

Pickleball is a new kind of paddle sport with most techniques derived from lawn tennis, table tennis and badminton. Two or more players use solid paddles made from wood, carbon or graphite that is used to hit a sturdy plastic balls with multiple holes.

The scoring is much like the old system in volleyball with a side-out.

The court is slightly bigger than a badminton court although its better played in hard surface for better bounce of the ball made from plastic polymer.

With its high similarity to other net games, expect the terms baseline, backhand, crosscourt, fault, lob, volley, rally and others to be used during the game.

There are some interesting words to know though.

Like the “Nasty Nelson.” It’s a serve that intentionally hits the non-receiving opposing player closest to the net, rewarding the point to the server.

Just like ping-pong or table tennis, anybody can play just for fun.

The Beginning

Pickleball is now popular in the U.S. and is slowly making progress in the Philippines (Photo courtesy of International Federation of Pickleball)

It can be played at any open space, backyard, deserted road or on the beach. For competitive play, those who have lawn tennis or table tennis background have the edge to master the game immediately.

For fun and fitness

So are you now read to take the game?

Retired police officer Edgardo Mendoza, one of the proponents of pickleball in the Philippines, play the game regulary at his neighborhood gym in Quezon City, whenever quarantine rules ease to more relaxed restriction that allow outdoor sport.

“Pickleball is for everyone.

Seniors like me can still play it for fun or competitively. I enjoined everyone to try it and make it your daily exercise regimen.”

To help promote the game, Mendoza also teaches the game to the young ones. “We have several youth scholars na binigyan namin ng free paddles and free tutorials. Now, meron na kaming mga youth tournament players.”

Currently, pickleball is played by enthusiasts in various courts in Ayala Alabang, Valenzuela, Taytay, Pasig, Quezon City, BGC Taguig, Cainta, Makati in Metro Manila whenever restrictions permit.

Members of Lagro Pickleball Federation (Photo courtesy of Edgardo Mendoza)

Mendoza also conduct weekend games at the Cultural Center of the Philippine grounds in Pasay City which is open to the public. “We do this so that people can see us and they can try the game. This is sport that we can play to be fit during this pandemic” The weekend games is temporarily stopped due to COVID quarantine restriction.

Interestingly, the hotbed of pickleball in Northern Luzon found in Asingan, Pangasinan where players can still play during

the pandemic due to more relaxed quarantine restriction in the area.

Rules Of The Game

Two or Four players can play on the court for singles or doubles game. The outfits are similar to the ones worn by tennis or badminton players.

To serve the ball, the player use the underarm stroke with the contact aimed from below the waist level in an upward motion.

The server hits from behind the baseline on one side of the center

line and aims diagonally to the opponent's service court Only the serving side may score a point. Play ends for a point when one side commits a fault.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of the game: • Should hit the serve into the opponent's diagonal service court • Should hit the ball beyond the net • Should hit the ball before the 2nd bounce on one side of the net

Pickleball was first introduced to the Filipinos in 2016 when a professional pickleball player Sara Ash conducted the first ever pickleball clinic in Cebu City. From then on, news this new game spread out, especially to expatriates.

On April 15, 2019, the Philippine Pickleball Sports Association (PPSA) was established to begin formally organizing the sport. The group name was later changed Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and eventually got recognized as the national sport association for pickleball in the Philippines by the world body based in the U.S., the International Federation of Pickleball.

The sport is slowly gaining ground in Asia with Philippines as one of founding member of the Asian Federation of Pickleball.

Pickleball started in the summer of 1965 at the backyard of Joel Pritchard when he returned with two friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, from rounds of golf and found their families bored on that lazy afternoon.

They tried to set up a badminton game but could not find a shuttlecock. So they improvised plastic ball and wooden paddles, and lowered the net.

The name Pickleball was said to originate from Pritchard’s dog named “Pickles.” Nevertheless, the sport grew in the United States and soon the USA Pickleball Association was established in 1984 and along with it, the first US Pickleball Open.

Now there are 57 member countries of the International Federation, including the Philippines which will soon form its national team that will compete in regional and international competitions.

