Manila Standard - 2022 February 11 - Friday

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3 more DQ cases vs. Marcos junked VOL. XXXV • NO. 351 • 12 SECTIONS 56 PAGES • P18 •FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Comelec rules petitions ‘lack merit’

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HE Commission on Elections First Division has dismissed the consolidated disqualification cases filed against presidential candidate former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for lack of merit, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Thursday.

“The consolidated petitions of Ila- Comelec’s First Division,” Jimenez said gan v. Marcos Jr., Akbayan v. Marcos in a tweet Thursday.

Jr., and Mangelen v. Marcos Jr. have “A penalty that would deprive a citibeen dismissed for lack of merit, by the zen of his political right to be voted for

in an election should be clearly, unequivocally, and expressly stated in the decision,” read the ruling.

The First Division said Marcos could still run for the country’s top post as the petitions against him did not fall under the following: declared by authorities as insane or incompetent; sentenced by final judgment for Next page

We’re here for the long haul ANNIVERSARIES often prompt people to look back. Thirty-five years ago, the Manila Standard was born, a product of the good intentions and sheer willpower of the people who gave rise to it.

Over the next three and a half decades, moving with the ebbs and flows of contemporary history, the newspaper also faced challenges and thrived. Through it all, what remained constant was the desire and commitment of its people to deliver the news and contribute to the national discourse.

Manila Standard witnessed leadership changes in the Philippines and its own organization.

From day to day it fought small and big fights, and managed to live yet another day.

Anniversaries also lead us to ponder where we are. This year, for instance, is a crucial juncture in our nation’s history.

We are seeing encouraging signs that we are finally able, not to eliminate the coronavirus but to co-exist with it while protecting our health, our way of life and our economy. We are still battling gaping inequalities among our people.

Most importantly, the elections in May will give us the opportunity to choose our leaders anew. As a media organization, the Manila Standard has a crucial role to play in disseminating information, preventing disinformation, and providing its readers the truth on which to base their views, opinions,

and democratic decisions.

Finally, anniversaries demand of us to imagine the future and envision our place in it.

Journalism has always been a turbulent profession. It is shaped by the events it reports, but is also determined – plagued, if you will – by the conditions and dilemmas inside it. There are realities that practitioners must grapple with, and often these realities run in conflict with the principles we learned in school and seek to uphold at all times. We are weighed down by divergent loyalties. We are, ourselves, sometimes put in uncomfortable positions. We worry about the safety of our colleagues.

And as always, we fight our battles one day at a time. We brave all these challenges so we can live to fight again the following day.

We have long conceded that journalism is never a feel-good profession.

It constantly moves us, every time we turn in for the night, to wonder whether we did the best we could under the circumstances, if we could have done better, if there is no way previous decisions would come back to haunt us and make us regret our choices.

But every day, too, we wake up with a renewed commitment. Today as we mark our 35th anniversary, we say this much: the people behind Manila Standard are in here for the long haul.

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On our anniversary, we make a commitment anew.

LOVE THAT CONQUERS A PANDEMIC. The Philippine Postal Corporation launches its ‘Titibok Pa rin’ Valentine’s 2022 special stamps featuring designs that spread hope, strength and love amid the difficulties brought about by the pandemic. Danny Pata

‘Beyond tragic’: Duque says daily infection rate in NCR remains high for Alert Level 1 Omicron death toll hits 500,000

By Willie Casas

THE World Health Organization lamented that half a million COVID-19 deaths had been recorded since the Omicron variant was discovered, calling the toll “beyond tragic.”

The WHO’s incident manager Abdi Mahamud said that 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths had been recorded globally since Omicron was declared a variant of concern in late November.

It has since rapidly overtaken Delta as the world’s dominant COVID variant because it is more transmissible, though it appears to cause less severe illness.

“In the age of effective vaccines, half a million people dying, it’s really something,” Mahamud told a live interaction

METRO Manila remains at moderate risk for COVID-19 and will shift to Alert Level 1 only if the average daily attack rate drops to 7 per 100,000 population, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.

In an interview on GMA-7, Duque said that although new COVID-19 cases have dropped 83 percent in the last two weeks the average daily attack rate or ADAR was still high at 12.2.

On the other hand, he said the bed utilization rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) has dropped to 28 per-

cent and only 32.28 percent of ICU beds were in use.

The Philippines logged 4,575 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total case count to 3,627,575, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

The positivity rate was 15.1 percent, based on 36,407 people tested for COV-

By Vito Barcelo and Othel V. Campos FOREIGN spouses and children of Filipino citizens will now be allowed to enter the Philippines without presenting an outbound ticket, the Palace said Thursday.

The new policy issued by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) was announced by acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles.

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3,627,575

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PH eases entry of foreign kin of Filipino citizens

ID-19 on Feb. 8.

The top regions with cases in the recent two weeks were Region 6 (Western Visayas) with 451 or 13 percent, Region 7 (Central Visayas) with 400 or 12 percent, and National Capital Region (Metro Manila) with 392 or 11 percent.

4,575

93,307

54,783

94

3,479,485

7,504

(As of 4 PM, February 10)

SAFE AND FUN JAB. SM Supermalls is pulling out all the stops to make pediatric vaccination for kids ages 5 to 11 a pleasant, fun, and safe experience. ‘We are excited to join the government’s endeavor to vaccinate kids aged five to 11. Our kids are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and we believe it is the right time to give them the necessary protection against it,’ SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan said.

The government targets to vaccinate at least 60 percent of the total projected population of over 15 million kids within a month.

Jobless number up in Dec. due to COVID concerns

By Julito G. Rada and Vito Barcelo rus that caused some restrictions, the civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said THE unemployment rate in the country ticked up in December 2021 to 6.6 percent from the 6.5 percent in November 2021, partly triggered by the lingering concerns over the more transmissible Omicron variant of the COVID-19 vi-

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

PSA data showed the total number of unemployed persons for the month was estimated at 3.27 million, higher by 113,000 from the 3.16 million unemployed persons reported a month earlier.

However, national statistician and

Poll body asked to allow ‘selfies’ in political rally

By Rio N. Araja

in an online briefing the slight uptick in the jobless rate was more than offset by the larger increase in the labor force participation rate, which improved to 65.1 percent from 64.2 percent.

“This meant that around 800,000 more people were able to find work as

SOME political parties have petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) asking it to allow selfies during campaign rallies, which started on February 8, Department of the Interior and Local Government spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said Thursday.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘70m fully-vaxxed by Mar. 31’

By Joel E. Zurbano

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HE government targets to complete the administration of two COVID-19 primary doses to at least 70 million Filipinos by March 31.

456 around 11 p.m.

The Manila International Airport Authority stated that the vaccines were procured by the Philippine government thru the World Bank.

The arrival came as the country gears up for the third round of National Vaccination Days.

Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor, head of the Sub-Task Group on Current Operations of the NTF Against COVID-19 Strategic Communications, thanked the US government for facilitating the delivery and the World Bank for supporting the purchase of the life-saving vaccines.

Mayor said the national government aimed to administer about two million vaccine doses for the primary series and four million as booster shots during NVD 3.

sion for upholding the law by dismissing cases that we have long described as nuisance petitions. The petitioners in this case, Ilagan, Akbayan, Etta Rosales and Mangelen, were found guilty of lying and of deliberately misleading the Comelec by intentionally quoting the wrong provisions of the law and squeezed them into their faulty narratives,” he said in a separate statement.

“While we call on this seemingly misguided segment of our society to stop spreading lies against presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos, we nonetheless extend our hands of unity and continue with our call for them and every Filipino to join us in shaping a better and united future for our people,” Rodriguez added.

Guanzon earlier claimed a senator she did not identify was influencing Ferolino to delay the release of the resolution so that her vote would not be counted, an accusation Ferolino denied.

According to Jimenez, the division junked the consolidated petitions.

“Contrary to petitioners’ assertion, the penalty of perpetual disqualification by reason of failure to file income tax returns was not provided for under the original 1977 NIRC (National Internal Revenue Code),” read the 41-page ruling penned by Ferolino.

“To be clear, the penalty of perpetual disqualification came into force only

upon the effectivity of PD (Presidential Decree) 1994 on 01 January 1986,” it added.

According to the petitioners, Marcos should not be allowed to run for president because of his conviction for violating the Internal Revenue Code, which carried a penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.

They noted that in 1995, a Quezon City court convicted Marcos for not filing his income tax returns from 1982 to 1984 when he was a local government official in his province of Ilocos Norte.

The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeals but removed the jail sentence.

The Comelec ruling said the penalty could not be made to apply to respondent’s tax violations, which were committed before the effectivity of the said law, in accordance with the constitutional prohibition against ex-post facto laws.

Under the 1987 Constitution, an ex post facto law is defined as one which makes an action done before the passing of the law and which was innocent when done, criminal, and punishes such action; or. which aggravates a crime or makes it greater than it was when committed.

“The petitioners said that despite its omission from the trial court and Court of Appeals decisions, the penalty of perpetual disqualification was ‘deemed written therein’,” the ruling said. “The contention lacks merit.”

He said more people become more cautious about going out of their homes for work, business, leisure/travel, education and other economic activities amid the higher risk of being infected.

PSA said the labor force participation rate of 65.1 percent in December 2021 from the 64.2 percent reported in November 2021 was the highest for the year. The increase was equivalent to about 910,000 Filipinos 15 years old and over who were either employed or unemployed.

The country’s employment situation in December 2021 was registered at 93.4 percent, the second highest rate since January this year. Employed persons increased by 797,000 in December 2021 estimated at 46.27 million from 45.48 million in November 2021.

The underemployment rate was estimated at 14.7 percent in December 2021 from 16.7 percent in November 2021. This was the fifth lowest underemployment rate in 2021. Underemployed persons are employed persons who expressed a desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional job, or to have a new job with longer hours of work.

Visible underemployment rate or the proportion of those persons working less than 40 hours in a week and expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours, to the total employed, was estimated at 9.8 percent in December 2021, lower than the 11.5 percent in November of the same year.

on the WHO’s social media channels.

“While everyone was saying Omicron is milder, (they) missed the point that half a million people have died since this was detected,” he said.

“It’s beyond tragic.”

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead on COVID-19, said the sheer number of known Omicron cases was “astounding,” while the true number would be much higher.

“It makes the previous peaks look almost flat,” she said.

“We’re still in the middle of this pandemic,” she said. “Many countries have not passed their peak of Omicron yet.”

Van Kerkhove said she was extremely concerned that the numbers of deaths had increased for several weeks in a row.

“This virus continues to be dangerous,” she said.

In their weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update issued Tuesday, the WHO said nearly 68,000 new deaths were reported last week – up seven percent compared to the previous week.

Meanwhile the number of new weekly COVID cases decreased by 17 percent to nearly 19.3 million.

The WHO’s Europe region accounted for 58 percent of new confirmed cases last week, and 35 percent of new deaths. The Americas made up 23 percent of new cases and 44 percent of new deaths.

The pandemic is currently “characterised by the continued rapid global spread of the Omicron variant,” the report said, with the variant now detected “in almost all countries.”

The WHO said Omicron accounted for 96.7 percent of samples collected in the last 30 days that have been sequenced and uploaded to the GISAID global science initiative. Delta now makes up just 3.3 percent.

The report said limited data was available for the efficacy of vaccines against Omicron.

“However, available estimates show reduced protection of the primary series COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant for all outcomes (severe disease, symptomatic disease, and infection) than has been observed previously for other variants of concern,” it said.

But it added that booster jabs “substantially” improve efficacy.

COVID-19 has killed more than 5.7 million people since it emerged in China in December 2019, according to the report, while over 392 million cases have been recorded.

Nearly 10.25 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally. AFP

dated November 17, 2021, which states that ‘in no instance shall an election officer designate as common poster areas any trees, plants, shrubs in any public grounds,’” he noted.

Violators of the law will be penalized according to RA 3571 dated June 21, 1963, which was emphasized and expanded through Presidential Decree No. 903 dated July 6, 1976.

Section 3 of RA 3571 particularly states that “any person who cuts, destroys, damages, or injures, naturally growing or planted trees of any kind shall be punished with a penalty ranging from six months to two years imprisonment and a fine up to P5,000.”

Cimatu said the DENR would ensure

the implementation of the Joint Memorandum Circular 2013-01 signed by the DENR, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Commission on Elections in 2013.

“I have already ordered field officers of the DENR to coordinate with their counterparts in local DILG and Comelec offices to implement the JMC,” he said.

The JMC, which enjoins political parties, partylist groups, and individual candidates to enforce relevant provisions of RA 9006 and RA 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, was signed by then DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and retired Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes for the “Basura-Free Elections.”

the third “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” massive vaccination drive to simultaneously inoculate at least five million Filipinos nationwide, until Friday.

Herbosa reiterated that the initiative aimed to capacitate the local government units still lagging in their vaccination drive, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Cordillera Administrative Region, Caraga region, Mimaropa, Soccsargen, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Visayas, the Bicol Region, and

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borders to fully vaccinated foreigners from non-visa-required countries, the first time since the Philippines went into lockdown in March 2020.

Aside from these people, former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges under Republic Act No. 9174 and their foreign spouses and children are also allowed to enter the Philippines without outbound tickets.

Other foreign nationals who enter the Philippines without a visa must have valid tickets for their return journey to their port of origin or next port of destination within 30 days of their arrival.

“Visa-free foreign nationals who fail to fully comply with the conditions and requisites shall be denied admission into the country and shall be subject to the appropriate exclusion proceedings,” Nograles said.

He added that once admitted, the foreign nationals are no longer required to observe facility-based quarantine but should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for seven days.

He, however, said they are required to report to the local government unit of their destination should they manifest any symptoms.

The Palace assured the public that health and safety protocols against COVID-19 are in place as the country opens its doors to foreign nationals.

Nograles said these protocols imposed for the reopening of the tourism industry would improve the country’s economic growth and development.

It would also revitalize all other industries dependent on tourism, he added.

“It will provide a cascading effect in different tourism-related industries. But we will be able to ensure it if everybody complies with the minimum health and safety protocols,” Nograles said.

Nograles noted that the public strict compliance and adherence to the government’s set of health and safety protocols will also ensure that the reopening of the tourism industry will not cause a surge of COVID-19 cases in the country.

“But at the same time, we have to ramp up some more our vaccination efforts,” he added.

Nograles reminded the public that the country is only accepting fully vaccinated foreign nationals.

He said inbound foreign nationals must also present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 48 hours prior to date and time of departure from the country of origin or first port of embarkation in a continuous trip to the Philippines excluding layovers.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it is expecting at least a 30 percent increase in arrivals on the first day of the opening of the country’s borders to foreign tourists.

BI port operations division (POD) chief Carlos Capulong said they are expecting almost 7,000 arrivals as the country started accepting foreign tourists, a significant increase from Feb 9’s 4,816 arrivals.

subversion, insurrection, rebellion or for any offense for which he has been sentenced to a penalty of more than 18 months; or sentenced by final judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude. The petitioners, which include Martial law survivors Bonifacio Ilagan and Abubakar Mangelen as well as Akbayan party-list, have vowed to appeal before the Comelec en banc and even all the way to the Supreme Court.

The First Division is composed of Commissioners Aimee Ferolino, the ponente in the petitions, and Commissioner Marlon Casquejo.

The third member of the panel was Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, also the then presiding commissioner but who retired on February 2 but earlier leaked her dissenting opinion to the media shortly before her retirement.

In a statement, Akbayan said the Comelec’s decision was a “major setback” in the country’s electoral democracy.

It added it would appeal to the Comelec en banc “and pursue this case to the very end,” saying the fight was not yet over.

Marcos’ spokesman Vic Rodriguez welcomed the decision.

“We again commend the honorable members of the Comelec’s 1st Divi-

mobility restrictions were relaxed in December. This brings net employment creation to 3.7 million above pre-pandemic levels,” Mapa said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the country’s net employment creation in December 2021 signaled the economy was on the right track to recovery.

The underemployment rate also declined to 14.7 percent in December compared to 16.7 percent in November, as the quality of jobs further improved.

“By accelerating the vaccination program and safely reopening more sectors of the economy, we were able to generate more and better jobs for the people. We look forward to building on these gains in 2022 now that we have contained the spread of Omicron and have reverted back to Alert Level 2 in the National Capital Region and several provinces,” Chua said.

Chua also said the government’s progress in implementing the 10-point policy of the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) will help bring back more employment opportunities, especially in hard-hit sectors like tourism and education.

Under Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution No. 159, the COVID-19 risk classification of countries under “green”, “yellow”, and “red”categories was temporarily suspended.

Starting Feb. 10, fully-vaccinated Filipinos and international tourists from visa-free countries are only required

to show a 48-hour negative RT-PCR test result prior to departure from their country of origin.

International arriving passengers that meet these requirements are no longer required to undergo facility-based quarantine. This will help support the tourism industry’s recovery and return tourism-related employment.

Moreover, Chua said the expansion of the vaccination program to the pediatric population would help pave the way for the resumption of face-to-face classes and restore employment in the education sector.

“While employment outcomes are expected to slightly deteriorate in January 2022 due to the higher alert levels, this will only be temporary as we vigorously pursue the implementation of the EDC’s 10-point policy. This will set the stage for our full recovery in 2022,” Chua said.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the restrictions in December have slowed down economic recovery prospects as Omicron could add to disruptions in the supply chains locally and worldwide. “... Unemployment rate could pick up in January 2022, from 6.6 percent in December 2021, possibly close to or even slightly above 7 percent, in view of higher Alert Level 3 (from 2) in Metro Manila and in many other cities and provinces in view of the sharp increase in new COVID cases, to a new record high of 39,004 posted on January 15, 2022, amid lingering concerns over the Omicron variant that led to some restrictions, after the holiday gatherings in December 2021...,” Ricafort said.

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able under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, which enforces imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years to violators.

The guilty party will be disqualified to hold public office and will be deprived of voting rights.

Any political party found guilty of an election offense will pay not less than P10,000 after criminal action has been instituted in which their officials have been found guilty.

This emerged as Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu urged candidates to be environmentally conscious when campaigning.

“I call on all candidates to please be conscious of the environment when posting and

disposing campaign-related materials during this period. Please refrain from posting these materials on trees,” Cimatu said.

He reminded the candidates to properly segregate their campaign materials and dispose of them properly while keeping in mind that there are laws related to the prohibition of posting materials on trees, shrubs, and other plants.

Cimatu cited Section 9 of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Election Act of 2001 states that posting campaign materials “may only be allowed in common poster areas in public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and the like.”

“This law is complemented by Section 21(B) of the Commission on Election (Comelec) Resolution No. 10730

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Malaya said the department, which is monitoring the implementation of health protocols in campaign rallies, was waiting for the decision of the Comelec on the matter.

Under Section 14 of Comelec Resolution 10371, among the prohibited activities during in-person campaigns is taking selfies, photographs and other similar activities that require close proximity between the candidate and their companions, and the public.

Any election offense will be punish-

There were 94 new fatalities reported, bringing the COVID-19 death toll to 54,783.

The DOH also reported 7,504 new recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,479,485.

There were 93,307 active cases, of which 3,316 were asymptomatic; 85,244 were mild; 2,991 were moderate; 1,444 were severe; and 312 were critical.

Nationwide, 39 percent of ICU beds, 34 percent of isolation beds, 31 percent of ward beds, and 19 percent of ventilators, are in use.

In Metro Manila, 31 percent of ICU beds, 28 percent of isolation beds, 29 percent of ward beds, and 18 percent of ventilators, are in use.

Also on Thursday, the presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said with COVID-19 cases dropping, it might be time for the country to focus on the economy.

“We need to de-escalate from crisis mode to recovery mode,” he said.

“This is important if Filipinos are to help rebuild our country by engaging in economic activity like going to shops, dining out, traveling or going back to work,” he said.

Central Visayas have likewise vaccinated below 70 percent of their total population, based on the data from the National Vaccination Operations Center, as of January 23.

So far, a total of 59,899,717 Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including those who received single-dose Janssen vaccine and Sputnik Light jabs.

Of the total fully vaccinated individuals, 8,011,994 of them got booster doses.

Meanwhile, a new shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, intended for the country’s third National Vaccination Days and for children aged 5 to 11 years old, arrived late Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The latest shipment consisted of 455,130 doses landed at the airport terminal 3 via Air Hong Kong flight LD-

Dr. Ted Herbosa, the special medical adviser of the National Task Force against COVID-19, said fully vaccinating at least 70 million individuals was crucial to achieving population protection in the entire country, complementing the government’s exit plan to the pandemic.

“It is very important to fully vaccinate 70 million or 70 percent of our total population,” Herbosa said in a virtual interview over the Laging Handa briefing aired over state-run PTV news channel.

The government on Thursday started

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Catch the Lovin’ Vibe

this February at SM Supermalls Get all the things you love here at SM!

THIS February, as lower alert levels signal good days ahead, SM introduces new ways to catch the Lovin’ Vibe with a host of Valentine’s Day activities lined up for the month.

Starting February 2 to 28, you can catch these enhanced malling and romantic dining deals at your favorite SM Mall: Lovin’ Eats. Enjoy 2 for 1 dining deals with your SO, your friend, or a family member. No need to worry about your safety because SM Supermalls has al-fresco dining spaces to give you a fresh-air romantic vibe.

Got gifts? Check out the Lovin’ Gift Fair. Looking for a gift for your loved ones? From Vday classics like flowers and chocolates to unique novelty items, the Lovin’ Gift Fair pop-up stores got the best gifts that your special someone will surely love. Plus extra gifts when you purchase items from the season’s promos and deals!

Get into the lovey-dovey vibe with live entertainment. What’s Valentine’s Day without some fun and music? Catch a live harana in select SM malls’ Designated Dining Areas with your loved ones for that loveydovey vibe while enjoying your meal.

Plan a date that’s worth remembering at designated dining spots. SM malls’ safe and socially distant designated dining spots are getting a huge makeover! Just in time for the celebration, select SM will be installing Giant Flower Heart installations, Tunnels of Flowers, and big Sing-Along screens to make date a memory to remember!

Spend a #Pawsome date with your pets! Activities such as Pet Soiree, Costume Contest, and Pet Dates are in store in select SM malls to give you and your furbabies a pawsome Valentine’s treat!

SM Seaside City Cebu

Mandala Square, SM Southmall

The Glass Garden, SM Megamall

SM CDO Uptown

SM City North Edsa S Maison SM Lanang Premier

SM Center Muntinlupa

SM Mall of Asia

SM City Cebu

SM City Lucena

SM City Marilao

Check out SM Deals for more information about the participating stores, deals, and promos you can cop for the whole month.

For updates, visit www.smsupermalls. com and its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Cybercrime warrants clarified

WITH the proliferation of the commission of cybercrimes, the Supreme Court found the need to promulgate rules of procedure for the application, issuance, and implementation of court warrants which are technically-suited for cybercrime offenses under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The Supreme Court issued A.M. No. 17-11-03-SC, dated July 3, 2018, otherwise known as the “Rule on Cybercrime Warrants”.

The Rule lays down the procedure for the application and granting of warrants and other related orders involving the preservation, disclosure, interception, search, seizure, and/or examination, as well as the custody, and destruction of computer data (Section 1.2). This Rule supplements the existing Rules of Criminal Procedure (Section 1.3).

Computer data is any representation of facts, information, or concepts in a form suitable for processing in a computer system, including programs that cause a computer system to perform a function, and includes electronic documents and/ or electronic data messages, whether stored in local computer systems or online (Section 1.4[c]).

Interception is listening to, recording, monitoring, or surveillance of the content of communications, including the procurement of the data contained, either directly, through the access and use of a computer system; or indirectly, through the use of electronic eavesdropping or tapping devices, at the same time that the communication is occurring (Section 1.4[k].

The criminal actions arising from offenses under Republic Act 10175 such as illegal access, illegal interception, misuse of devices, cyber-squatting, computerrelated forgery or fraud, cybersex, child pornography, and cyber-libel, among others, shall be filed before the designated cybercrime court of the province or city where the offense or any of its elements was committed (section 2.1).

It may also be filed where any part of the computer system used is situated, or where any of the damage caused to a natural or juridical person took place, as long as the court where the criminal action is first filed shall acquire jurisdiction, with the exclusion of other courts (Section 2.1).

In the same manner, an application for a cyber warrant shall be filed before the cybercrime courts of the province or the city where the offense or any of its elements has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be committed, or where any part of the computer system used is situated, or where any of the damage caused to a natural or juridical person took place (Section 2.2).

However, the cybercrime courts in Quezon City, the City of Manila, Makati City, Pasig City, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Davao City and Cagayan De Oro City shall have the special authority to act on applications and issue cybercrime warrants which shall be enforceable nationwide and outside the Philippines (Section 2.2).

Once a criminal action is instituted, a motion to quash and other incidents that relate to the warrant shall be heard and resolved by the court that subsequently acquired jurisdiction over the criminal action. The prosecution has the duty to move for the transmittal of records, as well as the transfer of the items’ custody to the court where the case is assigned

(Section 2.3).

For persons or service providers situated outside of the Philippines, the service of cyber warrants and/or other court processes shall be coursed through the Department of Justice, Office of Cybercrime, in line with all relevant international instruments and/ or agreements on the matter (Section 2.8).

There are essentially four types of cybercrime warrants: (a) Warrant to Disclose Computer Data (WDCD); (b) Warrant to Intercept Computer Data (WICD); (c) Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD); and (d) Warrant to Examine Computer Data (WECD). The last type may be applied for after acquiring possession of a computer device or system through a warrantless arrest or other lawful methods (Section 6.9).

A WDCD is an order in writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines and signed by a judge, authorizing law enforcement authorities to issue an order to disclose and accordingly, require any person or service provider to disclose or submit a subscriber’s information, traffic data, or relevant data in their possession or control (Section 4.2).

You may be sly but you cannot outsmart the law.

A WICD is an order issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement officers to carry out any or all of the following activities, to: (a) listen; (b) record; (c) monitor; or (d) surveil the content of communications, including the procurement of the computer data. The computer data may be obtained through access and use of a computer system or through the use of electronic eavesdropping or tapping devices (Section 5.2).

A WSSECD is an order issued by a judge, authorizing law enforcement officers to search the particular place for items to be seized and/or examined (section 6.1). A WECD must be applied for by law enforcement officers before searching a computer device or system in their possession for forensic examination of the computer data contained therein (Section 6.9).

Before issuing any of these warrants, the judge must personally examine, in the form of searching questions and answers, in writing and under oath, the applicant and the witnesses he may produce, on facts personally known to them, and attach to the record their sworn statements together with the judicial affidavits submitted (Section 2.4). These are the same requirements for the issuance of search warrants under Rule 126 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure.

The cybercrime warrants shall only be effective for a period of time determined by the court, which shall not exceed ten days from its issuance. The court issuing the warrant may, upon motion, extend its effectivity based only on justifiable reasons for a period not exceeding ten days from the expiration of the original period (Section 2.5). This is unlike a search warrant which has a non-extendible period of ten days only.

The failure to timely file the returns (or reports) for any of the cybercrime warrants or to turn-over to the court’s custody any of the items disclosed, intercepted, searched, seized, and/or examined shall subject the responsible law enforcement authorities to an action for contempt, which procedures shall be governed by Rule 71 of the Rules of Civil Procedure (Section 2.6). Full version at www.manilastandard.net

Heaven can wait: How the super-centenarians live

By Sandra Laffont HER 118th birthday wish is “to die soon”.

But in the meantime, Lucile Randon, better-known as “Sister Andre”, always keeps her door open for any visitor who might want to say hello.

Sister Andre is the oldest-known woman in France and Europe, and the second-oldest in the world after Kane Tanaka, a 119-year-old who lives in Japan.

She was born in Ales, southern France, on February 11, 1904, the year that New York opened its first subway, the Tour de France had only been run once and World War I was still a decade away.

In her room in a retirement home in the southern city of Toulon, Sister Andre has a single bed, a Virgin Mary statue and a radio which she never turns on anymore. The outside world, she says, is too stressful.

Most of the time she sits in her wheelchair, her head tilted to one side, her blind eyes shut.

Is she praying, thinking or napping?

It’s hard to say. But when she speaks, her voice is present and her recollections vivid.

Her daily routine starts at 7 am when she is woken up and taken to breakfast, before being wheeled to morning mass which she, always dressed in her nun’s

habit, never misses.

‘He’s charming’ “It’s awful that I depend on others for everything I do,” said Sister Andre, who worked full-time until the late 1970s and took care of other, often younger, home residents until she was 100.

“I’m happy when I have company,” she said -- especially that of David Tavella, a staffer at the home that she has been living in for a decade, and her favorite companion. “He’s charming,” she said, grasping his hand.

Tavella also acts as her press agent, fielding interview requests from reporters, sifting through the many boxes of chocolates sent by admirers, and checking her post.

Among her letters are handwritten New Year’s wishes for 2022 sent by Emmanuel Macron—who is the 18th French president in Sister Andre’s lifetime—which he signed off with “Yours very respectfully”.

Most centenarians are found in the world’s so-called blue zones where people live longer than average: They are in Okinawa in Japan, on the Italian island of Sardinia, the Greek island of Ikaria, the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica and in the Californian city of Loma Linda.

France, although no blue zone, was still home to the world’s oldest person with certified birth records, Jeanne Calment,

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Monitoring the May polls helps, it gives some confidence that there’s other eyes on the situation,” he said. He emphasized stressed that an international observer could offer a “protective presence” should human rights violations occur during their monitoring.

I fully agree with what the ICHRP is saying. In 1994, I joined an international observer group in El Salvador in Central America organized by a nonprofit group in the US, to monitor the elections there after the end of armed hostilities between the left-wing Frente Farabundo Marti para Liberacion Nacional (FMLN) and the conservative government. The political atmosphere was quite tense due to lingering

WHY do we need to closely watch how the May 2022 elections will unfold?

That’s because, as vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte said recently, integrity or honesty should not be an issue at all as politicians lie all the time.

We take that statement to mean that an honest politician is in fact an oxymoron. Or perhaps as rare as hen’s teeth.

Sara Duterte’s blunt statement that our politicians cannot be trusted to tell the truth and are more than likely to resort to the timetested formula of “guns, goons and gold” to win in Philippine elections is one cogent reason why we need to keep the forthcoming political exercise on the radar screen.

We’re glad that various groups are gearing up to do what needs to be done: keep our elections free and fair.

Among them is the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), which has launched an international observer mission (IOM) to monitor this year’s elections.

The IOM intends to conduct independent monitoring until the confirmation of elected candidates in June amid the “worsening human rights situation” under the Duterte administration and the “widespread corruption and violence...in past Philippine elections.”

According to ICHRP chairperson Peter Murphy, their observers will be bringing recording devices with them.

“Basically, a foreigner (will be) there close to the voting place in the company of other Filipino observers and with a recording device, either a notebook, a camera, or both, and a microphone, a way to record a voice as well,” explained Murphy, who has been an election observer in the past.

“In my experience, it’s unusual, a little bit unusual to see a foreigner present but it

We need to keep our elections free and fair. doubt on whether the peace process would work. But even as the conservative candidate won that election, the demobilized FMLN kept its part of the peace process and to this day persists in parliamentary struggle as a legal political party.

Chinese ODA for infrastructure If maritime and territorial claims in the South China Sea are a contentious issue in Philippines-China relations, economic cooperation appears to be proceeding without any hitches.

Take, for instance, the recent news that the Philippine government will commence negotiations with its Chinese counterpart to secure a loan to finance the P175-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) train project that will run from Manila to Bicol.

The 565-kilometer PNR South Long Haul, one of the largest projects in the current administration’s infrastructure program, aims to cut travel time from Manila to Sorsogon

from 12 hours to as little as four hours.

Chinese official development assistance (ODA) loans differ from those approved by other donors. Under Chinese ODA, contractor deals are finalized and awarded before the loan deals are negotiated.

Last month, the Department of Transportation announced the signing of a P142-billion contract with a Chinese railway consortium to build the first 380-km phase of the PNR Bicol project.

The design-build contract for the Banlic, Calamba, to Daraga, Albay stretch was signed with the venture of China Railway Group Ltd., China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group Co. Ltd. and China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co. Ltd. The contract would only be valid once the loan deal is finalized.

The PNR plans to start construction of the initial phase of the project within the first quarter of 2022. The Laguna to Albay section would be finished by the third quarter of 2025 while the rest of the line will be completed by 2027.

The PNR South Long Haul will have five contracts that will include the train coaches and the construction of the railway line. It will have 35 stations from Sucat in Manila up to Matnog, Sorsogon.

Another infrastructure project funded

by Chinese ODA, this time in the form of a grant, is the Binondo-Intramuros bridge, which is already nearing completion after delays since it began in 2018. It is being built under the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

This bridge project is one of two planned to span the Pasig River and reduce Metro Manila traffic. The other one is the EstrellaPantaleon bridge connecting the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati.

These projects prove that economic cooperation can prosper even as the two sides differ in their positions on the South China Sea issue, which they try to resolve through a bilateral consultative mechanism or BCM. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Robredo, not BBM, is the real coward those remarks.

Actually, the KBP suffers from zero credibility, and is perceived in the broadcast industry as a useless organization.

Just ask GMA-7. In 2003, GMA-7 withdrew its membership from the KBP, apparently because KBP regulations on the volume of advertising for each broadcast hour are too strict. Since then, GMA-7 has been operating outside of the KBP, and rakes in big money from the endless commercials it airs.

LAST month, presidential aspirant and exSenator Bongbong Marcos (BBM) declined an invitation to participate in a television program hosted by Jessica Soho on the GMA-7 network. Soho planned to pit BBM against his visible rivals in the presidential race.

The BBM camp considered Soho a biased moderator. Soho was expected to harass BBM with questions about personal issues rather than about the platform of government of the candidates. Rather than getting badgered by Soho, BBM opted not to be part of Soho’s charade.

True to expectations, online trolls of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is also running for President, flooded social media and a notoriously anti-Marcos daily newspaper with comments about BBM being a coward, and non sequitur remarks against BBM’s father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

BBM did not dignify those unfounded tirades.

Last week, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) organized a similar TV forum for some candidates for President, including BBM, who is leading; the egotistical Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso; take-two presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson; the punch-drunk and hollow-minded Senator Manny Pacquiao; and the quintessential political opportunist Robredo.

Journalists handpicked by the KBP were to ask the questions. How and why they were chosen for the job was not explained by the KBP. Four of the five candidates attended, save for BBM, who begged off on account of a previous commitment.

As usual, the Robredo trolls called BBM a coward and flooded social media and the same anti-Marcos newspaper with their vile comments.

Again, the BBM camp rightfully ignored

‘Find great love and don’t compromise on your needs.’ who lived in Provence, dying in 1997 in Arles aged 122.

The man presumed to be the oldest in France also calls the south of the country home. Andre Boite is one of the very few male super-centenarians, a term defined as living beyond 110 years.

At 111, Boite still lives in his own home, likes wearing three-piece suits and stays away from reporters.

In 2015 there were half a million people over 100 in the world, with the UN saying this figure could grow to 25 million by the end of the century.

France alone has 30,000 centenarians compared with only 200 in 1950, according to statistics institute Insee, with some 40 of them 110 or older.

‘That’s not young’ Among them is Hermine Saubion who, when reminded of her age, says: “That’s

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

The forum would have been an utter waste of time.

After the ABS-CBN broadcasting empire failed to obtain a renewal of their legislative franchise in 2020, ABS-CBN (which remains a member of the KBP) entered into an illegal deal with Zoe Broadcasting.

That deal allowed ABS-CBN to broadcast its programs in Zoe’s TV channel, which was renamed the A2Z Channel. The deal is illegal because the legislative franchise of Zoe does not allow it to lend or lease its franchise to another entity without the prior written consent of Congress. No such consent has been obtained.

Like the useless Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba of the National Telecommunications Commission who has not done anything to address the illegal use of the Zoe TV franchise, the KBP has done nothing about the said anomaly.

If the KBP can’t even live up to its self-imposed responsibility of promoting professionalism in Philippine broadcast media, it has no business organizing a TV forum on presidential candidates just to

old, that’s not young, I’m holding up.”

But when she wakes up from a nap in her wheelchair at the retirement home canteen in Banon, in the foothills of the Alps, her face lights up with a smile, and she looks attentively at her visitor.

Saubion has no specific illness, but her body has gone immobile, and she is almost deaf, picking up only the occasional word, which isolates her from her surroundings.

Yet, “if we leave her alone in one place for too long, she protests loudly”, said Julien Fregni, a carer here.

Saubion, who is from Marseille and became a resident in the home two years ago, said she never expected that she and her sister Emilienne, who is 102, would live this long.

Centenarians such as Sister Andre and Hermine Saubion often get by without pharmaceutical drugs, which is “probably one of the secrets of their longevity,” said Sister Andre’s doctor, Genevieve Haggai Driguez.

“Nothing can touch her”, the doctor said of Sister Andre, whose physical shape she calls “absolutely incredible”.

Sister Andre herself puts her resilience down to the fact that she got through the Spanish flu, a deadly wave of influenza in

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

promote itself to the public as a respectable institution.

No wonder BBM did not attend the KBP TV forum.

There are practical reasons for BBM not to participate in that KBP forum. BBM is very much ahead in the surveys, and his many supporters will certainly vote for him, even if he does not appear in any TV forum.

Attending the KBP affair will only entice the other candidates and the journalists present to gang up on BBM needlessly, and for the most unfair and unfounded of reasons.

Anti-BBM partisans will never vote for BBM regardless of what BBM says in the KBP forum. Attending the forum will be an utter waste of time for BBM. Even the quality of the information the KBP forum will actually convey to the public is meaningless.

Do the Math. Six candidates in an estimated 90-minute program are expected to discuss the reasons why the electorate should vote for them. Considering the time allotted to advertisements; the questions to be asked by the journalists; and the usual marginal comments and interruptions, each candidate has an aggregate of just about 6 to 8 minutes to deliver his spiel. That’s a useless way to convince voters. Each candidate is better off speaking in small gatherings where he has the forum for himself.

It is also incorrect to call BBM a coward.

After being forcibly exiled abroad in the wake of the 1986 EDSA Revolution, BBM willingly returned to the Philippines, aware that he will be prosecuted and persecuted under President Corazon Aquino’s vindictive government. BBM was not afraid to face the music. For me, that is enough reason not to call BBM a coward.

In my view, Leni Robredo is the real coward. Robredo isn’t even honest enough to admit that she is not really the “independent” candidate for President she claims to be, but a bet of the much despised Liberal Party.

That’s cowardice, period.

1918, unharmed.

She may be on to something: Researchers have observed that people born before the Spanish flu have better resistance to Covid than those born later.

‘We’re waiting’ Nearby, in a retirement home in Valreas in Provence, lives Aline Blain, a 110-yearold retired teacher.

Known to be sometimes bossy and sometimes sweet, Blain likes to read Paris Match, a celebrity magazine.

Her daughter Monique, 76, comes almost every day to look after her mother who says those visits are “the most important thing for me”.

She is among the lucky ones. Many people this old have nobody to share their life’s memories with, because most friends and family of their generation are already gone.

Their own death, meanwhile, rarely holds any taboos for the super-centenarians.

“We’re waiting. We’re waiting for the end, for death. It will come,” said Saubion.

Sister Andre even admits to a certain impatience. “To be alone all day with the pain is no fun,” she said, but: “God is not hearing me, he must be deaf.” AFP (Full version www.manilastandard.net)

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor

Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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Aussie spy chief reveals election interference plot

A

USTRALIA’S intelligence chief has spoken for the first time of a recently foiled foreign interference plot, sounding a warning ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.

BURGESS

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organization, said the case involved a wealthy individual with “deep connections to a foreign government.”

“I’ll call this person ‘the puppeteer,’” he said during an annual threat assessment speech.

The director-general described the scheme as “like a foreign interference start-up” in which the “puppeteer” funnelled hundreds of thousands of dollars to an employee, who set about trying to influence an election.

Burgess did not specify which election was targeted.

The employee identified and targeted promising political candidates, who knew nothing of the scheme.

“The aim was not just to get the

candidates into positions of power, but also to generate a sense of appreciation, obligation and indebtedness that could subsequently be exploited,” Burgess said.

The scheme may have seen allies placed into the offices of successful candidates, who could have both influenced the politician and filtered sensitive information back to the foreign government, if ASIO had not foiled the plot.

“This year – a federal election year – we need to be particularly on guard against foreign political interference,” Burgess said.

He also raised concerns about the growing threat of right-wing extremism in Australia, particularly among minors.

