Manila Standard - 2021 April 13 - Tuesday by Manila Standard

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Rody to critics: If you want me to die early, pray harder By Jimbo Gulle

ill health and insinuations he could not lead the country in its latest coronavirus crisis.The President said he intended to retreat from the public eye "parang bata (like a kid playing hide and seek)" to go home to his native Davao City and sign several government documents.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte told his detractors to "pray harder" if they wanted him to die early, in his first public appearance in a fortnight on Monday amid swirling rumors of his

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US engages China in ‘cognitive warfare’ Shadows Chinese naval ship in disputed waters; American, Filipino troops start joint military drills SAILING, WATCHING. In this US Navy handout photo, the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) sail together in the South China Sea to conduct Expeditionary Strike Force operations on April 9. Inset shows US Navy Cmdr. Robert J. Briggs and Cmdr. Richard D. Slye monitoring the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning from the pilothouse of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin on April 4 in the Philippine Sea.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM APRIL 12)

876,225 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

11,378 157,451 NEW

ACTIVE

15,149

204

703,625

267

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

He also assured that he was healthy enough to swing a golf club and ride motorcycles as shown in photos released by Senator Christopher Go, his longtime aide, over the weekend. Malacañang on Monday assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte is fit Next page

VOL. XXXV • NO. 57 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Over a million already vaccinated, next in line for jabs bared THE Philippines has vaccinated more than 1 million people against COVID-19, the Palace said on Monday. “This is an important achievement,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino, as he reported that 1,007,356 people have received their first jab, while 132,288 have already received the two shots required. The government aims to inoculate 70

million people to achieve her immunity against COVID-19. Those who have received the vaccines include 965,169 out of the country’s 1.7 million health workers, who are at the top of the vaccination priority list. Most vaccine recipients are from Metro Manila, followed by Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Ilocos, Northern

Mindanao, and Western Visayas regions, Roque said. The Philippine has received 2.5 million vaccine doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech, and 525,600 AstraZeneca doses from the World Health Organization (WHO)-led COVAX Facility. The government last week suspended the use of AstraZeneca for those below 60 years old, over reports of very rare

blood clots from the vaccine. But regulators cleared Sinovac's vaccine for use on seniors. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), meanwhile, said the next in line for jabs after health care workers, seniors and people with co-morbidities are workers with “high levels of interaction with or exposure to the public.” Next page

Shift to MECQ Muslims observe fasting in month-long Ramadan won’t assure 1m workers of jobs By Nash B. Maulana

By Othel V. Campos, Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz WHILE some 500,000 displaced workers are optimistic that they will get rehired as some industries reopen under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), at least 1 million more remain uncertain about finding jobs, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday. Lopez said the shift to MECQ is a planned and calibrated move to slowly and carefully open up essential sectors while increasing the capacity of sectors that remained open during the ECQ to 50 percent from 30 percent. “A big percentage of the economy will remain unopened, especially the high-risk and non-essential sectors to keep the infection rate at bay while doing our very best to lower the cases,” he said Monday. He said the economy suffered a big setback when the country was, for the second time, put on strict lockdown as new COVID-19 variants infected a good many of the population with new cases hitting more than 12,000 a day. “But we intend to reverse all of these. The government will continue to provide soft loans to businesses to keep them going in the midst of this pandemic. We will continue to provide assistance as what the The Department of Labor is doing for those without jobs. The manufacturing sector has resumed half of their capacities to drive the economy. We expect that the MECQ will encourage more businesses to resume operations,” Lopez said. Next page

TODAY, more than six million Muslims, largely in Mindanao and some parts of Luzon including the metropolis, mark the month-long Ramadan, one of five pillars of Islam in this predominantly Christian country of 110 million people.

In Cotabato City, Ramadan was officially declared by the Bangsamoro Grand Mufti after ground lunar

observers from different parts of the country failed to establish a crescent moon has risen Sunday. The National Commission on the Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) also Next page

HOLY MONTH STARTS. Filipino Muslims mark the end of Ramadan outside the Pink Mosque in this file photo. Officials said Ramadan would remain a challenge this year with the country still under the COVID-19 pandemic, with large public gatherings celebrating the holy month barred.

‘No need for clinical trial on ivermectin’ By Willie Casas and Joel Zurbano

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Monday. Clinical trials "require a minimum of six months and can extend to years," said THERE is no need to conduct a clinical Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña. trial on ivermectin in the Philippines to There are 20 "almost completed" and determine the effectiveness of the anti- 40 "ongoing" clinical trials on the efficacy parasite drug in COVID-19 treatment, the Next page

HE United States is engaged in a form of “cognitive warfare” with China in the East and South China Sea, where both countries have deployed aircraft carrier strike groups, the South China Morning Post reported Monday. On Sunday, the US released a photo that showed one of its guided-missile destroyers, the USS Mustin, shadowing the Liaoning group, a move that analysts said was designed to send a clear message to the Chinese. The photo taken on Monday somewhere in the East China Sea showed the ship's captain, Commander Robert J Briggs, and his deputy commander Richard D Slye watching the Liaoning, which was just a few thousand meters away. "In the photo, Commander Briggs looks very relaxed with his feet up watching the Liaoning ship just a few thousand yards away, while his deputy is also sitting beside him, showing they take their PLA [People’s Liberation Army] counterparts lightly," said Lu Lishih, a former instructor at Taiwan's Naval Academy in Kaohsiung. "This staged photograph is definitely 'cognitive warfare' to show the US doesn't regard the PLA as an immediate threat,” the Post quoted Lu as saying. On Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced it would hold joint military exercises with US troops over the next two weeks, amid growing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. The annual war games between the military allies were cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year's event will be on a smaller scale than in previous years due to the health crisis, AFP chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said. About 700 US soldiers and up to 1,300 members of the AFP will take Next page

Curfew violator dies after mauling By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine National Police said Monday the two village watchmen or tanod who allegedly assaulted a curfew violator to death in Calamba, Laguna would be charged with homicide.

In a press conference, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said Calamba Police chief Lt. Col. Jonathan Villamor would file the homicide complaint. Usana said: “The Calamba chief Next page

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

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‘COVID response unlike Yolanda’ Roque was responding to the comments made by Dr. Aileen Espina—the national director of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians and member of the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19.

Espina said:“The weaknesses in the system are the very same things I saw during typhoon Yolanda in 2013. At least Yolanda was over in five hours. This has been ongoing for a year, cases will go down, we relax, without addressing the

root cause of the surge.” But Roque told a Palace briefing: “Let us not bring back the skeletons of the Liberal Party that is Yolanda. That is a disaster. We won’t go back with such a disastrous government response..” He was referring to the now opposition political party, the ruling party during the Yolanda typhoon. Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, for his part, said that the two-week long enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal—dubbed as NCR Plus enabled the public and private hospitals to set aside over 1,000 additional beds for COVID-19 patients.

US...

according to a readout provided by the Pentagon. To deepen their defense cooperation, Austin proposed "enhancing situational awareness of threats in the South China Sea". The readout did not elaborate. The 36th iteration of the annual "Balikatan" exercises between the AFP and the US military formally started on Monday. AFP spokesman Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said this year's "Balikatan" will be conducted with stringent health protocols in place and a reduced number of participants. Participants in the two-week maneuvers include 736 Filipino and 225 American soldiers. Arevalo's US counterpart Col. Aaron Brunk reiterated the importance of the bilateral exercises. Meanwhile, talks between the AFP and the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines on Monday fo-

cused on how the two militaries can respond to situations or events in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "The discussions centered on how the Philippine and the United States armed forces can manage and respond to the situation in the Philippine EEZ," said Arevalo. Arevalo said the meeting between Sobejana and JUSMAG-Philippines chief Col. Stephen Ma was "a fruitful engagement.” He added that both parties agreed to have subsequent meetings, he added. Tensions over the resource-rich sea have intensified since hundreds of Chinese vessels were detected last month at the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, which is in the Spratly Islands where several countries, including China and the Philippines, have rival claims. China, which claims almost the entirety of the sea, has refused repeated appeals by the Philippines to withdraw the vessels,

which Manila says unlawfully entered its exclusive economic zone. Beijing said previously they were fishing vessels sheltering from bad weather. The United States reminded China last week of Washington's treaty obligations to the Philippines in the event of an attack in the waters. "An armed attack against the Philippines' armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. The resumption of joint military drills comes more than a year after President Rodrigo Duterte—who has pivoted towards China since taking power in 2016 —gave notice that he planned to axe the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States.

dustry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) showed that 94.7 percent of the business firms and establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR) comply with the government mandated minimum health protocols (MHP). Out of the 1,077 inspected business establishments in the NCR, 791 were found to be compliant to the MHP. Meanwhile, 146 requests for corrective action (RCAs) were issued to non-compliant business establishments; 89 of which complied within prescribed time, 46 were endorsed to local government units (LGUs) for further action and investigation, and 11 are awaiting corrective actions. The non-conforming establishments were found to be lacking the mandatory

contact tracing and/or health declaration forms and thermal scanner upon entry; some of the firm’s personnel were not properly wearing their face masks and face shields while on duty; and several customers were not following at least onemeter physical distancing. “By protecting our workers, our customers, and ourselves from the virus, we are also protecting and restoring our economy consciously,” said Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Ruth B. Castelo. The Philippines logged on Monday 11,378 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 876,225, while the death toll breached the 15,000 mark, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

The DOH reported 204 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 15,149, which is 1.73 percent of the total. This is the fourth consecutive day where more than 200 deaths were reported. This is also the fourth straight day where more than 11,000 cases were reported. The DOH reported that 267 patients recovered recently, bringing the total recoveries to 703,625, which is 80.3 percent of the total. Active cases stood at 157,451, which is 18 percent of the total number of cases. Of the active cases, 97 percent were mild; 1.7 percent were asymptomatic; 0.5 percent were critical; 0.6 percent were severe; and 0.32 percent were moderate.

agencies, and organizations identified in these priority sectors A4.13 - OFWs not classified above, and scheduled for deployment within two months Under A1 are health workers, A2 are those 60 years old and above, and A3 are those with co-morbidities. Those three are already being simultaneously vaccinated. A4 are “frontline personnel in essential sectors both in public and private sectors, including uniformed personnel” while A5 are poor Filipinos included in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction. In other developments: • The Palace said it sticks by its decision to by Chinese vaccines despite the admission of China’s top disease control official that the efficacy of their country’s COVID-19 vaccine is low. Roque said despite this assessment, China-made vaccines still provide protection against severe COVID-19 and deaths. • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet received any report of blood clotting in those who have received AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, the agency’s chief said Monday. The DOH earlier suspended the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine on people aged 59 and below. “So far our national adverse events following the immunization committee has written to us yesterday and said there were no reported cases of blood clotting connected to our immunization program,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo said on ABSCBN's Teleradyo. Willie Casas, PNA

‘No...

think they can be cured or prevented from having this infection," Vergeire said. “It is really harmful for your health if we settle for something which is not evidence-based and which the studies would show right now doesn't really have that positive outcome against COVID,” she said. The advisory emerged as socialite Katrina Ponce-Enrile, daughter of former Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile, claimed she was treated with Ivermectin that was compounded by its main proponent Dr. Allan Landrito. She said she took it for five days straight after testing positive for COVID-19 for the fourth time and was now beginning to feel better after taking ivermectin. Katrina said she tested positive in December 2019, then in July and September of 2020, and last March. Between the first and the third, she had to go through all the body aches and anxieties. “I am what the doctors call a ‘long hauler,’” she said. In her fourth bout with the disease, Katrina took Ivermectin right away which she did not do during the first three times. The Food and Drug Administration last week allowed the drug's compassionate use in one hospital. Other hospitals that want to use ivermectin should secure separate compassionate use permits, FDA director general Eric Domingo said. The agency has received two applications for certificate of product registration for the drug, he added.

to human dignity instead of a corrective measure,” De Guia said. “Such excessive punishment can be considered as grave abuse of authority and those who shall be proven to have committed an overreach must be held accountable,” she noted. Usana said, quoting witnesses, the tanods ran after the victim and beat him up around 10:30 to 11 p.m. on April 7. The victim reportedly went out to buy food. Ernanie's brother, Gledien, said he looked for the victim after he failed to go home on time. He then saw his brother badly injured and slumped near the barangay hall. “We reiterate our call to impose community service for quarantine violators, as an alternative to imposition of intense physical punishments or excessive fines, as earlier recommended by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. In these difficult times, compassionate and human rights-based approach are essential in implementing quarantine rules to truly address the plight of all, especially the disadvantaged ones,” De Guia said.

Muslims...

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz, Joel Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

RESIDENTIAL spokesperson Harry Roque maintained Monday the government’s COVID-19 response was and would not be disastrous amid hospital shortage and surge in COVID-19 13 months after the pandemic.