Ryan Santos makes PH proud in US college rugby THE name Ryan Santos may sound familiar to the Philippine Rugby community. That’s because he’s a product of the grassroots and school rugby system in the Philippines.

He is also the eldest of three sons of Philippine Rugby Football Union secretary-general, Rick Santos and his wife Bonnie.

The younger recently represented the USA U23 All American Collegiate team in the Rugby Town 7s at Glendale, Colorado last weekend.

“Ryan has always been a special talent.

You could always see his talent developing from a young age. Holding dual citizenship for both the Philippines and USA we were always going to see him at the international level with

a skill set such as his. He’s the Team Captain for Harvard Rugby so it was great to see him selected in the All American Collegiate team over the weekend” said Jake Letts of Philippine Rugby.

Santos has developed his talents through the local Santos Knight Frank Mavericks Rugby Club in Makati, the International School Manila and the National Youth Programs of Philippine Rugby.

He represented the Philippines as a national youth player in many occasions and has been earmarked as a player of the future for the Volcanoes 7s and 15s program.

Ryan’s father served as the Union’s President for a maximum term of eight years be-

fore being re-elected last year to the Secretary General post to continue to serve for Philippine Rugby.

He also sits on the Development Committee for Asia Rugby.

“It is a true pleasure to see grassroots rugby and development growing and inspiring young athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate and national team levels. Ryan is a true product of the grassroots program in the Philippines and Asia. We could not be more proud,” shared Rick Santos.

Ryan has kept himself in rugby shape during the global pandemic, spending the early months of 2021 in South Africa at a 7s specialist training camp.

Ryan Santos (right) carries the Philippine pride in US collegiate rugby tourney

AUGUST 29, 2021

Take a leap

Bicolana youth on being open to opportunities

D

Mary Joy (second from right) taking her chance enrolling at the University of the Philippines Los Baños with (from left) Lorelie Alao, Rowena Daep, and Monique Mangampo.

ESPITE graduating among the top of her class in high school, Mary Joy Saturno, like many young adults, felt uncertain about the future.

The nurturing environment of the small community where she grew up provided her comfort and convenience that it made her worried about the world that lay beyond her hometown.

She was not even sure she would go to college after graduating from Manito National High School.

But a talk hosted by one of the biggest companies in Bicol region inspired her to take a chance at an opportunity to study at University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), away from her hometown.

An employee from Lopezled Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a geothermal power company, advised Saturno and other students to take admission testing for a chance to receive scholarship to prestigious state institutions.

“Noong una, sobrang alinlangan pa.

Pero nagkaroon kami ng meeting at ipinakita ng EDC ang magandang oportunidad (At first I was hesitant but EDC presented amazing opportunities that they could offer to us),” related Saturno.

While the young Bicolana thought n o t h i n g much of it at that time, joining EDC’s SIKAT program (then called CAREERS) turned out to be one of the most defining moments of her life. The program provided academic guidance, financial support, and holistic life management skills that came very

Mary Joy manages her taho business as she works on her goal of putting up a taho manufacturing plant.

(Photo from Mary Joy Saturno’s Facebook)

SHE TOOK A LEAP AND FOUND JOY. Laboratory analyst Mary Joy Saturno now reaps the rewards — the knowledge and the opportunity to give back — of her hard work. The Gift of Joy Project, an annual Christmas activity she leads, provides the youth in her hometown meals and gifts. (Photo courtesy of Energy Development Corporation / Facebook)

useful when she took Chemical Engineering at UPLB. Admittedly, it was not her first choice of campus as well as course, reason why she was a bit lukewarm about the development. Being away from her family and hometown also gave her mixed feelings.

With the encouragement from her SIKAT mentors and EDC benefactors, she took the challenge head-on and pushed forward.

Being one of the first alumni from her high school to be accepted into the state university was also a motivation.

Eventually, she adjusted and found the whole experience enriching.

“Pagdating ko sa UPLB, kasama ko na ang mga nakasabay ko sa

UPCAT review. Kahit na galing sila sa ibang school, sila na ang naging family ko (When I started school, I was with the other students that took the UPCAT review with me. Even though they were from other schools, they became my family],” she shared.