He said minors represented 15 percent of ASIO’s new counter-terrorism investigations last year, up from 2-3 percent previously.

“As a nation, we need to reflect on why some teenagers are hanging Nazi flags and portraits of the Christchurch killer on their bedroom walls, and why others are sharing beheading videos,” he said.

Burgess also noted that the agency was tracking foreign spies trying to make connections via dating apps, including Tinder, Bumble and Hinge.

“My message for any potential victims on these sites is a familiar one – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he said. AFP

OLD SCHOOL CHARM.

An old American car passes by as strong winds push a wave in Havana’s malecon in Cuba on February 9, 2022. AFP

South’s Moon warns of ‘crisis’ if North tests long-range missiles SOUTH Korea’s leader warned Thursday the peninsula could slide back into a “state of crisis” if Pyongyang follows through on threats to resume testing long-range missiles.

Pyongyang conducted an unprecedented seven weapons tests in January, including of its most powerful missile since 2017 when leader Kim Jong Un baited then-US president Donald Trump with a spate of provocative launches.

High profile negotiations between Trump and Kim followed, but collapsed in 2019 and have languished as Pyongyang has doubled down on military development, warning last month that it could abandon a self-imposed moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear weapons tests.

In a written interview with international press agencies including AFP, President Moon Jae-in said that any move by North Korea to restart long-range missile tests would wipe out years of effort and peace talks.

“If North Korea’s series of missile launches goes as far as scrapping a moratorium on long-range missile tests, the Korean Peninsula may instantly fall

back into the state of crisis we faced five years ago,” he said.

Moon, who repeatedly pursued peace talks with the North during his five-year term, is set to leave office in May. South Korea only permits presidents to serve a single term in power.

The country will elect his successor on March 9.

Despite the lack of progress in nuclear talks, “necessary communication” between Moon and Kim has continued, the South Korean president said.

The demise of the Trump-Kim talks without a deal was “very regrettable,” he added, saying that the two sides should have sought a more incremental approach to making a deal.

“It would have been best if a ‘big deal’ had been reached... If that was too hard, however, I think a ‘small deal’ should have been sought to take a phased approach.”

Although Trump’s successor US President Joe Biden has pursued a more muted approach to North Korean diplomacy, Moon said he expected that another summit between the US leader and Kim would take place “eventually.”

“It is just a matter of time,” he said.

AFP

Tonga virus cases hike after volcano eruption REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES QUEZON CITY

C

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ONGRATULATIONS to all the men and women responsible for making the Manila Standard one of most trusted newspapers in the country today. As you celebrate your 35th anniversary, I convey my best wishes that your publication continue setting the gold standard of journalism in the Philippines in the years to come.

The changing landscape of the media industry has forced many newspapers to cease publication, yet the Manila Standard remained true to its commitment to provide information to generations of Filipinos without fail. For your steadfast and resolute stand, I extend the deep appreciation of a grateful nation.

THE Omicron variant coronavirus entered Tonga for the first time in the wake of last month’s volcanic eruption, officials confirmed Thursday, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to 64.

Health Minister Saia Piukala said 31 new cases had been detected in the previous 24 hours, a record for the island nation which was virus-free until last month’s blast.

Piukala said samples sent to Australia confirmed the variant of the virus spreading in Tonga was the highly transmissible Omicron strain.

The source of the coronavirus infection remains unknown, but suspicion has fallen on ships delivering aid from countries including Australia, China, France, Japan and New Zealand despite strict quarantine rules on the handling of goods.

Australian defence chiefs have denied it came from the Covid-hit warship HMAS Adelaide, saying the vessel did not unload its humanitarian supplies at the wharf in Nuku’alofa, where the virus was first detected.

The nation of about 100,000 remains in lockdown, with stay-at-home orders meaning all businesses and schools are closed and only essential services are allowed to operate.

The restrictions are hampering disaster relief efforts after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted with a force scientists said was more powerful than a nuclear bomb. AFP

IN BRIEF UNSC has concern over Burkina ‘coup’

THE UN Security Council expressed “serious concern” Wednesday over Burkina Faso’s “unconstitutional change of government” last month, but chose not to describe it as a military coup or even condemn it outright.

After negotiations diplomatic sources called difficult, the council unanimously adopted their formal declaration, which “took note” of Burkina Faso’s suspension from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union “until there is swift and effective restoration of constitutional order by the military authorities.”

An earlier version of the document, which AFP obtained, called on the junta to “facilitate the rapid return of constitutional order” in Burkina Faso, but that request was removed by Russia, according to a diplomat who requested to remain anonymous.

In the adopted declaration, the 15-member Security Council does however call for the “release and protection of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and other government officials.”

It also expressed support for the “regional mediation efforts” to resolve the crisis, after the recent launch of a joint mission to Burkina Faso by ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations’ office for West Africa.

While UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres quickly and harshly condemned the military coup in January, the Security Council decided to wait for ECOWAS and the African Union to announce their formal positions.

After an emergency meeting last Thursday in Ghana, ECOWAS decided not to impose sanctions against Burkina Faso, but demanded the new leaders present a timetable for the “reasonable return to constitutional order.” AFP

2 killed in attack on military base

TWO people including a soldier were killed Wednesday in Colombia when a rebel’s motorized scooter exploded near the entrance to a military base in the city of Granada, authorities said.

“There was an attack on the military facilities of Battalion 21” in the south-central region of Meta, local government official Hernan Gomez, told reporters.

“Unfortunately, one soldier and one civilian lost their lives,” he added, noting that five additional soldiers were injured.

There was no confirmation by authorities that the perpetrator had been killed during the attack.

According to General Antonio Beltran, a motorized scooter tried to enter the military base before exploding, and the soldier who died had blocked the vehicle from advancing farther into the compound.

Beltran said the driver was a member of a dissident group that did not sign on to the 2016 peace agreement between the national government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a deal that led to the disarmament of about 7,000 rebels.

About 2,500 fighters, without unified leadership, have rejected the peace agreement.

Granada authorities have declared a curfew until Thursday morning.

“We are not going to allow the Meta to be a war zone again,” said Gomez. AFP

HON. FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Majority Floor Leader, House of Representatives Representative, Leyte 1st District

This special milestone for Manila Standard is truly worth celebrating. You have exemplified how grit and determination enabled Filipinos to survive and remain standing tall in the face of adversity.

I pray that Manila Standard remain truthful to its commitment to provide news and information that are not only relevant to Filipinos, but also instrumental in building a strong nation. Again, congratulations on more than three decades of service to the Filipino people! Best wishes for more decades of success!

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIME. A woman stands next to effigies at the 10th Comics and Animation Festival in Taipei on February 10, 2022. AFP

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Cops arrest 219 violators in gun ban operations

Defensor eyes 24x7 operations of QC library

By Joel E. Zurbano THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested 291 individuals and seized 134 firearms since it started enforcing the gun ban and other police operations last month in connection with the May 9 elections.

The NCRPO series of operations conducted in the five police districts (Manila, Quezon City, and the Southern, Northern, and Eastern Police Districts) with the help from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also resulted in the seizure of more than 2,000 other deadly weapons.

NCRPO director P/Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. commended the collaborative efforts of his men in intensifying the campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms and other deadly weapons in Metro Manila following the start of the election period on Jan. 9.

Records from Jan. 9 to Feb. 9, 2022, showed that a total of 7, 809 Commission on Elections (Comelec) Checkpoints and other police operations were conducted together with the AFP. “In these operations, 134 firearms were recovered, 107 of which were short weapons while 27 others were improvised including sumpak, replica, and paltik,” said Danao.

The other seized weapons include 157 bladed and pointed items, 11 explosives, and 1,909 ammunition.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of 291 individuals; 26 in Comelec checkpoint while 203 in police patrol response and 62 in Oplan Sita, Oplan Bakal, and Galugad,” said Danao.

The Southern Police District topped the list of police districts with a higher number of apprehensions, followed by Manila Police, Northern Police, Eastern Police, and Quezon City City.

SARA’S SUPPORTER. Lakas-CMD vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (right) visited her supporter Dhely Borja, a 70-year-old breast cancer patient at Bulacan Meadows, Sta. Maria Bulacan. Also in the photo is Dhely’s husband Gil Borja. Ver Noveno

YouTube channels of poll bets verified

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that at least 393 YouTube channels of political candidates in the coming 2022 national and local elections have already been verified.

“Verification of accounts is a step towards ensuring the availability of trusted and credible sources of information for the public – a vital part of the fight against disinformation. And that is happening because the Comelec steadfastly pursued its policies, despite knee-jerk opposition,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement.

“We have worked with YouTube to verify these channels, regardless of the number of subscribers, and we will continue to work in close coordination as we strive to push out

information that will be helpful to the voters through these reliable channels,” he added.

Under Resolution No. 10730, as amended

by Resolution No. 10748, websites and other social media platforms used for the endorsement or candidacy of all registered political parties/coalitions and bona fide candidates must be registered with the poll body.

According to the Comelec, official candidates at the national and local level, as well as party-list groups and political parties, who have submitted their YouTube channels to the poll body now have a veri-

fied badge on their accounts.

The Comelec said the verification of the candidates’ accounts also came in time for the start of the Campaign S.A.F.E Comelec e-Rally Channel on Facebook, which grants online airtime to candidates for president, vice president, senator, and party-list groups ranging from three to 10 minutes.

The poll body meanwhile said there will be no power interruptions on election day.

Jimenez said the Comelec has already initiated talks with major power companies and electric cooperatives all over the nation.

The official said the Comelec has put together a “working group” to specifically address the issue of power supply on election day. He said the working group is eyeing critical dates and critical moments so that the proper coordination with power suppliers can be made.

TO PROVIDE students a safe and quiet place to study, Congressman Michael “Mike” Defensor (Anakalusugan) has vowed to open the Quezon City Public Library 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if he is elected mayor of the country’s largest city.

“We want the Quezon City Public Library to serve as a breeding ground for future topnotchers in the Bar exams and other professional licensure exams, just like the Cebu City Public Library that is also open 24/7,” Defensor said.

He added that “on our watch, the Quezon City Public Library will never close, because we want it to be always ready to accommodate students who want to concentrate on their studies or in their reviews for their eligibility exams.”

“This will be our way of supporting the hopes and dreams of our students,” Defensor said.

At present, the Quezon City Public Library is open only from 8:00am to 5:00am, Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.

In contrast, the 24/7 operations of the Cebu City Public Library has drawn national attention for helping to produce topnotchers.

Bar topnotcher Marcley Augustus Natu-el credited the Cebu City Public Library for providing him a good environment to study and review.

Natu-el posted on social media a photo of him studying at the Cebu City Public Library a year before he would rank No. 2 in the 2018 Bar exams.

Justine Lei Ramos, who ranked No. 1 in the 2019 Architecture licensure exams, also recognized the Cebu City Public Library for giving her space to focus on her review.

Defensor said he intends to expand the Quezon City Public Library and improve its high-speed internet connectivity to draw in more students looking for a peaceful place to study.

Bello to biz sector:

Ensure workers’ safety thru Safety Seal, vaccination

MORE than 1,000 establishments have already received their safety seal certification from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The Safety Seal Certification Program is the government’s voluntary certification scheme that confirms an establishments’ compliance with the minimum public health standards set by the government.

“If we want to further enhance our economic growth and recovery, we must also assure our workers that they are healthy and safe in their respective workplaces. The Safety Seal also attests that companies are committed to ensuring the health and safety not only of their workers but also of their clients and stakeholders,” Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said.

Bello also encourages all workers to get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 to contribute to the country’s continuous campaign to end the pandemic and fully reopen the economy.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Manufacturing companies

use of StaySafe.PH or any of its integrated contact tracing tool

Utilities (electric, water, gas, air conditioning supply, sewerage, and waste management)

enforcement of the minimum public health standards

Information and communication companies (private publication, news, movie production, and television and radio companies)

Access the full checklist of requirements and other information here: https://bwc.dole.gov.ph/safetyseal

HOW TO APPLY for a

SAFETY SEAL

STEP

3

For establishments already registered to the ERS, login and click on the Safety Seal icon to proceed.

Otherwise, the establishment needs to register to the ERS prior to the submission of request.

VALIDITY

ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED

BY DOLE AS ISSUING AUTHORITY

compliance with registration or accreditation requirements

STEP

1

STEP

4

valid for six (6) months* from the date of issuance and shall be renewable subject to continued compliance with the eligibility requirements

Construction sites

* valid for one (1) year for tourism enterprises For inquiries and concerns: https://bwc.dole.gov.ph/safetyseal

Warehouses

DOLE Hotline 1349

Information Technology - Business Process Management establishments

DOWNLOAD

STEP

the Checklist on Compliance with Safety and Health Measures to Prevent and Control COVID-19 Transmission from DOLE’s safety seal certification microsite (https://bwc.dole.gov.ph/safetyseal) and perform self-assessment.

Input the necessary details in the online request form, such as type of industry, specific activity the establishment is engaged in, and two (2) preferred dates of inspection/validation.

The DOLE-Regional Office (DOLE-RO) having jurisdiction with the applicant-establishment will be notified through the online system.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

STEP

5

2

Sec. Bello

If self-assessment is satisfactory, click on the REQUEST FOR SAFETY SEAL CERTIFICATE (Inspection/Validation)

from the microsite.

You will be redirected to the DOLEEstablishment Report System (ERS) Website (https://reports.dole.gov.ph).

Wait for the DOLE’s advice regarding the status of their application.

The DOLE inspection team will inform the owner/authorized representative of their inspection/monitoring date, as well as the results of their application and next steps, thereafter.

A. If compliant, they shall be informed on how the safety seal certificate will be provided.

B. If found lacking in any of the eligibility criteria, they shall be advised to correct the deficiencies and apply for reassessment.

HOTLINE 1349

(02) 8527-3000

dole.gov.ph

NOTE: DOLE may also advise an establishment to apply for safety seal certification if found compliant during the conduct of regular labor inspection and monitoring.

@laborandemployment

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

of the Philippines StandardDepartment ofRepublic Environment and Natural Resources

TODAY

Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. (632) 929-66-26 to 29 • (632) 929-62-52 Website: http:/www.denr.gov.ph / E-mail: web@denrgov.ph

provisions: 11.1 The area granted in this Permit is a public forest land based on existing records, and shall not be involved in any private transactions; 11.2 The annual government share or user’s fee is waived in favor of the Permittee;

DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 2021- 01 SUBJECT :

GUIDELINES IN GRANTING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES GRATUITOUS PERMITS FOR THE SPECIAL USES OF FOREST LANDS

In view of the various government agencies exigent use of forest lands through special forest land uses modalities to cater public infrastructure projects or utility systems towards a more balanced economic, environmental and social development and pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 Item C, sub item c2 of Forestry Administrative Order No. 8-3 dated 01 July 1941 and Sections 19, 20, 49, 57 and 64 of Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended, the following guidelines are hereby issued as guidance in granting government agencies a gratuitous permits for the special uses of forest lands.

SECTION 1.

Basic Policy. It is the policy of the State to sustainably manage the country’s forest resources and to protect and advance the rights of the Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

SECTION 2. Objective. The objective of this guidelines is to ensure that government agencies partaking in the development of government-managed projects of national interest and infrastructures for public use within forest lands are appropriately granted with a permit which is gratuitous in concept and in conformity to government plans and standards.

SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. This order shall cover all Gratuitous Special Use Permit (GSUP) applications for special land uses or projects that are non-profit and of national interest, as well as the infrastructures for public service and use to be implemented and/or being managed by National government agencies and local government units.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Order, the following terms shall be used in, and understood to mean as follows: 4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) – the document issued by the Secretary, or the Director or Regional Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), certifying that based on the representations of the proponent and the preparers, as reviewed and validated by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Review Committee, the proposed project or undertaking will not cause a significant negative environmental impact; that the proponent has complied with the requirements of the EIA system and that the proponent is committed to implement its approved Environmental Management Plan in the Environmental Impact Statement or mitigation measures in the Initial Environmental Examination.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – the document(s) of studies on the environmental impacts of a project including the discussions on direct and indirect consequences upon human welfare and ecological and environmental integrity. The EIS may vary from project to project but shall contain in every case all relevant information and details about the proposed project or undertaking including the environmental impacts of the project and the appropriate mitigating and enhancement measures.

Gratuitous Special Use Permit – a 5-year permit authorizing a head of a government agency and/or local chief executive to use certain portions of forest lands free of charge for the development of governmentmanaged projects of national interest and infrastructures for public service and use, and non-commercial projects of GOCCs. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) – the document required of proponents describing the environmental impact of, and mitigation and enhancement measures for, projects or undertakings located in an Environmentally Critical Area.

4.5

Infrastructures for public service and use - shall refer to infrastructure projects intended for public service and use such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, health centers, flood control facilities, water reservoir or impounding dam and its related facilities, air strip, landing site, harbor, public market, public plazas, and evacuation site.

4.6

Projects of national interest- refers to identified priority projects that are to be implemented and/or being managed by the government.

SECTION 5. Qualification of Applicants. The following are qualified to apply for GSUP: 5.1 5.2

11.3 The Permittee shall: (a) comply with the laws, rules and regulations and instructions now or hereinafter enforced for the proper use of the land; (b) respect any legal prior claims; (c) conserve the corners and boundary lines of the area; (d) protect any wetlands such as spring, waterfalls, peatlands, swamps, lake, and marshes or natural/ historical/ archeological sites in the area; (e) report to the nearest local forest officer(s) all forest violations in the area and adjacent lands; and (f) submit a year-end report, not later than March 30 of the succeeding year, to the concerned RED thru the CENRO/PENRO the kind, number and value of improvement(s) introduced in the area, among others; 11.4 The area granted in this Permit shall be for public service and use.

As such, the Permittee shall: (a) not appropriate for himself/herself exclusive use of public trails traversing or adjoining the area or impede the use thereof by the public; (b) not sublease the area or any portion thereof; and (c) protect and conserve threatened wildlife identified under existing rules and regulations; 11.5 A separate permit shall be secured by the Permittee should tree cutting be necessary. However, no tree, regardless of species, shall be cut in the permitted area if found within forty (40) meters from banks of rivers, creeks or streams, buffer strips and shorelines. In case the said 40-meter strip is bereft of trees, the same shall be rehabilitated by the Permittee; 11.6 The Permittee shall strictly observe the terms and conditions of the ECC. In case the Permittee will conduct periodic rehabilitation of the infrastructures or introduce new appurtenances within the GSUP area, the same shall secure an appropriate clearance from the EMB for the purpose and submit the clearance to the concerned DENR Regional Office prior to such undertakings thereof; 11.7 The Permittee shall protect the permitted area from forest fires and other forms of forest destruction and eventualities; 11.8 Non-use of the area within six (6) months after it is granted will result in the cancellation of the Permit except in cases of force majeure or fortuitous events; 11.9 In case the area no longer serves the purpose as warranted under the said Permit, the Permit shall be cancelled and the subsequent management and administration of the affected area shall be assumed by the DENR; and 11.10 Violation or non-compliance of any of the terms and conditions of the Permit or any environment and natural resources management laws, policies, rules and regulations shall be sufficient grounds for the cancellation of the GSUP without prejudice to whatever legal action that may be taken.

SECTION 12. Transitory Provision. All national government agencies and LGUs with existing Special Land Use Permits (SLUPs) and FLAgs covering nonprofit government-managed projects and infrastructure projects for public service and use as enumerated in Section 4.5 of this Order may opt to apply for GSUP, provided that, only the SLUPs and/or FLAgs deemed necessary to be transformed into GSUP may be considered. Provided further, that upon approval of GSUP application, the said SLUP or FLAg shall automatically be deemed cancelled.

Similarly, the GSUP to be issued shall contain the terms and conditions stipulated in this Order.

SECTION 13. Separability Clause. If any provisions of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other portions or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. All Orders and similar issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 15. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgement of receipt of the copy thereof by the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).

ROY A. CIMATU Secretary

Head of government agency or its duly authorized representative; and Local chief executive at the municipal, city or provincial level duly authorized by the local legislative bodies.

SECTION 6. Application requirements. The following requirements shall be submitted by the applicant together with the duly accomplished application form (Annex A): a. b. c. d. e. f. g.

h. i. j. k.

Letter of Intent Certification as to the land classification of the area being applied for GSUP to be issued by DENR GIS-generated map of the area Appropriate certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Indicative Management Plan (Annex B) Proof of budget allocation for the development and management of the project Agency resolution or authorization designating the authorized representative of the national government agency/ies and other relevant agencies to officially apply with the DENR regarding gratuitous permit acquisition.

Local Government Unit (LGU) endorsement (in case the applicant is an NGA) Resolution authorizing the local chief executive to apply for gratuitous special use permit (in case the applicant is an LGU) In case of LGUs, a proof that proposed project is indicated in the Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) and within the ambit of the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Appropriate clearance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (if the project is located in Palawan).

SECTION 7. Submission of application, processing, and approval of GSUP. For the purpose of this Order, the following procedures are hereby issued for the processing and approval of GSUP applications. The process flows are attached as Annex C.1 and Annex C.2 herein.

7.1

Government agencies and LGUs must file the duly accomplished application form with the corresponding documentary requirements prescribed by the Department at the CENRO/Implementing PENRO and the proponent to pay the amount of P3,000.00 per application to cover administrative costs.

7.2

The CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall conduct an assessment and evaluation of the area being applied.

7.3

The CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall prepare a GIS-generated map of the area based from the map submitted by the applicant, and subsequently, will serve as reference of the region in preparing the final map to be approved by the Regional Executive Director.

7.4

The CENRO/Implementing PENRO shall prepare a Completed Staff Work (CSW) report indicating the findings and recommendations based on Items 7.2 and 7.3 hereof for endorsement at the PENRO and subsequently to the Regional Office.

7.5

The Licenses, Patents and Deeds Division and Survey and Mapping Division of the Regional Office shall prepare the GSUP (Annex D.1) and its corresponding terms and conditions and the final map of the same, respectively.

7.6

The Regional Executive Director (RED) shall approve the corresponding map of the GSUP area.

7.7

The GSUP and its terms and conditions shall be approved by the RED. In case the project traverses two (2) or more regions, the GSUP (Annex D.2) and its terms and conditions shall be approved by the Undersecretary for Field Operations.

The proponents, who will implement such projects, shall jointly file the GSUP application and submit the corresponding documentary requirements to the concerned Regional Office with jurisdiction over the majority of the area to be covered by the project. A joint-review of the application and its supporting documents shall be conducted to be chaired by the concerned REDs. The REDs shall endorse the same for the approval/disapproval of Undersecretary for Field Operations.

SECTION 8. Duration of the GSUP. The GSUP shall have a maximum nonrenewable term of five (5) years for the (a) construction of roads and bridges and (b) construction and operation of schools, hospitals, health centers, flood control facilities, water reservoir or impounding dam and its related facilities, air strip, landing site, harbor, public market, public plazas and evacuation site.

SECTION 9. Application for Presidential Proclamation. All national government agencies and LGUs with approved GSUP for the construction and operation of infrastructure projects or facilities for public service and use specified in Section 4.5 herein, other than roads and bridges, shall apply for the issuance of Presidential Proclamation within one (1) year from the issuance of GSUP to ensure effective management and sustainability of the infrastructure and facilities and its long-term use of the area where the infrastructure or facilities exists. In case of failure to secure a Presidential Proclamation within the duration of the GSUP, the Permittee shall apply for FLAg pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-59 and other related policies on special uses of forest lands.

SECTION 10. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirement. The permit holder, within three (3) months or based on prescribed schedule of EMB upon issuance of the GSUP, shall secure an ECC from the EMB, copy of which shall be submitted to the DENR Regional Office.

SECTION 11. Terms and Conditions of the GSUP. The GSUP issued in consonance with this regulations (Annex E) shall be subject to the following

(MS-FEB. 11, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lacson-Sotto tosses Win Gatchalian from slate

IN BRIEF

Isko hopes for Rody endorsement for bid

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE tandem of Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III yesterday junked another senatorial candidate from their line-up.

Lacson announced that reelectionist Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is no longer with their team, just like former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

“Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and exMayor Herbert Bautista have made their choices of the principles and advocacies that they will embrace moving forward in this political exercise,” Lacson posted in his Twitter account on Thursday.

“Obviously, they are not ours. They now cease to be part of the Lacson-Sotto team,” said the standard bearer of Partido Reporma.

Lacson showed a video clip where Gatchalian openly endorsed the tandem of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during the party’s proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, and thanked the UniTeam for accepting him.

While joining the UniTeam’s kick-off rally, Gatchalian sent his brother, Valenzuela Rep. Wes Gatchalian, as his representative to the Lacson-Sotto proclamation rally in Imus, Cavite.

According to Lacson, Gatchalian’s move was enough reason to drop him from their Senate slate, as he cited their agreement before the elections.

Gatchalian, for his part, apologized to Lacson and Sotto for any misunderstanding that he may have caused.

“I have worked first hand with Sen. Lacson and SP Sotto and I have nothing but utmost respect and admiration for the two gentlemen. I have seen their dedication to serve our people and their pure love for our beloved country. For this, I respect the decision of their leadership,” stressed Gatchalian.

Sought for comment, Sotto—the chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which also counts Gatchalian as a member —replied, “Let me put it this way. The list we are endorsing now includes JV, Loren, Chiz, Manny Piñol, Gen Eleazar, Monsour, Dra Padilla, Migz, Joel, Raffy, (and) Gringo.”

Sotto was referring to former Senators JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero, former Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol, former PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, ex-Makati Rep. Monsour del Rosario, health advocate Dr. Minguita Padilla, Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri. Sen. Joel Villanueva, broadcast journalist Raffy Tulfo, and former DICT Sec. Gringo Honasan.

A9

TOURING QUEZON. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay fist-bumps a young mother as he stops by the market in Tayabas, Quezon to sample the local dishes as he continued his campaign for a Senate seat on Thursday. ‘Many thanks to our supporters in Tayabas who joined us this afternoon! The amount I ate today (was a lot) because of the deliciousness of the food in Quezon!’ he said.

Isko camp says Marcos ‘is the common enemy’ F

By Rey E. Requejo

ORMER senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the “common enemy” in the 2022 presidential race, the camp of Manila mayor and presidential candidate Isko Moreno said Thursday.

Lito Banayo, Moreno’s campaign manager, said this when asked during a television interview on Thursday if they are targeting the voters of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is also seeking the presidency.

In response, Marcos’ spokesperson Vic Rodriguez said Banayo was “way off the mark,” noting that the “common and biggest enemy is unemployment.”

“Had he not been hateful, he could not have missed the site of the real enemies, which are unemployment at 6.5% and underemployment at 16.7% based on PSA November 2021 statistics,” Rodriguez

said in a statement.

Banayo had told ANC: “No, she will get 14 to 15% and that is her cap. So, we are not targeting the voters of Vice President Leni Robredo.”

“We have a common enemy, whether it is Vice President Leni or us, and the common enemy is the frontrunner right now which is Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he added, referring to Marcos’ place in several preelection presidential surveys.

Asked if Robredo may surprise everyone in the polls due to the “silent majority,” Banayo said he believes that group will

STAND IN ATTENTION. Vice President Leni Robredo pays a visit to the officers and men of Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas on Thursday. Robredo was accompanied by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Senator Richard Gordon.

Solon bats for Leni-Sara pairing

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER from the Bicol Region on Thursday endorsed the vice-presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

At the same time, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said he will support the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo for President.

“I have long followed and studied their track record in public service, especially good governance and management style. Both VP Leni and Mayor Sara are known for judicious and effective use of public resources in the offices and agencies they presided over. That will be very crucial given our post-pandemic fiscal space,” said Salceda, the resident economist of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Duterte, chairman of the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), expressed hope she will get a chance to personally speak with her father, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, during upcoming family occasions.

“Hindi pa kami nagkausap ni President Duterte but in time, I expect that we will see each other if not after the campaign, baka during the campaign dahil may mga birthdays sa family during March and April. So baka magkita kami doon sa events na ‘yun,” Mayor Duterte said during an interview with journalists in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Among the events the Lakas-CMD chairperson was presumably referring to was March 28, when

President Duterte celebrates his 77th birthday.

Asked if she would seek President Duterte’s support for Marcos once they meet, Mayor Duterte said that’s exactly what she would want to see.

“Well yes of course ‘yan ang gusto naming lahat no, na makita yung suporta ni Pangulong Duterte para sa UniTeam. But of course he is the President and he is allowed to do and say kung ano yung gusto niya. And we will respect his decision,” Duterte said.

Salceda, chairman of the House committee on ways and means added: “Both being long-time friends of mine, I have also studied their plans for the people, for our nation-state, and for the future.

Their visions actually cohere significantly, especially in economic development.”

Salceda also stressed “Leni-Sara” is not a hostile combination as some would suggest.

“These two were friends, who can work together if they both win. In 2015, Mayor Sara and then Congresswoman Leni even went out together on a casual meal while their presidential candidates were duking it out. Both are professionals.

Both are obsessed with delivering positive results for the people.”

He added that Robredo and Duterte “both inspire investor confidence.”

“In other words, people with the capital and confidence this country needs to feel optimistic about our prospects with VP Leni and Mayor Sara,” he said.

gravitate towards Moreno instead of the vice president.

“Precisely because the message of Vice President Leni has been centered on targeting her political enemies,” Banayo said.

He also reiterated Moreno’s message that the Filipino people had spent 39 years under Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the Liberal Party, which is chaired by Robredo. “‘Yun nga ‘yung laging sinasabi ni Isko, 39 na taon na nating binigyan ng pagkakataon si Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at ‘yung mga kasamahan ni Vice President Leni,” Banayo said.

Rodriguez, in his statement, reiterated Marcos’ call for unity.

“In these difficult times, all the more that we should heed the call of presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos for national unity as it is vital to strengthen the spirit of tripartism among government, private and labor sector and achieve the common goal for all, job preservation and job creation,” he said.

AKSYON Demokratiko standard bearer Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso hopes to get the endorsement of President Rodrigo Duterte for his presidential bid in the upcoming May elections.

Duterte and the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) have yet to endorse a presidential candidate, given that the party has no standard bearer.

“I hope I get lucky. I even said publicly, in my infomercials, I assure you that Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, and to all Filipinos that I will continue the Build Build Build program that he has started so that the money spent from the people’s taxes will not go to waste,” he said in an interview during his visit to Laguna province Thursday, the third day of the 90-day national campaign period.

Meanwhile, Moreno declared he is open to adopting senatorial candidates for as long they will publicly announce their support not only for his presidential candidacy but also for his running mate Dr. Willie Ong, who is the official Aksyon vice presidential candidate.

Also, more than 700,000 families in Manila would be the beneficiaries of food boxes to be distributed the Manila city government to help cushion the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Leni endorses ex-rival Escudero for senator VICE President Leni Robredo is endorsing the senatorial candidacy of Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, her erstwhile rival in the 2016 vice presidential race.

She said Escudero reached out and offered his help to her and the Office of the Vice President to find funds for its programs amid its measly budget allocation.

“I owe Governor Escudero a lot. He has never told anyone about it… that he helped the OVP,” she said.

“It was a common knowledge that we were rivals in 2016 but still Governor Chiz reached out to after I won. When I was still starting as VP, he helped my office look for fundings for our programs,” Robredo added.

Escudero is a guest senatorial candidate under the Robredo-Kiko Pangilinan team for the 2022 polls.

The Vice President believes Escudero has more to offer and do for the Filipino people if he is elected as senator.

“His return to the Senate is something because we all know that when he was then a senator, he is one of the pillars. Actually, whether governor or senator, he is an asset,” she added. Rio N. Araja

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON AUDIT

“In accordance with the NTC guidelines, here’s the mechanics for DITO’s Valentine’s Promo:”

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines CIRCULAR TO

No Date

: 2022-001 : January 24, 2022

: All Heads of National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs) and Government Corporations (GCs); Heads of Finance/ Comptrollership/Financial Management Services; Chief Accountants/ Heads of Accounting Units; Budget Officers/Heads of Budget Units; Commission on Audit (COA)Assistant Commissioners, Directors, and Auditors; and All Others Concerned

1.

Promo period is from February 14-20, 2022.

2.

BONUS DATA Purchase and/or activation DITO 99 promo subscription (priced at Php99) using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE 1GB open data valid for 7 days counted from receipt of the FREE 1GB DATA. The FREE 1GB DATA shall be received within the next day from the purchase of promo.

Purchase and/or activation DITO 199 promo subscription (priced at Php199) using an existing activated DITO SIM during the promo period will entitle subscribers to receive FREE 3GB open data valid for 15 days counted from receipt of the FREE 3GB DATA. The FREE 3GB DATA shall be received within the next day from the purchase of promo.

SUBJECT : Supplemental Accounting Guidelines on the Recovery of Accounts Previously Written-Off as prescribed under COA Circular No. 2016-005 dated December 19, 2016, and Amendments to Item 10.0-Illustrative Accounting Entries of the same Circular

3.

1.0 RATIONALE Pursuant to Section 2(2), Article IX-D of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, this Commission was vested with exclusive authority to promulgate accounting and auditing rules and regulations, including those for the prevention and disallowance of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditures, or uses of government funds and properties.

Purchase and/or activation DITO 99 or DITO 199 will entitle subscribers to earn 3% DITO points when they buy promo via other channels such as DITO Experience Store, digital channels (ie. Lazada, GCash), retail partners etc.

This Commission issued COA Circular No. 2016-005 dated December 19, 2016 prescribing the guidelines and procedures on the write-off of dormant receivable accounts, unliquidated cash advances, and fund transfers of NGAs, LGUs, and GCs. The above-mentioned Circular applies to the selected accounts that are dormant or non-moving in the books of accounts for ten (10) years or more, and where settlement/collectability could no longer be ascertained. The write-off results in the derecognition of the asset accounts and the corresponding allowances for impairment, if any,in the books of accounts, and the transfer of the same to the Registry of Accounts Written-Off (RAWO).

Purchasing and/or activation of DITO 99 or DITO 199 using DITO Load will not be eligible to earn DITO Rewards points.

4.

The write-off of dormant accounts does not mean condoning/extinguishing the obligation of the accountable officer/debtor. Therefore, there is still probability of collection/settlement of the accounts previously written-off. In the event that the accountable officer/debtor settles the amount, the accounting guidelines on the recovery of the accounts previously written-off shall be followed.

This Circular covers the accounting guidelines on the recovery of previously written-off dormant accounts arising from regular trade and business transactions, claims from entities’ officers and employees, and other dormant receivable accounts; dormant unliquidated cash advances for operating expenses, payroll, special purpose/ time-bound activities or undertakings and travel, as well as advances granted to Civil Society Organizations/Non-Government Organizations/People’s Organizations;and dormant unliquidated fund transfers to/from NGAs, LGUs, and GCs recognized in the books of NGAs, LGUs, and GCs. The specific accounts enumerated under Item 4.0 of COA Circular No. 2016-005 shall be covered by this Circular.

How to activate an offer: Subscribe to DITO 99 or DITO 199 promo via any availment channel.

5.

NCR: Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marikina, Las Pinas, Rizal: Antipolo, Cainta, Taytay, San Mateo, Rodriguez (Montalban) Cagayan: Camalaniugan, Lal-Lo, Claveria, Ballesteros, Tuguegarao City (Capital), Enrile, Amulung, Alcala, Sanchez-Mira Ilocos Norte: Laoag City (Capital), San Nicolas, Badoc, Vintar Ilocos Sur: Santo Domingo, Santa Lucia, San Vicente, Sinait, Cabugao, City of Candon, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Navarcan, City of Vigan (Capital), Bantay Isabela: Mallig, Cabagan, Gamu, Cordon, City of Cauayan, City of Santiago, Roxas, Ilagan City (Capital), Echague, Angadanan, San Isidro, Luna, Santa Maria, San Pablo, San Guillermo, Delfin Albano (Magsaysay), Burgos, San Mateo La Union: Rosario, Pugo, Bauang, Caba, Agoo, Santo Tomas, Aringay, Naguilian, Balaoan, Bangar, Bacnotan, City of San Fernando, San Juan, Luna Nueva Vizcaya: Dupax del Norte, Bagabag, Solano, Bambang, Aritao Quirino: Maddela Pangasinan: Basista, Bayambang, Binmaley, Dagupan, Manaoag, Mangatarem, San Manuel, San Carlos City, Lingayen (Capital), San Nicolas, Alaminos, Bolinao, Urdaneta, Urbiztondo, Bani, Bugallon, Mangaldan, Laoac, Dasol, Aguilar, Bautista, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Tayug, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, Labrador, San Fabian, Infanta, Sual, Mapandan, Jacinto, Burgos, Umingan, Asingan, San Quintin, Sison, Balungao, Rosales, Alcala Bataan: Balanga, Dinalupihan, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Orion, Hermosa, Pilar Bulacan: Pandi, San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Meycauayan, Marilao, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Plaridel, Baliuag, Guiguinto, Bustos, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Santa Maria, San Rafael, Pulilan, Norzagaray, Balagtas (Bigaa), Angat Nueva Ecija: Cabiao, Llanera, Palayan City, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo Science City of Munoz, Talavera, Cabanatuan, Gapan City, San Leonardo, San Jose, General Mamerto Natividad, Rizal, Zaragoza, General Tinio (Papaya), Licab, Jaen, Quezon, Lupao, San Isidro, Guimba, San Antonio, Aliaga, Bongabon, Peñaranda, Cuyapo, Carranglan, Talugtug, Pantabangan, Pampanga: Angeles, Bacolor, Candaba, Guagua, Lubao, Mabalacat, Magalang Mexico, San Fernando,San Simon, Santa Rita, Santa Ana, Arayat Minalin, Porac, Floridablanca, Apalit, Masantol Tarlac: Capas, Tarlac City, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Moncada, Pura, Ramos, San Clemente, San Manuel,Victoria, Camiling, Paniqui, San Jose Zambales: Olongapo, Subic, San Marcelino,San Narciso; Santa Cruz,San Felipe Albay: Camalig, City Of Ligao, Daraga (Locsin), Legazpi City (Capital), Malilipot,Oas, Polangui, Libon, Malinao, Guinobatan, Santo Domingo (Libog), Tabaco Batangas: Alitagtag, Bauan, Cuenca, San Jose, Ibaan, Batangas City, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, San Pascual, Santo Tomas, Lipa City, Talisay, Tanauan City, Taysan, Balete, Padre Garcia, San Juan, Balayan, Calaca, San Luis, Taal, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lian, Calatagan, Tuy, Laurel, Lobo, Mabini, Nasugbu Camarines Norte: Basud, Daet (Capital), Talisay, Vinzons, Santa Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda), San Vicente Camarines Sur: Baao, Bato, Bombon, Bula, Canaman, Iriga City, Libmanan, Naga City, Ocampo, Pamplona, Pili (Capital), Sagnay, San Jose, Sipocot, Tigaon, Camaligan, Magarao, Cabusao, Lagonoy, Milaor, Calabanga, San Fernando Cavite: Kawit, Bacoor, Imus, Tagaytay City, Silang, Dasmarinas, Carmona, Amadeo, Rosario, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, General Trias, Trece Martirez, Tanza, Magallanes. Naic, Maragondon, Noveleta, Ternate, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite City Laguna: Bay, San Pedro, Sta Rosa, Binan, Cabuyao, Los Banos, Calamba City, Victoria, Calauan, Alaminos, San Pablo, Majayjay, Luisiana, Rizal, Nagcarlan,Lumban, Liliw, Pakil, Siniloan Oriental Mindoro: Baco, Socorro, City Of Calapan (Capital), Bansud, Naujan, Pinamalayan Quezon: Candelaria, City of Tayabas, Pagbilao, San Antonio, Sariaya, Valencia, Lucban, Lucena City (Capital), Pitogo, Unisan, Lopezalnbay, Gumaca, Plaridel, Macalelon, General Luna, Tiaong Atimonan Rizal : Rodriguez (Montalban) Sorsogon: City of Sorsogon (Capital); Irosin, Casiguran, Castilla, Bulan, Matnog

voluntary settlement; estate settlement; and/or deduction from a claim of the accountable office/entity.

3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS The following terms, when used in this Circular, shall be construed to mean as follows: 3.1

Account – refers to Accounts Receivable, Due from Officers and Employees, Other Receivables, and other accounts enumerated under Item 4.0 of COA Circular No. 2016-005.

3.2

Condonation of Receivables – amnesty of debt where the creditor is blocked or estopped from attempting to collect the debt later.

3.3

Debtor–a person or organization, whether public or private, that owes money to the government.

3.4

Dormant Receivable Accounts – accounts which balances remained inactive or non-moving in the books of accounts for ten (10) years or more and where settlement/collectability could no longer be ascertained.

