Manila Standard - 2021 December 16 - Thursday

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ODETTE INTENSIFIES INTO TYPHOON, 7 REGIONS PLACED UNDER ‘EXTREME RISK’ SEVEN regions in the Visayas and Mindanao have been placed under "extreme risk category" due to Typhoon Odette's expected onslaught on Thursday, the Office of the Civil Defense said.

Odette (international name Rai) has intensified into a typhoon Wednesday, as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted over the Surigao provinces in Mindanao, the

A magnitude 5.5 tectonic earthquake struck Surigao del Norte at 9:11 p.m. Wednesday evening, Phivolcs said, with the epicenter northeast of Burgos town.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Odette was packing winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 150 km per hour. It was last tracked 590 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The storm is forecast to make landfall in the vicinity

The quake’s depth of focus was 10 kilometers and there were no reported intensities.

Aftershocks are expected but Phivolcs said there may be no damages.

Next page

PH logs 2 Omicron cases

Variant detected from OFW, foreigner, public alerted to keep protocols

By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

T

WO imported cases of the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 were detected from 48 samples sequenced on Dec. 14, health officials said Wednesday. It was the first time the variant, which first emerged in South Africa and spread to Europe and the United States, was spotted in the Philippines.

The two Omicron variant cases are lated in a facility managed by the Bureau Next page incoming travelers and are currently iso- of Quarantine (BOQ).

VOL. XXXV • NO. 304 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH begins Midnight Mass in face of COVID-19

By Honor Blanco Cabie DESPITE the coronavirus pandemic, predominantly Christian Philippines, a nation of 110 million multi-ethnic people, has begun the celebrated nine-day Midnight Masses in Aglipayan and Catholic churches from Batanes down to the Next page Christian towns in Mindanao.

SIMBANG GABI BEGINS. Church workers of St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, home of the famous Bamboo Organ, prepare the altar area on Wednesday for the Simbang Gabi or Night Mass, marking the traditional start of the Christmas season. Meanwhile at Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish in Moriones, Manila, workers clean its facade by flushing with water and fitted a circular social distancing mark for those who will go and pray on the night of December 16. Danny Pata and Norman Cruz

Travel ban on 8 nations up; WHO warns of strain spread

2,836,915 237

10,193

50,449

100

2,776,273

565

By Willie Casas

of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Palace said Wednesday, before health TRAVELERS from eight countries will officials announced the detection of two not be allowed to enter the Philippines imported cases. from Dec. 16 to 31 to prevent the spread The World Health Organization

By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas THE entire country will remain under Alert Level 2 until the end of the year as the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat, the Palace said Wednesday.

Acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) approved the recommendation to retain the alert level 2 in the country from Dec. 16 to 31.

Despite declining cases of COVID-19 cases in most parts of the country, Nograles said that it is not yet the right time to be complacent, given the detection of two imported cases of the highly

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles identified the “high-risk” countries as Andorra, France, Monaco, Northern Mariana Islands, Reunion, San Marino, South Africa, and Switzerland. Next page

Bicam ratifies 5-trillion outlay, sets big spending for recovery

By Rio N. Araja CONGRESS ratified Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report on the budget proposal of P5.024 trillion for 2022 before both chambers adjourned after reconciling their own provisions.

ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap,

(As of 4 PM, DECEMBER 15)

Gov’t extends Alert Level 2 until yearend

(WHO), meanwhile, warned Omicron was spreading at an unprecedented rate and urged countries to act, as drug maker Pfizer said its coronavirus pill was effective against the variant.

House committee on appropriations chairperson, said P50 billion was allocated for the special risk allowances (SRAs) of medical frontliners, while another P50 billion was allocated for booster shots.

Senate finance committee chairman Sen. Sonny Angara had said the 2022 Next page

The bicameral committee co-chaired by Sen. Sonny Angara and Rep. Eric Yap (seated) are surrounded by fellow lawmakers after they approved Wednesday the proposed 2022 national budget for President Rodrigo Duterte’s enactment into law. They are (from left) Senators Imee Marcos, Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Cynthia Villar and Reps. Edcel Lagman, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, and Bernadette Herrera.

‘Sabong’ is back but scaled down

By Vito Barcelo

TRADITIONAL cockfighting or “sabong” is now allowed in areas under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 but subject to the discretion of the local government units (LGUs) and must follow minimum health standards as prescribed by the government, Malacanang said Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force Next page (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases

permitted the operation of cockpits and the resumption of traditional cockfighting under Alert Level 2.

But the Palace official said the decision to operate cockfighting was up to the respective LGUs if they would allow cockfighting in their areas, and they would also decide on where this would take place.

He explained the protocols that should be followed if cockfighting was to resume in areas under alert level 2, which covers most of the Philippines.

In a press briefing, Nograles said that Next page

MORE JABS. Residents of Moriones in Tondo, Manila troop to a vaccination center at Isabelo Delo Santos Elementary school to receive vaccines against COVID-19 on Wednesday, during the second phase of the 3-day national vaccination day or ‘Bayanihan Bakunahan’ (see story on A2). Danny Pata

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News

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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DOH aims to cut 12m jab shortage T

HE government is 12 million short of meeting its target of 54 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by year's end, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said Wednesday ahead of the second three-day national inoculation drive.

This developed as the Philippines on Wednesday welcomed over 4.1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses manufactured

by AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, donated by different governments.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier in the day reported the first imported cases of the more transmissible

Omicron variant in the country, just as Filipinos ramp up preparations for the holiday season (see related story – Editors).

"Our target is to reach 54 million fully vaccinated individuals. We have 42 million fully vaccinated so far, so we still have to fully vaccinate 12 million [people]," she said during the Laging

Handa briefing.

Cabotaje made the announcement as the second round of the national vaccination event began, with the government eyeing to administer seven million COVID-19 vaccine doses. The vaccination drive has been postponed in some areas, however, due to sTyphoon Odette.

"The primary vaccination remains very important because that is the first battleground and it is our first layer of protection," she pointed out.

But with the target population in Metro Manila already fully vaccinated at this point, Cabotaje said that the region's target is to administer as many booster shots as possible.

PH...

ern Visayas, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Eastern Visayas and the Davao Region.

This update brings the total number of confirmed Delta variant cases in the country to 7,919.

The DOH said it is closely working with local government units for them to conduct active case finding and ensure that COVID-19 cases are immediately isolated, tested and contact traced, and that eligible samples for sequencing are submitted.

“With the detection of the imported cases of Omicron variant, the department also urges everyone to adhere to the minimum public standards and properly wear face masks, frequently wash hands with soap and water or alcohol, observe physical distancing, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid crowded areas,” the DOH said.

“Moreover, this holiday season, the public should avoid holding mass gatherings to curb the transmission of COVID-19. The DOH also urges those unvaccinated to get vaccinated during the National Vaccination Days to receive the additional protection that vaccines provide against COVID-19,” the department said.

The Palace said the government would closely monitor the developments of the two imported cases of the Omicron variant.

“This early detection forms part of our Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy that has been in place all throughout the pandemic,” said Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles.

The Palace official reminded the pub-

lic not to let their guard down, to religiously observe minimum public health standards, and call upon all those unvaccinated to get their jabs as soon as possible.

Nograles reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated, especially with the threat of a new and more contagious variant.

He also assured the public that all COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

UP-NIH infectious diseases consultant Dr. Edsel Salvana said that given the detection of the Omicron variant, people should consider wearing a face shield as an extra layer of protection.

"Even if it is voluntary, I strongly recommend wearing a face shield as an extra layer of protection especially indoors and in crowded settings," Salvana said. “Omicron is projected to be more contagious than Delta, so every bit helps.”

He added that vaccines continue to prevent severe disease, so everyone should get fully vaccinated.

Salvana also reminded the public to avoid high-risk situations like mass gatherings, and wear either a double cloth mask, or a medical grade mask.

"Our protocols work when everyone follows them. In the meantime, we vaccinate as many people as we can, and stick to our public health standards."

Salvana added that the detection of the two Omicron cases indicated that surveillance and border control are working.

World Health Organization DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Omicron coronavirus variant is spreading at a rate not seen before, and there is a concern that people are dismiss-

ing it as mild (see related story below – Editors).

“Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” Tedros said.

He said the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet.

In the Senate, presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson said contact tracing is key to preventing the spread of the Omicron variant.

"The two have been here for quite a while. I hope all their co-passengers are all accounted for and [are] closely monitored," he said.

Senator Joel Villanueva said it was good that the DOH was able to trace the two cases.

“I won’t recommend raising the alert level yet. I would just remind everyone that the pandemic is not yet over. Omicron is here," he said.

Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) had approved the recommendation to keep all areas of the Philippines under Alert Level 2 from Dec.16 to 31.

Meanwhile, the director of the DOH Health Epidemiology Bureau, Dr. Althea de Guzman, said the Philippines could experience higher peaks in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

The independent OCTA Research Group concurred, saying the variant would likely cause a serious surge in new cases if it enters the Philippines.

Nograles said, referring to the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

"We want to keep our people safe, and we will do what is necessary to achieve that," he added.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the IATF is considering adding more countries to its “red list.”

Fully vaccinated Filipinos from eight areas must show a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to their departure.

They must also undergo a facility quarantine, from which they could be discharged after getting the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken on the seventh day. They must then stay on home quarantine until the 14th day.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Filipinos must show a pre-departure negative RT-PCR test and complete a 10-day facility quarantine, regardless of when they get the result of a second RTPCR test taken on the seventh day. They will then undergo home quarantine until the 14th day.

Amid the WHO warning, Dutch primary schools will close early as Europe battles a fresh wave of infections and hospital admissions, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a major parliamentary test seeking to impose fresh COVID curbs.

Omicron, first detected by South Africa and reported to the WHO on Nov. 24, has a large number of mutations, setting alarm

bells ringing since its discovery.

Early data suggests it can be resistant to vaccines and is more transmissible than the Delta variant, which was first identified in India and accounts for the bulk of the world's coronavirus cases.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters the strain had been reported in 77 countries and "probably" spread to most nations undetected "at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant."

Omicron now accounts for around 3 percent of cases in the United States, a figure that is expected to rise rapidly as has been seen in other countries.

With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

to our pandemic response," he said.

But Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate lamented that the proposed 2022 national budget was not designed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it would still need further improvement.

Only P53.478 million was deducted from the budget of the Office of the President, Zarate said, adding there is still a huge allocation for intelligence and confidential funds that could have been realigned to aid and other needs of the people amid the COVID-19 crisis.

He said the bicameral conference committee must have completely defunded the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed, instead of allotting over P16 billion to it.

"These funds, rather than be spent on red tagging, spreading of fake news and pork barrel, can be better utilized in ramping up our COVID response, especially with new rampaging variants and helping our suffering people," he said in a statement.

The increase in the Department of Health's budget was too meager, while the budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police were still bigger than that of the task force.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas expressed disappointment over the bicameral conference committee report, citing the funds added to the health sector was too small despite the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro cited that the minimal budget increase for the DepEd could not ensure safe face-to-face classes in 2022.

Odette... of Caraga or Eastern Samar on Thursday afternoon or evening.

Joe-Mar Perez of the Office of the Civil Defense Chief Operations Center said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had ordered disaster risk councils to activate the highest emergency protocol in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

“We required them to activate Charlie Protocol. The highest emergency preparedness," Perez said at the NDRRMC's online press briefing on preparations for Odette.

Under the council’s policy, the checklist of actions under Charlie Protocol include warning messages, activation of DRRMCs and raising to red alert, periodical situational reports, and the activation, mobilization, and prepositioning of inter-agency response teams.

Calabarzon, BARMM, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Davao Region have been categorized as under medium risk, which required high priority for action.

Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Central Luzon are under the low risk category.

Meanwhile, as military troops in Surigao del Sur were shifting evacuation efforts to higher gear, Governor Alexander Pimentel said the rebel New People's Army sprang an ambush in Barangay

Esperanza in Carmen town, leaving three civilians dead.

Pimentel told a televised public hearing: “I appeal to our fellow Filipinos who are part of the NPA, let us not kill each other because the army is helping in the evacuation. Why did you ambush them?”

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya condemned the incident, telling the NPA: “We are asking them to put the country above their personal interests.

Instead of helping, they are destroying the good acts of our government.”

Nikos Peñaranda of PAGASA said TCWS No. 2 has been raised over the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. "Expect strong winds in these areas," he said.

TCWS No. 1 is raised over Sorsogon, Masbate including Ticao Island, and the southern portion of Romblon (Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Magdiwang, Alcantara, Looc, Santa Fe, San Jose), Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras.

Also under TCWS No. 1 are Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, the rest of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, the northern portion of Bukidnon (Malitbog, ImpasugOng, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Libona, Baungon), Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, the northern portion of Misamis Occidental (Plaridel, Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga), and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Dapitan City, Sibutad, Rizal, La Libertad, Dipolog City). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

In resolution 154 released by the IATF, cockfighting arenas should have a maximum of 50 percent of their capacity and only fully vaccinated individuals can enter.

On-site workers of the cockpit arenas should also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and betting shall be cashless and shall use only technology-based platforms so there will be no physical contact anywhere in the cockpit nor

verbal placing of bets.

“We enjoin LGUs that will allow the resumption of cockfighting operations to strictly, strictly enforce and implement these protocols and to shut down operators that fail to adhere to minimum health standards,” Nograles added.

