Manila Standard - 2021 September 25 - Saturday

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Gov’t bares new Alert 4 rules Allowed: Outdoor exercises, wakes, funerals Disallowed: Contact sports, personal care & home services

By Willie Casas

T

HE Palace on Friday released amended guidelines in the pilot implementation of Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila as the country continued to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque said some of the amendments would take effect starting Oct. 1 should the National Capital Region remain under Alert Level 4.

Under the new guidelines, individuals who are allowed to leave their homes can do outdoor exercises within their general area of residence.

This shall take effect immediately.

Wakes, funerals, inurnment of the remains of a person who died of COVID-19, "regardless of community quarantine [level]," would now be allowed. This will also be implemented immediately.

All contact sports are still not allowed, except those being conducted in “a bubble.”

Personal care establishments and home services are still not allowed.

These include aesthetic and cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, spas, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic services and other similar procedures, Roque said.

This developed as the Department of Next page

SHOES AND SMOKES.

A protester places one of 321 pairs of shoes displayed at the Scout Circle along Tomas Morato in Quezon City on Friday. The art installation symbolizes 321 daily Filipino deaths from tobaccorelated diseases, part of the call for stronger tobacco control policies and raising minimum age of access to cigarettes to 21 years old.

Manny Palmero VOL. XXXV • NO. 222 • 4 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

5 AFP teams, 150 PNP reservists to help in hospitals DOH revising

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

V FOR VACCINE. National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) and Brett Blackshaw, counselor for Political Affairs of the US State Department, flash the Resbakuna sign during the arrival of Pfizer vaccines Thursday night. Around 11 million Pfizer doses have been delivered to the country and more are expected to arrive in October. Avito C. Dalan

Pharmally exec: DOH got tampered supplies

By Macon Ramos-Araneta AN OFFICER of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. on Friday admitted before a Senate hearing that they tampered with the expiration dates of the face shields delivered by the firm to

RANK 1

NAME MARIA INEZ SELLADO BENEDICTO JUDE PHILIP POZON CEBRECUS

2

DICKSON ARAZA LAUDE

3

NIÑO PIMENTEL EMOCLING JUSTINE MAE MANAOIS GERVERO CARL JAY ENAD JAINAR PATRICIA ANN SAYSON FRANCO KIRK LOUIE UMALI AMANDORON JAN CAMILLE LORENZANA OZAETA LEE-ANNE VELASCO SANGLAY RAENALD PASCUAL JULIAN BRYLLE DOMERSON MENDOZA TURALBA

4 5 6 7 8

9 10

the Department of Health.

This emerged as Pharmally bagged more than one-fourth of some P42 in contracts with the Department of Budget Procurement Service (PSDBM) for medical supplies to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.

SCHOOL WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITYLA PAZ CEBU INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ MEDICAL FOUNDATION SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

RATING (%) 87.83 87.83 87.67 87.58

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

87.08

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

87.00

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

86.92

CEBU INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE

86.83

DE LA SALLE MEDICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES INST.

86.33

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

86.33

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

86.25

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

86.17

Lacson cited DBM documents indicating that of 45 suppliers, Pharmally grabbed 26.39 percent of the P42 billion transferred by the Department of Health to the PS-DBM. "Out of 44 other suppliers, Pharmally is No. 1, and you bagged

guidelines on face shields

ANSWERING President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for more health workers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday it will deploy five medical teams to augment the manpower of hospitals in the National Capital Region that are dealing with a surge in COVID-19 cases.

AFP Surgeon General, Col. Fatima Claire Navarro, said Friday two teams will come from the Army, and one each from the AFP Health Services Command, Navy, and Air Force.

"Each team will be composed of one doctor, one nurse, and three airmen," Navarro said in a statement.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) will determine which me be augmented by the AFP’s medical Next page contingent.

THE Department of Health (DOH) is now revising guidelines on the use of face shields, to require their use only indoors, in crowded areas, and places in which people are in close contact with one another.

The announcement by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday comes on the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to scrap the need for face shields in open areas.

The use of face shields has become a highly contentious issue, with critics of the policy noting that the Philippines is the only country that mandates its use.

Vergeire said the new guidelines are based on the 3Cs (closed, crowded, closecontact) framework following expert recommendations.

Next page

Rody threatens use of ‘military might’ to ensure peaceful polls

2,453,328

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte yesterday warned he is ready to “use the might of the military” to ensure a peaceful and violence-free elections Next page next year.

Next page

Grads of Visayan schools top board exams for doctors GRADUATES of Visayan schools have topped the Physician Licensure Examination (Complete and Finals with Prelims) given this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Friday.

Maria Inez Sellado Benedicto of West Visayas State University-La Paz and Jude Philip Pozon Cebrecus of Cebu Institute of Medicine tied on top of the exams with a rating of 87.83 percent.

Dickson Araza Laude of Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation came in second with 87.67 percent, Next page

18,659

178,196

37,405

0*

2,240,599

9,088

(As of 4 PM, SEPTEMBER 24)

DESPITE KBL NOD, BBM OPTIONS OPEN

NEWS / A4

A2

News

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DILG: Voter’s ID not needed for jab T

Palace finds dip in Rody’s rating ‘not alarming’

"It is not and will never be a requirement This came after the DILG received set by the national government nor reports that some LGUs were requiring the DILG,” DILG Undersecretary and the presentation of a voter's ID before spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a people could access government services. statement.

He added that LGUs should not single

out the voter's ID as a specific requirement from citizens to get vaccinated or to access and take advantage of their programs and services intended for the benefit of the people.

In other developments: • The bulk of the latest delivery of 728,910 Pfizer vaccine doses will be allotted for distribution to the NCR, major cities in Luzon and the southern cities of Cebu and Davao, National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said Thursday.

• Private medical cold-chain firm Pharmaserv Express Inc. on Friday assured its facility is ready for the influx

of highly sensitive COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days as it can store millions of doses at any given time.

• The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed the interzonal and intrazonal movement of Solidarity Trial Vaccines Team, Malacañang said Friday.

• Novavax Inc. and its partner Serum Institute of India have applied to the WHO for an emergency use listing of Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, potentially clearing the way for the shot to ship to many poorer countries, the company said on Thursday. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

“We are currently assessing the reasons for this decline and if it reflects a true decline in cases or just affected by the other factors such as ongoing active case finding, contact tracing, and the use of the antigen to complement the RT-PCR testing,” she said.

She also said the NCR’s average daily attack rate remains at high risk at 38.04 cases per 100,000 population, the highest among all of the regions in the country.

Earlier this month, the DOH said daily coronavirus cases in the NCR would likely be between 16,000 and 43,000 unless the national and local governments beef up virus containment measures.

However, Dr. Guido David, of the OCTA Research Group, said the capital region's COVID-19 reproduction number has slid further.

In a tweet, David said NCR's COVID-19 reproduction number went down to 0.97 from the 0.99 reported the previous day.

Reproduction number refers to the number of people that each case can infect.

Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 4, the second highest in the new five-level alert system being pilot-tested by the government amid the pandemic.

Based on the new guidelines, areas under Alert Level 4 are those with COVID-19 case counts that are high or increasing while total beds and ICU beds are at high utilization rate.

Under this alert level, outdoor or al fresco dining will be allowed at maximum of 30 percent venue or seating capacity regardless of vaccination status of customers.

Indoor dine-in services may be allowed

at a limited 10 percent venue/seating capacity but will cater only to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

There are also restrictions on personal care services, religious gatherings, and attendance at wakes and burials, among others. Curfew is also shorter at 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

In other developments, the DOH is investigating a reported drop in COVID-19 testing before it could say that the pandemic situation in the NCR has eased, the agency said.

The DOH data showed that nationwide testing declined to 539,229 this week from last week's 569,213.

Testing in the NCR dropped to 258,047 this week, from last week's 287,548.

As of September 23, Metro Manila is the region with the greatest number of new COVID-19 patients with 4,505 cases.

About a quarter of NCR's cases, or 1,243 patients, are in Quezon City, Metro Manila's largest city.

Recent weeks have seen a continued rise in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Meanwhile, the number of those who tested positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen tests would now be included in the Philippines' case total, Malacañang said on Friday, as the country continued to battle a spike in infections most likely driven by the Delta variant.

In a public briefing, Roque said the decision was approved by the InterAgency Task Force on COVID-19 to see the bigger picture on the country's pandemic situation.

Roque emphasized that local health authorities, which include the regional

IATF and the Department of Health's Center for Health Development, would monitor the allocation and the use of antigen kits.

They must ensure that the antigen line tests are consolidated by health facilities, localities, as well as temporary treatment and monitoring facilities.

Roque said the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Metro Manila has been instructed to facilitate the registration of facilities using rapid antigen kits.

The DOH-CHD in the country’s metropolis has also been told to ensure that antigen line list will be collected and consolidated from health facilities, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, and their own local government units for submission to the agency.

Roque said the augmentation of disease surveillance staff and encoders have been considered to ensure that line lists are generated and submitted on a daily basis.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Roque said the new policy on the utilization of rapid antigen kits would allow the government to get a “better picture” of total COVID-19 cases recorded nationwide.

Roque, nevertheless, said individuals who received a positive result after taking an antigen test will still have to undergo a confirmatory test.

But DOH maintained its stance against the use of rapid antigen tests as a confirmatory test for COVID-19, saying this should not be used in settings with low prevalence of the disease of the population with no known exposure.

“due to technical issues,” the Health department said.

“The Department of Information and Communications Technology is currently addressing [these] issues encountered by the system,” the DOH said in its case bulletin.

The COVID-19 death toll since the start of the pandemic is 37,405.

On Wednesday, National Task Force testing czar Vince Dizon pleaded with Duterte to back up health workers who themselves have fallen sick and died to the coronavirus onslaught.

The President thus called on the medical personnel of the police and the military to help hospitals that are struggling with the influx of COVID-19 patients.

“We will be visiting hospitals because we have received a very worrisome report that many of our hospitals, including the private hospitals that are among the biggest and the best, are closing down COVID wards because of the lack of health care workers,” Dizon told Duterte during a pre-recorded Talk to the People.

“This is, I think, our biggest challenge now, Mr. President. We have to understand as the numbers show, we are not out of the woods because of the Delta variant.

Even if there seems to be a decline–a slight decline in cases–these cases are

still very high. And our hospitals are still overburdened.”

“The most worrisome problem is the health care workers getting sick, Mr. President, and we really need to augment and help them and really assist our hospitals as much as we can,” Dizon added.

The deployment, which is similar to the AFP’s past missions in Cebu and Davao in 2020, is over and above its current distribution of medical frontliners in mega-swabbing and quarantine facilities in Metro Manila, Navarro added.

The AFP said it is expediting the processing of appointments for newlyrecruited military doctors and nurses to beef up its medical corps.

In June, the government increased the cap for the number of health workers that can be deployed abroad from 5,000 to 6,500.

Health care workers under government-to-government labor agreements, however, are exempted from the adjusted ceiling.

Meanwhile, the DOH reported 9,088 persons who recently recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total recoveries to 2,240,599.

Based on reports on Sept. 22, the Philippines was able to test 76,624 individuals, 24.2 percent of whom tested

positive.

There were 175,324 active cases, of which 88.1 percent were mild, 6.9 percent of which were asymptomatic, 0.7 percent of which were critical, 1.5 percent of which were severe, and 2.84 percent of which were moderate.

Nationwide, 77 percent of the ICU beds, 65 percent of the isolation beds, 70 percent of the ward beds, and 55 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

In Metro Manila, 76 percent of the ICU beds, 57 percent of the isolation beds, 68 percent of the ward beds, and 60 percent of the ventilators, were in use.

In other developments: • The DOH said it has finished a series of online consultative meetings with some 6,000 health care workers to discuss multiple layers of protection. Various experts from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), Technical Advisory Group (TAG), and the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) also attended the meetings, and said as yet, there is insufficient and inconclusive evidence to support the administration of vaccine booster shots.

• Senator Christopher Go welcomed the President’s call for AFP and PNP medical personnel to help Metro Manila hospitals deal with a surge of COVID-19 cases.

times, as they still might need them to enter certain areas.

“It's better to still bring a face shield.

Although we don't have to wear it all the time if we go outdoors,” said Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.

On Thursday, the Palace announced that the quarantine classification in Abra, Baguio City, and Bohol has been upgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions, while the quarantine level in Ilocos Norte has been downgraded to regular GCQ. The new quarantine status in Abra, Baguio City, Bohol, and IlocosNorte will take effect on Sept. 24, Roque said.

Abra and Baguio City were initially placed under the regular GCQ, while Bohol was supposed to be under the more relaxed modified GCQ (MGCQ).

Ilocos Norte, on the other hand, was originally under MGCQ. Roque said tourist attractions may also operate at 30 percent venue capacity, subject to “strict” adherence to minimum public health standards.

“Business establishments with Safety Seal Certifications shall be allowed to operate at an additional 10 percent points beyond the prescribed on-site capacity or venue/seating capacity, whichever is applicable,” he said.

He said specialized markets of the Department of Tourism (DOT), including staycations without age restrictions, will be allowed “at such capacities, protocols and restrictions, as may be imposed by the DOT.” Willie Casas

Pharmally...

Mohit Dargani,” she told the committee.

Dargani, for his part, denied the allegation.

"Mago is used to receiving instructions from me, but in this case, it was not the case," he said.

Asked by Senator Francis Pangilinan if she thinks they were swindling the government, Mago said, "I believe so, Mr. Chairman."

"Because of these substandard items, our nurses and doctors who tested positive may have died in the absence of medicalgrade face shields,” Pangilinan said.

He also requested security for Mago should she be willing to cooperate.

"You already admitted it, so you will be held liable for that. But if you tell the whole truth, then we should be able to provide you the necessary security to protect you,” he added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

followed by Niño Pimentel Emocling of Saint Louis University with 87.58 percent (see table for top 10).

The PRC said 1,084 out of 1,546 examinees passed the doctors' license exams, while results of six examinees were withheld, the PRC said.

The Cebu Institute of Medicine is the top performing school with a passing rate of 98.68 percent, as only one examinee from the school's 76 takers flunked the test.

In second was Xavier University with a 91.55 percent passing rate (65 of 71), followed by Saint Louis University (106 of 111, 90.6%), West Visayas State University-La Paz (72 of 80, 90%), Davao Medical School Foundation (126 of 141, 89.36%) and Cebu Doctors University (63 of 71, 88.73%).

The physician board exam was conducted by the Board of Medicine in Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban and Zamboanga.

to it that the election is free [from any violence].

The military is the guardian of our country and I could call them anytime to see to it that people are protected and elections are freely and orderly exercised,” the commander-in-chief added.

On Friday, the Commission on Elections said Friday it would weigh the pros and cons next week of extending voter registration beyond the Sept.

30 deadline in the wake of public and congressional pressure.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez

said top poll officials would meet next week and present their recommendations to the en banc meeting on Wednesday.

"By considering voter registration at this late date, the Comelec is effectively playing with fire. But this is a challenge we're willing to take in the service of the Filipino electorate," Jimenez said in the press conference.

The Comelec had earlier turned down appeals to extend voter registration until Oct. 31, saying that doing so would derail crucial election preparations. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday reminded local government units (LGUs) that a voter’s identification card was neither a requirement to avail oneself of essential services, like medical services and financial assistance, nor was it needed to register for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program.

Gov't...

From A1

Health (DOH) said Friday active cases in Metro Manila could reach 58,117 by September 30, before dropping to 54,780

by October 15 and 46,563 by October 31.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, in an online briefing, said the peak in terms of active cases might take place on October 1, at 58,124.

The DOH also projected there could be 6,085 new cases in the National Capital Region by September 30, with the peak possibly this Friday, September 24, at 6,176 cases.

The DOH said daily COVID-19 cases could hit 4,450 by October 31.

Metro Manila reported 4,505 new infections on Thursday, bringing the total number of active cases to 41,609, according to DOH data.

“These projections are not set in stone primarily because these are also based on the assumptions and the changes in our actual case trend,” Vergeire said.

“We remain cautious in interpreting our numbers. While we are seeing signs of decline in cases, it is important to keep in mind that our trend is also affected by factors such as our testing output and the detection activities such as active case finding and testing,” said Vergeire.

Vergeire said the number of tests done in Metro Manila as of September 21 declined from 287,548 the previous week to 258,047 recently, reflecting a 10.3 percent decrease.

This translated to a lower number of positive individuals, from 66,654 to 50,194.

5...

From A1

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, meanwhile, committed the PNP’s Medical Reserve Force (MRF) of about 150 members to help out in Metro Manila hospitals.

Eleazar said they will also do an accounting of PNP personnel with a medical background to augment the MRF. This is as the Philippines has a shortage of 92,000 physicians and 44,000 nurses, a Department of Health (DOH) official told a congressional hearing late Thursday into the annual deployment cap on health care workers.

At a hearing of the House committee on overseas workers, Health Assistant Secretary Kenneth Ronquillo also said there was a shortage of 19,000 medical technologists, 14,000 pharmacists and 17,000 radiologic technicians and technologists.

The figures, he said, were provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and were the bases for the deployment caps.

The Philippines logged 18,659 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 2,453,328 -- but no deaths were reported yesterday

DOH...

From A1

“These are indoor activities, especially in settings where there is crowding or exposure risk or promotes close contact based on the nature of work, such as with establishments and in transportation,” Vergeire said.

Another recommendation of the DOH is to use face shields in indoor and outdoor dining (except when eating) and indoor and outdoor gatherings or crowded settings.

Other indoor and outdoor activities which promote close contact, like personal care services, would also require the use of a face shield.

"It is highly recommended to use [face shields] in settings not otherwise stated, especially in alert levels 3, 4 and 5,” Vergeire said.

Seven other agencies would need to concur after they complete revisions to the memorandum covering face shields, Vergeire added.

The President, in a public address, said he approved the recommendation of government advisers to limit the use of face shields to areas falling under the crowded, closed, and close contact (3C) category.

“In those three areas, a face shield is still a must. That's the recommendation.

Outside the three limitations, it's allowed not to use one,” Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Health officials advised the public to still bring face shields with them at all

From A1

26.39 percent of the P42 billion transferred by DOH to the PSDBM even with a P625,000 initial capitalization," Lacson told Pharmally Director Linconn Ong at the Senate hearing on the matter.

"We’d like to find out from PS-DBM. Is this the culture in PS-DBM to award the bulk of contracts to Pharmally? Is this unusual or is this very special?" he asked.

During the continuation of the blue ribbon committee hearing, Krizle Grace Mago said it was the instruction given to her by Pharmally corporate treasurer and secretary Mohit Dargani.

“The instructions came from our management, sir. I received instructions from the PPC management, particularly

Rody...

From A1

“Nobody wants trouble. Nobody wants cheating. So, I am begging you.

I’m pleading, almost praying, that people will really stick to the rule of law and avoid violence,” the President said during yesterday’s inauguration of the new Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in town.

“Either that we have an election that is free or I will use the military to see

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte still has a “very good” satisfaction score, even after it dropped this year, Malacañang said on Friday.

This after the three results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys amid the COVID-19 pandemic showed an apparent decline in Duterte’s satisfaction rating.

“That is not really alarming, and it is still very good by any standard,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during the Laging Handa briefing.

Results of the SWS poll found that Duterte earned an “excellent” +79 net satisfaction score in November 2020, after 84 percent expressed satisfaction with his performance, while only 6 percent were dissatisfied, and the remaining 9 percent were undecided.

Duterte’s net satisfaction rating in November last year was his highest since 2016.

However, it dropped by 14 points to “very good” +65 in May 2021, with 75 percent satisfied, 10 percent dissatisfied, and 15 percent undecided.

His net satisfaction score further declined to “very good” +62 in June 2021.

In June this year, around 75 percent expressed satisfaction with Duterte’s performance, 13 percent said otherwise, and 12 percent were ambivalent on the matter. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

LP Cavite solon pledges support to Sara Duterte

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER who is a member of the Liberal Party on Friday threw his support behind the possible presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

"For the Duterte family, there is no opposition. If you are in need, they will be there. That is my reason for backing the candidacy of Mayor Sara for President in 2022,” Cavite First District Rep. Francis Gerald Aguinaldo Abaya told reporters.

Abaya stressed that his decision is entirely his own, and does not reflect the views of other Liberal Party members in Cavite. “We all have our own minds in the Liberal Party,” he explained. “This is my own.”

Abaya revealed that the assistance in terms of projects from the President, and even from the Davao City mayor, have been “continuous and heavy”, be it “ayuda (cash aid)”, medical help, burial assistance from the DWSD, and others.

“I do not know the President, nor do I know the Mayor from Davao City, and I am from the opposition,” he pointed out. “Still the assistance keeps on coming. There is just no way I can ignore the kindness and support of the President and his daughter, especially now when my constituents in the 1st district continue to suffer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.” (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Grads...

From A1

News Lawton-BGC viaduct to open Oct. 1—DPWH

By Vito Barcelo TRAVEL time between Lawton Avenue in Makati and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, which usually takes 30 minutes, will be cut to 12 minutes with the completion of the P1.79-billion BGC-Ortigas Center Road Link Project, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the two-way, one-lane viaduct project from Lawton Avenue in Makati City going directly to Bonifacio Global City’s (BGC) 8th Avenue in Taguig will be accessible to the motoring public beginning October 1, 2021.

“We’re excited that the Lawton Avenue to Global City viaduct section of the BGC-Ortigas Center Road Link Project will potentially be delivered to completion this September 30,” Villar said.

“Only few more days, we are closer to our goal of cutting travel time between Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas Center to only 12 minutes,” he said.

According to DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain, the project is almost completed by the joint venture contractor Persan Construction Inc. and Sino Road and Bridge Group Co. Ltd. With the substantial completion of the median barrier, asphalt overlay of the viaduct ramp is anticipated by this weekend, to be followed by the pavement marking and light post installation, Sadain said.

The 565-meter Lawton–NGC Viaduct is an important connection of the already accessible Kalayaan Bridge, formerly known as the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge linking Pasig City and Makati City across Pasig River.

C. Luzon named PNP best police regional office

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

SMC, gov’t break ground on PAREX I

T’S all systems go for the muchanticipated Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), touted to be the country’s first green, hybrid expressway, as proponent San Miguel Corporation (SMC), together with the government broke ground Friday for the 19.37-kilometer project.

FISHING PROTEST.

Members of PAMALAKAYA and climate activists march toward the Baywalk in Manila Bay on Friday to protest the government dismantling fishing structures, which included oyster and mussel farms in Bacoor, Noveleta and Kawit, Cavite.

Norman Cruz

SMC president Ramon S. Ang, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Public Works Undersecretary for Planning and PPP Service Maria Catalina Cabral led groundbreaking rites held yesterday along the Pasig River in Pandacan, Manila.

The project, a P95-billion investment by SMC, will be a six-lane elevated expressway that will run along the banks of the river, from Radial Road 10 in Manila to C-6 Road or the South East Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) in Taguig.

Once operational, PAREX will link the eastern and western cities of Metro Manila and will connect to the Skyway system -- realizing the vision of an integrated elevated road network that will link the north, south, east, and west corridors of the capital.

“I believe this project is bound to be one of the most impactful projects during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte, in terms of integrating the social, economic, and environmental needs of our people. I’m very proud that we have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide an inclusive, future-ready solution to traffic, and at the same, restore the Pasig River back to its old glory,” said Ang or “RSA”.

“We thank government and especially the Build Build Build team, for allowing us to deliver another gamechanging infrastructure, to help ease traffic, boost our economy, and improve the lives of so many Filipinos in Metro Manila,” he added.

Tugade said that after working with SMC and RSA on a number of projects already, he is sure that the PAREX will not only benefit the public, but also the environment.

MAP backs quarantine cut for travelers to 5 days THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said Friday it supports the call to reduce the quarantine period for fully vaccinated overseas travelers from ten days to five days.

“We note with interest the easing of international travel restrictions in many countries, from reduction of quarantine periods to no quarantine at all, as in the United States, for the fully vaccinated,” said MAP President Aurelio Montinola III. “We therefore support a similar move to

assist balikbayan visitors and international tourists by reducing arriving international passenger quarantine period to 5 days.”