3.5

Dormant Unliquidated Cash Advances–advances granted to disbursing officers, agency officers and employees which remained non-moving for ten (10) years or more and where settlement/collectability could no longer be ascertained.

3.6

Dormant Unliquidated Fund Transfers – advances granted by the Source Agency (SA) to Implementing Agency (IA) for the implementation of programs/projects which remained non-moving for ten (10) years or more and where settlement/collectability could no longer be ascertained.

3.7

Entity – a national government agency, a government corporation, or a local government unit.

3.8

Government Corporations – refer to government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions, and government instrumentalities with corporate powers/government corporate entities, including their subsidiaries, and water districts. The regional, branch and field offices are component units of the corporation. The term GOCCs in COA Circular No. 2016-005 have been replaced with GCs in this Circular pursuant to COA Circular No. 2017-004 dated December 13, 2017.

3.9

Recovery of Accounts Written-off– payment received or settlement through other mode from a government entity/debtor on previously written-off dormant accounts.

3.10

Write-off of Dormant Accounts – the process of derecognizing the asset account and the corresponding allowance for impairment from the books of accounts, and transferring the same to the RAWO. This does not mean condoning/extinguishing the obligation of the accountable officer/debtor.

4.0 ACCOUNTING GUIDELINES The Accounting Division/Unit of the entity shall: 4.1

Identify and match the amount collected pertaining to the dormant accounts previously written-off,as recorded in the books of accounts based on collection and deposit reports,with the amount recorded in the RAWO, attached as Annex A.

4.2

Ensure that the supporting documents relative to the settlement of accounts are valid, appropriate, and complete.

4.3

Reflect the recovery in the RAWO by indicating the date and control number and of the journal entry voucher (JEV) or other documents/ references used in the ‘Reference’ column, and the names of the accountable officers/debtors and the description of the account or specific item written-off in the ‘Particulars’ column. Also, indicate the recovered/ settled amount in the ‘Recovered/Settled’ column under the ‘Amount’ portion of the RAWO, by posting a negative entry.

4.4

Attach to the RAWO the supporting documents of the dormant accounts previously written-off that were settled.

4.5

Prepare a JEV on: (a) the restoration of the identified and matched accounts previously written-off equivalent only to the amount collected/ settled; and (b) the collection of the recovered amount.

VISAYAS: Aklan: Nabas Ibajay, Altayas Bohol: Tagbilaran City (Capital), Cortes, Baclayon, Corella, Dauis Capiz: Roxas City (Capital) Cebu: Toledo City, Balamban, Barili, Carcar, Cebu City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao, Liloan, Mandaue, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Lapu Lapu, Dumanjug, Talisay, Moalboal, Bogo City, San Remigio, Sogod, Alcantara, Santander, Ginatilan, Daanbantayan, Aloguinsan, Ronda, Sibonga Boljoon, Malabuyoc, Oslob, Carmen Iloilo: Iloilo City, Oton, Kalibo (Capital), San Miguel, City of Passi, Dueñas Leyte: Ormoc City,San Miguel, Barugo,Palo,Dulag,Tolosa,Tacloban City (Capital), Mac Arthur, Julita Negros Occidental: Bacolod City, Kabankalan, Pulupandan, Silay City, Valladolid, Binalbagan, Murcia,Enrique B. Magalona (Saravia),Bago City,City of Himamaylan,City of Talisay, La Carlota City, Ilog, San Carlos City, Calatrava Negros Oriental: Dumaguete, Valencia, Sibulan, City of Tanjay, Mabinay

4.5.1 Recognize the restoration of the identified and matched accounts previously written-off by debiting the appropriate receivable accounts or cash advance accounts or fund transfer accounts, and crediting “Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit)” or “Retained Earnings/(Deficit)” or “Government Equity” or the appropriate Contra-Asset accounts, as the case maybe.

4.5.2 Recognize the collection of the written-off accounts by debiting the accounts “Cash-Collecting Officers” or “Cash-Local Treasury” or “Cash in Bank-Local Currency, Current Account” as appropriate, and crediting the appropriate receivable accounts or cash advance accounts or fund transfer accounts based on collection and deposit reports submitted by the Cash/Treasury Unit and/or bank statements received in case of direct deposits, after reconciliation with the RAWO. 4.6

Furnish the COA auditor and/or the IA concerned not later than five days after the end of the quarter, a copy of the JEV and/or other supporting documents pertaining to the collection of recovered dormant accounts previously written-off to aid the COA auditor and/or the IA concerned in the monitoring, checking, and validation on the accuracy of the recorded amount.

4.7

At year-end, determine the remaining balance of the identified and matched accounts in the RAWO, after effecting the adjustments,and restate the affected prior year balances in the FS with appropriate disclosures in the Notes to FS.

MINDANAO: Agusan Del Norte: City of Butuan, Buenavista Agusan del Sur: Rosario, San Francisco, Trento, Bayugan, Santa Josefa, Prosperidad; Compostela Valley: Monkayo Davao del Norte: Santo Tomas, Braulio E. Dujali, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Island City of Samal; Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz, Bansalan, Davao City, Digos, Hagonoy, Sulop Davao de Oro: Montevista, Compostela, Nabunturan, Maco Cotabato: Kidapawan, Makilala, Cotabato City South Cotabato: General Santos City, Polomolok Bukidnon: Malaybalay,City of Valencia, Quezon, Don Carlos, Manolo Fortich, Baungon, Libona, Impasug-ong, Maramag, Kitaotao Lanao Del Norte: Linamon, Baloi, City of Iligan Misamis Oriental: Balingasag, Cagayan de Oro, Claveria, Talisayan, Manticao, Sugbongcogon, Medina, Kinoguitan, Binuangan, Balingoan, Naawan, Villanueva, City of El Salvador, Jasaan, Opol, Tagoloan, City of Gingoog, Lugait; Gitagum, Laguindingan, Libertad, Initao Saranggani: Alabel Sultan Kudarat: City of Tacurong

5.0 ILLUSTRATIVE ACCOUNTING ENTRIES The illustrative accounting entries to recognize the write-off of dormant receivable accounts, unliquidated cash advances and fund transfers (in the books of the SA and IA), and the recovery of the accounts previously written-off,in accordance with COA Circular No. 2020-001 dated January 8, 2020 for NGAs, COA Circular No. 2020-002 dated January 28, 2020 for GCs, and COA Circular No. 2015-009 dated December 1, 2015 for LGUs, are shown in Annex B.

6.

6.0 SAVING CLAUSE Cases not covered in this Circular shall be referred to this Commission, through the Government Accountancy Sector, for resolution.

7.0 REPEALING CLAUSE

This Circular shall take effect 15 days after its publication.

Promo subscription is allowed even if the current subscription is active. The remaining data and off-net minutes allocation from the previous subscription will be carried over to the latest subscription. Subscriber shall receive FREE 1GB Data for every DITO 99 and 3GB for every DITO 199 promo purchase within the promo period. Subscriber shall receive 6% DITO Points for every DITO 99 or DITO 199 promo subscription via the DITO APP or myDITO and shall receive 2% DITO Points for every DITO 99 or DITO 199 promo subscription via other channels.

7.

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / nonexchangeable. Promo is only valid for the subscriber’s DITO compatible mobile phone where the purchased DITO SIM and Promo are installed.

8.

Promo cannot be used in conjunction with any unlimited promo offers, discount available and exclusive promo offers.

9.

Promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services.

All issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby amended/modified/revoked accordingly.

8.0 EFFECTIVITY

Promo shall only be offered in the following Cities/ Municipalities: LUZON:

The recovery or settlement of dormant accounts previously written-off is evident in instances including, but not limited to, the following: 1) 2) 3)

Prerequisites: FREE 1GB Data & DITO Rewards Using your existing activated DITO SIM, SUBSCRIBE TO DITO 99 promo worth at Php99 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 99 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the FREE 1GB DATA and additional DITO points. DITO99 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the FREE 1GB DATA and additional DITO points.

FREE 1GB Data & DITO Rewards Using your existing activated DITO SIM, SUBSCRIBE TO DITO 199 promo worth at Php199 during the promo period. Purchasing regular load and SIM cards are NOT counted as activation of call, text, or data offer. DITO 199 purchased but not activated during this period shall not receive the FREE 3GB DATA and additional DITO points. DITO 199 offers activated before the promo period shall not be entitled to the FREE 3GB DATA and additional points.

This Circular is issued to provide supplementary guidelines to COA Circular No. 2016-005 particularly in the recovery or settlement of accounts previously writtenoff for fair presentation of the financial statements (FS) of the entity. Further, the illustrative accounting entries in writing-off of dormant accounts and recovery of accounts previously written-off were revised in accordance with the chart of accounts for NGAs, GCs, and LGUs prescribed in COA Circular Nos. 2020-001 dated January 8, 2020, 2020-002 dated January 28, 2020, and 2015-009 dated December 1, 2015, respectively.

2.0 COVERAGE

DITO REWARDS Purchase and/or activation DITO 99 or DITO 199 will entitle subscribers to earn 6% DITO points when they buy promo via DITO digital channels (DITO App and myDITO)

10. By availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she has read, understood, and agreed to the promo mechanics, its terms, and conditions.

Subscriber also agrees not to use the SIM and/or promo for illicit or illegal means.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson

ROLAND C. PONDOC Commissioner NOTE: Annexes A and B of the Circular may be accessed in the COA website @www.coa.gov.ph (MS-FEB.11, 2022)

11. For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. (MS-FEB. 11, 2022)

A10

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

News

High Court sets major revamp, no appointee yet to lone vacancy

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) has revamped the membership of its three divisions while waiting for the appointment of an associate justice who will fill up the slot for the 15th magistrate.

In a Special Order No. 2869 dated February 9, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo ordered the reorganization effective February 17.

The SC’s first division will be composed of Chief Justice Gesmundo as chairperson, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa as working chairperson, and Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Samuel H. Gaerlan, and Japar B. Dimaampao as members.

The second division is headed by Senior Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas Bernabe as chairperson with Associate Justices Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Rodil V. Zalameda, Ricardo R. Rosario, and Jose Midas P. Marquez as members.

Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen heads the third division with Associate Justices Amy C. Lazaro Javier, Mario V. Lopez, Jhosep Y. Lopez as members. Justice Marquez was added as the fifth member to complete the membership in the division of five justices.

The lone vacancy in the SC was left with the retirement last Jan. 9 of Associate Justice Rosmari D. Carandang.

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has nominated to President Duterte the appointment of one of its eight nominees as Carandang’s replacement.

Nominated, in alphabetical order, were Michael G. Aguinaldo, chair of the Commission on Audit; Court of Appeals Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas Jr.; Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje Tang; CA Associate Justice Ramon A. Cruz; Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Geraldine Faith A. Econg; Commissioner Antonio T. Kho Jr. of the Commission on Elections; CA Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh; and Deputy Court Administrator and Officer-inCharge Raul B. Villanueva of the Office of the Court Administrator.

As of noon on Thursday, Feb. 10, there has been no announcement on the appointment of Carandang’s replacement.

Based on seniority rule, whoever is appointed as Carandang’s replacement will be assigned to the SC’s third division.

TAKING A BREAK. A worker takes a nap right at the place where he digs a portion of pavement along Osmena Highway in Manila. The country’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.4 percent in October 2021 to 6.5 percent in November 2021, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country, as the economy reopened toward greater normalcy and put more people back to work. Danny Pata

Espinosa no longer part of witness protection program SELF-CONFESSED drug dealer Roland “Kerwin” Espinosa is no longer a state witness after he was dropped from the Witness Protection Program (WPP) by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

WPP director and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva conveyed the decision in a letter dated February 7 to lawyer Eleanor Rachel Angeles, OIC director of the National Bureau Investigation (NBI) Administrative Service.

Angeles, in a letter to Villanueva on January 17, recommended Espinosa’s exclusion from the WPP after he and two other inmates tried to escape from the NBI’s holding facility last month.

Aside from the escape attempt, other lapses committed by Espinosa while under the NBI’s protective custody which led to the termination of his WPP coverage include “harassment of other inmates; smuggling activities; drinking liquor; extorting money from other inmates in exchange that the latter will not be committed to another detention facility; violating curfew hours and roaming around cells of other inmates despite warnings; communicating with other inmates on drug cases and possessing prohibited items such as mobile phones and bladed weapons”.

The termination of the coverage also includes Espinosa’s wife and dependents.

India’s top diplomat set to visit PH THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will be in the Philippines from February 13 to 15 for a working visit.

He is set to meet Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to discuss the current and future directions of Philippine-India relations, including health and security cooperation, as well as other regional and global matters of mutual interest.

“Minister Jaishankar’s visit is considered an affirmation of the commitment between the Philippines and India to further their relations in a post-Covid world,” the DFA said in a statement.

The two top diplomats are expected to review developments in bilateral relations since the meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation that they co-chaired in a virtual format in November 2020.

Among the subjects discussed back then were ways to address the global health crisis, cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals, and economic revitalization in the fields of agriculture, energy, and information and communications technology.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business PSEi February 10, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

KPPI

3.97

1.18

42.29%

2

PHA

0.67

0.09

15.52%

3

C

1.83

0.24

15.09%

4 5 6 7 8

MBC MG CAT MM LODE

9.98 0.152 13.38 2.34 0.65

0.95 0.014 1.2 0.2 0.05

10.52% 10.14% 9.85% 9.35% 8.33%

9 10

MARC NIKL

1.52 6.74

0.1 0.41

7.04% 6.48%

TOP LOSERS

1 SFIP

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1.43 -0.55 -27.78%

2

CAB

46.8

-10.9

-18.89%

3 4 5 6

ATN ATNB OPM TBGI

0.7 0.7 0.012 0.38

-0.07 -0.07 -0.001 -0.03

-9.09% -9.09% -7.69% -7.32%

7

COAL

0.26

-0.02

-7.14%

8 9

GLO ACEX

2818 32.4

-214 -2.2

-7.06% -6.36%

10

MWC

22.5

-1.5

-6.25%

A11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines on profit taking; Emperador gains

S

HARE prices slipped Thursday on profit taking ahead of the release of the US inflation data that could have a huge bearing on the Federal Reserve’s rate hike plans.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 69.86 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,432.62 on a value turnover of P10.5 billion. Losers edged gainers, 101 to 97, with 55 issues unchanged.

Globe Telecom Inc. of the Ayala Group, the second-biggest telecommunications firm, sank 7.1 percent to P2,818, while sister unit AC Energy Corp. dropped 3.4 percent to P8.84.

Solar Philippine Nueva Ecija Corp., which is building the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia, declined 3.4 percent to P2.02 but Emperador Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan, the biggest liquor maker,

rose 3.2 percent to P24.

The rest of Asian stocks enjoyed further gains Thursday as traders jostled for position ahead of the release of US inflation data.

Asia battled to maintain the momentum and fluctuated through the day but gainers came out on top.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Mumbai and Bangkok were solidly higher and Singapore eked out small gains.

Wellington and Jakarta edged down.

A broadly positive week for global equities continued on Wednesday thanks to some healthy earnings results, the further reopening of economies and signs of an easing in Russia-Ukraine tensions.

While the mood for now is positive, nerves are on edge as the US consumer price index figures come up for release.

Commentators warn that a reading above the forecast 7.2 percent—which would be a new four-decade high— would pressure the Fed to act more aggressively to rein in prices.

Some Fed officials on Wednesday said

Surging beef prices hard to stomach for US shoppers

policymakers would make their decisions based on data coming across their desks, with a 50-basis-point hike—as opposed to the usual 25 basis points— was not off the table just yet.

Surging inflation and bets that the US central bank will end its pandemic-era cheap cash policies have weighed on world markets in recent months, stalling a two-year rally that saw them hit record or multi-year highs.

But there is a feeling in some quarters that investors may be getting used to the prospect of higher borrowing costs, while still-strong economic data and the easing of containment measures will continue to support company earnings.

“While uncertainty remains as to the course of inflation, particularly wages, and interest rates in the months ahead given the planned tightening by the Fed is essentially new ground... historically economies have grown in much higher interest rate environments,” said markets strategist Louis Navellier. With AFP

WASHINGTON, United States—Her shopping cart is overflowing with food, but there is no trace of steak.

“Too expensive,” said Lisa, a 48-year-old mother, as she left a Giant supermarket in Washington.

In the United States, land of barbecues and steakhouses, beef is becoming a luxury.

Overall consumer prices rose by seven percent over the course of 2021, an inflation rate not seen since 1982, and the data for January, due out Thursday, is expected to show the yearly increase continued.

American shoppers saw prices for meats, poultry, fish and eggs jump 12.5 percent last year, while beef has soared by as much as 23 percent, depending on the cut.

On the shelves of the Giant grocery store in the Van Ness neighborhood of Washington, only ground beef remains affordable for Lisa, mother of three teenagers, who declined to provide her last name.

“I buy mostly chicken and sausages.

Sometimes ground beef,” she said.

Prices for a quality cut of beef can cost up to $24.99 a pound (21.85 euros for 453 grams) while a butcher shop in the swanky Georgetown neighborhood charges $13 more for the same steak.

Jayson Lusk, head of the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University in Indiana cited “a variety of factors that are combining to push food prices higher.”

Consumption has been boosted by high savings rates—swelled by government aid—for Americans largely stuck at home during the pandemic.

And “foreign buyers of US meat, particularly China, have exhibited strong demand alongside strong domestic consumer demand,” Lusk said.

At the same time, wages in the meatpacking industry have increased by almost 20 percent since the start of the pandemic amid a nationwide worker shortage that also has impacted manufacturing and transportation, he said.

Tyson Foods, the largest meat processor in the United States, this week justified its price increases by saying it had to offset rising costs for labor to satisfy demand that continues to outstrip its capacity. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

1 GLO 2 MONDE

VOLUME 290,250 41,869,100

VALUE (PHP) 833,072,280 672,448,014

3 4 5

BPI ALI BDO

5,904,940 13,653,900 3,710,490

595,748,106 517,726,455 511,943,934

6

EMP

17,968,400

430,933,715

7

ACEN

42,825,800

383,274,247

8 9 10

SPNEC SM SMPH

185,739,000 396,330 9,943,500

375,648,250 375,060,105 363,509,000

A customer pays for a cut of meat at Union Meat Company in Eastern Market in Washington, DC, on February 8, 2022. In the United States, land of barbecues and steakhouses, beef is becoming a luxury.

Overall consumer prices rose by seven percent over the course of 2021, an inflation rate not seen since 1982. American shoppers saw prices for meats, poultry, fish and eggs jump 12.5 percent last year, while beef has soared by as much as 23 percent, depending on the cut. AFP

Manila

Saudi coffee legacy percolates through the ages

By Haitham El-Tabei JIZAN, Saudi Arabia—For Farah al-Malki, growing coffee plants in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern region of Jizan is more than just a profession. It is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

The 90-year-old patriarch has a long history with coffee, which spread from Ethiopia to Yemen and then to the rest of the Middle East around the 15th century.

“My father inherited it from his grandfathers, and I took over and passed it down to my sons and then on to my grandchildren,” Malki told AFP, as he watched his male relatives prune trees.

Jizan is known for its red Khawlani coffee beans, often blended with cardamom and saffron to give a yellowish hue of coffee—locally known as ghawa—and a taste markedly different from the bitter black liquid drunk elsewhere in the Middle East and in the West.

It remains an integral part of Saudi culture, so much so that the government has designated 2022 as “The Year of Saudi Coffee.”

Served with dates in homes and royal palaces across the kingdom, breaking barriers of societal hierarchy, ghawa is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity.

Saudi Farah alMalki,90, (left) his son Ahmed, 42, and his grandson Mansour, 11, harvest Khawlani coffee beans at a coffee farm in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern region of Jizan on January 26, 2022.

Jizan is known for its red Khawlani coffee beans, often blended with cardamom and saffron to give a yellowish hue of coffee—locally known as ghawa.

It remains an integral part of Saudi culture. AFP

Donning the traditional dress of coffee farmers, a dark “chemise” shirt and ankle-length skirt known as a “wizrah,” along with a belt holding a dagger, Malki is still tending to the fields despite his age.

“The biggest issues we used to have were the lack of water and support,” said Malki.

But with the kingdom’s desire to diversify its economy away from oil, alongside a social shift to transform the country’s ultra-conservative image and open up to visitors and investors, the government last month began a campaign to promote its coffee.

It instructed all restaurants and cafes to use the term “Saudi coffee” instead of Arabic coffee.

Saudi Aramco, the largely stateowned oil company, announced plans to establish a coffee center in Jizan using “advanced irrigation techniques to improve agricultural capacity.”

UNESCO dream By the end of 2021, the kingdom had 400,000 coffee trees in 600 farms across the country, producing about 800 tons of coffee a year.

That is a fraction of what Ethiopia produces but, according to domestic reports, Saudi Arabia plans to plant 1.2 million Khawlani trees by 2025.

Malki has nine sons, all of whom take part in the coffee industry, rang-

ing from agriculture and packaging to transportation and marketing.

On the field every day is his 42-year-old son, Ahmed, who like his father is dressed in traditional farmer’s clothing, complete with a headdress made of flowers.

He said he has an intimate knowledge of Khawlani coffee beans, explaining: “All farms are organic and free of chemicals.”

They produce about 2.5 tons of coffee beans a year, selling for between $27-$40 a kilogram ($12-$18 a pound).

Historian Yahya al-Malki, who is not related to the farm family, told AFP that the “secret” to the Khawlani beans lies in their cultivation in the Jizan region, where it is warm, humid and rainy.

Saudi Arabia has sought to include its cultivation of Khawlani coffee on the list of “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” maintained by the United Nations cultural agency UNESCO. This, Ahmed said, would be a dream come true.

“It will help in supporting farmers and preserving coffee trees as well as attracting foreign investors to the region,” he told AFP. “I hope to pass this on to my sons and their sons, and pray it be a source of livelihood for them.” AFP

Standard

TODAY BALANCE SHEET As of DECEMBER 31, 2021 ASSETS

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit of Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivable - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables- Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries,Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

CURRENT QUARTER 10,470,784.66 128,305,220.26 548,437,843.01 0.00 0.00 10,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,572,021,703.35 2,605,792,608.35 0.00 33,770,905.00 100,067,967.26 0.00 27,448,283.42 2,500,702.34 235,527,765.90 23,072,438.73

AMOUNT PREVIOUS QUARTER 13,346,662.95 71,017,319.13 548,711,046.70 0.00 0.00 10,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,437,037,790.64 2,470,808,695.64 33,770,905.00 99,357,214.92 0.00 27,780,541 .74 2,658,857.75 218,579,536.10 22,236,569.72

0.00

0.00

3,657,852,708.93

3,450,725,539.65

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitutes d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordinated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Share s Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

0.00 2,249,429,909.36 0.00 509,000,000.00

0.00 2,165,986,951.88 0.00 389,000,000.00

509,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 28,606,921.50 58,815,930.71

389,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 25,763,154.30 67,810,660.83

0.00

0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES

2,845,852,761.57

2,648,560,767.01

707,796,711.27 (350,046.17) 104,553,282.26 0.00

705,507,172.69 40,614.61 96,616,985.34 0.00

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. ANTONIO CECILIO T. PASCUAL Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS DORIS R. DORIGO JOVITO P. GAMMAD SEGUNDO R. LANUZA, JR. EDITA S. LAURON GARIBALDI O. LEONARDO ROBERTO C. MASCARINA WILFREDO F. MERCADO DIVINA C. QUEMI NICOLAS H. VERONILLA SATURNINO J. GALANG JR. PONCIANO D. PAYUYO BOARD SECRETARY ATTY. SIMEON T. ASIA, JR. EXECUTIVE OFFICER MA. THERESA T. NACAR OIC & CASD Head

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

811,999,947.36

802,164,772.64

3,657,852,708.93

3,450,725,539.65

-

-

Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securiites Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,970,511.17

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,358,558.34

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

8,970,511.17

7,358,558.34

2,742,108,303.82 136,315,695.47

2,597,491,168.49 126,682,472.85

643,290,808.21 23.46% 506,975,112.74 18.49% 26.44% 21.19%

696,113,914.85 26.80% 569,431,442.00 21.92% 23.05% 18.20%

45.00 341,195,667.85 12.44% 0.00 0.00%

45.00 376,793,932.74 14.51% 0.00 0.00%

15.33% 34.31% 1.00%

14.89% 31.50% 0.00%

21.07 20.12 0.00 0.00

20.72 19.78 0.00 0.00

0.00

0.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losseson the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance for credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR b. Tier I CAR c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instrument Received Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City ) s.s.

I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and MA. THERESA T. NACAR of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

MA. THERESA T. NACAR OIC & CASD Head

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 24 day of January 2022 at Makati City, affiant affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No. P8336853B , issued at DFA NCR EAST on November 30, 2021 and Passport No. P6985950A, issued at DFA NCR South on April 29, 2018. th

Doc. No. 131 Page No. 2B Book No. 23 Series of 2022

NOTARY PUBLIC

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

A12

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, February 10, 2022 -69.86 PTS. 7,432.62

1,305,822,717

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

121,378 10,478,051,591.39 97

DECLINES

101

UNCHANGED

55

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

PEZA eyes longer work-from-home setup for locators

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority wants to extend the work-fromhome arrangement enjoyed by registered business enterprises in the IT and business process management sector until September 2022.

“The proposal of PEZA is merely temporary in consideration of the ongoing pandemic,” said PEZA directorgeneral Charito Plaza.

Data showed that 297 IT parks and centers and 1,273 IT-BPO companies are registered with PEZA as of November 2021. These companies need to operate within the PEZA-accredited sites in order to enjoy tax incentives, but the pandemic forced many of them to allow most of their employees to work from home.

PEZA submitted its proposal to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, the agency created by Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which harmonizes tax incentives given to companies.

PEZA said aside from the extension of the WFH scheme, it also sought to allow the movement of IT equipment and assets without limit as long as these are covered by surety bond and appropriate permits.

PEZA is the biggest investment promotion agency in terms of number of enterprises and registered IT centers/ buildings. The agency appealed for the non-imposition of penalties under FIRB Resolution No. 19-21 which allows registered business enterprises of the IT-BPM sector to continue implementing WFH arrangements without adversely affecting their fiscal incentives until March 31, 2022.

“PEZA-registered companies are coping with or recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. If it’s supposed to be a relief measure, we should not penalize the companies; rather, we must continue to assist our registered companies as much as possible given that protecting livelihoods of millions of Filipinos is an important national interest,” said Plaza.

TOTAL VOLUME

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

51.3770

Japan

Yen

0.008659

0.4449

UK

Pound

1.353600

69.5439

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128363

6.5949

Switzerland

Franc

1.081900

55.5848

Canada

Dollar

0.789266

40.5501

Singapore

Dollar

0.745434

38.2982

Australia

Dollar

0.717800

36.8784

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652942

136.3002

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266553

13.6947

Brunei

Dollar

0.742666

38.1560

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.030553

1.5697

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.9893

Euro

Euro

1.142600

58.7034

Korea

Won

0.000837

0.0430

China

Yuan

0.157173

8.0751

India

Rupee

0.013373

0.6871

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239063

12.2823

New Zealand

Dollar

0.668200

34.3301

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035995

1.8493 Source: BSP

RESEARCH TIEUP. Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines sign agreements with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to foster collaboration on research in various fields, such as financial sector governance, banking systems, competition and financial inclusion.

Showing the signed agreements in a virtual ceremony are (from left, clockwise) BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, UPLB Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr. and ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap.

IN BRIEF Globe posts profit ahead of target year

Jollibee bullish, hikes 2022 capital spending to P17.8b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

R

ESTAURANT chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. is increasing its 2022 capital expenditures by P10 billion to P17.8 billion from P7.8 billion it spent in 2021, after fourth-quarter net income returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Jollibee said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it allocated P10-billion in capital spending for the rollout of 500 new stores and renovation of existing outlets. It will use the balance of P7.8 billion to fund supply chain and business technology investments.

“We are prepared to make this level of investments if the economies fully reopen and sales growth remains strong,”

Jollibee chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong said.

“We see very strong expansion in different parts of our business particularly those in North America, China, Southeast Asia and Europe while we expect the Philippines to sustain its healthy profitable growth,” he said.

Jollibee reported a net income of P5.9 billion in 2021, a reversal from the P11.5billion net loss it incurred in 2020.

The company said that in the fourth quarter, net income reached P3.2 billion, up by 59.6 percent from the same period in 2020 and by 3.7 percent from the 2019 level.

Operating income in 2021 amounted to P6.3 billion, about the same level in 2019 with a pre-pandemic operating income of P6.5 billion.

System-wide sales, a measure of all sales to consumers from companyowned and franchised stores, climbed 20.3 percent in 2021 to P211.9 billion.

Tanmantiong said system-wide sales in international business in the fourth quarter

equaled the sales in the same period before the outbreak of the pandemic.

System-wide sales in the Philippines in the fourth quarter, however, were still 22.6 percent below the figure in the same period in 2019.

“We look forward to continuing strong recovery of the business in 2022 particularly if the restrictions in the Philippines are fully lifted, coupled with increased consumer spending during this election year,” Tanmantiong said.

Jollibee chief finance officer Ysmael Baysa said American brands Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf registered significant improvement in financial performance in the fourth quarter.

Smashburger reduced its losses by 80 percent, while CBTL became a profitable business.

Jollibee is one of Asia’s largest food service companies with 17 brands operating in 34 countries. As of end-2021, the group’s total store network reached 5,924 outlets, including 3,220 stores in the Philippines and 2,704 abroad.

Foreign direct investments reached $9.2b in 11 months

By Julito G. Rada NET inflows of foreign direct investments jumped 96 percent in November to $1.1 billion from $559 million a year ago, sustaining a growth trajectory despite the COVID-19 pandemic, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

The figure brought the total FDI net inflows in the first 11 months of 2021 to $9.2 billion, up 52.5 percent from $6.1 billion registered in the same period in 2020. They also surpassed the full-year target of $8 billion in net inflows.

“Behind this development was the 82.1-percent growth in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments which climbed to $6.8 billion from $3.8 billion in the comparable period in 2020,” the BSP said in a statement.

Reinvestment of earnings rose 12.8 percent to $1 billion from $907 million recorded in the first 11 months of 2020.

Meanwhile, the growth in FDI inflows was moderated by the marginal contraction in non-residents’ net investments in equity capital by 1.2 percent to $1.4 billion.

“Nonetheless, it was noted that the two consecutive monthly growth in net equity capital investments in October and November helped narrow the cumulative contraction of this account for the first 11 months of 2021 to a single digit from the double-digit declines posted during the period July-September 2021,” the BSP said.

The bulk of the equity capital placements in the period came from Singapore, Japan and the United States. These were invested mostly in manufacturing; financial and insurance; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning; and real estate industries.

GCASH, the e-wallet of Globe Fintech Innovations lnc., said Thursday it became profitable in 2021, three years ahead of target.

“We’ve reached positive full-year EBITDA [earnings, before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization] and have achieved profitability three years ahead of target, making Mynt one of the very few fintechs [financial technology companies] in the world that are able to make money,” Mynt president and chief executive Martha Sazon said in a virtual briefing.

Gcash had 55 million registered users as of end-2021, up from 33 million in 2020.

The company recorded 17 million peak daily transactions last year, higher than 6 million daily transactions in 2020.

Sazon said the increase in usage helped the company to achieve its initial P3-trillion annual gross transaction value outlook and ended with P3.8 trillion GTV in 2021.

GCash had 290 merchant partners and 174,000 cash-in, cash-out agent network.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PHirst Park president named NREA chairman PHIRST Park Homes Inc. president Ricky Celis was named the new chairman of the National Real Estate Association Inc. NREA chairperson-emerita and chair of board of advisers Marissa del Mar, in the recent annual membership meeting, announced that Celis would lead the formidable roster of real estate companies and aficionados comprising the association.

Celis is the president of PHirst Park, an affordable business segment of the Philippine Stock Exchange-listed Century Properties Group Inc. in partnership with Mitsubishi Corp. He took oath on Feb. 11 before Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario.

Other NREA newly-elected officials include vice chair Imelda Magtoto, and president Ronie Biando. Also elected were Red Rosales of the Villar Group of Companies as executive vice president; Eduardo Sanchez Jr., of First Centerland Development Corp. as vice president for external affairs; Flerida Atayde, vice president for internal affairs; Zenaida Fruto, vice president for chapter affairs; Ma. Ysolde Prado, secretary-general; Nicole Marie Choa, treasurer; Ruth Marie Atienza, Auditor; Rodolfo Leonen, trustee and education chair; and Jeffrey Bongat, public relation officer.

SMC to raise cement capacity in Davao SAN Miguel Corp. said Thursday it plans to double the capacity of its P10-billion advanced cement manufacturing facility in Davao to reduce reliance on imports and avoid delays in delivering critical infrastructure projects in the region.

SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang said cement unit Southern Concrete Industries Corp., previously Oro Cemento Industries Corp., planned to work immediately to expand the new cement grinding plant, which started commissioning in late 2021. Full commercial operations are expected by July 2022.

The facility, which started construction in 2018, uses the latest technology and worldleading brands in cement grinding and pollution abatement.

It received fiscal incentives from the Inter-Agency Fiscal Incentives Review Board chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. “We are grateful for the support of government and our communities in Darong, Davao del Sur, who immediately saw the many benefits and advantages of this modern cement facility,” Ang said.

Vape bill to support local jobs, save lives—FPI THE country’s largest umbrella group of industry organizations expressed support for the vape bill which will regulate less harmful alternatives to cigarettes and support the generation of local jobs, while saving the lives of millions of Filipino smokers.

The Federation of Philippine Industries sent a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte on January 31, 2022 in support of the vape bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives recently.

“It is imperative that the government direct the country towards continued economic stability and fiscal sustainability through policies that support local businesses and workers,” the FPI said.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza, chairman of the FPI, said the vape bill would establish clear and effective regulations of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other less harmful alternatives to combusted cigarettes.

The bill, once signed into law by the president, will regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and consumption of these new nicotine products.

FPI is the umbrella group of 168 organizations and companies from various Philippine industries. The group serves as the voice of Philippine industries and an effective partner of the government in promoting and developing globally competitive Philippine industries.

“As we are a staunch ally for the advancement of domestic industries, especially small and medium enterprises, FPI would like to take this opportunity to humbly urge His Excellency to enact into law the vape bill,” the FPI said in the letter.

The bill consolidates Senate Bill No. 2239 or the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act” and House Bill No. 9007 or the “Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act”.

Sports

Panda craze surprises mascot designer BEIJING—The man behind the Beijing Winter Olympics mascot jokes that he wished he had kept a few more of his cuddly panda creations after they became highly sought after collectables in China.

Bing Dwen Dwen, the official mascot of the Games, has become the latest must-have item for keen fans with long queues at Olympic souvenir shops, and many willing to pay well over the official price to get their hands on one.

Cao Xue, who led the design team, said he was surprised by the craze.

“I thought... that some people might begin to purchase some after the opening of Olympics, but I didn’t expect it to be so hot overnight,” he told AFP. “Bing Dwen Dwen has become a phenomenon.”

“Each of us kept only one Bing Dwen Dwen as a souvenir, which we deeply regret now,” he added.

While the name officially means “ice child” in Mandarin, the popular rotund mascot is more colloquially translated as “ice chubster”.

However a supply shortage—attributed to production issues around Chinese Lunar New Year, which coincided with the start of the Olympics —has seen scalpers selling the toy for ten times its original price of 200 yuan ($30), according to reports.

Police have also warned of scams surrounding Bing Dwen Dwen with online fraudsters pocketing the money and disappearing.

But with spectators largely banned due to Covid-19 restrictions, owning an “ice chubster” may be the closest most people get to the Beijing Games.

- ‘The best and only choice’ In the months designing the Games mascot, there were at least 16 versions and floor-to-ceiling drawings pasted around his office, said Cao, a professor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

“We drew tens of thousands of sketches, spent seven months in the process of designing and modification, and once gave up the idea of panda as there had been so many panda images designed before.

“But in the end for both our design team and the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee -- a panda is our best and only choice.”

The final blueprint placed the animal inside a transparent ice-like bubble, inspired by the outer shell of a “tanghulu”, a hawthorn snack glazed with syrup popular in Beijing.

It has also spurred creative interpretations including Bing Dwen Dwen themed dumplings, rice cakes and homemade versions, according to videos by enthusiastic users online. AFP

B1

Striegl back in Octagon, promises to bounce back

By Randy Caluag

M

ARK Striegl is one of only a few mixed martial arts fighters with Filipino roots to have set foot on the Ultimate Fighting Championship Octagon.

On Feb. 20 (Philippine time), Striegl will make his second stint after an unsuccessful debut as he takes on American Chass Skelly in a featherweight undercard of the UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs. Fiziev at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This time, he wants to make the most out of the opportunity.

“I’m excited to do this and we’re about two weeks out. We look forward to the day,” said the Baguio-based Striegl, who flew to Arizona to set up camp with renowned MMA coach George Castro at MMA Lab. Interestingly, Striegl and Skelly

tote similar fight records of 18 wins against three losses and they are both grappling specialists. Fourteen of Striegl’s victories were by submission.

“I’m fighting a scrappy MMA veteran in UFC, but I think I can match up well with him,” said Striegl, who is aching to bounce back from a stoppage loss to Russia’s Said Nurmagomedov in his UFC debut in October 2020.

The 33-year-old Striegl, who is fighting the second of the four fights he signed with the UFC, was supposed to see action last year, but he sustained

an injury during his training camp.

“It’s definitely good to not have to worry and think about that. It feels great to be healthy now,” added Striegl, bor n to an AmericanGerman father and Filipino mother.

The main bout will be between Brazilian-American Rafael dos Anjos, a former UFC lightweight champion, and Kyrgyzstani Rafael Fiziev.

Striegl, former champion of the Ultimate Reality Combat Championship, is just one of several fighters of Filipino descent who have made it to the UFC. The others popular ones were Mark Muñoz and Brandon Vera.

Homegrown Filipino fighters CJ De Tomas and Grabriel Dy also saw action in the UFC.

YANQING, China—It’s not only Asa Miller who’s chasing for the Philippines its first Winter Olympics medal in Beijing 2022 as there are seven more from Southeast Asia—a fully tropical region on this side of the planet.

Timor Leste, Thailand and Malaysia are represented in these Beijing Games with most of their athletes competing alongside the FilipinoAmerican Miller in alpine skiing.

Miller’s on his second consecutive Games, but someone else from the region has campaigned in three straight editions.

Yohan Goutt Goncalves, a FrenchEast Timorese, has been chasing his Olympic dream since Sochi 2014 and looks at Sunday’s men’s giant

slalom with a potential shot at the podium just like the Portland-based Miller.

Thailand has the most qualifiers with four—Zanon Nicola (men’s alpine skiing) Jaiman Mida Fah (women’s alpine skiing), Mark Chanloung (cross country skiing) and his sister Karen (cross country skiing).

Alpine skiers Jeffrey Webb and Aruwin Salehhudin—who are also going after Malaysia’s first-ever Winter Games medals.

All are, for obvious reasons, based outside of the region where there are only the wet and dry seasons with no snow at all.

With Southeast Asian blood in their veins, Goncalves and Miller have bonded together.

“We trained together and I think he [Miller] is a very good skier,” Goncalves said. “I believe he could be faster than me but let’s see on the race day.”

The 27-year-old Goncalves was 43rd in slalom in Sochi but didn’t finish in Pyeongchang. Like Miller, the chase for a medal here remains a dream.

“We are still very far from a medal, but what is important is that Timor Leste is represented here,” he said.

The bond extends to the Malaysians.

“We really support each other … with the Malaysian skiers too,” he said. “We train, we give advice to each other and stay together.”

Alibaba unveils ‘Virtual Influencer’ for winter games ALIBABA Group, a Worldwide TOP Partner of the International Olympic Committee, has unveiled its brand-new virtual influencer for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 (“Games”).

Based on cloud technology, Dong Dong, the advanced digital persona created by Alibaba to engage with fans, brings the possibilities of cloud-based innovation closer to consumers.

Developed by Alibaba DAMO Academy, Alibaba Group’s global research initiative, Dong Dong was created to be a passionate, outspoken Beijing-born 22-year-old girl who loves winter sports.

To better connect with Olympic fans, especially the younger, tech-savvy generation, Dong Dong is known for her authentic human-like features, sparkling personality, as well as her specialty to interact with audiences in an engaging manner.