From A1

part—about a quarter of the usual attendance, Sobejana said. "The exercise this year is a hybrid of virtual and physical activities," he said. "It's a low-key exercise, just to keep the alliance—the contact—between the two armed forces." The US embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement came hours after a phone call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart Delfin Lorenzana, who last week tested positive for the coronavirus. They "discussed the situation in the South China Sea, and the recent massing of People's Republic of China maritime militia vessels at Whitsun Reef,"

Shift... From A1

He added that the protocols under the MECQ that were enforced prior to the second lockdown will serve as a guide for businesses allowed under MECQ. The only addition to the existing protocol was outside dining by restaurants capable of operating ‘al fresco.’ Indoor dining remains prohibited and other sections of the malls like cinemas, spas, arcades, salons and other wellness and grooming centers will be closed until the health crisis improves. Meanwhile, based on the first quarter report of the Department of Trade and In-

Over... From A1

The 13 sub-groups under A4: A4.1 - Commuter transport (land, air, and sea), including logistics (delivery) A4.2 - Frontline government workers in justice, security, transportand social protection sectors (including working in jails, policeofficers, social workers in crisis intervention units) A4.3 - Public and private wet and dry market vendors; frontline workers in grocery, supermarkets; delivery services A4.4 - Workers in manufacturing for food, beverage, medical and pharmaceutical products A4.5 - Frontline workers in food retail, including food service delivery A4.6 - Frontline government workers (including safety inspectors, field enumerators, tax and clearance personnel) A4.7 - Frontline workers in Financial Services (including frontliners in banks, money remittance establishments) A4.8 - Teaching and related personnel in medical and allied medical courses of higher education institutions, including personnel handling laboratories A4.9 - Frontline workers in hotels and accommodation (especially establishments doubling as quarantine facilities) A4.10 - Priests, Pastors, religious leaders regardless of denomination A4.11 - Construction workers in government infrastructure projects A4.12 - Security guards/personnel assigned in the establishments, offices,

Curfew... From A1

of police will file a complaint against the two village watchmen because accordingly there were witnesses in the incident.” The suspects denied thrashing the victim. In a related development, the Commission on Human Rights condemned the Calamba barangay officials for beating up the curfew violator. “It is deeply concerning that this happened only a few days after the death of a curfew violator in Cavite,” lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said. “It is strongly condemnable that the curfew policy, which is supposed to protect our right to health, became the reason for the deprivation of the utmost right to life,” she added. Another curfew violator, Ernanie Lumban, died after supposedly being beaten up by a team of barangay watchmen in Purok 2, Barangay Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna. “Beating a person over a minor offense may be tantamount to torture—an attack

From A1

of ivermectin in treating COVID-19, dela Peña said in a public briefing. The DOST's Philippine Council for Health Research and Development "issued the position that there is no need to conduct another clinical trial in the Philippines as most ongoing trials or clinical trials have already been started since 2020," he said. "It would be appropriate to await the results of these studies that already significantly advanced in terms of data collection and conducting interim analysis," Dela Peña said. Meanwhile, the Department of Health has advised the public to wait for experts' evaluation on the use of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19. DOH said they would need to finalize their report before informing the public of the evaluation. "Let’s just wait for the advice of experts. It’s not going to be long...so the government will be able to monitor and be accountable if ever you take that drug," DOH spokesperson and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on ANC's Headstart. Government cannot guarantee the safety and quality of the drug, which is currently unregistered for human intake, Vergeire said. "Second would be they can have this false sense of security because they are taking this drug already and they might

From A1

announced a Tuesday start of the 30-day, dawn-to-dusk fasting followers of Islam whose number has grown to about 1.5 billion the world over. “By virtue of the mandates vested in me as the Mufti of the Bangsamoro, I hereby declare that the start of day of fasting in the Blessed Month of Ramadan shall be on Tuesday, Insha-Allah (God-Willing),” Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Abubakar Abu Huraira Udasan said over live broadcast and podcast Sunday night. Charter 2 Verse 128 of the Qur’an, the Holy Book of the Muslims states: “O ye who believe: Fasting is prescribed unto you as it was prescribed unto those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint which will be of great benefit unto you.” Many Muslims prefer to be with their families during the fasting season to share blessings and break the fast together at dusk. They rise for an early meal from 2:30 to 3:30 a.m. and abstain from foods and

Vega said that of the 1,042 COVID-19 beds in public and private hospitals, 960 are in the National Center for Mental Health while the 142 were beds under Intensive Care Unit setting. “From 75 percent health care utilization rate in the National Capital Region, it could go down to 58 percent which is a low risk category,” Veg said during the Place briefing. 'Changes needed' Meanwhile, a group of health professionals has demanded changes to the government's COVID-19 response in order to prevent a "vicious cycle" of surge in infections, as well hunger among the Filipino public and economic recession.

drinks intake before 4 a.m. up to dusk—or within about 14 hours daily. Exempted are the elderly, pregnant women, children below age of puberty, lactating mothers, and women under menstrual period. Travellers also have option not fast. Biblical characters were also reported to have fasted, including Jesus Christ who has fasted for forty days and forty nights. Fasting is also mentioned in the Books of the Old Testament and of the New Testament Exodus 34:28; Psalm 69:10; Psalm 35:13-14; Daniel 10:3; II Samuel 1:12; Joel 2:12; Acts 13:2 Acts 14:23; Esther 4:16; Luke 2:37; Luke 18:12. Muslim lunar months last between 29 and 30 days and this largely depends on the sighting of the new full moon usually on the 29th day of each month. If a new moon is not visible, the month automatically lasts for 30 days. The current year in the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar is 1442. Each year, Ramadan starts roughly 10 days earlier because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year. In 2020, Ramadan began on April 23.

Gov't OKs legal stakeholders in A4 priority group By Rey E. Requejo THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has included other stakeholders in the justice system in the priority population group A4 of the government’s vaccination drive against COVID-19, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Monday. Guevarra made the statement when asked to confirm a letter sent by vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez to National Vaccine Operations Center-Task Force Immunization Program Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje recommending the approval of the request made by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa (IBP-PLLM) Chapter. In its letter to Galvez, the IBP-PLLM requested for the inclusion of their members in the priority population category A4, particularly public prosecutors as per list to be submitted by the Department of Justice, public attorneys as per list to be submitted by the Public Attorney’s Office, legal aid lawyers of the IBP as per list to be submitted by the IBP National Center for Legal Aid and Trial or Litigation Practitioners as per list to be submitted by the Clerk of Courts. “I’m not in a position to confirm the existence or contents of the subject letter as I’m not privy to the said communication. However, I know for a fact that judges, prosecutors, public attorneys, and similar individuals directly involved in the dispensation of justice have been included by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) in priority A4 of the national vaccination program,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

Rody... From A1

and healthy and there is no need to issue a medical bulletin for the Chief Executive because he is not sick. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement as speculation about his health continues to circulate on social media. However, at least 65 percent of Filipinos believe Duterte's health is a public matter and that they should be kept informed about this, a survey from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said. In contrast, 32 percent said they need not be informed of everything about this. The President, however, reiterated that he is "active" yet starts his day "late in the day." "The people must know that I am a resident of Davao City. I never pretended to be a resident of Sampaloc or Sta. Ana. If I want to go home there (Davao City) on a reasonable basis, I can because it is my home," he said. "I can swing a golf club and ride a motor (cycle) because I still can. The problem is you should look into the time I enjoy my hobbies. It's in the evening, early morning. To ride at 2 o'clock in the morning, that is not taking away from people's time," Duterte said. He also blasted Senator Leila de Lima, one of Duterte's top critics who is in jail, saying he got enough votes, "a substantial one, to make me a credible President." "Tatagal kaya ako dito sa pwesto na ito kung inutil ako? (Would I last in this position if I were inutile?) Would the military allow me to govern?" he said, while telling De Lima to "look into your own backyard." The President was referring to the senator's imprisonment on drug charges, which De Lima and human rights groups believe were fabricated to silence her for investigating the administration's bloody war on illegal drugs. The President's lack of public appearances last week triggered talks of Duterte's deteriorating health, which was quickly denied by the Palace. Roque also assured the public that the President is on top of the situation amid the rise of COVID-19 infections in the country. Duterte’s public address is usually held on Mondays, but his expected address on April 5 was moved to April 7. It was later canceled, fueling speculations about the President’s health and the resurgence of the social media hashtag #NasaanAngPangulo (Where is the President?). Roque explained that the weekly public address was canceled because some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) had tested positive for COVID-19. Duterte’s last public appearance before last night was on March 29 in a meeting with the government’s pandemic task force. The SWS September 17-20, 2020 National Mobile Phone Survey was a probability-based survey conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) of 1,249 adult Filipinos (18 years old and above) nationwide.

World Myanmar ‘not in mood’ for water festival YANGON—Instead of the usual water pistols, splashing and jubilant crowds during Myanmar’s New Year festival of Thingyan, this year’s holiday will see real guns, blood on the streets and grief over a democracy robbed. For a second year running, Myanmar’s traditional Buddhist holiday period, which runs from Tuesday to Friday this week, has been disrupted. Pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of public water fights, street parties and dance performances last year. But the February 1 military coup which ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power, and a subsequent security crackdown that has claimed more than 700 lives, has darkened the mood in 2021. Yangon-based doctor Nyi Nyi Lwin, 26, had hoped the coronavirus vaccine rollout would allow his favourite time of year to return to normal -- modern and traditional music concerts, dancing, DJs and soaked clothes. “The Thingyan period is the happiest moment of all Myanmar people. It is the hottest time in Myanmar, but the people aren’t hot because we play in the water and everybody is free of stress,” said Nyi Nyi Lwin, whose name has been changed because of the danger of arrest for speaking to foreign media. “We can’t enjoy it like we normally would during this dark time.” ‘How can we be happy?’ Public water fights are part of a cleansing ritual to welcome in the Buddhist new year and are also held in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. “Our hopes have been destroyed by this coup. Myanmar people won’t be happy because of hundreds dying and thousands being detained. How can we be happy?” Nyi Nyi Lwin said. Myanmar anti-coup protesters have called for a boycott of junta-organised Thingyan festivities. “There is no reason to participate in any celebration until democracy is achieved,” one Facebook user said. AFP

ONDON -- Lawmakers across the UK were set to pay tribute to Prince Philip Monday, whose death last week aged 99 has left a “huge void” in the life of Queen Elizabeth, according to her son.

Parliaments in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast will convene to pay their respects to Philip, who spent 73 years at the side of Britain’s longestreigning monarch. Prince Andrew said Sunday his 94-year-old mother was “incredibly stoic” but had been hit hard by the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. “She described it (his death) as having left a huge void in her life,” Andrew said after a church service at Windsor Castle, west of London. The queen and Philip’s second son described his father as “the grandfa-

ther of the nation” and said close family were “rallying round” his mother. Andrew has been rarely seen in public since stepping back from royal duties in 2019 over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York’s younger brother, Edward, Earl of Wessex, called his father’s death “a dreadful shock”, despite his recent illness. Princess Anne, the queen and Prince Philip’s only daughter, said her father was her “teacher, my supporter and my critic”, and she tried to emulate “his example of a life well lived, and service freely given”.

“We will miss him, but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all,” said Anne, who was considered particularly close to her father. The queen’s eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, on Saturday paid his own heartfelt tribute to his “dear Papa”, saying he and the royal family missed him “enormously”. The comments came as the highestranking cleric in the Church of England that the queen heads led prayers at a memorial service for the Duke of Edinburgh. “For the royal family, as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement,” said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Other senior faith leaders paid tribute to Philip, whose support for the queen

has been seen as crucial during her 69year reign.