In a meeting among the airlines, the Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19, a proposal was made for a new protocol on international flights where passengers will be tested 72 hours before the flight, undergo quarantine upon arrival, and take an RT-PCR test on the third day.

Passengers who test negative will be

allowed to go home after the fifth day and complete their quarantine at home.

Commenting on the presentation, Montinola noted: “The data presented showed that international arrivals have not contributed significantly to infection rate surges. Average positivity rate was below 0.5% in the last quarter.”

The presentation further showed that positivity rate among unvaccinated arriving passengers was more than three times that of vaccinated arrivals.

By Jess Malabanan CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Police Regional Police Office 3 stationed at Camp Prospero Olivas here emerged as winner in the search for the Outstanding Regional Police Office 2019-2020, besting 16 other regions nationwide.

This was after more than two decades of hard work in terms of operational and administrative aspects, the PRO3 said in a statement.

“Our efforts and hard work in keeping Central Luzon one of the most peaceful places in the country has paid off. Higher headquarters recognizes the good job of our men and women in the region,” said BGen. Valeriano de Leon, director of PRO3.

De Leon received the streamer award and plaque of recognition from PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar during a ceremony at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, coinciding with the 120th police service anniversary.

“This is a morale boosting recognition and we humbly attribute this to the officers and men in the field and to our civilian employees who have unselfishly contributed to making PRO3 the best regional office,” De Leon said.

He also thanked his predecessor, Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, for giving the best for PRO3.

SINGAPORE DONATION.

Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano (second from right) receives medical grade face masks donated by Singapore-based Temasek Foundation in partnership with the Filinvest Group at the Taguig satellite office in SM Aura Tower at Bonifacio Global City.

Also in photo are (from left) Taguig Councilor Jorge Bocobo, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei, and Filinvest Land Inc. Francis Gotianun.

Manny Palmero

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‘STOP NCAP’. Leaders and members of various transport and cause-oriented groups hold up signs in a press conference on Friday at the University Hotel of the UP Diliman in Quezon City as they launched the STOP NCAP COALITION, calling for the immediate halt and review of the current No Contact Apprehension Policies (NCAP) in the cities of Manila, Parañaque, Valenzuela, and Quezon City. Manny Palmero

First nonstop US-PH shipping service launched

By Rey E. Requejo THE United States and Philippines have partnered with Royal Cargo and Iris Logistics to launch the country’s first nonstop shipping service between the two countries in decades.

The US Agency for International Development, through its Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND) project, supported the Export Development Council (EDC) and University of the Philippines Public Administration Foundation.

They collaborated with Royal Cargo and Iris Logistics for the inauguration of the first nonstop Philippine shipping service between the Philippines and the US. USAID Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan joined Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Royal Cargo Chairman Michael Kurt Raeuber, and government and private sector partners for the MV Iris Paoay’s maiden voyage ceremony on September 20.

“USAID is proud to be part of this momentous occasion, an excellent way to mark our 60th year here in the Philippines, and at the same time, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our two countries,” Callahan said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila.

Chinese medical supplier facing estafa raps still at large after 1 year TWO Chinese owners of a medical supply company facing charges for estafa continue to elude arrest, a year after the complaint against them was filed.

Philippine Veterans Bank filed in 2019 estafa charges against Jimmy M. Hao and Jamie Sheila S. Hao, President and Vice President, respectively, of MEIHAO Corporation based in Biñan, Laguna, which supplies medi-

cal equipment to various hospitals and medical institutions.

They were charged in violation of Article 315 par. 1 (b) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Presidential Decree No. 115 or the Trust Receipts Law. In the complaint filed with the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati, the corporation applied for and was granted by the bank a total credit facility limit

of P110 million. The complaint said that on various occasions, the accused utilized the facility and executed trust receipts in favor of the bank.

It stated that beginning March 22, 2019, Meihao started to default in its obligation to turn over the proceeds of the sale of the goods, subject of the trust receipts, to the bank.

Due to this, the bank was prompted

to call on the obligations of Meihao and accused under the trust receipts by demanding that the company and the accused pay the outstanding obligation under the subject trust receipts amounting to P122.9 million inclusive of interests and penalties as of July 20, 2019, or to account for and turn over to the bank in full the goods covered by the trust receipts.

Sabili ‘wins’ Lipa election protest

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE camp of former Lipa City mayoral candidate Bernadette Sabili described as a “victory” the Commission on Elections’ decision finding irregularities in the signatures of more than 15,000 voters during the May 2019 mayoral race there.

In a recent decision, the Comelec allowed the electoral protest of Sabili to proceed to the remaining 196 clustered precincts that are subject of the protest.

But last Thursday, Sabili’s counsel George Garcia filed a motion to withdraw, asking the Comelec 2nd Division to stop the review of the re-

maining protested precincts, stressing the findings on the 49 pilot precincts where the Comelec established there were irregularities.

“The protestant humbly submits that the continuation of the revision and technical examination proceedings for the remaining 196 protested cluster precincts is no longer necessary considering that the legitimate and true winner for the position of mayor in the city of Lipa during the 2019 elections can now be ascertained; and such continuation will only waste the valuable time and energy of the honorable commission,” Sabili’s motion stated.

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Isko, if elected, won’t block ICC drug war probe

ALTERNATIVE TO LPG.

Mario and Analyn Abo of Brgy.

San Dionisio in Dasmariñas, Cavite repack sacks of charcoal into small plastic bags before delivering them to retailers on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Some households still use charcoal for cooking as an alternative to the more expensive liquefied petroleum gas. Oil firms hiked LPG prices by at least P0.65 per kilo this month, or a P7.15 increase per 11-kilo tank. Gil Calinga

Senators cross party lines for correct private schools’ tax PRIVATE school associations have lauded members of the Senate for crossing party lines to pass a bill on second reading that will prevent the collapse of proprietary educational institutions in the face of a massive increase in tax rates amid the pandemic.

“We express our profound gratitude to the Senate for swiftly and favorably acting on Senate Bill 2407 entitled ‘An Act Clarifying the Income Taxation of Proprietary Educational Institutions,’” the associations said in a joint statement.

The proposed amendment will make private schools qualified for a concessionary tax rate of 1 percent under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE Act), instead of the 150-percent increase imposed by a recent regulation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Signatories in the statement include the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), which represents over 2,500 private educational institutions with over 300,000 school personnel; Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN); Association of Private, State Colleges, and Universities in Region XI (APSCUR XI); Bicol Association of Private Colleges and Universities (BAPCU); and CESAFI Association of Cebu Private Schools.

Senate Bill 2407 seeks to amend Section 27(B) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 to rectify with finality the flawed interpretation of a provision under the CREATE Act which led to the imposition of a 150-percent increase in taxes on private schools.

Immigration nabs Sokor, US fugitives

By Vito Barcelo A SOUTH Korean fugitive who earned a whopping $17.7 million from a prostitution racket and an American fugitive were arrested in separate operations in Taguig City and Bohol, respectively.

The South Korean, identified as Park Seonghyeokon, is wanted for cyber prostitution and was arrested at his condominium residence in Taguig City.

South Korean authorities who sought the Bureau of Immigration’s help in locating the fugitive said Park is subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Daejeon district court.

His passport has been reportedly revoked, and a red notice was likewise issued against him by Interpol.

Park was charged for violating his country’s law that penalizes a person who arranges commercial sex acts.

In June 2014, Park and his accomplices allegedly created a website that advertised the pictures and profiles of sex workers, including the price that customers would pay in exchange for sexual services.

The suspects allegedly catered to advertisements of more than two thousand brothels.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Marcos: Options open amid KBL nomination

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

F

ORMER Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he has yet to make a decision as to which national post he will seek in next year’s elections following his nomination by the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) as its standard beare.

Marcos thanked the KBL, the political party created by his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, for the nomination, but said he is still undecided whether to run for president in the 2022 polls.

“I am overwhelmed by the expressions of support and the endorsement you have given me today,” he said in a taped speech that was aired during KBP’s national convention yesterday.

“I thank them [KBL] for that expression of support and trust they have bestowed...I don’t know that you can interpret it as an acceptance,” he said in a separate online forum after the KBL event.

Marcos has been a member of the Nacionalists Party since 2019.

He said he is still seeking alliances for the polls and talking to “everybody who is in the mix,” including the

rival PDP-Laban factions headed by President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

“There had been many, many informal talks because on both sides.

They are all my friends. We have been talking for a long time. It’s something that’s just ongoing,” he said.

“The final decision on how to do it – it will be out soon. Plans are slowly being built because a national candidacy is a different kind of candidacy,” he said. “We are very, very, very close to announcing.”

Aside from KBL, the Labor Party of the Philippines, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and Kapisanan ng Pamilyang Pilipino have also urged Marcos to run for president.

JABS FOR BPO EMPLOYEES.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gringo Honasan and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora observe the inoculation of a BPO employee during the launch of the vaccination program for the Information Technology – Business Process Management (ITBPM) sector. Some 1,500 employees from the said industry will be inoculated against COVID-19.

Manny Palmero

IF ELECTED president, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed not to cover up or protect incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte from the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on alleged crimes against humanity.

“I will not prevent anything. Rule of law will be observed under my watch.

Why not, if there is nothing to hide?” said Domagoso, Aksyon Demokratiko’s standard bearer in next year’s elections.

Domagoso said he will allow the ICC prosecutors in the Philippines to conduct their own investigation.

“Anyway they’re just investigating. It doesn’t mean you’re guilty or not,” he said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart.

According to the Manila mayor, he would not prevent the proceedings from moving forward.

“For the sake of conversation, even with their findings, you still have to be prosecuted and it doesn’t mean you’re guilty – there’s nothing to lose,” he said.

“If we can gain some level of respect from our neighboring countries and they will see that we are certain about our rules, then why not?”

He said his job would then be to “protect every citizen of this country,” but that would not mean he would shield anyone from international scrutiny.

DOJ panel to take over Ongpin case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice will take over the preliminary investigation of the illegal drugs case filed against Julian Roberto Ongpin,son of billionaire businessman Roberto Ongpin, who is also considered as a person of interest in the Sept. 18 death of artist Breana “Bree” Jonson in La Union.

The transfer of the preliminary investigation from the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor (OPP) of La Union to the OSJPS (Office of the Secretary of the Justice Prosecution Staff) was contained in Department Order No. 229 that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra issued yesterday.

Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar said the order “designated a panel of two prosecutors from the OSJPS to conduct the preliminary investigation of the complaint and to file the corresponding information/s (criminal charge sheets) in court if warranted by the evidence.”

“For this purpose, OPP La Union was directed to immediately transfer the entire records of the case to the OSJPS,” Villar said in a text message.

PH may ask US to extradite ex-embassy exec in child abuse case THE Department of Justice is assessing whether it will request for extradition or just assist its counterparts in pursuing a case against a former American embassy official who allegedly sexually abused a minor.

Dean Edward Cheves, who served at the US Embassy in Manila between September 2020 and February 2021, was

indicted by a federal grand jury at the Eastern District of Virginia on Aug. 3 for sexual relations with a 16-year-old Filipino girl, whom he allegedly met online.

“We are still considering two options at the moment: First, his extradition which is still being studied by the DOJ together with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and second,

providing assistance to the US under the PH-US Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Criminal Matters in connection with the criminal cases filed against Cheves in the US,” DOJ Undersecretary and spokesperson Emmeline Villar said in a statement.

The options are not mutually exclusive and can be pursued at the same

time, Villar added.

The MLAT aids government prosecutors in gathering evidence located overseas even during the investigatory stage.

The Pasay Regional Trial Court signed the warrant for the 61-year-old Cheves’ arrest on Aug. 23 for violation of Republic Acts 7610 (child abuse law) and 9775 (anti-child pornography law).

10 more temporary passport centers to reduce backlog—DFA

WAITING FOR CUSTOMERS. A man paddles his mini-boat in Boracay while waiting for customers. The lockdown in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces due to the pandemic has led to a sharp drop in tourist arrivals, including in the popular resort island.

Robert Gines

THE Department of Foreign Affairs is set to open 10 more temporary offsite passport services (TOPS) centers across the country before the end of the year.

“We’re thinking of opening three in the National Capital Region – one in Manila, one in Novaliches and one in Fairview. What we want for the next few TOPS to be opened is that they are located outside NCR to give other applicants the chance to renew their passports nearby,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Senen Mangalile said.

Apart from the three Metro Manila sites, TOPS venues will also open soon in Cebu, Davao City, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Lipa in Batangas, and San Pedro in Laguna.

“So we expect to see about 17 operat-

ing before the end of the year and hopefully the Congress could provide us the budget to continue this program,” Mangalile said.

A maximum of 500 slots per TOPS site will be allocated, translating to at least 5,000 applications daily.

Mangalile admitted that all slots in consular offices and the seven existing TOPS sites have already been filled.

“It’s not true that there are no longer appointment slots for 2022. We just have not opened up the slots for October, November, and December,” he said.

He said the slots would be opened in a staggered manner while the DFA fixes its system to prevent so-called “professional appointment setters” from locking and hogging the slots.

Opinion Extend registration period for 11 million voters fairness, they need to do many things such as printing of ballots; proper allocation of official ballots, election returns, and other election forms and paraphernalia; computerized voters’ list finalization; and preparation, bidding, printing, and distribution of Voter’s Information Sheet. Some say that automated elections need two years of preparation A CLOSE friend of mine has been planning unlike the manual process that only needed to renew his voter’s registration. However, around three months lead time. because of his work as a healthcare frontliner However, the present law is not on COMEhandling COVID-19 cases, he has not been LEC’s side on this issue. As Rep. Edcel Lagable to do it. Unfortunately, he himself even- man pointed out, Republic Act (R.A.) 8189 tually caught the virus and has just recently passed in 1996 provides for continuing regisrecovered. tration of voters the deadline of which is 120 If the period for voter’s registration will days before the election day. Thus, for the not be extended, the last day to register to May 9, 2022 elections, the actual deadline for be able to vote for the May 9, 2022 elections voter’s registration should actually be Januis on September 30, or in less than a week’s ary 9, 2022. This particular law was passed time. My friend might not be able to register when the elections here were done manually at all. and has not been upThe COVID-19 dated since the shift pandemic has very to computerized elecThe poll body seriously affected tions. Moreover, R.A. all of us since 2020.

8189’s provisions will rise to the Because of this, the were upheld by the challenge.

Commission on ElecSupreme Court itself tions (COMELEC) in its December 2009 has suspended voter ruling in the case of registration for six to Kabataan Party List eight months in different parts of the country vs. COMELEC. because of COVID-19. In 2020, registration Senators, in approving the bill on one-month was suspended for almost six months na- voter registration extension, said that they think tionwide. This year, because of the various that this will not cause undue delay in the poll quarantine restrictions, some areas have lost body’s preparations for the 2022 elections. This around 50 days of registration time. thinking is shared by the House Committee that Beyond the suspensions, people in gener- approved its version of the bill. al have been consciously limiting their trips The country’s capacity to deal with and outside. It is understandable if a lot of poten- eventually recover from this pandemic detial voters have been waiting for things to get pends on the results of the 2022 elections. better before doing that trip to COMELEC Our very lives are at stake here. We have offices or other registration venues. huge problems in almost all aspects of our There are currently 62 million registered society – political, social justice, basic servoters. However, the Philippine Statistics vices, and economy to mention some. Our Authority (PSA) has projected as many as country needs a government that will protect a 73-million voting population for the 2022 and defend our sovereignty and territory. Our general elections. Thus, there may still be 11 people need a government that will look afmillion unregistered voters out there wanting ter their welfare, respect their human rights, to register, including my friend. facilitate political participation, and help emCertainly, we do not want 11 million voters power them to develop their potential as proto be disenfranchised. Because the deadline ductive citizens. We need a government that is very near, we hear of stories of people brav- will work for and with the people. ing very long lines for many hours to register This is not an easy task. In fact, this is a so they can exercise their right to vote. huge ask.

Congress is rushing to pass a bill that will Thus, we need our people to decide on our extend the registration period for one month. future. If the long lines for voters’ registraIf this becomes a law, the new deadline will tion is any indication, our people are ready be October 31 from the current September to make that crucial decision. The period of 30. The Senate has approved the bill on Sec- registration needs to be extended by at least ond Reading and there are reports saying that a month. COMELEC may have difficulties it is expected to approve it on Third and Final regarding its preparations but we know that Reading on September 27. Meanwhile, the the poll body will rise to the challenge.

House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral We cannot disenfranchise eleven million Reforms has just approved its version of the Filipinos. They deserve a say in the kind of bill. Hopefully, the HOR will move fast in ex- administration that will steer the country in pediting its passage. the next six crucial years. Eleven million is a The COMELEC for its part has agreed for huge number that can spell a major difference an extension but only for one week, or until in the kind of future we will have.

October 8. The poll body cited the long time needed for, and complex process in relation @bethangsioco on Twitter with preparations needed for the elections. In Eizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Eastern Visayas, the last frontier Everyman

By Ernesto G. Banawis EASTERN Visayas, constituting the islands of Samar, Leyte and Biliran, is now the country’s last frontier.

With its vast, mostly untapped, natural resources and strategic location, being on the eastern side of the center of the archipelago, the region will be the most attractive investment destination in the second quarter of this century.

Long neglected by the national government and battered by the strongest and most devastating supertyphoon Yolanda, the entire region is now a beehive of economic enterprises driven by the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Samareños and Leyteños.

The concreting and widening of roads and bridges and the construction of other vital infrastructure facilities will provide strong underpinnings for the region’s economic growth and progress.

Long neglected by the national government, the entire region is still teeming with verdant and pristine natural resources. Several long and white beaches adorn the shores fronting the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea. Waterfalls, caves and natural springs abound.

The vast waters of the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of the big islands Samar and Leyte, the San Bernardino strait and the gulfs, bays and seas surrounding the three islands are rich fishing grounds. Precious minerals, including uranium, are likewise in abundance in the whole region.

With the most important underpinnings for economic development already in place, the rapid growth and development of the region is now evident.

Most of the fundamental underpinnings for economic development are now in place. The main highways and circumferential roads of

the three islands have been concreted, making trade and commerce within and with the rest of the country more easy and comfortable.

The entire region is teeming with stillverdant natural resources. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, caves, and natural springs abound.

The inland seas between the islands and the vast waters of the Pacific Ocean from the northern tip of Northern Samar to the southern tip of Leyte contain enormous marine resources.

The entire region is teeming with verdant and pristine natural resources.

Indeed, Eastern Visayas will be the center of commerce and industry in the coming decades for its untapped natural resources.

Somehow, the underdevelopment of Eastern Visayas is a blessing in disguise. The development agenda for the three islands will now be futuristic and framed in decades or spans of at least 50 years. The overall development plan will be integrated, comprehensive and essentially based on land-use applicability.

Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and the centers for industrial, manufacturing, and agri-based industries will now be built in the most ideal and strategic locations. This is what is called polar development planning.

This should also make Region VIII better prepared for full development as a sub-state or a federal state of a Federal government system.

The growth and development of Eastern Visayas in the coming years will depend on the competence, integrity, sincerity, and vision of its political leaders. Whether as a region or a federal state, the local government units

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EDITORIAL

The family during the pandemic

H

ARDLY in the awareness of the 110 million population of this country, battered by infections and deaths from the frightening and overstaying coronavirus pandemic, is that this week the Philippines is celebrating National Family Week.

Proclamation 60 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos, which mandated the commemoration in the last week of September.

The family is the central unit in Filipino society.

Timely is the theme – “Pamilya at Teknolohiya: Magkabalikat na Mapagtagumpayan ang Hamon ng Pandemya” – aimed at stressing the relevance of technology, whether modern or indigenous, in helping Filipino families cope with the effects of this public health emergency.

The celebration was jumpstarted on September 20 by an online activity, led by the DSWD, followed by family-focused activities conducted by member organizations of the National

Given the culture of the Philippines, where families play an important role in ensuring children are ready to learn when they enter school, and the place which actively promotes their positive growth and development, this celebration is properly providential.

The celebration is led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for this 29th annual event, pursuant to Presidential

Committee on the Filipino Family.

The celebration underlines how modern technology assisted Filipino families in strengthening bloodline bonds and in daily life amid the pandemic, like the use of online communication platforms.

Other indigenous technology will also be given recognition, like the Balai House Farming which provides the family an activity to spend time together, at the same time yielding crops to help with food sustenance amid the pandemic.

We join the DSWD in emphasizing the need to raise awareness in observance of the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day” every 4th Monday of September, which will be marked on Monday, to coincide with the annual celebration of the Family Week.

We are one with the DSWD in prescribing the need for stronger and resilient Filipino families, from an estimated 22 million households nationwide.

The noose is tightening for the opposition THE noose, it seems, is tightening for the opposition. The weak political coordination among the political stalwarts is symptomatic of a much deeper problem.

Let us begin with the 1Sambayan.

Nobody knows whether this an aggrupation of political opportunists coming from different political parties or a new name given to the struggling Liberal Party.

It could not even complete its lineup for president and vice president.

Among the members of the steering committee are Chel Diokno, a defeated candidate of the Liberal Party; Grace Poe, independent; Vilma Santos, from the 6th District of Batangas, claiming to be Nacionalista Party; Leni Robredo, vice president, Liberal Party; Antonio Trillanes IV, Magadalo, and Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas.

The biggest hole in 1Sambayan is in selecting who from among them should be their frontrunner. In fact, the six are still in quandary about whom to field as candidate against the administration, whether it be Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Senator Bong Go, or Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. The leadership remains undecided on Leni Robredo despite her rank as vice president.

Another noticeable ramification is the dropping of the Liberal Party to carry the ticket of the opposition.

Either the members no longer have the trust and confidence of the party to catapult them to victory, or that they equally doubt whether Robredo can deliver the goods if chosen as their natural frontrunner. This is strange because the post of vice president is incontestable that it should be handed to whoever is seated.

The 1Sambayan as an aggrupation should be run by an equally competent, honest and efficient bureaucracy. The provincial, municipal and barangay institutions must be managed efficiently and the delivery of services should be prompt and adequate. Above all, the benefits of progress and development should be felt and shared by all.

What is of immediate concern today is for the citizens of Samar, Biliran and Leyte to take advantage of the opportunities and embrace the challenges that confront them today.

We are glad that House majority floor leader, Martin Romualdez, has filed a bill creating the Eastern Visayas Development Authority. This could be the catalyst for the region’s economic growth and progress. The agency could now design a comprehensive and innovative development program and coordinate its overall implementation.

The most vexing, pervasive and reprehensible problem crippling the growth and development of Region VIII, perhaps in a much more severe intensity, is the existence of a political aristocracy.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Anita F. Grefal

Baldwin R. Felipe

Edgar M. Valmorida

having an equal number of political parties that form the coalition is more of a problem than a solution. As one observed, the more the number of political parties invited to the coalition, the more it becomes difficult to synchronize their platform of government. The party might just end up in the destructive contest called in Tagalog “pataasan ng ihi.”

Things are not going their way.

The Reforma Party.

The supporters of Reforma Party and the conservative members of the Liberal Party, particularly the obscurantists identified with the Catholic Church would avoid supporting Lacson. These hypocritical elements in our society think that voting for a party that has a parallel of bloody episodes with that of the administration is like voting for Duterte and Marcos. The hypocrites always have in mind of favoring a ruthless policy. This is the wedge that separates the Reforma Party from the Liberal Party and the 1Sambayan.

People are also asking — where have these two been in all these years?

Reforms, progress and development have been going on since the coming of the Duterte administration in 2016.

Maybe the reforms initiated failed to meet their expectations or felt that reforms should have been introduced by them. There is hubris in the conduct of these two politicians like what the yellow animals claim that they alone can bring about progress for this country.

The Reforma Party of Lacson refuses to admit that even the Liberal Party, which claims to be the champion of freedom and democracy, shuns the idea of alliance for Lacson knows it has hidden bones in the closet. Lacson cannot truly speak for himself as “Mr. Clean.” In fact, his charge of I am referring to the officials who are running the provinces, towns and barangays in the region today.

Most of the incumbent officials in the region today do not deserve the positions they now occupy. Many of them are incompetent and had no undedrstanding of what government is and even why it exists. They won their positions through bribery. Since they bought their positions, they no longer feel obligated to serve their constituencies.