In 1974, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974 which provides regulatory policies on cockfighting in the

country.

The entire Philippines is currently under Alert Level 2 status until the end of the year.

Nograles said the IATF decided to postpone the shift to the lowest Alert Level 1 status as a precaution against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The IATF has also adopted the guidelines on the nationwide Alert Level System for Covid-19 response.

From A1

One is a returning overseas Filipino who arrived from Japan on Dec.1, 2021 via Philippine Airlines flight number PR 0427. The sample was collected on Dec. 5, 2021, and his positive result was released on Dec. 7. The case was admitted in an isolation facility on the samedate.

He is currently asymptomatic but had colds and cough upon arrival.

The other case is a Nigerian national who arrived from Nigeria on Nov. 30, 2021 via Oman Air with flight number WY 843. A sample was collected on Dec. 6, 2021, and the result released on Dec. 7, 2021. Hewas then admitted to an isolation facility on the same date. His current status is also asymptomatic.

The Department of Health (DOH) said it is determining possible close contacts among co-passengers during the flights of these two cases.

Travelers who have arrived in the Philippines through these flights may call the DOH COVID-19 Hotlines at (02) 8942 6843 or 1555, or their respective local government units to report their status.

Among the samples sequenced on Dec. 14, 33 were of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, the University of the PhilippinesPhilippine Genome Center and the UP-National Institutes of Health said.

Fourteen of these were returning overseas Filipinos, while 19 were local cases from Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, SOCCSKSARGEN, West-

Travel...

From A1

The restriction covers everyone who has been to these eight areas in the last 14 days regardless of their vaccination status, Nograles said.

Only Filipinos returning through repatriation efforts and "Bayanihan" flights are exempted from the travel ban, Nograles said.

"To all those who plan to come home during the holidays, we humbly request your patience as we in the IATF continue to make modifications to our protocols.

These are all being done in response to evolving situations in the world,"

Bicam...

From A1

national budget will be thick with government assistance to pandemic-affected sectors like public utility drivers, unemployed Filipinos, farmers, health workers, indigents, and even hospitals and schools.

He had described the spending plan as a “COVID Recovery Budget.”

It will now be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for his approval and signature.

Lawmakers hope to have Duterte sign the bill before the New Year to avoid a reenacted budget.

As mandated by the Constitution, Angara said education gets the biggest allotment, especially for the Department of Education and the state universities and colleges as the country is returning to face-to-face classes.

“Our bicam report also makes good on current initiatives to jumpstart our economic recovery and support ailing companies, especially MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises),” Angara said.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said the House of Representatives “carried the duty of crafting policies to shepherd the Philippines towards recovery."

As of Dec. 14, a total of 133 Republic Acts have been passed with the approval of 930 measures on final reading and adoption of 266 resolutions.

"If there is one thing that the pandemic has shown us, it is that we are stronger than we knew. We are more capable than we realized. We have seen that there is more that unites us than divides us. We have seen that our legislative work is vital

‘Sabong’...

From A1

local government units should be strict in enforcing minimum health standards at technology-based betting.

Sabong is more than just entertainment because it is a sport. The sport is considered to be the country’s national sport, second to basketball, the spokesman added.

From A1

Current guidelines only allow administration of booster shots six months after getting the second dose of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, and three months after the single-dose Janssen vaccine.

"We are confident that we will reach the seven-million target," Cabotaje said.

"We have enough vaccines, and we will have enough for our booster shots. For shelf life, be rest assured all our vaccines are safe, effective and monitored by the Food and Drug Administration."

The Duterte administration is eyeing to have 77 million people fully vaccinated by March 2022 and 90 million

by June 2022. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

House ratifies bicam report on rape bill

By Rio N. Araja THE House of Representatives has ratified a bicameral conference committee report on a bill to increase the age of statutory rape from the current 12 years old to 16 years old to safeguard young people from sexual exploitation and abuse.

The chamber approved the final version reconciling the disagreeing provisions of Senate Bill No. 2332 and House Bill No. 7836.

Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, committee on revision of laws chairperson, cited a provision called the “close-in relationship” or “sweetheart clause” to recognize the legitimate relationship between two teenagers.

Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said the establishment of a minimum age of sexual consent is the most important and critical criteria in protecting minors from sexual violence since the present Anti-Rape Law establishes the age of sexual consent at 12.

She is a co-author of the bill.

The clause in question states there would be no criminal liability on the part of the perpetrator if the age difference between the victim and the perpetrator is not more than three years, and the act in question is proven to be consensual. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Gov’t...

From A1

infectious Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

"We want to keep our people safe, and we will do what is necessary. We still have to ramp up our vaccination, we are being very cautious as we should," Nograles added.

The Philippines logged 237 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases to 2,836,915.

The latest daily case count is the second lowest recorded since the 235 new infections posted on Dec. 14, 2021.

The country’s positivity rate was 1 percent, based on test results of samples from 30,397 people tested on Dec. 13.

The director of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau said the number of active cases could drop to below 2,000 by the end of January if the public continues to comply with minimum public health standards.

At a briefing Wednesday, De Guzman said active cases may go down to 5,953 by the end of December and further decrease to 1,766 by the end of January if public health standards are maintained.

On Tuesday, the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) reported they no longer have any COVID-19 patients in the hospital.

“Being the first hospital to attend to the first recorded local transmission of COVID-19 in the Philippines, we are glad to announce that we have zero active COVID-19 patients on our COVID floors,” CSMC said in a statement.

The CSMC earlier said that the fifth patient of COVID-19 in the Philippines was diagnosed in their hospital. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PH begins...

From A1

With the basic health protocols up on every mind of the faithful, required by health authorities and the government's Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Christians gathered in trickles at different times convenient to the parishes' schedule – shortly before midnight Wednesday.

This is the so-called Simbang Gabi or the Midnight Mass, a devotional nine-day series of Masses attended by Christians in anticipation of Christmas, similar to the nine dawn Masses leading to Christmas Eve practiced in Puerto Rico called Misa de Aguinaldo.

This is the time Christians go to their parishes or stay at home, given the restrictions, to celebrate the birth of Jesus, that moment, in the words of Roman Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin “when the God who had existed before all ages took on human flesh for our salvation.”

Simbang Gabi in the Philippines, which received the Catholic Cross in the 16th century, is held daily from December 16 to 24, and occurs at different times ranging from as early as 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, the service is instead called Misa de Gallo, the Spanish for Rooster's Mass, which has an important role in Philippine culture.

Theologians say God took on human flesh and taught the believers what it meant to be human: the Christmas story getting past “a fascinating fairy tale: a wonderful story of simplicity set in the bleak and austere beauty of a cold winter's night” nearly 8,800 kms away from this Land of the Morning. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021

SWS: Jobless rate eases to 24.8%

By Vito Barcelo

A

T LEAST 24.8 percent or about 11.9 million Filipinos were found jobless in September amid the pandemic, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The survey showed that 24.8 percent of the labor force were found without a job from Sept. 12 to Sept. 16. This was down by only 2.8 points from the 27.6 percent, or some 13.5 million jobless individuals, recorded in June this year.

It is 12.6 points below the recordhigh 37.4 percent average of 2020, but 5

points above the 19.8 percent average of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SWS defines the labor force as adults (age 18 years and above) currently employed or those looking for a job, while labor force participation rate is the proportion of adults in the labor force The poll was conducted when the

country was experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases following the detection of local transmission of the Delta variant.

The resulting 26.1 percent average for the first three quarters of 2021 is less than for 2020 but has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

The September 2021 survey found the Labor Force Participation Rate at 68 percent, or an estimated 48.2 million. It was 69.1 percent, or an estimated 48.9 million, in June 2021.

The jobless consist of those who (a) voluntarily left their old jobs, (b) are seeking jobs for the first time, or (c)

PSA says nat’l ID system reaches 50m registrations

By Julito Rada THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday that it has achieved its target of 50 million registrations for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in 2021, despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It said that as of Dec. 10, 2021, it has registered 50,014,382 Filipinos to the demographic and biometric data collection. In partnership with the PSA, the Land Bank of the Philippines has also processed 6,786,939 bank account applications through a colocation strategy in PhilSys registration centers.

This milestone will help promote financial inclusion, improve the targeting of beneficiaries, and accelerate the delivery of government social protection programs for all Filipinos.

“The pandemic emphasized the urgency of providing every Filipino with a unique and digitalized ID. This is why we accelerated the roll-out of the PhilSys. We congratulate and thank the PSA, our government and development partners, private sector stakeholders, and registration officers for making this huge accomplishment possible,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said.

In order to reach more registrants, PhilSys registration sites will remain open in the remaining working days of the year. PSA also enjoins the private sector to host mobile registrations in their respective workplaces and communities.

CHRISTMAS TREATS. Christmas is a season fr

giving treats to children. The “bibingka” and “puto bungbong” are popular treats especially after the traditional “Simbang Gabi.” Churchgoers often eat these traditional Filipino foods after hearing mass at St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas. (INSET) Some 247 college students from 25 barangays of Tabaco city received their educational assistance grant amounting to P5,000 each—an early Christmas treat--courtesy of the DSWD Regional Office V. Danny Pata And Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF 1 killed, 1 injured in Pangasinan plane crash A FLIGHT instructor died while a student pilot was seriously injured after a Cessna 152-type aircraft crashed in Pangasinan, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said on Wednesday.

The CAAP withheld the name of the victims, saying the identities “will be disclosed once their respective families have been notified of the accident.”

Initial investigation showed that the aircraft with registry number RP-C8202 was going for a flight orientation from Lingayen Airport when the incident happened at Sual Alaminos around 9 a.m.

The instructor died on the spot while the student was brought to a nearby hospital in Alaminos.

CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco dispatched his men from the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board’s (AAIIB) to the crash scene to help determine the cause of the accident.

The plane is owned and operated by the Fly Fast Aviation Academy. It is an American two-seat, fixed-tricycle-gear craft, used primarily for flight training and personal use.

In May, a student pilot also died after a Tecnam P-2010 aircraft crashed in Barangay Urayong Bayan in La Union.

The 25-year old student pilot came from First Aviation Academy (FAA) in Subic Bay International Airport and was conducting a solo cross-country flight when the incident happened. Joel E. Zurbano

Roxas Blvd. portion closed due to rehab works THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday announced a portion of Roxas Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic to give way to the rehabilitation of an old drainage structure in front of Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay City.

At least 53,000 light vehicles and heavy trucks, mostly coming from two major ports in Manila, and traversing the southbound lane of the boulevar daily, will be affected by the closure.

MMDA chairperson Banjamin Abalos Jr. said the rehabilitation works to be made by the Department of Public Works and Highways at the damaged Libertad Drainage Main Box Culvert would require the immediate closure of the southbound lane.

“Heavy vehicles and trucks traversing the major thoroughfare have contributed to the damage of the drainage culvert over time. There is a danger that the drainage structure, constructed in the 1970s, would collapse, so rehabilitation must be done immediately,” said Abalos, who inspected the site on Wednesday.

The DPWH South Manila District Engineering Office is now undertaking initial repairs at the area but needs to close the entire southbound for two to three months to replace the damaged structure. Joel E. Zurbano

Villar bats for growth of local dairy industry SEN. Cynthia A. Villar has renewed her pitch to accelerate the growth of the dairy industry in the country Villar said that the Philippines produces less than one percent of its total annual dairy requirement and imports the remaining 99 percent of local milk demand.

“We need to improve the country’s dairy production that would ultimately make an impact on reducing poverty and improving child nutrition in many rural households,” Villar said.

To do this, the chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee, said the government should help community-based dairy farmers by providing them with equipment and knowledge.

The senator has allocated budget to the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and cooperatives for programs and initiatives to significantly improve and develop our milk production and the dairy industry. Macon Ramos-Araneta

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lost their jobs due to economic circumstances beyond their control.

Joblessness reached a catastrophic level of 45.5 percent in July 2020.

It eased to 39.5 percent in September 2020, 27.3 percent in November 2020, and 25.8 percent in May 2021. It bounced to 27.6 percent in June 2021 before easing to 24.8 percent in September 2021.

The SWS showed that adult joblessness is highest in Metro Manila at 34 percent, followed by Luzon at 27 percent, the Visayas at 23 percent, and Mindanao at 16 percent.

PhilHealth hikes COVID payment claims to 80%

By Willie Casas STATE insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has modified its payment scheme for hospital claims in COVID-19 cases treatment by increasing the initial amount from 60 percent to 80 percent.

PhilHealth spokesperson Gigi Domingo, in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, said the move is meant to hasten settlement of unpaid dues with hospitals.

Domingo cited that the Debit Credit Payment Method (DCPM) wherein PhilHealth will pay 80 percent of hospital claims while the remainder will be paid for upon completion of processing requirements.

Domingo made the announcement in reaction to reports regarding PhilHealth’s delayed payments, which got hospitals into thinking of severing ties with the agency.

“From 60 percent, this will be raised to 80 percent [initial payment] so as to expedite the payment process because we know this is much needed by hospitals,” she added.

Likewise, Domingo said they are yet to receive formal notice from any hospital that they intend to disengage with PhilHealth starting next year due to PhilHealth’s delayed payment for treatment of COVID-19 cases.