With its social investment programs such as SIKAT, EDC’s communities of operations are elevated through quality education and socially aware mindset. “Tumatak sa akin ang concept na ‘pay it forward’ na natutunan ko sa mga workshops sa EDC (The concept of paying it forward, something I learned from EDC’s workshops, was ingrained in me],” revealed Saturno.

As such, every year since she first joined SIKAT, she has been organizing an annual Christmas activity in her hometown called The Gift of Joy Project. She and volunteers provide hundreds of children and teenagers with meals, gifts, and an opportunity to

come together as a community.

Saturno also passes on her learnings about the importance of taking care of the environment. From observing proper hygiene to the three Rs of waste management—reduce, reuse, recycle—she does her small part in instilling regenerative discipline to kids in her province.

Today, Saturno is working as a laboratory analyst for the provincial office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), while managing her taho business. She plans to take post-graduate studies in business administration to fulfill her dream of putting up a taho manufacturing plant.

Ultimately, she hopes to uplift the communities that provide her comfort and convenience and the environment she wants to help preserve. Although she has yet to reach her end goal, she is confident that one way or the other, she will.

#AmbagKo: NGO takes to social media to urge young voters to register

Biaan Aeta Integrated School, one of the school beneficiaries of the first BIDA Eskwela, receives their brand new printer and printing materials.

Help a school for less than the price of milk tea

IT ONLY costs P50 to help underprivileged schools in the Philippines affected by the pandemic.

Volunteerpowered nonprofit I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) is calling on everyone to support its fundraising campaign Bigay-Ayuda para sa Eskwela I am M.A.D. is calling on everyone to help support underprivileged schools by donating as little as P50. or BIDA Eskwela started on Aug. 5 and runs until Sept.

Year 2.

The organization aims to raise at 24, in time for the opening of School least P200,000 in 50 days from every Year 2021-2022.

Interested individuals or entities are donor’s P50 donation.

“During these pressing times, our encouraged to donate as little as P50 communities need hope to cope with through the following mobile wallet the challenges brought by the drag- and bank savings accounts: GCash or ging effect of the pandemic,” says PayMaya (Erwin Dela Cruz / 0908-817Sarah Butad, project lead of BIDA Es- 6049), BDO (Mayo Ceazar Mendoza / 003010257672), Metrobank (Mark kwela Year 2.

Collections will be used to send Conrad Ravanzo / 0663725653850), supplemental aid to the 20 initial BPI (Ruth Butad / 0829342561), Landbeneficiaries from Luzon, Visayas, bank (Bigjay C. Lagang / 2986155891), and Mindanao that include schools UnionBank (Vonn Vincent Tanchuan in Pangasinan, La Union, Nueva Ecija, / 109420073791). Donations are also Bataan, Bulacan, Romblon, Rizal, Met- accepted via PayPal (bit.ly/iammadro Manila, Antique, Bukidnon, Agu- paypal).

Go to bit.ly/bidadonate for more insan Del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao City, and Zamboanga formation about the campaign, or to bit.ly/bidatracker to view all donation City.

The digital-centric donation drive receipts and proceeds.

A YOUTH-centered nonprofit harnesses digital platforms to encourage eligible young Filipino voters to register before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines’ #AmbagKo Rehistro. Boto. combines social media trends and pop culture with campaign activities. #AmbagKo’s recently concluded TikTok challenge received dance video and short skit entries that educate and encourage the youth to register. Three groups bagged cash prizes. According to JCI, more contests and activities are lined up for the coming months.

On Facebook, the campaign runs a podcast every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Upcoming podcast topics include choosing the right leader, voting as right and responsibility, and more.

Monthly live talks are also held on #AmbagKo’s Facebook page. These live talks, held once or twice a month, cover relevant topics such as registration and voting processes amid the quarantine.

The program features youth representatives of universities and local and international organizations, as well as industry experts. An upcoming live talk will have Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez as guest.

“The Filipino youth are very dynamic, and engaging them these days calls for greater creativity. This is why we’re harnessing all the platforms available to us and those most used by our youth,” said Fulbert Woo, 2009

JCI Philippines rolls out various voter education programs and activities on social media.