Vote buying is the most rampant and decisive electoral anomaly in most of the provinces, municipalities and barangays in the region.

Poor and disillusioned, most of the voters sell their votes, not aware that they are also selling their dignity and their future.

What the Samarenos, Leytenos and Biliranons need is unity and the ethnic waray courage and derring-do.

Mr. Ernesto G. Banawis is former founding president of the Movement for the Economic Advancement of Northern Samar (MEANS).

He is also a former member of the provincial board of Northern Samar.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

corruption against those responsible for corruption and overpricing in the supply and medical kit for COVID-19 patients has turned out to be a mere political stunt intended to boost his candidacy.

All that is needed is the evidence of damage to the government.

On the candidacy of Senator Manny Pacquiao, many are wondering up to now whether he is running as a candidate or just doing the work of trying to check Secretary Alfonso Cusi from usurping the party claimed to belong to senator Pimentel.

Such is odd because there are two PDP-Laban candidates gearing for the highest position. This explains why many are hesitant to vote for one whose ambition is not focused on what he wants or in preparing the political ground for Pimentel.

Maybe Pacquiao has a noble intention on why he is aiming for that position.

But to raise the issue of poverty as his battle cry for people should elect him no longer holds true even to the downtrodden. Fortunately, the President has already signified his decision not to run in abeyance to the provision of the Constitution. Admittedly, many of the politicians were elected on the basis of their humble beginning, but often, many of them turn out to be the most notorious crooks in government. They absorb the issue of corruption but often the government they promised to clean often ends up in a worse situation.

As early as two years ago, this column predicted that Pacquiao would run for president. I suspect the Americans are behind his ambition. Remember, the empire is now running out of cash, and the US no longer has enough cash to support puppets and lackeys. Pacquiao fits into this category. Pacquiao helped the US generate income through television rights for every fight he made in Nevada. He owns most of his properties in the US, and pays a sizable tax there. So, what more can the US ask except for Pacquiao to save their sagging empire?

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Bad hair day: India salon ordered to pay $271,000 for botched trim

A MERE SPECK IN THE UNIVERSE. A firefighter looks up the base of a Giant Sequoia in Long Meadow Grove after fire burned through along the Trail of 100 Giants in California. AFP

AN INDIAN salon has been ordered to pay more than $271,000 in damages to a model for a botched haircut which she claimed caused a “severe mental breakdown.”

Aashna Roy went to the salon at a top New Delhi hotel in 2018 and asked staff to trim a conservative four inches from her tips, according to a judgement by the city’s consumer court.

“However, to the utter shock and surprise of the complainant, the hairdresser chopped off her entire hair leaving only 4 inches from the top and barely touching her shoulders,” it added.

The court determined that as Roy had already established a career lending her skills to advertisements for hair products, the botched haircut had

led to “severe mental breakdown and trauma.”

“There is no doubt that the women are very cautious and careful with regard to their hair,” said the ruling by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

“They spend a handsome amount on keeping the hair in good condition.

They are also emotionally attached with their hairs,” it added.

“She lost her expected assignments and suffered a huge loss which completely changed her lifestyle and shattered her dream to be a top model.”

The court told the salon, which can still appeal the verdict, to pay 20 million rupees within eight weeks of the order. AFP

THIRD PFIZER SHOT APPROVED FOR SOME 26M AMERICANS

CDC overrules panel on vax boosters Nokor leader’s sister tells South to drop ‘hostile policies’—KCNA THE influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday said it was “admirable” of the South to propose a formal end to the Korean War but demanded Seoul first drop its “hostile policies” towards Pyongyang.

Kim Yo Jong’s remarks, carried by Pyongyang’s official KCNA news agency, were in response to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s recent calls for declaring an official end to the 1950-53 conflict that ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war for more than half a century.

In a speech at the UN General Assembly earlier this week, Moon proposed the declaration of an end to the conflict that broke out 71 years ago, stressing such an act would “make irreversible progress in denuclearization and usher in an era of complete peace.”

Kim, a key policy adviser to her brother Kim Jong Un, said it was an “admirable idea” to propose a formal end to the war but insisted the South should remove its hostile attitude first.

Making such a declaration with “doubledealing standards, prejudice and hostile policies” still in place “does not make any sense,” she said.

“For the termination of the war to be declared, respect for each other should be maintained and prejudiced viewpoint, inveterate hostile policy and unequal double standards must be removed first,” she said.

She added making such a declaration would “hold no water and would change nothing” under current conditions.

But the North would be willing to have talks on improving ties with Seoul if the South withdrew hostility “after breaking with the past when it often provoked us.”

Kim Yo Jong last week accused Moon of “slander” after both Koreas carried out missile launches.

North Korea carried out two missile firings this month alone, one involving a longrange cruise missile and the other shortrange ballistic missiles.

Moon described Pyongyang’s recent launches as “provocations” when he oversaw a successful test-firing of a submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) last week, making the South one of a handful of nations with the advanced technology.

That prompted Kim Yo Jong to condemn Seoul’s “illogical attitude that describes their similar behaviour as a legitimate action to support peace, and ours as a threat to peace.” AFP

T

HE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday overruled its own panel of health experts to back Pfizer COVID vaccine booster shots for individuals at high risk of exposure because of their jobs.

CDC director Rochelle Walensky said the agency had to act on “complex, often imperfect data” for the greater good of public health.

“In a pandemic, even with uncertainty, we must take actions that we anticipate will do the greatest good,” she said in a statement.

The CDC also backed the panel’s recommendation of booster shots for over-65s and some with underly-

ing medical conditions.

“I believe we can best serve the nation’s public health needs by providing booster doses for the elderly, those in long-term care facilities, people with underlying medical conditions, and for adults at high risk of disease from occupational and institutional exposures,” Walensky said.

The recommendations are only for people who had their vaccine doses at least six months ago.

That means about 26 million people in the United States are eligible for a third jab, the CDC said, including about 13 million people aged 65 and older.

The decision comes after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday approved Pfizer booster shots for a broader swathe of the American public.

Those workers eligible because of a higher risk of COVID exposure include teachers, grocery store em-

Cambodia halts festival after virus outbreak CAMBODIA has cancelled its “Festival of the Dead”—an annual holiday where the Buddhist faithful pay respects to deceased relatives – after a coronavirus outbreak among monks in the capital.

Worshippers around the country visit pagodas during the two-week Pchum Ben festival to offer prayers and food to the spirits of their ancestors.

This year’s observance began on Tuesday but will come to an early end on the weekend after nearly 50 Buddhist monks tested positive for coroWAITING FOR A HAND. A woman gestures after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on a boat rescue a navirus and authorities locked down young Haitian migrant from the Rio Grande river at the Mexico-US border near Ciudad Acuna in Mexico. The US special envoy their temple in Phnom Penh. to Haiti resigned on September 23, two months after his appointment, denouncing the Biden administration’s deportation of The festival cancellation was “necHaitian migrants from the US-Mexico border back to their poverty-stricken homeland. AFP essary to control the spread of COVID-19... at the time that Cambodia is reopening schools and is planning to reopen the country,” Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a Thursday night statement.

FORMER Minneapolis police offi- the conviction Thursday night with a passers-by.

Cambodia largely avoided the Floyd repeatedly said “I can’t cer Derek Chauvin has appealed his Minnesota district court, on the last spread of the pandemic last year but breathe” before he died. conviction for the murder of George day he was able to do so. surging infections since have seen He accuses the state of prejudicial The scene, filmed and uploaded by a Floyd, citing 14 complaints about his more than 105,000 cases and nearly high-profile trial earlier this year in a misconduct and lists multiple issues young woman, quickly spread around 2,200 deaths. case that roiled the United States and with the jury selected for the trial, the world.

It has nonetheless won praise for a among other objections.

Hundreds of thousands of people laid bare deep racial divisions. swift vaccine drive, with Cambodia’s The former police officer accuses subsequently poured onto streets The killing of Floyd, a 46-year-old health ministry claiming that over 98 Black man, in May 2020 went vi- the court of “abusing its discretion” by across the country and overseas to percent of the country’s adult popularal after being caught on camera and denying requests to postpone or move demand an end to racism and police tion has received at least one dose. sparked America’s biggest demonstra- the trial, and refusing to sequester the brutality.

Schools in some lower-risk parts of tions for racial justice in decades. jury for its duration.

The ex-cop and three of his colthe country reopened last week and Chauvin, who in June was senChauvin, a 45-year-old white leagues arrested Floyd on suspicion Hun Sen said a pilot scheme to allow tenced to more than 22 years in prison man, was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s of having passed a fake $20 bill in a fully vaccinated international travelers for killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck, indifferent to the dying man’s store in Minneapolis, a northern city to visit is under consideration. neck for nearly 10 minutes, appealed groans and to the pleas of distraught of around 400,000 people. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACKAFP

Ex-cop appeals conviction for George Floyd’s murder

Manila

Standard NOTICE OF LOSS OF

007 back after virus delay: ‘We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Bond...’

TODAY STOCK CERTIFICATE

NOTICE is hereby given that the followingStock Certificate issued by the Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Iloilo Inc. was declared burned or damaged in the affidavit of Loss executed by the registered holder and recorded in the notarial register of Atty. Nestor M. Sorilla of Iloilo City on July 14, 2021 as Doc No. 305; Page No. 62; Book No. VI; Series of 2021.

Name of Certificate No. of Registered No. Shares Holder WINSTON G. BERBEDER

000341

10

If no adverse claim regarding the above certificate of stock is presented to the Corporate Secretary of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Iloilo Inc. at Ungka 1 Jaro Iloilo City, within one (1) year from the last publication of this Notice, The right to make such claim shall be forever barred and the corporation shall in its books the above certificate of stock and issue new certificate in lieu of thereof.

MS-SEPT. 18/25 & OCT. 2, 2021)

ployees, health care workers and prison inmates.

A day before the CDC recommendation, its expert committee voted against offering booster shots to workers in the higher risk category, adding to confusion around the campaign.

The hours-long debate left several experts torn, as the scientific community has so far failed to reach consensus on whether a coronavirus vaccine booster shot is necessary at this time.

Some experts have concerns about the lack of data on the efficacy and safety of adding another shot to the Pfizer vaccine regimen.

The original two doses are still proving successful at keeping the vast majority of their recipients out of the hospital with coronavirus, they say.

But data does suggest that the vaccine’s efficacy against infection does significantly decline in older people over time. AFP

The film’s release was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and three previous scheduled premieres were postoned AFP

THE latest James Bond movie gets its world premiere next week, nearly six years after the last film in the storied franchise and an 18-month delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

British royalty and pandemic heroes have been invited to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday to watch “No Time To Die,” the 25th instalment of the popular spy saga.

The film is expected to be Daniel Craig’s last appearance as 007. Three previously scheduled premieres—in March and November 2020, and this April— were all cancelled.

Craig and co-stars including Rami Malek and Lea Seydoux will join princes Charles and William on the red carpet at the glitzy screening, before the film hits UK cinemas two days later and releases globally October 8.

Healthcare workers and armed forces members will also be present, and have been invited to 10 other premieres across Britain, in recognition of their work combating COVID-19.

“We’re incredibly excited to be launching the film in a theatrical release,” franchise producer Barbara Broccoli said on the “No Time To Die: The Official James Bond Podcast” released this month.

“The film is a celebration of Bond – the 25th film and almost 60 years and, most importantly, Daniel Craig’s final outing.

So we feel it’s a big event.”

Cinema operators, studios such as MGM—which owns the 007 movies— and distributor Universal Pictures are among those hoping the blockbuster release will help lure movie-goers back to auditoriums worldwide. AFP

Sports

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

A7

Pacquiao’s next foe: ‘10-year-old’ chess king Carlsen

B

OXING legend Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao has revealed his next big fight is on a board against a 10-year-old app version of chess king Magnus Carlsen.

The 12-time world champ boxer-turned politician will make a rare appearance to compete in the Magnus Carlsen Celebrity Charity Challenge.

Pacquiao is the latest and greatest in a line of big names to take on the World Chess Champion’s younger self at his own game and the unique spectacle will be broadcast during the Finals event of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour.

Pacquiao, a huge chess fan and a Senator in his homeland of the Philippines, will no doubt be hoping he can box clever and land a knockout blow.

But so far, no celebrity taking the challenge has beaten Carlsen on his Play Magnus app. The longest anyone has survived is 49 moves.

The stakes are high.

Pacquiao, who is hoping to raise awareness for the “Stop Asian America Pacific Islander Hate” (stopaapihate.org) campaign, will get $5,000 to donate to his chosen charity just for taking part. If he wins the challenge by lasting the longest, he will secure an extra $50,000.

Carlsen said: “I can’t wait to see how the legendary Manny Pacquiao does against a 10-year-old me on the Play Magnus app. I wasn’t a World Champion back then, but I was already playing decently so it’s going to be hard!”

Pacquiao added: “I am very much excited to play Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion. This is something that doesn’t happen every day and I will be placed in a different arena this time around.”

Pacquiao will be raising funds for the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, the charity built on the Senator’s commitment to giving back and fighting for those less fortunate.

Watch the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour broadcast on October 1 to find out what happens when the 12-time world boxing champ takes on the four-time World Chess Champion.

Twitter: Tag the account @ChampChessTour, include hashtag #ChessChamps Instagram: Tag the account @Champions_chess_tour, include hashtag #ChessChamps Facebook: Tag the account @championschesstour, include hashtag #ChessChamps

Ortigas Malls Group holds virtual run THE COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected the world of sports with all the restrictions on mass events for both participants and spectators.

This has not stopped the Ortigas Malls Group, consisting of Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia and Industria from holding its first virtual running event as part of the group’s effort to promote health through sports for the general public without risks involved.

Participants can do any of the three distances (5,10 and 21km) anytime and anywhere from September 25 to October 10 with online free registration currently going on through the Pinoy Fitness Atleta app. Registration ends on Oct 3.

Registrants just need to submit a single or accumulated receipts worth P1,000 from Ortigas Malls Group stores, use a GPS tracking or running app, watch or treadmill and submit run result on or before October 10.

Event partners are Fitness First and Anytime Fitness-Tiendesitas, Truslen and Greenhills Active Playground.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 100, Quezon City ROXANA PO Plaintiff, -versus-

R-QZN-18-15411-CV For: Extra-Judicial Foreclosure

ALIAS SUMMONS SPS. SUSANA K. TAN and RICHARD C. TAN, ET AL., Defendants. x-----------------------------------x TO : Citibank N.A. – Citibank Center, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Star (SPV-AMC), Philippines, Inc., -

Unit 3A, One Orion Bldg., 11th Ave., corner 38th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila

GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within fifteen (15) days after service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiffs your answer to the Complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiffs will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the Complaint.

WITNESS, my hand under the seal of the Court this 8th day of July 2019.

(Sgd.) MA. ISABEL A. OLIVEROS Interpreter III-OIC

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 100, Quezon City ROXANA PO Plaintiff, -versus-

R-QZN-18-15411-CV

SPS. SUSANA K. TAN AND RICHARD C. TAN, STAR (SPV-AMC) PHILS., Inc., Citibank N.A., EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF QUEZON CITY, AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x----------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER For resolution before the Court is plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Reconsideration of the Order dated 23 June 2021.

Plaintiff, in support of her motion, explained that Manila Standard erred in its initial quotation on the cost of publication amounting to Php179,675.60, and that she received a copy of the revised quotation to which the publication will now cost Php485,034.12, inclusive of 10% discount. Considering that plaintiff is presently jobless and separated from her husband, she moves for the reconsideration of the assailed Order and for this Court to allow publication of the Summons and Complaint without annexes.

The Court resolves to grant the instant motion for humanitarian considerations taking into account the current financial situation of plaintiff.

While it is true that rules of procedure are intended to promote rather than frustrate the ends of justice, and the swift unclogging of court dockets is a laudable objective, it nevertheless must not be met at the expense of substantial justice. Time and again, the Supreme Court has reiterated the doctrine that the rules of procedure are mere tools intended to facilitate the attainment of justice, rather than frustrate it. A strict and rigid application of the rules must always be eschewed when it would subvert the primary objective of the rules, that is, to enhance fair trials and expedite justice. Technicalities should never be used to defeat the substantive rights of the other party. Every party-litigant must be afforded the amplest opportunity for the proper and just determination of his cause, free from the constraints of technicalities.1 WHEREFORE, premises considered, plaintiff’s Motion for Partial Reconsideration of the Order dated 23 June 2021 is GRANTED. Accordingly, let a copy of the Summons to defendant Star (SPVAMC) Philippines, Inc., together with the Complaint without annexes, and a copy of this Order , be published at plaintiff’s own expense twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, chosen by raffle, pursuant to Section 16, Rule 14 of the of the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure. Defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. is hereby ordered to file answer in Court within sixty (60) days after notice hereof. Let also a copy of the Summons, Complaint and its annexes and this Order be sent to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. by registered mail at its last known address, all at the expense of the plaintiff.

SO ORDERED. 23 July 2021, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

(Sgd.) EDITHA G. MINA-AGUBA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 100, Quezon City ROXANA PO Plaintiff, -versus-

R-QZN-18-15411-CV

SPS. SUSANA K. TAN AND RICHARD C. TAN, STAR (SPV-AMC) PHILS., Inc., Citibank N.A., EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF QUEZON CITY, AND THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x----------------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER For resolution before the Court are the following incidents: 1) Plaintiff’s Motion for Leave of Court for Service of Summons by Publication Upon Defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc., and 2) Plaintiff’s Alternative Motion for Leave of Court for Service of Summons Upon Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. by Electronic Mail.

In support of its first motion, plaintiff prayed for the service of summons by publication upon defendant Star (SPVAMC) Philippines, Inc. (“defendant Star” for brevity) on the ground that the latter is no longer holding office at its previous known address and its present whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry.

Plaintiff, in its alternative motion, averred that defendant Star has changed its name to Star TechPh Management and Consultancy Services, Inc. with Mr. Mark S. Frondoso as the President, as evidenced by the 2018 General Information Sheet of the said company. Having secured the e-mail address of Mr. Frondoso, plaintiff asked that the Summons and Complaint be sent to him through his electronic mail (e-mail) address.

This Court resolves to grant the plaintiff’s Motion for Leave of Court for Service Summons by Publication Upon Defendant Star. However, plaintiff’s alternative motion to serve the same by electronic mail is denied.

Under Section 16, Rule 14 of the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure (“Amended Rules”), service of summons may be effected on a defendant by publication, with leave of court, when such defendant’s whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, to wit: Section 16. Service upon defendant whose identity or whereabouts are unknown. – In any action where the defendant is designated as an unknown owner, or the like, or whenever his or her whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained by diligent inquiry, within ninety (90) calendar days from the commencement of the action, service may, by leave of court, be effected upon him or her by publication in a newspaper of general circulation and in such places and for such time as the court may order.

Any order granting such leave shall specify a reasonable time which shall be less than sixty (60) calendar days after notice, within which the defendant must answer.

Since the Officer’s Return on the Summons was returned unserved as to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc., whose current address is not known and cannot be ascertained despite diligent inquiry, summons by publication may be effected against it.

While the Amended Rules already provides for the service of Summons through electronic mail, it must be stressed that the same may be done only if allowed by the Court and if there is a refusal on the part of the authorized persons of the defendant domestic private juridical entity to receive the Summons. The fourth paragraph of Section 12, Rule 14 of the Amended Rules provides: Section 12. Service upon domestic private juridical entity. – When the defendant is a corporation, partnership or association organized under the laws of the Philippines with a juridical personality, service may be made on the president, managing partner, general manager, corporate secretary, treasurer, or in-house counsel of the corporation wherever they may be found, or in their absence or unavailability, on their secretaries.

If such service cannot be made upon any of the foregoing persons, it shall be made upon the person who customarily receives the correspondence for the defendant at its principal office.

In case the domestic juridical entity is under receivership or liquidation, service of summons shall be made on the receiver or liquidator, as the case may be.

Should there be a refusal on the part of the persons above-mentioned to receive summons despite at least three (3) attempts on two (2) different dates, service may be made electronically, if allowed by the court, as provided under Section 6 of this Rule. (underlining supplied) In the instant case, however, it is apparent that there was no refusal on the part of the authorized persons of defendant Star to receive the Summons. The non-receipt of the Summons was due to the unknown whereabouts/address of said defendant. Thus, it is the Court’s view that it is Section 16, Rule 14 of the Amended Rules that is applicable in the instant case. The Court likewise cannot rely on plaintiff’s claim that Mr. Frondoso is the current President of defendant Star since plaintiff merely based such allegation on an outdated document – the 2016 General Services, Inc., which is the purported new company name of defendant Star. Plaintiff, having failed to establish the present status and/or position of Mr. Frondoso as being an authorized officer of defendant Star, this Court cannot allow the service of Summons upon Mr. Frondoso via electronic mail.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, plaintiff’s Motion for Leave of Court for Service of Summons by Publication Upon Defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc., is hereby GRANTED while the Alternative Motion for Leave of Court for Service of Summons Upon Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. by Electronic Mail is DENIED. Let the Summons, together with the Complaint and its annexes for defendant Defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. be published together with a copy of this Order at plaintiff’s own expense twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, chosen by raffle, pursuant to Section 16, Rule 14 of the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure. Defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc. is hereby ordered to file answer in Court within sixty (60) days after notice hereof. Let also a copy of the Summons, Complaint and its annexes and this Order be sent to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc., by registered mail at its last known address, all at the expense of the plaintiff.

SO ORDERED. 08 April 2021, Quezon City, Metro Manila (Sgd.) EDITHA G. MINA-AGUBA Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City ROXANA PO, Plaintiffs, -versusSPOUSES SUSANA K. TAN and RICHARD C. TAN, STAR (SPV-AMC) PHILS., INC., CITIBANK N.A., EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF OF THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF QUEZON CITY, and REGISTER OF DEED OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x-----------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-15411-CV

Plaintiff by counsel respectfully states: 1. Plaintiff Roxana Po is of legal age, Philippine citizen, legally separated, and resident of No. 30 Rallos Street, Quezon City.

2. Whereas, respondents a. Spouses Susana K. Tan and Richard C. Tan are of legal age, married to each other, citizenship unknown, and residents of 166 F. Benitez Street, San Juan City; b. Star (SPV-AMC) Philippines, Inc., is a duly registered domestic corporation with office address 15-02 15th Floor ACCRA Law Tower, 2nd Avenue, corner 30th Street, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City; c. Citibank N.A. is a duly registered foreign banking corporation with office address at Citibank Center, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City; d. Ex-Officio Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City is an officer authorized to conduct extrajudicial foreclosure sale in Quezon City with office address at the Hall of Justice, Quezon City; and e. Register of Deed of Quezon City is the government agency created under P.D. 1529 as the public repository of records of instruments affecting registered lands in Quezon City with address at the LRA Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City.

3. This is a complaint (a) to set aside the extrajudicial foreclosure proceedings conducted in FRE No.8060 by defendant Ex-Officio Sheriff on 21 October 2009 of the real estate mortgages executed by Spouses Po with address at #30 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, and the Certificate of Sale dated 19 November 2009 issued therein; (b) to set aside Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2012009460 of the Register of Deeds of Quezon City in the name of defendants Spouses Tan; (c) to reinstate Transfer Certificate of Title No. 26498 of the same Registry of Deeds, or to order the issuance of another transfer certificate of title in the name of Spouses Po entitled to like faith and credit; and (d) for damages.

4. On 8 September 2009, defendant Star (SPV-AMC) filed an Application of Extrajudicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage (the Application; Annex A) docketed as FRE No. 8060 of the subject property under TCT No. 264981, more particularly described as “A parcel of land (Lot 6, Blk. S-32 (New) of Diliman Estate Subd., plan Psd-20182, being a portion of Blk. 32 of Plan Bsd-7365-B, GLRO Rec. No. 7681), situated in the Dist. Of Diliman, Q. City. Xxx containing an area of

SIX HUNDRED NINETY (690), more or less, x x x .”