Domingo also assured hospitals and the public that PhilHealth is working on addressing the delays amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.

On Sunday, seven private hospitals in Iloilo have decided not to renew their contracts with PhilHealth, citing some P545 million in delayed claims payments.

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima meanwhile cited the continued failure by PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH) to release payments to accredited hospitals and health care workers.

De Lima reiterated the need for Congress to investigate the recurring and longstanding issue which poses threats to DOH and PhilHealth’s capacity to provide essential health services to the public.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

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News

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

IN BRIEF SC junks suit against Comelec over ‘13 polls THE Supreme Court has unanimously junked a petition seeking for the nullification of the “premature” proclamation of 12 winning senators, five of them incumbents, during the May 13, 2013 elections.

In a 20-page en banc decision, the SC through Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez ruled that it has no jurisdiction to decide on the petition filed by several losing senatorial candidates and on the petition-in-intervention filed by the officers of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

The 15-member bench said the issues raised in the main petition and petition-in-intervention were matters that belong to the jurisdiction of the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

“The issues advanced therein are matters best addressed to the sound judgment and discretion of the SET, which has exclusive jurisdiction to act on it. At the risk of being repetitive, the power of the SET is full, clear and complete. It excludes the exercise of any authority on the part of this Court that would in any way restrict or curtail it or even affect the same,” the SC said. Rey E. Requejo

US: Vico a strong transparency champ PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto, who was previously named as a global “anti-corruption champion” by the US State Department, got a special mention in the United States’ updated Indo-Pacific thrust.

In a speech outlining America’s approach in the region, State Secretary Antony Blinken named Sotto as one of the US partners in promoting anti-corruption and transparency efforts.

“We’re finding partners in government, too, like Victor Sotto. He’s the mayor of the city of Pasig in the Philippines,” Blinken said in Jakarta.

Pacquiao seeks to unite Bisaya people, hints at broader alliance PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao underscored the need to unite the Bisaya people as he hinted at a possible alliance with the Partido Reporma whose standard-bearer is Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Pacquiao paid a courtesy call on Reporma party president and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez Tuesday night in Tagum City.

“We talked about how important it is to unite Mindanao, that the Bisaya people should be united,” the senator said.

Without going into details, Pacquiao admitted a broader alliance involving his PROMDI party, the faction of the PDP-Laban led by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, and Alvarez’s Reporma.

“The time will come for the three parties to talk. Let us see – the time will come for that,” he said.

Pacquiao earlier said he is not courting President Rodrigo Duterte for the latter’s endorsement following the decision of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go to drop out of the presidential race.

But he will accept it, Pacquiao said, should Duterte adopt him as his candidate for the 2022 polls.

AYUDA.

Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Sen. Joel Villanueva attends a meeting with the beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) in Biñan City and Sta Rosa City.

Roy Tomandao

ALL-OUT SUPPORT. UniTeam vice presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Caprio meets with Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (right), Majority Leader Martin Romualdez (left) and other lawmakers at the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

Rody wants more time with family after term

By Rey Requejo

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FTER being in politics for more than four decades, President Rodrigo Duterte is looking forward to spending more time with his family when his term ends next year following his withdrawal from the senatorial race.

“As a retired government worker, he will return to his private life and spend time with his family,” acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said.

But between now and noon of June 30, 2022, Nograles said Duterte will focus on the government’s COVID response and efforts to achieve economic recovery amid the pandemic.

“He can focus more on safely reopening our economy, he can focus more on continuing, if not stepping up more of

the public service. All the changes, all the good programs he started, he will make sure these are all put in place and implemented toward the end of his term as president,” he added.

The 76-year-old Duterte previously said he will retire from politics next year, which was met with deep skepticism among analysts.

He made a similar pronouncement in September 2015 when he said he “will retire from public life for good,” only

to announce a presidential bid two months later.

A faction of the PDP-Laban earlier pushed for him to run for vice president, but he eventually filed a certificate of candidacy for the presidential race under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan.

Duterte withdrew his COC Tuesday, hours after his long-time aide Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go formalized his decision to opt out of the presidential race.

For his part, presidential aspirant Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos said with Go out of the picture, this signals the consolidation of administration forces behind the Uniteam where presidential daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carprio, is his running mate.

PINK PAROL.

Supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo from the urban poor sector gather outside the Office of the Vice President on December 14, 2021 during their annual Panunuluyan, with some writing their Christmas wishes in pink star-shaped lanterns.

“This Panunuluyan will symbolize people’s voice that we can make change happen through unity and participation in the May 2022 election,” said urban poor leader Jeorgie Tenolete, President Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran ng Baseco.

Manny Palmero

Lacson to hire right people for right gov’t jobs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta FIXING the government does not just involve using public funds properly but also needs the right people in the right positions to properly execute the tasks expected of them, Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said Wednesday.

Lacson said skills matching is a must for competent government officials serving with him once he is elected President after the 2022 national elections.

“We really have a problem. We just appoint anyone who doesn’t really fit the position, skills and talent-wise, so that’s a real problem,” he said.

The veteran senator cited as an example the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), the state health insurer which has a doctor, in the person of the Health Secretary, as its exofficio chairman.

“Why is the ex-officio chairman a doctor? Shouldn’t you put in charge of PhilHealth a finance officer under the Department of Finance, then appoint people who know financial work, because it is an insurance company?” he said.

Just this week, Lacson noted several private hospital partners of PhilHealth have left the state insurer owing to billions of pesos in unpaid claims.

Making things worse for PhilHealth, Lacsomn said, is that its current head, lawyer Dante Gierran, is a career law enforcer who came from the National Bureau of Investigation.

“You appoint a law enforcer from the NBI in charge? That’s what’s happening with our government, we have no skills matching,” he said.

Antique province roots for Isko’s victory in ‘22 presidential race

By Rey E. Requejo THE provincial government of Antique, led by Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, is praying for the victory of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in next year’s national elections as the country’ 17th president succeeding President Rodrigo Duterte whose term ends on

June 30, 2022.

During a courtesy call at Cadiao’s office at the provincial capitol on Tuesday, the local chief executive even addressed Moreno “Mr. President” as she welcomed him to their province.

“Welcome to the province of Antique, your hometown,” Cadiao told Domagoso in the presence of other

provincial officials.

“Mr. President, we are so proud of you,” Cadiao said.

Cadiao called on the people of Antique to support the 47-year-old Domagoso in his quest to become the next president of the country.

“I hope you will be the next – after how many centuries – the first president

from Western Visayas,” Cadiao said.

“Yorme is an Antiquenion, is by blood an Antiquenion. He’s ours. He’s asking for your support and let us pray for his success,” she added.

Antonio Agapito Legarda Jr., brother of House Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, also gave Domagoso a gift.

Marcos: Pinoys should not suffer from PhilHealth’s unpaid claims

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to make reimbursement claims faster and easier for private hospitals.

He made the appeal following the announcement of seven private hospitals in Iloilo that they will formally withdraw their accreditation with PhilHealth starting next year.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas

(PFP) standard-bearer affirmed Philhealth’s crucial role in this time of the pandemic as he prodded the state insurer to hasten its payments.

“The people really need them now so it’s important that they fix their problem. Above all, the people will be affected if the private hospitals leave PhilHealth. Speed up the process because this is a public service,” Marcos said.

He also called on PhilHealth to fulfill its commitment to settling unpaid claims before the year ends.

Opinion Giving and sharing, except COVID-19

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner.

With the eased restrictions, our health department has allowed physical gatherings, provided that all attendees are vaccinated and that minimum public health protocols and the mandated restrictions are followed. With this, many wasted no time in arranging such gatherings as the pre-pandemic “normal” has started to return.

However, early this week, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced to the world the first publicly confirmed death from the Omicron variant. The new surge of Omicron cases in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency, is estimated to be around 200,000 per day. This triggered an emergency booster vaccination in the UK as a response to the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases.

The news came while this Omicron variant was believed to generally produce milder symptoms than the dominant Delta variant. The situation in the United Kingdom goes to show that the early notions on the milder virulence of this new variant needs to be re-evaluated.

Moreover, the rate of transmission of this new variant is alarming. The impact of the surge cannot be ignored. Soon, hospitals will once again be full, and lockdowns may be reimposed in order to control the transmission of the disease.

As we see it happening in other countries, I hope people realize now that the same can happen in the Philippines with the entry of the Omicron variant.

We cannot discount the possibility that Omicron may spread worse than Delta.

In the past weeks, I have been

By Sunghee Hwang AFTER 10 years in power, North Korea’s once youthful Kim Jong Un is now one of the world’s more experienced leaders, and will look to defy the West for decades to come with his nuclear arsenal, analysts say.

Unlike most of his counterparts, with no concerns over elections or term limits and age on his side — he is only in his late 30s — Kim can expect to remain in office for decades, as long as his health holds up.

It is a far different perspective to a democratic politician worrying about headlines every day, and Kim already has more experience in power than most heads of state he will deal with in the future.

The arc of his first 10 years points to the trajectory to come, analysts say, from isolation to nuclear development to sharing the diplomatic stage with the world’s most powerful leaders.

“North Korea will maintain its confrontational status with the United States and harass it by tactically challenging it while making sure it doesn’t cross the line to completely derail its relations,” Kim Jin-ha, researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP. For more than six years after inheriting power when his father and predecessor Kim Jong Il died on December 17, 2011, Kim did not leave his isolated country or meet any foreign heads of state.

Initially seen by some as a figurehead for North Korea’s generals and Workers’ Party bureaucrats, he brutally established his authority, executing his uncle by marriage Jang Song Thaek for treason.

He was also accused of the assassination at Kuala Lumpur airport of his elder half-brother Kim Jong Nam with a nerve agent.

At the same time, Kim oversaw rapid progress in North Korea’s banned weapons programmes.

He conducted four of its six nuclear

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EDITORIAL

reminding the public of the need to get vaccinated. At the risk of being repetitive, let me reiterate that vaccination remains to be a proven protective measure against COVID-19. While scientists are still studying the virulence and the effect of vaccination on this new variant, it pays to be more careful. We cannot disregard the level of protection the vaccine provides and how it prevents critical conditions and death.

We should remain vigilant.

While I understand the level of freedom being enjoyed right now by the vaccinated population, I urge everyone to exercise utmost prudence in joining social activities and gatherings, especially with those outside your “bubble.” We are still in a pandemic, and we have just recorded our first cases of Omicron variant. The recent low number of daily cases only reflects the effect of our collective effort in complying with health protocols and getting vaccinated. Hence, we should not be swayed by peer pressure nor by the merrymaking in disregarding the necessary health standards, especially with the threat of this new variant.

Although our first cases are currently in isolation, I implore everyone to always wear masks, choose to celebrate in well-ventilated spaces, maintain social distancing, and be honest about any possible symptom experienced. If physical gatherings can be avoided, I highly encourage everyone to do so as much as possible. Another year of virtual reunions would not hurt in exchange for more healthy years of life.

I am with you all in spreading the love and cheer this holiday season. The spirit of Christmas flows from the giving and sharing, but please, let us keep COVID-19 out of it.

Kim Jong Un’s first ten years AnAlysis

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

tests and the 2017 launches of ballistic missiles that can reach the whole of the US mainland, defying increasingly severe UN Security Council sanctions along the way.

And he is only in his late 30s.

For months, he traded fiery rhetoric with then US president Donald Trump, raising fears of an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

Then he declared the country’s nuclear arsenal “complete” and came knocking on the door of the outside world.

‘Fortuitous alignment’ With the assistance of dovish South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in 2018 Kim became the first North Korean leader ever to meet a sitting US president at a headline-grabbing Singapore summit.

Soo Kim, an analyst at the RAND Corporation, said Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal was largely what made the encounter possible.

“North Korea’s development of its weapons programme, the credibility of the nuclear and missile threat, and the fortuitous alignment of leadership — Trump, Moon, and Kim — helped prime the conditions,” she said.

With just one meeting, the chubby young leader charmed the American businessman and reality TV host — some 40 years his senior.

Trump boasted of forming a “special bond”, even “love”, with someone he had once mocked as “little rocket man”.

The same year, Kim chatted in the woods with the Moon and had several meetings with Xi Jinping of China — North Korea’s primary backer.

“The effect was tantalizing,” said Sung-yoon Lee, professor of Korean Studies at Tufts University.

“The cruel, funny-looking dictator had transformed himself into a reformminded, peace-prone, responsible steward of nukes and gulags perhaps

L

Worthy of emulation

OCAL government units would do well to take a page from Quezon City’s playbook on how to handle cases of violence against women and children.

This week, the Quezon City government launched the country’s first unified database of violence against women and children (VAWC) cases reported in barangays, city hall and VAWC desks in police stations to track and hasten the processing of gender-based violence cases in the city.

The database, the city government says, will be used by VAWC desk officers in the city’s 142 villages barangays, police stations, and Gender and Development (GAD) Council.

The move is a timely one.

In September, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported a 66.67 percent increase in VAWC cases and 21.54 percent rise in rape cases for the first eight months of the year, compared to the same period in 2020. QC Police District Director Gen. Antonio Yarra said most of the cases involved physical and psychological abuses.

The problem is not limited to Quezon City. re In a report presented during the recent Peace and Order Council meeting, Yarra said 158 rape cases were reported from January to August this year, compared to 130 cases during the same period in 2020.