Among her many talents, Dong Dong is not only going to promote Olympic merchandise which can be bought in the official

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Stuffed toys of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games mascot Bing Dwen Dwen are seen at a factory in Nantong in China’s eastern Jiangsu province. AFP

Asean nations race to 1st Winter Olympic medal

Timor Leste’s Yohan Goutt Goncalves

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

Olympic shop in China on Tmall during her dedicated livestreaming shows, but she can also respond to questions in a lively, natural human voice with different emotions, along with various body gestures from giving a thumbs-up to posting heart-shape gesture and wiping away tears of disappointment. In addition, she can perform live talk shows to introduce Olympic fun facts to the audience, and show-off her enthusiastic, upbeat dance moves to accompany the Olympic theme songs to cheer for the Olympians. All these engaging interactions are powered by cloud-based digital technologies.

“Our ambition is to use cloud technology to give the Olympic Winter Games a digital uplift and to deliver Olympic Winter Games experiences relating to cloud and e-commerce platform services to fans in a creative way.

That’s why we developed Dong Dong, with the hope that the cloud-based virtual influencer can create better engage-

ment with the younger, digital natives in an exciting and natural way,” said Xiaolong Li, Leader of Alibaba Virtual Human & Intelligent Customer Service.

To realize Dong Dong’s dynamic personality, human-like glamour and natural voice, Alibaba built a special cloudbased AI model, which uses Text to Speech to synthesize human voices and leverages 3D-driven technology to create various realistic facial expressions and natural body movements. Powered by cloud computing and AI technologies, Dong Dong can look, speak and act like a young girl with lively personality. Meanwhile, Alibaba’s multimodal algorithms, which leverage Natural Language Processing (NLP), Emotional Speech Synthesis and computer vision on the cloud, have been used to make Dong Dong ‘smart’ enough to take part in human-like dialogues naturally, with her scripts entirely generated by cloud technologies.

AI-powered Dong Dong, makes her debut to engage with Olympic fans during livestreaming

Mark Striegl

Reyes names Pingris as assistant Gilas coach

By Peter Atencio MARC Pingris is returning to the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team.

The 6’5” Pingris, however, won’t be playing for the Philippine quintet since he has opted to retire in March last year.

Instead, he is coming aboard as one of coach Chot Reyes’ assistant coaches.

He joins assistant coaches Josh Reyes, Jong Uichico and Nenad Vucinic.

Reyes is getting all the help he needs as Gilas sees action in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers’ February window in three weeks’ time.

“Being competitive is part of the preparations, undergoing the crucible of intense competition,” said Reyes.

The 40-year-old Pingris, has been playing sparingly since he tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) during Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup. Pingris managed to return to action and play 21 games in the 2019 season.

Two years ago, Pingris was supposed to play for the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA bubble during the 2020 season, but he was unable to return to his team due to another injury.

When Pingris’ contract with the team expired on December 31, 2020, he announced his retirement five months later, after 16 years of playing in the PBA. Pingris last played for Gilas in the 2015 William Jones Cup. Gilas will meet South Korea on February 24, before taking on India on the 25th, New Zealand on the 27th and South Korea again on the 28th.

All games will be held behind closed doors at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

B2

Sports

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

PSC features GiGa awardee Dr. Claravall on ‘Rise Up’ THE Philippine Sports Commission’s Rise Up Shape Up will have Gintong Gawad 2021 awardee Dr. Drolly Claravall in the latest webisode this Saturday.

Dr. Claravall is the recipient of PSC’s Gintong Gawad award, “Makabago at Natatanging Produktong Pang-Isport” for her invention of an ergonomically designed handheld massage tool which is designed to mimic the hands and fingers of a massage therapist when doing a massage technique.

The idea came when Dr. Claravall attended a seminar on blading and taping sports injuries at the University of the Philippines in July 2017.

The blading technique uses a handheld massage tool instead of human hands and fingers in treating muscle and body pains.

However, Dr. Claravall had concerns with the bruising and pains experienced by clients after the therapy using the blading technique. She saw this as an opportunity to design her tool, keeping in mind that the tool must fit all areas of the muscle fibers. She also specifically designed the Amazing Touch tool for everyone of all ages, whether athlete or non-athlete.

“We, at the PSC do not only look after the training and development of athletes and Philippine Sports. We also ensure the holistic well-being of our athletes, coaches, trainers, and sports enthusiasts, and that means also being on the lookout for products, tools, and services that will keep them at their optimum condition,” PSC Women in Sports oversight Commissioner Celia H. Kiram said adding that she is glad “that the person behind this ingenuity is a woman.”

Dr. Claravall is a multi-talented and inspiring sportswoman. She serves as the President of the Faculty Federation and Associate Professor at the Isabela State University-City of Ilagan. A Regional Director of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association since 2009 and a sports therapist of the Philippine National Team Elite and Master Athletes.

As an athlete, Dr. Claravall has participated in various local and international competitions, with the most recent being the 2020 Asia Masters champion for hammer throw in Kuching, Malaysia, and won the bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Masters Championships.

Mark Magsayo

L

OS ANGELES— In Portland, the Anfernee Simons scored 29 points and Jusuf Nurkic added 19 with 12 rebounds as the Trail Blazers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 107105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers, seeking to bounce back from an embarrassing 131-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, had 30 points from superstar LeBron James.

But despite shooting 55.4% from the field the Lakers couldn’t hold off the undermanned Blazers.

Six-time All-Star Damian Lillard remained sidelined by an abdominal injury. His longtime backcourt partner CJ McCollum was traded on Tuesday as the Blazers embark on a rebuilding phase.

“Disappointed, angry,” coach Frank Vogel after watching the Lakers let go of a nine-point third-quarter lead. “This was a game we had to get.”

Anthony Davis scored 17 points for the Lakers. Point guard Russell Westbrook sat out with lower back tightness, missing a game for the first time this

Undermanned Blazers embarrass LA Lakers season amid trade speculation that has intensified amid his recent struggles.

Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Utah Jazz halted Golden State’s ninegame NBA winning streak on Wednesday with a 111-85 victory.

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 23 points to lead six players in double figures for the Jazz, who out-scored the Warriors 48-20 in the paint and out-rebounded them 52-35.

“We took care of business as a group,” Mitchell said after Utah’s fourth straight victory. “That’s all that matters.”

Mitchell was playing his third game after missing eight with concussion symptoms. He handed out eight assists and said he didn’t mind departing late in the fourth quarter—to a standing ovation—shy of a triple-double.

“I’m coming back from a concussion, I’m trying to get into shape,” he said. “They’re a good team, they make you work.”

Jordan Poole paced the Warriors with 18 points and Stephen Curry added 16, but Golden State lost by their biggest margin this season.

Bulls halt skid DeMar DeRozan scored 36 points to power Chicago to a 121-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets that kept the Bulls in third place in the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls snapped a two-game skid to stay a hair in front of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-92.

“We need it,” DeRozan said of the victory. “We can’t afford to drop any games.”

With that in mind, DeRozan was an efficient 13 of 19 from the field, including draining three of his four attempts from three-point range.

“Just taking what they gave me, not forcing anything,” said DeRozan, who also pulled down five rebounds and handed out four assists.”

Zach LaVine added 27 points with

seven rebounds and Nikola Vucevic scored 18 points with 15 rebounds for Chicago.

LaMelo Ball, newly named to his first All-Star Game, led Charlotte with 33 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but the Hornets— ninth in the East— dropped their sixth straight.

In Cleveland, two other rising talents looking forward to their first All-Star Game squared off: the Cavs’ Darius Garland and Dejounte Murray of the Spurs.

Garland, back after missing four games with a sore back, connected on 12 of 15 shots from the floor on the way to 27 points with six assists. AFP

St. Benilde honors Olympic champ Diaz

By Randy Caluag

Jusuf Nurkic of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. AFP

Magsayo, Malditas top sports performers in January BOXER Mark ‘Magnifico’ Magsayo and the Philippine women’s football team Malditas delivered as the country opened 2022 with a bang.

Continuing the Filipino athletes’ triumphant run the previous year, Magsayo wrested the World Boxing Council featherweight title in Atlantic City, while the Malditas clinched a historic ticket to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup. For these feats, the Philippine Sportswriters Association salutes them as the top performers for January.

Magsayo struck gold in his first title shot, beating long-time champ Gary Russell Jr. via majority decision, 114-114, 115-113, 115-113.

He joined Jerwin Ancajas (IBF super flyweight), Rene Mark Cuarto (IBF minimumweight), John Riel Casimero (WBO bantamweight), and Nonito Donaire, Jr. (WBC bantamweight) in the ranks of current Pinoy world champions.

The gritty Malditas, on the other hand, met their date with destiny by scoring a 4-3 victory on penalties over quarterfinal rival Chinese-Taipei in the sprawling city of Pune in Western India.

The famous win sent them to their first-ever semifinal stint in the Asian Cup and sealed their landmark debut in football’s global spectacle set July 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

Billiards bet Roland Garcia

and rowing aces led by Olympian Chris Nievarez also shone in the other battlefronts.

Garcia took runner-up honors in the Arizona 10-Ball Open in Tucson behind Russian Fedor Gorst, who retained the crown with a 4-3, 4-2 verdict.

Nievarez placed second in the U23 2,000 meter event of the Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships to spearhead a six-silver, two-bronze collection for Team Philippines.

In golf, Bianca Pagdanganan led the LPGA in driving distance with her 283-yard average in the Gainbridge LPGA event in Florida, although she missed the cut.

Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso finished solo third in the same competition.

HIDILYN Diaz never abandoned the desire to finish her studies at the College of St. Benilde even though she was already at the peak of her career after clinching the country’s first gold medal in the Olympic Games.

For bringing pride to her school and country, the Benildean community honored the lady weightlifter with what it now calls the “Benilde Medallion”, given for the first time to any individual of the school.

“It is the symbol of Benildean identity, of doing ordinary things extraordinarily well,” said St. Benilde president Bro. President Edmundo Fernandez.

“The Benilde Medallion is DLSCSB’s highest expression of institutional recognition and appreciation of individuals for their extraordinary achievements and contributions.”

Diaz received the honor during a courtesy call at the Benilde Sports and Dormitory Complex on Wednesday.

In the same occasion, Fernandez also announced the launching of the Benilde Hidilyn Diaz Scholarship for Athletes for the school-year 2022-2023.

The Zamboanga lass ended the Philippines’ long 97-year search for Olympic glory by bagging a historic breakthrough gold medal in the women’s 55-kg event of the Tokyo Olympiad last year.

In the previous Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, she bagged a weightlifting silver, making her the most prolific athlete in Philippine Olympic history.

Just a few days ago, Diaz was named by the Philippine Sportswriters Association as the Athlete of the Year awardee for the year 2021.

Diaz will receive the accolade on March 14 during the San Miguel Corporation-PSA Awards Night at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

Players’ attitude, motivation boost underdog Philippine team THREE days before they take on Timor Leste to open their campaign in the 2022 AFF U-23 Youth Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, an undermanned Philippine side is still bent on making an impression in the tournament despite missing several players due to various reasons.

Head Coach Stewart John Hall says the boys’ attitude have been fantastic and they are really trying their best to learn everything the soonest possible time.

“We’re blessed with goalkeepers and full backs. And wingers you know, we’re blessed. We were just a little bit short, positionally on center backs and strikers so because of the people who were not able to come, We’ve been trying and we’ve been looking at players to play in different positions, and we’ve been doing a lot of work. We’re a little bit short in the strikers department.

We’ve got 18-year-old center backs come in and 18-year-old strikers have come in to bridge the gap. So again, it’s about how quickly they learn. You know, it’s about how quickly these

young players learn because those young players gonna play a part in the tournament,” he explained.

But if you will ask his sentiments on the U-23 Suzuki Cup, he remains consistent with his point that also applies to the national seniors team, the Philippine Azkals.

“I need to make a point. The Suzuki Cup does not help Philippines because it’s outside of the FIFA windows. And we have the majority of players who are outside of the Philippines. So what it means is, when we went to Singapore, for the Suzuki Cup with the seniors, there were about 25 players missing because their clubs wouldn’t release them. Now, we’ve got exactly the same here for the under 23. We’ve got about 20 players missing. Some are not here because of an injury or with COVID. We’ve got a few very exciting players who were waiting for their passports to be cleared. But a lot of them are not here because their clubs wouldn’t release them,” he lamented.

Unlike other countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore which have most of their players at home, most of the country’s players are abroad. Hall is quick, however, to say that there are two ways to look at the Suzuki Cup.

“It puts us at a disadvantage at the senior level and under-23. So we have to do what we have to do, which I’m sure you understand this, what we are doing with it is, we are using it for mainly local players and as a development tournament,” he said. “t’s a fantastic opportunity for some of the local players to to make a name for themselves.”

But instead of using this as an excuse, Hall is making sure that what the players may lack in preparation and other factors, they have more when it comes to why they are in Phnom Penh and what the tournament can do for them.

“I think and it’s also a great motivation for the team. We come here as underdogs, if you like, can we excel? Can we show what we’ve come with?

We have brought a lot of players born in 2002 and 2003 from the local league from universities, you know, so we’ve got players who are going straight from university football into international football, you know, which is a big jump but we are also using this tournament as as a development tournament for mainly for local players,” Hall explained.

He has another way of motivating his players by pointing them to the Philippine Azkals.

“There’s no reason why you can’t be

in the senior team because that’s where we are at the moment. It is on a rebuild process because of the normal ageing process with some of the players. I mean, we’ve got we’ve got 34-35 year olds in the senior squad who haven’t played a game of football for the last three months. The opportunity for the young players to play for. It’s all there,” he explained.

He is also optimistic that when the time comes, the players will answer the challenge.

“The attitude of the players has been very good. You know that at the end of the day, football is all about the players and it is all about what happens on the field and our attitude. The players attitude in training team meetings, in everything has been excellent. That always gives you a chance. it always gives you a chance. We’re working really really hard on team spirit and togetherness and are really proud to wear the Philippine flag and represent the Filipino people.

As of writing, these are the players now in Cambodia who are most likely form the squad that will compete in the tournament.

The posts will be manned by Quicy Kammeraad, Enrico Mangaoang and

Jessie Semblante with midfielders Oliver Bias, Dennis Chung, Kieran Hayes, Jacob Francis Maniti, Griffin McDaniel, Antoine Ortega, Nathan Rilloraza, Sandro Reyes, Oskari Kekkonen, Pocholo Bugas, Mariano Suba Jr., Matt Lancelot Ocampo, Jacob Agustin Peña, Scott Philip Woods. Forwards Ivan Ouano and Andres Aldeguer are also on the team with Miguel Mendoza, David Setters, Gyles Lucas Encabo, Jaime Rosquillo, Elijah Jacob Liao and Jayvee Kallukaran.

Hall says the Malditas’ exploits in the recently concluded 2020 AFC Women’s Asian Cup is also keeping the boys pumped at and are looking forward to go beyond the group stage.

“We are proud to represent the country and to do well for the country. And obviously, we want the fans to be proud of the tea, to support the team and I would like the fans to know that this is very much a young developmental squad with mainly local players but we have faith in them. And we want the fans to have faith in them as well,” Hall added.

Here is hoping that we will have another football reason to celebrate this February. Just keep the faith and the prayers, too.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

Entertainment Singersongwriter Ebe Dancel

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

B3

Ebe Dancel sings about promise for better life H I T MAKING s i n g e r songwriter Ebe Dancel makes his presence felt in the month of hearts with a new single “Habangbuhay” dropped on digital stores today. It is also the title track of his four-song EP to be released on Feb. 18.

The inspirational, radiofriendly song is released and published by Widescope

Entertainment, the label that became home to the former frontman of legendary band Sugarfree whose subsequent solo career turned out to be among the finest examples that there is much still to offer from a brilliant act after a successful band stint. “‘Habangbuhay’ is a promise of a better life. It’s the realization of one’s dream of finding happiness and holding on to it for the rest of his/her life,” shared Ebe who has kept himself solidly intact throughout the pandemic through continuous creative work and by sharing his laudable skills with newblood musicians.

“Habangbuhay” showcases the singer’s trademark tenor and refreshing rhythms that embrace his sincere lyricism.

Everything in the arrangement matches the depth of his voice. Well, there’s actually more to the piece apart from being Ebe’s latest single as it is also, in his own words, “the last song in a wedding-themed EP collection.”

The first three were “Manatili,” “Tanging Kailangan,” and “Huling Unang Sayaw.”

Ebe noted, “Think of it as the song you play after the reception when the couple leaves and everyone wishes them well.”

One of the most respected names in 21st century OPM deserved a stellar cast of men behind the scenes backing him up. Three on top are executive producer Vic de Vera, supervising producer Neil Gregorio, and, yes, producer Rico Blanco.

“Habangbuhay” is mixed and mastered by the equally revered Angee Rozul, with ample help from vocal recording engineers Robert Seña and King Puentespina.

A trio of competent musicians helped Ebe, with John Apura on guitars, keyboards, and strings programming, Roger Alcantara on bass, and Nash Ignacio on drums.

Beauty Queens, models feted at GANAP Global Achievers Awards RISA Oben Dormiendo, Mrs. Face of Beauty International Philippines 2019, was the recipient of the Inspiring Woman of the Year 2021-2022 award while Maria Charo Calalo, Mrs. Universe-Philippines 2019, received the award as Most Outstanding Pageant Queen of the Year 2021-2022 during the 2nd GANAP Global Achievers Awards.

The event, which was also a benefit fashion show, was held Saturday at Acacia Hotel in Alabang.

Dormiendo, a doll and cat-lover who feeds stray cats at BGC and helps charities, Rotary clubs and Innerwheel, is an advocate for mental illness awareness.

The 2nd GANAP Global Achievers Awards, presented by GANAP TV International and GANAP Magazine International, headed by CEO/director John Guarnes and Fashion designer/columnist Bench Bello, was a charity event for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Odette.

Other winners include Eren Noche International Pageant Organizer of the Year 2021-2022; Agnes Gomes-Wade, International Model of the Year; Amit Singh Saini, International Male Model of the Year; Irma Bulaityte, Classic International Beauty Queen of the Year; Shivam Ravnit, Most Inspiring International Male Model of the Year; and Anu Priya, International Emerging Model of the Year.

•••

Mrs. Face of Beauty International Philippines 2019 and recipient of the Inspiring Woman of the Year 2021-2022 award, Risa Oben Dormiendo, with her dolls Bridge, Deux, Max,Tasha and Dru

continues to pursue her advocacy for peace and women empowerment.

A former Eat Bulaga “Beautiful Girl” 1990 finalist, Federizo engages in humanitarian services and charity works to help her less fortunate townmates in Valenzuela, especially, during the pandemic.

Through her sash and title, she solicits donations, goods, foods, grocery items and coordinates with local officials for their distribution in poor barangays.

Federizo is also an advocate for animal welfare and gives time to feed stray dogs and cats in the community.

Lalaine S. Federizo, Philippine representative in Mrs. World Peace International 2021

Mrs. World Peace Philippines 2021 performs charity works in Valenzuela

Lalaine S. Federizo, the Philippine representative in Mrs. World Peace International 2021 virtual pageant,

GMA Network’s ‘AHA!’ makes it to Prix Jeunesse International Festival 2022 to astonishing heights of success,” INFOTAINMENT program said Drew.

AHA! scores finalist status at “For the past 12 years, it has the prestigious Prix Jeunesse evolved and adapted to the International Festival 2022, changing times. The program joining shortlisted entries from continues to offer something 41 countries.

The GMA Public Affairs new and relevant to its show was among hundreds of audience,” he added. international children’s programs An Anak TV Seal awardee, submitted this year.

AHA! has been recognized Apart from being a finalist, AHA! by various local award-winning will also be included in the festival Kapuso star bodies. Host Drew has also catalog 2021/2022 dubbed “Quality in Drew Arellano received numerous awards as Children’s TV Worldwide.” educational program host.

Host Drew Arellano expressed his Considered as the Oscars of Children’s TV, gratitude to the Prix Jeunesse Foundation for the Prix Jeunesse International Festival is a birecognizing the show and attributed this latest annual festival that aims to shine a spotlight on milestone to the entire AHA! team. the world of outstanding television productions “Thank you for this amazing for children. It is organized by the Prix Jeunesse acknowledgment from a legendary award- Foundation, which was established in 1964. giving body. I am honored to be the host of This year’s theme is “Listen to kids TV: The AHA! but it is truly the staff and crew who Power of Sound.” The awarding ceremonies are the engine and who makes the show fly will be held in Munich, Germany this June.

US actress Angelina Jolie advocates for domestic violence law FILM star Angelina Jolie was back on Capitol Hill Wednesday pleading with US lawmakers to immediately pass measures to combat domestic violence.

At a press briefing in the US Capitol, Jolie expressed support for renewing legislation that would provide victims of such abuse with medical and legal assistance, as well as support to children who have been exposed to violence in the home.

“The ugly truth is that violence in homes is normalized in our country,” said the filmmaker and Academy Award winning actress.

“I want to acknowledge the children who are terrified and suffering at this moment, and the many people for whom this legislation comes too late,” said Jolie, who teared up as she called on Congress to make reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) a priority.

The 46-year-old Eternals

star has accused her ex-husband Brad Pitt of intentionally hitting their son Maddox, then 15 — although Pitt has been cleared of the allegations.

President Joe Biden, then a US senator, was primary author of the original version of the bill first signed into law in 1994.

Subsequent versions of VAWA have passed with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans.

But in 2019, a version that had cleared the House of Representatives stalled in the Senate, which was then controlled by Republicans who prevented the bill from coming to a final vote.

The legislation unveiled Wednesday also has bipartisan support, and Biden applauded the group of lawmakers from both parties who came together to introduce the VAWA reauthorization. AFP Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie

BEN&BEN encourages netizens The members of Ben&Ben as seen in their ‘Mag-Ingat’ music video

to take cautious steps when online

By Patricia Taculao

T

HE internet, as many have discovered, offers numerous opportunities to users.

In its vast online spaces, people can find a source of entertainment, information, and livelihood with just a few clicks on their screens.

And as the world is entering into the digital age where technology reigns, so do the risks that people knowingly avoid.

If you’re not careful, you may fall victim to internet scams, fake news, and troll accounts that frequent websites.

Filipino folk-pop band Ben&Ben knows the risks all too well. In a bid to raise awareness of internet safety and digital responsibility among their fellow Filipinos, they collaborated with Google Philippines to compose a song that tackles the dangers of the internet.

Miguel Benjamin, a member of the co-ed band, shared during the launch conference for their newest single that the advocacy of internet safety is so close to their hearts because of personal experiences and the increasing number of Filipinos thriving on the internet.

“When we got word of a potential collaboration with Google, we immediately hopped in on it. It was just a matter of waiting for the right time to do it,” he said, also noting that the discussion for their partnership started in the middle of last year.

Entitled “Mag-Ingat,” the two-anda-half-minute song diverts from the usual tunes that the band produces.

It uses a catchy and lively tune while discussing online threats, such as scams, misinformation, and catfishing, prevalent in today’s society. It also discusses the importance of verifying information, critical thinking, and being wary of opportunistic individuals, much like in real life.

The song is very timely because it has been two years since the Filipinos, and the rest of the world, for that matter, shifted their daily activities online. But in those two years, threats remain rampant, and the responsibility of creating a safe space online falls to the netizens. As the song eloquently puts it, online safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone should

…are talking about

PEOPLE

SB19

For Pinoy boy group SB19, there’s nowhere else to go but up. During the 7th Wish Music Awards, the group bagged a total of five awards, including Group of the Year, Pop Song of the Year for “What?”, and Wisher’s Choice. ATINs took to social media to hype the group’s victory and for its solid effort in shaping the landscape of Pinoy pop music. As they say, the road ahead of SB19 may still be long, but there’s no denying that their talent will take them places beyond their imagination.

Alexa Ilacad

Love is in the air for young actress Alexa Ilacad as she and KD Estrada continue to make netizens swoon with their kilig-filled interactions. Since entering the Pinoy Big Brother house, the pair’s relationship has blossomed naturally, bringing them even closer together. And even outside, they continue to consider themselves as special persons in each other’s lives. Just how sweet is that? Their special bond gave

netizens butterflies in their stomachs, especially as Valentine’s Day is just right around the corner.

care for the online safety of others.

Other than the present risks online, Ben&Ben’s newest single also addresses several approaches on how netizens can remain vigilant online such as fact-checking, finding reputable sources, and informing others against suspicious activities.

And since the topic of digital responsibility is just as relevant to the band, as Miguel mentioned, the members also practice these steps and even go the extra mile to confirm the credibility of a person or information online by checking different online platforms—and Googling them, of course—to learn more about them.

“Mag-Ingat” is a part of Google’s holistic approach to digital responsibility. Mervin Wenke, head of communications and public affairs of Google Philippines, said that deepening their local partnerships helps in promoting digital responsibility.

“By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” he said.

Watch the “Mag-Ingat” music video on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. The song is also available on all digital music services worldwide.

...are not talking about Karla Estrada

Although KathNiel’s fans remained loyal to the love team throughout the years, the fandom wasn’t all-forgiving when it came to Daniel Padilla’s mother, Karla Estrada. She was one of the celebrity guests at the UniTeam’s proclamation campaign at the Philippine Arena and, like fellow Kapamilya Toni Gonzaga, she received tons of criticisms online. It was something that Karla didn’t appreciate, yet the fandom continues to call her out on her antics by telling her that giving criticisms isn’t the same as being rude. Well, what can you expect from someone who betrayed the trust of Kapamilya fans who are also instrumental to her success?

Barbie Imperial and Diego Loyzaga

Nobody was surprised when the pair officially announced the end of their relationship after one year of being together. It seems that all the controversy surrounding the couple finally caught up with them as Barbie’s greatest takeaway was to love herself first to stop the cycle of drama that happens every time she’s linked with someone. Although the actress said she and Diego ended on good terms, netizens can’t help but speculate if

there’s something else at play.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022

Michael Angelo Valenciano

“W

E are no KathNiel but if we would be of help, sure.”

The coronation of the winners of the Saniata Ti Ylocos beauty pageant

Celebrating life, spreading joy in Ilocos Sur’s Kannawidan fest AS THE Philippines starts to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fiestas and celebrations are starting to return, giving Filipinos a well-needed dose of levity.

In Ilocos Sur, the provincial government officially launched Kannawidan 2022 on Feb. 1, with a series of activities aimed at celebrating life and spreading joy while following minimum public health and safety protocols, of course.

The celebration was opened by the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, headed

by Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson along with Vice Governor Jeremias C. Singson, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, and officials and employees of Local Government Units and National Government Agencies joined the Opening Ceremony.

During the opening ceremony, the Suyo Indigenous Peoples Community Group from Suyo, Ilocos Sur performed an ethnic dance “Tadek Ken Balliwes,” a traditional dance that expresses jubilation over victory, thanksgiving, and other important events.

The first night was welcomed with a dancing fountain show, drone light show followed by a firework display that brightly blazed at the top of the New Legislative Building.

The drone light show highlighted the strong spirit of Ilocosurians not to give up amidst pandemic and as a tribute to all frontliners. Following this was a comedy night held at the Quirino Stadium.

The second day of Kannawidan saw the coronation of the Saniata Ti Ylocos beauty pageant. Vigan representative Richelle Anne Presto was crowned Saniata ti Yloco Sur 2022, Clare Arce of Caoayan was

the Saniata ti World, Princess Tacazon of San Ildefonso was awarded as the Saniata ti Tourism, and Sta. Cruz’s Shireen Khalil won the Saniata ti Environment title. Galimuyod’s Julie Mae Villanueva and Nalyn Grace Baraquio from Salcedo came in at first and second runner up, respectively.

For food lovers, the Chef Wars Cooking Competition held the same day was a showcase of creativity and skill. Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Sta. Maria Campus took home the grand prize for the college category, with Divine Word College of Vigan as the first runner up and University of Northern Philippines as the second runner up. In the industry category, the team from Du-Lang Restaurant emerged as the champions with Ichtus Beach Resort and Bugis Bistro coming in first and second runners up, respectively.

The third day wrapped up with the LGBTQ Night with a Your Face Sounds Familiar, The Lip Sync Battle capping the event. John Angelo Malamion who impersonated Nicki Minaj was declared the grand champion. Paul John Atanes with his take on Beyonce won first runner up while Katkat Dasalla’s portrayal of Lady Gaga took home second runner up.

The Kannawidan Festival also had other events aside from competitions. Dog lovers were in for a treat on the third day of the festival with a dog show featuring American bullies. Meanwhile, car and motorcycle enthusiasts could enjoy these marvels during the car and motor show held last Feb. 5. Other significant events were Tinattoan, Bike Race, Game Fowl, Rhythm Fest, and the much-awaited Bakbakan sa Ilocos Sur.

Michelle and Ernie Lopez are celebrating their first wedding anniversary this summer

Gina Lopez, the couple’s matchmaker, was still a part of the wedding through this bouquet locket

Gina played cupid to Ernie Michelle Lopez How and

That was Michelle Arville-Lopez’s warm response to my request for an interview weeks ago included this line with a tilted smiley emoji. The G Diaries host and her husband and co-host Creative Programs, Inc. Head and ABS-CBN Foundation Executive Director Ernie Lopez were the people I instantly had in mind when I was coming up with a love story to share this Valentine season. Theirs is one with the simplest yet most beautiful elements coming together.

One day in April 2020, while the country was under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), I shed happy tears after watching Ernie and Michelle’s proposal video online. Clad in home clothes, the couple got engaged with Michelle’s girl friends as witnesses on a video call. The virtual guests erupted in shrieks of joy the moment she said yes to Ernie’s “Will you please be my second chance? I am asking you to be on lockdown with me for the rest of your life.” He was down on one knee while holding a hologram engagement ring.

A few moments before getting engaged, Ernie revealed having the blessing of his family. He told Michelle, “I got the approval of all of my kids. In fact, this hologram was made by my daughter. My

son has been part of the planning of this [proposal].” Ernie pointed to his son Nathan who was behind the camera, taking the video. “My whole family loves you. If and when you say yes, I will approach the rest of your family,” he added persuasively.

A year later, Ernie and Michelle tied the knot three times. The first was done online due to the lockdown, the second was a no-frills sneakers-andjeans backyard wedding in the US, and the third was a civil wedding in the Philippines. Through an Instagram caption, Ernie quipped, “We are both on our second and last round! Thank God for second chances!”

Ernie and Michelle had relationships in the past and are hopeful of taking a second shot at marriage. Ernie joked in the same caption that while other couples love to eat, play golf, or shop, he and Michelle love to get married.

That humorous remark sounded real.

When Ernie and Michelle talk about each other and retell their meet-cute, kilig just emanates. In their 50s, they are reminis-

Michelle and Ernie Lopez got married in sneakers and sweaters in the US

The opening of the 2022 Kannawidan Festival

cent of a teenage couple filled with fondness for each other, the kind that leaves butterflies in the stomach. This husbandand-wife team-up, without a doubt, is worthy of being tagged as “couple goals.”

If Ernie’s late sister Gina Lopez were alive today, she would probably be thrilled with all that is happening. After all, the union was her idea. In 2019, before the well-loved philanthropist, Bantay Bata founder, and former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary passed away, Gina played cupid to her brother and Michelle.

“What’s your name? How old are you?

Are you married? I want you for my brother!,” Ernie laughingly shared with us in an old interview during Gina’s wake.

These were the go-getting lines his sister dropped on Michelle when they first met at the hospital. Michelle was working then as a section manager at St. Luke’s Medical Center BGC’s Patient Experience Group.

Interestingly, by coincidence, Ernie and Michelle already met through common friends a couple of days before the hospital encounter.

Recalling one of the last conversations he had with his sister, Ernie said he presented Michelle as his girlfriend to then-ailing Gina and said, “Look, she is your gift to me.” All Gina could do was squeeze his and Michelle’s hands.

Aside from being a matchmaker, Gina was also instrumental in the couple’s relationship as she passed on the hosting duties of multi-awarded advocacy show G Diaries to Ernie. Michelle was later invited to join as a co-host. “Gina’s like that! To her dying breath, she still pours love out and puts people together,” Ernie recounted adoringly.

Watch out for the second part next week with lessons on love from Ernie and Michelle. For your random thoughts, send the author an email at kateadajar@gmail.com.

‘Flavors of love’ at Conrad Manila CONRAD Manila, the premier haven for smart luxury by Manila Bay, welcomes the Season of Romance this February with wellcurated ‘Flavors of Love’ epicurean feasts among its award-winning restaurants.

“We are elated to celebrate this Valentine’s with our patrons who look for new and romantic experiences to share with their loved ones,” said Linda Pecoraro, hotel general manager, adding, “our culi-

A Valentine’s spread from Conrad Manila’s Bru Coffee Bar

nary team led by our new Executive Chef Warren Brown has curated a myriad of gourmet indulgences that are sure to be a treat for the senses.”

China Blue by Jereme Leung indulges with a memorable Valentine’s feast specially curated by Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor. Patrons are swept off their feet over a luxuriously sensuous six-course set menu with premium highlights such as: Sauteed lobster with chili gravy sauce, Pan-fried beef tenderloin, and Crispy Hainanese chicken rice, among others. As an added treat, the special lady will receive a rose stem courtesy of China Blue by Jereme Leung. Price starts at P4,980 per person with Valentine’s Set Menu available from Feb. 12 to 14.

At Bru Coffee Bar, discover love at first bite with signature cakes and chocolates meant to be the ideal Valentine’s gift. Bring home favorites such as Strawberry Lychee Cake, Very Berry Tart, and Bru’s specially curated Valentine’s Hamper which includes a Smashable Chocolate Heart, Heart-shaped Macarons, a bottle of Cham-

China Blue by Jereme Leung

pagne, among other romantic surprises.

Brasserie on 3 invites lovebirds to celebrate romance this Valentine’s with an indulgent dinner feast. The Living Kitchen offers a rich ensemble of gastronomic creations while the couple is also treated to Welcome canapes, glass of champagne, rose stem for the lady, and Conrad Manila’s Signature Carey the Carabao plush doll. Prices start at P2,800 per person.

Couples are invited to journey into romance over breathtaking views of the Manila

Guests can enjoy an optimum state of well-being in Conrad Spa

Bay paired with a sinfully sweet and savory Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at C Lounge. Bite into an assortment of heart-melting melodies with prices starting at P1,850 for two persons and is available until Feb. 14.

Conrad Spa takes guests to discover a journey to an optimum state of well-being with a Valentine’s Wellness Retreat featuring Apricus Wellness treatments. The retreat begins with a Dead Sea salt scrub and Microbiome balancing full body collagen therapy followed by a Therapeutic

immunity boosting oil bath. Couples are then treated to a Transdermal microbiome targeted immune-boosting alginate therapy applied through the Touch therapy massage specially designed to invigorate mind and body. Price starts at P17,000.

For reservations and inquiries, please call +632 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@ conradhotels.com. To learn more about Conrad Manila’s promotions and offers follow us on Facebook (ConradManilaPH) and on Instagram (@conradmanila).

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New normal dawns as door to economic recovery fully opens

By Julito G. Rada

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HE door to economic recovery is now fully open following a stronger-than-expected gross domestic product expansion of 5.6 percent in 2021, a significant turnaround from the 9.6-percent contraction a year ago The COVID-19 pandemic virtually government was able to limit severe shut down all activities at the cases and deaths relative to the start of the pandemic two years total number of cases, because ago, resulting in the country’s of an accelerated vaccination worst economic performance program and improvements since World War 2. in the healthcare system.

But green shoots slowly With the shortened emerged as mobility interval for booster shots restrictions eased.

The and the expansion of the interagency Development vaccination program to Budget Coordinating children aged 5 to 11 years old Committee now expects starting February 2022, more the economy to grow even Economic Planning Secretary Filipinos can avail of these lifeKarl Kendrick Chua stronger by 7 percent to 9 saving doses. percent in 2022, and 6 percent When approvals are to 7 percent for 2023 to 2024. available, the government also aims to Economic managers composed of expand vaccination to those aged zero to four Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick years old. The government said all of these Chua, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez will enable the safe and full reopening of the III and Budget acting Secretary Tina Rose economy.

Marie Canda said in a joint statement the Government data showed that around strong 2021 performance showed the country 60.09 million people in the country as of was on the correct path to a resilient recovery. Jan. 26, 2022 were fully vaccinated against “The stage is now set for growth to the COVID-19 virus. Roughly 58.15 million accelerate in 2022... The door to our individuals are still waiting for their second economic recovery is now fully open,” they dose, while around 6.85 million already said. received their booster shots.

They cautioned Filipinos, though, to learn Vital reforms how to live with the virus under the new The Congress recently passed the normal. An expansion in the vaccination amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization program―to include children ages 5 to 11― Act and the Foreign Investments Act, as well would enable the safe and full reopening of as amendments to the Public Service Act the economy, allow more Filipinos to work before Congress. and earn a living, and restart all face-to-face “This landmark legislation will open up key learning. sectors, including telecommunications and “We are optimistic that we will not only transportation, to foreign investments subject recover to the pre-pandemic level in 2022 to the necessary safeguards. By doing this, [where the annual GDP averages over 6 it will create more meaningful employment percent], but achieve an upper middle- opportunities, enhance innovation, lower income country status. We will continue prices, and improve the quality of goods and to pursue structural reforms that will make services for all Filipinos,” Chua said. the country more resilient against future “Moreover, we strongly support the crises and solidify our growth prospects,” proposed livestock development and they said. competitiveness bill to help improve the Although COVID-19 risks increased efficiency and competitiveness of the whole at the beginning of the year due to the value chain for the livestock, poultry, and highly transmissible Omicron variant, the dairy sectors,” he said.

Bangko Sentral guiding PH toward pandemic departure “When these developments THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has warrant a scale-down of policy nurtured the economy throughout support as economic recovery the pandemic episode. It kept gains traction, the BSP will the borrowing cost low to ensure a smooth transition in support the economy recover winding down its time and from the impact of the state-bound measures,” he global health crisis and keep said. many businesses afloat.

He said the challenge lies It has remained prudent in in striking a delicate balance its monetary policies and is between providing adequate not ready soon to abandon its stimulus to the economy and stimulus measures and prepare preventing the build-up of for an exit strategy. For the nth BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno inflationary pressures and risks time, BSP Governor Benjamin to financial stability.

Diokno warns the onset of “Given the nascent economic recovery, new COVID-19 variants may threaten the the priority for the BSP is to ensure the sustained recovery of the economy.

“We would also like to emphasize that sustainability of the recovery and prevent the timing of the exit remains very much long-term scarring effects. At the same time, uncertain at this time. The threat of further during the recovery phase, fiscal policy COVID-19 infections continues to pose a would play a more crucial role, especially downside risk to both growth and inflation in as the BSP begins to unwind its various interventions,” he said. the coming months,” said Diokno.

The BSP in 2020 reduced the policy rate “Therefore, we deem it prudent to leave some room for flexibility in policymaking to by a total of 200 basis points to a record-low account for uncertainty and risk, especially 2 percent, and the reserve requirement ratios as the situation remains very fluid,” he said. by another 200 basis points to 12 percent Diokno said the timing and conditions in a bid to unleash more liquidity into the under which the BSP would start unwinding financial system to make individuals and its pandemic-induced interventions would firms productive.

The BSP extended provisional advances―a guided by the inflation and growth outlook over the medium term and the risks temporary arrangement between the BSP and the national government―to give surrounding such outlook.

Consistent with the BSP’s data-dependent the government access to ample cash approach to policymaking, he said the resources while revenue generation is monetary authorities will continue to monitor weakened and fulfillment of the borrowing the evolution of several domestic factors, as program is challenged by the scale and the well as emerging global developments and unpredictability of financial markets amid the pandemic. Julito G. Rada potential spillovers.

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Business sector pulls through, now on way to pre-virus level

By Othel V. Campos

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HE Philippines has overcome the uncertainty and many challenges posed byCOVID-19. And the Duterte government is ready deliver to the next administration an economy that is healing.

The Department of Trade and Industry said what the Philippines has gone through is not unique. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that country’s predicament is not unique to the Philippines, and just like any country in crisis, the government has been forced to make big decisions.

“The pandemic has required us to borrow more. These is one of the challenges now. But at least the income capacity, the income fundamentals of the country is there,” he said, adding the Philippines’ journey to recovery is on the right path now.

He noted a third of the current government’s term was spent battling the pandemic and preventing economic recession from spiraling further down.

And while the masks, constant hand washing, quarantine and vaccination were the norm in pandemic years, the burden of debt-servicing becomes part of the new normal.

Despite this, the DTI shares its optimism of a stable rebound of the economy in 2022 on hopes that business sectors will be back on track to prepandemic levels as the health crisis wanes.