5. The Application alleged that Deeds of Mortgage2 were executed on 28 December 1990, 2 April 1992, 11 August 1993, 2 September 1994, and 13 July 1995 by Spouses Po in favor of defendant Citibank and the subject parcel of land was offered as security therefor.3 6. On 20 December 2007, defendant Citibank for an undisclosed amount sold and assign to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) its rights, obligations, and interests in the account of Spouses Po allegedly described in the undisclosed “Agreement” without recourse and without representation or warranty. Thus, becoming the new creditor and mortgagee.4 7. On 17 September 2009, the Notice of Extrajudicial Sale was issued sell the subject property at public auction on 21 or 28 October 2009 at the Justice Hall of Quezon City (Annex B).

8. On 22 September 2009, a Certificate of Posting and an Affidavit of Post of Notice of Sheriff Sale were issued, respectively (Annexes C and D).

9. On 26 September, 3 and 10 October 2009, the Notice of Extrajudicial Sale was allegedly published in The Dawn News Weekly Newspaper with principal office address at No. 9E M. Cristobal St., Brgy. Ermitano, San Juan City. (Annex E).

10. On 21 October 2009, the Minutes of the Auction Sale was issued stating that the subject property was sold to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) as highest bidder for P4, 932,228.46 (Annex F).

11. On 19 November 2009, a Certificate of Sale was issued to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) (Annex G).

12. On 28 April 2011, TCT No. 004-2011005449 (Annex H-5) was issued to defendant Star (SPV-AMC) which cancelled TCT No. 26498 13. On 27 February 2017, a petition was filed in LRC Case No. R-QZN-17-02503-LR (the Petition; Annex H) entitled In Re: Petition for issuance of Writ of Possession for Real Property Covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2012009460 issued by the Register of Deeds of Quezon City in the name of Spouses Susana K. Tan and Richard C. Tan under Section 7 of Act 3135, as amended, which was assigned to the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 92 and later re-raffled to Branch 98.

14. Defendants Tan alleged in their petition that on 16 June 2011, defendant Star (SPV-AMC) sold the subject property to defendants Spouses Tan for P15,600,000.00 (Annex H-1) and Spouses were issued TCT of Title No. 0042012009460 (Annex H-2) and TCT No. 26498 was cancelled (Annex H-3).

15. On 14 October 2014, defendants Spouses Tan filed a Complaint in Civil Case No.R-QZN-14-10325-CV against Spouses Po for Accion Reivindicatoria which was dismissed without prejudice upon their voluntary motion with the RTC of Quezon City, Branch 84.

16. On 24 January 2018, RTC Branch 92 granted the application for Writ of Possession (Annex I). The motion for reconsideration of the said Order was denied by Branch 98 on 8 June 2018 (Annex J). The Trial Court ruled in the Order dated 8 June 2018 that xxx. Homogenously, this court need not to look into the validity of then mortgage or the manner of its foreclosure, such as the alleged lack of demand on the part of the mortgagee and that Dawn News is not a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City. There may be remedies available to the oppositor, yet in the meantime, the order of possession must be issued.

17. Plaintiff duly appealed the Orders in LRC Case No. R-QZN-17-02503-LR and the entire records of the case was forwarded to the Court of Appeals as CA-G.R. No. 111335 (Annex K).

18. Section 8 of Act No. 3135, as amended by Act No. 4118, entitled An Act to Regulate the Sale of Property under Special Powers Inserted in or Annexed to Real-Estate Mortgages provides that the debtor may petition that the sale be set aside and the writ of possession cancelled because the mortgage was not violated or the sale was not made in accordance with the provisions thereof, as follows: Section 8. The debtor may, in the proceedings in which possession was requested, but not later than thirty days after the purchaser was given possession, petition that the sale be set aside and the writ of possession cancelled, specifying the damages suffered by him because the mortgage was not violated or the sale was not made in accordance with the provisions hereof, and the court shall take cognizance of this petition in accordance with the summary procedure provided for in section one hundred and twelve of Act Numbered Four Hundred and ninety-six and if it finds the complaint of the debtor justified, it shall dispose in his favor of all or part of the bond furnished by the person who obtained possession. Either of the parties may appeal from the order of the judge in accordance with section fourteen of Act Numbered Four Hundred and ninety-six; but the order of possession shall continue in effect during the pendency of the appeal.

19. The mortgages were not violated and the sale was not made in accordance with the previous of Act 3135, as amended.

20. Assuming to be valid, the mortgages were not violated because there was no valid demand either against Spouses Po. Hence, if ever, they were not in delay.

21. The alleged letter dated 22 July 20095 of defendant Star (SPV-AMC) demanding the amount of P4,932,228.46 was solely addressed to Po Ching Ho at #30 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, which letter was however not received by him as shown in the LBC history of delivery marked as Annex K-1 of the “Application” because he was no longer residing thereat.

22. Since September 2013, Jimmy Ching Ho Po is no longer a resident of #30 Scout Rallos St., Quezon City per Certification issued by the Punong Barangay of Laging Handa, Quezon City (Annex L-3).

23. As of 7 November 2005, Spouses Po were already legally separated per Decision of the RTC of Quezon City, Branch 88, in Civil Case No. Q-03-505479 as annotated in their Contract of Marriage. (Annex L-2).

24. Po Ching Ho or plaintiff did not received defendant Citibank letter dated 8 January 20036 25. Plaintiff was not also served the same letter.

26. The mortgage action has prescribed. The right to foreclose the mortgage prescribes after ten (10) years (Article 1142 of the Civil Code), and that actions based upon a written contract must be brought within ten (10) years from the time the right of action accrues (Article 1144, id).

27. Assuming to be valid, the last mortgage was executed on 13 July 1995 as alleged in par. 4 d) of the Application, as follows: 4. On various subsequent dates, Mortgagors availed of their credit line account by obtaining additional loans from CITIBANK, to wit: Xxx d) The amount of P1,400,000.00 evidenced by the Fourth Amendment to Real Estate Mortgage dated July 13, 1995, (certified copy hereto attached as Annex “G”).

28. The application for extrajudicial foreclosure was filed on 18 September 20097 or more than 14 years after the last mortgage.

29. The Notice of Extrajudicial Sale of Real Property was not published in a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City.

30. The Notice of Extrajudicial Sale was published in The Dawn News Weekly Newspaper on 26 September, 3 and 10 October 2009. However, the records in FRE 8060 has only one (1) issue of the said newspaper.

31. The Dawn News Weekly Newspaper has office at No. 9E M. Cristobal St., Brgy. Ermitano, San Juan, Metro Manila as shown on the excerpt thereof (Annex L-1).

32. P.D. 1079, entitled Revising and Consolidating All Laws and Decrees Regulating Advertisements for Public Biddings Publication of Judicial Notices, Notices of Auction Sales and Other Similar Notices, provides that Section 1. All notices of auction sale in extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgage under Act No. 3135 as amended, judicial notices such as notices of sale on execution of real properties, notices in special proceedings, court orders and summonses and all similar announcements arising from court litigation required by law to be published in a newspaper or periodical of general circulation in particular provinces and/ or cities shall be published in newspapers or publications published, edited and circulated in the same city and/or provinces where the requirement of general circulation applies: Provided, That the province or city where the publication’s principal office is located shall be considered the place where it is edited and published: xxx Provided, finally, That no newspaper or periodical which has not been authorized by law to publish and which has not bee regularly published for at least one year before the date of publication of the notices or announcements which may be assigned to it shall be qualified to publish the said notices.

33. To be a newspaper of general circulation, it is required that the same be published for the dissemination of local news and general information; that it has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers; that it is published at regular intervals; that it must not be devoted to the interests or published for the entertainment of a particular class, profession, trade, calling, race or religious denomination; that it need not have the largest circulation. [ Perez vs. Perez, G.R. No. 143768, 28 March 2005]; that it must be of general circulation in the city where the property is located; that it is authorized by law to publish notices (id); and that it has been regularly published for at least one (1) year before the date of publication of the notices. (Section 1, P.D. 1079) 34. The publisher’s Affidavit failed to estate the foregoing requirements.

35. From 2 April 2017, plaintiff tried to buy an issue of The Dawn News Weekly Newspaper at nearby newsstands in Quezon City. However, she was informed that the said newspaper is never heard thereat. Newspaper distributors alleged that there is no The Dawn News Weekly Newspaper being circulated in Quezon City. Attached are the Judicial Affidavits of plaintiff and her witnesses Prudencio Molina Roman, Jr., and Johnny B. Lucero to prove this fact (Annexes L, M, and N).

36. This is contrary to the decision of the Supreme Court which held that In the case at bench, there was sufficient compliance with the requirements of the law regarding publication of the notice in a newspaper of general circulation. This is evidenced by the affidavit of publication executed by the New Records publisher, Teddy F. Borres, which stated that it is a newspaper edited in Manila and Quezon City and of general circulation in the cities of Manila, Quezon City et al., and in the Provinces of Rizal xxx, published every Saturday by the Daily Record, Inc., This was affirmed by Pedro Deyta, who was the executive editor of the said newspaper and who was a witness for plaintiff. Deyto testified: a) that the New Record contains news; b) that it has subscribers from Metro Manila and from all over the Philippines; c) that it is published once a week or four times a month; and d) that he had been connected with the said paper since 1958, an indication that the said newspaper had been in existence even before that year. [Fortune Motors (Phils.), Inc. vs. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, G.R. No. 115068, 28 November 1996] 37. The real estate mortgages are void. The subject property is a conjugal property having been acquired on 9 February 1990 during the marriage of plaintiff and Po Ching Ho who were married on 29 September 1976.

38. Po Ching Ho mortgaged the subject property without plaintiff’s knowledge and consent. Plaintiff’s signatures in the deed of mortgages were forged. She never signed the deeds of mortgage. She did not also appear before a notary public to acknowledge them.

39. She only came to know the mortgages when she was served a copy of the complaint in Civil Case No. R-QZN14-10325-CV in October 2014.

40. Po Ching Ho was not authorized to mortgage the subject property conjugally owned with plaintiff.

41. The subject property was declared for tax purposes under Tax Declaration No. E-053-02220 with an assessed value of P248,400 and a market value of P1,380,000 (Annex O).

42. Plaintiff was compelled to litigate and engage the services of legal counsel to protect her interests in the amount of P50,000.00 for and as attorney’s fees plus P2,500.00 per diem per court appearance and cost of suit.

43. Plaintiff suffered sleepless nights, serious anxiety, wounded feelings and similar injuries which entitles her to moral damages in the amount of P50,000.00.

44. For the same reasons, plaintiff is also entitled to exemplary damages to serve as a lesson to all who are similarly minded as defendants in the amount of P50,000.00 RELIEF WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed of the Honorable Court, after due notice and hearing, to render a decision a. To set aside the extrajudicial sale of the parcel of land then covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 26498 of the Registry of Deeds for Quezon City conducted on 21 October 2009. b. To set aside the Certificate of Sale in FRE 8060 dated 19 November 2009. c. To set aside Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2012009460 of the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City in the name of defendants Spouses Tan; d. To reinstate Transfer Certificate of Title No. 26498 of the Registry of Deeds for Quezon City or to issue another in the name of Spouses Po Ching Ho and plaintiff Roxana Po to be entitled to like faith and credit; and e. To order respondents jointly and solidarily to pay plaintiff the amounts, as follows: i. P50,000.00 for and as attorney’s fees plus P3,500.00 per diem per court appearance; and ii. P50,000.00 each as moral and exemplary damages. iii. Costs of suit.

Other just and equitable relief are also prayed for.

26 November 2018, Pasig City for Quezon City.

IFURUNG LAW OFFICES Counsel for plaintiff Unit 1902-A East Tower Philippine Stock Exchange Centre Exchange Road, Ortigas Center 1605 Pasig City Cel. No. 0917-8160530 Tel. No. 706-0004 Email: ifurungr@gmail.com Republic of the Philippines) Quezon City ) x-------------------------------------x

By: (Sgd.) REY NATHANIEL C. IFURUNG Attorney Roll No. 34481 IBP Life Member Roll No. 012452 OR No. 962619/07 February 2014 PTR OR No. 4570236/Pasig/21 June 2018 MCLE V Comp. No. 0007544/14 May 2015

VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATE OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, ROXANA PO, under oath, depose and state: that I am the plaintiff in the above-entitled case; that I read the same and that the contents thereof are true and correct of my own knowledge and based on authentic documents.

I certify (a) that I have not therefore commenced any other action involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; xxx ; EXCEPT that plaintiff appealed to the Court of Appeals the Orders dated 24 January 2018 and 8 June 2018 of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branches 92 and 98, respectively, as alleged in pars 16 and 17 of the foregoing complaint; and if I should thereafter learn that another similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the SC, CA or different divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to promptly inform the aforesaid courts and other tribunal or agency thereof within five (5) days therefrom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature November 26, 2018 at Quezon City.

(Sgd.) ROXANA PO Affiant I a Notary Public for and in Quezon City this November 26, 2018 certify that on a single occasion, affiant (a) appeared in person before me and presented the foregoing Complaint; (b) is personally known to me as identified by me through competent evidence of identity; (c) signed the same in my presence; and (d) took an oath before me as to such document.

Doc. No. 313; Page No. 64; Book No. LVIII Series of 2018.

(MStandard-Sep. 18 & 25, 2021)

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

A8

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

Jarencio’s Batang Pier ready for Beermen

By Peter Atencio

San Miguel Beer’s JuneMar Fajardo, shown here scoring an uncontested shot in a PBA Philippine Cup game, is expected to be create mismatches against coach Pido Jarencio’s NorthPort Batang Pier.

Casimero-Donaire duel off, for now

By Randy Caluag

S

HOULD boxing fans forget about a projected unification bout between Filipino world champions John Riel Casimero and Nonito Donaire Jr.?

At least, for now.

This is after both their respective world boxing bodies ordered mandatory defenses of their titles, plus the pronouncement by the Filipino challenger Raymart Gaballo that he is not ready to give way for what could be a historic clash between the two current Filipino titlists.

The World Boxing Council has recently ordered Donaire to defend his bantamweight crown against the interim champion and mandatory challenger Gaballo of Sanman Pro-

Decent finishes for Frank, Celestino FIL-CANADIAN bet Edrian Paul Celestino and Fil-American aspirant Sofia Frank came up with decent finishes Thursday evening in the short program of the 2021 Nebelhorn Trophy in in Oberstdorf, Germany.

The 23-year-old Celestino, who is from Montreal, Quebec, landed 16th place in the men’s singles of this three-day meet, which serves as the final figure skating qualifier for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The 16-year-old Frank, who is from Colorado Springs, Colorado, reached 22nd place out of 37 participants in the women’s singles.

A total of 20 quota places were at stake, including seven in the men’s singles, six in the women’s, three in the pair skating and four in ice dance.

The United States led the qualifiers with Vincent Zhou and Alysa Liu leading in the men’s and women’s short programs.

Zhou produced the best routine in the men’s competition, scoring 97.35 points from the judges.

Liu was impressive in the women’s side, topping the standings with 70.86 after the first of two routines.

Celestino, who scored 64.32 points, performed to the tune of “In This Shirt” by The Irrepressibles.

The 5’9” Celestino then started his routine with a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, followed by a double axel, and finally a triple flip.

Frank, who usually performs to the tune of “Last Dance” by Donna Summer, collected 47.65 points, 25.42 points from her total elements score.

Philippine Skating Union president Nikki Cheng said they are keeping their fingers crossed that anyone of them could make qualification, given the closeness of the competition.

And their chances will now depend on how they will pull off their routines in the free skates program.

“Scores are close and tight with the other competitors so we’re basing on the scores rather than the ranking at this point. Kaya pang bumawi if all goes well in the free skate,” said Cheng. Peter Atencio

motions based in Mindanao.

Two days later, the World Boxing Organization ordered Casimero to defend his title against no. 1 contender Paul Butler of Great Britain, giving the two camps 20 days to reach an agreement, otherwise, a purse bid of $100,000 shall take place.

Compounding the situation, it appears that Gaballo is not keen on giving up his rare chance for a title fight against Donaire.

“I really want to f ight my idol

Non ito Donai re, but it also de pends on my boss and W BC. I am a f ighter and what I want is to f ight and wi n. T hat is my m i ndset,” Gaballo told J M Siasat of g manet work.com.

What’s the chance of Gaballo to pass up his rights to challenge Donaire?

“Usually, ang camp ng champion or ang promoter nag-ooffer sila ng set-aside fee sa mandatory challenger kung may gusto silang makalaban na iba. Pero siyempre for the right price ‘yan and other deals,” opined long-time boxing manager-promoter Brico Santig.

In this case, however, Casimero also has to contend with his own situation where he is mandated to f ight Butler (33-2-0, 15 KOs) as per

WBO order.

Casimero and Donaire were supposed to fight last August 14, but the latter backed out. Casimero instead fought Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux and won via split decision.

Donaire claimed that after Casimero’s win against Rigondeux, he sent a contract to Casimero. It was denied by the latter saying he has not received anything to sign on.

Casimero was also hoping to meet Naoya “The Monster” Inoue, who holds both the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association titles, after the Japanese star called him out on social media.

The waiting tack, however, backfired when the WBO and WBC ordered separate directions for Casimero and Donaire.

HAVING a good mindset and the momentum of a three-game winning run are among the things that will help NorthPort Batang Pier get past the San Miguel Beermen in their best-of-three quarterfinals series.

Coach Pido Jarencio said this after the Batang Pier outplayed the Alaska Milk Aces, 122-94, at the close of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Thursday evening.

“This is the start of our buildup to have a winning culture. We are prepared and healthy going into the playoffs,” said Jarencio now that NorthPort carries a winning momentum entering its coming encounter with the Beermen.

Batang Pier, with key players Greg Slaughter and Sean Anthony sparingly used in their match with the Aces, took the fifth seeding with the victory, their seventh in 12 outings.

The Talk N Text Tropang Giga grabbed the no. 1 seed with their 10-1 slate, and will meet the winner of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Phoenix Fuel Masters’ clash on Saturday.

The Gin Kings finished tied with the Fuel Masters at eighth spot with Terrafirma Dyip.

But the better quotient of Ginebra and Phoenix record gave them the chance to make it to the Round of 8 with their win-or-go-home showdown.

The Beermen will be led by Terrence Romeo, who emerged as the leading scorer at the end of the elimination round.

Despite being hounded by injuries, Romeo still averaged 19.0 points on 46.8 shooting from the floor, during the six matches that he played in the 11-game elimination round.

Prolific rookie Mikey Williams trails at second spot with an 18.4 average for the top-seeded TNT Tropang Giga.

Robert Bolick of NorthPort is no. 3 with 18.1 points per game, while Barangay Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle with 17.5 is at third. Another Beerman in CJ Perez averages 17.2 at fifth spot.

PH athletes to begin bubble training in Baguio PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez

BUBBLE training for national athletes in Baguio City will commence in the coming weeks.

Commissioner Ramon Fernandez of the Philippine Sports Commission said this following the arrival of the national karatedo team at the City of Pines on Friday.

While the national government has placed Baguio City, Abra, and Bohol under general community quarantine, with heightened restrictions from September 24 to 30, the city council of Baguio City is in talks with Fernandez on the training of the

national teams.

Next to the karatedo, the national boxing contingent is returning to resume its training at the National Teachers’ Camp.

“I have spoken to the Mayor (Benjamin) Magalong about this. There is no problem since it’s the national team,” said Fernandez, on their Facebook Live weekly program “PSC Hour” regarding the city government’s clearance to let national athletes train in PSC-controlled facilities.

Fernandez noted that athletes in kickboxing are already doing their bubble training in La Trinidad, Benguet, while the national archers have theirs in Dumaguete, along with fencing in Ormoc City.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association is still in talks with

the LGU and is seeking special permits from the local government unit of Baguio City.

The authorization is for long-distance and middle-distance runners, so they can run and jog around the National Teachers’ Camp without any light respiratory gear covering their faces.

For now, the preparations for Filipino athletes are geared for their participation in the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand from March 10 to 20.

There’s also the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 10 to 25.

Sports officials are still waiting for final word on the status of the Southeast Asian Games. Peter Atencio

PH racing action back with GITI-Formula V1 Race Challenge AFTER a year, the GITI-Formula V1 Race Challenge marks the comeback of adrenaline-filled physical races that open doors to aspiring racers all over the country, made possible by Tuason Racing.

Presented by Phoenix Fuels, GITI-Tires, powered by PLDT Home and supported by Family Mart, Limitless and Brembo, the GITI-Formula V1 Race Challenge’s race dates will start on September 25 and 26 for Round 1 and December 4 and 5 for Round 2.

To ensure safety among racers, staff and guests, certain protocols had to be followed upon entering Clark International Speedway.

Crews and Drivers were required to be tested for COVID-19 Swab Test before they were allowed to the track, and its validity must be 72 hours before the event.

A number of crew will only be allowed on the event -- 2 mechanics, 1 driver and 2 driver guests.

Results must be given to the secretariat prior to the crew or participant’s arrival.

Fans and spectators can watch through race challenge broadcasts on these dates: 1st round’s Races 1 and 2 will be aired on October 20 and Races 3 and 4 will be on October 27, on Tuason Racing’s Facebook page.1 GITI-Formula V1 Race Challenge participants will battle it out at Clark International Speedway, and get a chance to show off their potential as the new breed of champion racers.

Two racing classes are available for the public, The Promotional Class is for professional racers, who had already raced on a track, while the AM class is

Get ready for a riveting, adrenaline-fuelled racing action. Jon Gonzales

for aspiring racers, who have no previous experience on a racing circuit.

Notable drivers to watch out for are five-time Slalom King Milo Rivera of FrontRow Racing, Growl Thule Racing’s Jussi Hoikka, a staple and top contender from 2019’s GITI-Formula V1 Challenge, Phoenix Pulse Racing Team and 2020 National Karter of The Year Joaquin Garrido, Formula V1 AM

Class 2019 Champion Red Diwa, Phoenix Pulse Racing Team and the only female driver on the roster, Aira Medrano. This also marks the comeback of Obengers Racing Team’s Daniel Miranda.

Get ready for a riveting, adrenaline-fuelled racing action and catch it on Tuason Racing’s Facebook page facebook.com/tuasonracing and Instagram instagram. com/tuasonracing !

Business

IN BRIEF Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

B1

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, September 24, 2021 36.25 PTS. 6,951.53

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

2,113,181,011 94,775 8,946,938,627.11

ADVANCES 103 DECLINES 79 UNCHANGED 67

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.3720

Japan

Yen

0.009066

0.4567

UK

Pound

1.372200

69.1205

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128447

6.4701

Switzerland

Franc

1.081666

54.4857

Canada

Dollar

0.790264

39.8072

Singapore

Dollar

0.741620

37.3569

Australia

Dollar

0.729400

36.7413

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653224

133.6482

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

13.4307

Brunei

Dollar

0.738880

37.2189

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.030084

1.5154

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.7149

Euro

Euro

1.174100

59.1418

Korea

Won

0.000851

0.0429

China

Yuan

0.154799

7.7975

India

Rupee

0.013546

0.6823

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239234

12.0507

New Zealand

Dollar

0.706600

35.5929

Taiwan

Dollar

0.036131

1.8200 Source: BSP

E

AGLE Cement Corp.., a cement manufacturer controlled by the family of businessman Ramon Ang, is acquiring 100 percent of Solid North Mineral Corp., a quarrying and mining company also controlled by Ang, through a share swap agreement for P3.57 billion.

Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the acquisition was a strategic move to ensure sustainable supply of raw materials

PAREX GROUNDBREAKING. San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang (right), along with top government officials, leads the groundbreaking of the 19.37-kilometer Pasig River Expressway, touted to be the country’s first green, hybrid expressway. With Ang during the ceremony along Pasig River in Pandacan, Manila are (from left) Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. PAREX, a P95-billion investment by San Miguel, will be a six-lane elevated expressway that will run along the banks of the river, from Radial Road 10 in Manila to C-6 Road or the South East Metro Manila Expressway in Taguig City.

for cement operations.

SNMC is owned by Eagle Cement’s parent company, Far East Holdings Inc. (34.51 percent), and Eagle Cement chairman Ramon Ang (65.49 percent). It is primarily engaged in mining of metallic and non-metallic resources, exploration, quarrying activities and processing of limestone.

SNMC is a holder of a mineral production sharing agreement issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. It has a limestone pulverizing plant in Barangay Akle, San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

The MPSA and the limestone pulverizing plant are adjacent to Eagle Cement’s cement production facility in Bulacan.