QCPD records also showed 87 VAWC cases from January to August 2021 compared to 58 cases for the same period last year.

He noted the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in the spike in cases as most families were stuck at home under lockdown, increasing the likelihood of domestic conflict and the risks for women to suffer abuse.

The problem, of course, isn’t limited to Quezon City.

Gender-based violence is affecting 2.5 million women in the Phil-

ippines, an official of USAID said in October.

“Though the quarantine is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country and the world, it carries the risks of increased gender-based violence,” Michelle Lang-Alli, USAID Philippine Office of Health Director, said during an online seminar to raise awareness of all forms of gender-based violence.

At the same forum, Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon of the Commission on Population and Development said “gender-based violence is the worst impact of this pandemic” but with proper intervention, it can be addressed.

“We encourage the people to report gender-based cases,” he said, adding that the weak and the vulnerable should realize that they have the power to fight against abuses and gender-based violence.

Local government units, as the Quezon City VAWC database initiative shows, can play a significant role in bolstering this power. It is a program worthy of emulation.

What a leader WOULD it not be great if we had a leader like Germany’s Angela Merkel in our midst?

Last week, after leading Germany as Chancellor for over 16 years, Merkel finally retired, assured of her place in German history as one outstanding leader. After the usual departure honors, she returned to the simple apartment in Berlin that she and her husband shared to take a well-deserved rest.

Merkel left office with Germany’s soft power and standing in the international community greatly enhanced. In her 16 years as Germany’s leader, she acquired many accolades like being labeled as the de facto leader of the European Union and the most powerful and influential woman in the world. At one time, she was even given the title of leader of the free world normally reserved for the President of the United States instead of the label going to former United States President Donald Trump.

Trained as a scientist with a doctorate degree in quantum chemistry, Merkel started in politics after the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. Her journey to the highest political post of her country took 15 years when in 2005, she became the first woman Chancellor of Germany. Being a woman in a male dominated political system, many underestimated her, only to find out that she can lead and get things done. As one observer once wrote, “Merkel’s greatest strong point is that she has redefined the meaning of strength. With her, strength had nothing to do with visible dominance, with arrogant pride, with amenable to denuclearization.”

The amicable mood was short-lived: a second Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi collapsed over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

Trump quickly flew out of the Vietnamese capital and Kim took a 60hour train ride back home empty-handed.

A follow-up meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the Korean peninsula did nothing to break the deadlock.

‘Common adversary’ North Korea’s dynastic regime and the ruling Workers’ Party base their claim

boastfulness, with intimidation, and with public humiliation or the ability to scare others.”

Another also said that Merkel was “prudent, modest and preferred discussion, deliberation, and consensus.”

But make no mistake -- about it, she was a no-nonsense leader who was well respected. She also had strong moral values and was able to connect to others. She showed that one can lead effectively without grandstanding and being an authoritarian.

Since we are now preparing for national elections, I have often wondered if there is anyone among our presidential candidates who can come close to Merkel’s kind of leadership or whether a country like ours even need a leader with the style of Merkel. Our country after all, has different sets of problems and challenges. But the style and qualities of a leader can define the character of a country and that is why we must select the best presidential candidate for the wellbeing of our nation.

In electing our leader, we Filipinos seem to gravitate towards a “strong leader.”

This is perhaps because we rely on our leader a lot to make the decisions while we follow.

Nothing illustrates this better than during this pandemic wherein everyone looked up to the President to make all decisions, even the minute details like face-to-face classes.

Whether this kind of leadership style has done the country good over the years is of course what will again be settled come May 2022. We had one

strongman for a president for 20 years.

Our current president is another.

So, it is up to us if we want to elect another one or one with a different leadership style. One that I can think of with a different style is former President Fidel Ramos. His style somewhat resembles that of Merkel. Ramos, had he wanted, could have easily become a strongman but instead, relied more on his managerial and leadership skills acquired from his long years in the military to govern. Ramos was methodical and never made any spur of the moment decisions. He also had strong ethical and moral values and this has guided him in his many important decisions.

He was not perfect, to be sure, but he turned over a government to his successor with a solid foundation for a sustained economic growth that we are enjoying today. He also enhanced our international reputation.

The five remaining serious presidential candidates come from different backgrounds. One is a lawyer and the widow of a very popular politician. Another has a military and police background. We also have a former actor and a world champion boxer as candidates. Lastly, we have the son of a former president. Four of them are presently holding public office while one was a former senator and provincial governor. So, who will it be? A Merkel type or a strongman? I can see that of the five candidates there’s a couple resembling Merkel’s style while the rest have traits resembling a strongman.

Whoever our choice is, we should select a competent candidate with strong ethical and moral values. More importantly, we must select one who will work within our established democratic system in order to preserve, nurture and protect our democratic institutions.

to a right to rule on nationalism, from asserting responsibility for the end of Japanese colonialism after World War II, to “winning” the 1950-53 Korean War, to defying the United States ever since.

Officials and analysts say Kim never intended to fully give up his nuclear arsenal, which North Korea has pursued for decades at vast cost in resources and isolation, and is still developing further.

“He can’t feed the people, but he’s able to maintain his regime’s political survivability” with his weapons, said Soo Kim of RAND Corporation. “And this is more important to Kim.”

And with the United States set for longterm tensions with China, Kim will have an opportunity to follow the example of his grandfather Kim Il Sung.

North Korea’s founder adeptly exploited Cold War tensions between Moscow and Beijing to play one Communist state off against another.

The ties between Pyongyang and Beijing — forged in the Korean War when their forces fought South Korea and a US-led UN coalition to a standstill — were “a love-hate relationship between two ‘frenemies’”, said Professor Lee of Tufts University.

I wish we had our own Angela Merkel.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Trump WH chief faces contempt raps for nixing Capitol riot probe WASHINGTON — US lawmakers voted Tuesday to recommend criminal contempt charges against Donald Trump’s former top aide Mark Meadows for refusing to testify before the congressional panel investigating the January 6 assault on the Capitol.

The rebuke from the House of Representatives moves the ultra-conservative ex-congressman a step closer to becoming the first White House chief of staff to be prosecuted after leaving the post since H.R. Haldeman in the Watergate scandal nearly 50 years ago.

“We’ve given Mark Meadows every opportunity to cooperate. He’s brought this situation on himself,” the House January 6 select committee said in a statement ahead of the vote, which went roughly along party lines, with just two Republicans joining every Democrat to hold Meadows in contempt.

The panel is investigating Trump’s efforts

ALPINE SEA. A couple is silhouetted with Alps surrounded by a sea of fog hanging above Lake Geneva in Mont de Gourze above Riez, Western Switzerland, after sunset on December 14. AFP

to overturn his defeat in the November 2020 election in the run-up to the Capitol riot — as well as the help he got from Meadows and others.

Meadows, who served in the House for seven years before decamping to Trump’s team in 2020, defied a subpoena requiring him to testify, pointing to an “executive privilege” claim by the Republican former president.

That defense, which is theoretically only available to sitting presidents seeking to keep sensitive conversations with aides private, has already been shot down by a federal appeals court.

The nine-member select committee, which voted Monday to advance the contempt case, says it is seeking answers about text messages and other communications that Meadows has already acknowledged are not privileged.

EU tries to salvage ties with ex-Soviets

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RUSSELS – European Union leaders will try to rescue their outreach to five former Soviet republics of eastern Europe on Wednesday, all of them would-be partners undermined by Russian meddling and regional strife.

The “Eastern Partnership” has already lost a member: Belarus, which broke with the grouping in June after criticism from EU capitals of strongman Alexander Lukashenko’s disputed re-election.

The remaining five partners — Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia

and Azerbaijan — will send leaders to Brussels to meet the heads of the 27 member states, one day ahead of a full EU summit.

“The timing of this summit has been well chosen, because these countries are going through a complicated spell,” a senior European offi-

cial explained.

The date may be right, but diplomats in Brussels are expecting a frustrating encounter.

On one hand, western capitals are keen to show a united front against Russian threats.

On the other, they know that they can’t honestly offer the eastern countries a path to EU membership.

Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova — which all have Russian troops occupying regions on their soil — would like to join the European Union, seeing it as a guarantor of peace and prosperity.

But a European minister told AFP: “We can’t do anything.”

Each step of the long accession process needs unanimous support from existing member states, and longstanding candidates in the western Balkans already face an uncertain wait.

“Some member states are pushing to accept Georgia and Ukraine into the EU, but others say that is not possible,” the minister told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Eastern Partnership summit will begin at 4:00pm (1500 GMT) on

Wednesday, but before then EU and national leaders will have held side meetings on specific regional crises.

Border clashes European Council president and summit host Charles Michel will have sat down with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan late Tuesday to “soothe tensions” after a recent flare-up in their conflict.

A short but sharp war between the long-standing foes in late 2020 left 6,500 dead and Azerbaijan in control of more territory around the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. AFP

HK court orders Apple Daily paper parent company to be liquidated HONG KONG — A Hong Kong court on Wednesday ordered the liquidation of the parent company of Apple Daily, delivering another blow to the prodemocracy newspaper after the local edition was shuttered in a crackdown on dissent.

Apple Daily closed down in Hong Kong earlier this year after its assets were frozen using a national security law that China imposed on the city, but it continues to publish in Taiwan.

Its owner, media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and multiple executives have been detained and charged with collusion for outspoken articles and columns the paper published.

In September, the Hong Kong government made the rare move of applying to dissolve the paper’s parent

company, Next Digital Limited, saying it would be “expedient in the public interest”.

High Court judge Jack Wong on Wednesday granted the government’s request after a brief hearing that was not contested by Next Digital.

It is unclear how the court order will affect Apple Daily’s edition in Taiwan, which continues to operate as a financially independent subsidiary. Next Digital’s Taiwan offices did not respond to requests for comment.

But Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council — which deals with China relations — issued a statement saying it was concerned that the liquidation of the parent company in Hong Kong could lead to “improper use” of Taiwan Apple Daily employee and news databases. AFP

US threatens new measures against Myanmar junta KUALA LUMPUR — The United States is considering new measures to pressure the Myanmar junta to return to a “democratic trajectory”, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, as alarm grows over an escalating crackdown on dissent.

Myanmar has been in chaos since February when Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government was ousted by the military.

The United States has imposed some sanctions and regional bloc the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has drawn up a peace roadmap, but there are serious doubts about the generals’ commitment.

Speaking during a visit to Malaysia — among several ASEAN states that have strongly criticised the coup — Blinken conceded that the “situation has not improved”.

“I think it is going to be very important in the weeks and months ahead to look at what additional steps and measures we can take — individually, collectively — to pressure the regime to put the country back on a democratic trajectory,” he said. AFP Manila

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TODAY Securities and Exchange Commission

IN THE MATTER

: : CITYLAND, INC. : (Registrant) : x---------------------------x

OF SEC-MSRD Order No. 90 Series of 2021 Registration of Commercial Papers ORDER

Upon consideration of the Registration Statement and other papers and documents attached thereto which were filed on behalf of CITYLAND, INC., the Commission resolved in its meeting of 9 December 2021 to render effective the same for the registration of Five Hundred Million Pesos (P 500,000,000.00) worth of commercial papers, in accordance with Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code and its Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Let a Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale be issued in favor of the subject company authorizing the sale and distribution of the aforementioned securities.

SO ORDERED. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, December 13, 2021.

(MS-DEC. 16, 2021)

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO Director Markets and Securities Regulation Department

Taliban blamed for at least 72 EJKs, says UN

GROUND ZERO. Men pick up aluminum pieces at the site where a tanker truck exploded in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, December 14. At least 62 people were killed, a local official said, with overwhelmed medics saying the toll was set to rise. AFP

Haiti gas truck explosion kills 62, injures dozens CAP-HAÏTIEN, Haiti — A massive gas truck explosion killed at least 62 people in Haiti on Tuesday, after bystanders swarmed the vehicle to collect spilled fuel — a precious commodity in a nation plagued by acute shortages.

The blast in Haiti’s second city of Cap-Haitien is the latest disaster to hit the poverty-wracked Caribbean nation, riven by gang violence and political paralysis.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry visited the scene of the tragedy, saying his heart was “broken” after meeting some of the dozens of injured in a local hospital. He later tweeted that emergency funds had been released to help deal with the tragedy.

The charred remains of the truck sat in the built-up Samarie area of

the city on the country’s northern coast. Surrounding buildings were burnt and scarred in the explosion.

Crowds gathered at the site, where some of the dead were left on the road in body bags.

“We have now counted 62 deaths,” Deputy Mayor Patrick Almonor said, adding that authorities were still searching for victims in nearby buildings.

Almonor described a horrific scene, saying he had seen dozens of people “burned alive” and that it was “impossible to identify them.”

Severe burns The truck is believed to have flipped over after the driver lost control while swerving to avoid a motorcycle taxi.

Haiti’s civil protection department

confirmed the truck had crashed — and that passers-by had rushed to collect the escaped gas, a rare commodity amid severe fuel shortages caused by the grip of criminal gangs on the capital Port-au-Prince.

“Following this accident, civilians took the chance to collect the gas by filling up makeshift receptacles — causing a terrible explosion that led to numerous victims and major material damage,” civil protection director Jerry Chandler told AFP. Almonor said around 40 houses in the area were also damaged, but that no details were yet available on the possible victims inside.