Brothers reunited

Prince Philip’s death triggered eight days of national mourning, which ends with his funeral at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday. Well-rehearsed plans for his funeral -- codenamed “Operation Forth Bridge” -- have had to be hastily revised because of coronavirus restrictions. Public elements of the ceremony have been eliminated to avoid crowds gathering, while the congregation at the chapel is limited to just 30. That sparked huge speculation about whether the duke’s grandson Prince Harry will attend, after he and his American wife Meghan quit royal duties last year. AFP

‘Of course Israel responsible for hit on uranium plant’ TEHRAN—Iran’s foreign ministry said Monday Israel was “of course” behind an attack on the Natanz uranium enrichment plant the previous day and promised vengeance. “Of course, the Zionist regime, with this action, tried to take revenge on the people of Iran for their patience and wise attitude regarding the lifting of (US) sanctions,” spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a press conference. Khatibzadeh indirectly accused Israel of attempting to scuttle talks underway in Vienna aimed at reviving a landmark nuclear agreement. The Sunday incident, which Iran called an act of “anti-nuclear terrorism,” came a day after Tehran said it had started up advanced uranium centrifuges at Natanz, a breach of its commitments under the troubled 2015 deal with world powers. The US withdrew from the accord in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to retaliate by progressively rolling back its own commitments. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

WELCOMING RAMADAN. A Palestinian youth swings a homemade fireworks sparkler, as people celebrate on the night ahead of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Gaza City, Palestine on April 11. AFP

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to aid all sectors in all settings to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI), which refer to public health measures that do not involve vaccines, medications, or other pharmaceutical interventions, which individuals and communities can carry out in order to reduce transmission rates, contact rates, and the duration of infectiousness of individuals in the population to mitigate COVID-19 (IATF-EID Omnibus Guidelines)

TODAY

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2020-006-C REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE OPERATIONS OF ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTSFOR STAYCATION PURPOSES UNDER A GENERAL COMMUNITY QUARANTINE WHEREAS, on 25 September 2020, the Department of Tourism (DOT) issued Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 2020-006 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Accommodation Establishments for Staycation Purposes Under a General Community Quarantine; WHEREAS, on 28 September 2020, A.O. No. 2020-006 was amended to include the requirement of a Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19 for staycationing guests; WHEREAS, on 11 October 2020, A.O. No. 2020-006 was further amended to allow Accommodation Establishments in General Community Quarantine (GCQ) areas outside Metro Manila that have been granted a (3) Star Rating by the DOT to be used for staycation purposes; WHEREAS, the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 79, issued on 15 October 2020, provides that the operation of hotels and ancillary establishments in areas under GCQ shall be governed by the Omnibus Guidelines and other issuances of the relevant national agencies;

NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing, Administrative Order No. 2020006-B is herebyamended as follows:

(h) “Modified General Community Quarantine” or MGCQ refers to the transition phase between GCQ and the New Normal, when the following temporary measures are relaxed and become less necessary: limiting movement and transportation, the regulation of operating industries, and the presence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols. (IATF-EID Omnibus Guidelines)

21 to 29 sqm

2 persons

30 to 39 sqm

3 persons

40 to 49 sqm

4 persons

(i)

50 sqm and above

5 persons

(j)

(d) “General Community Quarantine” or GCQ refers to the implementation of temporary measures limiting movement and transportation, regulation of operating industries, andpresence of uniformed personnel to enforce community quarantine protocols (IATF- EID Omnibus Guidelines). (e) “Interzonal Movement” refers to the movement of people, goods, and services acrossareas between provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities under different community quarantine classifications. For this purpose, the National Capital Region shall be considered as one area. Provided, that movements to and from areas under granular lockdowns shall be considered as interzonal even if within the same provinces or highly urbanized city. (IATF-EID Resolution No. 79) “Intrazonal Movement” refers to the movement of people, goods and services between provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities under the samecommunity quarantine classification, without transiting through an area placed under a different classification. For this purpose, the National Capital Region shall be considered as one area. (IATF-EID Resolution No. 79)

(g) “Minimum Public Health Standards” refers to guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH), as well as sector-relevant guidelines

“Star Rating” refers to the star bands for Hotels, Resorts, and Apartment Hotels, following the Star Grading System of the DOT under DOT Memorandum Circular No.2012-02.

Section 3. Scope and Application. This Order shall apply to all Accommodation Establishments only in areas under GCQ. II.

ELIGIBLE ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS

Section 4. Eligible Accommodation Establishments. The following Accommodation Establishments may accommodate guests for Staycation purposes in areas declared to be under GCQ, subject to compliance with all the conditions stated below: a.

Section 2. Definition of Terms. For purposes of these Guidelines, the term:

(c) “Community Quarantine” refers to the restriction of movement within, into, or out of the area of quarantine of individuals, large groups of people, or communities designed to reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 among persons in and to persons outside the affected area. (IATF-EID Omnibus Guidelines)

“Rapid Antigen Test” refers to immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection. It is commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

(k) “Staycation” refers to an activity involving a minimum of an overnight stay for leisure purposes in an Accommodation Establishment that is not utilized as a mandatory COVID-19 quarantine facility.

Section 1. Short Title. This Order shall be known as the “Revised Guidelines for Staycations Under GCQ.”

(b) “Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycations” refers to a certification issued by the DOT that an Accommodation Establishment in an area placed under a General Community Quarantine has fulfilled all requirements for operation for Staycation purposes.

Maximum Number of Guests 1 person or 2 persons from the same household

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(a) “Accommodation Establishments” shall refer to establishments operating primarily for accommodation purposes including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, mabuhay accommodation establishments (e.g. tourist inns, motels, pension houses, bed and breakfast, and vacation homes) and homestays.

Room Floor Area (sqm) Up to 20 sqm

WHEREAS, an increase in the operational capacity of Accommodation Establishments for Staycation purposes in areas under GCQ may facilitate the gradual restoration of economic activity and promotion of the recovery of the tourism industry;

Solons pay tribute to Prince Philip

Standard

(f)

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Those that are not concurrently being used as quarantine or isolation facilities for repatriated OFWs or returning overseas Filipinos or as quarters for health workers. If the Accommodation Establishment was previously utilized for these purposes or has previously accommodated guests who are COVID-19 positive, proof of sanitation and disinfection shall be submitted to the Regional Office concerned. Such proof may be in the form of logs, records, certification, or any other sufficient documentation by the in-house sanitation personnel of the Accommodation Establishment, or by outsourcedthird party cleaners. Those that have been granted: i.

at least a four (4) Star Rating by the DOT, for Accommodation Establishments in Metro Manila;

ii.

at least a three (3) Star Rating, for Accommodation Establishments outsideMetro Manila.

Those granted Certificates of Authority to Operate for Staycations (CAOS) by the DOT.

Section 5. Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycations. All Accommodation Establishments in areas declared to be under General Community Quarantine shall secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycations (CAOS) prior to accommodating any guest for Staycation. For this purpose, the relevant provisions of DOT Administrative Order No. 2020-002-C shall apply. Section 5-a. Operational Capacity. Eligible Accommodation Establishments in areas declared to be under GCQ may be allowed to operate at up to One Hundred Percent (100%) Operational Capacity to accommodate bookings of Staycationing guests; provided, that the level of Operational Capacity to be adopted by an Accommodation Establishment shall ultimately be determined by its management. Section 6. Local Government Unit Concurrence. Notwithstanding compliance with the foregoing requirements, operations of Accommodation Establishments for Staycation purposes shall be subject to applicable restrictions, rules, or ordinances of the Local Government Unit (LGU) where the Accommodation Establishment is located. III.

GUIDELINES ON GUESTS

Section 7. Permitted Guests. Individuals of all ages, except those with comorbidities or are currently pregnant, are permitted to go on Staycation in DOTAccredited AccommodationEstablishments. Section 8. Territorial Limitation and Point-to-Point Travel. Guests may Staycation in Accommodation Establishments located only in the same region as their residence; provided, that insofar as the National Capital Region and CALABARZON are adjacent and contiguous, and taking into consideration the tourism market in both areas, guests may undertake Point-to-Point travel between the two regions for staycation purposes, subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGUs concerned. Point-to-Point travel shall mean that while pit stops or stopovers are allowed for eating and personal necessities, no side trips shall be made to othertourism destinations.

Guests shall be required to present proof of residency such as a government or company ID with a residentialaddress.

IV.

HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS; ANCILLARY ESTABLISHMENTS

Section 11. Contactless Payment and Other Transactions. Cashless methods of payment, online transactions and other options for contactless transactions that promote minimal physical contact is mandatory. Section 12. Suppletory Application of DOT Memorandum Circular No. 2020-002-B. Accommodation Establishments admitting guests for Staycation shall comply with minimum public health standards, including the protocols and standards under DOT Memorandum Circular No. 2020-002-B entitled Further Amended Health and Safety Guidelines Governing the Operations of Accommodation Establishments Under the New Normal, which is deemed to apply to this Order by analogy or in suppletory character. Section 13. Permitted Ancillary Establishments. The following facilities may operate in AEs that have been granted a CAOS: (a) Restaurants and other food and beverage outlets, excluding bars; (b) Gyms; and (c) Swimming Pools. V.

BUSINESS PRACTICES

Section 14. Staycation Package Development. Hotel associations and DOT-accredited Accommodation Establishments, and Travel Agencies or Tour Operators are highly encouraged to develop Staycation packages that are fit to the present market demands and conditions. The Staycation packages shall strictly adhere to the existing Health and Safety Guidelines of the DOT and shall be submitted to the DOT Regional Office concerned for monitoring purposes. Section 15. Reportorial Requirements. Accommodation Establishments catering to Staycationing guests shall keep a record of occupancy data and submit the same every 10th of the month to the relevant DOT Regional Office and LGU Tourism Office for data analysis purposes, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act, and itsImplementing Rules and Regulations. VI.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 16. Compliance with Other Relevant Issuances. Accommodation Establishments shall comply with other relevant IATF-EID, DOT, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), or Department of Health (DOH) issuances on health and safety standards, as well as rules and regulations imposed by the LGU having jurisdiction over the AccommodationEstablishment. Section 17. Penalties. Any violation of this Order may subject the Accommodation Establishment to the appropriate fines and penalties including revocation of its DOT accreditation, in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Section 18. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Order is declared null and void or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in force and effect. Section 19. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain effectiveuntil otherwise superseded, amended, or repealed accordingly. Section 20. Repealing Clause. This Order repeals DOT Administrative Order No. 2020- 006-B and all other DOT issuances inconsistent herewith. For guidance and strict compliance. 25 October 2020.

BERNADETTE ROMULO-PUYAT Secretary

Section 9. Mandatory Testing. A Staycation guest shall be required to present a negativeresult from a Rapid Antigen Test conducted on the same day of check-in. Section 10. Maximum Number Per Guestroom. The maximum allowable guests staying in a guestroom at a given time shall be determined by the floor area of the guestroom, as follows:

(MS-APRIL 13, 2021)

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

lgu@manilastandard.net

Makati opens 5 more venues for COVID jabs By Joel E. Zurbano

COTS FOR COVID-19. A total of 150 folding beds are being prepared by Bacolod City workers at the Command Center of the local Inter-Agency Task Force Against COVID-19 for transfer going to the newly-opened Isolation Facility of Bacolod at Handumanan Elementary School on Tuesday, according to Mayor Evelio ‘Bing’ Leonardia. Bacolod City PIO

DAR distributes 6,519 ha., P63m to poor farmers By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform is set to distribute 6,519 hectares of land and P63.4 million in support services to boost SOCCSKSARGEN’s agriculture sector. Secretary John Castriciones says the momentous event will boost the agricultural activities in the region and lift the farmers’ economic lives since giving the thousands of landless farmers a land of their own would inspire them to work harder to make it productive, thus it would eventually result in a region-wide agricultural productivity. “They will not be alone in improving their newly-acquired properties because the DAR will provide them with the necessary support services. A holistic approach in alleviating poverty in the countryside and ensuring the country’s food security, the department extends its services to post-land distribution,” he said. According to the DAR, the agricultural sector in SOCCSKSARGEN is expected to further improve as with the distribution of 6,519 hectares of agricultural land to 3,541 agrarian reform beneficiaries and the turnover of P63.4 million worth of support services, including two farm-to-market roads, a bridge, 11 hauling trucks, and various equipment to farmers’ organizations on April 13 and 14. The beneficiaries are from the provinces of South Cotabato with 1,389 recipients; Sultan Kudarat, 1,313; Saranggani, 535 and Cotabato 304.

Rody signs law splitting Rizal 2nd district into 3

HE second legislative district of Rizal will be divided into three districts in time for the elections under a new law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte signed Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11533 or “An Act Reappropriating the Second Legislative District of the Province of Rizal Into Three Legislative Districts” on March 25, 2021. Under R.A. 11533, Rizal’s three legislative districts will be in effect in time for the 2022 national and local elections. The new law states that Rizal’s second district will retain the municipalities of Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Morong, Jala-Jala, Pililla, and Teresa. It will establish the municipality of San

Mateo as the third legislative district and the municipality of Rodriguez as the fourth legislative district of Rizal province. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 30 days after the effectivity of the Act. All laws, rules, and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. This Act will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Duterte signed the bill into law after it was approved on third and final reading in the Senate. Senator Francis Tolentino, the sponsor of the bill, expressed hope that the measure would “help the local government units involved to better respond to the needs of the people and also help facilitate in the long-term rehabilitation and the capacity building efforts of the province following this pandemic”. He said the qualifications for the reapportionment have been met given that the new second district has a population of 449,103, the new third district has a population of 252,527 while the new fourth district has a population of 369,222.

SUPERVISOR.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora observes the start of vaccinations for senior citizens in the city using the Sinovac vaccine at the San Juan Arena on Monday. Manny Palmero

Navotas mayor gets first Sinovac dose

Millions of anti-flu tablets arriving soon WITH the rising COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, Jomerito Soliman, CEO of My Med Rx Plus Corporation, has announced his company has placed orders for 1 million tablets of Favipiravir (Avigan) and 3 million tablets of Umifenovir (Arbidol) to secure a supply for hospitals and patients who may need them. Both influenza medications are approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Authority for use under a compassionate permit. My Med RX, a pharmaceutical company under the PureGroup of Companies, is the exclusive importer and distributor of both medicines.