Eagle Cement said the acquisition cost of SNMC would be less than 10 percent of the corporation’s book value.

It represents 7.19 percent of its total assets of P49.66 billion based on 2020 audited financial statements.

The cement firm hired BPI Capital Corp. as the independent valuation firm to conduct the valuation services and the preparation of an independent valuation report on the subject asset with respect to the proposed transaction.

Eagle Cement has a cement production facility also located in Barangay Akle, San Ildefonso.

Meanwhile, the board Eagle Cement approved the declaration of cash dividends in the amount of P0.33 per common share. The dividend will be paid out of the unrestricted earnings of the end December 2020.

Shareholders of record as of Oct. 7, 2021 will be entitled to the dividends.

The payment will be made on Oct. 22,

2021.

Eagle Cement is the fourth largest player in the local cement industry based on sales volume. It posted a net income of P3.69 billion in the first half, up 181 percent from P1.31 billion posted in the same period last year as revenues jumped 87 percent to P11 billion The construction and real estate sectors posted a rebound this year after the government reopened the economy to allow workers to return to work.

San Miguel Corp.’s infrastruct1ure projects, such as the Metro Rail Transit Line 7, Skyway Extension projects and the new international airport in Bulacan and the upcoming Pasig River Expressway, are among the largest buyers of cement in the country. Ang is the president and chief operating officer of San Miguel.

BOP posted $1-b surplus in August —Bangko Sentral

DIVERSIFIED telecommunications firm PT&T Corp. said Friday it appointed a new chairman as it expands its footprint nationwide and solidifies its digital transformation.

PT&T said the company appointed Roberto Ortiz as the chairman of the board, replacing Salvador Zamora II, who will “focus on personal endeavors outside the company.”

Prior to his appointment, Ortiz was an independent director of the company since 2018.

Zamora will continue to serve as non-executive director of PT&T. “On behalf of the board, and personally, I would like to thank Buddy for the contribution he has made to PT&T during his chairmanship. He has been an excellent cand has played a crucial role in the successful development of PT&T,” said director and chief executive James Velasquez.

“We are delighted to welcome Bob as the new chairman. As we aim to expand our footprint nationwide and solidify our digital transformation services, Bob’s entry as our new chair brings with him an outstanding record of value creation and wealth of experience to PT&T,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

BPI-Philam changes name to BPI AIA BPI-PHILAM, a strategic alliance that allowed the AIA Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company to offer insurance through the Bank of the Philippine Islands, unveiled its new identity as BPI AIA. As a redesigned brand, it will use its global heritage to fulfill its commitment to provide accessible, affordable and personalized insurance for Filipinos.

Founded in 2009, the firm is among the top insurance companies in the country recognized by the Insurance Commission. BPI is the first bank in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, with a heritage of solid trust, financial strength, and innovation over the past 170 years.

AIA Philam Life, meanwhile, is a marketleading insurance company for over 70 years under the AIA Group, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group, with a presence in 18 markets across Asia Pacific. Having recently renamed to AIA Philippines, BPI-Philam evolves to follow suit.

The change is a move to align with the bigger umbrella AIA Group.

Toyota launches P4.7-b Batangas facility for CBUs

By Julito G. Rada THE country’s balance of payments posted a surplus of $1.04 billion in August, higher than the $657-million excess recorded in the same month last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

“The BOP surplus in August 2021 was due mainly to the additional allocation of Special Drawing Rights to the Philippines given the IMF’s [International Monetary Fund] efforts to increase global liquidity amid the pandemic and the BSP’s income from its investments abroad,” the BSP said in a statement.

These were partly offset by the national government’s foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP as the government settled foreign currency debt obligations and paid for various expenditures and the BSP’s net foreign exchange operations.

The BOP surplus in August reduced the cumulative BOP deficit in the first eight months to $253 million.

The eight-month BOP deficit was a reversal of the $4.77-billion surplus posted in the same period last year.

The cumulative BOP deficit was partly attributed to a wider merchandise trade deficit and lower net foreign borrowings by the national government compared to the same period last year.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s trade statistics, the trade balance in the first seven months reached $21.31 billion, up from $13.51-billion deficit registered a year earlier.

The BOP position reflects an increase in the gross international reserves level to $107.96 billion as of end-August from $107.15 billion in July. The latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 10.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It is also about 7.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.3 times based on residual maturity.

HOMEGROWN restaurant operator Jollibee Foods Corp. opened its first store in Spain on Thursday as part of its aggressive international expansion.

Jollibee said in a statement the Madrid store was one of the company’s biggest openings in Europe, with thousands of customers greeting the opening and people lining up starting at 10 p.m. of the previous day.

Jollibee Madrid is the brand’s largest restaurant in Europe with a capacity for 200 customers. “Our entry into Spain is a major milestone in Jollibee’s history and our international expansion. The heartwarming reception to our opening in Spain inspires us in our journey to bring our much-loved Chickenjoy to more countries in Europe, and is in line with our vision to become among the top five restaurant companies in the world,” Jollibee chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong said.

Aside from Spain, the fast-food giant is aggressively expanding its flagship brand in various cities worldwide, including New York, Rome, London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Jenniffer B. Austria

PT&T appoints Ortiz as new chairman

Eagle Cement buys out quarrying firm

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Jollibee opens first store in Spain

By Alena Mae S. Flores

REMOTE WORK. Australian business process outsourcing companies in the Philippines are looking at remote work arrangements not just as a temporary solution to pandemic-related work constraints but as an enduring model for work arrangements, industry executives say in a webinar. Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega (second row, left) says during the opening remarks of the webinar ‘Navigating the Future of Work’ that there are over 300 Australian companies in the Philippines employing more than 44,000 Filipinos in BPO, infrastructure, financial services, ICT and energy sectors.

SEC approves P6-b initial public offering of Villar’s AllDay Marts THE Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday approved the P6billion maiden share offering of AllDay Marts Inc., the grocery chain of tycoon Manuel Villar.

It also approved the P50-billion bondshelf registration program of Petron Corp.

The SEC in its meeting on Sept. 23 cleared AllDay’s offering of up to 6.85 billion primary common shares at a price of P0.80 apiece, with an over-allotment option for another 685.714 million common shares.

The company plans to use net proceeds from the initial public offering for debt repayment, capital expenditures

and initial working capital needed in store network expansion.

AllDay Marts had 33 stores spanning 55,881 square meters in aggregate net selling space as of end-June.

It plans to expand its store network to 45 by 2022 and 100 by the end of 2026.

The shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Post-IPO, AllDay will have a 33-percent public float, assuming the overallotment shares are exercised.

It tapped PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as the sole issue manager for the transaction.

PNB Capital will work with BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China

Bank Capital Corp. as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners.

Meanwhile, the SEC approved Petron’s P50-billion bond offering program. For the initial offering, Petron will issue P18 billion worth of four-year Series E bonds due 2025 and six-year Series F bonds due 2027.

Proceeds will be used for the redemption of Series A bonds, for the partial financing of a power plant project and for the payment of existing debt.

The offer period will be from Sep. 27 to Oct. 5, 2021. The bonds will be listed in the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Oct. 12, 2021.

Jenniffer B. Austria

TOYOTA Motor Philippines Corp. on Friday inaugurated the P4.7billion Batangas Vehicle Center that will contribute towards accelerating economic growth through the automotive industry.

“The BVC will serve as TMPC’s central facility for completely built units distribution, thus leaving the existing logistics facility in Sta. Rosa more focused on the production of completely knocked-down units,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“We commend Toyota for streamlining its logistics operations as it poses an opportunity to expand local manufacturing capacities,” he said.

TMP said the new facility is a testament to its strong confidence in the local automotive industry as it gears towards full recovery from the pandemic.

The 32-hectare facility streamlines vehicle handling prior to inter-island transport and ultimately ensures promised delivery time and quality of Toyota vehicles for dealers and customers.

TMP chairman Alfred Ty said that despite the temporary lockdowns, the company sustained the local production of Vios and Innova, safeguarding the employment of around 40,000 Filipinos in its value chain.

“Motor vehicle sales and services was one of the key sectors that contributed to the 11.8 percent growth in gross domestic product in the second quarter of this year,” Ty said.

Pag-IBIG booked 96% increase in home loan releases to P58.52b in first eight months PAG-IBIG Fund posted record-high loan releases in the January-to-August period as members availed of its housing loan and voluntary savings programs in large numbers amid the pandemic, top officials of the agency said during a virtual stakeholders’ accomplishment report held online on Friday.

Data showed home loans released in the eight-month period amounted to P58.52 billion, helping 57,235 members realize their dream of homeownership.

Members’ savings under the voluntary Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings program reached P17.73 billion.

“Pag-IBIG Fund has remained resilient and responsive to the needs of its members and stakeholders, despite the many challenges that the pandemic continues to bring. Our performance in generating funds which we plough back to the housing industry, not only helps in bringing the country’s housing roadmap closer to reality, but is also key to our nation’s eco-

nomic recovery,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

“These are our contributions to our nation’s efforts led by President Duterte, as we continue our journey in overcoming this pandemic,” said del Rosario, who also chairs the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

The agency’s release of P58.52 billion in home loans in the first eight months represented an increase of 96 percent

from the P29.9 billion released last year and a 14-percent growth from the previous record-high of P51.54 billion in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, members saved P13.3 billion in the MP2 in 2020, setting the record for the highest amount saved in one year.

With the agency’s collections reaching P17.73 billion in the first eight months of this year alone, it already surpassed the figure by 33 percent, while growing 124 percent year-on-year.

Business

B2 || SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

UK runs coal power stations amid ongoing energy crisis

PSEi September 24, 2021

TOP GAINERS

LAST %

PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1 ROX 1.37 0.17 14.17% 2 APL 0.112 0.011 10.89% 3 MED 0.35 0.02 6.06% 4 ACEN 11.7 0.52 4.65% 5 LBC 16.74 0.74 4.63% 6 CNVRG 36.5 1.5 4.29% 7 ALLHC 5.68 0.23 4.22% 8 LMG 4.59 0.18 4.08% 9 ABA 1.08 0.04 3.85% 10 PGOLD 42.95 1.55 3.74%

TOP LOSERS

1 ATNB 2 OPM 3 EVER 4 RCI 5 I 6 MBC 7 ABG

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 0.52 -0.06 -10.34% 0.01 -0.001 -9.09% 0.42 -0.03 -6.67% 0.81 -0.05 -5.81% 1.14 -0.07 -5.79% 8.5 -0.5 -5.56% 5.53 -0.32 -5.47%

8 MAH 1.51 -0.08 -5.03% 9 PA 3.02 -0.14 -4.43% 10 LAND 1.09 -0.05 -4.39%

MOST ACTIVE

1 COL 2 MONDE 3 CNVRG 4 ACEN 5 BDO 6 TEL 7 ICT 8 URC 9 WLCON 10 SM

VOLUME VALUE (PHP) 300,291,000 1,291,259,710 33,340,300 664,790,014 17,455,500 629,311,430 53,586,100 620,920,950 4,915,810 560,416,884 251,630 427,866,160 2,036,400 396,272,350 2,702,470 357,696,732 7,816,300 230,644,775 211,380 204,462,590

RECORD HIGH. Visitors pose for pictures with the bronze statue of a bull at the entrance gate of the Bombay Stock Exchange building in Mumbai on September 24, 2021. Indian shares rallied to a record high Friday as investors rode a global rally fueled by optimism about the economic recovery outlook. The Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex index crossed the 60,000 mark for the first time to touch 60,333 in the first five minutes, while the blue-chip Nifty50 index also hit a new peak of 17,947. AFP

Stocks rise for 4 straight day; Ayala issues advance th

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TOCKS climbed for the fourth straight day Friday, buoyed by reports of declining COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and gains in Wall Street overnight.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 36.25 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,951.53 on a value turnover of P8.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 103 to 79, with 67 issues unchanged.

AC Energy Corp. of the Ayala Group gained 4.6 percent at P11.70, while sister unit AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. advanced 4.2 percent to P5.68.

Fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rose 4.3 percent to P36.50, while BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, increased 2.1 percent to P113.30.

The rest of Asian markets struggled

Friday, with Hong Kong and Shanghai tumbling as property giant Evergrande’s silence over a bond payment fueled uncertainty among investors concerned that its potential collapse could spill over into the broader economy.

After a healthy start to the day, investors in Hong Kong and Shanghai dropped out as the weekend approached. Evergrande fell more than 11 percent in Hong Kong, having surged more than 17 percent Thursday.

“The nascent recovery in China markets remains at the mercy of their being no new negative Evergrande headlines,” said OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley.

There were also losses in Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington and Jakarta but Tokyo led gains, surging more than two percent, while Taipei also advanced.

Mumbai chalked up a record high, breaking the 60,000 barrier for the first time—the Sensex has more than doubled from its April 2020 low.

Investors were unable to track a

surge on Wall Street that followed news the Federal Reserve planned to start tapering its vast monetary easing program within months, which observers took as a signal of confidence that the world’s top economy is well on the right track.

A more hawkish tilt by the British and Norwegian central banks hinted at a similar outlook.

Traders are keeping close tabs on the battered real estate firm, with no sign that it had paid interest to overseas bondholders on a note due Thursday. While the firm has a 30-day grace period to stump up before it is considered in default, the lack of information is keeping investors anxious.

Markets were sent spinning at the start of the week by fears that the company— one of China’s biggest developers in the crucial property sector—would go under and drag others with it, in turn jolting the domestic economy and possibly beyond. With AFP

Delivery robots take the strain out of shopping in Britain town

By Olivier Devos MILTON KEYNES, United Kingdom—It’s famous for its roundabouts and statues of concrete cows. But the English town of Milton Keynes now has another claim to fame—a trundling army of shopping delivery robots.

The six-wheeled automated vehicles, launched three years ago, barely get a second glance as they ply the residential streets, some 80 kilometers (49 miles) north of London.

Numbers have grown to 200 in Milton Keynes and nearby Northampton, which introduced the service in 2020, with plans for as many as 500 to be in action in five more places across the country.

According to the robots’ operators, the squat white machines came into their own when Britain locked down last year as coronavirus hit the country.

“Everyone was so in need of contactless delivery during the pandemic,” Andrew Curtis, head of UK operations at Starship Technologies, told AFP. The US company, which has quadrupled its deliveries in the UK, now makes 1,000 deliveries a day.

“Demand hasn’t dropped off,” Curtis said, adding that as stay-at-home restrictions were lifted, users became more willing to try the technology.

The company has signed a new agreement with longstanding partner the Co-op Group’s chain of supermarkets, to provide 300 new robots by the end of the year and triple deliveries.

Sheila, 71, picks up a delivery from an autonomous robot called Starship delivering groceries from a nearby Co-op supermarket in Milton Keynes, England on September 20, 2021. In a residential area in the English town of Milton Keynes small robots encased in elegant white containers roll past each other with an air of indifference, delivering shopping and meals. AFP

In front of one of the retailer’s shops in Milton Keynes, which was the first to use the delivery machines in 2018, a dozen robots are ready and waiting.

With their antenna topped with an orange flag to aid visibility, they look almost like a queue of empty bumper cars.

Starship troopers An employee emerges from the shop and places the newest order inside one

of the robots—a small bag containing raspberries, yoghurt and a bouquet of flowers.

With its lid locked, the droid immediately dashes out onto the pavement.

It turns and moves forward to cross the road before stopping, reversing suddenly to let a car pass.

Fitted with cameras, sensors and a loud alarm if needed, the robots—first created in 2014 by the two founders

of Skype—are 99 percent autonomous.

But if they become stuck, an operator can take control.

Once launched, the robot navigates the maze of footpaths that wind between Milton Keynes’ red brick houses.

When the way is clear, it can reach speeds of up to six kilometers (nearly four miles) per hour—a little more than a reasonable walking pace.

Deliveries reach customers in less than an hour.

The Co-op said the use of the robots is environmentally friendly as well as convenient, with 70 percent of Starship’s customers going without a trip in the car to a store or receiving a delivery from a fuelpowered vehicle.

Under the delivery system, the robots remain the property of Starship and orders are placed via an application they developed.

The company manages 1,000 robots, mainly in Britain and the United States but also in Estonia, Germany and Denmark.

The tech firm is not alone in the delivery robot race.

In the United States, for example, where it operates mainly on university campuses, it is jockeying for position with start-ups and logistics giants such as Amazon and FedEx. AFP

Nike lowers sales forecast, citing shipping problems and factory closures NEW YORK—Nike cut its sales forecast Thursday, pointing to myriad supply chain problems that are delaying deliveries of athletic gear and expected to crimp sales for the next few quarters.

The sports giant is dealing with a doubling of shipping times from its Asian manufacturing centers to North America, as well as closures of major factories in Vietnam and Indonesia due to local government restrictions because of COVID-19, chief financial officer Matt Friend said on a conference call with analysts.

Shipping conditions have been bad for much of 2021 and “deteriorated even further” in the most recent quarter, Friend said, noting port backlogs, rail congestion and labor shortages.

“Lost weeks of production combined with longer transit times will lead to short-term inventory

shortages in the marketplace for the next few quarters,” he said. “We expect all geographies to be impacted by these problems.”

The company now expects fiscal 2022 sales growth in the “mid single digits,” compared with the earlier outlook for “low double digit growth,” Friend said.

The comments came as Nike reported profits of $1.9 billion in the quarter ending August 31, up 23 percent from the year-ago period.

Revenues climbed 16 percent to $12.2 billion, but still fell short of analyst expectations by more than $200 million during the quarter ending August 31.

The company faced longer shipping times in North America and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region, while China’s sales were dented by government restrictions enacted in July due to

COVID-19, Friend said.

The sports giant reported a 20-percent rise in selling and administrative expenses. Spending went for wages and boosted digital marketing, as well as higher shipping costs.

Friend said manufacturing plants in Indonesia were back operating, but that most of the company’s operations in Vietnam have been dormant since the summer. Nike expects to resume the Vietnam operations in October, meaning it will lose about 10 weeks of production, he said.

Moreover, Friend said resuming work can only be done gradually, adding, “it will take time.”

For the remainder of fiscal 2022, “we expect strong marketplace demand to exceed available supply,” Friend said.

Shares fell 3.5 percent to $154.00 in after-hours trading. AFP

LONDON—Britain, which faces soaring natural gas prices, has been forced to run coal-fired power stations in order to secure energy supplies, electricity generation company Drax said on Thursday.

The country is particularly exposed to Europe’s ongoing energy crisis due to its reliance on natural gas to generate electricity. The price of European gas futures has more than doubled since May. “These facilities have fulfilled a critical role in keeping the lights on at a time when the energy system is under considerable pressure,” the group said in a statement emailed to AFP. Drax—which owns the nation’s biggest facility in Yorkshire, northern England—had planned to switch from coal to biomass this year to help tackle climate change.

The group could now extend the use of coal, Chief Executive Will Gardiner told the Financial Times.

“We’re very aware that the country might have a significant problem and if there’s something Drax can do we will absolutely think about doing that,” Gardiner told the business-focused newspaper.

Any delay could complicate Britain’s plans to scrap coal-powered electricity generation by October 2024.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government, which seeks to reduce Britain’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, will in November host the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow.

Prices of wholesale natural gas in Britain hit record highs last week, after a fire knocked out a vital point connecting the country’s power grid to France.

Runaway prices also sparked fears of rocketing domestic energy bills as demand peaks during the cold northern hemisphere winter.

Britain will face a “tough winter” if temperatures are colder than normal, Gardiner also told the FT. About 1.5 million consumers in Britain have seen their domestic energy suppliers go bust in recent weeks as a result of chronic turmoil in the market. AFP

EU exposure to Evergrande limited—ECB FRANKFURT, Germany—European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said on Friday that the potential collapse of the troubled Chinese realestate giant Evergrande would have a “limited” impact on the eurozone.

Markets plunged at the beginning of the week by fears that Evergrande— one of China’s biggest developers in the crucial property sector—would collapse under debts worth over $300 billion, taking other companies with it and serving a blow to the world economy.

“I have very vivid memories of the latest stock market developments in China that had a bearing across the world,” Lagarde told news channel CNBC. “But in Europe and in the euro area in particular, direct exposure would be limited,” she said.

The struggles at Evergrande would have a “China-centric impact,” Lagarde said, while officials at the ECB, wary of the interconnected nature of markets, were following developments closely.

The president of Evergrande Xu Jiayin was reported by Chinese state-owned media to have told group managers on Wednesday to “make every effort to fulfil” its payment obligations.

But market observers are keeping close tabs on the battered real estate firm, with no sign that it had paid interest to bondholders on a note due Thursday, though the group has a 30day grace period to stump up before it is considered in default.

Commenting in the same interview on the risk of persistent inflation in the eurozone, above the ECB’s two-percent target, Lagarde said the bank expected “a return to much more stability in the year to come because many of the causes of higher prices are temporary.”

“A lot of it has to do with energy prices,” the former French finance minister said, as short supply of natural gas in Europe has pushed bills up.

Lagarde also pointed to the end of VAT holidays in Europe, deployed last year to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, as a temporary driver of inflation. AFP

Home/Design

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HERE is now a more evenly distributed market for properties to rent and purchase in Metro Manila - a sign of shifting seeker preferences and market needs.

Lamudi recently weighed in on three major trends in the real estate rental market in the time of COVID-19, and saw telling changes in seeker priorities brought by the pandemic, including shifts in the way people approach renting properties.

In the early days of strict community quarantines last year, workers in exportcentered industries were one of the few identified to be priority sectors - essential workers required to continue face-to-face operations and keep the economy afloat.

Large-scale operations in industries such as food production, business process outsourcing, and other export-related services continued work as is, a difficult feat given the strict checkpoints and lack of public transport.

To keep employees safe and minimize the need for travel, many companies provided on-site staff housing or availed of large residential spaces nearby for employees, as well as shuttle services to and from the plant to designated pick up or drop off locations.

Now in the first quarter of 2021, the distribution of leads for properties to buy and properties to rent is becoming nearly equal.

LUXURY RENTALS STILL GROWING The share of leads for luxury properties to rent worth PHP 200K - PHP 500K increased in Luzon and Visayas throughout the pandemic. In Luzon (outside Metro Manila), where many industrial plants and export processing zones are located, the share of leads for properties to rent within the P100,000 – P200,000 range increased in 2Q 2021 from the same period a year before.

The same trend was observed in Metro Manila and in Visayas, with the lead share for properties within the same range posting slight gains from 2Q 2020 to 2Q 2021.

AFFORDABLE RENTALS IN METRO REBOUND In Metro Manila, demand for affordable rentals bounced back in 2021, as many returned to the office or preferred proximity to the office as they transition to more flexible schedules in the new normal.

Lamudi data showed a gradual recovery in leads for rental properties within the P5,000 – P15,000 range, which showed quarter-on-quarter gains since 3Q 2020 and has sustained a lead share above 30% since the first quarter of 2021.

For those not quite ready to purchase their own property yet as well as for many not based in the Metro, renting remains to be the more immediately accessible option.

With renters worried about co-living in high-density spaces during a pandemic, property sellers can leverage amenities such as study and work stations, open air leisure facilities and updated safety measures to ease any concerns.

B3

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 || Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Online learning, work opening up rental markets

SEEKING A BALANCE. The option to work remotely from leisure destinations such as Ilocos Norte, Siargao, Palawan and even Boracay, have grown.

REMOTE WORK CULTURE HERE TO STAY? The growing openness of companies to work-from-home set-ups, increasing number of freelancers, and current global economic situation have driven many to work in permanently remote positions.

Joining the gig economy has become not

only a lifestyle choice but more a practical reality for many fresh graduates, employees with little security and reduced wages, migrants, and creatives who wish to earn extra income during the pandemic. During a time when hiring rates are low, many fresh graduates and those freshly out of a job have turned to putting up small businesses and

upskilling to enter freelance online-based jobs in order to start earning.

SEEKING A BALANCE The option to work remotely from leisure destinations such as Ilocos Norte, Siargao, Palawan and even Boracay, have grown. Provinces have recognized the demand from many young professionals to work from scenic places with plenty of outdoor amenities long term, and in the case of Ilocos Norte, have even incentivized for entrepreneurs and remote workers to put up shop on their shores.