The Justinien University Hospital was overwhelmed with patients wounded in the blast. AFP

GENEVA — The UN has said there are “credible allegations” of more than 100 extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in August, with most blamed on the country’s new rulers.

UN deputy rights chief Nada AlNashif said she was deeply alarmed by continuing reports of such killings, despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban after their August 15 takeover.

“Between August and November, we received credible allegations of more than 100 killings of former Afghan national security forces and others associated with the former government,” she told the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday.

“At least 72 of these killings,” she said, were “attributed to the Taliban”.

“In several cases, the bodies were publicly displayed. This has exacerbated fear among this sizeable category of the population,” she said.

‘Brutal methods’ Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the government was “fully committed” to the amnesty decree and denied employees of the previous administration were being persecuted.

Anyone “found breaching the amnesty decree will be prosecuted and penalized”, he said.

“Incidents will be thoroughly investigated but unsubstantiated rumors should not be taken at face value.” AFP

Belgian trial to start over Vietnamese migrants found dead in trucks to UK BRUGES, Belgium — Two years after 39 Vietnamese migrants died aboard a truck that travelled to Britain, Belgium will on Wednesday start the trial of 23 people suspected of involvement in a human-smuggling ring.

The proceedings, in a courtroom in the city of Bruges, follow convictions handed down in Britain in January to seven men, several for manslaughter.

They were given prison sentences ranging from three years to 27 years.

In Vietnam, in September last year, four men were sent to prison in connection with the case. Their sentences ranged from two and a half years to seven and a half years.

The Bruges trial will focus on the fact that the truck left for Britain on October 22, 2019 from Anderlecht, a neighbourhood on Brussels’ western

outskirts, where the ring allegedly had CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK a safe-house to collect migrants.

The bodies of the migrants — 31 men and eight women aged 15 to 44 and all from Vietnam — were discovered the next day in Britain, when the container they were in was opened in Grays, an industrial area in Essex, just east of London.

They had suffocated in extremely hot weather as the truck had crossed by sea. They had tried, without success, to pierce the metal container’s roof with a pole.

The macabre crime triggered police investigations on both sides of the Channel, and on May 26, 2020 Belgian authorities raided several addresses, most SANTA’S LADDER. Paul Heinz Suarez Gamarra, known as the Peruvian Santa in the Brussels region, to round up Viet- Claus, arrives to the Villa Panamericana hospital using a ladder basket of the local namese suspected of links to the people- volunteer firefighter brigade, to give presents to young COVID-19 virus patients in Lima smuggling outfit. AFP on December 14. AFP

Business

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Investors swarm solar company’s IPO worth P2.7b

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 -31.77 PTS. 7,210.22

STATE-RUN PNOC Exploration Corp. said Wednesday it withheld its consent on the sale of the 45-percent stake of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. in the Malampaya deepwater gas-to-power project to the Udenna Group.

PNOC EC, subsidiary of Philippine National Oil Co., owns a 10-percent stake in Service Contract 38 or the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan.

“We communicated to the operator [Spex] about us withholding our consent, so right now it depends on the operator how the operator will act, after we withheld our consent,” PNOC EC president and chief executive Rozzano Briguez told Senator Sherwin Gatchalian during a Senate hearing.

Shell Petroleum N.V. signed in May this year an agreement with Malampaya Energy XP Pte Ltd., a subsidiary of Udenna, to sell its entire shareholdings in Spex.

The Udenna Group already owns a

ADVANCES

42

DECLINES UNCHANGED

54 37

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.3610

Japan

Yen

0.008794

0.4429

UK

Pound

1.324200

66.6880

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128195

6.4560

Switzerland

Franc

1.082368

54.5091

Canada

Dollar

0.777545

39.1579

Singapore

Dollar

0.729980

36.7625

Australia

Dollar

0.710200

35.7664

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653224

133.6190

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266567

13.4246

Brunei

Dollar

0.727326

36.6289

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.029967

1.5092

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

13.7122

Euro

Euro

1.126100

56.7115

Korea

Won

0.000844

0.0425

China

Yuan

0.157060

7.9097

India

Rupee

0.013151

0.6623

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.236407

11.9057

New Zealand

Dollar

0.674500

33.9685

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035930

1.8095 Source: BSP

PH-UAE TIES. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (center) proposes stronger trade and investment ties with the United Arab Emirates as he joins the inaugural Global Business Forum-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hosted at Expo Dubai 2020. The forum is a signature event of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aimed to provide a platform for dialogue among UAE, ASEAN and other global businesses and governments. With Lopez are (from left) alternate commissioner general for the Philippines Expo 2020 Dubai and Trade Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, Expo 2020 Dubai vice president of international participants Manuela Garcia, Trade Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman and Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Charito Plaza.

Remittances increased 5.3% to $25.929b in first 10 months

By Julito G. Rada

C

ASH remittances in the first 10 months rose 5.3 percent to $25.929 billion from $24.633 billion a year ago as global economies continue to reopen amid the pandemic, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday show.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Taiwan, and Malaysia contributed largely to the increase in remittances in JanuaryOctober 2021,” BSP said in a statement. The global reopening has led to the deployment of Filipino workers overseas.

The US posted the highest share of overall remittances at 40.9 percent in the first 10 months of 2021, followed

by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Taiwan, Qatar, and South Korea. The combined remittances from these top 10 countries accounted for 79 percent of total cash remittances during the period.

Cash remittances in October increased 2.4 percent to US$2.812 billion

in October 2021 from US$2.747 billion registered in the same month in 2020.

“The expansion in cash remittances was due to the increase in receipts from land-based and sea-based workers, which rose by 2.8 percent [to $2.247 billion from $2.186 billion] and 0.6 percent (to $565 million from $561 million), respectively,” BSP said.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, reached $3.117 billion in October 2021, higher by 2.4 percent than the $3.044 billion recorded in the same month last year.

These resulted in the increase in cumulative remittances by 5.4 percent to $28.816 billion in the first 10 months of 2021 from $27.346 billion posted in the comparable period in 2020.

The BSP attributed the increase in

45-percent stake in Malampaya, after acquiring the holdings of Chevron Malampaya LLC. The Shell Group agreed to sell its 45 percent in the Malampaya gas project to the camp of businessman Dennis Uy, chairman of Udenna Group, for $460 million.

Spex, operator of SC 38, then sought the consent of its joint venture partner PNOC EC, which has the right of first refusal.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate energy committee, asked whether PNOC EC was no longer giving its consent to the deal. Briguez replied, “Yes, that is correct.”

“Mr. chairman, right now, I think we are still into the process wherein the operator of the SC that is Spex might communicate to us and ask clarification on it or maybe ask clarification on our not giving consent or withholding of consent. That is where we are now,” Briguez said.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the department was monitoring developments in the transaction.

personal remittances in October to money sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more.

They rose 2.8 percent to $2.441 billion from $2.374 billion in the same month last year, while sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year grew 0.5 percent to $615 million from $612 million a year ago.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said remittances remained a bright spot for the Philippine economy. The level is near the highest since the pandemic started. Over 800,000 OFWs were repatriated since the pandemic last year, but some of whom already recovered or restored the jobs that they have lost as the global economy re-opened and recovered further from the adverse effects of the pandemic.

“OFW remittances and conversion to pesos are expected to seasonally increase in 4Q especially towards the Christmas season, as consistently seen for many years and decades,” Ricafort said.

He said these could support faster growth in consumer spending, which accounts for at least 70 percent of the economy.

strictions, also helped increase land values in provincial areas and major tourist spots across the country, he said.

Leechiu said that in the office space sector, demand in 2022 was expected to bounce back to 2016 levels but not yet the peak levels in 2019, as offshore gaming firms had not made significant comeback.

He said business process outsourcing firms would continue to be the largest single demand driver in the next few years.

Leechiu said outsourcing firms would account for 132,000 square meters of the 224,000 sq. m. live requirements that would likely be concluded in the first half of 2022.

“The breakthrough in digitization brought about by the pandemic has also

IN BRIEF ADB okays $175-m loan for three bridges THE Asian Development Bank said Wednesday it approved a $175-million (around P8.75 billion) loan to help the Philippine government build three new climate- and disasterresilient bridges over the Marikina River to improve road traffic flow amid the rapid urbanization of Metro Manila.

The ADB said in a statement the Metro Manila Bridges Project will construct bridges totaling 3,024 meters over the Marikina River, including the Marcos Highway–St. Mary Avenue Bridge, Homeowner’s Drive– A. Bonifacio Bridge, and Kabayani Street– Matandang Balara Bridge.

It will help improve the ability of the Department of Public Works and Highways to manage, operate, and maintain the country’s roads and bridges.

“This project is part of the country’s flagship ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure development program and the government’s integrated transport strategy to decongest Metro Manila, and promote development in the regions,” ADB Transport Specialist for Southeast Asia Chaorin Shim said. Julito G. Rada

Converge investing $200m in sea cable CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. on Wednesday said it is investing $200 million in an existing international submarine cable connecting the US. “We’ve signed already, but under FCC (Federal Communications Commission) approval. We are looking at an additional $200 million investment,” Dennis Anthony Uy, chairman and chief executive of Converge, said.

Uy said the existing international submarine cable, which he did not identify, is three times bigger than its Bifrost Cable System.

Bifrost is a 15,000-kilometer (km) undersea cable project from Singapore to the North American West Coast, including a branch to the Philippines.

Converge is investing $100 million in Bifrost, which is expected to be completed by 2024.

The company also said it completed a critical infrastructure in its domestic fiber backbone in Mindanao, improving fiber internet service availability for subscribers in southern Philippines. Darwin G. Amojelar

Philconsa to hold virtual concert Dec. 18

GENDER EQUALITY. Inclusive and sustainable growth continues to be a priority for the Aboitiz Group as it commits to helping the nation achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduce Inequality). Ana Margarita Hontiveros (bottom row, right), vice president for reputation management of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., joins the panel of speakers at the webinar ‘#EmpoweredASEANWomen: Resilient and Thriving in an Equitable and Inclusive Economic Community’ hosted by the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network. Hontiveros presents the great strides and initiatives the Aboitiz Group has made in terms of workplace gender equality under its OneAboitiz Sustainability Framework.

Land values exceed pre-pandemic levels to hit new record LAND values in major districts in the country exceeded pre-pandemic levels due to improving economic conditions, Leechiu Property Consultant said Wednesday.

LPC chief executive David Leechiu said in a news briefing transactions for commercial lots in Bonifacio Global City, Arca South and Filinvest City hit record highs this year.

He said prices of commercial lots that in BGC now range from P800,000 to P1.75 million per square meter.

Leechiu said given the improving economic conditions and declining COVID numbers, land values across business districts would keep rising in 2022 and speed up in the following years.

The accelerated vaccine rollout, along with easing quarantine and travel re-

6,093 731,130,382.13

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE

PNOC EC withholds consent on sale of Shell’s Malampaya stake to Udenna

By Alena Mae S. Flores

77,324,754

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

By Jenniffer B. Austria LOCAL investors gobbled up the initial public offering of Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp., with shares oversubscribed by nearly two times at the end of the tender period.

Abacus Capital and Investment Corp., SPNEC’s underwriter, said the company received P5.3 billion in orders for the P2.7-billion offering.

Abacus cited a strong demand from investors who want exposure to the first pure-play solar company to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“We’re grateful for the public’s faith in our ability to turn this power point into a power plant, and hope our work can live up to these expectations,” said Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste.

SPNEC offered 2.7 billion common shares at a price of P1 apiece.

The IPO would put SPNEC’s market capitalization at P8.12 billion.

The shares will be listed on the PSE on Friday.

SPNEC is the 10th and final IPO for 2021. It is also the first company to list under the Supplemental Listing and Disclosure Rules for Renewable Energy (RE) Companies approved by PSE in 2011, which provides exemption from the PSE’s track record and operating history requirements.

SPNEC to date is at the pre-operating stage and has not started commercial operations.

The company plans to use proceeds from the IPO to complete the first 50-megawatt (MW) phase of the project and acquire land to expand the output to over 500 MW, in support of a plan to develop the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia.

SPNEC’s IPO comes as Prime Infrastructure Holdings, Inc., owned by tycoon Enrique Razon, announced investments of P3.5 billion for a 50 percent stake in three solar projects with a combined output of 340 MW. Developed by SPNEC’s parent company, Solar Philippines, these solar projects are located in the provinces of Tarlac, Batangas, and Cavite.

Solar Philippines said its strategy is now focused on helping the country’s power companies enter the solar market, by making available project sites it has developed over the years.

TOTAL VOLUME

benefitted many other firms now on expansion mode and contributing to demand,” Leechiu said.

Office demand in 2021 would likely hit 540,000 sq. m., up 39 percent from 389,000 recorded in 2020.

Office take-up surged by 74 percent in the fourth quarter to 160,000 sq. m. from 92,000 sq. m. posted in the third quarter. With two more weeks left until the end of the year, the 2021 full-year take-up would likely to surpass the 540,000 sq. m. and help the Philippines retain its standing as one of the world’s largest office markets in terms of transaction volume, Leechiu said.