“As the Omicron scare fades and COVID cases drop, the uncertainty in the business sector dissipates. Hopefully,

this will be the end of the Omicron and barring any new variant, we’re starting to see the end of the pandemic. And as we see new variants, we believe that these new variants like the Omicron will be milder,” said Lopez.

The resurgence of exports and foreign direct investments (FDI) are good indications that the economy is in the upswing. FDI has never been better, now back at record levels surpassing 2019 FDI by 23 percent, and averaging $8 billion to $9 billion a year from just $3.2 billion in years before 2016.

While exports brings in revenues, FDIs brings in jobs―a perfect combination to spur business activities and a sweet recipe for recovery, said Lopez.

“And with this we can expect that the economy will continue to reopen.

Definitely, it will be a full recovery for all,” said Lopez noting that the Philippines now ranks 4th in the ASEAN in terms of FDI growth from 6th.

Key to sustained growth, Lopez added, are the legislative measures and multilateral treaties that will support trade and investments in the long term.

Hot on the plate is the anticipated concurrence by the Senate to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which received pledges

of support from many business groups including business chambers and federations.

Lopez said the Philippines missed the first ride as fellow RCEP signatories―Australia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam –started to enforce the treaty in as early as January 1, 2022 .

“We are part of global value chain.

To delay ratification is to give the edge

to our competitor countries. They will enjoy lower tariffs. In fact they are gaining more opportunities in terms of market access and investments in their sectors, as we speak. We should not be inward-looking,” he said.

He cited the erosion of market shares in major exports like pineapples, bananas, canned tuna and fish products, coconut, cacao, garments and electronics.

“Opportunities for our professional service exports such as engineers and

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez

architects will not be maximized. We will lose the gains we had. Investors would rather go to those countries with more market access. This will be the effect of an inward-looking policy,” Lopez said.

Ready for pandemic exit THE Philippines, like the rest of the world, will exit from the current pandemic nature of COVID-19 to an endemic stage, where the virus becomes a regular fixture in a particular region or area, and one that will not go away.

The government this early is drawing up an exit strategy from the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraged by declining daily COVID-19 cases, an increasing vaccination rate across the Philippines and the milder effect of the Omicron strain on infected persons, especially those who have been inoculated.

The exit plan means lifting the many restrictions imposed by the government to contain the virus infection. Denmark early this week announced it was scrapping most of

its pandemic restrictions, including the mandatory wearing of face masks. The European nation has declared that COVID-19 is no longer “a socially critical disease.” Denmark went ahead with the decision after fully vaccinating over 80 percent of its population and administering boosters shots to more than 60 percent of its people. As in the Philippines, Denmark’s health care system was not overwhelmed despite the increase in Omicron cases.

France is following in the footsteps of Denmark. Face masks in France are no longer mandatory outdoors, while working from home is now just a recommendation.

The Philippines may follow a similar track, but keeping the alert level system here may be the prudent option. The Philippines

still lags in the vaccination rollout, especially in the countryside, compared with the advanced countries. Downgrading the COVID-19 situation to Alert Level 1, instead of doing away with the system, will keep Filipinos on their toes.

The World Health Organization has warned that it is too early for some nations to declare victory over COVID-19. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged “all countries to protect their populations using all available tools, not just vaccines.”

The Philippines will eventually overcome COVID-19 and fully reopen the economy in the very near future. Keeping some of the restrictions in the meantime, like the wearing of face masks, will make sure that the virus is effectively contained.

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By Jenniffer B. Austria

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EMAND for office space is expected to remain robust this year, even as the workfrom-home setup will likely persist under the new normal, according to property consultants.

Leechiu Property Consultants and Colliers International Philippines said while many companies were struggling to get their workers back to the office amid the lingering pandemic, they have an optimistic outlook for the office sector which showed resilience in the past year.

New tenants are expected to come in, while existing ones are expected to renew leasing contracts despite the scare caused by the Omicron variant in the early part of January 2022.

“Omicron has affected only office expansion timelines, but not the business confidence of IT-business process management firms and other companies in the country,” said LPC director for commercial leasing Mikko Barranda.

New contracts Barranda said some 224,000 square meters of office space deals were expected to be finalized in the first half of 2022.

“Office contractions remain at their lowest. We are seeing tenants renew leases in anticipation of recovery,” Barranda said.

The easing of quarantine restrictions and increased mobility also favor the gradual return of workers to offices.

Meanwhile, LPC said the work disruption in the Visayas left by Typhoon Odette in December 2021 emphasized the importance of fully-equipped workplaces.

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Demand for office space expected to remain robust

“Massive power outages left scores of employees working from home unable to function. Thus, IT-BPMs and other firms in Cebu scrambled for the few fitted office spaces available to keep operating.

Although many firms will continue to adopt a hybrid set-up allowing some to work from home, majority still recognize that workplaces in business districts offer redundancy,” said Barranda.

About 540,000 square meters of of-

fice space were vacated in 2021, not only because of the pandemic but also because of the exodus of offshore gaming companies from the Philippines following China’s clampdown and imposition of higher taxes on the industry.

Of the 540,000 sq. m. of office space left empty that year, 51 percent or 277,000 sq. m. came from Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs. The office sector rebounded since

then, with total office demand hitting 540,000 sq. m in 2021.

Back to office Colliers International said while the long-awaited back-to-office plans of many companies were delayed because of the Omicron variant, office landlords should find ways during this downtime to prepare their properties for the eventual and inevitable return to work and improve the marketability of their vacant spaces.

For instance, Colliers said office landlords should introduce new technologies to minimize the spread of viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms in the workplace.

Among these are touch-less access in ingress/egress points, restrooms, elevators and common area, handsfree door unlock mechanisms, virtual guest passes and automatic door openers.

Innovations Other technological innovations that landlords can implement, according to Colliers, are disinfection and sanitation equipment at the entry to the property; upgrading air-conditioning systems and introducing filtered fresh air into the building; treating surfaces with antiviral coating to prevent transmission from high-touch surfaces; and the use of negative air ionization systems to suppress airborne viruses and microbes.

Landlords should also consider assisting occupiers to implement adjustments on design and fit-outs to accommodate new social distancing norms and health features.

“The Omicron variant should not hinder the property market’s recovery and the much-anticipated rebound of the Philippines’ office market. While the country battles COVID-19 surge and new restrictions are imposed, landlords must now take action to prepare their properties for the eventual and inevitable return to work,” said Maricris Sarino-Joson, director of office services at Colliers.

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Growing economy puts pressure on on power supply as the government starts to transition its COVID-19 management approach from pandemic to endemic.

HE power sector is “The reopening of borders and easing of revving for increased restrictions should translate into increased demand as the country economic activities, particularly in NCR,” adjusts to the new normal and Consunji said.

Renewables allows more businesses to Gatchalian said renewable energy is a growth reopen. sector for the sector. “I really see that the future of the world is RE, so you As the economy recovers need to make it conducive for from the pandemic, demand RE. But if you look at the RE for power from residential, share [to the generation mix], industrial and commercial it went down especially new customers begins to rise, and variable RE, wind and sowhich may lead to a tight lar. So we have to make the supply in the dry months environment for RE conduthis year. cive, including hydro,” he said.

“Sadly, this is a perennial RE developers are also opproblem of the power sector. timistic, but the road towards Last year, this also happened,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, clean energy remains fraught Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate with challenges. chairman of the Senate comcommittee on energy “The transition to renewable mittee on energy, told Manila energy will continue to gain Standard. momentum, as more of the country’s power “For the short term, I would advise DOE companies will shift away from fossil fuel [Department of Energy] to treat this as a developments towards RE,” Solar Philipcrisis already,” Gatchalian said, citing data pines founder Lean Leviste said. from grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Salvador Antonio Castro Jr., president and Philippines which warned about four weeks chief executive of CleanTech Global Renewof yellow and red alerts by April and May. ables Inc. said the road to energy security “We are talking about four weeks, so in other words, they have to call for an emer- “will be a long and challenging road.”

“We need a clear policy and new market gency meeting of the owners of the plant and mechanisms to entice the investors to invest let them commit. First of all, commit that in long-term energy and infrastructure projthey will not shut down any plant because ects,” Castro said. the forced outages. NGCP loses an average He said while the Green Energy Auction of about 2,000 megawatts in the grid due to Program is a start, developers are waiting for forced outages,” said Gatchalian. the auction mechanism so that they can preTight supply pare bids and be part of the solution to the Aboitiz Power Corp. president Emmanuel energy shortage.

Rubio said that based on projections, the Triconti Windkraft Group director Theo Sutightening of demand and supply would connico said recent policy and regulatory steps altinue this year as the economy recovers and lowed the RE sector to be more optimistic. the country’s natural gas supply is depleted.

“I believe that all these global and local “We also expect that supply will even be industry developments bolstered by a suctighter next year, as we anticipate that new cessful roll-out and implementation of the capacities will come by late 2025 or early GEAP and the Renewable Portfolio Stan2026. We are looking forward to the sigdards targets will provide the momentum that nificant capacity from GNPower Dinginin, will help us hit our RE targets by end of the which is 1,336 MW. It will play a crucial role 2020s,” said Sunico. in addressing the thin reserves and meeting Net zero critical market needs,” Rubio said.

Capellan said the Philippines should raise Tetchi Capellan of the Philippine Solar its clean energy ambition and act more to Power Alliance said energy consumption is exachieve the net zero emission future in 2040. pected to normalize as the economy rebounds.

“We have to find a solution allowing great“Our current supply to support the ecoer penetration of RE without compromising nomic growth tells us we need to build more power plants. This will be one of the drivers grid stability,” Capellan said.

“There is certainty that the policy regime that will propel the growth of the industry,” in the next generation will provide incentives Capellan said. that allows private sector to innovate and creSemirara Mining and Power Corp. chairate solutions that will ensure a net zero emisman Isidro Consunji said electricity demand sion future,” she said. should breach pre-pandemic levels this year,

By Alena Mae S. Flores

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3 TIPID TIPS FROM

Home Credit’s Online Madness Sale AFTER celebrating both the Traditional New Year and Chinese New Year in January, you’ve probably used all the feng shui and lucky charms out there to make sure that your entire year will be filled with good luck and prosperity.

In addition to these items and pieces that we have gotten used to, good fortune really starts with good tipid habits especially when it comes to your big-ticket home appliance purchases. If you want to keep the money flowing into your pockets, you need to be wiser with the way you spend it.

Even though the first month of 2022 has already passed, you still have 11 months left in the calendar to get up to speed with some money saving hacks. Do not fret because the country’s leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) company and digital consumer finance service provider, Home Credit, is here to give you some tips. With their Online Madness Sale, score huge discounts and enjoy exclusive promos so you can save from your home appliance and electronic purchases this year.

Want to know how? Let us show you.

1. GET THE BEST DEALS. Join the Online Madness Sale using the My Home Credit App’s Marketplace which lets you compare prices and specs for any item you wish to purchase. With this feature, you can choose the perfect deal that works for you and your budget.

2. INVEST IN DURABLE COMMODITIES. Why purchase a cheap item that won’t even last a year if you can save more when you invest on a product that will last longer? No need to buy new items year in and, year out because Online Madness Sale’s low monthly installments will let you have your much needed (and wanted) home appliance or electronic gadget affordably.

Sulit na sulit ang deals with its affordable price and trusted durability!

Looser restrictions powered 7.7% growth in fourth quarter 3. SAVE MORE WITH DISCOUNTS. Nothing makes you feel luckier than bagging exclusive discounts from you purchases and with Online Madness Sale, everyone will be enjoying discounts of up to 50% off from a wide selection of discounted items such as electronic devices, gadgets, home appliances, sporting equipment and many more!

Shower your 2022 with effective tipid habits and join Home Credit’s Online Madness Sale happening from February 1 to 28, 2022. Sit tight, shop safely at your home, and have your loans pre-approved in the My Home Credit App. Exclusive promos are up for grabs so keep your online or in-store shopping carts ready to take home the best items out there. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB – 134688 Series of 2022.

Visit www.homecredit.ph or Home Credit’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tiktok for the complete mechanics.

THE relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in 2021 allowed the economy to breathe freely and regained its strength. The gross domestic product expanded 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter to bring the full-year growth to 5.6 percent. The expansion was a complete reversal from a 9.6-percent contraction in 2020, when the pandemic virtually shut down the entire economy.

Economic managers credited the government’s recalibrated strategies in the fourth quarter in containing COVID-19 for the economic turnaround. From a widespread containment, or the enhanced community quarantine, the government resorted to an alert level system that featured neighborhood or granular lockdowns. The recalibrated response enabled the economy to reopen, and allowed more Filipinos to work and earn their income.

Regional lockdowns in the past failed to curb the infection rate. The economy shrank, as many business establishments were either forced to shutter their operations completely, or operate on a skeleton force due to mobility restrictions. The

ranks of the unemployed rose as a result.

The looser restrictions in the fourth quarter, however, reopened the economy as more Filipinos trooped to the malls, fastfood and other dining establishments―and traveled to the provinces. The unemployment rate in November consequently declined to 6.5 percent, the lowest since the start of the pandemic, translating into a net employment creation of 2.9 million.

Much of the economy’s recovery, though, will depend on the vaccination program. A healthier population with vaccine protection will spur the economy to grow faster. The expansion of the inoculation plan to include children ages 5 to 11 will lead to the safe and full reopening of the economy and, as economic managers believe, allow more Filipinos to work and earn a living, and restart all face-to-face learning.

The economy is still facing many challenges before it can reach the pre-pandemic growth levels. But relaxing mobility restrictions further along with a stepped-up vaccination program to keep COVID-19 at bay can hasten the recovery process.

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SMC BESS (29.75 x 54 cm).indd 1

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Telcos spend billions to meet data demand

By Darwin G. Amojelar

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ELECOMMUNICATION companies and broadband providers are spending billions to beef up their networks to meet the explosive growth in demand for data, as more Filipinos now rely on digital technologies in the new normal.

TURNING PORTS INTO TURNING POINTS These are trying times, but we are resilient, responsive.

Despite the many challenges in this unprecedented time, we continue to quickly and safely deliver basic goods, food, medicine and supplies.

With tireless, selfless men and women at the forefront, we are able to deliver essentials needed by societies and economies to heal and recover.

WE ARE STRONGER THAN EVER

CORPORATE OFFICE ICTSI Administration Bldg., Manila International Container Terminal MICT South Access Road, Port of Manila 1012 Manila, Philippines +632 8 245 4101 info@ictsi.com www.ictsi.com

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“Nearly two years into this pandemic, more activities continue to shift online.

This requires us to be unrelenting with our network initiatives despite pandemic restrictions and natural disasters,” said PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio.

“Our network has, in turn, enabled more Filipinos to access the internet to stay connected to their families, keep their livelihoods and businesses, engage in online learning and participate in ecommerce,” Panlilion said.

Over the past five years, PLDT’s capital expenditures reached P260 billion.

In 2021, the company budgeted between P88 billion and P92 billion for capex to build the most extensive digital infrastructure in the country.

Digital lifestyle Meanwhile, Darius Delgado, Globe Telecom head of consumer mobile business, foresees rapid digitization to continue beyond the pandemic. He said Globe’s efforts to bring first-world connectivity to more Filipinos would further enrich their digital lifestyle.

Globe’s network upgrades to 4G LTE coupled with efforts to expand 5G in the country are helping drive the adoption of mobile data by giving internet access to more people.

“We are at the cusp of a revolution that will build a more connected nation, creating substantial economic value while improving the quality of life across de-

mographics,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.

“Advanced connectivity is the great equalizer, and we are proud to bring 4G and 5G technologies within reach of every Filipino,” Cu said.

Ready for 2022 Converge ICT Solutions Inc. said it is ready with the new normal lifestyle and is looking forward to ease the Filipinos’ online experience and navigate through day-to-day tasks digitally with its seamless, fast, and reliable pure fiber technology in 2022.

“The goal of all our roll-out of initiatives in 2021 was to bring a better experience to Filipinos in underserved and unserved areas―and increasing our consistency every quarter in 2021 is a testament to our dedication to our subscribers,” said Converge chief operating officer Jesus Romero.

“Converge stays committed to serving its customers especially during the height of the pandemic. We are ready to face 2022 with improved services to connect our kababayans across all islands,” he said.

Citing Ookla report, Converge said it is the most consistent fixed internet provider in five regions for the fourth quarter of 2021.

In Metro Manila, Converge’s consistency score stood at 82.6 percent; Central Luzon, 81.45 percent; Calabarzon, 82.99 percent; Ilocos Region, 80.36 percent and Cagayan Valley, 85.59 percent.

MPIC’s #BayanSulongNa M

Anticipates Hopeful 2022 for PH

ETRO Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the country’s leading infrastructure investment company, welcomed the new year by launching its new corporate anthem entitled “Bayan Sulong Na”. It is a rallying call for the entire country to face the coming years with hope and affirmation that no matter the circumstances, there is strength in facing it together.

“The resilience of Filipinos has always been unmatched. Our ability to get back on our feet after the unimaginable is something we are truly known for,” said MPIC President & CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“However, our message moving forward goes beyond recovery and focuses on rebuilding and resurgence.”

An Anthem of Hope “Bayan Sulong Na” brings in 2022 with a strengthened sense of hope. The song encapsulates MPIC’s roles and responsibilities as a partner in nation-building, as well as its hopes and aspirations for all Filipinos—to face the coming years with the belief that they have someone to count on.

“Prior to the challenges posed by the past couple of years, we at MPIC have always been committed to becoming reliable partners in development,

for both the country and its people,” said MPIC VP for PR & Corporate Communications Melody del Rosario. “As we move forward this 2022, we introduced this anthem to solidify our dedication to the progress and change we envision for us all.”

The song accompanied MPIC’s 2022 Corporate AVP, depicting how MPIC’s various business units in power, water, tollroads, light rail, and hospitals, alongside its corporate social responsibility initiatives, have continued to provide service, aid, and assistance, to communities all around the country.

Featuring some of MPIC’s top executives, as well as a call to

action from President Pangilinan, it also signifies the coming together of all its employees towards a shared goal. A video competition between the employees of MPIC’s subsidiaries also accumulated video snippets that were featured in the final material.

“We are moving forward together towards a better and brighter future, and this anthem

is a beautiful symbol for that,’” said MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla. “It is about how we at MPIC can meaningfully contribute to national progress and uplift the lives of Filipinos through the essential services we deliver.

Through this song, we enjoin everyone to find hope in what’s to come and to face it with an open

mind and an open heart.”

PhilPop 2020 Songwriting Festival Grand Finalist and Viva Records Artist and Talent Development Manager Roovee Michelle “Chochay” Magno, penned the lyrics for Bayan Sulong Na. The songwriter and television music producer has written songs for Tawag ng Tanghalan Champions Janine Berdin, the TNT Boys, and Eumee, and her works were featured by several brands, television channels, and advertisements—including the 2020 Grand Coronation Night of Binibining Pilipinas.

Arranged by Mr. Dominic Benedicto, produced by Garahe Film Productions, and performed by MPIC Executives and Employees, as trained by vocal coach Ms. Jeanne VelascoVicars, “Bayan Sulong Na” aims to become a bearer of light for the future.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

By Vito Barcelo, Willie Casas and Joyce Pañares

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FTER nearly two years of varying degrees of lockdown, the country is now preparing for a transition to a “new normal”—a possible shift from a pandemic to an endemic approach to COVID-19.

Acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the government is currently formulating the Phase 5 of the National Action Plan that will cover shifts in protocols and policies on how to live with the novel coronavirus.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said part of Phase 5 is to institutionalize the alert leveling system “so that anytime the situation calls for it, we can readily calibrate the equivalent response for every level of this alert leveling station.”

NAP Phase 4, according to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, focused on balancing health protocols and the need to keep the economy afloat.

Phase 5, Edillon said, seeks to empower Filipinos on how to interpret COVID-19 information and guide them on how to act accordingly to “bring back a sense of new normal, to actually shift toward a new normal.”

Elsewhere in the world, several countries have already made inroads toward a pandemic exit plan.

In Europe, the World Health Organization has expressed optimism the region is moving into a new “endgame” phase. Denmark has bid face masks and health passes goodbye,

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NAP Phase 5: Transition to endemic approach begins BUSINESS RECOVERY.

Delivery workers pull carts loaded with goods along a street a popular shopping center in Manila on as the country relaxed its COVID-19 rules. AFP

becoming the first EU country to lift all domestic restrictions. France has removed the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors while Switzerland said it is planning to lift all COVID curbs by mid-February.

In Asia, Thailand has resumed its quarantine-free travel scheme this month, with full-vaccinated travelers

allowed to enter the kingdom under a “test and go” scheme.

Ahead of the NAP Phase 5 rollout, the Duterte administration already suspended its COVID-19 risk classification for inbound travelers, allowing all fully-vaccinated returning Filipinos and even foreigners traveling for business and leisure to enter without

need to undergo facility-based quarantine starting February 10.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, an endemic state is when cases of a disease are “stable,” “constant,” or “predictable,” but it does not necessarily equate to a milder form of the disease.

“There is that equilibrium between

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the level of transmission and the level of immunity of an area. With the NAP Phase 5, we are now transitioning. We are preparing our system so that when the time comes that we’re at an endemic state, we will be able to cope and we are resilient and we are prepared,” Vergeire said.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

NEW NORMAL FOCUS FOR PH’S NEXT POST-PANDEMIC LEADER

OF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC OF THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLICREPUBLIC OF THE OF REPRESENTATIVES HOUSE OFHOUSE REPRESENTATIVES HOUSEQUEZON OF REPRESENTATIVES QUEZON CITY CITY

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Presidential bets lay down recovery plans, programs

By Rey Requejo, Joel Zurbano and Rio Araja

• Our battle against COVID-19 will be for the long haul. We are fully committed to ensuring that all Filipinos get the best possible care in this pandemic.

• We must prepare ourselves for that recovery, we have to create jobs. That’s the first and most critical element in all of these. We need to create jobs for Filipinos OURwarmest warmestcongratulations congratulations totoThe TheManila Standard as it Our • Our workers keep the economy moving. They are the Our warmest congratulations tocelebrates The Manila Standard as it backbone of every society. It is only right therefore that Manila Standard as it its 35th celebrates its 35th anniversary of reliable service to the we give them the proper respect by taking care of their celebrates anniversary its 35th anniversary of reliable service to the of reliable service to the public! welfare, pandemic or not. public! public!

• We are planning and thinking about how to raise the For three decades and a half, The Manila Philippine economy, how to continue what President Standard has beenanda a responsible and Standard Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Rodrigo Duterte did—‘Build Build Build’—and how do we For three decades half, The Manila has been Federal build upon it and make it more extensive in conformation to For three decades andmedia a half,institution, The Manila Standard has beenPartido dependable persevering ng Pilipinas a larger plan of economic development. a responsible and dependable media institution, persevering even the face ofmedia an unprecedented a responsible andindependable institution, persevering • Let’s prepare for tourism because first of all, the even in the face of an unprecedented global Philippines pandemic that is really beautiful, we will only put a little. Just put a good road, just clean up a global pandemic that has disrupted the even in thehas face of an unprecedented global bit, that you already have a tourist destination. disrupted the modern world.

Wepandemic value your critical role

A MESSAGE FROM THE SPEAKER

modern world. Weworld. value your criticalyour role critical role has disrupted the modern We value in providing fair and objective news to our citizens in a in providing fair and objective news to ourcitizens in providing fair and objective news to our inhas aif become • Even the cases have gone down, let us not be complacent. To manner is succinct, readable, and lively that citizens inthat a manner that is succinct, readable, continue on manner that is succinct, readable, and lively that has become our path to freedom from COVID-19, we need a the hallmark of your newspaper. clear, comprehensive, strategic, and liberating response. This and lively that has become the hallmark of e hallmark of your newspaper. is our Kalayaan sa COVID Plan.

your newspaper.

• Many MSMEs were forced to close or let go of We thejournalists, journalists, staff, and the corps wholeofcorps of professionals who have employees because of the pandemic, so they need access Wecommend commend the staff, and the whole professionals to financing through e commend journalists, theimmense whole corps professionals who haveMay thea government-assistance program. contributed towardsstaff, the and immense success andofand stability paper. whothe have contributed towards the success stabilityofofthis Our proposal is for a P100-billion stimulus package for affected MSMEs. ntributedindependent towards the immense success and stability of this paper.

May the of The Manila Standard continue to be heard and this paper. Mayand theresponsible independent voice and responsible voice of The Manila • We will use the strength of the executive to ensure dependent andand responsible of The Manila Standard continue to be heard Standard continue tovoice befor heard and more read, and reverberate for many more read, reverberate many years to come. thatand each frontliner would be justly compensated. Hospitals would have enough equipment like ventilators, beds so that years to come. ad, and reverberate for many more years to come. those who are sick do not have to queue.

• We should push for more private-public partnerships because we have seen the amount of good that collaboration with the private sector can produce.

Leni Robredo Independent

Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco

LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

• I commit to offer a ‘Future-proof Strategy’ in the New Normal —one that can stand firm against the many challenges in the coming years and grab the emerging opportunities we have at hand. We need to move forward and fast, otherwise, we will drown in this state of misery.

• Our approach to this health crisis must be proactive, not reactive, based only on science and driven by accurate data and not by ‘pandemic politics’ and never motivated by malevolent and unconscionable opportunism to make money out of the people’s difficulty.

• My economic roadmap will prioritize the expansion of opportunities for our local farmers and fisherfolk to make sure that no one is left behind.

Ping Lacson • We will provide a social safety net especially for those Reporma who are pushed to the brink. We must bolster and reinvent our Conditional Cash Transfer or the 4P’s program with the overarching principle that every Filipino should bridge the poverty line with a sustainable livelihood or employment opportunities.

Pediatric vax will hasten in-person class resumption THE government move to expand the vaccination program to the younger population is one step toward the resumption of physical classes as the pandemic has disrupted the education of Filipino learners with school closures and hybrid or purely online setups.

National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. assured parents that reformulated vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years old are safe and effective, just like the jabs for other age groups.

“I believe and we are very confident that the national vaccination program of the government is very strong and really protecting the family and the children and we follow the process,” Galvez said.

The government began the pilot rollout of the vaccination program for kids aged 5 to 11 on February 7.

“It is very important that we vaccinate children so that they can go around and go to schools,” he added.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country can now look forward to more schools conducting face-to-face classes.

“Because of this, finally, we can open up a big part of our basic education sector. We will now have face-to-face classes that we were not able to do for two years when it was suspended, so now it will be safer,” Duque said.

From an initial plan of six venues, 38 vaccination sites in Metro Manila, five hospitals in Central Luzon, three in Calabarzon, and one in Cotabato City

simultaneously started administering the lower doses of the Pfizer vaccines.

The vaccine contains 10 micrograms in a 0.2 milliliter (mL) dose, lower compared to the 30 micrograms for a 0.3 mL dose received by the 12 to 17 group.

There have been no major adverse events recorded after inoculating children aged 12 to 17.

The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) has expressed its support to the expansion of the vaccination drive as the “COVID-19 disease directly affects children and may lead to serious consequences.”

In a joint statement released, PPS and PIDSP noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has indirect effects on children, such as worsening mental health, widening education gaps, decreased physical activity, increased body mass index, decreased routine immunizations, and increased Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Professionals, doctors and nurses, to organizations, like the Philippine Pediatric Society,” he said.

“This is a most welcome development to keep our children in a state of health and free the spirit that defines what it is to be a child,” PPS president Dr. Joselyn Eusebio said.

“The coronavirus cannot be overcome by the armor of health and safety protocols alone. The body must be strengthened from within by giving it a vaccine,” she added.

The government targets to vaccinate at least 15.56 million in the 5-11 age bracket.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue Presidential bets...

From E1 • I’ll focus on life and livelihood. We can learn to live with COVID-19 and go back to work safely.

• Food security is the number one threat to national security. With regard to rice, we will buy and guarantee our farmers that they will not be on the losing end.

• I will continue the Build, Build, Build of President Duterte, but build more schools, build more hospitals, build more housing, because these will generate jobs, stimulate our economy and create opportunities to business and to the people.

• With the hardships of life in our country and the impact of this pandemic on our economy, we need to generate more FDIs (foreign direct investments), more jobs, more sources of income. You cannot keep on taxing our people so that we can run the government. We need to earn [in mining], but we can also be responsible with our environment.

• We should give health workers competitive salaries. A P50,000 per month minimum wage for health workers is still very low if we compare it with the salaries offered by other countries, but it might be enough to convince some of them not to leave their families behind.

• My economic team – composed of respected and competent people—will implement a sound and viable economic development program that will truly address the poverty issue by creating more employment opportunities.

• The more we impose taxes, the heavier it is for the people. That’s a heavy burden for our countrymen. You’re choking the people because of so many taxes—prices go up because of taxes.

Manny Pacquiao • We will strengthen the Presidential Commission on Good PROMDI Government and the money that belongs to the government should be given to the government. The reason why our country is poor is because of thieves in government and that is why we need to eradicate corruption.

• A 20 percent wealth tax should be passed in Congress, but if Congress does not do so, we will employ the People’s Initiative approach to influence the approval of the law to impose a wealth tax on all of the richest Filipinos, and that is where we will get our money for economic recovery.

• We will re-orient our economic system. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the businessmen, we will prioritize the welfare of the people through employment and competency.

• Let us pursue the development of our tourism sector because it is one of our potential. In the character of our country, it could be our potential for economic recovery.

• We must also prioritize our agriculture and industry. We Leody de Guzman must not rely on importing all our needs all the time. We PLM need to produce our own.

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Key legislative measures sent for Rody’s approval

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Aranteta

Isko Moreno Aksyon

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ONGRESS has adjourned days before the Feb. 8 start of the campaign period for this year’s elections. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate will return briefly from May 23 to June 3 to convene as the National Board of Canvassers to proclaim the incoming president and vice president.

Both chambers, however, ratified several measures that have already been transmitted to Malacañang for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte.

• Amendments to the Public Service Act. This seeks to lift foreign investment restrictions on all sectors except the transmission and distribution of electricity, water pipeline and sewerage, seaports, petroleum pipeline, and public utility vehicles. The measure will amend the nearly century-old Commonwealth Act 146 and redefines public utilities that remain sealed off to foreign investments.

“By fostering a business-friendly environment and a level playing field that welcomes all players, we can promote more innovation, create more and better jobs, and accelerate our growth,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said.

“We expect an increase in FDIs (foreign direct investments) by around P299 billion over the next five years from the final version of the sectors that will be opened up as a result of the PSA amendments. We also expect gross value added (GVA) growth in these areas to cause a GDP growth rate that is 0.47 percentage points higher than the baseline,” said Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, House Ways and Means Committee chairperson.

• SIM Card Registration Act, which will require all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to register mobile phone Subscriber Identity Module cards as a prerequisite to their sale and activation. The measure also provides that all social media networks should require the real name and phone number of users upon the creation of their accounts. All existing SIM card subscribers with active services must register within 180 days from the effectivity of the proposed law.

• HB 10701 and SB 2421, granting mandatory continuing benefits to health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and other future public health emergencies. Under the measure, all health workers shall receive a special risk allowance (SRA) for every month of service during the state of public health emergency. The amount shall be based on the risk exposure categorization as follows: those deployed in “low risk areas” shall receive at least P3,000; those deployed in “medium risk areas” shall be given at least P6,000; and those deployed in “high risk areas” shall be given at least P9,000.

Full Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) coverage shall also be granted to health workers who are admitted to a hospital with confirmed COVID-19 infection, and such other disease which is the subject of a public health emergency declaration.

“This will ensure that there is always enough funding for healthcare worker benefits in recognition of the sacrifices that these medical frontliners have been doing, and will do in the future, to save lives in public health emergencies,” said one of the bill’s authors, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte.

• HB 3255 and SB 1241, establishing Timbangan ng Bayan Centers in all markets nationwide • HB 9458 and SB 643, granting night shift differential pay to government employees • HB 10698 and SB 2124, strengthening the Sangguniang Kabataan • HB 10658 and SB 2449, strengthening the policies on anti-trafficking in persons • HB 8818 and SB 2365, strengthening the regulatory framework for the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) According to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the Upper Chamber has done its part in moving priority measures that would help pave the way for the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have already passed all the requested economic bills of the administration,” Zurbiri said, adding that these measures will help shore in more foreign direct investments which will mean more jobs and a higher recovery rate for the economy.

“The ball is in the court [of the executive] and as far as we are concerned in the Senate, we have done our job already even before the campaign period has started. Nothing else is pending in our priority list for economic measures which we all passed,” Zubiri said.

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HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units to ensure that the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of traditional “sabong” (cockfighting) in areas under Alert Level 2 or lower would not be super spreader events of COVID-19 and its highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Governors, mayors, and village chiefs must exercise sound judgment, undertake necessary actions, and

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Ensure ‘sabong’ complies with health rules—DILG

ensure compliance with health and safety protocols in the management of cockpits and cockfighting activities, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

“Even if we are already under Level 2 or 1, there should be discipline and alertness in cockfighting operations.

It is not yet time to be complacent as the Omicron threat is still high,” Año said.

DILG Memorandum Circular 2022- Level 2 or lower, provided there is no 003 allows the operations of cockpits objection from the concerned LGU and and traditional cockfighting under Alert health protocols are strictly observed.

The maximum venue capacity for indoor gatherings is 50 percent – all fully vaccinated – as ordered by the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases.

Workers and employees of the establishments should also be fully vaccinated.

Only technology-based platforms and cashless betting are allowed to prevent the physical exchange of cash anywhere in the cockpit.

Minimum public health standards include proper wearing of masks, strict

enforcement of “no mask, no entry” policy, physical distancing of at least one meter, and availability of alcohol/ hand sanitizer/disinfecting materials for hand hygiene of patrons, employees, and visitors.

“We are not yet out of the woods and we do not encourage mass gatherings, which could be super spreader events.

Make sure you exercise extra caution before entering a cockpit or participating in cockfighting activities,” Año said.

Local police officers shall assist in the monitoring and inspection of cockpit arenas.

He warned that failure to comply with the guidelines would result in the automatic closure of the cockpits while concerned officials and employees would be dealt with under the law.

NAP...

From E1 According to vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., a more intensified COVID-19 vaccination program is crucial to the country’s smooth transition from a pandemic to an endemic approach.

“We cannot have a safe transition from pandemic to endemic if not everyone is vaccinated,” said Galvez, who is also the chief of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.

“Vaccination is the game changer,” Duque added.

Presidential adviser for COVID-19 response Vince Dizon said the country will likely begin with the transition this month.

“I think we will begin with the transition this February. We just need to bring down the cases to the levels that we had in late last year, below 1,000 cases per day, then we can begin the process of transitioning from a pandemic framework to a more endemic framework,” Dizon said.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the private sector will also be coming up with an “exit plan” from the pandemic.

Economic managers have warned the economy will lose at least P3 billion a week in productivity contributions when there is a shift to a more restrictive Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, such as what happened last month when cases surged, likely due to the Omicron variant.

“The idea is to reach a point wherein there are no more alert levels. I think we will eventually get there. I think by March, sometime that period, or maybe April, we will be ready to move out from alert levels,” Concepcion said.

“We have to revive these sectors that have been closed for the past 22 months,” he added.

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UTUAN City has been named one of the 15 winning cities in the 2021-2022 Global Mayors Challenge, a worldwide innovation competition that supports and spreads cities’ most promising ideas.

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the winners on July 18, as Butuan joined Amman (Jordan), Bogota (Colombia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Hermosillo (Mexico), Istanbul (Turkey), Kigali (Rwanda), Kumasi (Ghana), Paterson (USA), Phoenix (USA), Rochester MN (USA), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Rourkela (India), Vilnius (Lithuania), and Wellington (New Zealand) in the winners’ circle.

These 15 winners are being recognized for designing the boldest and most ambitious urban innovations to emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The winning ideas address one or more of four current issue areas in cities including economic recovery and inclusive growth; health and wellbeing; climate and environment; and gender and equality.

Butuan City’s AgriBoost [agriboost.ph] is also awarded one million dollars (about P51.2 million) in addition to technical support and coaching over three years.

The goal of AgriBoost is to ensure that the city’s residents have enough healthy and affordable food while farmers and suppliers receive good prices for their produce.

Butuan’s Mayor Ronnie Vicente “RCL” C. Lagnada said of the award: “Butuan is deeply honored, inspired and excited about this great recognition by Bloomberg Philanthropies of AgriBoost as a breakthrough innovative response to the challenges of the pandemic. We are excited about moving the project forward with the inspiring and able support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.”

“AgriBoost will enable a more secure livelihood for the disadvantaged farmers and other value chain players by improving the system of backward and forward linkages of resource and market accessibility of our agri-sector. This looks forward to a stronger food security and self-sufficiency for the people of Butuan. AgriBoost will also jumpstart smart agriculture in the city.

Onwards to building a ‘lagsik nga dakbay-

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Butuan, AgriBoost win $1m in Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge AgriBoost is just one of the initiatives which contribute to Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada’s overall vision for Butuan to emerge as a vibrant and sustainable city centered on its people.

an’ (vibrant city) that is built on sustainable food systems!”

AgriBoost, when fully implemented, will have long-lasting impact on the wellbeing of the city residents. The 21,651 under-invested poor households stand to be the biggest winner in this innovation.

They would have better access to more affordable quality vegetables. They would also have a renewed attitude towards vegetable and nutrition because of improved consumer touch points.

Likewise, the 57,320 urban households would also experience increase in their purchasing power with more affordable quality vegetables. The vendors would have greater peace of mind with the worry-free and risk-free sourcing of vegetable supply that paves the way to increased income.

The farmers would have increased income from increased production yield

Butuan is an emerging city of 372,000 people in an 81,000-hectare land area, half of which is allocated for agri-production. AgriBoost is an agri-ecosystem innovation which aims to resolve the imbalances in the system and make Butuan a thriving agriculture with food sufficiency and security.

Leveraging on predictive data, AgriBoost will help farmers receive increased income from increased production yield with their much-improved farming production practices and newly acquired skill sets in farming and financial management.

with their much-improved farming production practices and newly acquired skill sets in farming and financial management.

The community at large, especially the young, would have discovered and experi-

The goal of AgriBoost is to ensure that the city’s residents have enough healthy and affordable food while farmers and suppliers receive good prices for their produce.

enced new celebrated culinary applications of their local vegetables and would have recaptured their self-sufficiency culture.

“As the world works to address the profound public health and economic effects of the ongoing pandemic, cities can implement innovative ideas at a pace that national governments simply

can’t match,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P. and 108th Mayor of New York City.

“Our fifteen winners offer bold, achievable plans to improve health, reduce unemployment, empower women, and more. Collectively, they have the potential to improve millions of their residents’ lives—and the most successful solutions will inspire cities around the world to embrace them.”

Global Mayors Challenge The 15 winning cities hail from 13 nations on six continents and collectively represent more than 30 million residents. They were selected from among 50 Champion Cities that spent the past four months rigorously testing and refining their projects. When the competition launched in January 2021, mayors from 631 cities in 99 countries submitted their boldest ideas to the competition.

The Mayors Challenge selection committee helped Bloomberg Philanthropies select the 15 winners.

The committee is co-chaired by Bloomberg Philanthropies board member Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President, Ariel Investments, and David Miliband, President & CEO, International Rescue Committee, and includes a wide range of global experts.

They are Sir David Adjure, OBE Founder, Adjaye Associates; Dr. Yogan Pillay, Country Director for South Africa and Senior Global Director for Universal Health Coverage, Clinton Health Access Initiative; Jagan Shah, Senior Infrastructure Adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, British High Commission, New Delhi; Linda Gibbs, Principal, Bloomberg Associates;

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Find a home where you and your loved ones can thrive at Commonwealth by Century

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Looking for inspo? When it comes to styling a family home, couples home with a soothing vibe which is a treat in these trying times. sometimes reach an impasse—especially if they love different styles.

Julienne’s solution? Going for a modern aesthetic that’s androgynous A SPACE WHERE FAMILIES THRIVE Who says families can’t live comfortably in a condo unit? A two- and still cozy. By using a mix of black, white, gray, and metallic bedroom unit is just right for a small family who is eager to mark touches, she’s able to create a contemporary space for a family more milestones in their own home. The parents can give their child completed with streamlined furniture pieces. or children the luxury of having their own room while the rest of the A SPACE WHERE YOU CAN STAY INSPIRED AND HAVE PEACE OF MIND Aside from offering flexible units with usable balconies that enable homeowners to live the life they’ve always wanted, Commonwealth

by Century also takes pride in its family-friendly amenities that complement just about any passion —whether it’s cooking, making music, dabbling into arts, or staying active.