According to Lamudi data, some of the most sought-after cities overall in the second quarter of 2021 were renowned leisure destinations or cities with easy access to nature. Baguio, Tagaytay and Antipolo joined Quezon City and Cebu City in the ranks as the cities which attracted the most searches overall from property seekers.

While cities in Metro Manila were the most commonly searched areas in Lamudi, leisure destinations such as Siargao, Bohol, Boracay and Zambales have also been heavily searched.

Brokers and sellers are encouraged to highlight homes that promise a more balanced lifestyle - fresh air and natural open spaces still within close proximity to commercial hubs.

VACATION DESTINATIONS NO LONGER A PIPE DREAM Batangas Province and Lapu-lapu, amassed impressive overall leads growth figures in the second half of 2020 compared to the first half of the same year. In the second quarter of 2021, these leisure destinations continue to be some of the most searched locations in the Philippines, possibly attracting investors, end-users, and renters.

With revenge travel refueling real estate demand, local hospitality markets incentivizing long term stays, and investors considering leisure destinations for their rental business, domestic tourism has found an unlikely promoter in remote work.

Brokers and managers of properties in these areas are actively monitoring tourism recovery initiatives, travel requirements in vacation spots, and Department of Tourism-accredited tour operators to

ensure a safe travel experience for clients.

MOBILITY IS KEY For the many that will be returning to the office, a home that enables mobility such as those close to mass transport hubs is the most practical choice. Renting a home near a bus stop or rail station allows for easier access to key commercial areas across Metro Manila.

Lamudi data on proposed Metro Manila Subway destinations - areas with major foot traffic - shows that more property seekers were looking into rental properties in the second quarter of 2021.

“Rent to own” was the top searched non-location specific term on the site in 1H2021. In spite of the pandemic, Lamudi data shows that areas such as Ortigas Avenue, West Rembo and Western Bicutan were primarily rental markets from 1Q 2020 to 2Q 2021 - likely due to their proximity to CBDs in Pasig, Makati and Taguig, as well as mass transit.

HOLDING ON TO PROPERTIES Real estate owners are holding on to their properties in these areas as land values appreciate upon completion of the subway project. In the meantime, should residing there not be the best option, owners can rent out the property to young professionals, small businesses and even BPO companies in need of staff housing depending on the owner’s property type and size.

With more vaccines arriving, a sizable share of workers who had moved back to their home provinces during the pandemic may be returning to the metro in search of accommodations close to the workplace.

Brokers and property managers are preparing to cater to seekers online - that is where seekers will be searching potential homes and making the necessary transactions.

With on-site tours and ocular inspections not accessible to them, property seekers will put a premium on transparent and high-quality online listings, as well as attentive customer service.

Virtual tours, quality photos, responsive online customer service, and transparent processes show the professionalism of the property owner or broker and help improve the online real estate renting experience.

Breathing life into the new normal

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS. Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) recently launched “Alagang AyalaLand” to provide livelihood opportunities to social enterprises by, among others , giving these enterprises their own spaces in ALI developments nationwide.

The rent-free spaces are aimed at jumpstarting the growth of small businesses, in turn fuelling local consumption and helping to accelerate the country’s recovery. “Our various business units – from the estates, residential and commercial groups, will support our goal of nurturing at least 300 social enterprises in our malls and properties by December of this year,” said ALI vice president and head of Alagang AyalaLand council Manny A. Blas. There are now a total of 289 social enterprises primarily set up in Ayala Malls nationwide. One of them is Bukid ni Bogs (Shown in photo), a Zamboanga-based organic farm and soapmaking business that elevates the status of women farmers while teaching people about the importance of an organic way of life. Marianne Dagohoy’s Pure Bites enterprise (Inset), a provider of healthier food choices such as salad meals, nutrient-filled smoothies and tofu dishes, boosts awareness about a healthy diet for Filipinos.

Settlement of hope SOME 120 families rendered homeless by the Marawi siege in 2017 recently got houses they can call their own, through the Marawi Shelter Project.

The home-partners received their certificates of house and lot award during a turnover ceremony of the Darussalam Village in Barangay Dulay Proper, the second phase of the project. Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) president Atty. Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling joined Task Force Bangon Marawi chairperson Sec. Eduardo del Rosario in the event (Shown in photo), which took place five months after the first batch consisting of 109 homepartners, transferred to the Hadiya Village (Marawi Shelter Project Phase I) in Barangay Dulay West. Through funding from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and the Japan government, a total of P386.66 million has been allocated to SHFC to implement the project.

Beneficiaries of the Darussalam Village are internally displaced families living along the three-meter easement of the Lake Lanao and Agus River. Marawi Shelter Project Phase III in Barangay Patani is currently being built to house a total of 438 families.

THE COVID-19 pandemic has pushed people to come to terms with mobility restrictions, remote working, and a more digital way of life.

As the lines blur between work and personal life, Greenfield Development Corporation (GDC), developer of the Greenfield central business district in Mandaluyong City, recently unveiled Its 15-hectare development built on two primary foundations: Twin Oaks Place, Zitan and business centers like Greenfield Corporate Tower.

The project connects its homeowners to a lifestyle defined by convenience with its accessible facilities and prime location.

Both Twin Oaks Place and Zitan incorporate technology into practical daily living, including app-controlled lighting, climate control, telecommunications, among other possibilities.

The interconnectivity these properties offer provides a glimpse to the reality that residents can experience by living in Greenfield District.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

B4 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

The storied history of Lexus ES The All-New Isuzu D-MAX in Marrakesh Brown one of two new color selections for the model.

NEW ISUZU MU-X

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Taking the lead on-and-off the road

HE long-awaited all-new mu-X has just arrived in the local market. It is the second generation of Isuzu’s 7-seater SUV.

“With the introduction of the New Isuzu D-MAX early this year, much anticipation and excitement has been created for the mu-X, which has become one of the leading SUVs in the market, due to its versatility, durability, and over-all reliability,” said IPC President, Hajime Koso. “Finally, the long wait is over, get ready to be impressed and moved with a mu-X that will give you confidence and pleasure to drive. A mu-X that we’ve never seen before, one that will definitely push you further to ‘TAKE THE LEAD’”, he said.

At the heart of the new mu-X is the new 4JJ3-TCX turbo engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrainproduced190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque for smooth, effortless acceleration even when you need to carry or tow heavy load. On the other hand, specific variants equipped with the RZ4E-TC engine, now has improved performance due to better exhaust emission creating lower levels of noise and vibration as well as further increasing engine reliability and fuel economy.

The chassis of this latest model of the mu-X also now has larger side rails and has been reinforced through an 8-Cross Member design to not just increase torsional rigidity but also safety for added protection in the event of a side or rear collision.Not only that, both front and back suspensions have been redesigned to minimize body rolls when cornering ensuring driver confidence not to mention a more relaxed cabin. Standing at 1,822-mm and is 2,855-mm long, which is 10 mm less and 25 mm more respectively than its predecessor.With its reliable steel underbody protection and a wading depth of up to 800-mm,wherever

you plan to go, the mu-X will take charge.

Built to conquer any terrain with ease. The Terrain Command Select Dial lets the driver switch between 2WD-high and 4WD-high whenat 100kphor select4WD-low to further increase traction and control.For off-road enthusiasts, the Rough Terrain Mode bringstheir experience up a notch. It is a driver aid that maximizes drivability when faced with technically challenging and slippery conditions.

On to infotainment and connectivity, the All-New mu-X now has a 10.1-inch full touchscreen display that isApple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.It also has an 8-speaker system with JVC Kenwood tweeters mounted unto the rear doors, for enhanced sound quality even from the back. Power outlets can be found not just at the lower dash up frontbut now also at the center console with a dedicated rear 220V and dual 2.4A USB charging ports to cater to on-the-go passenger needs for their smart phones or other gadgets.

Luggage spaceis superior in terms of volume capacity – afull-size golf bag can even fit horizontally. Unfolding theseatback is now also more user-friendly due to the optimization of the lift strap position and elimination of the lever lock mechanism. Improvements were also made on the roof rails, for better compatibility with after-market equipment and increased load capacity from 60-kgs to 100-kgs, together with the sidesteps, having wider food tread area for easier entry and exit. The All-New mu-X assures that you have ample space good for 7 adults plus luggage or weekend gear as needed.

Several nifty features that were well received by customers from the All-New D-MAX are carried over to the mu-X. One of which is the Passive Entry and Start System (PESS) that include a Welcome Light, which is triggered when the driver approaches the SUV with the key, the interior light automatically turns on within 2 meters,and a Walk Away Lock, which is activated when the driver leaves the vehicle with the key, the SUV locks automaticallyonce beyond 3 meters.

“Intelligent Safety” was also one of the top priorities in developing the brand-new muX, which achieved a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Loaded withan array of passive and active safety systems bannered by Isuzu’s Advance Driver Assist System. Commonly referred to as ADAS, it was first introduced in the country through the All-New D-MAX. Employing state-ofthe-art smart duo stereo cameras and sensors that constantly monitor your surrounding environ-ment to alert on potential dangers.

The 12 ADAS functions cover precrash detection, rear and side assist detecting obstacles, parking aid especially on tight spots and post-crash recognition in cases of unforeseen accidents.

They are as follows: • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) •Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) • Turn Assist •Mis-Application Mitigation •Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) •Manual Speed Limiter (MSL) •Lane Departure Warning (LDW) •Automatic High Beam (AHB) •Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) • Parking Aid •Multi Collision Brake (MCB)

THE Lexus ES has been known for its refined comfort and dynamic performance. Since it was first unveiled in 1989, 2.65 million Lexus ES units have already been sold worldwide and remains as one of the brand’s core models.

The Lexus ES has gone through many iterations through the years of which have now become classic models. With more details to be shared this month, the NEW ES is no exception & will be coming soon to Philippine shores.

The ES Chief Engineer Tetsuya Aoki san is proud of what he has created during the development of the latest ES. He shares what the current model has in store for its drivers and the philosophy behind each improvement that was done to the car.

lighter all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6 that met new emissions standards without sacrificing performance.

Arriving as a totally redesigned model in the summer of 1996, the thirdgeneration ES 300 wore similar but slightly sharper styling than the outgoing car. The passenger cabin appeared to extend further backward to provide a sleeker silhouette, while the wheelbase and overall length had increased to provide legroom comparable with that of prestige European rivals from the class above.

By the time the fourth-gen ES came along in 2001, chassis improvements included revised geometry and a new steering gear design for greater feel and precision, while an Adaptive Variable Suspension was available as an option. Unique within the near-luxury segment, the system was based on

“We pursued development to meet and exceed the expectations of customers, “ he shares. “The exterior design has sharper headlights; a modern mesh grille; and sportier wheels. The interior features a touchscreen display for added convenience and operability.”

Those improvements, however notable, are only skin deep.

“Paying attention to the smallest details, we’ve made it so that you can enter the driver seat with ease,” he shares.

“The response of the vehicle is faithful and true to the driver’s intentions according to the steering input. Launch from a standstill is swift. During lane changes, acceleration is stress-free and there is a natural movement to the ES. Turning the steering wheel allows for confident driving.”

And then there is the enhanced comfort level. “Even on rough roads, the body absorbs road inputs and allows passengers to experience refined ride comfort,” he adds. “You will feel how sprung weight moves on an undulating road and how quickly it will be brought back into control.”

The aim was to develop a vehicle that offers natural, stress-free driving according to driver intent. Aoki-san would like customers to experience the same kind of satisfaction that comes from slipping on a finely tailored suit through the further enhanced refinement of the Lexus ES, with its modernized refinement and elegance.

Lexus ES Milestones When Lexus was launched in the United States in September 1989, the brand offered a twocar launch line-up, including the ES 250 as an entry-level luxury saloon. The Lexus ES has been in constant production ever since, evolving through seven generations while always remaining true to its frontengine, front-wheel-drive roots.

The smaller Lexus ES 250 was designed for the luxury carbuyer looking for a comfortable executive saloon with European character and nimble handling.

Its close resemblance to the larger LS was intended to immediately generate a Lexus family look on its market debut.

Lexus ES 300 The second-generation Lexus ES swiftly became the brand’s best-selling model and the bestseller in the executive saloon sector. In order to help maintain that position, the model was revised in 1991 to include a

that of the LS 400 and could adjust each shock absorber within 0.0025 seconds across a possible range of 16 settings to improve ride, handling, and stability. This advancement negated the need to offer ‘sport’ or ‘touring’ settings within the suspension system. Safety features were high on the new car’s agenda and included head impact protection, a threepoint center rear seat belt, pretensioners for the front seat belts, and optional electronic traction control. During its launch it exceeded all contemporary and future crash standards.

The application of new sound absorption — rather than sound insulation — technology together with active engine mounts and two-stage exhaust silencing made the cabin a quieter place in which to travel.

It offered greater safety, too, thanks to new crush zones and passenger compartment reinforcements built into the monocoque.

Examples of this included A-pillars that extended further into the roof, and double-thickness B-pillars linked to substantial cross-car reinforcements for greater side impact strength.

The fifth-generation model added a tantalising new element — a 300W 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system offering a full 5.1 Dolby Digital home theatre entertainment experience optimized for music playback. On an aesthetic level, premium wood and leather accents were more generously applied throughout the interior, with all touch points designed to convey a greater sense of quality and refinement.

The sixth-generation model introduced a 2.5-liter hybrid drivetrain that offered fewer emissions than the contemporary gasoline powered subcompacts.

Of course, the model’s more traditional audience would have been pleased to see the familiar 3.5-litre V6 with its six-speed, intelligent automatic transmission return, while during the course of its six-year production run, new 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplants also became available, depending on the market.

In this 7th generation — The ES story continues to unfold, and Lexus is inviting you to experience the NEW ES vehicle firsthand this month. As pointed out by its chief engineer, the ES provides a sense of satisfaction unlike no other.

5TH TECH & GADGETS ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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Navigating through a digital,

pandemic world

Leveraging power of tech in new normal

By P.Y. Deligero and Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr.

M

ODERNIZATION has resulted in great technological advancements throughout the years. It has made day-to-day activities easier, accessible, and safer for everyone to enjoy. Recently, technology has also played a key role in empowering people in their fight against COVID-19.

Ever since the Philippines fell to its knees in March of last year following community quarantines imposed as a safety precaution in different parts of the country, Filipinos have struggled to fully understand the danger and severity of the virus behind the current global pandemic.

Although the light at the end of the tunnel still seems far away for the Philippines, science and health experts have turned to technology to support their mission to educate citizens in the battle against the virus.

THE LITERAL ‘MOBILITY’ OF MEDICAL HELP With hospitals all over the country at full capacity due to the overcrowding of patients, the country needed an alternative to providing aid and consultation to worried citizens at home. And with the threat of the virus looming above their heads, people are taking every extra step to secure their health to avoid contracting the disease.

KonsultaMD, a health tech service provided by Globe to give Filipinos access to doctor consultation in the comfort of their own homes, hopes to

Master the Xceptional with the groundbreaking new X70 co-engineered with Zeiss

bring a solution to this pressing concern.

Although the service has been used solely for consultation and check-ups in the past, it has done a great deal in helping the country and its people since the beginning of the pandemic.

In August of last year, doctors were unable to travel to different cities due to existing lockdown protocols. This gave rise to the relationship of local government units with KonsultaMD. “Telehealth is more relevant now more than ever. People need access to doctors, telehealth provides that even to remote areas where no doctors are present. You can consult a KonsultaMD doctor anytime, anywhere thru voice or video,” said Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD’s COO in a webinar held last August 26.

LGUs struggling to help provide care to their sick citizens can turn to KonsultaMD if their constituents need medical help.

Another technological help the country has enjoyed thus far is an application that can potentially prevent a “super spreader” to enter public institutions.

Staysafe.PH is a mobile app that monitors people entering grocery malls,

public places, or offices. Launched in April last year, the app has done its fair share of monitoring the COVID-19 virus in the Philippines.

The app helps the Department of Health’s efforts in contact tracing.

It is also heavily required in public establishments where people walk in every day.

Staysafe uses an interface that reports whether a person is sick or not based on their temperature. The temperature checks on entrances of establishments are needed for users to report on the app, thus helping DOH’s reporting system.

While mobile help and COVID prevention have helped the country, technology has also helped more interactively.

THE INTERNET AS A TOOL AGAINST COVID-19 GMA Public Affairs has taken advantage of technology and has used it to promote the number one weapon Filipinos have against the dreaded virus: vaccination.

Launching their online campaign #JabWellDone, the news outlet has sought Filipino netizens to encourage people who are still hesitant about vaccines.

Since its launch in April, the campaign garnered mentions from over eight million users on Facebook in the first week alone. This effort has helped the Philippines gain more believers in what could be our biggest weapon for

Rise of E-commerce in PH

herd immunity in the country.

And speaking of herd immunity, a Twitter user has helped netizens find out our medical standing and how far we are from reaching herd immunity.

Twitter account @ HerdImmunityPH notifies Twitter users weekly on the percentage of vaccinated people in the country.

The account takes its data from the DOH, NTF, and PSA. Their accuracy reportage of vaccine outreach can potentially encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated the soonest to reach the expected time frame for herd immunity faster.

According to their most recent report from August 15, the Philippines have over 11.05 percent of fully vaccinated people, while over 13.15 percent have been inoculated with a first dose.

Their latest estimation for herd immunity points to March of next year. But with technology’s help and vaccine rollouts increasing, the country may be inching a bit closer to that objective.

With the internet as an available resource that the public can leverage against the pandemic and the concerns it raises, LGUs and private institutions can continue to develop new platforms and campaigns to raise the Filipinos’ defenses when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And in a world where the internet has become prevalent in everyone’s lives, proper dissemination of information through campaigns and apps can raise the level of public awareness which could boost the chances of them rising above the current situation.

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LG’s new monitor line creates an immersive experience to meet every user’s needs

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Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

Online interaction in work, education faces challenges HP equips BPO partners with tech solutions toward sustainable growth

By Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr.

W

HILE the country has yet to regain normalcy in the education sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online applications and sites have helped Filipino students catch up with their lessons in the confines of their own homes.

These online apps have not just helped colleges and universities alone, but also companies and offices that have, for the meantime, refrained from physical meetings.

With the rise of these online platforms, interaction with colleagues and classmates can be made with just a snap of a finger.

With face-to-face classes still expected to be limited in low-risk COVID-19 areas, the best compromise students and teachers have lies in the power of online curriculum.

THE PROS

Modern innovations of the internet gave rise to applications and websites that allow students to learn even in remote areas.

In comes Zoom, a teleconference software used by teachers and professors to communicate their lessons through their students’ laptop, tablet and phone screens, wherever they may be.

The software supports high definition video sharing which explains why it’s one of the most used applications for colleges, universities and even office meetings alike.

A premium Zoom account can be purchased to accompany more participants in one room and for longer meeting lengths.

These accounts are usually purchased by schools or offices for their employees. Still, without a premium account, Zoom can be pretty useful.

Google— American multinational technology company that specializes in Internetrelated services and products, has its own app “Meets” particularly for office meetings with participants being in different areas.

However, it has also been one of the primary apps used to hold online classes.

Unlike Zoom, it uses minimal data or internet usage making it a more optional alternative for students using mobile load to attend classes.

Modular papers may be a chore for other students, but that’s where more online alternatives could be of big help.

Sites such as Blackboard and Canvas are used by universities and colleges due to their convenient feature of uploading module lessons and quizzes at a short time’s notice.

Schools such as UST, UE and FEU use these sites to help their students optimize their learning.

These applications serve as an important tool not just for the modern day students, but also for universities and their quest of relay-

Latest HP Live episode tackles sustainable impact as business imperative

With face-to-face classes still expected to be limited in low-risk COVID-19 areas, the best compromise students and teachers have lies in the power of online curriculum.

ing lessons. However, not all applications fit the bill.

THE CONS

The highly controversial Respondus Lockdown Browser has received complaints from students around the nation.

University of San Carlos for instance, has aired its dismay over the app which caused them several system failures.

USC’s student body Rise for Education Alliance posted on their Facebook page an appeal against the use of the Respondus Browser last March.

The main objective and feature of the browser is to avoid switching tabs while on an exam to prevent cheating. This locks the user on the browser, and only on the browser, until exams are finished.

However, the software allegedly caused several problems in the students’ personal computers.

“We understand that this is all in good faith, to avoid cheating and to uphold integrity. However, this might not have been the right way to relay to us. There are other alternatives that we can go for if you really do not want any possibility of cheating,” their statement read.

Still, however, one of the main problems of online learning isn’t just reliant on one application.

The scarcity of internet signal in provinces remains one of the biggest hardships students face daily to cope with the new normal of learning.

As of writing, the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia left that has not reopened their schools for physical learning.

And although President Rodrigo Duterte has approved limited face-to-face classes in a maximum of 120 public and private schools in areas deemed low-risk for COVID-19, the Department of Education has yet to release the list of schools that would participate in the pilot run.

IN its most recent HP Live webinar, HP and Intel, along with other industry experts, discussed the impact of new work styles, the move to grow and becoming future-ready, as well as what it means for businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations. Aimed at raising awareness on sustainability the webinar, “The Future is Calling: Equipping the BPO Industry towards a Sustainable Shift” highlighted the sustainable impact and security trends, issues, and solutions for the businesses and outsourcing (BPO) industry in the new normal.

The BPO industry is one of the main economic growth drivers in the Philippines. To ensure business performance without compromising people’s safety and health, BPO companies have implemented more flexible working arrangements, and are now on their collective journey toward sustainable growth.

“The direction for us post-pandemic is not to get back to the old normal but to move forward in a new era of innovation and long-term, sustainable growth. This is why sustainable impact is not just a good-to-have but a business imperative and we, at HP, will work together with our partners in the BPO industry in this shared commitment of driving positive, lasting change to our people, planet, and the community,” said Christian Reyes, Philippines Managing Director of HP Inc. PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: FINDING THE RIGHT TOOLS AND SOLUTIONS To make it easier for businesses to embed sustainability into their operations and IT infrastructure, HP designed a solution that reduces the cost and complexity of device lifecycle management. The HP Device as a Service provides the right devices, repair services, and AI-driven analytics in a predictable payment with flexible terms.

“It’s really about equipping businesses with the right technology and the best security solutions. Traditional IT is no longer productive and companies would have to think about what they need to increase their capabilities onsite and remotely—it could be automation, AI, data analytics, or cloud-based technology. The right kind of solution enables companies to support their workforce better and ensure sustainable operations. It will allow them to monitor, manage, and even predict issues and address them proactively instead of through reactive actions,” Kanogorn Lertsrisuriya—Regional Services Category Manager, HP Inc. said.

Last year, during the first months of shifting to remote work due to sudden lockdown restrictions, a great number of the workforce experienced major issues in working longer hours to compensate for “low productivity” due to technical problems, unreliable internet connection, and unstable electricity supplies. According to a report, this led to 51% of agents resigning in the Philippines.

“We managed to lower our attrition because we were able to offer a work-from-home set-up which we didn’t have before in the BPO space. This was made possible by enhancing the security aspect of our operations. We also need to collaborate and listen more for us to be able to create sustainable and relevant solutions for issues concerning our people. None of the BPO companies were prepared for this pandemic and we all learn as we move along. What we can assure is that we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of our people,” said Jojo Uligan, CCAP President.

Marwin Barrozo, Philippines Director for IT Delivery Service at Transcom added, “Even with the pandemic, Transcom grew in 2020 compared to 2019 because we were able to adapt to the changes and found ways for us to retain our workforce such as modifying site operations for brick and mortars, providing infrastructure assistance to those who are working from home, and facilitating the recruitment process onsite and virtually.”

Meanwhile, green practices and trends are also making their way to outsourcing firms—from making sustainable decisions in the use of office equipment to promoting environmental-related programs for employees and developing long-term goals aligned with planet protection plans.

With sustainability becoming a priority for an increasing number of companies over the years, more are proving that sustainable solutions can positively impact bottom lines.

Barrozo shared, “When the pandemic reached the Philippines last year, we reviewed our sustainability program called Transcom Cares which focuses on six courses of areas that we consider the most beneficial to our operations. Through that program, we were able to better handle and manage amid the health crisis, becoming a more successful and sustainable company.”