Rental rates are also holding up on continued strong demand from BPOs and multinational companies, he said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Constitution Association, the oldest and most respectable association of legal luminaries in the country, is holding “A Time for Love, A Time for Hope” virtual concert on Dec. 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Performers are Attys. Dot Balasbas-Gancayco, Joey Lina and Mike Toledo. Guest singers include up-and-coming talent Kathleen Francisco and the iconic Jose Mari Chan. Tickets are at P2,500 while proceeds of the concert will go to PHILCONSA’s projects and the Philippine Red Cross, Manila Chapter.

The concert features memorable and wellknown songs that speak of life with all its ups and downs, dreams of a better life and a brighter future, and love that is not just for Christmas but for all year through.

The evening promises to be not just an entertaining and sentimental journey, but will be a true demonstration of the hope and love that are its central themes. The proceeds of the concert will go toward PHILCONSA’s various projects aimed at educating and instilling in the Filipino, primarily the youth, the importance of protecting, promoting, and observing the Constitution, as well as securing and conserving the patrimony as a Filipino nation.

ICTSI plans to invest $230m next year to expand Mexican terminal capacity

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Wednesday unit Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV is investing $230 million next year to expand its port facilities in Mexico.

It said the project, which would expand the capacity of the second specialized container terminal at the Port of Manzanillo in Colima, Mexico by 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, reaffirms its confidence in Mexico and the growth potential of the Manzanillo port.

“The investment is intended to expand the operating capacity of the terminal from 1.4 million TEUs to

1.7 million TEUs annually,” said José Antonio Contreras, chief executive of CMSA. Contreras took the reins of CMSA in September, with a strategic vision of sustainable solutions for Manzanillo.

ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. said the injection of private capital into Manzanillo is an essential part of the ICTSI Group’s strategy that would benefit the supply chain in the region.

The additional capital will be used for the construction of berths and yards and acquisition of quay cranes, rubber tired gantries, port tractors and other equipment.

Sports

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

B4

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Romero is PSBK novice champ, Ducati Cup Rider Year PROVING that his Rookie of the Year award was no fluke, Reghis “RG” Romero V of Club 200 swept all of his races in the 2021 Philippine Super Bikes Championship and the 2021 Ducati Cup at the Clark International Speedway in a dominant weekend show that fortified his status as two-wheel racing’s brightest rising star.

The 28-year-old Romero, who was crowned Golden Wheel’s best rookie superbikes racer last October, lived up to all of the hype and expectations by ruling both the 2021 Philippine Super Bikes Championship novice category and the 2021 Ducati Cup in grand style.

Riding a Panigale V4 Base with full Ohlins Suspension, Romero ruled the PSBK in impressive fashion, defeating eventual runner-up Manuel Chu and third placer Jacq Buncio for the novice crown.

For emphasis, Romero was even more potent in the Ducati Cup. In Leg 5, Romero started from the back of the grid and passed everyone methodically before securing the victory in the 14-rider field. He was even more impressive in the sixth leg, where he began at pole 4 before leaving everyone in his trail for the masterful win.

Romero’s scintillating performances here and his past races netted him the PSBK Novice Rider Overall Championship and the Ducati Rider of the Year plum.

“This is very important because I wanted to prove that I’m not only the Rookie of the Year of 2019, but a future PSBK Rider of the Year,” said Romero, adding that the double win was his Christmas gift to his supportive family and a fitting personal gift to himself on his recent birthday.

Romero’s recent string of successes proved that hard work pays off.

“This season has been the most challenging so far because the level now is really high with training coaches, and new technology of the bikes and tires. I had to practice at least twice a week to achieve my goal lap time which was 1.55. Very happy with the result of my qualifying on Friday with a time of 1:54.7 as my new personal best. Achieving that time really shows that hard work pays off. Now that the COVID cases are lower, preparing for the race is much easier. I ride my mountainbike with my eldest, 5-yearold son every Saturdays to increase stamina for a 10-lap race in the PSBK Championships,” revealed Romero.

Now that Romero is slowly but surely carving a niche for himself in superbikes racing, slowing down is the last thing on his mind.

“Being the best rookie of 2019 was just the beginning. Now that I have won the 2021 Novice Class, it’s time to take it to the next level and compete for the Intermediate and Expert class for the 2022 season,” said Romero, who for his feats thanked Club 200, which was founded by his father Red Romero, MotoGarage Performance, Ducati Philippines, R-II Builders, Inc. Prime Homes, Gabby and Santi Clothing, Lenvoisa Construction and riding coach Joey Storm Rivero of Zero2Podium.

Reghis “RG” Romero delivers a weekend twin-kill at the Clark International Speedway. Inset shows Romero displaying his awards.

PH bets aim for bronze-medal standards or better at trackfest Cool weather will greet participants in the National Open as temperatures hover between 12 to 13-degrees Celsius AGUIO City—Achieving bronze-medal before it climbs to more comfortable standards set during the 2019 Southeast levels at midday in the City of Pines.

This is expected to test the endurance Asian Games will be the goal of two longand resolve of the more than 200 athdistance runners in the Ayala Philippine Athletics letes who showed up in the 32 events Championships, slated to take place on Thursday and that will be held over the next two days.

“They will be competing at this Friday at the Baguio Athletic Bowl here. temperature levels. This will be the first time that we will have the naSurpassing the times achieved by in lockdown. third-place finishers when the biennial Zabala settled for fifth place two years tional championships under this conmeet was held in the Philippines two ago with a time of two hours, 37 minutes dition,” said national coach Jeoffrey years ago will determine the national and 20 seconds and he needs to stay close Chua, who is overseeing the perforbets’ readiness for the Vietnam Games to the clocking of bronze medallist Mu- mances of sprint athletes.

Reigning SEA Games decathlete this May. haizar Mohamad (2:33.08) to determine medallists Aries Toledo and Janry Ubas National coach Eduardo Buenavis- where he stands in the event. ta, who is supervising the preparaHallasgo, the defending women’s ti- will be around, but they will be seeking tions of Jerald Zabala and Christine tleholder, needs to stay within the range medals in a different event as they will Hallasgo, said this a day before the of Vietnamese runner Phạm Thị Hồng try to hold their own against local bets start of competitions.

Lệ’s 3:02.52 to find out where she is in the heptathlon.

Former national team member Hallaso and Zabala, who be com- now in her SEAG preparations. peting in the the men’s and women’s “Iyun ang basehan para maganda ang Katherine Kaye Santos is returning 10,000-meters, have trained in Ba- result,” said Buenavista following the after retiring in 2015 when she saw guio for two months trying to get conclusion of Wednesday’s morning action in the 100-meter dash, the long jump, triple jump and the relays. back in shape after spending months workouts.

By Peter Atencio

B

Super Swerte owner protests Gold Cup result Hotshots maul SUPER Swerte owner Leonardo “Sandy” Javier wants the result of last Sunday’s Presidential Gold Cup race won by horse Sky Shot “invalidated”.

In a letter of protest sent to Philippine Racing Commission chairman Reli de Leon on Monday, Javier accused Boss Emong jockey FM Racquel Jr. of “foul riding” -- in which “a jockey intentionally strikes, pushes, holds or detain another horse or its rider in a manner that will prejudice or interfere with that horse’s chance of success or causes the unseating of the rider.”

Javier explained that Raquel’s alleged foul-riding obstructed the path of Super Swerte heading into the final stretch, thereby allowing Sky Shot to win the 2,000-meter race at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas and the P6million top purse, the richest in Philippine horseracing history.

Sky Shot and Boss Emong are coupled entries of owner Edward Vincent Diokno.

After viewing the race footage, the board of stewards of the Metro Manila

and sportsmanship,” wrote Javier.

Turf Club, Inc. swiftly acted and Super Swerte jockey JB penalized Racquel Jr. with a Guce and trainer Ruben Tu156-day suspension. pas also wrote separate letBut Javier was not satisters of protest to the Philfied, saying “that the reracom seeking the same sults have been tainted penalties. with doubt and scrutiny.”

Nuclear Bomb came in In his letter, he wanted second for the runner-up the Philracom to invaliprize of P2 million, while date the race, question or Super Swerte placed third, remove MMTCI stewards worth P1 million for Javier. involved in the said for Rounding out the top six were condoning such illegal act War Cannon, Boss Emong and disqualify the concerned and PGC defending champion horses and jockey who commitPangalusian Island (which took ted such violations.

Sandy Javier home P500,000, P300,000 and “Attributing to the acts committed by the said jockey, the integrity P200,000. respectively). The breeder of and result of the game has been signifi- the champion horse in Esguerra Farms cantly affected. In order to restore the and Stud received P500,000.

It was learned that De Leon met the confidence of the horse breeders, owners, enthusiasts and the public, the un- parties concerned for nearly five hours dersigned ask your good commission, on Tuesday.

A decision will be made either on Frifor the proper sanctions of all concerned individuals, who shows no great respect day or Saturday.

Malixi upstages pros with eagle-spiked 70, leads by 9

Rianne Malixi

The 31-year-old Santos will seek a podium finish against the likes of former Palarong Pambansa standout Erica Ruto.

Strict health and safety protocols imposed by authorities in Baguio City will keep spectators from coming to the venue to watch competitions live.

As part of precautions to halt the spread of the coronavirus, competitions can viewed by the public through livestreamed updates.

The meet was originally set to go on from December 9 to 10 at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City, but damage to some of the facilities because of heavy rains have forced organizers to do the competitions in Baguio City.

Also participating is Marestella Torres-Sunang, who has changed her mind on her plans to retire from active competition in the women’s long jump.

Others expected to make their presence felt are reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medallists Clinton Kingsley Bautista (men’s 100-meter hurdles) and javelin thrower Melvin Calano.

TAGAYTAY—Young Rianne Malixi continued to upstage the pros with her dynamic brand of play, keeping her flaws to a minimum then unleashing a scorching backside charge to fire an eaglespiked 70 and pull away by nine strokes over Daniella Uy after 36 holes of the ICTSI Midlands Ladies Classic here yesterday.

A second straight bogey on the closing par-5 hole hardly ruined Malixi’s brilliant last-nine assault of Midlands that had her bucking a one-over frontside card with a birdie on the 12th. She then pulled off a stirring eagle-birdie feat from No. 16 to shoot a 37-33 for a twoday total of 143 and closer to turning her first Ladies Philippine Golf Tour sortie into a celebratory appearance.

Uy, winner of the last LPGT leg at Riviera’s Langer layout, also hit a birdie on the par-5 16th in an earlier flight to salvage a 75 but lay nine strokes behind with

a 152 total while Sunshine Baraquiel, just three strokes behind Malixi after 18 holes, lost in the face of her 14-year-old rival’s sizzling finish and poor club selection, ending up with a 77 to drop to joint third at 153 with Harmie Constantino, who fought back from a 79 with a 74.

Marvi Monsalve shot a 75 for fifth 154 while amateur Laurea Duque groped for an 80 after a 76 to slip to sixth at 156 followed by Chanelle Avaricio (80-160), Lovelyn Guioguio (79-163), Apple Fudolin (79-164) and Sarah Ababa (83-169).

With a huge lead over Uy and the rest of the field, Malixi put herself on track of winning a local pro title in her first try and besting Avaricio’s seven-shot breakthrough title romp over Constantino and absentee Chihiro Ikeda in the ICTSI Riviera Challenge at the Couples course last month.

Taiwanese Yu Chiang Hou edged Thai pro Wanchana Poruangrong in a playoff to become the last amateur to win an LPGT championship at Pradera

Verde in 2019 while Princess Superal set the record when she humbled the local pros to dominate the ICTSI Camp John Hay LPGT in 2013.

Malixi insisted there was nothing special in her game, even saying: “I just treated it like a practice round. Actually, there was no pressure but it’s a great challenge.”

“I know I’ve been dubious about my iron shots but I was able to manage myself great,” added Malixi, who banked on her superb short iron shots to birdie all but one of the four par-3s.

But it was her eagle off a 50-degree wedge shot after coming up short from a 150-yard distance after a 250-yard drive that highlighted her two-day stint in the season-ending tournament of the eight-leg circuit put up by ICTSI in a season halted by two suspensions due to spike in coronavirus cases in March and July.

“I will play relaxed but confident although anything can happen,” she added.

But Uy and the rest will need exceptional rounds to make things happen.

Terrafirma Dyip by 27 points

THE Magnolia Hotshots sent a strong message of how good they are.

A strong start led to a good ending as the Hotshots went on to put away Terrafirma Dyip by 27 points, 114-87, on Wednesday in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup before a big crowd at the SmartAraneta Coliseum.

Mike Harris showed the way for the Hotshots, knocking 30 points and 15 rebounds.

“We wanted to start big, just in the bubble before. And we wanted to send a message right away. At least naging maganda,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

The Hotshots finally settled down with their game in the second period, with Calvin Abueva providing leadership.

Abueva scored 10 of his 17 points during an initial run that allowed the Hotshots to take command of the game with a 46-35 halftime spread.

With the game in control in the third period, Harris and Ian Sangalang took over the Hotshots’ offense, joining up for 15 points as they widened their edge to 17, 81-64.

Antonio Hester shot 21 points for Dyip, who tumbled to their second setback in three matches.

Harris shot 10 points in the final period and as the Hotshots kept their huge lead.

Peter Atencio

Christmas Joy and Festivities

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Traditional Christmas food to liven up Noche Buena

By P. Y. Deligero

W

E’RE only a few days away from the most anticipated holiday in the country: Christmas.

At this point, many Filipinos are scrambling to finish their holiday shopping and decorating their homes to imbibe the Christmas spirit. But another thing that Filipinos are preparing for is the Christmas Eve dinner or Noche Buena.

It is during Noche Buena that Filipino families spend time together reminiscing the past or making new memories;

this is only part of the reason why people prepare extensively for the Christmas Eve dinner.

There are many recipes that Filipinos can choose from to serve during Noche Buena. However, there are staple dishes that hardly go missing on the holiday dinner spread. Here are three of them.

PANCIT One of the most common dishes served during Noche Buena is pancit.

Almost every Filipino celebration, from birthdays to fiestas to anniversaries, have the pancit as a dish because it has several properties that make it a favorite among party attendees.

The name “pancit” comes from the Hokkien term “pian e sit” which directly translates to “something conveniently cooked.” Early Chinese settlers in the country may have brought the dish from their homeland to keep them from going hungry during their long journey.

Sights and sounds of Christmas at SM Malls

The 30 ft tall S Maison Christmas tree radiates sophistication and daintiness. Inspired by an English tea party and jewelry, the tree is adorned with bejeweled silver and crystal brooches, wrapped in a goldbeaded pearls and adorned with copper and rose gold ornaments. It is surrounded by smaller trees embellished with variety of materials and finishes like tulle fabric, a stack of balls, crystal and doily details.

CHRISTMAS is certainly Inside the malls, there are merrier and happier this year Christmas centerpieces with as SM decks its malls with all towering trees that sparkle with things bright, beautiful, and lights, and glow with ornaments magical for its shoppers.

Turn to C4

The MOA train, shown here at the Christmas Village’s Magical Forest of Lights, is always available to give rides to all those who want to experience the amazing MOA Nights of Lights Drive-Thru.

And since pancit noodles are made using either rice or wheat, Chinese settlers or merchants plying their trade can easily make a pancit dish to replicate their flavor preferences.

People enjoy cooking pancit because of its versatility, thus allowing them to customize the recipe however they

please. Some common ingredients used in making pancit include cabbage, carrot, pork or chicken, and, sometimes, quail eggs.

In cooking pancit, people don’t feel limited to these ingredients alone. Others add condiments or make their pancit recipe saucier than others. The possibili-

ties are endless.

Since pancit has become a popular dish all over the country, almost every family has its interpretation of the recipe, making it more special. If pancit is unavailable, another alternative is spaghetti, with Filipino-style sweet Next page

C2 || THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Christmas Joy and Festivities

Staying confident when shopping online this Christmas

W

HATEVER the crisis is, Christmas is still the ultimate holiday event for Filipinos.

Hard times won’t ever cancel this season of celebrations and generosity. Feasting and gifting are staples which means one thing—shopping.

According to a recent survey conducted by Kaspersky, Filipinos are the top new e-cash adopters in the Asia Pacific region at 37% followed by India (23%) and Australia (15%). Survey respondents from the region said they have used digital payments due to convenience.

The pandemic has ushered in an extraordinary online shopping experience where window-shopping (checking out products), comparing prices before buying, and having the goods delivered right on the customer’s doorstep can all be done at home anytime with just one click.

Unfortunately, this rise in digital adoption is where cybercriminals are directing their efforts to. The recently reported sim-swap incident worth almost two million pesos in just one attempt is an example.

Sim-swap is a scam used to intercept online banking SMS verification codes.

To get hold of one-time passwords for financial transactions, cybercriminals create or fraudulently obtain a copy of the victim’s SIM card from the mobile operator.

It’s no surprise that a third of the survey respondents (31%) in APAC admitted being concerned about losing money when it comes to making online transactions.

“The pandemic has triggered more people to embrace online shopping. Although physical safety is essential, the safety of our finances, devices and information is also important, especially as phishing scams become more and more sophisticated and targeted. We expect cybercriminals to continue using tricks that will lure more victims to take the bait hence this festive season, we urge everyone to put their guards up against messages, calls, and even emails asking for critical information such as account number, OTPs, passwords, and more,” said Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

Here are some practical tips from Kaspersky for online shopping: 1. Stick to familiar brands you know

Traditional...

From C1 sauce, topped with hotdog chunks, and garnished with shredded cheese. Other pancit variations include palabok, lomi, habhab, canton guisado, and more. Almost every region in the Philippines has its take on pancit, adding unique ingredients to the mix depending on availability or culture.

Many also believe that serving pancit during celebrations invites good health and long life to those who consume the dish. Such blessings are what many Filipino families hope to receive during Christmas.

CHRISTMAS HAM Nothing says Christmas better than Christmas ham. These usually signify that Christmas is right around the corner because many businesses gift ham to their employees or groceries are stocked

or have heard of.

2. If you’re checking out a new brand, research it carefully and get its contact details like email, phone number, or address. Also, look for its return policy and feedback history which are good indicators of honesty and credibility.

3. Ensure your online accounts are off limits to your children and restrict their access to your credit card and bank information.

4. Consider getting an antivirus or anti-malware protection for your device.

Try Kaspersky Total Security (KTS) which has the useful Kaspersky Safe Money feature. It provides an extra layer of protection when shopping online -ensures you’re visiting a secure website, or it can open the site in a special, protected mode to prevent your passwords, credit card number, or personal data from being accessed by cybercriminals.

Kaspersky solutions with Safe Money features such as Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security are currently being offered with up to 50% discounts during the anticipated 12.12 sale at Shopee and Lazada.

While ordering online: 1. Don’t give out any more information than is necessary to complete your purchase. Never share personal information over the phone unless you made the call. Never reply to any unsolicited request for personal information such as passwords, credit cards, or bank account numbers.

2. Only make payments online using safe and trusted methods. If you accidentally enter your credit or debit card information into a suspected malicious website or email, call your credit card company as soon as possible.

When you complete an online shopping session: 1. Always log off, especially if you share a device with someone else.

2. Keep a paper trail: print and save records of online transactions.

3. Read credit card statements when you get them and check for unauthorized charges that you should report immediately. in abundance to provide shoppers with an eye-catching and delectable centerpiece for their Noche Buena spreads.

Christmas hams are offered in a variety of flavors such as plain, honeycured, or with a special sauce. It is traditionally slow-cooked and glazed with brown sugar, but there are many other ways to prepare Christmas ham. Some pan-fry the ham, bake it, or even add pineapples to heighten the sweetness of the meat.

Although Christmas hams can be pricey, numerous Filipinos spare no expense to acquire the “Star of the Noche Buena.”

The practice of eating ham during Christmas Eve dinner has already been in place since the Spanish era where delicacies such as the jamon Serrano or jamon Iberico. But it may be traced farther back to the Norsemen who did so during religious feasts.

Ancient Vikings would hunt boars to sacrifice to Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and death. Eventually, the lavish and delectable practice was passed down from generation to generation until the ham became the star of Noche Buena that we know today.

Besides brightening up the Noche Buena table, any leftover Christmas ham can extend the feeling of the holidays. Even after the Christmas Eve dinner, consumers can continue to enjoy the flavors of Christmas

Filipinos are the top new e-cash adopters in the Asia Pacific region at 37%.

How to keep the Filipino Christmas celebrations alive this year

By Rommel Bong R. Fuertes Jr. METRO Manila has eased into Alert Level 2 in recent weeks. This gives out hope for a more connected Christmas with our families in and out the confines of our homes.

However, with the onslaught of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, there is still a possibility that stricter protocols could be implemented before December 25.

With that said, it’s time to look back at potential ways to feel the Yuletide season, while we still can.

Call your ninongs and ninangs and interact with your inaanaks. With the current state of the region, it’s quite possible to give and receive gifts for Christmas time.

CHRISTMAS CAROLINGS One of the more beloved Filipino Christmas traditions is making a comeback under areas with Alert Level 2 classifications.

“Pangagaroling” or simply called caroling is now allowed after being banned last year due to the huge tally of COVID-19 infections. With the downward trend of cases this year, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has approved the return of caroling, but with rules.

For starters, the place where caroling takes place should follow minimum public health standards (MPHS).

DILG Usec. Jonathan Malaya said that venues, where caroling would occur, should only be given “50 percent [capacity] and vaccinated individuals only if indoor, and 70 percent if outdoor.”

Carolers should also be fully vaccinated and with face shields.

SIMBANG GABI Last year, there were huge compromises following the celebration of the tradi-

tional “Simbang Gabi.”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will continue to livestream Yuletide masses, while welcoming churchgoers on a limited capacity.

Fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed inside select churches with 50% capacity. A 70% outdoor venue capacity is also allowed with social distancing rules applied.

The attendees will be monitored by church volunteers and police personnel.

One of the churches that will open their doors for Simbang Gabi is the staple church, Quiapo Church, which will begin to hold late masses en route to Christmas starting on Dec. 15.

AGUINALDO And of course, one of the Filipino Christmas’ long living tradition “Pamimigay ng aguinaldo” will still live on this year, with a few tweaks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The normal practice we’re used to is having our relatives hand us ash as gifts for the Holiday season.

However, since the pandemic hit, it’s never a certainty whether you’ll relatives will be physically fit or not. So it must be self-explanatory why QR Codes are evident on your Facebook News Feed.

These codes have the underlining caption of, you guessed it: “Namamasko po!”.

Christmas themes aren’t the only thing GCash is working on, but also their QR Codes accessibility. It’s as easy as taking your QR Code, having your relatives scan it and they can send you your aginaldo in a quick click.

It also goes the other way around. If you wanna give your special someone or your relatives some money for the season as well, just scan their QR Code from the GCash app and sending them money is just as easy.

ham because these can be preserved longer.

BIBINGKA Other common recipes that also imbibe the feeling of the holidays are bibingka and puto bumbong.

These steamed rice cakes are not only aromatic, but they’re also full of texture and flavor that attract consumers everywhere. The two are only some of the kakanin or rice offered in the country.

However, bibingka and puto bumbong aren’t exclusive to the Noche Buena table. As the holiday draws near, many food stalls around churches or in the streets begin to offer puto bumbong.

Several restaurants also join the trend to provide their customers with a taste of the holidays.

The practice of eating rice cakes stems back to the Spanish colonial period when the friars introduced the nine-day set of novena masses known as Simbang Gabi, which begin at dawn every 16th of December. The masses conclude late on Christmas with Misa de Gallo. It is also said that anyone, who attends the nine-day novena masses will have their prayers granted.

Simbang Gabi is usually held between to 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. The allotted time was a compromise between the friars and the farmers, who had to tend to their crops early in the day. To prepare for the work ahead after the mass, the farmers would proceed to the stalls selling various kakanin in the church-

yard because the rice cakes are a good source of carbohydrates that help in giving them a much-needed energy boost.

Ultimately, the consumption of rice cakes started of practicality but later became a common practice associated with celebrating the holidays. And since both puto bumbong and bibingka use rice as the main ingredient, they’re fairly easy to make and serve on the Noche Buena table.

Other common recipes served during Noche Buena include shanghai rolls, pork barbecue, fruit salad, and queso de bola.

Even though many of us are excited to feast on the many delectable dishes that will be served during Noche Buena, we should also take the time to relish the event for what it is: a chance for us to sit down with our loved ones, create new memories, and be thankful for the blessings that we received in the previous months, no matter how challenging they may have been.

While it is true that the pandemic is still far from over, it’s a good indication that restrictions are getting looser. This opens the possibility of a more interactive Christmas for the Filipino, even in such trying times.

A memorable Christmas feast with King Sue Ham IT’S hard to think of Christmas and not imagine the scrumptious food that traditionally accompanies the celebrations. Part and parcel of this special occasion is the appetizing ham that will make it a Christmas to remember.

With a few days to go until Christmas Day, the perfect centerpiece of every Christmas feast is no doubt at the top of everyone’s shopping list. But with all the delightful offerings on the menu, just which one is the best for you and your family?

To cut through the confusion, we’ve narrowed down your options to King Sue Ham’s favorites—here are our recommendations based on tenderness, aroma, and of course, flavor.

A Show-Stopping Centerpiece: The Bone-In Chinese Ham As far as Christmas spreads go, King Sue Ham’s signature Bone-in Chinese Ham is an impressive, coveted centerpiece.

Following the handcrafted recipe from King Sue Ham’s founder Cu Un Kay, it is made from premium hind leg infused with select spices and seasonings, and smoked to divine perfection. Today, the Chinese Ham is recognized as the gold standard for any festive celebration where ham is the show-stopping centerpiece. Available in 2kg to 3.5kg weight range.

Premium Christmas Delights: Piña Ham Infusing the traditional smoked flavors King Sue Ham is known for, the Piña Hamis is made from whole “Pigue” that is brine-cured for a few days and then cut and placed inside a net used to hang the hams during the long smoking process. No shortcuts. Only the best. Certainly a gift to impress.

King Sue Piña Ham is available in 1.0kg and 800g, while it is being offered in special cuts such as: 1.2kg / 1.5kg / 2kg / 2.5kg (for special orders).

Hearty Essentials: Sweet Ham There’s no going wrong with a sensational combination of brine and glaze, mingling harmoniously to create the distinct flavor of King Sue’s Sweet Ham. The versatility of this product, available in 800g and 1kg packs, is what makes it shine. Delivering a savory experience with every bite, it’s also ideal for making sliders or roll-ups, topping up grazing boxes, or making satisfying sandwiches for your holiday parties.