Its open spaces—a welcome sight in the middle of the city—can help tune out the hustle and bustle outside so you can get the Zen you deserve. And speaking of Zen, homeowners can also count on the property’s 24/7 security and reliable property management services that make condo living worth it.

As malls, hospitals, and transportation options are just a few minutes away from its location in Don Antonio Drive Quezon City, Commonwealth by Century makes navigating life in these trying times more convenient. Here, you don’t simply move in, you can make a home.

Ready to own your own Commonwealth by Century unit? To learn more and to talk to our property specialist, log on to www.

The Two Bedroom Unit is perfect for families eager to mark milestones. commonwealthbycentury.com.

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POPCOM: REGIONS LEAST HIT LIFT 800,000 FROM ECONOMIC WOES

Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) —Philippine Branch IT HAS been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, yet the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) - Philippine Branch continues to uphold its goal of assisting vulnerable children and their families in partnerships with different organizations and private and local agencies in the Philippines.

Among the main achievements of the TFCF is the installation of a SolarPowered Clean Water System and Emergency Relief Program to support the Espoir School of Life in Barangay Lobogon, Del Carmen, Siargao Island which was greatly affected by Typhoon Odette (Rai) last December 2021. Various in-kind donations from individuals and private sectors were also mobilized. To this day, the TFCF continues to keep close coordination with the school to keep track of its progress.

The TFCF also launched its Vocational Training Program in partnership with Negoskwela. This program aims to empower unemployed parents by ensuring productivity, financial stability, and decent employment among its sponsored families.

Throughout 2021, half of the sponsored parents were able to acquire decent work after completing the program’s training course. This year, the TFCF continues to reach out to more families for them to become more self-sustaining in the long run.

At the community level, the TFCF implemented its Community Environment Improvement Program in three pioneering blocks in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. The TFCF tapped the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct a series of fire safety trainings with community volunteers and to provide necessary equipment. Above all, the TFCF, its stakeholders, and the community strengthened their preparedness and capacity as they work hand-in-hand to find solutions to the challenges brought by COVID-19.

AboitizPower’s LIMA EnerZone powers up LIMA Estate expansion IN LINE with LIMA Estate’s fast load growth and ongoing expansion, AboitizPower’s distribution utility arm LIMA EnerZone, has recently completed the energization of the Batangas—LIMA 69kV Line 2, effectively increasing its reliability and doubling capacity to 100 megawatts (MW).

It also provides supply connection redundancy to LIMA, as Line 2 may be used as contingency in case Line 1 is interrupted or vice versa.

“The Batangas—LIMA 69kV Line 2 is a key piece of infrastructure that will cater to existing locators’ increasing power needs as well as the anticipated growth in demand from LIMA Estate’s industrial and commercial expansion.

We are happy to have completed this project with our affiliates, LIMA EnerZone and Aboitiz Construction, fully showcasing #OneAboitiz at work,” said Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, LIMA Land, Inc. President and Head of Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates.

“This comes at the perfect time as construction of our latest 47 hectare expansion is nearing completion. Because of the sustained demand, we have also recently broken ground on another expansion that will add an additional 150 hectares of inventory. As we welcome new locators to LIMA Estate, we also look forward to the continuous transformation of the Estate through the introduction of new product lines, sustainability initiatives, and smart city features,” he added.

The 27-kilometer sub-transmission line extends from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Batangas at Brgy. Mahabang Parang in Batangas City to LIMA Estate in Lipa - Malvar, passing through JP Laurel Highway. It currently serves as the primary power supply line of LIMA Estate.

LIMA EnerZone commissioned Aboitiz Construction for the build of the sub-transmission line, which started in March 2019. LIMA also partnered with Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. for joint pole usage that would attach its 69kV sub-transmission to EnerZone’s steel poles to ensure power reliability and flexibility.

In 2018, AboitizPower’s Aboitiz Power Distributed Energy, Inc. (APX) and LIMA Estate also teamed up to install 1.5MWP solar panels on the roofs of The Outlets at Lipa, which offset 31,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to planting 1.4 million trees.

LIMA Estate’s expansion is expected to bring in 200 hectares of land inventory and increase LIMA’s working population to 137,000.

4.3M more Pinoys poorer; pandemic hikes poverty 5x T

HE ongoing pandemic has manifested its polarizing effects on Filipinos’ socioeconomic standing, as it pushed more than 4 million individuals deeper into poverty, while lifting some 800,000 out of economic hardships.

According to recent Philippine Statistics Authority reports on official poverty statistics and causes of death, 4,300,000 Filipinos, or about 861,300 families, sank below the poverty threshold in regions which saw over 90% of COVID-19-related deaths as of September 2021.

On the other hand, five regions which were least affected by the contagion, or those with 8.1% of deaths in 2021, saw 809,500 Filipinos, or some 161,900 families, improve their living conditions, according to the same report.

Bulk of families elevated from poverty live in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan raised 121,000 out of economic strain. However, poverty rose for 28,300 families in Sulu and TawiTawi.

In Lanao del Sur, poverty reduction was at 57%: from 68% of families, to 11%, which vastly improved the quality of living for more than 500,000 Filipinos there from 2018 to 2021. The province transitioned from having the highest number of poor families three years ago, to the ninth with the least number.

“The rate of poverty reduction is nothing short of spectacular in Lanao del Sur, as this occurred during a combined national health and economic crisis,” Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Executive Director Juan A. Perez III commented. “The fact that the province is in a region least affected by COVID-19 contributed greatly to the outcome.”

Undersecretary Perez also noted that the poverty threshold in BARMM increased by only P527.00 in the last three years starting in 2018, compared with the national average at P1,860.00.

According to Perez, the figures indicate that “the said region’s economy was least affected by the economic downturn which occurred in COVID-19-affected regions, as it had the least improvement in the last three years.”

The POPCOM chief also noted that Sulu now holds the record for having the largest percentage of families at 71.9%, or 111,200, living below the poverty threshold. However, in terms

of absolute numbers, the province of Cebu has the most number of poor families at 276,900; followed by Negros Occidental (166,000); Camarines Sur (152,300); Pangasinan (138,600); Bulacan (132,000); and Zamboanga del Norte (131,200).

Meanwhile, regional economies with the greatest number of pandemic-plagued areas also showed increases in their poverty threshold—well above their poverty levels in 2018—and exhibited the collateral effects of the pandemic.

Those which reflected increases in poverty threshold above their 2018 poverty levels, as well as their COVID-19-related deaths from January to September 2021, are as follows: Central Luzon (+ P3,250; 9,001 deaths), Ilocos: (+ P2,633; 1,891 deaths), National Capital Region: (+ P2,523; 14,218 deaths), Central Visayas: (+ P2,450; 1,622 deaths), Cagayan Valley (+ P2,044; 1,824 deaths), CALABARZON: (+ P1,935; 10,386 deaths), and Bicol: (+ P1,898; 1,141 deaths).

“Families in Central Luzon were most affected by the increase in the poverty threshold, with an additional 190,900 or 46%, who became poorer in the last three years,” Usec. Perez added. “The increase of poverty was also felt in Central Visayas, as 173,500 families languished below the poverty threshold in three years.”

As he commended the local government units of BARMM and Lanao del Sur for liberating their families from the clutches of economic hardships, Perez believes that both regions may hold the key on how others can devise ways in dealing with the compounded economic and health crises through further studies.

Cavite LGUs open 2022 Business One Stop Shop program The Batangas—LIMA 69kV Line 2 is a new 27-kilometer sub-transmission line that extends from Batangas City to LIMA Estate in Lipa - Malvar.

Aboitiz InfraCapital’s LIMA Estate, a 794-hectare industrial-anchored township in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, is home to 130 international and local locators, 62,000 employees, 2,500 households, a 138-room 4-star hotel development, and 167 shops located in its mall establishments.

With its growing 30-hectare Central Business District (CBD)—the first to rise in Batangas—LIMA has emerged as more than just a leading industrial estate, but also the center for commerce in the Batangas province. It currently houses various commercial components such as The Outlets at Lipa, LIMA Exchange, LIMA Park Hotel, and LIMA Transport Hub. LIMA Land, Inc. also recently broke ground on LIMA Tower One, a PEZA-certified building which boasts 34,000 square meters of Gross Floor Area. It is the first of its planned seven-tower office park at the heart of LIMA’s CBD, which aims to capitalize on the anticipated boom of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies outside the National Capital region. LIMA has also put four hectares of commercial lot inventory up for sale in 2021.

Apart from LIMA EnerZone and Aboitiz Construction, the Estate is also supported by AIC affiliate LIMA Water Corporation, which is currently working on the completion of its Smart Water Network to ensure that LIMA locators will continue to enjoy a reliable and sustainable water supply for years to come.

LIMA and AIC’s other Economic Estates namely Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) Estate and West Cebu Estate (WCE) in Cebu, continue to keep the country’s economic engine running amid the pandemic by sustaining operations, thereby ensuring that 100,000 Filipinos remain employed within the Estates and are able to provide livelihood for their families. The ongoing expansions at LIMA Estate as well as WCE will add another 143 hectares of fresh inventory to AIC’s portfolio and will continue to support economic recovery by enticing new investors, generating more jobs, and spurring business activity in their localities.

Meanwhile, Lima EnerZone is part of AboitizPower’s EnerZone group, which is made up of five privately owned electric distribution utilities that operate the distribution systems of select economic zones in Subic, Mactan, Cebu and Batangas.

GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite—Seven cities and 16 towns in Cavite province have formally started their respective Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) programs to facilitate the tax payment process of investors in their respective localities.

Each city or town has taken steps to facilitate the process in a more spacious area amid the threat of COVID-10 in the country.

GenTri LGU re-launched their tax payment system at 2nd Floor of Robinson’s Place in Brgy. Tejero from January 3 to March 30, 2022. Only 200 applicants will be accommodated per day from 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays.

According to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) head Romel Olimpo, no walk-in applicants are allowed as they observed safety measures in compliance with the government guidelines.

Only applicants will be admitted to the BOSS area.

Clients with special needs (Senior Citizens, Pregnant Women, and PWDs) may bring a companion.

“Kagandahan dito, they will go here for just for payment for the online transaction, Kaya mabilis ang process and also observed and social distancing with minimal people around,” Olimpo said.

In the neighboring town of Noveleta, for second consecutive year, Noveleta LGU opened their Business One Stop Shop or BOSS at 2nd Floor of Primark Town Center in Barangay Magdiwang to ease the government tax payment system in the locality.

According to Mayor Dino Chua, “We make it here again for the convenience of local taxpayers and for space in accordance with government guidelines.”

Noveleta now has a P246 million budget for 2022 approved by Sangguniang Bayan under Vice Mayor Arlyn Torres, up from P148 million from last year.

Bacoor LGU put their BOSS program at Strike Gymnasium inside Bacoor Government Center Mondays to Fridays (8am to 5pm) Imus LGU placed its BOSS program at Maliksing Kabataan Building inside of Imus Pilot School, instead of Imus Sport Center, because it is now used as a vaccination site.

Trece Martires City opened their tax payment system at the city hall area from January 3 to 20, with only 200 persons allowed daily.

Dasmariñas City LGU placed their BOSS program at Vistamall grounds at Barangay San Agustin until January 31, while Alfonso town installed its BOSS system at the Alfonso town plaza. Dennis Abrina

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DILG CHIEF ANO SIDES WITH LGU DECISION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

Parents’ consent for vaccine jabs for 5-11 a must D

EPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has said he strongly agrees with the decision of some local government units (LGU) chiefs to allow only the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years old with the consent of their parents or guardians.

“Parent’s consent is a requirement Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has before any child is administered been approved for use by the Philipwith Covid (coronavirus dispine Food and Drug Administraease 2019) vaccine,” he said, tion for 5-to-11-year-olds. adding parental consent is The formulation for this something that should be age group is lower comdone. pared to those administered Año made this comment to the older groups. after Quezon City Mayor Galvez said the PhilipJosefina “Joy” Belmonte, pine government purchased Valenzuela City Mayor Rex30 million doses of the relon “Rex” Gatchalian, Malaformulated Pfizer vaccines, of bon City Mayor Antolin “Lenwhich 7.5 million will arrive in DILG Secretary len” Oreta III, and Navotas the first quarter and another 7.5 Eduardo Año City Mayor Tobias “Toby” million in the second quarter.

Tiangco issued the condiAmong the initial vaccination separately even as vaccine czar Carlito tion sites identified in Metro Manila are the Galvez Jr. assured the public that the jabs Philippine Heart Center, National Children’s were “safe and have been studied by scien- Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical tists across the globe.”

Center, FilOil Gym in San Juan City, Manila In justifying their decision, the four mayors Zoo, and SM North Edsa. said they have a responsibility to their constituGalvez expressed confidence that the rollout ents whom they must guide and protect. would not be affected by the petition filed on Vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 years Thursday in Quezon City by two parents who old is scheduled to start on February 7. asked the court to issue a temporary restraining Galvez said around 167,000 children have order halting the vaccination of children. been registered to take part in the inoculation.

“We cannot go out to the new normal The government aims to inoculate 15.5 without the vaccine so nakikita namin na it million children aged 5 to 11. (the vaccine rollout) will proceed,” he added.

Earlier, Galvez said vaccination for chilThe Philippines kicked off its pediatric dren of this age group would bring a greater vaccination program for minors aged 12 to sense of normalcy to their lives and enable 17 last October. the government to achieve its goal of proAs of February 3, over 9.1 million individviding an increased level of protection to all uals from the said age group have received at Filipino families. least one dose of the COVID-19 jab.

Filipinos win top prizes in SEARCA photo contest IMAGES of farming families practicing healthy diets and engaging in nutritious food production during the persisting COVID-19 pandemic, five of which by Filipino photographers, won in the 2021 photo contest of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) themed “One Health is Wealth: Healthy Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems.”

Filipinos won the first and second prizes, People’s Choice and SEARCA Director’s Choice awards, and the Best Youth Photographer Award (Mobile Phone). The other winning photos were by photographers from Vietnam and Myanmar.

A photo depicting home gardening by Lindy Vivien Aldaba won the first prize. The winning picture is a vignette illustrating how the COVID-19 pandemic opened people’s minds to produce food in the comfort of their own homes with access to online resources to help them grow their plants well.

Klienne Eco bagged the second prize with his photo of a mother and her children going through a schoolbook together in front of a healthy spread of vegetables, fruits, milk, and bread.

The third prize went to a photo of a farmer harvesting water mimosa by The Duy Tu. Water mimosa is a calcium- and iron-rich vegetable that also contains vitamins A and C. In Southeast Asia, it is found in still waters in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The winner of the SEARCA Director’s Choice is a photo by Arturo B. de Vera, Jr. showing a farming couple with the father preparing a fresh harvest of fruits and vegetables for a meal and the mother breastfeeding her baby, both of which will boost the immune system against rampant diseases, including COVID-19.

“The food systems that focus on sustainable agriculture and recognize breastfeeding as the first food cut across human health and planetary health,” said Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director.

He added that the photo vividly captured the brightness of the sun that highlights the colorful harvest of the day.

On the other hand, Kyaw Zayar Lin’s photo of farm workers having a meal beside a rice field emerged as the Philippine Department of Education Secretary’s Choice. Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones is the incumbent Philippine Education Secretary.

The People’s Choice Award winner is a photo by Arnel Dagdag Garcia of a young boy about to plant a seedling as his father and brother harvest crops behind him. The photo garnered more than 1,000 likes on Facebook.

To mark its 15th milestone year, the SEARCA Photo Contest added two special awards for young shutterbugs who used a camera and a mobile phone.

Aung Myat Thu bagged the Best Youth Photographer Award (Camera) for his photo of beans scattering out of a farmer’s cupped hands. Meanwhile, her photo of a little girl drinking processed raw milk

collected from a cow won for Emely J. Escala the Best Youth Photographer Award (Mobile Phone).

The first, second, and third prize winners won US$1,000, $800, and $500, respectively. The SEARCA Director’s Choice and Philippine Department of Education Secretary’s Choice winners each won $500, while the winner of the People’s Choice Award via Facebook votation gets $400. The Best Youth Photographer Award recipients each won $300.

The winning photos and the rest of the finalists may be viewed at https://photocontest.searca.org.

The SEARCA Photo Contest is launched every September via the SEARCA website and Facebook Page. Brenda Jocson

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By JR Deligero

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4 tech trends that will shape 2022

ECHNOLOGY has come a long way since the dawn of time. From stone tools and simple machinery, we are now enjoying modern technology that uses digital implements and is made with complex mechanisms to meet our demands across various sectors.

And thanks to mankind’s continuous pursuit of innovation, the technology we have today continues to thrive and improve as we traverse our way to the future.

In 2022, the technology industry isn’t short of development as there are several trends that we can expect to see throughout the year.

Rise of 5G Among them is the implementation and proliferation of 5G. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic hindering the progress of 5G deployment and increasing the demand for quality internet and cellular connection across regions, telecommunication companies have already begun implementing 5G connections in a many provinces.

However, 5G isn’t limited to communication purposes alone. With its speed and reliability, other enterprises can adapt the system to digitalize healthcare, energy, transportation, and more. However, these institutions should also be prepared for the cybersecurity risks that come with 5G connections. Industry stakeholders need to re-evaluate security frameworks and standards to minimize risks and combat cyber threats.

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Gold-plated souvenir cryptocurrency coins arranged by a screen displaying a NFT (Non-Fungible Token) marketplace. AFP

Even though 5G is still making its way throughout the globe, 6G research is already underway, and people can expect to learn more about it throughout the year. Compared to 5G, 6G technol-

to watch out for this 2022 is related to sustainability. Over the past years, more and more countries experienced extreme weather conditions that left a negative impact on communities. As a result, tech companies shifted their attention to strengthening sustainability efforts.

Climate change continues to be a pressing issue today as scientists are still looking for effective solutions to the global crisis. Some of their goals involve optimizing crop production for farmers, while reducing water consumpogy is a near-instant and prolific system tion and pesticide usage. Meanwhile, of connection that easily bridges the hu- small-scale companies can devise new approaches to other problems concernman, physical, and digital worlds. ing recycling, plastic usage, and more.

Sustainability On the other hand, smart technology Another technological advancement

for sustainability will also allow stakeholders to easily and effectively detect any natural disturbances should they arise.

Entertainment The gaming industry will also see several new advancements in technology as developers are eyeing to create a metaverse that combines different technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to enhance overall gameplay. But with a futuristic experience from the technology, the gaming industry isn’t the only sector that hopes to utilize it. Social media networks like Facebook are hoping to use the technology to create an online space where users can participate in different activities as they do in real life.

With proper research and development, the metaverse can finally blur the lines between the physical and digital realities, thus creating more opportunities for users and creators.

Cryptocurrency Lastly, because of its sudden popularity throughout the Philippines in the previous year, cryptocurrency will continue to be a constant topic on everyone’s minds. Now that the digital currency has moved from merely investing to creating new and exciting opportunities by engaging in arts, gaming, and lifestyle, more people will want to get in on the action.

As the public’s demands increase, so will the number of cryptocurrency platforms. They will also have to exercise new levels of creativity to entice more users to participate in the digital currency.

There’s a lot to expect this 2022, and we hope that there are more good circumstances than negative ones.

Regardless, the technology industry won’t stop at anything to provide the public with developments that benefit their health, productivity, entertainment, and more for a long time.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Going digital during pandemic

By Peter Paul Duran

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HE pandemic has shifted our mindset on all fronts. Going digital, a luxury for some in the past, has now become the mandatory norm in order to keep up with the changing times.

From changes in education to how we deal with our health, picking out your next meal to how we transact our business, the restrictions proved to be a means to an end: to let concepts in technological development roam free.

Given the circumstance, the pandemic has all but expedited our exodus to the digital world.

And the migration has not only started with big-ticket projects and ideas from silicon valley giants or fortune 500 companies, it has also trickled down to everyday consumer interaction.

These tech trends, given birth during pandemic, fruitfully served their purpose, and in the years to come, will continue to drive growth in various areas of industrial, socio-economic, and civic concerns.

Facebook’s rebranding to Meta with the end goal of venturing into the beyonds of the metaverse, we are sandwiched between the innovations of the past few years into the full-blown deep dive into artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and reality, 5G, blockchain, and cute NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) that are all the craze nowadays and the years to come.

With these in mind, here are the useful tech innovations we can utilize even after this pandemic passes.

Remote Work, Distance Learning The pandemic caught all of us off guard, quite literally for instance, when most of us weren’t prepared for those morning meetings early on the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Technical difficulties aside, remote work seemed to, pun intended, work. Research even says work productivity rose an average close to 50% during the work from home scheme.

The education sector also took the heaviest hit when restrictions were imposed. Students had to make do with what available gadgets they had, lucky if they had goodto-go hand-me-downs, as the abrupt shift to distance learning revealed the limitations in tech, especially in our public school system.

But even with the limitations, video Conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams helped

bridge this problem, and will surely still be part of our daily lives in the years to come.

Retail, Customer Service, Finance With the change in everyday movement, comes changes in lifestyle, thus, a shift in purchasing preferences.

Ordering food online became a habit and the term “Netflix and Chill” became a regular affair rather than a catchphrase.

During the early onset of the lockdowns, many first-time entrepreneurs popped up and established micro-enterprises.

With most of these businesses focusing on food whose owners coming from very different backgrounds, it was a leap of faith for some, but this proved the innovations that can be made during the pandemic.

All of these were

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi Modem now more affordable, perfect for every Filipino family!

GLOBE At Home Prepaid WiFi is now available at more affordable prices, becoming more accessible to millions of Filipinos in need of reliable connection for work and school amid the continuing pandemic.

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi will be available at the Globe Online Shop at an exclusive price from P999 to P499 starting January 21, and in all Globe stores and retailers nationwide at the same price starting February 1, along with Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced at from P1,999 to P999.

The offering will surely benefit households across the country, especially students still studying at home as face-to-face classes remain prohibited due to the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases. Whether for modular or online learning, Pinoy students will find a reliable partner in Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi. “We’re nearly two years into this pandemic.

We know how important a reliable and affordable connection is to every Filipino family, particularly for breadwinners who have to work from home, students who want to finish their studies to provide a decent future for their family, and for anyone who wants to relax and get entertained,” said Barbie Dapul, Globe At Home VP for Marketing.

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi also offers budgetfriendly promos to complement the affordable

modems. For P199 or HomeSHARE199, customers can get 25GB valid for 7 days, and can share or transfer 20GB of data to other devices used inside and outside the home, and have data shared across the different members of the family for their different needs.

“That’s why this latest offering is really for the Filipino people—to give them access to reliable and fast data connection that suits their everyday needs. We want everyone to know that we are their life partner. We continue to reinvent the world with our customers in mind. Kahit maraming challenges tayong hinaharap, kapartner mo ang Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, para mas malayo na ang mararating ng pamilya,” added Dapul.

Globe At Home cares for its customers.

Apart from sulit promos, it also ensures that reloading the modems is just as accessible through Globe apps such as GlobeOne or GCash.

Customers may also purchase this latest offer through the Globe Online Shop, which has free delivery service.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

cameras, and adopted the use of contact tracing apps.

According to the Asian Development Bank, the focus of innovators in the health industry focused on tools for surveillance, supply chain management, and clinical training. These innovations, per the ADB, gradually turned to solutions diagnosing patients Work from home and efforts to develop a vaccine.

Entertainment and Online Gaming Subscription to streaming services during the pandemic actually surpassed one billion according to the Motion Picture Association of the United States.

This comes as no surprise as the worldwide audience had nothing to do while on lockdown.

Apart from movies and tons of series to choose from, people also had the chance to try out virtual events, with production companies making use of 360-degree camera technology to capture all the action. made easier with social media as the main Using available broadcast platform of interaction between buyers and software, even small-scale production went sellers. From live selling of clothes to acces- online and provided entertainment to ease sories, owners utilized social media to its full the tension of the pandemic. extent to market their products.

Online gaming, social media, and enBut as a whole, may it be informal or data tertainment, for some reason, were able to

coming in from big retail brands, the overall e-commerce industry saw a substantial uptick during the pandemic.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, businesses and consumers increasingly “went digital.”

Consumers and businesses alike provided more activity online to raise e-commerce’s share of global retail trade from 14% in 2019 to about 17% in 2020.

Chatbots, an optional feature on some websites back then, became a necessary addition to any retail site. This technology uses AI to give out basic information to users instantly without the need for a human customer representative. With machine learning thrown into the mix, these chatbots have become more and more efficient in answering queries.

With the fear of contracting the virus through physical means, digital payments were the preferred way to transact. It was instant, customers could pay the exact amount every time, and top up was a breeze. Contactless payments provided ease of use while banks offered branchless transactions and needed up digital features of their services.

Healthcare With COVID-19 in mind, there was a bevy of healthcare tech innovations that cropped up during the pandemic. To name a few, investments for data-driven healthcare products were made such as wearables and VR to make health care more accessible during the pandemic.

Telehealth technology took the helm in this healthcare advancement, while continuous and remote diagnostics as well as teletherapy, were readily available. Establishments also invested in automatic alcohol spraying machines, even thermal imaging Cashless transactions

amalgamate to produce a video games industry worth over $90 billion in 2020 alone.

This number is expected to rise to $256.97 billion by 2025.

Fans flocked to Facebook Gaming, Twitch, and other live streaming platforms to watch their favorite streamers. This created interest in games where you could earn real money or what is called play-toearn games.

Connected to blockchain and cryptocurrencies, buzzwords from not so long ago, but now a vital part in an informal gaming economy hitched onto by Filipinos who had time or money to spare. P2e games like Axie Infinity gained popularity during the pandemic, where “scholarships” provided necessary funds for those affected financially by the pandemic.

Middling investors also dipped their feet into crypto and non-fungible tokens or NFTs— unique pieces of digital art, whether music, image, or drawing that any potential buyer could own and stamp their ownership through “minting.”

These digital assets could potentially be sold for tens, hundreds of thousands of dollars. But Pak’s ‘The Merge’ takes the cake, selling just this December 2021 for a whopping $92 million dollars from a total of 300,000 bids.

The pandemic may have caused misery and a total change in the lives of many, but it did bring about the ingenuity of the human race to continue and trudge on despite the challenges. These tech trends just show how the world can cope and even use this opportunity to take a step back and zoom out the situation, creating innovations that will continue to impact and shape the world even after the pandemic.

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Leveraging power of e-commerce

By P.Y. Deligero

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HE world as we knew it changed in early 2020 when the COVID-19 virus struck, causing people to be confined in their homes for their safety against the global pandemic.

Yet being stuck indoors didn’t stop people from shopping for their favorite brands or acquiring new items. Thanks to the internet and various e-commerce platforms, Filipinos can enjoy shopping with just a few clicks.

In the Philippines, several e-commerce platforms offer a variety of goods that range from cosmetics, clothes, food, household items, and more. Through these sites, people have found items they needed or didn’t know they needed.

Online shopping has already been around even before the COVID-19 pandemic shifted everything into a different dynamic. But without any restrictions, not many people were inclined to use the service, especially since many people are skeptical about the internet.

Now, many Filipinos are frequent users of e-commerce sites and participate in the events and contests that it hosts such as monthly sales that catch the attention of numerous consumers.

The pros and cons of e-commerce Simply put, e-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet.

Popular e-commerce platforms around the world include Amazon and eBay, while most Filipinos are familiar with Lazada and Shopee.

But because it relied on the internet, not many Filipinos were eager to try out this new method of shopping in the beginning. This stems from their fear of being scammed into giving personal details and losing money to suspicious websites.

Eventually, they learned to overcome this fear, especially since their options have become limited due to the pandemic.

Online shopping has also become a coping mechanism for others who find comfort through retail therapy.

From 2020 to 2021, there has been a significant rise in the number of e-commerce users in the Philippines, presenting the benefits that people from both ends of the platform can enjoy.

In e-commerce users for both consumers and sellers, the top reason why they use such platforms is that they have the benefit of buying and selling items without having to leave their houses to travel to physical stores.

And compared to items in physical stores, many items found on e-commerce websites are significantly more affordable, thus enticing more buyers.

Consumers are also given a wider selection of items to choose from. E-commerce websites close the geographical gap between the availability of items to consumers in select areas.

However, the downside to this arrangement is that buyers can’t personally inspect an item before purchasing, thus giving them a sense of uneasiness on whether or not their purchase is worth it. Sellers, on the other hand, are required to disclose all the information about an item to avoid any misunderstandings that often happen in online spaces.

Using e-commerce platforms also generates income for delivery services that serve as the bridge between buyer and seller. Although this keeps more people from going outside of their houses to buy items themselves, it requires more time and patience because

delivery usually takes some time before it reaches consumers.

And since delivery services have to brave the open roads to fulfill their tasks, there’s no telling what would happen to items during transit.

The pros of e-commerce, or online shopping, are evident in its accessibility and the opportunities it presents to buyers, sellers, and even services in the middle. On the other hand, its cons can also be easily avoided by asking the right questions, full disclosures, and proper handling from the consumer, seller, and delivery services.

How it can be improved While many Filipinos have already started leveraging the power of e-commerce sites, there are still those who face certain roadblocks when it comes to accessing these platforms.

The first problem is with the internet connection. It is no secret that the Philippines lags behind its Asian neighbors when it comes to internet connectivity. The internet has become important to the modern world,

having limited to no access to it hinders the progress of many.

A solution to this comes from the government and telecommunication companies. They can establish more telecommunication towers that provide a signal to far areas so that more people could have access to the internet and e-commerce sites.

Having more telecommunication towers also allow for faster internet speeds so users can have a better browsing experience.

But aside from having the government and private sectors weigh in on the improvement of e-commerce, the platforms themselves should also contribute to the development of their operations.

One example is by establishing easily accessible customer service hotlines to answer concerns from buyers, sellers, and even delivery services. Having a team that promptly addresses any questions or problems can generate more users who find the site trustworthy.

E-commerce platforms can also invest in new technology that could make the shopping experience easier and more relatable to many users in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic put the world to an abrupt stop, causing people to refrain from going out and doing things they enjoy, such as shopping. But thanks to the rise of technology and the internet, there are solutions available to every person’s needs.

E-commerce sites have helped people in numerous ways. It has also aided in keeping trade and the Philippine economy afloat because the people have taken their usual transactions into an online space where they can leverage the power of technology.

For those who are looking for a quick retail therapy session or a source of extra income, they can turn to e-commerce and harness its potential.

Through these platforms, they can get their money’s worth and find new opportunities accessible only in the online space.

But like most things, online shopping and selling should be done with caution. Although e-commerce platforms and other services have established themselves to become credible brands, there’s no harm in being careful with sharing private information with others.

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WOMEN POWER

Filipina athletes: World class

By Randy Caluag

G

LOBAL excellence in sport entails exceptional talent, skills, discipline, hard work and a huge amount of money.

This recipe for success makes it extremely difficult for a tiny, third-world country like the Philippines to compete against rich, powerful nations in the international arena such as the Olympics.

But a new landscape is taking shape in Philippine sports, with the emergence of outstanding Filipina athletes making a big difference in the arena and setting new heights.

The unequal treatment of athletes, wherein preference is extended to the male sporting warrior, is now a thing of the past, as more and more Filipinas are becoming powerful, influential game-changers in the field of sports.

Karen Tanchanco- Caballero, lady president of the Pilipinas Sepak Takraw Federation, is a strong advocate of women power, although she “leans towards gender equity.”

“But I see an evident trend of us excelling in individual and contact sports and given the opportunity, we can see the emergence of Filipinas making it big,” she said.

She went on to emphasize this in the last Tokyo Olympic campaign when she said the Philippine team was “composed of 5050 women and men athletes.”

FIRST GOLD This once-shy, lady weightlifter from Zamboanga City in Hidilyn Diaz will forever be remembered as the first athlete from the Philippines to win a gold medal in the Olympics, dubbed as the greatest sports show on earth.

The gold came 97 years after the Philippines first joined the Olympics in 1924, when a male sprinter named David Nepomuceno represented the country in track and field.

Four years later in Amsterdam, swimmer Teofilo Ildefonso won the country’s first medal—a bronze—in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke. There were gallant attempts

by Filipino boxers Anthony Villanueva, who bagged a silver boxing medal in 1964 in Tokyo, and Mansueto Velasco in Atlanta in 1996.

They all fell short from achieving the gold and even as Diaz herself came near that golden dream when she copped the silver (53-kg weightlifting) in Rio, Brazil in 2016.

After three long decades, a woman became the Philippines’ toast in weightlifting.

The golden triumph came in her fourth Olympic appearance in Tokyo last year as Diaz barely upstaged a Chinese rival in dramatic fashion to top the women’s 55-kg weightlifting category.

What made Diaz a superwoman that she is now? The 30-year-old star says it starts with setting a goal, having mental toughness and hard work.

“Importante talaga may pangarap kayo, kasi ito ang magbibigay sa inyo ng direksyon,” she said. “You have to embrace hard work. Hindi naman puwedeng pangarap lang. Kung hindi ka mag-aaral at magtraining, paano mo maabot ‘yun?,” she reasoned out.

With the goal in her mind, Diaz said she was able to stay on the line even when things go wrong.

“When you are about to give up, always go back to the big question ‘Why?” Bakit mo ginagawa ito? Dahil mahal mo ang ginagawa mo, mahal mo ang sports at value nito. Para sa pamilya mo. Para sa Bayan,” she said.

Even after winning the prestigious gold medal and the fame and fortune that went with it, Diaz is not yet done as she vowed to make her fifth Olympic appearance in Paris in 2024-- even if it means competing in a higher weight category.

“Not surprised at all,” said Caballero, also the deputy-secretary general at the Philippine Olympic Committee of Diaz’s achievement. “I’ve always claimed before, our country’s first Olympic Gold will come from a Filipina. I knew it was a matter of time. And like manna from heaven, 2021 Tokyo Olympics made it a reality. The build-up has been evident in the past six years. We all knew we were all leading to it. We just needed to be patient and consistently supportive of their training needs and moral support.”

Nesthy Petecio

Alex Eala

Hidilyn Diaz

old and began fighting in local tournaments in her Sta. Cruz hometown that offer prizes good enough to buy food for a day’s meal for her family.

Destiny brought her to the Tokyo Olympics with a semifinal victory against a Japan’s Sena Irie. She is now living the dream with all the accolades and cash incentives thrown at her.

She’s not done yet as she vowed to make another try for the gold in Paris 2024.

“Hindi pa po tapos, gusto po pa rin pong makakuha ng ginto at hindi ko po ‘yan susukuan,” Petecio said.

Magno, Petecio’s teammate in the Philippine team, was the first Filipino woman to qualify for the Olympics, although she bowed out ahead of the medal round.

Petecio came back home alongside a

With the Olympic silver and gold medals pleted the upset axe over Taipei with her form only for male athletes to show their under her belt, it can be said that Diaz is by marginal penalty kick, promised that the best power and striking skills. Until the ladies far the most accomplished Filipino athlete in is yet to come for the over-achieving squad, showed they can box, too.

Although they admitted having a male “A lot of people doubted us, we came in history. here and fought every single game and now hero in boxing legend and presidentiable FIRST WORLD CUP The most recent talk of the town are these have made a name for ourselves,” said Bold- Manny Pacquiao, lady boxers Nesthy Petebunch of Filipina football players, collec- en. “Philippines, you’re gonna remember cio and Irish Magno are dead-set on writing this team. And you’re going to see us in the their own storylines inside the ring. tively known as the “Malditas”.

Petecio, born from a poor family in Davao Leaving behind the negative connotation World Cup. Don’t forget about us because Del Sur, bagged the silver medal in last of that Filipino word, everyone from that we’re coming back.” year’s Tokyo Olympics.

PUNCHING FOR GREATNESS Philippine national women’s football team Turn H2 She started training since she was 11 years For a long time, boxing used to be a platinstead depicted a brave, iron-willed Filipina that defied tremendous odds to achieve an unprecedented feat of securing a slot in World Cup of football.

Not much was expected from this team, with players training together for three months.

With an Australian coach of outstanding caliber and a crew composed of homegrown and overseas talents, the Philippine lady booters performed beyond expectations in the Asian Football Championship and are now going to the 2023 FIFA Women World Cup set in July in Australia and New Zealand.

The Philippine women’s squad first won over Thailand, then lost to Australia.

They came back to beat Indonesia to secure a berth in the quarterfinals, where the most magical moment happened, beating Chinese Taipei by a penalty kick to reach the top four AFC rounds and seal a World Cup appearance.

Even as they failed to enter the finals following a 2-0 defeat to Korea in the semifinals, the Malditas and Filipino football fans can look forward to another spectacular run in the biggest stage where only the few elite are admitted.

Open banking transforms the customer experience in ways that have never been before.

Not bad for a team ranked no. 64 in the world to becoming no. 4 in Asia.

Olivia McDaniel, one of the major players in that breathtaking win over ChineseTaipei, could not hide her excitement.

“To be able to create history like this. It was just a dream a couple of months FINANCIAL inclusion is rising. In 2017, 23 zipping through BPI’s networks surged. There lifestyle around BPI’s “digital ecosystem.” A ago, but now it’s a reality,” percent of Filipino adults had bank accounts. were 2.6 million mobile app downloads, 32.9 formidable roster of open banking partners McDaniel said.

Fast forward to 2021, it jumped to 53 percent. million transfer-to-anyone transactions worth empowered clients to enjoy convenient and Even coach Alen Stajic, The ideal is that people, regardless of net P174 billion, 18.4 million inter-bank fund secure seamless transactions for e-wallets, who has been coaching for worth, can benefit from affordable financial transfers worth almost P137 billion, and 59.1 popular e-shopping and delivery apps, prepaid 20 years, was astonished by services. million transactions via open banking worth phone services, prepaid utilities, prepaid the experience.

Apps have certainly played a significant P131 billion. transportation, government payments, insurance “I think this is probably role in making financial transactions more payments, donations, and many more.

Foresight the best experience, I think, convenient and secure, especially amid the Building momentum “Because of the early investments of BPI in in my coaching career,” the pandemic. What instigated the flourishing digitalization, arising from a strategic hunch BPI ended 2021 with 83 partners offering former Australia Matildas of these apps is open banking. Because open that digital transactions would someday 786 brands. In the last 12 months, the total coach said. “To take this banking allows third-party applications arrive at an inflection point, the bank was able amount processed was a whopping P281 group, who are so dedicatto access and control clients’ accounts, it to handle the torrent of transactions,” says billion, or 115% higher compared to the ed, so determined, so much can transform the consumer experience of BPI Chief Digital Officer Mr. Noel Santiago. previous year. Incremental income reached disciplined, so much heart, financial services in ways that have never The partnerships with third-party more than half a billion pesos at P554.8 so much spirit, considering been possible before. applications and merchants, combined with million in the same period. The volume of what they had to overcome to An app for every need the capacity and reliability of BPI’s digital open banking transactions reached 103.3 reach this point.”

Open banking is anchored on the channels, enabled clients to change their million, or a boost of 75% higher compared Sarina Bolden, who com-

Harnessing open banking for the future of financial inclusion

Application Program Interface (API), which allows customers of a bank, for example, to securely use their online credentials to fulfill online payments and e-wallet load top-ups with various merchants and billers. That’s what allows you to easily fund your accounts to pay for food deliveries, shop to your heart’s delight at online marketplaces, and pay for your electricity and mobile phone bills all from the comfort of your home.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has also harnessed digitalization and open banking in a way that makes financial transactions easy, intuitive, and empowering.

The results can be seen in the numbers.

In 2020, at the height of the most onerous lockdowns in the country, digital transactions

behaviors much more easily. Four notable services were rated highly: BPI to Cash enables BPI clients to send money to their loved ones anytime and anywhere in the Philippines; BPI QuickPay - for quick and hassle-free payments; BPI eADA- digital enrollment for auto-debit arrangements; and Pay on Delivery – allows clients to pay for goods digitally upon delivery.

Opening up digital transactions For BPI, its open banking ecosystem, launched only in October 2019, gained momentum well into 2021 because of the continued acceleration of digital financial transactions brought on by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BPI Online users intuitively built a digital

to the previous year.

“BPI—as a result of its timely and strategic focus on digitalization, combined with the speed with which Filipinos have embraced a digital lifestyle—envisions the work of getting financial services and innovations to the masses becoming easier,” shares Mr. Santiago.

“Soon, seven digital banking platforms for all client types, covering various services for retail, SME, and corporate clients, will find their way into our smartphones and computers. Thanks to open banking, BPI continues to welcome new partners at an unremitting pace,” he adds.