BOC launches anti-narcotics office at NAIA By Joel E. Zurbano

IN BRIEF MAYOR Toby Tiangco on Monday received his first dose of vaccine against Coronavirus Disease 2019. Tiangco was among 260 people with comorbidities in Navotas who got jabbed with CoronaVac at the San Jose Academy. Another 260 vaccinees also received the same vaccine at the Tumana Health Center. “Certified NavoBakunado na rin po tayo! Sa lahat po ng mga residente at manggagawa sa ating lungsod, magpa-rehistro na sa ating NavoBakuna COVID-19 vaccination program. 3,618 na po ang nabakunahan sa ating lungsod na mga frontliners, senior at may comorbidity,” the mayor said. Jun David

THE Makati City government on Monday announced it will open five new venues for its free vaccination program starting today to accommodate thousands of senior citizens. Mayor Abigail Binay says the local government has already completed installing equipment and materials at the vaccination sites: the barangay covered courts of Bel-Air, Forbes Park, San Lorenzo and Urdaneta and the Asia Pacific College in Barangay Magallanes. “With the arrival of a new batch of vaccines from the national government, these additional vaccination sites will speed up the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to thousands of Makatizens who have registered online for Bakuna Makati. Over the past weeks, we have put in place the necessary equipment and other logistical needs to ensure the safety and convenience of both vaccinees and frontliners,” Binay said. She says the newly-opened vaccination venues will cater to senior citizens who have registered online and have received their confirmation number and designated schedule and venue of vaccination. The Makati Health Department has deployed three vaccination teams per village to administer Sinovac’s Coronavac to senior residents of the five barangays. Binay says the city will also open another vaccination site at the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School in West Rembo to inoculate senior citizens in District 2 who have registered for the free vaccination program. Binay’s administration aims to vaccinate around 155,000 senior citizens under the city’s free vaccination program.

Villar demands DA explain tack against hog raisers By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar on Monday demanded an explanation from the Department of Agriculture its decision to import pork to the disadvantage of local hog raisers. “I just want the DA to explain to me their decision-making process which I

think is in favor of the importers and not in favor of our poor backyard hog raisers,” Villar said. She said she wanted to be clarified on the project of the DA to import 388,000 metric tons of meat. “They did not tell me here that offal was included here with a tariff of 5%10% already,” said Villar, adding the

SM Foundation runs mobile clinics SM Foundation, through its Health and Wellness programs, offers a wide array of efforts for its stakeholders when it comes to giving access to basic healthcare services. One of these social good efforts is the roaming SMFI mobile clinics, which provides medical services to grassroots communities, especially in the areas where SM operates. Currently, SMFI has five state-ofthe-art mobile clinics that are equipped to conduct diagnostic services such as x-ray, ECG, glucose test, uric acid test, ultrasound and many more. These five mobile clinics are deployed across the country mainly to complement the medical mission activities of the SM Foundation. More so, these medical laboratories

on wheels are also used to provide immediate healthcare in the areas devastated by calamites and other emergencies. “Our SM Mobile Clinics were deployed to support our “Gamot Para sa Kapwa” Medical Missions. The mobile health facility intends to provide diagnostic and laboratory services to those who cannot afford laboratory services and in the areas where no such services are available,” SMFI Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles said. “These mobile clinics are also available and ready in cases of emergencies and calamities—like the recent earthquake in Porac, Pampanga, the Taal Volcano eruption and the aftermath of the strong typhoons like Yolanda.”

DA should be guided by figures of the past in the importation. “If you feel differently you decide on what will be good for the local hog raisers of which 65% are backyard hog raisers who are poor farmers,” she said. With regards to our consumers, Villar said the low tariff of pork-70% of imported hog meat, was 5%-10% tariff for a long time.

THE Bureau of Customs on Monday launched an anti-narcotics coordinating center near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to further strengthen its campaign against the smuggling of illegal drugs at the premier airport. The coordination center, according to Customs-NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan, was made in partnership with People’s Air Cargo and Warehousing Inc. and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. She said the establishment of this facility “is imperative to strengthen border security on any importation of illegal drugs.” “This was also strategically placed for importations from Paircargo accounts to the majority of importations coming through NAIA and accessible to the concerns of other six warehouses under the Port of NAIA,” said Talusan. She also says their campaign is in full support of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s border control initiatives. Paircargo president Joseph Madrigal said they provided the facility also to support the initiatives of Customs NAIA and the government in protecting the country from any attempts to smuggle illegal drugs. PDEA Assistant Regional Director Irvin John Coderis says the center exemplifies the strengthened coordination of the Bureau of Customs and PDEA with the support of stakeholders in its fight against illegal drugs in NAIA.

ANTI-FLU TABLETS.

MyMed Rx Plus Corporation President Jojo Soliman shows boxes of Favipiravir and Arbidol anti-influenza tablets at the PureForce and Rescue Operation office in Manila. Both antivirals drug are being used to treat COVID-19 cases in the country (see story In Brief at left).

News

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Funds ready for lifeline projects under Bayanihan 3

IN BRIEF Aurora, Tarlac get P100m grant TWO towns in the provinces of Aurora and Tarlac received a total of P100 million grant from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for the construction of two multipurpose ecacuation centers. Dingalan, Aurora and La Paz, Tarlac received the first tranche of funding for the evacuation center project, which cost P50 million each. Pagcor initially approved P25 million to each LGU to jumpstart the construction amid the pandemic. Pagcor turned over the initial funding during the project’s groundbreaking ceremonies in Barangay Ibona in Dingalan on April 8 and in Barangay Rizal in La Paz on April 9. “We felt relieved when we were told that we can now go on with construction. This project will truly benefit our fellow Dingaleños especially our seven coastal barangays,” said Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay. As a coastal municipality fronting the Pacific Ocean, Dingalan’s water level from the shorelines can rise from 50 to over 100 feet, especially if triggered by a tsunami. Flooding can also extend inland by 1,000 feet or more, covering large expanses of land. Ibona Small Fishermen Association President Leonardo Viaje Jr. recalled how Typhoon Ulysses, which battered the country in November 2020, caused much destruction as many fishermen lost their boats in the aftermath of the typhoon. “Kagandahan po nito, may magagamit na evacuation center ang mga kasamahan ko sa pangingisda, maging ang mga magsasaka na nakatira sa tabing-dagat,” he said Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council chairperson Asrelita Del Rosario said the MPEC will serve farming communities not just during calamities but also during important meetings, which are often held in cramped venues or under the trees.

Local flights to continue under MECQ MAJOR local airlines on Monday assured the public they will continue operating commercial flights during the implementation of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. The government earlier placed NCR Plus (Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna) under MECQ until April 30, 2021, with only essential travel allowed in and out of Manila. “Philippine Airlines shall continue to operate domestic flights between Manila, Cebu and Davao and other regions of the country, subject to restrictions and requirements of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) and the concerned local government units (LGUs) for each route,” PAL said in its travel advisory. The PAL management, however, said the temporary suspension of inbound passenger travel to Western Visayas from Manila, Cebu and Davao, has been extended until April 19. Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), meanwhile, said it will continue to operate its domestic and international flights as scheduled during the MECQ status enforced in the NCR Plus area. But for CEB clients who wish to postpone their flights and those traveling for non-essential reasons, the airline is offering its preferred option through the Manage Booking portal on the Cebu Pacific website (http://bit.ly/ CEBmanageflight) up to two hours before the scheduled time of departure. Those allowed to travel between NCR plus and other regions of the country are: health and emergency frontline services personnel; government officials and frontline personnel; duly-authorized humanitarian assistance actors; persons traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons; persons going to the airport for travel abroad; persons crossing zones for work or business permitted in the zone of destination, and going back home; returning or repatriated and Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) returning to their places of residence and locally—stranded individuals (LSIs). Joel Zurbano

By Maricel V. Cruz and Othel Campos

GRIDLOCK. Manila Water workers repair a busted water pipeline located at the corner of EDSA and Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong City, resulting in heavy traffic northbound. Manny Palmero

Senators buck pork importation amid ASF S By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATORS strongly objected to the importation of pork as a means to address the African swine fever outbreak, saying there is already an oversupply of local pork products.

During the hybrid hearing of the Committee of the Whole on the food security crisis, Sen. Panﬁlo Lacson said based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Filipinos consumed an average of 1.85 million metric tons of pork yearly from 2018 to 2020 while the average annual local production of swine during the same period was at 2.25 million metric tons. Lacson, in calling for the recall of Executive Order No. 128, said lowering the tariff in the importation of swine products from 30 to 40 percent down to 5 to10 percent and increasing the minimum access volume by 350,000 metric tons from 54,000 metric tons would kill the domestic industry. Lacson warned these would cause

P3.6 billion in lost revenues for the government. “Mr. Chairman, the basic economic principle applies: when there is surplus in the local supply of pork in relation to the local demand, why are we importing? This, despite the appeal of thousands of local hog raisers against unjust competition with importers of hogs. The effect of EO 128 is ‘botcha’ or doubledead. Why? The local industry will die. The collection of tariff will also die,” he said. Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the committee on agriculture and food, also found no need for the government to lower the tariff in the importation of swine products and increase the MAV. She cited data submitted by Bu-

reau of Customs which showed that majority of imports from 2018 to 2020 are offal (organ meats) with 5 to 10 percent tariff. Since 2018, good meat imports under MAV was only around 30 percent and the rest were offal, Villar said. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan stressed anew the need to declare a state of national calamity to sufﬁciently address the effects of ASF. The ASF outbreak, he said, has already affected about 68,000 hog raisers, majority of whom are small backyard farmers. He said a state of calamity declaration would allow the Department of Agriculture and concerned agencies, including local government units, to allocate more funds to combat the ASF’s massive damage to the hog industry, provide much needed assistance to local hog raisers and institute bio-security and disease-control measures as well as calibrate re-population for the private sector.

THE chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means on Monday assured funding for the proposed Bayanihan 3 which provides a P420-billion fund to boost economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said the third Bayanihan measure, composed primarily of what he described as “lifeline measures,” will be funded in a way that does not increase the country’s deficit. “We can’t do full-blown stimulus just yet because we have not yet maximized mobility. When the velocity of money is slow, it is unwise to infuse liquidity for growth. But we need to feed our people. So, actually, Bayanihan 3 will not be stimulus, but mainly lifeline,” Salceda said. The current draft of the technical working group on Bayanihan 3 includes P108 billion for universal basic income of P1,000 per head, with another P108 billion in standby funds; P12 billion in direct funding for assistance for individuals in crisis situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development: and P3 billion for Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP). Salceda added there will also likely be some room for the P54 billion Pension and Gratuity Fund that Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is prioritizing. “Stimulus will be much more effective later, when we begin returning to normalcy. Our top priority now is to keep our people alive,” he said. “The tug-of-war was between those who wanted ayuda by increasing our debt, and those who said we could not borrow anymore. We need ayuda, so I mediated by providing options that will not increase our deficit, including more GOCC remittances, capital withdrawal from GOCCs, and taxes on POGOs and e-sabong. That intervention appears to have broken the gridlock. We will have Bayanihan 3,” Salceda added. He said he is working with the Department of Finance to find revenue sources for the measure. “It will be deficit-neutral, if my work with Secretary Dominguez succeeds,” Salceda said. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment, has disbursed a total of P1.8 billion to assist 355,737 tourism workers from 13,752 affected establishments as of April 6.

Roque bewails ‘un-Christian’ query over PGH treatment By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas PRESIDENTIAL spokesman Harry Roque described as an un-Christian questions on how he was quickly accommodated by a government hospital while ordinary COVID-19 patients have yet to be admitted. However, Roque, who said he had to be admitted after his oxygen level dropped to 90, did not explain how he was able to get the room. “With all due respect, I think that’s an un-Christian question,” he said during an online press brieﬁng Monday. “Under the Duterte administration, anyone who needs medical attention will be given assistance,” he added. The Palace ofﬁcial said he will remain in the hospital after completing his medications, including

taking Remdesivir. On April 10, Roque said he was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 more than three weeks since he ﬁrst contracted the diseas The Department of Health, for its part, refused to comment on prioritization of Roque, who remains conﬁned at the Philippine General Hospital. “We have our protocols and there is also triaging system in our hospitals based on the level of severity of pati ents when they come in. For this, please forgive me I’m not going to comment on this but as I’ve said, we have protocols in our system,” DOH spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an ANC Headstart interview. Intensive-care unit beds at 14 out of 21 hospitals in Metro Manila was on a “critical” level or “almost 100 percent,” DOH said on April 6.

COVID JABS. The city

government of Antipolo administers free COVID-19 vaccines to its elderly residents at the cinema lobby of SM City Masinag. (Inset) In Navotas, Mayor Toby Tiangco, as a person with comorbidity, gets vaccinated with Coronavac at the San Jose Academy. Manny Palmero and Andrew Rabulan

Supreme Court revamps membership of its three divisions By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has reorganized the membership of its three divisions following thr assumption last week of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. Gesmundo now heads the First Division, which will also be composed of Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa as working chair and Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda, Rosmari Carandang and Samuel Gaerlan as members. Associate Justice Estela Perlas Bernabe is the chairman of the Sec-

ond Division with Associate Justices Amy Lazaro Javier, Mario Lopez, Ricardo Rosario and Jhosep Lopez as members. Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has been designated as the chair of the Third Division with Associate Justices Ramon Paul Hernando, Jean Paul Inting, Edgardo Delos Santos and Jhosep Lopez as members. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ordered the physical closure of courts in Abra and Quirino provinces as well as Santiago City in Isabela until April 18 after these areas have been placed

under Modiﬁed Enhanced Community Quarantine. Gesmundo earlier ordered for the continued physical closure of courts in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal until April 18 even before Malacanang announced that the NCR Plus area would be placed under MECQ until the end of the month. While all courts in areas under MECQ are physically closed, the SC said they could still be reached through their hotlines and email addresses.