Explore our options of delicious ham and you’ll be sure to enjoy a Christmas feast to remember.

Make it a Christmas to remember with King Sue Ham! Order directly via SMS or Viber:09437082018 or 09175949143, and experience the Taste Fit for a King.

Follow us on facebook.com/KingSueHam, @kingsueham on Instagram, Twitter, andTikTok for more information.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Max Collins defies stereotypes, embraces own beauty

Actress Max Collins

By Nickie Wang

I

N NOVEMBER, Japanese beauty brand Aqua Skin marked its first year in the country with the grand launching of its newest products and the signing of its celebrity endorser Max Collins.

Collins During the launch, the actress and mother talked about the daily beauty rou routine that helps her stay healthy and glowing and discussed why it’s important for moms like herself to look and feel beautiful, and

Dance your way to wellness and win a prize AFTER several months of campaigning for solo exercising at home through “Zumbarangay Pilipinas,” top winners in the women open, girl open, and LGBTQI categories will finally convene for the final showcase of their talents at Travellers Hotel in Subic.

Chairman William I. Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) proudly notes that “Zumbarangay Pilipinas: Solo Exercise On Cam Challenge” is launched to encourage women and girls to keep on dancing and regularly exercising in order to maintain body and mind wellness.

The contest also launch PSC’s first official dance exercise music entitled “Igalaw-galaw ating Katawan.

“This music’s upbeat track will really make everyone dance and move their bodies to the beat. It drumbeats the nation to rise up, shape up in order to win over the negative impact of the pandemic,” said Ramirez.

The nationwide exercise campaign received entries from the barangay level across its three categories: Women Open; LGBTQ; and, kids.

The judges to personally meet the top winners include international and

award-winning choreographer and NCAA Ani ng Dangal Awardee for Dance in 2016, 2017, and 2018, Chris Beltran.

Another judges are celebrity and international multi-medalist dance sport athlete Stephanie Sabalo; Professor Michiko Aseron of the University of the Philippines Diliman-College of Human Kinetics; Coach Lenlen Ruis who is certified AFAA group Exercise instructor; and Bam Mogato, an American Council on Exercise Certified Fitness Instructor since 2000.

Production Director and PSC Women in Sports Consultant Marilou Cantancio announces that the first place winner per category gets P30,000; 2nd placer per category gets P20,000; and, 3rd place winner per category brings home P10,000. Ten Special Awardees per category will be selected, and each gets P3,000.00.

Final results of this contest will be posted at Rise Up Shape Up Facebook and YouTube accounts on December 18 at 10:30 AM. For more information on Rise Up, Shape Up, visit its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/riseupshapeup and YouTube page https://www. youtube.com/riseupshapeup.

practice self-love, in general.

Despite embracing her beauty, Max opened up on being the receiving end of body-shaming and industry stereotypes.

“When you’re mestiza, you’re only for contravida roles. I always got that. That’s why there were times that I wished I was morena,” she admitted.

“I was fat as a kid. I grew up with weight problem. I try to lose weight for my health. I exercise regularly. I eat healthy because it’s important for me to feel good,” she added.

The 29-year-old actress continued talking about dealing with trolls on social media who scrutinize her looks.

“After I lost weight, after giving birth, people were body-shaming me in a way like they were saying ‘kapapanganak mo pa lang tapos

Spotlight on mental health

There are several ways that we can support people with mental health issues.

FOR the past months and years, I have seen people come forward and openly share about their mental health struggles in the hope of breaking or at the very least, reducing the mental health stigma. More importantly, they do so to make others who are undergoing the same journey feel that they are not alone.

Here and there, we also hear discussions about how the pandemic has made it worse for many. I believe talking about it —the importance of mental health awareness, what we can do about it, where can we go for support, etc.— helps people feel that it is, indeed, okay to sometimes not be okay.

It also helps that there are films and series tackling mental health that are easily available online.

It is never easy to be in that headspace.

I h a ve

“Zumbarangay Pilipinas” encourages women and girls to dance and regularly exercise to maintain body and mind wellness.

mWell PH app launches health tracker NOW at the forefront of telemedicine nationwide, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI)’s mWell PH, a fully integrated health and wellness mobile app, has introduced another groundbreaking feature, a personal inapp health tracker called the mWellness Score.

This breakthrough feature allows mWell users to generate daily mWellness Score that measures the amounts of exercise, light activity, sedentary behavior and sleep every day using data-

driven methods without spending on extra gadgets or fitness wearables.

Scoring consistently above 80 indicates a healthy physical lifestyle and lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Users can join the Steps Challenge, increase their daily physical activity and move up the leaderboard.

Ranking is based on daily average step count making fitness more exciting, interactive, and an organic part of their lifestyle.

bigla kang pumayat,’ ‘ ano ang pinaglalaban mo.’ It’s like they were making it a bad thing because they say I was so narcissistic about being skinny so fast. I just want to clarify that’s not what I am doing it. I just want to take care of myself because it makes me feel good. And of course, it makes me a good mom for my son,” she added.

T hese days, Max focuses on embracing the sk in she is in and mak ing su re she takes care of it. She also pr ior itizes tak ing care of her body.

“If we don’t feel beautiful then we can’t give love that we don’t have for ourselves.

So, the more that we love ourselves, the more that we respect ourselves, the more that we will be able to treat our family with respect and take care of our kids well,” she ended.

witnessed a few in my circle who find it difficult to admit even to themselves that they are struggling inside, putting up a facade of strength and none of vulnerability, which, for some reason, is perceived to be a weakness. To me, a good amount of vulnerability, of sitting with the “uncomfortable,” is sometimes what we need for our wellbeing.

Though the National Mental Health Week as well as the World Mental Health Day both took place last October, making mental health a priority, and putting the spotlight on it should be a part of our everyday lives. Also, pandemic or not, we must try to reach out to our friends and loved ones who we know or believe to be struggling.

It can be extremely difficult for one to reach out or to cry for help. There are various ways on how we can help besomeone. Sometimes, even just by be ing there, saying nothing, is more than Philenough. Many employers in the Phil ippines are kind enough to offer for free some mental health care packages through a third-party provider, to help their employees who are struggling with anxiety and/or depression.

One healthcare provider I can recommend Mental health should always be a priority.

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation lauded the app’s additional feature. “mWell is here to provide easy and convenient ways to improve overall health. Through the mWellness Score,

mWell PH, a fully integrated health and wellness mobile app, introduced a personal in-app health tracker called the mWellness Score.

we can empower more people to reduce disease risk and live their best life,” Cabal-Revilla said.

The mWellness Score was developed in partnership with an award-winning team of doctors and data scientists from Aktivolabs.

“We are committed to support mWell’s mission to transform healthcare delivery in the Philippines. Powered

by Aktivolabs, the mWellness Score is a great start to this partnership. Now every Filipino using just a smartphone can make informed lifestyle choices daily to prevent chronic disease and live longer and healthier lives,” Gourab Mukherjee, CEO & Co-Founder of Aktivolabs, shared.

Apart from the mWellness Score, mWell has also made available customized fitness and nutrition programs developed by Olympians and exercise physiologists as well as calorie-con-

is Infinit Care. They do personalized resources, workshops, and counseling for those who need it. Counseling therapy can be done online via Zoom, and you may book an appointment through their website: https:// www.infinitcare.co. The Ruben M. Tanseco, S.J. Center for Family Ministries (RMT-CEFAM) inside the Ateneo de Manila campus in Katipunan is also a good place to go if one needs a proverbial shelter from storms within. Cefam, through its psycho-spiritual approach, promotes family well-being, healing, and growth. You can visit their website (https:// www.cefam.ph/about/our-psycho-spiritual-approach) for more details.

Seeking professional help when you are struggling mentally and emotionally doesn’t mean that it is a form of surrender or that you are weak. It means you are brave enough to acknowledge that you need help, and by getting one, you know that will come out after as a better version of yourself Joba Botana is a former lifestyle reporter of Manila Standard. She’s a writer and public relations practitioner with more than a decade of experience in corporate communications. She’s a former athlete who competed in national and international sporting events.

When she’s not writing, drinking coffee, or executing a corporate campaign, you can find her at the beach or trekking a mountain out of town. You may email the author at joba.botana@gmail.com. trolled recipes created by dietitians and nutritionists. mWell continues its mission to restore health through telemedicine with its growing line-up of partner doctors from top hospitals such as Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos, Asian Hospital and Medical Center De Los Santos Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, and Marikina Valley Medical Center.

It is supported by industry and technology stalwarts, including CareSpan, Telus, LotusFlare, Aktivolabs, and active8me, and runs on fast secure payments via PayMaya.

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to work towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

C4 || THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Christmas Joy and Festivities

Namnamin Pa Rin Ang Pasko with Eden Cheese Eden reminds us that despite the challenges and the things we are missing this year, family mealtimes are still Christmas gifts worth savoring and are special moments to be grateful for.

CHRISTMAS celebrations look a lot different than the big holiday parties and family reunions before 2020 struck.

You’ve probably thought to yourself: “Why do I need to put in so much effort into cooking Noche Buena, if kami kami lang naman?”

If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s never to take anything— or anyone—for granted. This has been two years of uncertainties and struggles but there’s still hope. We hang on to hope with our families, our loved ones, and the traditions we have been sharing with them. The fact that we are alive, that we still find ourselves surrounded by family and friends, and that we can still share mealtimes together, there is still so much to be grateful for. The holiday season is the best time to show how grateful you are for your family. Showing your appreciation isn’t only just through presents under the tree, but also through putting in the effort by cooking up a feast.

A Noche Buena that’s as special as your family is what they deserve.

This is why gratefulness was at the center of Eden’s Grateful Christmas Facebook Live Event held last December 9. Eden mom ambassadors Nikka Garcia, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, and Ciara Magallanes shared real and inspiring stories of what they are grateful for in 2021.

Eden also launched their Eden Gratefulness Bundle in ecommerce, which is a Christmas Bundle initiative for the benefit of Rise Against Hunger Philippines, a non-profit organization that actively implements programs to address food insecurity and malnutrition in the Philippines. For every purchase of the Eden Gratefulness Bundles on Shopee, Eden will donate one (1) Eden Gratefulness Bundle of the same kind to Rise Against Hunger Philippines. Buy 1 and Give 1 now through this link --> bit. ly/ShopEdenCheese Eden has also released the Eden Gratefulness Instagram & Facebook filter, which aims to spread the cycle of gratefulness and which users can use to express on social media their gratefulness for being with family this Christmas season. It’s very easy to try, users just need to launch the filter from IG/FB, wait for the randomizer to select something to

Enter the gates and follow a delicately designed pathway surrounded by towering trees to discover SM Southmall’s secret Christmas Garden. At the heart of the centerpiece is a 35-foot Christmas tree adorned with blooms, baubles, and thousands of sparkling lights Graceful reindeer, a swing and gazebo covered with blooms and a myriad of twinkling lights complete the centerpiece.

Sights...

From C1

be grateful for, and once selected, the user can nominate a person who matches the description. After, users can explain why they are grateful for them, tag them in the post, and upload it on Facebook or Instagram with their description or story, accompanied by the hashtag #NamnaminPaRinAngPasko, which you can also try through these links: INSTAGRAM --> bit.ly/EdenGratefulnessFilterIG FACEBOOK --> bit.ly/EdenGratefulnessFilterFB Eden Cheese has been a beloved mainstay in every Filipino’s home for decades, making dishes more special with its distinct, creamy taste and a must for any occasion, especially during Christmas. There’s an Eden Cheese to add to every festive dish, from baked mac to leche flan!

And with each dish, you show just how much you appreciate the gift of your family’s presence, time, and love they always give you! So to make your family mealtimes more special, Eden has also prepared various recipes in the CheeseAnything site! Just head on to CheeseAnything. com/EdenPasarapinAngPasko to check out recipes like Spaghetti, Leche Flan, Embutido, Baked Mac for your holiday dishes! Truly making our mealtimes with family more special this Christmas.

Whip up a Noche Buena that your family will remember for years to come.

Eden Cheese is available in all leading supermarkets. Eden Cheese and the Eden Gratefulness Bundle are also available online via Shopee in this link bit. ly/ShopEdenCheese #NamnaminPaRinAngPasko, because there is still so much to be grateful for, no matter how challenging the past year has been.

and embellishments. This year, many of the centerpieces have a garden theme like S Maison’s English Garden and SM Southmall’s Secret Garden.

Not to be missed is the SM Mall of Asia’s Christmas Drive-Thru which is ongoing until January 2 at the MOA Concert Grounds. This first of its kind audio-visual Christmas drive thru experience gives customers the chance to explore three unique holiday zones and three magical tunnels in a multi-sensory drive with magical bright lights, special installations and holiday music.

These include the heavenly Ribbons and Angels Tunnel; the sweetest Candyland filled with gingerbread, candy canes, and lollipops; and the Rainbow Tunnel with its dazzling multicolored programmable lights.

These tunnels lead to Santa’s Toy Factory, which is every child’s favorite place; Winter Wonderland, where visitors will be welcomed with happy snowflakes, happy penguins, and snowmen; and the MOA Christmas Village with its Magical Forest of Lights.

Celebrate Christmas at the SM Supermalls!

A Magical Fairy dances at the magical Garden at SM City Fairview during the mall’s Christmas launch.