For BPI, there is no turning back. The future of financial inclusion is digital.

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Mondelēz International Invests in Circulate Capital’s Ocean Fund to Advance Global Efforts in Plastic Waste Collection and Recycling Marks significant step toward helping achieve a circular economy by funding systems to collect, sort and recycle plastics at scale, including flexible films MONDELĒZ International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) today advanced its commitment to helping create a circular economy for plastic by joining Circulate Capital Ocean Fund (CCOF) as a limited partner and making an investment in CCOF supporting scalable business solutions to help develop infrastructure for the collecting, sorting and recycling of plastic waste, including flexible films. The goal of this investment, which is part of Mondelēz International’s Sustainable Futures impact investing platform, is to enhance focus on the physical collection of flexible films – lightweight, multi-layer plastics used by the snacking industry – that have traditionally been more difficult to collect, sort, recycle and ultimately reuse.

CCOF is an investment fund dedicated to addressing India and Southeast Asia’s plastics challenges, and its investors include some of the world’s leading consumer packaged goods companies. The fund provides financing to waste management, recycling and circular economy start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises across India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. CCOF helps identify collection and recycling solutions, catalyzes capital to both scale and replicate those solutions and connects these enterprises to the world’s leading companies. Mondelēz International’s investment in CCOF is expected to finance enterprises that support the company’s goal to collect more plastic waste than the company currently produces across India and Southeast Asia and will further CCOF’s investments into flexible plastic waste collection, recycling and infrastructure enterprises.

“This investment marks a pivotal step forward in our contribution to a circular economy for plastics and is a clear demonstration of our long-term goal of net zero waste,” said Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mondelēz International, Inc. “As part of our ambition to become a more sustainable snacking company, this partnership will help fund businesses that are trying to fill systemic gaps in the collection, sorting and reuse of plastic waste, including flexible film.”

“We are excited to partner with Mondelēz International, a world leader in the food and beverage industry. Their investment in the Circulate Capital Ocean Fund will enable us to put more capital to work by funding enterprises located in South and Southeast Asia with innovative solutions to combat plastic waste and advance the circular economy,” said Rob Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Circulate Capital. “Adding Mondelēz International to our esteemed list of global partners is a reflection of the significant impact our portfolio companies have made thus far. This additional catalytic capital will also help CCOF reach our expected environmental and economic impacts by 2030 which includes the prevention of more than 13 million tonnes of plastic pollution leakage and at least 17 million tonnes of CO2e avoided.”

Progress, Programs & Partnerships

Mondelēz International has already made significant progress toward its packaging recyclability targets. The company has removed 65,000 tons of packaging from its portfolio since 2013 and remains on track to achieve its 2025 goals to reduce virgin plastic use in rigid plastic packaging by 25% or reduce virgin plastic in overall plastic packaging portfolio by 5%, assuming constant portfolio mix compared to 2020, increase use of recycled content to 5% by weight across plastic packaging and design 100% of its packaging to be recycle ready. To date, ~94% of all of the company’s packaging is designed to be recycle ready.

“Our support for a more sustainable future for plastics is clear.

We’ve made significant strides to reduce plastic packaging use, substitute plastics for other materials, design to be recycle ready and set ambitious plastics packaging goals across our portfolio,” said Christine Montenegro McGrath, VP and Chief of Global Impact and Sustainability, Mondelēz International. “We are proud of our progress to date but know more must be done through innovative partnerships and investments like this one to be able to scale more sustainable solutions for plastics packaging, including flexible film.”

Mondelēz International already supports initiatives promoting a circular economy for plastics with programs underway across multiple markets demonstrating a strategic focus on less, better and improved plastic packaging and systems. For example: • In India, Mondelēz International, in partnership with Sustainable Futures, made a seed investment into Hasiru Dala, an NGO, to create a social enterprise to sort, clean, and recycle flexible plastic waste into more sustainable everyday products and targets to recycle 600 tons of multi layered plastics every year.

The project implements recycling technology purchased from a local start-up and, together, these women-led local businesses positively impact the local economy through job creation.

• In the Philippines, Mondelēz International is working with several organizations to recycle and co-process multi-layer and single use plastics and is collaborating with small enterprises focused on a circular economy for plastics. In 2021 we collected and diverted 172,489 kilos of plastic waste in the country.

• In Indonesia, a waste bank project is ongoing in two schools to help educate children on the importance of collecting and recycling waste. The goal is to recycle plastic into construction material and use it to help renovate schools.

• In United Kingdom and Australia, as part of Mondelēz International’s global goal to reduce the use of virgin plastic material in its overall plastic packaging portfolio by 5% by 2025, compared to 2020, select Cadbury Dairy Milk will be made with packaging containing up to 30% recycled plastic material starting in 2022.

“In Southeast Asia, the issue of marine litter is a complex one that requires the contributions of all private and government stakeholders,” adds Glenn Caton, Southeast Asia President of Mondelēz International. “There needs to be concentrated effort to build infrastructures for collecting and diverting waste. As well as growing the market for recyclables, to make collecting and recycling them cheaper and easier. Because the problem is so systemic, we are working with industry and stakeholder groups to identify the barriers in the local community, working with legislators to create equitable policies which support plastic collection industries, and supporting small enterprises to help grow the circular economy, where plastic is used as a resource rather than viewed as waste.”

Mondelēz International is an active participant in the Consumer Goods Forum Plastic Coalition of Action, the Business Call for a Global UN Treaty on Plastics Pollution, the U.S. Plastics Pact, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, the New Plastics Economy Initiative, the European CFLEX Initiative, the UK Plastics Pact and the UK Flexible Plastic Fund (formerly known as EPPIC), the India Plastics Pact and the Australia/New Zealand Plastics Pact, among others.

PH MALDITAS

From nowhere to the World Cup A

By Erel A. Cabatbat

FTER the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) bowed to powerhouse Korea Republic in the semifinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Pune, India, Sarina Bolden, the Malditas’ forward, had these words to say.

“A lot of people doubted us [but], we came in here and fought every single game and now have made a name for ourselves. Philippines, you’re gonna remember this team. And you’re going to see us in the World Cup. Don’t forget about us because we are coming back,” Bolden vowed.

Despite the odds being stacked against the Malditas even before the actual start of the tournament, the team became the toast of the tournament for scoring so many firsts.

The Malditas ended a 12-game losing skid against Thailand , 1-0, in their opening game, despite several players missing because of COVID-19 protocols. While they suffered a 4-0 defeat against Australia, they were able to hold the Matildas scoreless for 50+ minutes. Australia was the highest-ranked country the Philippines, whether the Azkals or Malditas, ever faced in football.

A 6-0 win against the Indonesians powered the team to their first-ever stint past the group stage in the competitions. The dramatic win against Chinese Taipei sent the Malditas to their first-ever World Cup appearance in the country’s history.

“I would say that this team has grown so much, just like in the past couple of years and look how far we’ve com. We were playing against Myanmar.

Nepal and now we’re competing against Australia [and) Korea. I’m so freaking proud,” Bolden added.

The Malditas have every right to be proud of their accomplishments in their best-ever campaign in the Asian Cup, despite flying under the radar and were just an afterthought prior to to their giant-killing spree. Out of nowhere, a young and unknown but gritty bunch of Filipinas to the World Cup. Even head coach Alen Stajcic, a coach for several decades, couldn’t hide the impact of the Malditas’ Cinderella like run in India.

“I think this is probably the best experience in my coaching career. I’ve been coaching for 20 years, to take this group, who are so dedicated, so determined, so much disciplined, so much heart, so much spirit, considering what they had to overcome to reach this point,” Stajcic beamed.

Sarina Bolden (AFC)

Ironically, the Matildas got bundled out of the tournament when they lost 1-0 to South Korea in the quarterfinals. Stajcic used to coach the Matildas for five years, 2014-2019, before moving on and eventually accepting the offer to lead the Malditas on their quest for a spot in the World Cup last October.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had to coach a group, who had so many hurdles to overcome just in the preparation let alone in the tournament. And to give to this level and to fight and compete until the last kick of the semifinal is truly just a remarkable effort,” Stajcic added.

Even before the Malditas could return to the Philippines or to their respective mother teams, the Philippine Football Federation has already set into motions its plans to sustain the momentum and the gains of securing a Wold Cup spot.

First on its list is to extend Stajcic’s contract until the Wold Cup next year to include his staff— strength and conditioning coach Luca Tonetti ad Nahuel Arrate.

Second, it needs to assemble a better and stronger team to compete against the best of the world 18 months from now.

“We will open again the tryouts for the team. After this, siyempre, we have a lot of preparations to do kung sino hindi puwede at kung sino ang puwede. It will also depend on the coaching staff. I can’t say who will compose the team because it will really depend on the coaching staff,” Nonong Araneta, PFF president, said.

Araneta said the team will also participate in three major tournaments prior to the World Cup. If he agrees to the extension, Stajcic will lead the team that will compete in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, the ASEAN Football Championships in Manila and at the Asian Games in China.

As of now, Araneta says he is overwhelmed by the attention ans support given to the Malditas not only in the country but in the whole world.

From H2

The Philippine Malditas celebrate their win over Chinese Taipei (AFC)

Filipina...

From H1

squad that brought the best-ever Olympic finish for the Philippines. The two other Tokyo Olympic medals came from boxers Eumir Marcial (bronze) and Carlo Paalam (silver).

PINAY AT HEART Another athlete that made the Philippines proud was Fil-Japanese Yuka Saso, who became the first Filipino to win a major title in golf with her victory in the prestigious US women’s Open in June last year.

Athough she has recently chosen to turn Japanese, Saso will always be a Filipino at heart, having spent her early years in a Filipino home before chasing greatness at the fairways.

Saso has been representing the Philippines in international competitions until the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, where she pocketed two gold medals in individual play and team event.

But beginning in 2022, she has decided to choose Japanese citizenship, which will make her more comfortable travelling and competing around because of the power the Japanese passport brings.

She will continually be regarded as Fil-Japanese, though, when she blazes the international golf scene.

RISING ICON Teen tennis sensation Alex Eala is making tennis popular again in the Philippines.

She has been making heads turn in the international stage competing as a scholar of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy.

She won her first grand slam juniors’ title last year when she partnered with Priska Madelyn Nugroho of Indonesia in the 2020 Australian Open Girls’ Doubles, beating the duo of defeated Živa

Falkner and Matilda Mutavdzic in the finals.

At 15, Eala reached the peak of her girls’ junior rankings at world no. 2 after reaching the semifinals of the 2020 French Open singles.

She has a career-high World Tennis Association singles’ ranking of 505 she achieved in August last year.

The 16-year-old never stops competing to earn more points and learning to enhance her skills.

She is one of the 44 junior and pro players, who will receive Grand Slam Player Grants this year from the International Tennis Federation.

Currently ranked no. 12 in the world junior girls, Eala and 43 others will each get grants of up to $25,000 for competition-related costs, funded by the Grand Slam Player Development Program, to help them in their development and enable them to compete at Grand Slam tournaments.

“The Grand Slam Player Development Programme was established by the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in 1986 to encourage and increase competitive opportunities for players from developing tennis regions,” the ITF said in a statement.

Also included in the list are girls’ world no.1 Petra Marcinko, no. 5 Victoria Jiminez Kazintseva and no.9 Solana Sierra.

Caballero said sports agencies in the country have already figured out the winning recipe, they just have to remain focused and supportive of the athletes.

“It really takes an entire nation to make it possible. And I hope this road map will be used and polished further for our future Olympians and world title holders,” she said.

Filipina athletes with global excellence are growing in number and will continue to make the country proud.

SMC River Cleanup Initiatives (29.75 x 54 cm).indd 1

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

PH enjoying sports renaissance, thanks to PSC funding

By Riera U. Mallari

F

OUR golds in the 2018 JakartaPalembang Asian Games. An overall championship in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. A first-ever gold to go with two silvers and a bronze medal in the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. A firstever World Cup berth by the Malditas football team.

There is a renaissance of sorts in Philippine sports, thanks to the Filipino athletes’ indomitable spirit, hard work and innate talent.

But they couldn’t have reached the zenith without this one key factor— funding.

Thankfully, the Philippine Sports Commission has been behind the Filipino athlete every step of the way and the results have fired up the imagination of a nation longing for sports heroes to look up to, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the PSC’s full backing, the Philippines achieved what first looked like an impossible dream in the Summer Olympic games in Tokyo, winning its first Olympic gold that quenched a 97-year-old thirst and then adding fire to its greatest performance ever with an addition of two silver medals and a bronze.

Already thumping its chest with its best showing in an almost century-long history of participation in the Olympiad following the country’s first-ever gold from superwoman weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines continued an onslaught never seen before as it added two silver medals from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, plus another bronze from their teammate Eumir Marcial.

The PSC and its hard-working crew

The overall show was good for 49th place overall Indeed, it was the first time ever that the Filipino and away from the 0-0-0 tallies that have marked athlete is finally getting the financial backing he five Olympiads from 2000 in Sydney to 2012 in sorely lacked for years.

London.

For spending good money on the national The medal haul also proved that the regional athletes’ international training and exposure, dominance of the Philippines, the reigning equipment, foreign coaches, education and Southeast Asian Games kingpin, which sent nutrition, the PSC expected a return of its 19 of its best athletes to the pandemic games, huge investment in the form of a successful was no fluke. run not only in the Tokyo Olympics, but in True, it is the athletes’ fighting heart, hard the coming Hanoi Southeast Asian Games work and resilience that contributed most to and the Hangzhou Asian Games, as well. the Philippines’ magical showing in the Tokyo The turning point was after the 2016 games.

Rio Olympiad, where Diaz settled for the But it is the PSC—led by its chairman William weightlifting silver medal.

PSC chairman “Butch” Ramirez and his commissioners The PSC knew right then and there that it will William Ramirez Ramon Fernandez, Charles Raymond Maxey, take a village to produce a world-class athlete, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin—that paved who needs a well-oiled team of experts to the way and opened the gates for the Filipino deliver a winning performance in international athlete to reach his full potential. tournaments like the Olympic Games.

“We spent (over) P2 billion for the training and exposure So it funded what is now known as the “Hidilyn Model,” of our athletes since 2016 to form a strong team for Tokyo. wherein the PSC gave its approval to hire for Diaz a foreign Never in the history of our country has government been mentor in Chinese coach Gao Kaiwen, a strength and this supportive of the Filipino athlete, financially. Ngayon conditioning coach in Julius Naranjo, a masseuse in Belen lang nangyari ito sa pamunuan ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Bañas, a sports psychologist in Dr. Karen Trinidad and a sports Duterte,” said chairman Ramirez. nutritionist in Jeanette Aro—collectively known as Team HD.

PH MALDITAS...

From H1 According to Araneta the country will host the AFF Women’s Championships in July or August this year.

“We have done something. The team has done something to wake them up and to merit their attention and support to the team. And I hope they continue to follow, support and pray for the team,” Araneta mused.

As the Malditas take a breather, attention is now being focused on their men’s counterparts, the Philippine Azkals, who are bent to assemble a strong squad for the third round of 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in China in June and the U-23 Team set to compete in the AFF U-23 Championships a week from now. Araneta says the federation is still gunning for a possible camp in March for the senior team despite challenges being posed by COVID-19 protocols all over the world.

Araneta says plans to hold the camp in Spain or in Singapore are still in the works.

“We are still arranging for that [camp] para lahat ng players namin can come and join kasi may mga bagong players kami na sasama sa team, especially our player na is Gerrit Holtmannn in March so that our players can come and join because FIFA days naman ‘yun,” Araneta said.

Holtmann currently plays for newly-promoted Bundesliga side Vfl Vochum in the German top division. Holtmann won the 2021 Bundesliga Goal of the Year for his scintillating solo effort against Mainz last August 21. The Azkal received the ball just inside Mainz’s half side of the field, then dribbled past five defenders before firing the sensational goal in the 21st minute to power his side to a 2-0 win.

Araneta believes the Malditas’ recent achievement in the India Asian Cup will inspire the Azkals to do better, too, in China.

“Any achievement in football will motivate the teams—whether men’s or women’s—will further motivate them to play better. Ang akin naman, of course we have to qualify in the 2023 Asian Cup and I hope that the next target is to be in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Huwag naman ‘yung hanggang group stage lang tayo.

Dapat makapasok tayo sa quarterfinals, maganda na ‘yun,” Araneta added.

The Under-23 squad has already cleared quarantine protocols in Phnom Penh as of Sunday and were given permission to practice as they prepare for the AFF U-23 Championships in Cambodia. The U-23 will play against Timor Leste on Monday, February 14, 2022, 4pm local time, at the Morodok Techo National Stadium to open their campaign.

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Looking after the environment is a company’s responsibility, too

By Patricia Taculao

A

S COMPANIES establish their presence through their products and services that the public delight in, they begin to dabble in efforts that develop and aid communities through various projects and programs focused on different aspects like women empowerment, poverty reduction, and more.

These efforts are known as corporate social responsibility (CSR), a management concept where companies integrate concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders.

While these responsibilities may vary from company to company, they tend to focus on issues that require immediate attention.

Social concerns are the most common initiatives that CSRs deal with, but as the environment’s condition continues to be a pressing issue around the world for several years now, major companies have taken the necessary steps to promote sustainability.

For instance, the San Miguel Corporation, through its CSR arm San Miguel Foundation Inc., has made it its mission to protect the Philippines’ land, water, and air implemented throughout their numerous production plants.

The foundation’s Task Force Hangin helps the company’s plans to comply with the clean air act by determining the best available fuel and control technology for the plants’ fuel-burning equipment. San Miguel Corporation is known for its food and beverage products that span alcoholic drinks, processed foods, and more.

On a smaller scale, San Miguel Foundation Inc. conducts tree-planting projects in areas identified by various SMC production plants. These projects are also promptly scheduled to coincide with known plant celebrations.

Reforestation projects are a common program that many companies practice through their corporate social arm.

Another company that practices CSR toward the environment is the Ayala Corporation. Through its social arm, Ayala Foundation, Inc., the company implemented reforestation projects to enhance air quality, promote diversity, and give back to the environment. In 2019, 297 volunteers across the Ayala Group participated in Project Kasibulan, a reforestation movement that resulted in 6,929 seedlings planted in celebration of the company’s 185th anniversary.

The company also prides itself on its successful waste management program, currently reflected in three strategies—reduction, recycling, and recovery—implemented throughout the group. Furthermore, the Ayala Corporation is also developing a group-wide waste reduction program that can systematically address solid waste to reduce waste that reaches landfills and pollutes oceans.

Plastic pollution is also a prevalent concern in today’s society. One of the leading sources of plastics is bottles from beverage companies. Coca-cola Philippines realized the environmental impact of plastics if left untreated. As a result, the beverage company aims to collect and recycle cans and bottles for each one they produce. The company is also planning to use 100 percent sustainable materials for its packaging.

Since water is a key ingredient in Cocacola Philippines’ operations, the company also implemented a water stewardship program that focuses on sustainable water security through local water replenishment, smart water policies, and responsible water use in their operations.

Each person has a role to play when caring for the environment. Even major companies, through their social arms, lend a hand to preserve the natural resources that they benefit from as well. It is through the cooperation between the stakeholders and these companies that their environmental efforts will be fully realized and propel the Philippines towards a sustainable future.

Coca-cola promises to recycle bottles and cans as well as develop a 100 percent sustainable packaging.

The Ayala Group also practices proper waste management to lessen its carbon footprint.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Dipatuan lauds passage of Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act

Small steps towards sustainability

By Patricia Taculao

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MEMBER of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA)Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament and BTA Committee on Health Chairman Saffrullah M. Dipatuan lauded the House of the Representatives and the Senate for passing the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, which now awaits the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte to become a law “Allahu Akbar! Alhamdulillah!

[The] House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the Marawi Compensation Bill!”, Dipatuan published on his Facebook page after the House adopted the Senate’s version of the bill, which is more popularly known as the Marawi compensation bill on February 3, 2022.

According to Dipatuan, the House’s adoption of the Senate version fast-tracked the passing of the Marawi Compensation Bill since it will dispense the need for a bicameral conference committee meeting.

The said bill will provide monetary aid to the victims who lost their residential and commercial properties due to the conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and terrorist groups back in 2017 in Marawi City if enacted into law.

Since 2017, Dipatuan has been advocating for his fellow internally displaced persons (IDPs) of the Marawi conflict through the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch movement.

When the bill was being deliberated in the Senate for its third and final reading, the International Alert Philippines, another civic group supporting the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch movement, posted a video message of Dipatuan calling on the “Senate to expedite the passage of the Marawi Compensation bill so there is enough time for President [Duterte] to sign this into law.”

Pending the passage of the Marawi Compensation Bill into law, Dipatuan, as the BTA Health Chairman, likewise proposed bills in BARMM to cater the needs of the IDPs with the creation of new public hospitals and upgrading of existing hospitals in BARMM.

Thank you for your efforts to provide quality news to Filipinos.

Happy 35th Anniversary, Manila Standard!

ODAY’S news always bears a hint of negativity as we learn about the world’s current condition.

Aside from the violence and prejudice that sweeps nations, we’re also learning more about our environment’s degradation for years due to humanity’s ego.

Yet, all hope is not lost.

Practicing the three Rs is a significant step towards a sustainable lifestyle.

As governments, companies, and stakeholders around the globe realize the importance of the environment and its preservation, they’ve taken the necessary steps to revitalize and protect our natural resources. However, the responsibility of taking care of the environment doesn’t fall solely into the hands of government officials, company owners, or nongovernment organizations.

It may seem like a daunting task, but we can also play a significant part in saving the planet through our daily activities. Here are small but relevant steps that we can try at home: Practice the three Rs Several tons of household waste is sent to landfills every year, showing just how excessive we can be. One way to avoid this is by practicing the tried and tested three R approach: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

First, we have to reduce the number of items we buy in stores, markets, and groceries. Doing so allows us to keep track of what we have at home and use them before they expire. With items such as glass containers or plastic bags, reusing prevents them from aimlessly going to waste while providing you with containers that you can use for various purposes.

Lastly, recycle items like plastic bottles or old clothes into new ones like rugs or pencil holders to keep them functioning anew in your home.

Compost food scraps A majority of the waste that goes to landfills is from food waste. While some of these come from leftovers, others come from Find sustainable brands that share your goal of protecting the environment. fruit peels or vegetable scraps. Composting is an ideal way to deal with them, and you get to help the earth as well.

Visit online websites to learn more about composting, how you can start, and what food items to add or avoid putting in a compost bin. Compost is an odorless natural fertilizer that enhances soil quality and boosts plant growth.

If you decide to start an edible garden to further your sustainability journey, you can add this to the soil to get healthy vegetables. Or you can try selling it to those who do have a garden.

Switch to sustainable brands With the environment at risk for several years now, several companies or small brands have switched to a more sustainable approach, such as using locally-sourced or recycled materials in creating their products.

Different brands of clothing, makeup, skincare, and more boast of products made sustainably. But before you make the final decision, check if these brands do practice sustainability and determine their impact on the environment.

Adapting to a sustainable lifestyle may be difficult at first, but it can be a habit we can get used to in time. Plus, Mother Earth will thank you for your efforts in keeping her clean and safe in your own little way.

Compost your food scraps to create a natural fertilizer while reducing your carbon footprint.

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Wearing Filipino fashion brands with pride

By Patricia Taculao

O

ne of the things that define our personality is our clothes. It’s good then that we can proudly show off our culture as the Philippines isn’t short of talented and creative designers in the fashion industry.

to order and consist of unique pieces like coats, dresses, t-shirts, and sweaters.

The Filipino fashion scene has come a long way throughout the years with the help of both established and up-and-coming designers. Yet even though these designers adapted to modern trends, they kept their Filipino roots alive by using raw materials native to the Philippines, working with local artisans, and translating their proud culture into their design, giving Filipinos the opportunity to strut their way in the global fashion industry.

Most of the clothing from Anika have a warm tone reminiscent of a sunny vacation.

Bringing Light Beyond the Meralco Franchise

A dress from Munimuni that’s perfect for the Philippines’ tropical weather.

These designers strived to ensure that Philippine fashion is no less than its foreign counterparts. Some local brands that are available to us today boast of sustainability or artisanal designs that make a good addition to any look and closet.

If you’re looking for a brand that values the environment and ethical practices, look no further than Munimuni. It prides itself in clothing and accessories handmade from native biodegradable materials like abaca, raffia, and banana. It was conceived from a genuine intent for conscious consumption in a fast-paced retail world.

Many of their pieces are made with cool, earthly tones that accentuate natural Filipina beauty while giving off island vibes. The clothes are also lightweight yet stylish to allow comfort and mobility in Philippine weather.

Aside from creating sustainable yet fashionable pieces, Munimuni is also passionate about providing livelihood opportunities to members of the rural communities in the country, allowing local artisans to demonstrate their skills in making quality clothing from sustainable materials found in the Philippines.

Speaking of local materials, another brand that proudly uses Philippine silk, weaves, and woodcarvings when making shoes is Risqué Designs. The brand was founded

by Tal de Guzman, who began Risqué Designs as a part-time business, to a fullgrown design and manufacturing business located in Marikina, the shoe capital of the Philippines.

The materials create a perfect blend of sturdiness and style that Filipinos can wear in almost any event. Risqué Designs is not afraid to use bold patterns, vibrant colors, and play with different shapes to make one-of-a-kind designs. The shoes are also handmade by some of the finest local artisans who know their way around the craft.

When it comes to minimalist yet chic designs, Anika is the local brand to turn to. It was established by Anika Martinez, an alumnus of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, California. She was inspired to create clothing that’s timeless and versatile while lessening the amount of waste in the environment that comes from the fashion industry.

Anika makes their clothes from upcycled fabrics and with sunny vacations in mind.

The lightweight materials partnered with loose shapes and warm tones bring a positive vibe anytime it’s worn.

Meanwhile, check out Bea Samson’s brand if modern fashion is more up your alley. Aside from utilizing trendy designs, the designer confidently uses digital prints, vivid colors, three-dimensional shapes, and a variety of textures to delight lovers of contemporary fashion. The pieces are made

Vivid digital prints are at the core of Bea Samson’s designs.

WHEN Typhoon Odette hit several parts of the country in mid-December 2021, the devastation it caused left many Filipinos in the dark during the supposedly festive Christmas season.

But if there’s one thing that became evident days after the typhoon made a series of landfalls, it was that Filipinos, in the spirit of bayanihan, will never hesitate to help each other even in the middle of a pandemic.

With damaged properties, blocked roads, and toppled electricity and communication lines, Visayas and Mindanao received outpouring support from government agencies, the private sector, non-government and civic organizations, and even individual volunteers who came together to assist millions of residents immediately after the typhoon.

Among those that quickly mobilized and provided aid was Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). The distribution utility, which serves Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, recognized the importance of bringing back electricity to the affected areas the soonest possible time.

Meralco deployed nearly 200 linemen and engineers to help distributors and electric cooperatives but with the heavy damage left by the typhoon, power restoration proved to be a challenge.

In Cebu, a contingent of more than 80 personnel, along with 21 vehicles, assisted Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) and Mactan Electric Co. (MECO) restore service in several parts of the province.

In Bohol, with the assistance of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), close to 60 personnel, along with 13 vehicles, provided support to Bohol Light Company Inc. and Bohol II Electric Cooperative.

It took more than a month, which stretched beyond the Christmas holidays, before the highly dedicated linemen, engineers and contractors returned home.

But work for typhoon-hit areas continues for close to 50 personnel who are currently in Surigao del Norte to assist the electric cooperatives in the province.

The efforts, albeit heroic as they are, would not have been possible without the bayanihan spirit that brought many groups together to help the Visayas and Mindanao recover.

Thanks to the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy, 2Go Group, PLDT, among others, Meralco was able to transport its personnel, vehicles, and heavy equipment in the affected areas.

In Cebu, a total of 86 personnel and 21 vehicles provided assistance in the restoration efforts done

by Visayan Electric Company and Mactan Electric Company for the Cities of Cebu, Talisay, and LapuLapu, and the Municipality of Cordova.

“Extending help to our fellow Filipinos within and outside our franchise area, especially when it comes to power restoration after typhoons, has always been part of Meralco’s DNA. We are very blessed to have employees who understand this and also exemplify malasakit, which is one of our core values,” according to Meralco Senior Vice President at Head of Networks Ronnie L. Aperocho.

“Despite the holiday season and the ongoing pandemic, we did not experience any difficulty in forming contingents who are more than willing to help. We will continue helping those affected by Typhoon Odette the best way we can,” he added.

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the company’s social development arm, also coordinated with other non-profit organizations and local government units for the distribution of close to 5,000 relief packages to affected families in Siargao

The initial 21 personnel that were part of the 144-man strong Meralco contingent arrived in December 21 in Cebu to immediately provide assistance in restoration activities in Visayas.

OMF and to all the linemen who helped re-power Cebu. I was there a few days after the typhoon, and it was really devastated. It’s very heartening to see that we have partnerships with very good organizations that at least allow us to help out,” shared Fernan.

Compassionate linemen hailed In a social media post, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap acknowledged that there were “no weekends, no holidays for Meralco team” who are unwavering in their work to help restore power in the province. He also thanked OMF for the generator sets that powered the muchneeded water refilling stations in the province.

“It is truly in your DNA to serve beyond your service areas,” Yap said.

Cebu News Workers Multipurpose Cooperative Elias Baquero also extolled the sacrifices of Meralco personnel.

“We appreciate the sacrifices made

by Meralco linemen and engineers who spent their holidays away from their families in solidarity with the crew of distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in our province,” he said.

Island, Surigao, Leyte, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Dinagat Islands and Guihulngan in Negros Oriental.

In Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island, OMF distributed 140 solar torches and some generator sets to help the affected residents. It also coordinated with Power 4 All for the distribution of solar flashlights.

Heroes’ Welcome Unbeknownst to many, Meralco’s dedicated and hardworking linemen and engineers had to spend the Christmas holidays away from their families, with little to no rest, to answer the call of duty.

It was through their compassion for their fellowmen that they were able to tide through the challenges that come with helping restore electricity service to bring light of hope to those who are still reeling from the impact of the typhoon.

That’s why when 43 of the contingent from Cebu and Bohol returned to Manila on January 26, a crowd of proud colleagues and partners from Meralco, 2Go Group and the Philippine Coast Guard surprised them with a simple but meaningful heroes’ welcome.

Ronneil Reyes, a foreman at the Meralco Pasig Sector, said he was happy to be home after spending Christmas Day and New Year away from his family for the first time.

But he knew that their efforts to help fellow Filipinos in Cebu was a worthy cause.

“Basta full effort po kami. Kahit umulan po o umaraw, kahit gabi po nagtatrabaho po kami para mapabilis lalo ‘yung restoration,” Reyes told reporters during the Heroes’ Welcome.

Meralco’s Mr. Aperocho also commended the linemen for a job well done, saying: “We want them to know that we appreciate all their sacrifices because it is not easy to be away from their family especially during Christmas and New Year.”

For Bohol, Meralco was able to send 58 personnel and 13 OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao also expressed vehicles to assist with the restoration efforts of Bohol Light M e r a l c o ’s Company, Inc., and Bohol II Electric Cooperative. gratitude to the people working together to help the Odette-hit areas: “Thanks “Even if we are outside its franchise area, to the bayanihan of so many stakeholders, Meralco was among the first to help Cebu. including our partners, our kababayans We have witnessed not only their dedication severely affected by the typhoon are now to provide electricity service but also their recovering.” compassion for their fellowmen who were “I would like to express gratitude to 2Go severely affected by the typhoon,” added and its team for helping us bring our trucks Baquero, who is also a director of Cebu City and other vehicles needed to support the Cooperative Development Council, a special power restoration work in Cebu and Bo- body of the Cebu City government. hol,” he added.

Baquero said the manpower assistance Besides helping transport the returning was of great help to the province because Meralco personnel, 2Go also brought home employees of the electricity distributors 23 vehicles of Meralco that were used in the were also affected by the typhoon. power restoration efforts.

“It has been a real challenge to restore power For 2Go Vice President and Head of Ship- in all households and establishments in Cebu ping Dan Fernan, his gratefulness to the sup- but we are very hopeful that through the conport of the Meralco personnel was personal. tinuing bayanihan of people who are working “As a native of Cebu, I want to express non-stop to restore electricity service, all homes my heartfelt and deep personal thanks to will be energized soon,” he said.

Meralco’s dedicated and hardworking linemen and engineers spent the Christmas holidays away from their families, with little to no rest, just to answer the call of duty and assist in the restoration efforts.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Sustainable livelihood programs for pandemic recovery

By Nickie Wang

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HREE-TERM Senator and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda calls for more budgetary support for livelihood programs of the government for the marginalized sectors amid this pandemic.

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda champions programs that look deeper into the situation of the marginalized sector.

Duterte policies move PH 113 spots up in the Speedtest Global Index

BARELY five months before the end of the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Philippines now ranks 63rd out of 178 countries and 65th out of 138 countries according to Ookla’s fixed broadband and mobile global performance figures, respectively.

The average fixed broadband download speeds have risen from 7.91 Mbps to 82.61 Mbps, a 944% growth that propelled Philippines’ latest Speedtest Global ranking 113 rungs up, from 176th before the start of the Duterte administration to 63rd.

The country’s average mobile internet speeds have also seen an impressive 467% growth at 42.22 Mbps from 7.44 Mbps since the start of the Duterte administration.

In a statement, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) wrote: “the increase in internet speed in the country was the result of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s directive last year for telcos to improve their services amid

the pandemic, and of the strengthened roll-out of DICT’s digital connectivity initiatives, especially the Common Tower Policy.”

The National Telecommunications Commission also attributed the record-breaking improvement in the internet speeds from 2020 to 2021 especially in contrast to previous year-over-year performances to President Duterte’s directive to fast-track the issuance of local government unit (LGU) permits.

The streamlined issuance of LGU permits enabled telecommunication companies to also fast-track the building of cellular towers and fiber optic networks essential to boost internet connectivity and other telco services amid the pandemic, it added.

Ookla recently announced that it will no longer use mean data in the determination of its rankings on the Speedtest Global Index after February 15, 2022, and will replace it with median download speed “to best reflect the speeds a user is likely to achieve in a market.”

Legarda, principal sponsor and coauthor of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Law, has been supportive of the government programs focusing on sustainable livelihoods such as the Shared Services Facilities (SSF) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Pangkabuhayan Program and Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) since her stint as the Chairperson of Senate Committee on Finance.

The SSF, a major component of the MSME development program of the DTI, seeks to improve their competitiveness by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills, and knowledge under a shared system.

In the province of Antique, represented

by Deputy Speaker Legarda in the House of Representatives, 67 SSF projects were approved through the initiative and funding support of Legarda. Among these projects are SSF on salt making, food and fish processing, handicrafts making, loomweaving, pottery making, muscovado, agri products, among others.

“We have to look deeper into the situation of our people in the marginalized sector. We have to empower them through providing a sustainable livelihood that will give them economic empowerment and financial stability especially during these trying times,” Legarda stated.

Through Legarda’s initiative, and in partnership with the DTI, the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines was able to establish two DTI SSF that housed a number of high-powered sewing machines with the support of the Quezon City LGU in barangays Greater Lagro and Sto. Cristo. Each of the two SSFs is now generating a combined income of 3

million pesos and is now a cooperative and manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

Also recently, two women organizations whom Legarda met in an event organized by UN Women in March this year, the Alyansa ng mga Nakakatandang Komunidad, Inc. (ANAK) and Development Action for Women Network, Inc. (DAWN), received livelihood assistance from DOLE Pangkabuhayan to help expand their Food Bank Project and for the sewing & pattern making livelihood project, respectively.

Legarda also partnered with the DOST and the University of Antique in her home province in initiating, funding, and launching the CEST program to provide comprehensive technical services and processing equipment to UA and selected barangays in the municipalities of Antique to engage in fish and nichefood processing. Livelihood projects were also started by different groups such as the production and processing of peanut, cacao, high-value crops, root crops, and vegetables, and ice cream production.

“Aside from strengthening our budgetary support for these programs, we also need the cooperation and collaboration of national government agencies, LGUs, private sector, and the academe to deliver more effective and research-based livelihood programs to our communities,” Legarda concluded.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

By Nickie Wang

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S 35 really the best age?

I’d like to borrow this question from an article I read when I turned 35. The article, published in the Money section of The Guardian in 2012, talks about a survey that claims that by 35, “people have reached certain milestones but have good years ahead of them.”

The survey, according to the article, asked more than 2,000 adults from across the age ranges what they thought the best age was, and the average came out to be 35 – the age in which people are expected to have reached milestones like owning properties, finding a partner, having a first child, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply finding their place under the sun, so to speak. The keyword, stability.

While reading the article, I suddenly remembered what Latina pop superstar Jennifer Lopez said that men are “useless” until the age of 33. And if I were to look at the lives of my friends and colleagues, there’s a glaring truth in her statement.

In the world of showbiz, there are 35-year-olds whom you can’t consider too young or too old yet they’re able to sail successfully even giving their younger counterparts a run for their money.

Since Manila Standard is celebrating its 35th year, “revving for the leap forward,” Manila Standard Entertainment is listing down the most successful local stars born in 1987, the same year when the paper also started publication.

Bea Alonzo, October 17 She’s a star that doesn’t need much introduction. Bea has established herself as one of the most successful TV and movie actresses of her generation with box-office hits and top-rating television series tucked under her belt. Now an exclusive talent of GMA Network, she established her ties with the country’s leading media

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Stars who thrive at 35 including Arthur Nery (“Pagsamo,” Temptation Island (2011), which “Isa Lang,” “Higa,” “Binhi”), and Adie became a box office hit. But his biggest break came in 2013 (the same year when (“Paraluman,” “Tahanan”). he transferred to GMA after launching a career in ABS-CBN via Pinoy Big Brother) when he played a gay character in My Husband’s Lover. In the following year, he starred again opposite his MHL co-star and now wife Carla Abellana.

In 2015, Tom portrayed Sergio in the second Philippine adaptation of the hit Televisa Mexicanovela MariMar opposite Megan Young. With his exceptional skill as a screen actor, Tom has maintained his status as one of GMA’s most reliable actors.

company in July last year. Bea is still recognized for projects with ABS-CBN and her team-up with John Lloyd Cruz who also found a home in GMA. Bea’s most anticipated project as a Kapuso is Jennylyn Mercado, May 15 a movie with the network’s most prized It’s been a remarkable year for the actress possession, Alden Richards. who recently tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Dennis Trillo. Just last week, the Kean Cipriano, June 11 expectant mom celebrated her 18th year in This occasional actor and family man has the business. In 2003, Jennylyn was hailed a flourishing career in music. Callalily’s as the Ultimate Female Survivor on the first frontman is not just a composer and a season of StarStruck. Since then, she has music video director, he is also a record appeared in notable GMA-7 shows such as label executive. In 2018, with his wife Encantadia, Super Twins, and La Vendetta, Chyna Ortaleza, Kean launched O/C as well as the local adaptations of My Love Records (a subsidiary of Viva Records), from the Star and Descendants of the Sun. which manages some of the most exciting music acts in the recording scene today Tom Rodriguez, October 1 In his second year in the business, he was cast in the remake of the film

Rocco Nacino, March 21

Nikki Gil, August 23 Prior to becoming a social media personality (inspiring her two millionstrong following on Instagram), this mom-of-two (she welcomed her second child four months ago), was a theater and television actress, singer, host, model, and video jockey. Before she got married six years ago, Nikki had released five studio albums, appeared in five theater productions, six movies, and 26 television programs.

Ahron Villena, March 10 This Batangas City native has worked in three different networks, has starred in 11 films, and appeared in 33 television programs since he became an actor in 2004. A product of ABSCBN’s Star Magic and is currently The actor, who recently celebrated a freelance artist, Ahron has been his first wedding anniversary with wife Melissa Gohing, has been in showbiz for 13 years now. Born in Baguio and was raised in Singapore and Laguna, Rocco is best known for his role in the local adaptation of Descendants of the Sun. One of his notable performances was in the series Koreana, which gave him his first acting nomination from the Entertainment Press Society (Enpres) in 2011. A multitalented actor, Rocco is also a recording artist with two albums reaching platinum status.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

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Stars who...

From D1

Denise Laurel, September 30 Career longevity is her game being around in showbiz since 2001.

An advocate for body positivity, this celebrity mom was discovered by a prominent star-maker while still in Repertory Philippines. Given her background as an actor, Denise was able to launch a successful career spanning two decades. Some of her memorable works include

enjoying a steady career considering some of the stars of his contemporaries have already faded. The strength of his career lies in his being a versatile actor and his willingness to face the challenges head-on. This is possibly why he was able to work in three different networks. Currently, Ahron is part of TV5’s Niña Niño.

Congratulations to

Happy

35th

Anniversary!

From:

ABS-CBN series Midnight Phantom and Kristine. This year, she will be part of the local adaptation of the Korean series Flower Of Evil.

Rodjun Cruz, October 10 Like the rest of the members of the Cruz clan in showbiz, Rodjun has maintained a reputable name in the industry. A dancer, a host, and an actor, he always delivered hence making himself a bankable star. From a hosting job in the children’s magazine show 5 And Up in his early days in showbiz, Rodjun has listed memorable projects in his resume including being part of more than 50 television programs. Now a doting father, the Sparkle artist also established himself as an entrepreneur with the launch of a sports apparel brand he established along with his siblings.

Ryza Cenon, December 21 GMA launched her career in 2004 when she became the Ultimate Female Survivor of the second season of StarStruck. She has played numerous roles on television and in films. Most people recognize her as the antagonist in the well-loved drama Ika-6 na Utos, which spawned numerous online memes that went viral during the show’s duration. In 2018, Ryza signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN and joined the longest-running action TV drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Later, she became part of The General’s Daughter and won her third Best Supporting Actress award.

Sen. Nancy Binay

Jason Francisco, October 11 It seems like it was just yesterday when he charmed television viewers with his naturally quirky personality as one of the housemates of Pinoy Big Brother in 2009.

Now, Jason is celebrating his 12th year in the business. Jason officially launched a television career via Melason In Love with his then-girlfriend and now wife Melisa Cantiveros. In 2017, he left ABSCBN and moved to GMA Network to join the cast of Alyas Robin Hood series. Now, the father-of-two still currently thrives

playing small yet important roles in the network.

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LJ Reyes, December 25 She’s one of the most successful alumni of the widely acclaimed StarStruck. The 2016 Gawad Urian Best Actress (Ang Anino sa Likod ng Buwan) has maintained a stellar career being a staple face in GMA television series. Although her last project was a TV series that premiered in 2018, she had remained visible on TV even during the pandemic before deciding to keep it low-key after her controversial split with former partner Paolo Contis.

Jake Cuenca, December 30 He’s able to create his own brand, a name that instantly rings a bell whenever mentioned on multimedia platforms.

While being a multiawarded actor and one of the most successful names in local entertainment today, Jake was able to reinvent himself with his much applauded theatrical debut in 2018.

This year, the actor who has a flourishing showbiz career (and is obviously winning at life, too), will join the stellar cast of ABSCBN newest series Cattleya Killer set for international release.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

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Conrad Manila Awarded 2022

GMA Network wins silver in Singapore-based Marketing Excellence Awards 2021

G

MA Network was recognized at the Singaporebased Marketing Excellence Awards 2021, the premier platform for marketers to showcase their creative excellence, successful strategies, and effective delivery.

In a virtual awarding ceremony held by Marketing-Interactive last Jan. 28, the network’s project ‘DepEd TV on GMA’ bagged the Silver Award in the Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility category.

In line with GMA’s objective to enrich the lives of Filipinos everywhere through Serbisyong The Marketing Excellence Awards is Totoo, the country’s leading designed to celebrate, recognize, and reward the Philippines’ outstanding marketing network provided nationwide campaigns. airtime via one of its digital Under the same category, the channels to the Department of Education (DepEd). This aimed to Network’s ‘GMAsk’ Campaign was support the latter’s initiatives on also shortlisted while the ‘GMA blended learning as they continue Makulay ang Buhay,’ a campaign educating young students while in partnership with Knorr-Unilever keeping them safe from the threats Philippines, similarly made it to the finalists under the Excellence in of the pandemic.

DepEd TV on GMA enabled Content Marketing category.

The Marketing Excellence students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 to attend classes at home via their Awards (MEA) is designed to TV sets and thus helped address celebrate, recognize, and reward the DepEd’s challenge to reach as many Philippines’ outstanding marketing students as possible through GMA’s campaigns. With the 2021 event extensive coverage all over the being the inaugural MEA in the country. The DepEd TV channel can Philippines, the winners were chosen be accessed by millions of Filipinos by an independent judging panel nationwide via GMA’s digital TV comprised of high-caliber, senior receivers GMA Affordabox and industry experts from reputable brands.

GMA Now.

ASEAN Green Hotel and ASEAN MICE Hotel CONRAD Manila received the dual recognition as ASEAN Green Hotel and the ASEAN MICE Hotel at the recent 2022 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards by the Department of Tourism recently held in Cambodia.

This is the third time that Conrad Manila has been awarded the bi-annual ASEAN Tourism Standards as Green Hotel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) since the hotel started its operations five years ago.

“These recognitions bring so much inspiration to our Conrad Manila family amidst the challenges that we are all experiencing in the hospitality industry.

The awards will definitely further deepen confidence and strengthen patronage on Conrad Manila as we remain committed to serve our market segments in the most exemplary ways and live up to the ASEAN tourism principles,” shares Linda Pecoraro, hotel general manager, adding: “We commend the DOT’s Tourism Standard and Regulation Office for its outstanding leadership in promoting Philippine tourism within the tenets of international standards.”

As an ASEAN Green Hotel, Conrad Manila is a haven for smart luxury by the Manila Bay with 347 guest rooms, highly acclaimed dining destinations and leisure options. The hotel is strategically located at the forefront of the 42-hectare Mall of Asia complex. Inspired by the shipping vessels that ply the bay, Conrad Manila’s architecture is both iconic and intuitive.

A recipient of the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), all guest rooms and suites offer picturesque bay or city views and feature motion sensors that adjust the air conditioning switches from energysaving mode to cool and automatically open the curtains with ambient lighting set to match the time of the day. Some of Conrad Manila’s energy-efficient and environment-friendly efforts include: hotel guest rooms outfitted with occupancy sensors, which automatically switches off lights and reduces ventilation rates in unoccupied rooms; dual flush toilets and low-flow plumbing and irrigation fixtures significantly reduce the amount of water used on a daily basis; flooring products such as resilient tile and carpet meet strict emissions standards; paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants are low volatile organic compounds (VOC); among others.

Sustainability is built into the fabric of Conrad Manila’s green principles and operations, guided by the LightStay program, Hilton’s corporate responsibility performance measurement platform for managing energy, water, and waste. The hotel’s team members are also actively involved in the practice of waste reduction, re-use, recycling, waste separation and composting programs at every touchpoint: at workstations, staff rooms, cafeteria, and back office areas.

Corporate responsibility is an important Brand value of Conrad Manila, guided by the pillars of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose. This is driven by strong staff engagement and NGO partnership around environment protection, children’s nutrition, and community capability building.

Conrad Manila engages guests to share in the major advocacies for environment management, power and water conservation, sustainable food sourcing, as well as art and culture promotion.

As an ASEAN MICE Hotel, Conrad Manila offers more than 2,400 square meters of flexible function space, with two pillarless ballrooms and meeting rooms for any occasion. For large scale affairs, Forbes Ballroom can hold up to 1,000 guests with its total area space of 1,500 square meters and a ceiling height of seven meters. Forbes Ballroom can be partitioned into three separate and soundproof sections, and equipped with the latest audio-visual technology.

At the height of the health pandemic early last year, Conrad Manila launched a new global programme addressing cleanliness, safety, and flexibility for meetings and events in the light of COVID-19. Hilton EventReady with CleanStay is a global program offering a solution to event planners with elevated cleanliness and customer service standards.

Hilton EventReady with CleanStay delivers experiences that provide peace of mind from start to finish. Designed to create event experiences that are clean, flexible, safe & socially responsible, Hilton EventReady with CleanStay provides curated solutions for every step of event planning process, from redesigned event spaces and innovative technology resources to inspiring food & beverage with thoughtful presentations.

Conrad Manila also captured the MICE market with “Meetings To Go,” a pioneering initiative which brings the hotel business meeting experience online and right to its guests’ doorsteps. Its call to action: Connect and Convene—reinvented the way Conrad Manila guests do business with innovative meeting packages that highlight seamless connectivity for virtual conferences and events.

For reservations and inquiries, please email conradmanila@ conradhotels.com or kindly call +632 8833 9999.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Celebrating Filipino excellence, world-class talents in PH premiere of ‘On the Job’

C

ELEBRATION of Filipino Excellence, a series of film screenings at the CCP, showcases world-class acting talent on its third installment with the Philippine premiere of On The Job: The Missing 8, slated on Feb. 18, 5:00 p.m., at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Directed by multi-awarded director Erik Matti, the film earned for actor John Arcilla the Coppa Volpi (Volpi Cup) for Best Actor at the 78th Venice Film Festival.

The film tells about a corrupt reporter for a local newspaper who is forced to start an investigation following the disappearance of his colleagues and pits him against his personal interests. Meanwhile, an inmate, who is routinely released from prison to carry out assassinations, is sentenced to life in prison for a crime he did not commit and, not wanting to spend the rest of his life as a hitman, begins to plan ways to regain his freedom by any means necessary.

The film premiered on Sept. 10, 2021, at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where it entered the Main Competition for the Golden Lion and won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for John Arcilla. An HBO Asia Original, this sequel to the 2013 film On the Job focuses on corruption and media censorship now that a new strongman is in power in the Philippines.

Tickets are at Php300. Call TicketWorld at 09175506997 (Globe) or 09999545922 (Smart), or visit www.ticketworld.com. ph. Contact the CCP Box Office at 88323704 / 8832-1125 local 1409.

The screening will be followed by a short program that includes the formal presentation of the Volpi Cup to John Arcilla, and a post-screening talkback with special guests. Talkback will be

The sequel to the 2013 film ‘On the Job,’ ‘The Missing 8’ tells the story of a journalist played by John Arcilla.

livestreamed on the CCP Facebook page.

This special screening is presented by the CCP, in cooperation with the Asian Cultural Council Philippines Foundation, Reality MM Studios, and Globe Studios.

WAGI is a series of special screenings

of select feature and documentary films celebrating Filipino excellence. It opened on Nov. 5, 2021 with Ramona Diaz’s documentary A Thousand Cuts to honor Maria Ressa, the first Filipina Nobel laureate. It was followed by the special

Dennis Trillo in a scene from the acclaimed Erik Matti film.

screening of the GMA7 documentary Team Pilipinas: The Atom Araullo Specials produced by broadcast journalist Atom Araullo that honors the athletes who represented the Philippines and bagged medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The CCP opens its theater with 30 percent capacity, excluding Balcony II. To ensure that everyone will have a safe theater experience, please read CCP’s new normal health protocol at bit.ly/ CCPNewNormalProtocol.

VIRTUAL STRIDES

Piolo Pascual runs for Odette survivors

Actor Piolo Pascual SCREEN star Piolo Pascual completed the 100-step challenge of SKY’s “Isang Daang Hakbang Sa Pagtutulungan: Kapamilya Virtual Run” and encouraged others to do the same until Feb. 28.

When the virtual run officially began,

the multi-awarded actor further showed his support for the cause by posting a video of himself finishing all 100 steps on his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in several parts of our country. Until now, many Filipinos are still struggling and need help.

Kapamilya, let us do our part and take that step,” Piolo said as he joined the Kapamilya Virtual Run that is part of ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon Odette.

Participants can take the 100-step challenge by depositing a donation of P100 or P400 to the fundraiser’s BDO (0039300-86136) or BPI (3051-1156-26) account. They may also send the donation via the Kapamilya Virtual

Run’s GCash, PayMaya, or PayPal QR Code.

They can then proceed to www.runrio.com to sign up for the virtual run and submit their proof of donation.

Participants can then complete their 100 steps and share a photo or video of themselves on Facebook and Instagram doing the challenge with the hashtag #100HakbangSaPagtutulungan.

If participants want to do more than just taking 100 steps, they can also donate P800 or P1,200 to join the 5K or 10K Top Up Run Categories. Regardless of which virtual run category they choose, all participants will receive an e-badge. Top Up Category runners will receive an additional e-bib and personalized e-certificate.

“Isang Daang Hakbang Sa Pagtutulungan: Kapamilya Virtual Run” is organized by SKY in partnership with HBO and History Channel to support ABS-CBN and ABSCBN Foundation’s “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan,” the second phase of their fund drive for the benefit of Odette survivors.

As of Feb. 6, ABS-CBN Foundation has provided aid to 182,110 families with the help of donations. This campaign is under ABS-CBN Foundation DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit, DSWD-SBSP-00026-21, valid nationwide until May 28.

For more information on this virtual run for a good cause, visit www.mysky.com. ph/100hakbang.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

By Charles Arvin Dantes

F

OR the past two years, the coronavirus pandemic has plagued the world and disrupted our accustomed way of living, thus giving life to the term “new normal”.

With the virus, adapting to a different lifestyle and going through changes are the biggest challenges people have faced.

The transportation sector has been greatly affected by the pandemic. Back in 2020, the government halted the use of mass transportation to curb the spread of the virus, a move that forced workers and frontliners to seek alternative ways of traveling through cycling.

Just like the contagious COVID-19, the bicycle fever has caught Filipinos’ fancy as it became one of the main alternatives in going around the metro.

An instant 1-2 combination of exercise and traveling, cycling helps frontliners and workers to keep a much faster and healthier lifestyle, while many fitness experts believe that having a vigorous mode of transportation

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Cycling: Mobility in the new normal Bike friendly parking

The bicycle fever has caught Filipinos’ fancy.

helps people a build stronger endurance and immune system — perfect in fighting the spread of the virus.

To further improve the use of active transportation, the Department of Transportation and

different local government units built different biker-friendly routes and lanes for safer travel.

The transportation department completed a whooping 497-KMs worth of bike lanes all over the country composed of pavements, proper markings, physical separators and road signages.

In the National Capital Region alone, 313 kilometers have been opened for riders’ use; while in Metro Cebu, 129 kms have been utilized for transport and 55 kms in Metro Davao.

DOTr also sets another P2 billion for the continuous improvement of the bike lane network in the county.

Local government units released rules and regulations for cyclists, such as wearing helmets and other protective gears, following proper traffic laws and installation of warning devices such as lights and brakes for bikes for a much safer environment and to avoid accidents on the road.

While we are slowly getting tuned in to the “new normal” with the return of public transportation, it is safe to say that cycling as a mode of transportation is here to stay.

Congratulations

on your

34th th Anniversary 35 Anniversary

35 Anniversary GREETINGS FROM: GREETINGS FROM:

Governor Danilo Danilo Suarez Governor Suarez Congresswoman Aleta Congresswoman AletaSuarez Suarez Congressman David Congressman DavidSuarez Suarez Congresswoman AnnaV.V.Suarez Suarez Congresswoman Anna Board Suarez BoardMember Member Donaldo Donaldo Suarez Atty.

Suarez Atty.Joanna Joanna Suarez Former DaniloSuarez Suarez FormerVice ViceMayor Mayor Danilo Jr.Jr. Executive Assistant Jennifer Suarez Lopez Executive Assistant Jenny Suarez

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Tech in our rides: Where are we headed?

By Milo Rivera

“O

UT with the old and in with the new” is a statement that describes the mindset of a consumer. The fulfilment of having what’s dated or “trending” —whether out of convenience, mere desire, or necessity—can be evident when it comes to gadgets or other products. Yet can this be said with the vehicle market as well?

Ever since the start of the 20th century, the automotive industry has been one of the most receptive industries to emerging technology, as it continues to redefine the way cars are manufactured, operated, and maintained.

And as computers have become more central to the mass production of automobiles, the capacity for driver-vehicle interactivity has increased enormously.

Today, every car produced has some kind of onboard computer that controls a wide range of functions.

As for vehicle Power Units, internal combustion engines are starting to be significantly displaced by hybrid, fully electric, or solar energy systems as the driving force of the future.

In addition, innovations in the industry unceasingly serve as a primary catalyst for more ensured safety on the road—both as a passenger and as a driver—with continuous advancements going a long way ever since the invention of the Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), Traction Control, and the Airbags - to name a few.

This is not to mention the added “trinkets” in your car that add fascination to the whole driving experience.

Yet with the large variety of vehicle brands and models in the market, why is technology or innovation used as one of the major selling points in the industry? What’s so enticing with having a multi-functional touchscreen infotainment system over a conventional radio and aircon setup, or having a built-in wireless phone charger, automatic doors, or 360-degree lookout cameras? (Well, let’s be honest, they’re cool).

Simple. Just like with our smartphones, it’s our desire and fixation to have “what’s new and more”.

Whether it be because of added features, enhanced aesthetics, or increased convenience, to highlight something “new” when marketing goods—more often than not —works.

Now, determining whether “what’s new and more” is actually ”what’s good”, well that’s a story for another day.

Although purchasing a vehicle based on certain features and technologies still remains to be a varying preference from consumer to consumer, we can never disregard its significant contribution to the industry.

Taking a look at it from a point of purpose, technology is what aids our vehicles to travel from point A to point B, with added safety

and efficiency.

Furthermore, we reap the benefits of innovation not just by being able to conveniently monitor our vehicle’s “vital signs” in real time, while behind the wheel, or by being ensured that we reach our destinations in one good piece regardless of route or condition.

We also reap the benefits of automotive technology through holistically enjoying each trip with comfort, spectacle, and interactivity.

To put things short, technology is what makes or breaks our whole driving experience.

Driving Forward With numerous tech trends and driving aids steadily being added to each newly manufactured automobile, where does this ultimately lead to?

A lot of us would answer “full autonomy”, as vehicles are gradually developing towards further redefining the driving experience with the occupant handing partial to significant control over to an integrated navigation system—or an in-car computer.

These days, vehicle models equipped with self-parking systems are now a purchase away.

In addition, advancements such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (wherein your vehicle shall apply brake pressure on your behalf when it detects an oncoming obstacle, albeit approaching it too fast or without any awareness to slow down) and Lane Departure Mitigation systems are now present in more executive models.

Given this, we could only be eager to find out the next “what’s new” as manufacturers are in the process of developing self-driving cars on an even larger scale. It stands to reason that the less time drivers spend ‘driving,’ the more time users will want to interact with onboard technology.

However, if we would want to fully answer the question mentioned two paragraphs back, the more appropriate answer would probably be “let’s just wait and see”, as endless ideas and possibilities definitely lead to endless innovation. Years ago, only a handful would have predicted the technology we have today.

So who’s to say what’s ultimately coming our way?

In a world, where technology continues to transcend, so should the complete driving experience.

K3

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

Mobility marvels for the everyday commuter

By Charles Arvin Dantes

L

OOKING back in the past year, public transportation in the country took itself to new heights with different commuterfriendly projects laid down by the government.

Here is Manila Standard’s “mobility marvels of 2021” list.

1. LRT-2 East Extension Project

Back in July 2021, the Department of Transportation officially opened the additional two LRT 2 stations in Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo to the public.

Commuters can now travel from Recto to Antipolo in just 40 minutes, much better than the usual three-hour travel time from before.

It is also expected that the LRT extension project will help decongest major roads, especially in Marikina, Pasig and Antipolo.

With the addition of the two stations, the line’s daily capacity increased by 80,000 passengers.

People can also look forward to the ongoing LRT 1 Extension project that aims to add another 11.7 kilometer Baclaran-Bacoor, Cavite segment. The new stretch will have eight stations.

2. Ridership number in EDSA Busway

The EDSA Busway, also known as EDSA Carousel, is the dedicated bus lane service under DOTr, MMDA, DPWH and LTFRB that reached a total of 47 million ridership with an average of 129,000 daily.

Based on the data from LTFRB, for the first quarter of 2021, where the country is under strict security measures, the monthly average of commuters is around two million.

After the lockdowns were lifted and the “Libreng Sakay” under the Service Contracting Program (a program created to help bus drivers on a per-kilometer basis while providing free ride to workers and medical frontliners) of the transportation department and LTFRB were made available, the numbers of monthly ridership ballooned.

During the holiday season in the months of November and December, the ridership averages was around 7.5 million commuters.

3. Improved bike lanes in the Metro

The Department of Transportation completed a huge milestone in making a total of 497-kilometer of bike lanes all over the country.

Aiming to promote active transportation to the masses, 313 kilometers of bike lane have been opened to use for riders in Metro Manila, while in Metro Cebu, 129 kms have been utilized for transport and 55 kms in Metro Davao.

Under Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, the promotion of active transport was strengthened by the declaration of the bicycle as an additional mode of transportation and provision of funding to support the establishment of bike lane networks.

DOTr also shared that it had set another P2 billion for the continuous improvement of bike lanes in the country.

With the projects mentioned above, among others, being significant precedents for what’s to come, we Filipinos could only be optimistic and excited for how “better” our roads shall soon be.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

‘Smart tourism’ to boost industry

By Othel V. Campos

A

RMED with a slew of new branding initiatives and aggressive promotional projects aimed at revitalizing the travel and hospitality industries, the country’s tourism sector is determined to build back better this year.

Tapping all possible platforms in the virtual space has been the rallying call of the Department of Tourism (DOT) since the pandemic struck, allowing the sector’s stakeholders to pivot to smart tourism.

“Our adoption of digital technologies and smart ICT platforms was key to be able to explore new ways of marketing and promotions,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief operating officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.

TPB is an attached agency of the DOT tasked to design and roll-out programs that will promote Philippine tourism to the world.

In November 2020, it has launched the Travel Philippines app which became the official hub for information providing tourists with updates on what destinations are open and what protocols and requirements are in place.

The long lockdowns prompted the DOT, in cooperation with the tourism stakeholders, to dabble in virtual tours production, intended for avid travelers who are still homebound to lessen boredom and ease anxiety for people who have limited or no mobility at all.

The virtual tours created a safe space of leisure for virtual travelers across the nation and across the globe. These featured Camiguin, Davao, La Union and Manila, among other key destinations.

Despite the pandemic, the TPB noted an increase in its members that has grown to over 500 stakeholders – from resorts to support tourism groups.

Allones likewise noted the rise of many tourism-related micro, small and medium enterprises, all geared to face the challenges of the new normal.

“TPB Intends to sustain all partnerships from national to local governments, stakeholders, the academe, tourism support groups like transportation tricycle associations, tour operators and other support groups. We engage them, whether big or

small. And we continue to roll out projects that will not only revive the tourism sector but will continue to support small stakeholders’ businesses,” Allones said.

The agency has actively sought collaboration with transportation groups, strengthening an integrated approach to safe and gratifying travels with the launch of the Philippine Motor Tourism. The project was conceptualized in partnership with H.O.G., Adventure Philippines, and Breakfast Ride Community, among others.

Also supporting the TPB’s motorcycle

tourism is the Wayfinder Project, which was recently piloted in Intramuros and for the Mt. Pinatubo trek.

Using wayfinder science, TPB plans to replicate this program in priority destinations within the year. For the Visayas, TPB is eyeing to include Cebu and Bohol in the Wayfinder project and Regions 9, 10 and 12 in Mindanao.

The tourist concierge program is another project the TPB plans to immediately unveil with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) as the country reopens its borders to international travelers. Concierge stations will be set up in major tourism destinations where all the information on Philippine travel will be available.

The TPB and DOT will also sustain three banner programs launched in 2021 – the Halal Culinary Tourism, Habi and Hilom. Halal Tourism will cover not only culinary delights but all halal products.

Habi, the vernacular for weaving, focuses on the country’s strength as having some of the world’s most prolific weavers, with unmatched skills on hand weaving and producing one-of-a-kind looms and woven products. Hilom, on the other hand, is a wellness campaign supporting the country’s bid as a one-stop-shop medical tourism destination.

DOT assistant secretary for branding and marketing communications Howard Lance Uyking said the sector has been making the most of what the digital world offers, having presence in many, if not all of the exciting apps on online platforms “We want to utilize as much online platforms as possible to promote our country, and of course, our culture. Throughout the pandemic, we found out that new normal travelers are looking for meaningful travels.

What they want is that when they travel, they contribute something good for the environment or the destination as a whole,” he said.

Turn to L3

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

PH food exporters to bring local flavors to Gulfood 2022 in Dubai T

HE Philippines is set to showcase its finest tropical food selections, top halal-certified food products, and unique local flavors at the Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition Salon Culinaire (Gulfood), one of the world’s biggest food and hospitality industry expos.

The event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates from February 13 to 17, 2022.

Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine delegation to Gulfood 2022 is the biggest yet, with 39 food export companies offering a variety of local food products.

The country seeks to strengthen its presence within the Middle East and African (MEA) region with Philippine halal-certified products, high-value coconut products, and other distinct and quality food products.

CITEM will spearhead the country’s hybrid participation in a 135-sqm space at Gulfood 2022 for both onsite and online exhibitor participants. The onsite pavilion will be located at Booths R140 and R160 of the Sheik Rashid Hall, while a virtual showcase of Philippine products will be available via standby terminals that will provide access to IFEXConnect. com and FOODPhilippines.com.

Visitors will also be able to browse the exhibitors’ products through an interactive LED display and connect with the exhibitors through digital on-site pods. Queuing pods will be also provided for prospective buyers who wish to schedule a meeting with a particular exhibitor or request on-site assistance.

Attendees will be given opportunities to conduct virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings in collaboration with the Export Marketing Bureau, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai.

“This will be the first CITEM overseas trade fair that will benefit from our updated content and lead generation platform for the local food industry, IFEXConnect.com and FOODPhilippines.com. Our recently-launched websites will provide the best 365-sourcing experience for both buyers and exhibitors,” said Paulina Suaco-Juan, Executive Director of CITEM. IFEXConnect is a digital platform that allows users to source Philippine food products, connect with exhibitors, and access support services.

On the other hand, FOODPhilippines is a digital platform that gathers chefs, industry experts, and food enthusiasts worldwide to share insights and news on Filipino food. The community platform features stories on Philippine ingredients, flavors, processes and techniques, recipes, heritage, culinary talents, and regional specialties.

“We are bringing a holistic-sourcing experience through a mix of digital and physical showcases in the pavilion that will act as the onsite storefront of IFEXConnect. It will showcase the exhibitors’ products in a curated retail store-like setting and these products can be viewed online through the QR codes that we set in place,” Suaco-Juan added.

Gulfood 2022 marks the 17th participation of the Philippines in the expo. It is also one of the business events that support the Philippine National Week in Expo Dubai.

Data released by PTIC Dubai showed food exports from the Philippines to the MEA region went steady in 2020 amid the pandemic. High-quality fruits such as mango, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits and plant-based products constantly enjoy high demand and meet Halal production standards.

Halal food culture is also thriving in the Philippines due to its increasing Muslim population. As of 2021, around 7.9 million or 8 percent of the country’s total population are Muslims.

“This year’s participation in Gulfood is a testament to our commitment to export more halal-certified products to the world as our companies and institutions continue to develop more products and seek new ways to reach Halal consumers worldwide,” said Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI. This year’s 39-strong delegation is composed of the following companies: Agrinurture, Inc., Brandexports Philippines Inc./8VX Corporation, Business Innovations Gateway, Inc., Century Pacific Food, Inc., CJ Uniworld Corp., Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Corp., Fenor Foods Corporation, Fisher Farms Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Gem Foods International Inc., Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines Inc., Innovative Packaging Industry Corp., Janicah Food Products, JNRM Corporation, KLT Fruits, Inc., Krystle Exports Philippines Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corp., MagicMelt Food Inc., Marikina Food Corporation., Market Reach International Resources, Mega Global Corporation, Miguelitos International Corporation, Pasciolco Agriventures, Peter Paul Philippines, Philippine Grocers Food Exports, Inc., Q-Phil International Trading, Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing, SandPiper Spices and Condiments Corp., SL Agritech Corporation, Unilab Inc. Sekaya Global, Universal Canning Inc., Cocoturmeric Health Products, KF Nutri Foods International, Inc., AG Pacific Nutriceuticals Corporation, Nutrarich Nutraceutical Innovations, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Gacayan General Merchandise, PMTZ Care Marketing, and Malagos Agri-Ventures Corporation.

From this delegation, visitors can expect to see halal-certified food products such as high value coconut products, plant-based food products, processed marine, fruit and vegetable products, frozen native delicacies, noodles, coffee, cacao nibs, spices and condiments, among others.

As one of the world’s biggest expos for the food and hospitality industries, Gulfood has historically attracted huge numbers and key players in Dubai.

Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 E-mail: advertise@manilastandard.net

Philippine Travel Mart set in Sept.

T

One-stop shop expo eyes more than 200 exhibitors

HE Philippine Travel Mart, one of the countries’ largest travel expos, is set to be held in September 2022, promising significant markdowns on travel packages to further jumpstart tourism activities.

To be held from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. (PHILTOA) president Fe Abling-Yu expressed hope the travel show would surpass last year’s 200 exhibitors.

“By that time, I’m hoping we’re already fully opened. You see, this is a one-stop-shop where we invite all regional offices,” she said.

“The discounts of hotels and resorts in this kind of venue are really the best rates they can offer,” she added.

This year, PHILTOA is looking at bringing in national tourism organizations from the Philippines’ top source markets like Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.

“If we can bring in Korea, Japan, and other countries, that will bring in more audiences,” Abling-Yu said.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Department of Tourism continued to develop domestic tourism circuits and allocated about P91 million for product development efforts.

Apart from dive tourism, food and gastronomy, nature-based travel, the Philippines now offers promising product niches, including medical and wellness, pilgrimage, and culture tourism.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is also anticipating “high interest” in the country’s domestic cruise tourism products.

“The DOT is facilitating the domestic deployment of Genting Cruise Lines’ Superstar Aquarius, an international cruise vessel that proposes to run domestic itineraries in the Philippines, targeting Filipino domestic cruise passengers,” she said.

She described the reopening of

borders as the beginning of the next phase of the industry’s ongoing recovery.

Meanwhile, travel and lifestyle brand airasia said eased border restrictions can stimulate the necessary economic activity to prompt the recovery of domestic and international tourism – the worst-hit sector during the pandemic.

“Over the past two years, we have learned to deal with COVID-19 with masks, social distancing and vaccines. But a key lesson that hasn’t sunk is the futility of long-

term travel restrictions,” said Capital A Berhad CEO Tony Fernandes.

According to Fernandes, a better and a more sustainable approach would be to promote costeffective policies such as the massive and speedy inoculation of the greater population.

“We should not ban things just to be seen as decisive.

Measures should always aim to be proportionate and minimally disruptive,” he added.

The company welcomed the government’s decision to open the country’s international border with more relaxed travel and quarantine protocols for fullyvaccinated returning Filipinos and foreign travelers.

“We commend the Philippines’ sustainable approach toward travel. We can only hope that more countries in the ASEAN follow suit in strategically considering the upsides of relaxed border restrictions to their economic recovery. We at airasia will continue to support such measures while also consistently being a champion of safe travel,” Fernandes said.

‘Smart...

From L1 Part of Filipino culture would be music, and to this end, the DOT has created a compilation of OPM songs, various playlists that will represent not only the destinations, but the different activities related to tourism.

This initiative will be unveiled on February 14.

Once up, the branding division will be also creating a podcast series with a documentary format. For the first run, there will be five episodes focusing on adventure identity, culture, the rhythm of the islands, fiestas, farm and culinary.

The DOT, Uyking said, is also beefing up its website to accommodate a really big project in partnership with Google. The aim is to map out all the destinations, establishments and activities in the country, so that every information and content encoded in the website will be reflected on Google Maps and Google Drive.

“As the main search engine, Google is planning to launch the virtual tourism map this year, maximizing all means and all the other elements that maybe useful for travellers worldwide,” he said.

Boosting travel efforts are some 79 tourism circuits that were recently validated by the DOT. Called 7,641, the DOT has validated 79 domestic tourism circuits. In these tourism circuits, there are thousands of activities and attractions that tourists may find interesting.

“We developed this microsite to include all the information pertaining to these circuits so that our tourists can read up on it and watch videos or look at the photos and you know, get them excited to really explore the country through our circuits.

The title is 7641, of course representing the latest count of our islands,” Uyking said.

UnionBank: Future Forward at 40 A Leap to Enduring Greatness on the Year of the Tiger

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

ANITA F. GREFAL Operations Head

JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES News Editor

DENNIS ABRINA DARWIN G. AMOJELAR RIO N. ARAJA MACON RAMOS-ARANETA PETER ATENCIO JENNIFFER B. AUSTRIA VITO BARCELO EREL CABATBAT RANDY CALUAG OTHEL V. CAMPOS WILLIE CASAS MARICEL V. CRUZ CHARLES DANTES PETER PAUL DURAN ALENA MAE S. FLORES BRENDA JOCSON JULITO G. RADA REY E. REQUEJO PATRICIA TACULAO JOEL E. ZURBANO Writers

JIMBO OWEN GULLE City Editor RAY S. EÑANO Business Editor RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ Assistant Business Editor RIERA MALLARI Sports and Tech Editor NICKIE WANG Life and Entertainment Editor MILO RIVERA Assistant Motoring Editor BALDWIN FELIPE Advertising Sales Head PAULA REYNOSO Supplements Head PRECIOUS FLORES BESSIE GOOD MERCE PASCUAL SHIRLEY UMALI Sales Team

MARIA VICTORIA R. AYENG LUZVIMINDA E. JIMENEZ Layout Artists SHEILA SUAREZ ERIC JUTIC JOAN VELASCO Advertising Desk

Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is widely-known to have been trailblazing many firsts in the country since it began operations forty years ago. UnionBank has always been among the first to embrace technological innovations to empower its customers into the future of banking.

The Bank’s 40-year journey began with a simple vision: to become one of the top three universal banks in the country with respect to market capitalization, profits, and customer coverage.

in the Philippine banking industry.

Capping off the year 2021, UnionBank surprised the country with the announcement of a game-changing deal to acquire the consumer banking business of American banking giant Citi in the Philippines. Seen as the largest transaction in the local banking community in recent years, UnionBank Chairman Erramon Isidro M. Aboitiz said, “This acquisition further cements our position as a leading bank in the Philippines, as well as fast-tracks our

The Bank’s journey through successes and challenges forged the right unions along the way, namely, International Corporate Bank in 1994, International Exchange Bank (iBank) in 2006 making it the 7th largest private domestic commercial bank in the Philippines, CitySavings Bank in 2013, and FairBank in 2016.

In the same year, UnionBank embarked on its radical digital transformation journey, favoring expansion through digital channels over the traditional opening of more branches, while reinforcing its commitment to deliver superior customer experience and making a promise that ‘no one gets left behind’ to promote inclusive prosperity in the Philippines.

The rest, as they say, is history as UnionBank went full throttle on its journey and continued to achieve numerous industry-firsts, gaining the reputation as the country’s most innovative bank trailblazing many firsts

growth aspirations in the retail banking segment.”

Today as it ushers in its 40th year, UnionBank is globally-recognized as “already an unequivocal digital trailblazer in both the Philippines and Southeast Asia” according to UK-based International Banker magazine.

“Our success today has been a product of looking ahead into the future and preparing for the evolution of banking.

We will continue to help ‘tech up’ customers, partners, institutions in line with our ‘Tech Up, Pilipinas’ aspiration, empowering all of us to weather this pandemic and emerge more resilient than ever. Together, we can be future forward and leap to being a bank of enduring greatness,” said UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista.

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Revving for the Leap Forward Anniversary Issue

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE ROMANCE?

Celebrate V-Day with these tasty and tasteful packages sushi cups comprised of toro (tuna), MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA uni (sea urchin), wagyu beef, and Celebrate the most romantic month tamago (egg). The dinner menu conof the year with confidence with tinues with truffle-crusted sea bass Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila’s spewith lobster miso butter sauce, baby cial promotions this February. Guests corn and crispy shiitake mushroom; who wish to spend a meaningful, resous vide Australian tenderloin with laxing holiday with their families or dark chocolate and Nobu Cabernet significant other can book the hotel’s reduction, smoked kabocha (squash) Romance in the Skies stay package and onion dust; and for dessert, lime through marcopolohotels.com. This mousse with pistachio curd and offer includes breakfast for two, 20 mixed berries sorbet. percent savings in the hotel’s availDiners will get smitten with the able restaurants, and a signature special Valentine’s Day menu this wine and cheese platter upon arrival. season of love at City of Dreams Guests may apply this offer to all Manila’s modern Filipino restauroom and suite types, with stay dates rant, Haliya. Available for P8,350 available until the end of 2022. nett for two persons, the five-course Enjoy Chinese dishes with Award-winning Cantonese restauyour loved ones at Marco menu, which comes with a choice of rant Lung Hin features two set menus Polo’s Lung Hin signature two cocktails, is set to take couples from February 12 to 15, 2022, fearestaurant. into a romantic culinary adventure turing some of its most sought-after starting with sugba (grilled) scalsignatures. The Cherished Set Menu lops with compressed watermelon, pomelo salsa, treats guests to favorites such as Stir-Fried Crystal mango sauce, calamansi curd, and squid ink tu- Prawns, Steamed Stuffed Vegetarian Treasure in an ile, followed by tinapang (smoked) tanigue Inari Bag, and Deep-Fried Spareribs with Olive and (mackerel) carpaccio with pickled grapes, Honey Sauce. On the other hand, the Precious Set roasted pili nuts, red radish, caviar, garlic Menu includes the appetizer trio of Steamed Shrimp mayo, rose water, red onion pearls and mi- Dumpling with Gold Leaf, Stir-Fried Squid with cro green salad. The menu continues with Mashed Salted Egg Squid, and Roasted Pork kalabasa (squash) crema with caramel- Belly, Baked Slipper Lobster with Supreme ized pork longganisa (sausage), cheesy Stock, and Sautéed Diced Beef Cubes with pan de sal Biscocho (twice baked bread), Foie Gras. The Cherished Set Menu is availpumpkin seed oil and microgreens; and able at Php 4,380++ for two guests, while the mechado, consisting of pan-seared Black Precious Set Menu is offered at Php 6,580++ Tyde rib eye, adlai aligue risotto, potato for two. Lung Hin offers wine options should fondant, baby carrots, wilted kang kong guests decide to liven up their evenings with (water spinach), asparagus, and pea puree. more flavor.

For its last course, the restaurant is serving its signature dessert, the Chichingka (bibNOVOTEL MANILA ingka cheesecake) with salted egg, cheese Love is on your side at the City of Firsts’ Haliya’s Valentine’s Day Menu includes pan-seared and coconut. very own Novotel Manila Araneta City this Black Tyde rib eye mechado Valentine’s Day. Get extra cozy and roman-

CITY OF DREAMS MANILA City of Dreams Manila sets the mood for a special Valentine’s Day celebration with swoon-worthy menus at its premium restaurants Nobu Manila, Haliya, and Crystal Dragon; sweet delights at Café Society; and romantic getaway deals and family leisure stays at its Forbes-rated and Safety-Seal certified hotels: Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila.

Complementing the well-loved new-style Japanese cuisine globally popularized by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu Manila’s picturesque open-air floating cabanas surrounded with charming waterworks and lush gardens make them a perfect spot for date nights. The restaurant invites guests to indulge in the Valentine’s Day five-course Omakase menu, which is available only on February 14. The menu endearingly comes with a complimentary welcome sake cocktail and zensai (appetizer) for P11,000 nett for two persons, and consists of: Nobu Canape Selection of oyster with Nobu salsa, oyster tempura with wasabi aioli, yellowtail jalapeño, and black cod on a bed of butter lettuce; a seasonal selection of Nobu

tic with the hotel’s Valentine’s Day packages specially curated for two hearts in love.

A pre-Valentine offering on Feb. 13, The Food Exchange Manila will roll out its sumptuous buffet spread for only P2,488 nett / person, featuring Sunday Seafood Brunch specials inclusive of one glass of sparkling wine, Valentine’s cookies giveaway, and a live musical trio.

On February 14 comes a more intimate celebration of love as The 6th Manila gives couples an ambient evening with a 5-course set menu especially curated by the hotel’s culinary force for only P2,488 nett / person.

Warm up the sheets and get extra cozy and comfy with a special room package offer this Valentine’s.

Enjoy an overnight stay accommodation with lots of exciting inclusions to completely wrap up a romantic date. A stay at Novotel Manila, starting at P7,500 nett, includes buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children (15 years old and below) at the Food Exchange Manila. Choose one inclusion per day as part of the staycation package (valid for one month from the date of stay) – either 2 complimentary buffet lunch or dinner vouchers at Food Exchange Manila or 2 complimentary spa vouchers that include 1-hour of Swedish/ Combination Massage at InBalance Spa. Guests can also avail 10 percent discount on all Food and Beverage outlets.

Novotel Manila offers staycation packages to celebrate Valentine’s Day.