JCI Philippines national president and #AmbagKo project head. #AmbagKo partners with Munimuni, a local indie band known for its makata-pop, for the campaign song “Ambag Ko”.

“More than 200 JCI chapters nationwide are one with JCI Philippines in spreading the word about #AmbagKo Rehistro. Boto. You can find the campaign everywhere – FB, Twitter, IG and TikTok – which means we are where the Filipino youth are. We’re cooking up more contests and raffle, simple ways to engage with our audience bet-

ter,” Woo added.

“We trust in the power of the youth and the Filipino, and that through the upcoming elections we can carve a better future for our country.”

More than 60 million Filipino voters have registered so far, according to Comelec, including 5.7 million new registrants. Unregistered Filipinos include those removed from the voters’ list for transferring from one jurisdiction to another, removed due to double registration, and deactivated for not voting for two consecutive elections.

The nonprofit harnesses digital platforms — weekly podcasts on Facebook (left) and TikTok challenges (right) — to encourage eligible young Filipino voters to register.

AUGUST 29, 2021

Maymay Entrata, Janella Salvador, Tony Labrusca, Jerome Ponce, and Barbie Imperial (inset) banner the second season of digital anthology series ‘Click, Like, Share.’

J

ANELLA Salvador, Tony Labrusca, Barbie Imperial, Jerome Ponce, and Maymay Entrata face the catastrophic consequences of their cruel behavior on social media in the second season of the digital anthology series Click, Like, Share.

The four new episodes will stream starting Sept. 3 on iWantTFC every Friday at 8:00 p.m., two days before they air on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z every Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

In the first episode called “Lurker,” hardworking waitress Beng (Maymay) will suffer

‘CLICK, LIKE, SHARE’ the dangers of oversharing on social media.

After a rich online content creator named Trish (Michelle Vito) embarrasses her at work, Beng seeks revenge by lurking on Trish’s social media accounts in an evil attempt to ruin her life.

In “Altered,” Homer (Tony) is a tech-savvy guy who ruins the reputation of popular personalities for a living. With his expertise in manipulating photos, Homer successfully completes a high-profile job order but gets entangled in a web of lies and conspiracy as his name

gets dragged into the murder of a wealthy businessman.

A friendship is ruined by a dating app in the second episode called “Found.” Here, Jenna (Barbie) helps her transgender best friend Kris (Lance Reblando) score a date with the dashing Vince (Jerome). Jenna, however, also begins to fall in love with Vince, leaving her to choose between her best friend or her newfound romance.

The fourth episode called “Barter” stars Janella as Janice, who became the sole provider of her younger sister after the death of their mother. To make ends meet, Janice resorts to selling defective appliances online, which will lead to the accidental death of a customer and a series of hauntings that will ruin her life forever.

The new episodes of “Click, Like, Share” also star Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, Sherry Lara, Franco Daza, Paolo Gumabao, Kate Alejandrino, Malou Crisologo, and Renz Aguilar.

The series is directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and produced by iWantTFC and ABS-CBN Entertainment in association with Dreamscape Entertainment and Kreativ Den. All episodes of the first season of Click, Like, Share, starring Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, Seth Fedelin, and Andrea Brillantes, are also streaming for free in the Philippines on iWantTFC.

TWICE to perform in Shopee’s 9.9 TV special n By MARIA KATRINA SEGUI

Elija Canlas (2nd from right) and Mile Ocampo (3rd from right) with alternative pop/rock band Over October consists of Josh Buizon (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Josh Lua (lead guitar), Janessa Geronimo (drums), and Joric Canlas (bass).

MILES OCAMPO, ELIJAH CANLAS headline Over October’s new MV OVER October’s new music video, “Sandali Lang,” dropped on Aug. 26, stars young actors Miles Ocampo and Elijah Canlas.

The music video, directed by Carl Chavez, is the band’s first music video in two years.

The new MV highlights the band’s first-ever Tagalog song, marking a milestone for the four-member group. The single was released earlier on streaming platforms by Island Records Philippines.

Over October members Josh Buizon and Josh Lua were responsible for the lyrics of “Sandali Lang.” However, the band says, the song came together in a writing session in La Union.

“We were in a bubble making music and the song just came out,” the band says, “It was an exciting feeling writing in Filipino for the first time”.

The song was arranged by the band and producers Jazz and Peavey Nicolas in the studio, thus making the song “more complete.”

Chavez, the video’s director, met with Over October to work out the concept for the video. After hearing about how the song came to be, he worked out a narrative that the band describes as “awesome.”

“What we like about the video is that it’s really open to interpretation,” the band says, “and it could mean a different thing to each person depending on where [they] are in life.”

E-COMMERCE platform Shopee has announced that K-pop girl group TWICE is headlining its 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special airing live tonight on GMA-7.

“We’re thrilled to have the popular K-pop group TWICE on board as our headline perTWICE is considered one of South Korea’s most successful former at the Shopee 9.9 Super K-Pop acts today, with hits such as ‘Alcohol-Free,’ ‘Feel Shopping Day TV Special,’ and ‘What is Love.’

Special. We’ve prepared a truly action-packed program, so we invite all Filipinos to look forward with joy and excitement as TWICE joins Shopee in celebrating the start of the year-end shopping season,” Shopee Philippines director Martin Yu said in a statement.

While fans are anticipating this exclusive appearance, the ninepiece girl group will perform without its vocalist Jeongyeon as she recently took a hiatus from group activities due to mental health concerns.

Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyong, and Tzuyu debuted as TWICE in 2015 under JYP Entertainment and is one of K-pop’s leading acts with numerous hits under its belt including “What Is Love,” “Fancy,” “Feel Special,” and “Can’t Stop Me.” The group dropped its 10th mini-album Taste of Love in June, which featured the chart-topping summer anthem, “Alcohol-Free.” TWICE also released a teaser video for its first English single, “The Feels,” on Aug. 23.

Apart from TWICE performance, viewers can expect Shopee Brand Ambassador Kris Aquino returns to host Shopee Quiz. The 50-yearold TV personality will engage fans with a thrilling round of the game and millions worth of prizes and other giveaways.

JAMES and NADINE’s

first joint campaign in a long time JUST recently, all-around celebrities James Reid and Nadine Lustre teamed up for the first time in a long while, for the launch of the OPPO Reno6 #EveryEmotionInPortrait campaign.

For the release of the newest smartphone series from OPPO, James and Nadine filmed a digital video featuring their duet song, “Complicated Love.”

Giving fans an exclusive look behind the scenes of the video shoot, OPPO captured the duo’s real and raw emotions in portrait, as they shot scenes of recording their song in the studio, and even jamming together outdoors.

OPPO Reno6 series, the latest gizmo powerhouse launched last Aug. 6 is packed with AI-enabled innovative imaging features that help users easily take high-quality portrait videos and photos, so they can capture every emotion in portrait with their loved ones. The newest camera features, such as Bokeh Flare Portrait, AI Portrait Beautification Video, AI Highlight Video, and AI Palette, help users release their true emotions through photos and videos effortlessly like with the behind-thescenes photos of James and Nadine on their newest music video.

Watch “Complicated Love” here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xhWMBnqx9Xg

James Reid and Nadine Lustre in behindthe-scenes snaps during their latest endorsement shoot.

AUGUST 29, 2021

Healthy basil for dogs B

ASIL adds extra flavor to any dish. This healthy herb will also make any dog food smell and taste good.

Adding this herb to your dog’s food will provide the variety that will spice up a dog’s day, and break the routine for him.

Basil is safe for dogs but it should be given in moderation.

“Basil will make your dog’s dish taste amazing, and it’ll even provide some health benefits because it contains natural antioxidants, which can help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the immune system,” said Teresa Milne in “Is Basil Safe For Dogs?” in the Dog Friendly Scene website.

Ease joint pain Gut protecting Improves mood Protect against infections Great For: Appetite stimulant Arthritis Constipation Diarrhea Intestinal gas

The flower of Basil—white on a green pod and stalk--produces seeds that one can plant. Basil is very good for dogs as it is anti-inflammatory, protects against infection, protects the gut, among others.

anced. “If you follow all the best practices when offering basil, your dog will reap the rewards of this magical herb,” Milne added.

Serving Suggestions

You can give one or two leaves to your dog.

This is enough for him or her to get the benefits of the herb. You can mix basil to the dog’s food or you can it give directly to the dog.

Fresh is always best, though it is slightly more potent than dried basil. But please make sure the dried herb is not mixed with salt and garlic powder as these two ingredients are highly toxic or bad for dogs.

Basil choices

Basil is good for dogs and humans because it has chemicals that are known to kill bacteria and A member of the mint family, basil is a popu- fungi within the gut. “It is known to reduce stomlar plant that commonly grows in Mediterranean ach problem symptoms of the gastrointestinal climates. tract,” Milne said.

Sweet Basil

Nutritional Ingredients: Calcium Cobalamin Iron Magnesium Vitamin B-6 Vitamin C Vitamin D Benefits: Alleviate anxiety Anti-inflammatory

Bea is like Sage. Also a Save ALL rescue, she is not choosy when it comes to food. We think it is because she lived on the streets for many years and had to scavenge for food. To her, it seems any food is food, and good food is a big blessing for her. Now a senior dog a around 11 years old, she enjoys good, clean food at the home.

Risks

Too much of anything poses a risk even if it is a good thing, Milne stressed.

Overeating basil may lead to stomach upset and vomiting. Please make sure to give only small amounts of basil to your dog, Milne said.

Basil is not poisonous or toxic to dogs but when feeding basil to your dog for the first Recommended Amount time, please consult the veterinarian if this can Milne warned against overindulgence be given to your dog, and observe your dog. when it comes to giving basil. “Don’t give Also, make sure your dog’s diet is well-bal- them more than one or two leaves per mealtime unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian,” Milne said.

After giving basil, observe the dog. Do not rely on extra food to provide all the nutrients a dog needs.

“Keep in mind that good quality dog food should always have the nutrients that a dog needs,” Milne said.

“Not all dogs like basil. It’s certainly an acquired taste, and the larger dogs are more inclined to have a nibble, whereas the small dogs are often much fussier in general when trying new foods,” she added.

Other Varieties of Basil

Sage, a rescued dog of Save Animals of Love and light (Save ALL Inc.) from a pound where dogs go hungry and sick, loves veggies and herbs. He is not a picky eater.

The safe basil, and the most common herb variety, is sweet basil. Sweet basil is sold mainly in shops and markets over the other types. There are three other types of basil that dogs can eat: lemon basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai basil. All

One or two leaves is enough for dogs. The two pots at the right side of the photo are basil. The other plant is tomato which is not good for dogs. You can give one leaf to a small dog and two leaves to a big dog twice a week. Always consult your vet before giving new food to your dog.

should be given in moderation.

“Lemon basil can bring extra flavours to your dog’s diet and provide some health benefits to your dog. Cinnamon basil will make your dog’s dish taste amazing, and it’ll even provide some health benefits, “ Milne said.

“Thai basil will make your dog’s dish taste flavoursome, and it’ll even provide some health benefits, such as an anti-inflammatory, easing of joint pain dogs and protection against infections,” Milne added.

Calming tips for cats

YES, when our cat is not happy, we are not happy.

Some cats seem totally immune to stress but there are cats who get easily stressed. As a furparent, it is hard for us to see our cat suffering.

There are various stressors for cats. “Environmental changes, a new diet, the introduction of a new pet, or a visit from the relatives could all cause a flare up of stress. Your cat’s stress can manifest itself in several ways, some of which are not only mentally troubling but physically harmful to your cat,” said Mallory Crusta in “Natural Calming Remedies for Cats – Stress Relief for Cats” in the Wilderness Cat website.

Signs of stress in cats

It is not easy to identify if a behavorial or personality change in a cat is due to stress or a health issue, said Crusta.

Below are signs of stress which are also common symptoms of other issues “…so keep a close eye on

Make sure cats have a space they can call their own.

They love high perches and "single" spaces.

Chien, a Save ALL rescued cat, is given roaming time outside her spacious cage. We call it supervised roaming as someone is always around to make sure she will not eat the plants. your cat in order to rule out any more dangerous ailments. Ask yourself whether these symptoms started along with some change in your cat’s life. The introduction of a new pet, family member, or a change of location will usually coincide with the onset of your cat’s behavioral changes,” said Crusta. Consult your vet always to rule out health issues. § Hiding. If your cat used to be friendly but suddenly hides, your cat may be stressed out. Oftentimes, a stressed out cat wants to be alone all the time. § Inappropriate urination. If your cat relieves himself outside the litterbox, it may be due to stress if the vet has ruled out FLUTD in your cat after having him or her tested. § Decreased appetite. If your cat used to be enthusiastic about food, then suddenly lost interest, he or she may be under a lot of stress. A decreased appetite is common in stressed out cats. But please have your cat checked and make sure illnesses have been ruled out.

It is also important that the vet provides an appetite stimulant during this time if he or she sees that your cat needs it. § Excessive grooming. Your cat licks herself too much out of stress that she loses hair. § Aggression. A cat who is stressed out cat can become aggressive or defensive – or both.

These symptoms may also be due to an illness, and not just stress, Crusta said. Thus it is important to have your cat tested by a vet to rule out an illness.

“Overly taxing situations can lead not only to mental distress but physical distress as well. When stress hits hard, your cat may even lose weight or groom themselves bald. It’s important to manage your cat’s stress levels as much as possible in order to keep them healthy,” Crusta said.

Rescued baby Zachi also needs supervision during roaming time, for the sake of the plants, which she somehow damages because she likes inserting herself in between the pots. But roaming time lessens stress level of cats. Keeping them inside a spacious area, on the other hand, keeps them safe from illnesses which they can get from the streets.

Natural calming remedies for cats

1. Remove or lessen the effect of stressors Identify the stressors. Remove the stressors if you can, or lessen the effect or its presence in the cat’s environment.

2. If your cat is stressed out by a new pet: § Provide high perches. From this point, your cat can watch the new pet at a safe distance. This will give your cat a sense of dominance over the situation, which is soothing for an anxious cat. § Separate the cats and introduce them gradually. “The pets can get introduced through interacting from opposite sides of a closed door. Eventually, they may begin to interact face-to-face, but a gentle introduction can help both parties stay calm,” Crusta said.

3. If your cat is stressed out by a new baby: § Prepare your cat before the arrival of a new baby. “Ideally, you can prepare your cat for the change by introducing them to the sounds, sights, and smells of a new baby before the infant is born,” Crusta said. § “If the baby has already been born and your cat is stressed out, try to maintain some degree of routine and normalcy in your cat’s life. Make sure that daily routines remain the same as they were before the baby came along,” Crusta added.

4. If your cat is stressed out by guests: § Create a space that is calming for your cat so that they can get away from the commotion. “This may be a quiet closet filled with your cat’s favorite bedding or a closed-off room with their litter box and water dish in it,” Crusta said.

5. If your cat is stressed out by a move:

§ Routine will somehow make your cat believe that nothing has changed. “Although the stress of a major move affects everyone in the home, it’s important to maintain the old routine. A well-used bed, regular mealtimes, and some peace and quiet will help your cat to cope with the new changes,” Crusta said.

Use catnip

Catnip is calming for cats. “Catnip creates a calming response when it comes in contact with your cat’s smell receptors,” Crusta said.

“You probably know that catnip often makes cats excitable, but it can also help them to relax. Use a catnip spray, fresh leaves, or dry catnip in your cat’s favorite areas to create a fun and calming environment. Whether your cat is stressed over a car trip or a new family member, catnip can help to soothe them,” Crusta added.

Preventing Stress in Cats

It is impossible to completely remove all stressors.

But by exposing your cat to a varied, stimulating life early on, your cat can deal with change better.

“With an expanded worldview and a stimulating adventurous lifestyle, cats who go for adventures are better prepared to deal with new things: trips in the car, meeting new people, and changes in the environment. Just as a rich life full of varied experiences helps to make people calmer and more ready to deal with new experiences – and new faces, a stimulating lifestyle can help cats handle these potentially stressful situations as well. Reduced stress levels is one of the reasons why we recommend walking your cat outdoors," Crusta said.