These courts would also continue to operate via videoconferencing. “Judges may conduct fully remote videoconferencing hearings on pending cases and other matters, whether urgent or not, regardless of their physical location and without prior permission from the Office of the Court Administrator,” Gesmundo said. During this period, the time for filing and service of pleadings and motions would be suspended and shall resume after seven calendar days, counted from the first day of physical reopening of the court.

Sports

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Matsuyama shuns ‘greatest Japanese golfer’ tag AUGUSTA—Hideki Matsuyama won’t accept the title as Japan’s greatest-ever golfer, but after a quarter-century journey from child novice to historic Masters champion, the usually humble star will accept some praise. “I can’t say I’m the greatest,” Matsuyama said. “However, I’m the first to win a major, and if that’s the bar, then I’ve set it.” Matsuyama won the 85th Masters on Sunday, becoming the first Japanese man to win a major title and capping a 25-year dream that started when his father began teaching him the sport when he was only four years old, even switching schools to boost his golf. While the heroics of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods would catch his attention, Matsuyama recalled Japan’s baseball stars having a bigger impact in his youth. “The people that I admired were mainly baseball players: (Yu) Darvish, (Shohei) Ohtani, (Kenta) Maeda,” Matsuyama said of three Japanese stars now on US Major League Baseball clubs. “As far as golf, not so much. Hopefully now others will be inspired for what happened here today and follow in my footsteps.” Matsuyama’s path took him to Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, where he honed the skills he used to win the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and earn a berth at the 2011 Masters. Amateur dominance In his first trip to Augusta National, Matsuyama won the Silver Cup as low amateur and shared 27th. In 2011, he won the World University Games title and led Japan’s gold medal team. He then won the 2011 Asia-Pacific crown as well and placed 54th at the 2012 Masters, becoming the first amateur to make consecutive Masters cuts since Manny Zerman in 1991-92. Four months later, Matsuyama was named the amateur world number one. Eight months after that, he turned professional. Matsuyama shared 10th at the 2013 US Open and cracked the top 50 in the world rankings as a result. In 2014, he won the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial Tournament, the first US PGA win by a Japanese golfer in six years. With his victory at Augusta National, Matsuyama now has six career US PGA triumphs, matching the total achieved by all other Japanese players on the US tour. In 2016, Matsuyama captured the WGC event at Shanghai. AFP

Cheered by an adoring crowd, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP

Magsayo joins fight against Asian hate By Randy M. Caluag

AVE you noticed the trunks worn by Filipino boxer Mark Magsayo during his recent ﬁght in the United States? On Saturday (Sunday in Manila) night, Magsayo needed only four rounds to hack out a technical knockout victory over American Pablo Cruz in a 10-round featherweight bout. But more valuable than the win that drew him nearer to his championship dream, Magsayo joined the chorus of top sports personalities in condemning Asian hate crimes in the US. The proud son of Bohol province from Southern Philippines entered the ring wearing black and yellow gold trunks. At the back’s beltline are the words “STOP ASIAN HATE” in big, bold letters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic which many have wrongly put the blame on China, citizens of Asian descent have become targets of hate crime

in America and Europe. posted a photo of his One of the recent vicuniforms on his social tims was a Filipino male, media page and with a who was slashed in the caption using the hashtag face with a metal cutter #STOPTHEHATENOby an identified assailant MATTERWHATYOURin New York. COLORIS. The spate of violence Magsayo’s bout was against Asian-Amerione of the undercards of cans, who number nearly the co-main event, where 19 million in the US, has his fellow Filipino Jerwin prompted FilipinoAncajas scored a tough American sports ceunanimous decision win lebrities like Miami against Jonathan RoHeat coach Erik Spoeldriguez of Mexico to stra and Jordan Clarkson Mark Magsayo’s shorts with retain his International of the Utah Jazz and Tai- the words “STOP ASIAN Boxing Federation superwanese basketball super- HATE” (From Magsayo’s flyweight title. star Jeremy Lin to speak Facebook page) “I hope I was able to give out against racism towards Asians. you an entertaining fight and make you Boxing icon Senator Manny Pac- happy even for a while during this panquiao also posted in his social media demic,” Magsayo told his Filipino fans as account a challenge to Asian haters to he remained undefeated in 22 fights. “fight me instead.” It was a win that solidified his chancMagsayo’s act of protest was probably es for a possible title fight against the first time a prominent Asian athlete champions Emanuel Navarrete (World wore something that openly condemns Boxing Organization), Leo Sta. Cruz anti-Asian racism. (World Boxing Association) or Gary A few hour before his fight, Magsayo Russel Jr (World Boxing Council).

PSC’s 10-day lockdown delays athletes’ training By Peter Atencio

PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandez

FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ

Unspoken THE things left unsaid. We love to fixate on it. Someone could have said a thousand words, and the things that will keep us awake at night stoking our disquiet are the things we read between the lines, and these are corrosive, revealing, and sometimes controversial. There are two types of things left unsaid that latch to us. The first type is the one that was not said directly—a subtext, an inference. The second type is the one that should’ve been said, as a matter of honor or duty, made a necessity by the norm, or as a show of compliance. The basketball world was abuzz about the semantics—and the grey areas—of

NATIONAL athletes preparing for the coming Southeast Asian Games will have to train on their own and in provinces and areas which offer less restrictions. SEA Games chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez made this announcement as the PSC is set to put two sports facilities under its control in a 10-day lockdown. “Hindi pa tayo maka-prepare. This will all depend on the rise in COVID-19 cases,” said Fernandez. Malacanang on Monday approved the PSC’s request for a 10-workday lockdown starting on April 13, after 63 of its personnel tested positive for the virus. This means that both the administrative offices at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City will be under confinement as they get thorough disinfection and cleansing. And with the many parts of the country under a modified enhanced community quarantine status, Fernandez said training of athletes at the RMSC and the Philsports Complex won’t be happening anytime soon. Kevin Durant’s comments during an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols. The perceived implications of what people feel were left unsaid roused many to rumor-mongering and petty nitpicking. Is he not driven, not motivated anymore to win a title? He never said he is not interested anymore in winning another championship, but the subtext is dangerous for morale and alarming for the front office. The things he said he felt about a championship inferred a possibly lackadaisical—even cavalier— attitude towards a championship which is very important to the team paying him millions of dollars to lead and to inspire success. Worse, it feels like Durant is already making an excuse in the event he fails in winning a championship for Brooklyn. His teammates need to hear Durant say that it is worth working hard for, that it is worth aspiring, and saying that you weren’t “expecting to be a happy human being from a title” feels counterintuitive. It puts a question mark on the effort to win. If a championship didn’t make Durant happy, then what does a championship mean to him? It is not duty, because duty is merely fulfilling one’s obligations as a player. Winning a championship takes more

Having a bigger facility to put national athletes train under one roof will have to be pushed back and this could happen in May, if all goes well. For now, some members of the national team have been able to train under a bubble in Dumaguete, Ormoc, Zamboanga, Cebu, Bohol and Baguio City, in coordination with the local government units. Fernandez said PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. is on top of the situation concerning the facilities in Manila and in Pasig. Iroy has been meeting the management committee of the PSC to ensure that the agency’s health safety protocols are revisited and fortified. In a statement, Iroy said observance of all safety protocols in place is a must, adding that more stringent measures and sanctions await those discovered not following these rules. “It is for their’s and everyone’s safety. We all have a family to protect,” Iroy said. The PSC office’s operations will shift to workfrom-home arrangements on those lockdown dates to ensure that delivery of service remains unhampered. “We hope to break the transmission during those days, to arrest the spread of COVID-19 among our employees,” explained Chief of Staff Marc Velasco.

than a sense of obligation - you want to earn it, you want to have it, you want to deserve it. You want to go there. Every superstar who became a champion was motivated by the belief that a championship is all there is in playing competitive basketball. Traditional wisdom tells us that having champion players improves the chances of winning a championship. True, but only if a championship still means that much to these players. Many of those who have already won lose that fire, that edge, that desire. What’s the use of a man without motivation and what is the value of his championship experience in a quest that demands adamance? What would you rather have—someone hungry for a first championship, or a champion unstirred by the prospect of not winning again? You can say “let’s have both!” But you can’t give all 12 players 40 minutes and 20+ field goal attempts. How do you trust him, unenthused about winning a championship, especially when he is playing badly, when resentment and loathing feel valid? How do you accept meager minutes and stand behind a player who seems disinclined to chase another ring while here you are, ready to run back and forth until your knees buckle or your tendons are torn, if

that’s what it takes to win a championship? I want to win a title for Brooklyn is a proclamation left unsaid. A bold promise; nonetheless, it is a promise he should be committed to as a cornerstone of a super team built to win now. Maybe there is no guarantee, no certainty that this promise will be fulfilled, but at least, this gives fans hope. His teammates feel motivated. Durant was supposed to help stoke the flames of desire for a championship, not undermine it by sowing seeds of disinterest among players, who could be swayed into the same mindset—that a championship may not make them happy so focus on improving your game instead. This is poison. Sometimes, a personal goal does not serve the best interest of the team. If Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to focus on becoming better, he might start taking more threes to work on his weak spot. But do it now and Giannis is shooting himself in the foot, and the team on the head because this will make him and the Bucks easier to defend. Coaches plan in detail to defend against Giannis’s interior game. Extending towards the arc is Milwaukee removing its major offensive weapon, and its chances of winning a title. Brooklyn is ready to fight tooth and nail for a title. The team should be focused on the

TNC Predator sweeps Neon for AsPac title COLLECTING runes as quickly as possible boosted TNC Predator’s 2-0 sweep of Neon Sports Sunday in winning the All-Filipino grand finals of the Asia Pacific Predator League. Team members quickly adjusted to a game patch which had runes being generated or spawned at a faster rate of one every three minutes. Runes are special boosters that spawn on the game map. And these Runes come in two kinds. There’s the Bounty Runes that can be picked up for extra gold and the Power-up Runes, which grant heroes a variety of buffs and effects for a short period of time. “Iyung bounty runes, every three minutes na. Ang ginawa ng Neo, nakakalimutan nila na every three minutes na,” said TNC Predator’s Timothy “Tims” Randrup in a Zoom web conference after the match. TNC members quickly dove into the new DOTA 7.29 version after it was activated for the finals. In the remodeled game, TNC Predator was able to find items and boosters to bolster its stand against Neo during the two matches. Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game in which two teams of five players compete to collectively destroy a large structure defended by the opposing team known as the “Ancient”, while also defending their own turf. In Game 1, Neon’s Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferrer took the initiative when he grabbed the Aegis of the Immortal from TNC. The Aegis of the Immortal is an item which allows their hero to resurrect after dying. And with TNC Predator gaining 21,000 golds, Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte took charge with Armel “Armel” Tabios’ wielding the alacrity-powered Invoker as they took Game 1 after eliminating Neon’s Gyrocopter in the middle lane. In the rematch, Armel Tabios stunned the opposition by playing Bristleback at the middle lane. With help coming from Marvin Rushton’s Winter Wyvern, Tabios quickly collected core items to gain enough strength to withstand Neon’s offense. Peter Atencio

team goal, ready to give it all. The timing of Durant’s self-awareness feels self-centered and selfish. Durant’s comments sound like him saying “I’m a great swordsman, but I want to be a better warrior. Maybe I’ll hone my skills in bow and arrow now and join the archers in the rear.” It seems that championship hasn’t taught him timing and discretion. If Durant is not on the same page as the Nets, then this is a major oversight, a costly mistake waiting to exact a toll. Brooklyn gave him a pen with a task to write this chapter in Nets history, hoping to chronicle the journey to a championship quest, even if the end is not promised to the ink that marks the paper an indelible black. There is an art in leaving things unsaid so that you do it the right way. The Battle of Pelennor Fields is a King Théoden master class in saying the right things, and carefully choosing what ought to be left unsaid: “Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!” That is how you lead your men to battle—with hope, determination, and valiance. As for the things that were left unsaid here—it served them well that these were left unseen and hiding in the shadows.

Business PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, April 12, 2021

-26.53 PTS. 6,518.64

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

2,434,059,841 117,588 5,969,636,142.52 86 120 48

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.5790

Japan

Yen

0.009117

0.4429

Pound

1.370700

66.5872

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128574

6.2460

Switzerland

Franc

1.081549

52.5406

Canada

Dollar

0.798085

38.7702

Singapore

Dollar

0.745657

36.2233

Australia

Dollar

0.761800

37.0075

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655478

129.0005

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266681

12.9551

Brunei

Dollar

0.742887

36.0887

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031827

1.5461

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2267

Euro

1.190000

57.8090

Korea

Won

0.000892

0.0433

China

Yuan

0.152602

7.4133

India

Rupee

0.013383

0.6501

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241955

11.7539

New Zealand

Dollar

0.703100

34.1559

Taiwan

Dollar

0.035075

1.7039 Source: BSP

Net foreign direct investments rose by 41% in January NET inflows of foreign direct investments grew 41.5 percent in January to $961million from $679 million a year ago on the positive outlook on the domestic economy, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday. The BSP said in a statement the increase was supported by the 116-percent expansion in non-residents’ net investment in debt instruments to $535 million from $248 million in the same month last year. “This development reflects the investors’ optimism at the start of the year due in turn to the gradual reopening of the economy under the ‘new normal’ condition, easing of lockdown measures, and positive news about the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines,” the BSP said. Non-residents’ net investment in equity capital increased marginally by 0.5 percent to $351 million from $350 million in January. This resulted from continued inflows from new placements, amounting to $362 million in January 2021 from $374 million last year, coupled with less withdrawals of $10 million in January from $24 million last year. Equity capital placements emanated largely from Singapore, Japan and the Netherlands and were channeled mostly to financial and insurance, manufacturing and professional, scientific and technical industries. Reinvestment of earnings declined 9.2 percent to $74 million from $82 million in January. Net inflows of foreign direct investments contracted 25 percent in 2020 to $6.5 billion from $8.7 billion in 2019, pulled down by the lingering impact of the pandemic. The figure, however, surpassed the target of $5.6 billion set by the government. By component, non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments declined by 22 percent to $4.1 billion in 2020 from $5.2 billion in 2019 while non-residents’ net equity capital investments dropped 35.7 percent to $1.5 billion from $2.3 billion. The BSP statistics on FDI are compiled based on the balance of payments and international investment position manual. It refers to investment by a non-resident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent; and investment made by a non-resident subsidiary/associate in its resident direct investor. FDIs can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and borrowings. Julito G. Rada

HEALTH PROTOCOLS.

The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry reports that 94.7 percent of companies and establishments in the National Capital Region comply with the governmentmandated minimum health protocols. The DTI-FTEB continues intensified monitoring activities on compliance with health protocols in Metro Manila.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Diokno: GDP growth likely slower on new virus curbs B By Julito G. Rada

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday the gross domestic product may grow slower than expected this year on the prolonged impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Diokno said during the Laging Handa briefing there was a possibility of a downward revision in the 2021 GDP growth forecast of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent to around 6 percent to 7 percent. He said the interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee—composed of the heads of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management and the National Economic and Development Authority—might consider the adverse effects of the latest rounds of community quarantines in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to the economy. “The DBCC is currently reviewing the projection it made earlier. I think economic managers may lower it slightly to around 6 to 7 percent,” Diokno said. Diokno expressed confidence the economy could bounce back to its pre-pandemic level by 2022. He said the economy was in a

position of strength when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “The Philippine economy is not that bad,” Diokno said in reaction to some analysts’ observation that the country would be among the last to recover in the Asia- Pacific region because of deep scar caused by the health crisis. Diokno said the pace of the economic recovery would depend on how fast the government would roll out the vaccination program to prevent the spread of the virus. He said the government should provide jobs and livelihood to the affected population. He said the latest business expectations survey done by the BSP showed marked improvements in the business sentiment in the next 12 months on the expected rollout of vaccines and the resumption of business activity. Diokno said the improvement in the business sentiment might be translated into additional hiring of employees by companies in different sectors. He also assured that the banking system remained sound and stable to support the financial need of the economy. Inflation is also seen to remain manageable despite the elevated print of 4.5 percent in March 2021 which, Diokno said, was transitory. The GDP contracted by a record 9.6 percent in 2020 amid the pandemic. The economy entered into a technical recession as early as the second quarter of 2020 when the GDP contracted by 16.9 percent.

San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating office Ramon Ang and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar conduct a final inspection of the four-kilometer Skyway Extension northbound project from Susana Heights to Sucat before its opening to the public on April 11. The opening of the initial two lanes of the Skyway Extension northbound allows motorists from Laguna, Cavite and Batangas to bypass the Alabang viaduct to directly access the Skyway System, reduce congestion along EDSA and reduce travel time.

SAN Miguel Corp. opened two of the three lanes of the Skyway Extension project’s northbound section, with no toll for the 4-kilometer segment until further notice. SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the northbound section that covers four kilometers from Susana Heights to Sucat in Parañaque opened to Class 1 vehicles with RFID starting 4 p.m. on Sunday, following structural completion and asphalt-laying. “The completion of the northbound section of Skyway Extension is testament to what the government and the private sector can achieve together. We are confident that by 2022, President Duterte’s promise of decongesting EDSA will come into fruition,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said. Ang announced motorists from the south could now use the Skyway Extension northbound section. “Our long-term solution to addressing traffic particularly on SLEX heading to the Alabang area has finally been realized. This would not have

By Jenniffer B. Austria OFFICE demand improved by 68 percent to 109,000 square meters in the first quarter from the fourth quarter, boosted by the continued take-up from business process outsourcing companies and the fast growing ecommerce sector. Leechiu Property Consultants chief executive David Leechiu said in an online briefing another 266,000 sq. m. of office leasing requirements were being transacted that could further boost demand. He said most companies looking for office spaces were engaged in BPO, offshore gaming and retail. The BPO sector accounted for largest single take-up at 33,000 sq. m. in the first quarter, followed by e-commerce at 19,000 sq. m. which more than tripled from 6,000 sq. m. in the fourth quarter of 2020. “E-commerce is proving to be a sunshine industry,” Leechiu said. Leechiu Property associate director Mikko Barranda said Philippine offshore gaming operators started showing interest again to take up space with combined requirements of 31,000 sq. m. “While it’s too early to tell if POGOs have decided to remain in the country, a resolution of their concerns would help affirm their commitment to the country,” Barranda said. Several POGOs left the country in 2020, not only because of the pandemic but also because of the stringent tax rules imposed by the government against these companies. Baranda said if the pending transactions were finalized, total office demand could hit 400,000 sq. m. this year, higher compared to the 2020 level. Office vacancy rate across Metro Manila reached 11 percent in the first quarter, or equivalent to 1.4 million sq. m. Most vacancies are in Quezon City and Ortigas.

IN BRIEF Eagle Cement posted P3.4-b income in 2020

San Miguel opens two northbound lanes of Skyway Extension project By Darwin G. Amojelar

Office demand improved 68% to 109,000 sqm in first quarter

been possible without the support of our government, led by President Duterte and the ‘Build, Build, Build’ team, who have helped us in so many ways to complete this project,” he said. “I’d like to thank, too, the local government of Muntinlupa and our private sector stakeholders, without whom we could not have gotten this done. Most of all, thank you to our motorists, for bearing with us. We are excited for you to finally be able to feel the benefits of this new project,” he said. Ang said the northbound section provides a direct link to the elevated Skyway system for motorists coming from provinces like Laguna, Batangas and Cavite as it allows them to bypass the Alabang viaduct, reducing congestion in the area. Motorists from SLEX can go directly to their destinations like Makati, Manila, Quezon City and North Luzon Expressway via SMC’s new Skyway Stage 3. Ang said that like in the case of the Skyway Stage 3 that was launched in January, no toll would be charged for the 4-km segment yet.

BIPCOR asking Bantayan co-op to pay P116.5m BANTAYAN Island Power Corp. said Monday it served Bantayan Island Electric Cooperative Inc. a notice of execution of management services agreement after the cooperative allegedly failed to pay its obligation amounting to P116.5 million. BIPCOR said in a statement while it issued a final demand on the outstanding accounts to BANELCO in October 2020, the latter had not settled the obligation. It said the MSA is an option open to BIPCOR as a means to enforce collection of overdue accounts when BANELCO is in default. BIPCOR said Article 8.5.3 of the power supply agreement with BANELCO provides that if the coop’s payment default is in excess of 90 days, BANELCO will enter into a management services agreement with BIPCOR’s nominee, who will be empowered to take over management of BANELCO. This is one way to make sure that accounts of the coop are properly managed and obligations are met, it said. BIPCOR said the provision is another level of assurance to the supplier that under the PSA, the power it delivers will be paid in full and on time. BIPCOR said the unpaid accounts consisted of the supply under the second amendment where an additional 3 megawatts was contracted by BANELCO and the interim power supply agreement where diesel generation sets were rented by BIPCOR at the request of BANELCO. BIPCOR said electricity in Bantayan Island was in short supply and critical because BANELCO’s demand forecast did not anticipate the steep rise in the island’s power demand. It said the amount due under the second amendment was P53.8 million while in the interim power supply agreement amounted to P62.7 million, or for a total of P116.5 million.

EAGLE Cement Corp., a fully-integrated cement company owned by businessman Ramon Ang, said net income declined 44 percent in 2020 to P3.4 billion from P6 billion in 2019 as sales were affected by the COVID-19 contagion. Eagle Cement said in a disclosure to the stock exchange net sales dropped 30 percent to P13.9 billion on lower volume even as sales in the second half started to recover. The company said it generated net sales of nearly P8 billion in the second half of 2020, down 14 percent from P9.3 billion in the same period in 2019, but 35 percent higher than the first half of 2020. “The halting of our operations due to pandemic-related restrictions took a hit on our results in the first half of 2020, but the remaining half proved that we are well-positioned to bounce back. We saw improvement in our volume, and we are able to bring down our production cost in 2020,” Eagle Cement president and chief executive Paul Ang said. Jenniffer B. Austria

FDC’s profit dropped 29% to P8.5b last year

FILINVEST Development Corp., the listed holding company of the Gotianun Group, said Monday net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company fell 29 percent in 2020 to P8.5 billion from P12 billion in 2019 amid the difficult business environment caused by the pandemic. FDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its diversified portfolio allowed it to report healthy financial results despite the challenging environment. FDC’s banking arm EastWest Bank delivered a net income contribution to the group of P6.4 billion, or 4 percent higher than P6.2 billion in 2019, driven by higher trading gains and higher margins resulting from the low interest rate environment that consequently lowered funding costs. Its property business, composed of the real estate and hospitality segments, delivered P5.3 billion, down by 29 percent from the previous year. The group’s residential segment was affected by lower sales takeup, completion delays and the grace period granted to the homebuyers during the strict lockdown period which delayed real estate sales recognition. Jenniffer B. Austria

Sitel Group joins 1st FEU virtual job fair

SITEL Group, a global leader in end-to-end customer experience products and solutions through its learning and development program Sitel Academy, joined Far Eastern University in its first university-wide virtual job fair. The event, titled Online Recruitment Exclusive for Tamaraws), was digitally attended by 2,500 recently graduated and graduating students from the university and hosted more than 30 top companies in the country. “Participating in FEU’s virtual job fair was an exciting opportunity for us to meet the FEU graduates and students and present to them the wide pool of opportunities available at Sitel Group,” said Eliane Therese Centeno, learning specialist and university community partner ambassador-NCR at Sitel Academy. “We introduced them to the company, provided online tours, and with our digital recruitment solutions we were able to allow interested potential applicants to apply right then and there,” she said.

Business

B2 || TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Cyberattacks main risk to US economy —Fed chair WASHINGTON—Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said he was more worried about the risk of a largescale cyberattack than another financial crisis like that of 2008. The risks of a 2008-like crisis with a need for government bailouts of banks were “very, very low,” the head of the US central bank said during an interview aired Sunday on CBS’s “60 minutes.” “The world changes. The world evolves. And the risks change as well. And I would say that the risk that we keep our eyes on the most now is cyber risk,” he said, adding that that concern was shared by multiple governments and private businesses, particularly in finance. Additionally, those organizations invest the most against cyberattacks, he noted. Powell stressed that the Federal Reserve was considering different types of scenarios: “There are scenarios in which a large payment utility, for example, breaks down and the payment system can’t work. Payments can’t be completed. There are scenarios in which a large financial institution would lose the ability to track the payments that it’s making and things like that,” he said. The Fed was also looking at the possibility that part or even a large part of the financial system could shut down. “We spend so much time and energy and money guarding against these things,” he said, noting that cyberattacks on major organizations happen “every day.” Powell was also asked about the possibility of creating a digital dollar, as China last month became the first global economic power to unveil a cryptocurrency. He said that for now, the Fed was evaluating the possibility. “We feel it’s our obligation to understand it. How would it work? What would the features of it be?” Powell said. He also said the Fed was developing software and even designing the look of a digital US dollar, but the final decision on whether to make it public would only be made once its impact was fully understood. AFP

Stocks slip; URC, Ayala Land fall T TOP GAINERS HE stock market fell for the second straight day Monday after investors turned cautious despite government’s decision to ease the quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 26.53 points, or 0.4 percent, to 6,518.64 on a value turnover of nearly P6 billion. Losers beat gainers, 120 to 86, with 48 issues unchanged. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, dropped 3.3 percent to P137.30, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. declined 1.3 percent to P34.05. PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, slipped 1.2 percent to

P1,240, but BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, rose 2.1 percent to P103.50. The rest of equities fell in Asia on Monday as investors awaited the next earnings season with high hopes for strong reports and outlooks as the recovery progresses, while the head of the Federal Reserve reiterated his view that the economy was improving but warned the virus still posed a risk. Another record close on the Dow and the S&P 500 in New York was not enough of a catalyst to fuel buying in early trade, while a forecast-beating jump in US producer prices acted as a reminder that inflation will likely run hot for a few months. The general view is that markets have more gains in them as vaccines are rolled out around the world and US President Joe Biden’s $1.9-trillion stimulus filters through to the economy, while another

big spending package is in the works. Still, Asia started the week on the back foot with Hong Kong losing one percent despite a surge of more than seven percent in Alibaba. The e-commerce giant’s strong advance came despite the firm being hit with a record $2.78-billion fine by China over practices deemed to be an abuse of its dominant market position. Analysts said investors welcomed the end of the probe and the outlay will not likely hurt its operations. And OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley said that while Alibaba rose, the news had a negative effect on traders more broadly. “Investors seem concerned that Alibaba will not be the last China tech giant in the fine firing line,” he said in a note. Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore Jakarta and Wellington were also well in the red, though Seoul and Taipei edged up slightly. With AFP

A sign reading ‘Let’s change the way we shop’ is pictured outside the Selfridges department store on Oxford Street in central London as coronavirus restrictions are eased after England’s third national lockdown on April 12, 2021. Britain was to partially lift coronavirus restrictions Monday, reopening shops, gyms, pub gardens and hairdressers.

NOW

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BKR C PRMX WPI VVT WIN EAGLE PCOR MAH

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SAN FRANCISCO—A contentious unionization drive at an Amazon warehouse in the southern US state of Alabama failed Friday as a vote count showed a wide majority of workers rejecting the move. In a tally streamed live online, National Labor Relations Board officials recorded a “no” vote majority of 1,798 to 738, a stinging defeat in the push to create the first labor union at a US-based Amazon facility. Union activists vowed to demand a re-vote, claiming the US tech and retail giant used unfair tactics. Of the 5,876 eligible voters, 3,041 submitted ballots, some of which were

voided or challenged but not enough to change the outcome, according to the labor board. The results cap a bruising monthslong battle that has sparked intense debate over workplace conditions at Amazon, which has more than 800,000 US employees. Unions and political leaders have argued that Amazon employees face constant pressure and monitoring, with little job protection, highlighting the need for collective bargaining. Amazon has argued that most of its workers don’t want or need a union and that it already provides more than most other employers, with a minimum $15

hourly wage and other benefits. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which organized the drive, said it would challenge the outcome, arguing that Amazon had “created an atmosphere of confusion, coercion and/or fear of reprisals and thus interfered with the employees’ freedom of choice.” Amazon denied intimidating workers, whom it contended were inundated with anti-company messages by the union, politicians and media outlets. “Amazon didn’t win—our employees made the choice to vote against joining a union,” the e-commerce colossus said. AFP

Mounir, the partner of Siraj Bechiya, checks a plantation of hydroponically-grown lettuce, in their greenhouse in the small town of Qouwea, about 40 kilometers east of Libya’s capital Tripoli, on March 5, 2021. Soilless farming has gained ground in many countries but is still in its infancy in Libya. But in a country whose territory is 90 percent arid desert, the method could offer a path toward more food self-sufficiency, Bechiya believes. AFP

Their hope is to demystify hydroponic farming, which “guarantees a good yield in small spaces,” uses little water and doesn’t need pesticides, 20-yearold Bechiya told AFP. Soilless farming has gained ground in many countries but is still in its infancy in Libya. But in a country whose territory is 90 percent arid desert, the method could offer a path toward more food self-sufficiency, Bechiya believes. Lack of water Agriculture remains a marginal sector in Libya, where the economy is dominated by hydrocarbons, the country boasting the most abundant oil reserves in Africa. Arable land barely makes up three percent of Libya’s territory and is under threat, as rapid urbanization eats up the fertile strip along the Mediterranean coast. Another major challenge to farming in Libya is the lack of water where agriculture needs it most. AFP

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Amazon warehouse’s union drive fails after bitter push

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Supervisor’s role in managing employee stress “TRUST that your yoga mat, your yoga But what they would need right now practice, has your back,” says the inare not just clearer instructions or structor as she encourages the viewer to documents outlining guidelines but JESSICA JAYE lean in onto the mat and surrender the our understanding and patience. Poor RANIESES back pain that this practice was intendperformance in this setup should not ed for. Two thoughts come to mind as be taken at face value as this could be I complete this practice and prepare to an obvious sign that the employee is (virtually) go to work. First is how yoga undergoing workplace stress. has been personally helpful in managing the stress and anxiBe attentive to changes in employees’ emotions and behavior. ety of working from home during a pandemic, and second Jimmieson and her co-authors have identified several themes is how encouraging it is to hear someone say he or she got that can be helpful even in our context. One is being mindful of your back. such changes in our employees’ disposition, behavior and reacIn February 2020, the Department of Labor and Employ- tions. The virtual setup may provide some challenges in how ment released Department Order No. 208 (“D.O. 208”) that we will be able to detect signs of employee stress, but one of the sets out the guidelines for implementing mental health work- themes the authors have also mentioned is the changes in both place policies and programs of the private sector. Under this oral and online communication style. This would need from us order, private companies must integrate into their occupa- the attention we pay to things we would usually neglect and attional health and safety policies strategies to promote and en- tribute to someone having a bad day. hance workers’ mental health and well-being. This does not Talk about it. The third and probably the most difficult to do just include the promotion and protection of worker’s mental given our culture is to have the openness to talk about workhealth and common conditions but also strategies to identify place stress. In the study, feedback from the employees themand manage work-related stress and stressors. A year after selves or a co-worker who has observed his colleague remains its release, how far are private companies in its implementa- the most common source of information for supervisors regardtion? Does human resources have the sole responsibility of ing employee stress. We need to initiate conversations about it. carrying out these programs’ policies? Still, we must also be prepared to take concrete action plans to In a qualitative study by Jimmieson and three other pro- address workplace stress, whether it be an adjustment in workfessors, the authors explored different strategies on how load or other issues our employees may raise. Australian supervisors can identify, manage and respond to Take care of yourself. We all know the saying. We cannot employee stress, citing the supervisor’s critical role in man- pour from an empty cup. It is difficult to address our emaging occupational stress and well-being of employees. ployees’ stress when we are dealing with our own concerns. Work-related stress has been identified as the most dangerous While this was listed last, I believe it is the most important psychological hazard in their country, and thus, organizations one. We may also be experiencing our own stress and anxihave been mandated to put in place strategies to maintain what ety, but it does not excuse us to exercise our responsibility as they call as a “psychologically safe workplace.” supervisors to maintain not just a productive workplace but a I share the implicit message of the author’s article as well psychologically safe one. as the guideline in DO 208 concerning the need to build the Mental health awareness may still have a long way to go capacity of managers to manage mental health. That main- here in the Philippines. But with the release of DOLE Order taining psychologically safe workplaces is not the sole re- No. 208, it provides some hope to move an issue that is of sponsibility of the human resource department but more so great importance, especially at these current times. As maof the supervisors. After all, supervisors are the ones in di- jority of workers continue to be in a work from home setup rect contact with their employees, and there has even been where they are vulnerable to feelings of isolation, lack of evidence in other studies pointing out that supervisors are work-life balance, not to mention the stress and anxiety due the common source of workplace negative behaviors and, to the pandemic, the conversation on maintaining a psychoconsequently, employee stress. logically safe workplace, whether in a physical or in a reSo, what can we do as supervisors? The yoga mat and the mote setup, should begin an all workplaces. previously mentioned authors can teach us a thing or two. Show your employees that “I got you.” First, our employJessica Jaye Ranieses is a Doctor of Business Adminees should feel that “we got their back.” Supervisor support istration student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of can never be reiterated enough, especially that we’re all Business of De La Salle University. She finished her MBA navigating workplace dynamics that most of us were unfa- at the same university. She is currently the senior high miliar with until now. Many of our employees will commit school vice principal at iACADEMY. She can be reached mistakes or need a lot of guidance to perform their tasks. at jessranieses@gmail.com.

Green LiGht ht

TRIPOLI, Libya―Under a yellow tarpaulin stretched over an arched metal frame, Siraj Bechiya and his partner inspect their hydroponically-grown lettuce, pioneers of the method in mostlydesert Libya where conventional agriculture struggles. Zip ties, punctured plastic cups as pots and PVC tubing bought in DIY shops hold the precious crops at “Green Paradise”―so dubbed by the two young Libyan entrepreneurs spearheading the project. But the ad hoc nature of the materials hasn’t stopped the plants from thriving, their long white roots nourished by water rich with nutrients and oxygen. Bechiya and his partner, Mounir, have been working tirelessly on their project for months in the small town of Qouwea, 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the capital Tripoli, erecting a tunnel-shaped greenhouse surrounded by breeze-block walls on a semi-arid site.

LAST PRICE 3.14

PARTIAL REOPENING.

‘Green Paradise’ plantation brings hydroponics to Libya’s arid desert

By jihad dorgham

PSEi April 12, 2021

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

HBO Go streams DC’s ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ MOBILE service provider Globe has announced that its content partner HBO GO will be the first in the Philippines to premiere DC’s Wonder Woman 1984 this month. The action-packed film that debuted globally in December of last year follows the next chapter in Diana Price’s story as she saves the world once again--this time in vibrant and sleek ‘80s fashion. Wonder Woman 1984 is just one of the many films available on the platform as Globe and HBO GO unceasingly work together to encourage its customers to watch and stream their favorite movies legally through trusted partners. New Globe At Home Postpaid customers who avail of the latest UNLI FIBER UP Plans instantly enjoy trial access to HBO

GO for three months. This offer is also up for grabs for existing customers when they upgrade their current subscriptions to Plan 1699 and up. This exclusive promo is accessible through the Globe At Home app. Apart from Wonder Woman 1984, HBO GO is the content streaming service that offers an expansive film and series library with popular titles such as True Blood, other DC films, as well as HBO-exclusive content like Game of Thrones. There are also kid-friendly content that the entire family can enjoy, one of which is Tom and Jerry 2021, premiering on June 4. Globe is currently the only telco company that provides its customers access to a wide selection of content streaming sites in order to reinvent the “home theater” experience. Other than HBO GO, check out the

selection of Globe’s content partners that work together in encouraging its customers to #PlayItRight: https://www.globe.com. ph/apps-content.html Launched in 2017, Globe proudly announced its strong opposition to the illegal widespread access and sharing of copyrighted content on the internet with #PlayItRight. This is the anti-online piracy movement that aims to educate customers on the effects of illegal content consumption and how we can all play a role to protect the Filpino family from committing a crime, as well as protect and support the local entertainment industry and the content creation industry, especially at a time that livelihoods of those in the entertainment sector are extremely challenged by the pandemic.

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ starring Gal Gadot is the sequel to 2017's ’Wonder Woman’ and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe.

A not-so-ugly retelling of ‘The Ugly Duckling’

Actress Kathleen Hermosa (left) with multi-awarded life coach Dr. Susan Barlin.

Actor Baron Geisler opens up in ‘Life Talk.’

‘LIFE TALK with

Susan Barlin’ Dr. Barlin with former Laguna governor ER Ejercito (2nd from left), his daughter Jhulia, and businessman Phil Villamar (rightmost).

EARNING from other people's mistakes, wisdom and experiences will be one of the best things you do for your life. This is the lesson that Life Talk with Susan Barlin would like to share with its audience.

“With this online show, I wanted the viewers to listen, learn, and live a happy life. We have simple experiences that some people can easily relate to and even learn from. That’s why we’re doing a spontaneous conversation with our guests,” Dr. Susan Barlin, a multiawarded professional life coach, told Manila Standard Entertainment in an

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

interview. “The online show wanted to share the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of others by talking about the most difficult moments in their lives,” Dr. Barlin carried on. In it’s previous episodes, the professional life coach had actor Baron Geisler and actress Kathleen Hermosa as guests on

her virtual couch. “He’s known as someone who has a notorious personality. But in the show, the audience are able to see the good side of Baron. He talked about his troubled past and how he’s able to overcome it and how his newfound happiness makes him an entirely different person now,” Dr. Barlin shared. The episode with the actor, she said, is all about giving hope to those who are struggling and who are already losing it. Meanwhile, in the second episode, Dr. Barlin featured former television darling Kathleen who talks about learning from numerous setbacks, and how the actress was able to use these obstacles to push herself in achieving her dreams. “We have a few more celebrities that we are featuring in the show, personalities that will truly inspire our people especially that we are currently in a very tough situation,” Dr. Barlin said. The life coach admitted that she doesn’t meet with her interviewees beforehand, even virtually. She doesn’t do intensive research on the personalities she’s having in the show so she wouldn’t have any biases towards her guests. “I want the interview to be as spontaneous as possible, candid if you will. I don’t do my research because I wanted to know the information straight from my interviewee’s mouth. And you’ll be surprised how they open up and share important things about them by asking the right questions,” she explained. Dr. Barlin encourages people to join their community to learn life lessons to overcome anxieties and be able to see and experience the best things ahead and experience overall life wellness. “That’s Life Talk is all about,” she ended. Life Talk with Susan Barlin streams on YouTube with new episodes dropping every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. with replay and teaser every Wednesday on Dr. Barlin’s Facebook page.

Howie Severino features insightful conversations in new podcast DIGITAL powerhouse GMA News and Public Affairs continues to create innovative and engaging content online as it launches its first original podcast The Howie Severino Podcast on April 8. Bannered by multi-awarded broadcast journalist Howie Severino, the weekly podcast features insightful conversations with personalities from various fields and industries. Severino, who also serves as GMA Network’s Vice President for Professional Development, is one of the hosts of topnotch documentary program I-Witness. He is also one of the first bloggers on the network’s online platforms and has previously led GMA News Online as its Editor-in-Chief. “My colleagues and I developed this idea of creating a podcast as a safe space for sharing insights with leaders and interesting people across diverse backgrounds,” shares Severino. “I have been a journalist for 33 years but podcasting is fresh territory for me,” he adds.

Broadcast journalist Howie Severino hosts GMA News and Public Affairs’ first original podcast.

Asked how The Howie Severino Podcast differs from his shows on TV and digital space, Severino notes that this will be “pure conversation, no visuals,” where podcast enthusiasts can expect “wideranging discussions, where both guests and host bring many years of experience, eclectic interests, and quirky thinking to bear on timely topics.” “It will hopefully be something edifying to listen to while driving, cooking, gardening, or doing the laundry,” he says. For its pilot episode, Severino had his fellow GMA News pillar and awardwinning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho as the first salvo in a stellar lineup of guests. Soho shares her journey in the broadcast industry—from her humble beginnings as a GMA News staff to becoming a reporter and now the country’s most-awarded broadcast journalist. The Howie Severino Podcast is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms every Thursday.

A NEO-CLASSICAL version of the literary fairy tale The Ugly Duckling takes shape in the form of online film The Not So Ugly Duckling, which encapsulates the beauty of ballet as performance art. The dance showcase follows the journey of Cacciatore, a duck from a small town in pursuit to reach her Hollywood dream. The modern interpretation of the iconic story speaks of self-love, acceptance, and appreciation. It highlights the importance of embracing the value of individuality and the different facets of beauty in the 20th century. The film seeks to curate a one-time theater-like experience. Though films can be recorded through videos, it still embodies the philosophy of dance: an art form that is always and can only be of the moment. The Not So Ugly Duckling is written by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Dance Program Chairperson Nina Anonas-De Santos, ACBE, former soloist at Ballet Philippines, principal dancer at the Manila Metropolis Ballet and Junge Ballett Compagnie, Frankfurt and featured international artist at Ballett Frankfurt.

The show is directed and choreographed by contemporary dancer and Australian Conservatoire of Ballet teacher Ruthame Hurtado, who is currently a Dance Program major at Benilde. The production is a collaborative effort between Hurtado and fellow homegrown Benildean artists including Dance alumni Cariaso and Mariella Lia Carlos, Multimedia Arts student Lois Laylo, Music Production undergrad Raphael Padua, and Theater Arts student Anthony Peñaranda. It features emerging classical ballet dancers and performers including Halili Cruz School of Dance’s Nika Villarin, Academy One Music and Dance Center’s Yella Carlos, Ballet Philippines’ Jireh Cariaso, and Damian School of Ballet’s Anthony Peñaranda. It likewise spotlights the talent of promising primary ballerinas Agatha Yulo, Jessa Aquino, Jharexa Myze Carvajal, Trisha Galang, Esabel Galang, and Athena De Guzman. It will be livestreamed for free until April 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/TNSUD2021).

Yella Carlos from Academy One Music and Dance Center and Benilde Dance.

K-Drama fans anticipate Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum team-up in film about first human clone PHILIPPINE viewers will get to see K-Drama superstars Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum together for the first time as they star in the highly anticipated Korean sci-fi flick Seobok, which will premiere on SKY Pay-Per-View, commercial-free and in high definition, beginning April 15 (until May 14), the same day it will be released in Korea. CJ Entertainment's futuristic film revolves around a special agent named Ki Heon (Yoo) and his top-secret task of safely transporting Seobok (Bo-Gum)— the first-ever human clone from a complex stem cell cloning and genetic modification process—to a safe location. But problems arise as several forces try to abduct the human clone to serve their mischievous agenda. As they escape threats from unknown attackers along the way, Seobok is fascinated with the outside world, longing to learn what it feels like

living a normal life. As a special treat to Korean drama lovers and avid moviegoers, SKY offers an early bird discount promo to its PPV passes, now priced at only P200 until April 14. Regular pricing of P250 takes effect the day after. Alongside Seobok, SKY Pay-Per-View offers another summer treat for audiences with the showing of intense Pinoy drama film General Admission, starring JC de Vera and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, until April 22—distributed by CineXpress for only P150. The film helmed by Jeffrey Hidalgo tackles the story of Katja (Jasmine), a noontime show dancer who experiences a wardrobe malfunction in front of the camera. She and her partner, Carlito (JC), are then stuck in a public media frenzy, which leads to a cold and brutal murder. For more information visit mysky.com. ph/skyppv.

South Korean superstars Gong Yoo (left) and Park Bo Gum in a scene from the sci-fi flick ‘Seobok.’

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

UILT for speed and breaking barriers, the new running shoes of a Maryland-based sports brand promise to “put the wind at your back with every stride.” After three years, over 17 rounds of raw material testing, nine rounds of biomechanical testing, 15 rounds of shoe testing, and over 11,000 miles of wear testing comes Under Armour’s new UA Velociti Wind. The latest running shoe innovation features an all-in-one cushioning system that eliminates the rubber outsole, made possible through its midsole. The UA Flow midsole, developed by Under GO THE DISTANCE. Inspired by elite run athletes, the new running shoe innovation Armour’s Footwear Innovation Team in from sports and fitness brand Under Armour is engineered for speed over long distance. Portland, Oregon, is a responsive, grippy, and supportive singular-foam compound that provides comfort, flexibility, and traction in every step. This makes the UA Flow Velociti Wind a high-performance and lightweight running shoe meticulously engineered for speed over longer distance. It also features the UA Warp, an upper material that molds perfectly to the human form to unlock maximum performance. With supporting tapes that act like seat belts on foot, the UA Warp upper locks the wearer onto the UA Flow midsole without disrupting the natural movement while running. A pair of the new running shoes is now available for P7,995 at Under Armour stores in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 3, TriNoma, and Ayala Cebu. The UA Flow midsole is a responsive, grippy, and supportive singular-foam compound that provides comfort, flexibility, and traction in every step.

Life

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

5 ways to shed pandemic pounds A weight wellness expert suggests being mindful of what we eat to help shed pounds gained during the anxiety-inducing COVID-19 pandemic.

GAINED weight while on lockdown? You’re not alone. A study by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducted from April to early May 2020 revealed around 27 percent of the 8,000 respondents said they gained weight during the initial lockdown. A medical expert says gaining weight “is one of the expected impact of the pandemic,” which if not addressed immediately could increase risk of getting severe illness from COVID-19. “The anxieties and depression caused by the contagious COVID-19, joblessness, and the uncertainty of the times and the loneliness from being away from loved ones can make people focus less on following a healthier lifestyle. Stress eating, losing sleep, having limited access to healthy food, and spending more time inactive can also contribute to weight gain,” explains Dr. Gia Wassmer, head of the Weight Wellness Center at Makati Medical Center. Dr. Wassmer emphasizes the importance of getting back to and maintaining a healthier weight especially as we face a virulent disease. “Obesity is linked to impaired immune function and it decreases lung capacity and can make ventilation more difficult. As the body mass index “A WELL-BALANCED plate has a lot of colors,” says a health and beauty company executive, referring to “lots of fruits and vegetables.” For those who don’t always have access to fresh produce, Leni Olmedo, country manager of Amway Philippines, suggests taking a plant-based food supplement. According to the company, the next generation of its supplement brand Nutrilite Double X can help color in these gaps in Filipino diets. The food supplement contains Sophora japonica, turmeric, rosemary, and a special blend of berries among other carefully selected fruits and vegetables. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, the supplement is a level up of the company’s previous flagship product of the same name. The original multivitamin has phytonutrients that take reactive defense against excess free radicals in the body – which is known to accelerate aging. In the upgrade, the phytonutrients take proactive defense by eliminating excess free radicals in the cells themselves. “Our hearts have always been centered on helping our consumers lead

increases, so too does the risk of death from COVID-19 and developing chronic illnesses in the future.” The weight wellness expert offers five tips to managing weight amid a pandemic:

Create structure

Instead of letting the day slip by, maintain a routine that includes waking up, eating, exercising, and sleeping, says Dr. Wassmer. “This will curb your tendency to sit or lie around indefinitely as well as eat whenever you like.”

Make healthy choices

just have to be creative.” However, those who have never exercised before or are coming back from a long lay-off, especially because of some health concerns, should first consult their doctor.

Red Cross prestige members get access to life, non-life coverage THE Philippine Red Cross, through its partnership with insurer MAPFRE, launches a program providing members with both life and non-select life insurance coverage. The PRC Prestige Membership Program includes accidental death and disablement cover worth P200,000; unprovoked murder and assault cover worth P200,000; term life coverage worth P200,000; and fire cash assistance worth P20,000. The aforementioned benefits cover emergencies, sicknesses, disasters, and even death subject to insurance

cover terms and conditions. In addition, the PRC Prestige Membership includes priority assistance on blood requests and priority access to ambulance services. “This partnership is very timely as the COVID-19 situation has stressed the importance of prioritizing one’s health. By collaborating with the Philippine Red Cross, we are able to reach and provide protection to more Filipinos through the non-life and life coverages from MAPFRE and Insular Life,” said MAPFRE president and chief executive Tirso Abad.

Manage your stress

If the uncertainty of the pandemic is triggering a person to stress-eat, the doctor advises to deal with fears by reaching out to friends, writing down thoughts in a journal, meditating, or praying. “Expressing your anxiety, whether through the written or spoken word, somehow eases the burden you carry in your mind,” Dr. Wassmer points out. “It also allows you to hear or read your thoughts, so you know whether your fears are rational or unfounded.”

“Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein in your meals, and do practice portion control,” suggests Dr. Wassmer. “Also, ditch the sugarysweet sodas or milk tea for water, and avoid drinking coffee four to six hours Don’t be so hard on yourself before bedtime since the caffeine may Don’t beat yourself up for gaining disrupt your sleep.” weight during the pandemic. Instead, aim for small yet doable goals – not Get moving overly ambitious, anxiety-inducing Dr. Wassmer reminds that an exercise ones. “Crash diets and strenuous exerroutine doesn’t require fancy equipment cises are knee-jerk reactions to weight or the latest gadgets. “There are count- management,” says Dr. Wassmer, but less ways to incorporate some form of “losing 1-2 lbs. a week is a reasonable activity into your day,” she says. “You and sustainable way to do so.”

Health in colors Nutrilite packs the nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables into its new and improved food supplement whose 90 percent of ingredients are sourced from its organic farms.

healthier and more empowered lives,” shares Olmedo. “So we are constantly finding ways to innovate and improve. That’s why we were able to make our best supplement even better.” Nutrilite has its own certified organic farms where it plants and sources major-

LIFE INSURED

ity of its ingredients, allowing it to make supplements that are traceable down to the very seed. For Nutrilite Double X, over 90 percent of its botanical ingredients are sourced in these farms. The NGDX is available at Amway Exclusive Shopper on the company’s website.

Philippine Red Cross chairman Sen. Richard Gordon and MAPFRE Philippines president and chief executive Tirso Abad (fourth and fifth from left) led the launch of the PRC Prestige Membership Program.

Free COVID-19, dengue insurance for Globe At Home subscribers POSTPAID subscribers of Globe at Home have a few more days to claim their free insurance vouchers covering COVID-19 and dengue. The three-month insurance, available until April 18, is powered by GInsure and Singlife with coverage of up to P140,500 (P500 dengue test allowance, P40,000 confinement allowance, and P100,000 medical cost reimbursement) if diagnosed with COVID-19 or dengue. “We recognize the need to provide a sense of safety and peace of mind for our customers as cases in the Philippines continue to surge. We highly encourage our current postpaid subscribers to avail of this promo to keep themselves protected as we keep them con-nected through our reliable services and relevant offers,” said Darius Delgado, Globe vice president and head of broadband business. Globe At Home postpaid subscribers can redeem their free three-month COVID-19 and dengue insurance until April 18.

All current Globe At Home subscribers are eligible for this promo so long as they have the Globe At Home or GCash apps and that their accounts are active and contact details are up to date. The vouchers can be redeemed through the Globe At Home app.