HP has also been leading sustainable impact initiatives for years and has created its world-first sustainable PC and print portfolio through a commitment to energy efficiency, recycled materials usage, product longevity, design for product end-of-life, and innovative packaging. Recently, the company outlined its agenda to help expand access to digital equity and advance human rights for all through its extensive programs within and outside the organization.

And for the second consecutive year, in 2020, these efforts on sustainable impact have helped HP win more than $1 billion in new sales.

For more information on how you can optimize your working experiences from home and remote work sites, please visit HP.com.

To learn more about our innovative solutions for BPO, you may send a direct inquiry to Maria Elenita Tady, Partner Business Manager, at elen.tady@hp.com or thru +63 917 5901419.

Big discount at MR.D.I.Y. for entire September IT’S a September to remember as MR.D.I.Y.’s Proudly Made in the Philippines Promo offers its customer a month-long discount scheme of up to 20% price off on selected home improvement and essential goods that every member of the family will surely love.

The good news is that there is a MR.D.I.Y. near you —181 stores of them nationwide­—where you can grab the items you need for any occasion.

Proudly Made in the Philippines promo highlights local brands and its products in various categories namely essential goods, household, furnishing, car accessories, pet accessories, and many more.

Understanding the need to manage our budget properly

These online apps have also helped companies and offices with their meetings.

Online banking: Easy, convenient, safe

By Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. THE COVID-19 pandemic has hit the country in a number of ways, including the way people do their banking.

With the restriction of physical activities on cities placed under strict community quarantine protocols, banks needed a way to serve their constituents at the comfort of their own homes, realizing that one must evolve in the face of changing times.

This realization paved the way for the emergence of digital banking, which is turning out to be a necessity in the modern era. While banks required individuals prepandemic to head over to their branches to make a deposit, they now encourage users to do their banking online.

Banks such as Banco De Oro, Metrobank, Security Bank and BPI have released phone applications for their members who aim to use remote banking.

There are also exclusively digital banks rising to the occasion in the pandemic.

Examples of these are CIMB (baced by GCash) and ING bank. Unlike the previous banks stated, they are not completely

accessible to the public physically, but their digital arm is what makes them sought-after by new applicants.

Money transfer has also been very much of a need for Filipinos at these times, especially when they need to send money to their loved ones in the provinces or even out of the country.

Forunately, digital banks also offer money transferring services for their users with just a little transferring fee. Banks often charge P15 to 25, depending on how big the money being transferred is.

Furthermore, these banks offer services to several necessary services such as online shopping, paying bills and transportation woes.

Lastly, these digital banks make efforts to prevent fraudulent transactions. To apply for a digital bank, you’d need to submit a valid ID and they also use twofactor authentication, ensuring safety of the account.

With the changing times, our country’s banks are taking every proper step possible to innovate the term “banking” in a more progressive way for their users.

during these difficult times, MR.D.I.Y. offers budgetfriendly deals making low-priced products even lower have been just awesome! Consider this as the early Christmas treat from one of the leading home and life improvement retailers in Southeast Asia­—MR.D.I.Y. Can’t wait to see all the great deals?

Head to MR.D.I.Y.’s official website at www.mrdiy. com/ph or its official Facebook page @mrdiyPH and check out the featured items to ensure that your upcoming visit will be fast, safe, and efficient.

See you at your favorite MR.D.I.Y. store nationwide. Happy shopping!

Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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Rise of E-commerce in PH

By P.Y. Deligero

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ACK when the world was still functioning without any restrictions on who can go out, people of all ages enjoyed going to malls, stores and outlets to shop. They would spend hours browsing through racks and piles of items to find the ideal purchase to take home.

That changed in early 2020 when the COVID-19 virus struck, causing people to be confined in their homes for their safety against the global pandemic.

Yet being stuck indoors didn’t stop people from shopping for their favorite brands or acquiring new items. Thanks to the internet and various ecommerce platforms, Filipinos can enjoy shopping with just a few clicks.

In the Philippines, several e-commerce platforms offer a variety of goods that range from cosmetics, clothes, food, household items, and more. Through these sites, people have found items they needed or didn’t know they needed.

Online shopping has already been around even before the COVID-19 pandemic shifted everything into a different dynamic. But without any restrictions, not many people were inclined to use the service, especially since many people are skeptical about the internet.

Now, many Filipinos are frequent users of ecommerce sites and participate in the events and contests that it hosts such as monthly sales that catch the attention of numerous consumers.

THE PROS AND CONS OF E-COMMERCE

Simply put, e-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.

Popular e-commerce platforms around the world include Amazon and eBay, while most Filipinos are familiar with Shopee, Lazada and Zalora.

But because it relies on the internet, not many Filipinos were eager to try out this new method of shopping. This stems from their fear of being scammed into giving personal details and losing money to suspicious websites.

Eventually, they learned to overcome this fear, especially since their options have become limited due to the pandemic. Online shopping has also become a coping mechanism for others who find comfort through retail therapy.

From 2020 to 2021, there has been a significant rise in the number of e-commerce users in the Philippines, presenting the benefits that people from both ends of the platform can enjoy.

In e-commerce users, for both consumers and sellers, the top reason why they use such platforms is that they have the benefit of buying and selling items without having to leave their houses to travel to physical stores. And compared to items in physical stores, many items found on e-commerce websites are significantly more affordable, thus enticing more buyers.

Consumers are also given a wider selection of items to choose from. E-commerce websites close the geographical gap between the availability of items to consumers in select areas.

However, the downside to this arrangement is that buyers can’t personally inspect an item before purchasing, thus giving them a sense of uneasiness on whether or not their purchase is worth it. Sellers, on the other hand, are required to disclose all the information about an item to avoid any misunderstandings that often happen in online spaces.

Using e-commerce platforms also generates income for delivery services that serve as the bridge between buyer and seller. Although this keeps more people from going outside of their houses to buy items themselves, it requires more time and patience because delivery usually takes some time before it reaches consumers.

And since delivery services have to brave the open roads to fulfill their tasks, there’s no telling what would happen to items during transit.

The pros of e-commerce, or online shopping, are evident in its accessibility and the opportunities it presents to buyers, sellers, and even services in the middle. On the other hand, its cons can also be easily avoided by asking the right questions, full disclosures, and proper handling from the consumer, seller, and delivery services, respectively.

HOW IT CAN BE IMPROVED

While many Filipinos have already started leveraging the power of e-commerce sites, there are still those who face certain roadblocks when it comes to accessing these platforms.

The first problem is with the internet connection.

It is no secret that the Philippines lags behind its Asian neighborhoods when it comes to an internet connection. The internet has become important to the modern world, as having limited to no access to it hinders the progress of many.

A solution to this comes from the government and telecommunication companies. They can es-

There has been a significant rise in the number of e-commerce users in the Philippines, presenting the benefits that people from both ends of the platform can enjoy.

tablish more telecommunication towers that provide a signal to far areas so that more people could have access to the internet and e-commerce sites.

Having more telecommunication towers also allow for faster internet speed so users can have a better browsing experience.

But aside from having the government and private sectors weigh in on the improvement of ecommerce, the platforms themselves should also contribute to the development of their operations.

One example is by establishing easily accessible customer service hotlines to answer concerns from buyers, sellers, and even delivery services. Having a team that promptly addresses questions or problems can generate more users who find the site trustworthy.

E-commerce platforms can also invest in new technology that could make the shopping experience easier and more relatable to many users in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic put the world to an abrupt stop, causing people to refrain from going out

and doing things they enjoy, such as shopping. But thanks to the rise of technology and the internet, there are solutions available to every person’s needs.

E-commerce sites have helped people in numerous ways. It has also aided in keeping trade and the Philippine economy afloat because the people have taken their usual transactions into an online space where they can leverage the power of technology.

For those who are looking for a quick retail therapy session or a source of extra income, they can turn to e-commerce and harness its potential.

Through these platforms, they can get their money’s worth and find new opportunities accessible only in the online space.

But like most things, online shopping and selling should be done with caution. Although e-commerce platforms and other services have established themselves to become credible brands, there’s no harm in being careful with sharing private information with others.

Master the Xceptional with the groundbreaking new X70 co-engineered with Zeiss vivo X70, the Next Imagery Master, lets you capture life’s best moments better with best-in-class mobile photography technology CREATE new memories and capture extraordinary moments with the Next Imagery Master that is the vivo X70 that incorporates the trusted expertise of Zeiss optic technology with the latest in mobile technology.

This long-term strategic partnership started with the X60 series and revolutionized the way we share our world view through images taken with the vivo x ZEISS coengineered imaging system. The X60 series contributed to vivo’s vigorous growth in the second quarter of 2021, making it one of the top smartphone brands in the Philippines with a market share of 18.2% according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.

The vivo X70 builds on this powerful collaboration to present upgraded mobile performance and Zeiss camera capabilities to level up how we capture our extraordinary moments in the most challenging photography situations.

With its unique Zeiss Optics-Zeiss T* Coating, the vivo X70 captures ever-vivid portraits of your favorite subjects with features such as the classic Zeiss styles in Portrait Mode: Biotar, Distagon, Planar, and Sonnar. It also comes with a Gimbal 3.0 sensor that utilizes Zeiss optics to offer breakthrough innovations in mobile imaging technology. You can gain mastery of mobile night photography with features such as Zeiss Superb Night Camera and AI Algorithm that allows users to preview and manually adjust the exposure intensity to the desired brightness of the photo.

Experience the Next Imagery Master and own Xceptional living with the vivo X70, which lands in stores soon. For more information and new product updates visit www.vivoglobal.ph, and vivo’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

Experience the Next Imagery Master with the new vivo X70, landing in stores soon

C4 || SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

By Charles Arvin Dantes and Angelica Villanueva

W

ITH the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, most of us are left with no choice but to stay at home and carry on with what we are doing. Whether it’s online distance learning, working from home, or even entertaining ourselves, we need to do all of these from the comfort of our homes.

Ever since the lockdown started, people have been setting up their workplace and studying in their own creative way—from their working table to the gadgets—in order to adjust and adapt to the situation.

But since we’re now on the “third season” of our lockdown and you’re still looking for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic items that will suit your needs and lifestyle, the Manila Standard team has gathered some of the most appropriate gadgets, appliances and tech items to help you on what to have in your next haul.

SMARTPHONES People have relied on their smartphones nowadays with their compact design and innovative features. Through these, doing tasks has become easier and more accessible for us. The team has listed down some of the smartphones that, we think, you might consider for your work-from-home setup or online distance learning.

1. Apple iPhone 12 If you’re a person who’s looking for a smartphone that can be used in multiple and various tasks, then iPhone 12 is definitely the ideal phone for you.

The iPhone 12 is incomparable to other smartphones in terms of quality and performance. It is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic processor with a dual-camera called “computational photography,” or digital technology to get the best images in all conditions.

The iPhone 12 Pro also includes a seven-element lens with an ultrawide angle feature giving a 120-degree field of view, along with a 52 mm focal length telephoto lens perfect for those who are into a sidehobby of photography this pandemic.

It has an aluminum side frame and a glass back that comes in five different colors—black, white, red, green, and blue—which is a plus point because you’ll get to choose what color you prefer.

2. vivo V21

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Gadgets, appliances, tech items that we love in the pandemic cases App Multiplier and MultiWindow, matching a person’s busy lifestyle.

The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.6 supports new Tablet-PC Multi-screen Collaboration5 capabilities: Mirror Mode, Extend Mode and Collaborate Mode.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 May it be note-taking, drawing, watching videos, or even playing, this Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 got you covered with its powerful design featuring its 13MP Main and 5MP Ultra Wide camera with flash as well as an 8MP front camera.

If you’re also looking for a tablet that delivers an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience, Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 is equipped with an 11-inch LTPS Display.

It also comes with an improved S Pen with ultralow latency best paired the device seamless screen display.

LAPTOPS To continue the list, Manila Standard also searched for the best laptops to use for work, gaming, and education. Ranging from a high-end laptop to a budgetfriendly notepad, here is a short list of the best laptops in the business.

1. Acer Swift 3 Acer Swift 3 boasts of a slim, lightweight, and stylish design perfect for working at home and on the move. The latest NVIDIA GPU, INTEL CPU, and long battery life are housed inside a choice of displays.

Acer Swift 3 is built to be carried always thanks to its aluminum and magnesium-aluminum metal chassis. It weighs as little as 1.19 kg and is as thin as 15.95mm.

Other than its housing, Acer Swift 3 has an improved display on the screen due to the addition of Acer Color Intelligence, even as ExaColor provides enhanced color contrast.

2. HP EliteBook 840 G8 If you are looking for a laptop that will help you multitask, HP EliteBook 840 G8 is the best choice for you. With the HP EliteBook 840’s in-

novative features, collaboration among the team is made easier. Connectivity won’t be a problem with the laptop’s optional quad-core 11th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro® processors The HP EliteBook 840’s high performance allows up to 32% faster office productivity and remarkable responsiveness make it a reliable partner, especially when working on urgent deadlines.

HP EliteBook 840 also sports top-of-the-line security features. For instance, it has a remarkable tamper lock intrusion detection system that will send an alert if someone attempts to open it, prompting the system to require an administrator password to restart the system.

3. IdeaPad Slim 3i For day-to-day hustlers, Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 3i is a good running mate for an everyday grind to work, school, and other daily tasks you need computing.

IdeaPad Slim 3i comes with a minimum of 8GB RAM and an ultrafast PCIe NVMe Solid-State Drive (SSD) storage that can have up to 1TB capacity.

Lenovo is shaping the future and has chosen to release all-new IdeaPad notebooks powered by 11thgen Intel Core processors with 8GB RAM and higher to provide customers more power and speed in doing daily tasks.

4. Razer Book 13 The Razer Book 13 is Razer’s idea of joining the general market outside the gaming industry.

The Book 13, is a more office-friendly version of the company’s Razer Blade Stealth gaming laptop with a 13.4-inch display with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, fast mobile performance, long battery life, and enough connection options to make working from home easier.

ELECTRONICS/APPLIANCES Innovative gadgets have caught our team’s radar and we are happy to list new and up and coming electronic items, television sets and other appliances this year.

1. Steam Deck Valve, one of the biggest video games companies in the world, surprised everyone with the announcement of a portable handheld gaming PC called Steam Deck.

Steam Deck allows players to play their games on Steam Library while on the go, proving gaming never stops wherever you are.

Drawing similarities with Nintendo’s Switch, Valve made sure that Steam Deck is cut above the rest as its chipset sports AMD Zen 2 Processor AMD RDNA 2 with 8 compute units for its GPU, 16GB ram, and three different models with different internal storage sizes.

fast charging. Its high-resolution 6.8” FHD+ 1080P provides a sharper and clearer display.

6. Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro Cherry’s newest flagship phone, the Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro is its first-ever smartphone that runs on Android 11, with 30W super fast charge capability, and features a punch-hole display.

From vlogging, to doing TikTok videos, the Cherry Aqua S10 is one capable phone that also boasts of a massive 6.67″ FHD+ Trueview Punch-hole Display, Quad AI Camera 48MP (Main) + 5MP (Wide-Angle) + 2MP (Macro) + 2MP (Depth) and 16MP front camera for better video quality.

The budget-friendly phone also has a Mediatek Helio G90 chipset for smooth gaming experience, a highly responsive screen and brilliant image quality.

7. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G More and more people are now turning into content creators with all the time that they have this pandemic.

Well, in that case, Samsung has released earlier this year their Galaxy S21 Series 5G, and among them is the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. Content creators, photographers, and videographers alike can take advantage of Director’s View, 108MP camera, lenses that record in 4K at 60fps, Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, 5nm process technology, and the S-Pen when creating their content.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has two bold colorways Phantom Silver or Phantom Black, and both come with 256GB models with 12GB RAM. 8. Nokia C1 Plus To the budget conscious, who still want a solid smartphone, the Nokia C1 Plus, the Turn to D3 lowest-priced 4G Nokia smartphone yet, may be the best deal.

With the Nokia C1 Plus, fans can enjoy sharp conCheck out #ShopeeFinds to discover trending items for less, such as gadgets and tech accessories tent throughout – high-quality selfies and videos, apps and texts that pop, and immersive entertainment -- at the palm of the hand. The Nokia C1 Plus boasts style that lasts inside and out with its sleek, solid polycarbonate body that continues to honour the award-winning durability Nokia phones are known for and a 2,500mAh1 battery that you can rely on all day. Boosted by 4G, the experiences on the Nokia C1 Plus are smooth and powerful with data speeds up to 10 times faster than its predecessor.

TABLETS When smartphones begin to develop more features, tablets have somehow become a second option. However, some still CALLING all Pinoys who struggle with staying ahead perfect for video calls. Its USB ports can be connected prefer to have a tablet in doing their school of trends: #ShopeeFinds is your one-stop-shop for the to multiple devices, such as laptop, mobile, or charger. projects or work presentations. Listed belatest fads and more! low are some of the team’s suggestions for On #ShopeeFinds, you’ll find trending products on FOR ASPIRING VLOGGERS AND CONTENT a great tablet deal. social media, all on one page.

In the tech category, for CREATORS 1. Lenovo Tab P11 5G instance, you can discover in-demand smartwatches Shoot high-quality videos and Lenovo has proven that tablets never and accessories, including cute phone cases, vlogging photos at home with a trusty get out-of-style. With its Lenovo Tab P11 must-haves, selfie tools, and more. To check it out, just Bluetooth Selfie Stick. Connect it 5G, this premium tablet is dedicated to 5G type #ShopeeFinds using Shopee’s search bar.

Scroll to your phone via Bluetooth, set it connectivity, giving its users endless ways down the page for the Takeover Calendar, where up as a tripod or simply hold it up, to enjoy learning, working, and entertainyou can discover upcoming trends across different then start shooting. Turn on the ment. categories. Don’t forget to claim your free shipping built-in LED light for brighter, wellDesigned to be ultra-portable, Lenovo and cashback vouchers on the page as well.

If you love lit videos. Use this opportunity to Tab P11 5G elevates experiences for hyTikTok, you can also check out more #ShopeeFinds practice shooting for future travel vlogs, or just have fun brid work, play, and learning. on Shopee Philippines’ official account. creating content for school, work, or yourself!

Moreover, this new model has subHere’s a quick roundup of trendy tech #ShopeeFinds 6GHz 5G4 networks that will help you you shouldn’t miss out on this September 23 to FOR THOSE WHO DEPEND ON THEIR PHONES stay connected and even download your October 6: FOR BOTH WORK AND PLAY favorite shows in seconds.

This cute, shockproof Pop 2. Apple iPad Pro M1 FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEVEL UP THEIR Bubble Phone Case won’t just Same with the iMac, this iPad Pro is FITNESS GAME dress up your phone, it’ll protect powered with next-gen silicon delivering Keep track of your fitness progress it from bumps, scratches, and falls high-speed performance. with a Garmin Running Watch. too. With its bubble wrap-inspired The Apple iPad Pro with M1 chip feaThis smartwatch monitors your design, you can also use it as a tures dual rear-facing cameras with 12heart rate and tracks your pace and stress reliever during jam-packed and 10-megapixel sensors, and 12-megadistance covered. It also features days at work or school. pixel for the front camera, perfect for apps for running, cycling, indoor Discover trends in tech and those who are having their online classes track, treadmill, elliptical, cardio, plenty of other categories at shopee.ph/m/shopee-finds. and online meetings. and yoga. While you’re on the go, Want to get in on another trend? For safe and With the Pro M1 designed with a Liquse this smartwatch to receive notifications and control convenient payments, go cashless with ShopeePay, uid Retina XDR mini-LED screen, usmusic playing on your phone. your all-in-one e-wallet which you can use to Buy ers get to enjoy their viewing experience Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at multiple merchants while watching their favorite videos.

FOR WFH EMPLOYEES WITH LOTS OF ONLINE nationwide. Activate and top up your ShopeePay wallet 3. HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.6 MEETINGS EVERY DAY this September 30 to avail of these ShopeePay-exclusive Considered as HUAWEI’s “most powMake sure you look extra good for offers: up to 50% bills cashback from over 60 billers, up erful tablet” yet, HUAWEI MatePad Pro all your online meetings with Puluz to 50% off on mobile load, and ₱1 Deals from Puregold, 12.6 is equipped with the fastest Kirin proLED Ring Lights.

With 40 pieces Potato Corner, Seaoil, and more. cessor 9000E with liquid cooling system, of energy-saving and skin toneand a 12.6-inch HUAWEI OLED Fullenhancing LED beads, this lightweight Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store View display. and portable lighting equipment is or Google Play.

Giving a seamless tablet experience, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.6 also show-

Score these trendy, affordable social media favorites from your Go-To Budol Source, #ShopeeFinds

The vivo V21 is designed for people who live a fast-paced digital lifestyle. Through its built-in 8GB RAM, it delivers the users a faster browsing experience and with this kind of feature included in vivo V21, users can have a lag-free experience as they play video games, music, access social media, and productivity apps, all at once. vivo also offers the latest camera technologies in its V21 series. Its front camera holds a 44MP resolution, while its rear camera has a 64MP display.

These features packed inside vivo’s thinnest smartphone yet (7.29mm and 176g light), make it one of the brand’s products that offer the best valuefor-money.

3. realme 8 5G realme has once again released another revolutionary offering alongside their other smartphones— the realme 8 5G. It has Dimensity 700 5G Processor promising a exceptional performance while efficiently consuming power, extending battery life to keep you connected for longer.

It boasts a 90Hz Ultra Smooth Display, 5000mAh massive battery, and a 48MP Nightscape Camera — all in one slim, lightweight and trendy package.

4. Infinix HOT 10i Packed with a massive 6000 mAh battery, a fast gaming Mediatek Helio P65 chipset, and a 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, HOT 10i levels up the experience of mainstream users and avid gamers.

With a sleek 6.52” waterdrop high-brightness screen display, it offers a premium mobile experience powered by the best battery life in its product range. Aside from its top tier hardware, Infinix HOT 10i also carries proprietary Infinix innovations like the Dar-link gaming optimization engine, which reduces jitter and lag to provide a fast and fluid gaming experience, as well as Safe Charge technology, which automatically turns off power after a device has charged to 100%.

5. TECNO’s New CAMON 17 Series

CAMON 17 Pro is equipped with a 48MP Clearest Selfie Camera in front, and a 64MP Ultra-Quad camera at the rear. This smartphone is powered by a Helio G95 processor with a 90Hz screen refresh rate, plus a long-lasting 5000mAh battery which comes with a 33W fast charger. CAMON 17 Pro comes in California dream silver and Malibu blue for the 8GB+256GB variant.

The budget-friendlier CAMON 17P has a 16MP AI Smart Selfie Camera and 64MP Ultra-Clear Quad camera at the rear, runs on a Helio G85 processor, and also has a powerful 5000mAh battery with 18W

D2 || SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

Boosting connectivity with digital infrastructure S

By P.Y. Deligero

INCE the internet was created in 1983, new platforms and innovations have been made, playing a relevant role in the modernization of the world. Now, many people’s lives revolve around the internet and technology because of its many benefits of making life easier.

During the past two years, the internet has proven to be a valuable commodity that kept society functioning despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have found a new platform in the digital space, allowing them to continue their operations, while students still managed to learn new things through distance learning as they took their activities online.

An internet connection also helped keep many people wellinformed and sane as the world was at a standstill. Through the various social media platforms, streaming websites, online news platforms, and entertainment apps, people found a way to stay up-to-date with the latest events without having to leave their homes.

Online games and messaging apps also kept people occupied, fostering connections, both new and already established.

But even though many people enjoy the benefits of the internet and technology, there are still some problems that need to be addressed for users to enjoy their full potential.

In the Philippines, the common struggle when it comes to the internet is its speed and connection strength. There are only a few network providers in the country, with each having limitations to their services.

Internet users have already voiced their concerns about not having access to a particular network provider in their area or experiencing frequent technical problems that keep them from finishing their tasks or finding a quick way to be informed or entertained. Such occurrences have been constant among various areas for years, thus adding to the users’ frustration.

THE COUNTRY’S CURRENT STATUS According to data from the government, as of January 2021, there are roughly 74 million internet users in the country. But 33 percent or a third of the country doesn’t have an internet connection, thus depriving people in these areas of any vital digital information and services from the government or private sectors.

This presses the need for the national government to start investing in information and communications technology infrastructure, especially now that the internet has become an integral part of the new normal.

Compared to other Asian countries, the Philippines falls behind when it comes to having the digital infrastructure needed to sustain an internet connection for the many Filipinos who need it for their daily needs.

Digital infrastructures refer to digital technologies that provide the foundation for an organization’s information technology and operations. This includes internet backbone, broadband, mobile telecom, and digital communication suites, including apps.

With only 17,850 telecommunication towers in the country, there’s still a long way to go before it matches up to the more

than 50,000 telecommunication towers of Thailand and the 90,000 in Vietnam, respectively.

The development in digital infrastructures could greatly help people in far-flung areas to gain access to an internet connection. Aside from that, having more telecommunication towers can also address the biggest problem that internet users have: connectivity.

Unknown to many, the basic reason why internet connections in many parts of the country are limited is that there are around 4,000 users per tower, congesting the available service that should have been accessible to more. In comparison to Vietnam and Thailand, which have 756 and 991 users per tower, respectively, the Philippines still has a long way to go before it meets the demands of its internet users through the establishment of more digital infrastructures.

SOME WAYS TO BUILD BETTER DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURES There are several ways to improve digital infrastructures in the Philippines. While building more telecommunication towers is one viable way to get started, there are some other approaches to consider.

One is to establish the proper regulatory and industry policies to encourage investment. Having fragmented regulatory regimes add unnecessary costs for infrastructure operators. But standardized regulations and policies can help reduce the cost of research and development, network deployment, and operation.

Policies and regulations need to encourage growth and create a healthy market environment to enable stakeholders to invest in the digital infrastructures of a country.

Another way is to find approaches to reduce the cost of network infrastructures. This includes making decisions such as providing wireless services than fixed ones because these are cheaper and faster for operators to deploy.

Online Class Must-Haves: Exclusive Home Credit Promos for your BTS Needs “BTS is here once again!”

Not your favorite KPop group though, just our annual Back-To-School routine.

Since the saga of online and remote classes continues, so is the search for items and devices that will help you pass your classes with flying colors. So, get your shopping list ready because the country’s leading provider of in-store financing and digital financial services Home Credit will be your shopping partner for your back-to-school essentials. They’ve got all the must-haves for every type of student, with exclusive deals and offers just for you: THE TECH-SAVVY For students who are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets to use for their online classes, these promos will let you get them with discounts and freebies from brands like Samsung, Asus, Oppo, RealMe, Vivo and Huawei.

A smartphone, laptop or tablet is probably at the top of the list to get by with remote learning. By visiting and shopping at My Home Credit App’s Marketplace, you can have them for as low as P1,200/month.

C Cellzone also has enticing offers for you. For every purchase of a smartphone, accessories like Bluetooth speakers, smart watches or wireless neckbands are bundled for free. And the super affordable monthly installment of at least P800 will surely make you want to avail without thinking twice.

THE ACCESSORY-LOVING The right mobile accessories will truly improve any study-from-home experience. Invest on the best ones by shopping at Rulls and score exclusive discounts from leading brands when you avail through Home Credit.

Choose the perfect pair for your mobile device from a wide variety of accessories like protective cases and covers, stands and holders, hubs and ports and so much more.

THE DIY ENTHUSIAST Are you a DIY type of person? Then create a DIY online class space - find the right spot then fill it in with a table, lampshade, clock and some decorations or tools from home improvement and hardware store,

Handyman. If the combined purchase is P3000 or more using a Home Credit loan, an umbrella is yours for free (which is another must-have this rainy season!)

THE SETUP-OBSESSED If you have enough budget and want to complete your online class setup then this promo has got you covered. You can have a Home Credit loan of up to P16,000 or more from Robinsons Appliances*. Add in some other BTS essentials – a printer, projector or speaker system so you can take on any task and achieve the ultimate online class experience.

Plus, you’ll receive either a free lunch kit or a 3-fold umbrella, whichever you choose. Robinsons Appliances has a wide selection of devices ranging from mobile phones, tablets, laptops, equipment and accessories.

Not only were you able to purchase some online school devices, but you also have a freebie to go with it.

Avail these exciting promos available to all Home Credit customers at any nearest partner retail store nationwide, with simple requirements and fast oneminute approval. If you want to shop at the comfort of your home, you can also check the My Home Credit App for more details. Promo runs from August 29 to September 19, 2021 so hurry and shop now!

As an additional special treat, SM Store Cubao branch is also offering discounts on furniture for online schooling.

To get the complete list of items and offers for these promos, go to www.homecredit.ph or follow them on www.facebook.com/homecreditph. *Handyman - DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB126183 Series of 2021.

Infrastructure sharing is also necessary to reduce costs. Site acquisition and civil engineering are significant deployment costs, but sharing of civil engineerings such as ducts, towers, and power lines can reduce costs significantly.

Lastly, the Philippines must enhance collaborations with those in the information and com-

munication technology industry. Having such a collaboration among players in the industry to harmonize technology requires cooperation among vendors, operators, and the entire ecosystem to maximize synergy.

WHY IS HAVING DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURES IMPORTANT? Many people consider the stability of an internet connection to be the top concern that digital infrastructures should address. But there’s more to them than just keeping users online and connected.

In many rural areas, having improved internet services through digital infrastructures helps support innovations in various industries that keep a country afloat. This includes farming, construction, and mining.

As for urban areas, improved services can help people access platforms and services that address their daily needs or more. Examples of these are delivery services, food, retail, news agencies, government agencies, and medical care.

Improved connectivity and accessibility is only the direct benefit of having digital infrastructure developments. If given proper attention, digital infrastructures can increase economic growth because it helps build new businesses and create new jobs, improves the sustainability of cities by solving complex problems, and adopting new technologies.

With the world continuously evolving and moving towards modernization, digital infrastructures play a key role in keeping economies alive, helping people stay connected and active, and allowing different industries to function more efficiently and sustainably.

Emoney, digital wallet: The new normal for commerce

By Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. ECOMMERCE or electronic commerce has been the norm for the better part of last year and it still is a huge draw until now. In hindsight, with electronic commerce comes electronic wallets.

PayMaya and GCash are online wallets that accommodate individuals to buy and pay for services without the need for physical money. It has linked with banks such as BDO, Metrobank and many more.

GCash and PayMaya may be used for ecommerce purposes, arguably an essential these days since establishments are slowly moving away from physical currency to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Grab, Shopee and Lazada have collaborated with e-wallets to establish online paying methods such as GrabPay, ShopeePay and LazWallet.

This eliminates the decreasing use of physical money by using digital wallets to pay for their services, I.e. you can transfer money from your banks to these applications to buy items, book a ride, or pay bills without the hassle of the physical of face-to-face payment.

This also helps to decrease physical interaction of riders in the Cash on Delivery method.

An admirable thing about these electronic wallets are their accessibility. To be verified with these online fund applications, all you need is one government backed identifications cards.

Postal I.D., National I.D., Driver’s License and Passport are accepted for verification.

HAND IN HAND WITH TRANSPORTATION The transportation issue is also being fixed by modern day e-wallets.

Other than Grab, another transportation necessity are the highways such as NLEX, TPLEX, SCTEX and SLEX – paving the way for the emergence of RFIDs. The DOTr heavily promotes the use of RFID to decrease the use for physical money.

The hassle of paying in toll fees can easily

fixed at home with the help of online payment platforms.

Digital banks and e-wallets like China Bank, BDO, GCash, Paymaya and Unionbank offer services of paying or loading your vehicles’ RFID to obtain the allowance of passing through expressways.

With a few clicks, you can load up your RFID with the money from your e-wallet in the comfort of your own home.

Digital wallets may be used by consumers but it can also be a big help for small business owners.

With a number of people open to the idea of starting their own businesses, GCash supports their cause by having their earned money given to them in realtime.

GCash also offers the GInvest feature, wherein one could easily invest from 501,000 pesos to a stock of their choice.

Paymaya has also come to the aid of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. To enable MSMEs to accept QR, bank transfers, and e-wallet payments via mobile phones, Paymaya introduced its Paymaya Negosyo App, which also allows these small firms to become community outlets for bills payment and digital goods like telecom load and gaming pins.

Today, PayMaya provides financial services to over 38 million Filipinos, with customers being able to pay, add money, cash out or remit through its more than 300,000 digital touchpoints across the country.

Navigating through a digital, pandemic world 5th Tech & Gadgets Anniversary issue

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

D3

Gadgets, appliances, tech items... From D1 2. LG OLED TVs

LG OLED TVs come with the latest solutions from Dolby. Dolby Vision IQ utilizes metadata and the TVs’ built-in light sensors to optimize picture quality based on content genre and ambient surroundings while Dolby Atmos simultaneously delivers multi-dimensional immersive sound. It’s a powerful combination that provides a more realistic experience when watching a film. LG OLED TVs also have extremely low input lag with an incredible 1ms response time. This ensures that every move you input on the controller is displayed instantly on screen, giving you a vital edge over opponents and a better chance of winning. LG OLED TVs use the precision and control of individual selflit pixels to take full advantage of the G-SYNC compatibility, allowing fast response times and smoother gaming, even at high resolution.

LG OLED TVs use self-lit pixels instead of backlights. This allows for more innovative designs that are ultra-slim, have almost no bezels, and can even bend and roll — it’s a feat of engineering that has to be seen to be believed. The LG OLED Gallery Design TVs has a profile so slim that it appears stuck to your wall. It hangs flush like a work of art, elevating your home interior like no other TV can.

3. Samsung Neo QLED 8K Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV is a good purchase if you are looking to upgrade your entertainment system.

Powered with the Neo Quantum Processor 8K, Samsung’s most powerful processor, you’ll get a picture optimized to 8K-level resolution no matter what’s on the screen.

Watch, work, and play easily with Neo QLED 8K. See it all on a single screen with the multi-Screen feature to simultaneously show 4 different screens, all at once.

4. realme Smart TV With the realme Smart TV’s one-touch google assistant and all-in-one smart remote, it can easily access the weather, calendar, and several apps under Google.

Filipinos can also now also enjoy a cinematic experience at home with the realme Smart TV’s Dolby Audio Speakers, not to mention 24W quad stereo speakers, creating a surround sound effect designed for vast rooms, thereby increasing the overall immersive experience without compromising the sound quality.

The bezel-less design is a plus, with a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution for the 32-inch model, and a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution for the 43-inch.

It also comes with HDR10 support, HLG, and Realme’s Chroma Boost technology that’s also present in realme smartphones.

Beko’s new tech will keep vitamins in your fresh produce longer 5. Beko’s HarvestFresh HarvestFresh refrigerators from Beko keeps fruits and vegetables fresh longer through technology that preserves vitamins A and C for up to five additional days, as verified and approved by leading Total Quality Assurance provider Intertek Laboratories.

HarvestFresh uses three colors, green, blue and red, to mimic the 24-hour sun cycle and natural sunlight. This combination simulates the day light cycle–including times of darkness–to recreate a natural living environment for fruits and vegetables.

This technology helps maintain vitamin A and vitamin C levels in fruits and vegetables much longer.

During the first four hours of the HarvestFresh cycle, the crisper lights will shine blue, mimicking dawn and the first light of the day. This is followed by two hours of green light replicating midday, and a further six hours of red light imitating the more muted tones of dusk. The drawers then turn dark for 12 hours to represent nighttime.

HarvestFresh not only preserves vitamin content, but also helps keep fruit and vegeta-

bles fresher and thus, reduces the number of times you have to go out and shop for food.

This is very important in these times, particularly as the public has been urged to stay at home if they can.

OTHERS Here are some more tech items to consider during the pandemic.

1. 6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (XHAIRFRYER65L) Goodbye overheating, hello fast frying! This new 6.5L XTREME Home Air Fryer (sure packs a punch with its roast, bake, broil and dehydrate features.

If you’ve been looking for the best way to eat your favorite food in a healthier and hassle-free way, then this one takes the cake. With its bigger cooking capacity, you don’t have to worry when cooking for the whole family.

2. LG’s PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier LG’s re-engineered PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier is upgraded from the innovative, wearable device LG first launched last year. The latest model offers an enhanced all-around performance along with a convenient voice amplification feature and a more comfortable, lightweight design.

The upgraded LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceON™ is equipped with a fully automatic fan airflow control system that increases breathing comfort. It also incorporates two H13 HEPA filters, the same as those found in premium air purifiers for the home, to ensure the air the user breathes is as clean and healthy as possible. Driven by an ultra-small and lightweight motor, the device’s DUAL fans combine with LG’s airflow control technology – which detects the user’s breathing pattern and adjusts airflow accordingly – to help the wearer breathe easier and more naturally.

This advanced system also prevents a common problem for those wearing glasses and mask at the same time, keeping their lenses from fogging up when exhaling.

3. PLDT Home Fibr-powered WiFi 6 gaming router This nextgeneration WiFi technology is now accessible to Filipinos, especially among the rising esports communities, as PLDT Home offers the best WiFi 6 router in the country— the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000.

PLDT Home Fibr enables gamers to enjoy faster and better gaming experience as it delivers speeds of up to 1Gbps that allow equal upload and download speeds, best for multi-player and bandwidth-intensive online activities.

Aside from speeds, PLDT Home also gives gamers a levelled-up experience with its WiFi 6 gaming router. The ASUS ROG Rapture GTAX11000 is known as “the beast of WiFi 6 gaming routers” as it boasts of the most powerful router features for gamers such as the AiMesh Technology that ensures “whole home WiFi coverage” and WTFast Gaming Network Technology that optimizes connectivity for ultra-fast speeds.

4. HP Deskjet Ink Advantage All-in-One printers A printer that customers should seriously consider is the HP Deskjet ink advantage allin-one printer line: the 2335, 2336, 2337, and 2775; plus, the 3776 AiO wireless and the 3777 AiO Wireless.

Any of these models carry with it the HP guarantee of dependable and consistent printing and scanning. It can print no less than 200 pages a month and it only requires a simple plug and play setup using a USB port, resulting to great values for everyday practical use.

Meanwhile, for the AiO wireless printers, it offers the additional convenience of remote, low-cost printing and scanning done from any mobile device.

AllDay provides fast and convenient self-checkout

grocery shopping experience with PayMaya

merchants, meanwhile, need to have the capability to accept different digital payment methods such as card and QR payments via banks and e-wallets—or risk losing a sale. Retailers also have to consider factors such as limited display space for multiple card terminals and QR standees and the security and efficiency of the payment platform.

AllDay has been continuously innovating their stores to provide the best service to customers and to outpace the Philippine landscape of supermarkets. Placing selfcheckout counters with PayMaya’s technology is a new feature in their stores that provides convenience and efficiency to their customers as well as safety during the pandemic.

“We are proud to power AllDay Supermarket’s selfcheckout terminals. Contactless solutions are the way to go for on-ground retail transactions. At PayMaya, we are enabling enterprise customers like AllDay with the tools to power their retail innovations,” said Shailesh Baidwan, President at PayMaya.

AllDay’s trailblazing move underscores the reality that digital transactions have gone beyond measures of modernization and convenience, having taken on greater relevance —if not urgency—amidst COVID-19, with social distancing measures now ingrained as part of the norm.

“I recommend self-checkout lalo ngayong pandemic,” said Laanan. “Magandang ini-implement para less yung hawaan.”

(I recommend the use of self-checkout counters, especially with the pandemic. It will lessen the transmission of the virus).

AllDay aims to roll out more self-checkout counters AllDay customer uses the self-checkout counter to pay for in different branches nationwide. her grocery items at AllDay EVIA Lifestyle branch.

Aside from powering AllDay’s pioneering selfcheckout counters, PayMaya has brought a safer and “Mas madali ang self-checkout counters. Hindi na more convenient payment experience to the grocery kailangang pumila ng mahaba. Hindi na kailangan chain’s 33 physical stores and online commerce site, hintayin matapos yung customer na nasa unahan mo,” www.allday.com.ph PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments said Leony Labos, a regular customer of AllDay who ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms uses the self-checkout service.

(Self-checkout counters are easier. There are no long and services that cut across consumers, merchants, lines. You don’t need to wait long for the customer in communities, and government.

It provides more than 38 million Filipinos with access front of you).

“Yung first time siyempre nakaka-nerbiyos. Pero once to financial services through its consumer platforms. na matutunan mo na yung steps, okay na, magagamay Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out mo na,” said Emman Laanan, another customer who or remit through its over 300,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of tried out AllDay’s self-checkout counter in Libis.

(I was nervous when I tried it for the first time, but over 55,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as lastwhen I learned about the steps, it was easy to navigate). mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing Beyond keeping up with the times, retail establishments the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. such as AllDay Supermarket have practical reasons to Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital embrace technologies that provide convenience and payments processor for key industries in the country, including “every day” merchants such as the largest efficiency to their customers and operations.

Consumers in the New Normal prefer fast, safe, retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as and rewarding digital payment transactions. Retail government agencies and units.

CUSTOMERS of Filipino-owned AllDay Supermarket can now self-checkout their groceries through its pioneering cashierless counters in two simple steps: scan the items and pay using any debit, credit, or prepaid card or PayMaya QR through PayMaya ONE terminals.

A first for the Philippine retail industry, AllDay Supermarket introduced the concept early this year at its Evia Lifestyle Center branch and its Libis branch.

These branches are equipped with PayMaya ONE terminals, allowing AllDay to accept digital payments via PayMaya QR and any credit, debit, or prepaid card, as well as other e-wallets.

After trying out the new self-checkout counters, local shoppers have expressed excitement and delight over the unique retail experience.

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL:

CHERRY INTRODUCES THE AQUA S10 PRO

AFTER the resounding success of its Aqua Series launch, just a few months later and Cherry Mobile is once again back with a bang! The brand is truly committed to evolving with the lifestyle of every Filipino as it announces its newest flagship phone, the Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro. Cherry Mobile’s first ever smartphone that runs on Android 11, with 30W super-fast charge capability, and features a punch-hole display retails at P7,999.

“As Filipinos are spending extra time indoors, they are becoming more immersed in new hobbies. With years of adapting to the ever-changing needs of our market, Cherry Mobile now wants to offer a handset that will not only keep up with their evolving lifestyle but would even unlock their potential,” shares Lonson Alejandrino, AVP for Product, CHERRY.

FOR THE NEXT INTERNET SENSATION Whatever you’re good at, unlock your potential with the Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro. Here’s how: Kicking off your dream vlogging career? Wanting to be the next TikTok icon? Browse for pegs and never miss out on any of your idol’s posts on the Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro’s massive 6.67” FHD+ Trueview Punch-hole Display. Your breakthrough video that will launch you to stardom is also within reach as this phone boasts of Quad AI Camera 48MP (Main) + 5MP (Wide-Angle) + 2MP (Macro) + 2MP (Depth) and 16MP front camera for better video quality.

FOR THE BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR More than a year of staying at home gave rise to online sellers. Are you part of this resourceful and

strategic community? Whether you promote your items through live selling or carefully curate the photos of your products on Facebook, Instagram, and other e-commerce platforms, this is the chance to level up your retailing stint with a phone that fits your budget. Its 6GB RAM allows you to multitask and open demanding apps simultaneously. It also has a 108 MP Super Pixel camera feature which gives way to more detailed photos as well as bright and vivid images in different lighting conditions, so you can snap photos of your products even without the help of a trusty ring light. Online businesses sure can be demanding so another feature of this phone that can make your life easier is its 10W Wireless Charging Capability. It is perfect for the onthe-go entrepreneurs as you can swiftly pick up your phone and say goodbye to tangled cords. Just imagine the convenience!

FOR THE CASUAL GAMER Playing outside the professional e-gaming sphere but a streamer in the making? This budget-friendly phone is also surefire to unlock your gaming potential. It boasts of a Mediatek Helio G90 chipset for smooth gaming experience, a highly responsive screen, and brilliant image quality. You may also enjoy the thrill for long hours with the Aqua S10 Pro’s 30W Pump Express 2.0 fast-charging. It also allows you to store a number of games so you can explore where you excel best with its 128GB UFS 2.1.

Torn between choosing a phone that doesn’t hurt your pockets or one that enhances your lifestyle and unlocks your potential? Cherry Mobile says, “why not both?”

Enjoy the best of both worlds with the Cherry Mobile Aqua S10 Pro. Hurry and get it now at Cherry Mobile stores, kiosks, and CHERRY Concept Stores nationwide or the following official CHERRY online stores: Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph Lazada: http://bit.ly/CherryLazadaFlagshipStore Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryMobileShopeeStore

LG’s new monitor line creates an immersive experience to meet every user’s needs

By P.Y. Deligero

W

ORKING from home has become a part of the new normal that Filipinos have adapted to. This sudden shift from an office setting to a home-based alternative has forced many to consider a home office setup. While many were quick to adjust to the new norm, the same can’t be said for everyone.

Not all workspaces were conducive to productivity, as many home-based employees have found out. Their current workspace, if they had any, lacked the hardware to keep their units running at their best capacity and monitors were among those that received high demand from the public. With the right monitor, users can expect a better workfrom-home experience and an elevated gaming and creative design experience to boot.

LG Electronics has recognized the need for better monitors by introducing its latest line-up, which provides a better and more productive workspace and an optimized gaming and creative design experience to boot.

“As the whole world made an abrupt pivot into working- from- home, the need to provide monitors that deliver results

From left are: LG Philippines Managing Director Sungjae Kim, LG Monitors Brand Ambassador Luis Manzano, LG Philippines Product Director for Monitors Peter Uhm

and promise productivity was crucial.

The latest series of monitors deliver superior productivity and entertainment experiences that are perfect for both home and office use,” said LG Philippines managing director Sungjae Kim.

LG Monitors Brand Ambassador Luis Manzano for LG Standard Monitor

Gamer, cosplayer, and content creator Myrtle Sarrosa for LG UltraGear™ monitor

Actor and director Joross Gamboa for LG UltraWide™ monitor

Photographer Magic Liwanag for LG UltraFine Monitor

NEW MONITORS, NEW SPECS There are four types of monitors included in LG’s newest monitor line.

First is the LG UltraWide™ monitors, which provide an immersive experience made possible by its extra-wide 21:9 IPS that boasts of true color accuracy and wide angles. It offers 33 percent more screen space than the regular 16:9 aspect ratio.

Users can enjoy an unencumbered view even when they’re switching between applications.

The LG UltraWide™ also has an AMD FreeSync technology that eliminates the tearing difference between the graphics card’s frame rate and the monitor’s refresh rate, allowing for a better gaming experience.

Another monitor from LG’s newest line is the UltraFine Display Ergo. This monitor boasts of a flexible ergonomic stand that can adapt to meet the environmental characteristics of each user.

LG’s technologically and ergonomically advanced stand helps to promote good posture through its high degree of adjustability, enabling each user to create a perfectly customized workstation.

LG also leveled-up its Standard Monitors with its IPS Full HD Display technology that highlights the performance of liquid crystal displays, shortens response time, improves color reproduction, and allows users to view the screen at wide angles.

It also offers an ergonomic design with its convenient tilt adjustments and clean unibody design that creates an optimized work environment. Eye strain is reduced thanks to the flicker safe technology, reader mode, and color weakness feature.

Besides users engaged in a work from home scenario, LG also developed new monitors to cater to gamers who value crisp visuals, clarity, and a fast response time from their computers. To meet this demand, the LG UltraGear™ line of monitors was created.

LG UltraGear™ is an NVIDIAtested and officially verified G-Sync® compatible monitor that reduces screen tearing and minimizes stutter for a smoother, faster gaming experience. Being able to see even the most dynamic and fast-moving objects amidst all the action can give gamers a competitive edge that can help them clinch victory.

The new line of monitors was introduced to the local market through a livestream event called LG Monitors: Performance Beyond Boundaries hosted on LG’s social media channels. It was hosted by LG brand ambassador Luis Manzano and featured several other influencers who have experienced the new line of monitors, such as actor and director Joross Gamboa, photographer Magic Liwanag, and gamer, cosplayer, and content creator Myrtle Sarrosa.

Always at the forefront of innovation, LG has turned an unfortunate situation into an opportunity to improve available technology and meet consumer demands, allowing for better gaming, content creating, or work experience.

LG’s newest line of monitors is available in all authorized dealers nationwide, both in-store and online.

Visit lg.com.ph for a complete list of retail partners or LG’s Official Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee.