“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” CEBU BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Volume 2, Series 67 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 INVEST SAVINGS IN PAGIBIG FUND P500 minimum investment, without limit THE Home Mutual De- come will be rounded off at By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO P150 will be for 2022 and the sure that a land being used velopment Fund (HMDF), P400,000, divided by 60 P200 will be for 2023. as collateral of a loan must popularly known as PagIBIG months (five years), a deposi- of PagIBIG members was He said that if a PagIBIG be titled, because if a mem- Fund, has urged the public tor/member will earn P6,666 supposed to be increased member will voluntary pay ber cannot pay back, the to invest their idle money a month which is substantial from P100 a month to P150 P50 increase starting next last recourse is to foreclose under its Modified PagIBIG for household needs. a month beginning January year, he can, but PagIBIG the property to recover the 2 (MP 2) savings program. He said that upon ap- 2021, plus the mandatory cannot force the employer amount borrowed. Rio Teves, PagIBIG plication for MP 2, they will counterpart of their employ- to pay the counterpart If the land is only Fund vice president for give the depositor/member ers in the same amount. amount. But it will covered by tax membership in the Visayas an option whether he wants However, because of also depend declaration, and Mindanao, said that an annual dividend payout Covid-19 pandemic, leading it employers PagIBIG one can invest a minimum to be credited in his bank to the closure of some busi- will also vol- Fund will of P500 a month or more, account, which he can with- nesses and loss of jobs of untarily pay find it without limit. draw every year, or put it in some workers, the PagIBIG the counter- hard to Three years ago, Teves a cumulative way where he Fund management headed part as a form foreclose said PagIBIG Fund gave 8.11 can only withdraw the cap- by Secretary Eduardo del of thanks to because percent dividend to all MP 2 ital and the earnings after Rosario, and President/CEO their good em- it is not investing members, tax free. five years. Rizaldy P. Mute, the suppos- ployees. a proof As of 2019, the dividend was “He will earn a com- edly increase starting next On the oth- of owner- 7.23 percent, tax free. pounded interest. The inter- year shall be deferred. er hand, Teves ship. In the simple illustra- est for the first year will earn “We will implement the said that PagIBIG tion to all DYRC listeners interest for the second year, contribution increase in Fund will make and Cebu Business Week and so forth until it will ma- 2022. The P50 increase is readers, Teves said that if a ture in five years,” Teves said. not burdensome, I request person has an idle P1 mil- He said that if that the PagIBIG members to lion and has no idea where amount will be deposited in personally and voluntarily to deposit to earn, PagIBIG the bank, only a little income start the increase in contri- would welcome it. will be earned in five years. bution. All the increases will Teves said that if the P1 In PagIBIG Fund, the av- go back to them once it will million with be placed in erage annual dividend is 6.96 mature,” Teves said. time deposit with PagIBIG percent. But in other years, it Under the old decision, Fund for five years, there will was 8.11 percent and in 2019, the increase of contribution be an average of 6.96 per- it was 7.23 percent. from P100 to P150 will be cent annual dividend. If the “You will be living like in 2021, and by 2022, it will dividend will not be with- a pensioner and your mon- increase to P200 a month. drawn and will form part of ey is safe being deposited In the same manner, the RIO TEVES, PAGIBIG FUND the P1 million, there will be a in a government institution employers will pay the coun- VICE PRESIDENT total earning of P399,000 in which is tax free. terpart of P150 in 2021 and FOR MEMBERSHIP five years, tax free. On the other hand, Teves P200 in 2022. Because of the IN THE VISAYAS If the amount of in- said that the contribution suspension of increase, the AND MINDANAO 2 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week LOCAL 3 floors of CCMC open THE Cebu City Govern- may just be one department Labella said that while ment has conducted the soft for now, but he believes they the soft opening involved the opening of new Cebu City need start somewhere be- first, second and third floors, Medical Center (CCMC) and cause this project has long there will be one floor to be the ceremonial lighting of its been overdue. finished in each succeeding logo in the evening of De- “We will work doubly month. This is 4th floor by cember 28, 2020. hard to ensure the comple- the end of January 2021, 5th Labella told Cebu Busi- tion of the new CCMC. Our floor by the end of February, ness Week that he is hap- people in the City of Cebu 6th floor by March, 7th floor py that all are united in the deserve no less than afford- by April, 8th floor by May, construction and opening able and good medical ser- 9th floor by June and 10th of the new CCMC aimed at vices,” Labella said. floor by July. maximizing the delivery of Those who attended If the entire building health services to the peo- the soft opening were Cebu construction will be finished ple, especially the poor. The City Vice Mayor Michael and CCMC will be in full op- CCMC’s out-patient depart- “Mike” Rama who started eration, it will be in the same ment will be opened starting the project, City Councilors category with Vicente Sotto December 29, 2020. Raymond Garcia, Eduardo Memorial Medical Center Labella said they will Rama Jr., James Anthony (VSMMC) and any govern- slowly install the other parts Cuenco, and Dondon Hon- ment medical center in the of the hospital until all med- tiveros, all city department country. ical equipment will be in heads, Regional Peace and Labella said the early place like the MRI, CT scan, Order Council Advisor for partial opening of the new X-Ray, Ultrasound, dialysis, Region 7 Police Major Chuck CCMC is timely as they fo- and negative pressure area Barandog and CCMC Ad- cus on health services amid MAYOR EDGAR LABELLA DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE for any Covid-19 patient. OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND LIGHTING OF THE LOGO OF THE ministrator Dr. Yvonne Ca- Covid-19 pandemic. ELIAS Labella added that it NEW CCMC LAST DECEMBER 28, 2020. nia. O. BAQUERO passes 2 budgets CEBU City Vice Mayor “We are fiscalizers here and wages of regular and ca- of the foreign loans in cre- ment with Mayor Edgardo C. Michael “Mike” Rama said and I hope that the Cebu sual officials and employees ating South Road Properties Labella to pass an ordinance the City Council has passed City executive department and job order,” Rama said. (SRP). to earmark the money. Supplemental Budget No. is receptive to our concern,” The City Council tack- “As I told you, the vice The Cebu City Govern- 4 for the year 2020 last De- Rama said. led the 2021 annual budget mayor and the City Council ment has received a total of cember 21 so the funds can be Rama said they need to through an ad hoc committee can never be an obstruction- P18 billion as proceeds of the obligated for the urgent proj- pass Supplemental Budget they’ve created. The annu- ist but rather a reformist. We sale of some portions of SRP. ects. NO. 4 so the funds will not al budget is geared towards have rationalized the pro- But at present, only more Supplemental Budget No. be reverted. The supplemen- “made-basis” budget and posed 2021 annual budget than P5 billion left. 4 was passed, two days before tal budget is important to be guidelines in budgeting for and focused on the made-ba- Rama said that a city or- the City Council also passed passed so urgent projects can pandemic response, public sis budget,” Rama said. dinance will make sure that the P10.8 billion 2021 annu- be immediately processed for health system, flooding-di- He said that although the the unspent balance of the al budget last December 23, this year. rected solution, peace and payment for the P2.8 billion SRP sale can be earmarked 2020 by the Committee of a “The annual budget is order and safety, social ser- foreign loan balance was not for payment of the balance Whole, so the legislative has prospective. The bulk of the vices, food security, paying included in the 2021 annual of the foreign loan. ELIAS O. no minority and no majority. 2021 budget is for salaries off the P2.8 billion balance budget, they have a full agree- BAQUERO Pag-IBIG hits 1.6 million members in VisMin THE National Home and Cebu Business Week cal) composed of about 70 and employers to be mem- Mortgage Fund which is pop- that all employers, whether percent of Pag-IBIG mem- bers in the agency. ularly known as Pag-IBIG in private or government, bership. Teves said it is good for Fund has now a total mem- must register their employ- The other 20 percent are non-government organiza- bership of 1.6 million in the ees in Pag-IBIG Fund not employed in the private sec- tions (NGOs), cooperatives Visayas and Mindanao and later than one month after tor while the 10 percent are and civil society organiza- still growing. the start of the job. The oth- self-employed individuals. tions to register their officials Rio Teves, Vice Presi- ers may apply for voluntary The Local Government and employees with Pag- dent for Members Services membership to avail of the Units (LGUs) have required IBIG Fund so they could en- Operations for Visayas and benefits. mandatory membership for joy benefits. Mindanao, said Pag-IBIG Engr. Ariel Florendo, di- SSS and GSIS in securing for He added that Pag-IBIG membership for all members rector of the Philippine Sta- business permits but exclud- Fund members can avail of of the Social Security System tistics Authority (PSA) 7 said (Covid-19) pandemic came ed Pag-IBUG Fund. low interest loans such as (SSS) and the Government that in 2019, about 3.2 mil- as several companies shut- As a result, Pag-IBIG housing loans, multi-pur- Service Insurance System lion people were employed down. Fund gathered the list of pose loans and calamity (GSIS) is mandatory under in . Sever- Teves said officials and business firms which were loans. It also gives high div- the law. al of them lost their jobs employees of the govern- issued permits by LGUs and idends to those who invest. Teves told DYRC radio when Corona Virus Disease ment (both national and lo- encouraged the employees ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 3 NEWS SSS contribution will increase from 10% to 13%

THE Social Security Sys- Sacay said that by Janu- Earlier, Senator Rich- guaranteed interest of four tem (SSS) said that the ten ary 2021, the maximum con- ard “Dick” Gordon, chair- percent. But if the economy percent annual contribution tribution of P20,000 will be- man of the Senate Commit- will grow, the dividend will by members will increase to come P25,000. tee on Government-Owned be five, six, seven, eight or 13 percent starting January On the other hand, Sacay and Controlled Corporation nine percent depending on 2021. announced that SSS has a (GOCC) of which SSS is part the growth percentage. Keith Michael Sacay of new program called Workers of, said that SSS has good “This is how good the SSS SSS-Toledo City said that Investment and Savings Pro- management. Any increase programs are. Even during because of the increase, the gram. in contribution will go back bad times, your money with minimum contribution will “But this program is to the members. SSS will earn income,” Sacay increase from P2,000 to only for the SSS members He said they also have said. P3,000 bracket. who have contributions of programs like “Peso Fund” He said that the fund life However, Sacay said the P20,000 or more a month. and “Flexi Fund” for OFWs. of SSS has been estimated to minimum contribution of In excess of that contribu- Sacay said the interest last until the year 2050. But Kasambahay in the amount tion, it will automatically go of these programs is four with the Workers Investment of P1,000 a year and the to Workers Investment and percent to nine percent per and Savings Program, the P8,000 a year from Overseas Savings Program. The basis annum, depending on the fund life will further increase Filipino Workers (OFW) will of the SSS computation is the economic situation. If the to more years beyond 2050. remain the same. P20,000 bracket,” Sacay said. SENATOR RICHARD GORDON economy is bad, there is a ELIAS O. BAQUERO 3 major partnerships launched New Tuburan bridge opened THIRD district Rep. “The project aims to Pablo John Garcia and Tubu- promote and improve the in World Fintech Festival ran Mayor Danny Diamante quality of lives of Tuburan- THE week-long event of inaugurated and opened on ons. This will help our fellow the World Fintech Festival December 28, 2020 the fin- Tuburanons with improved (WFF)- culmi- ished bridge in Barangay accessibility that open doors nated in the signing of three Alegria. for opportunities,” said May- major partnerships between Vice Mayor Aljun Dia- or Diamante. international organizations mante led members of the The guests include re- and tech associations in the Sangguniang Bayan in show- gional directors and repre- country showing that con- The second signing was the coming together of all ing support for the inaugura- sentatives of national gov- tinuous collaboration is the for a Philippine Industry these fintech associations, tion. ernment agencies. next step forward. Sandbox led by industry national and international, The three panels also ex- groups FPH and Fintech Al- signified that the building plored topics that are at the liance with support from the of an ecosystem among the core of the fintech industry: Financial Sector and Intel- industry players was crucial the upskilling and training of lectual Property (FSIP) pro- when it comes to industry the digital workforce, the rise gram funded under the UK growth and robustness. of healthtech and insurtech, Foreign Commonwealth and “This is an era of coop- and the launch of Brand Dig- Development Office (FCDO) eration, and industry unity ital Pilipinas. Prosperity Fund (PF). The is vital in fulfilling our vision The five-day virtual event Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas of the digitization of the Phil- bore witness to three import- (BSP) plays an observer role ippines. Together we can re- ant agreements that were in support of the Industry solve the challenges that we signed, signaling a collabo- Sandbox. face, seize the opportunities, ration between major fintech The last highlight was and build a stronger foun- and business associations the launch of the ASEAN dation for fintech develop- in the Philippines and from office of the Global Impact ment,” she added.” other countries. Fintech Forum (GIFT), a The WFF-Philippines’ The first was a partner- global non-profit think tank last day also featured some ship among three Philippine with 1000+ members from of the biggest names in tech: industry associations that 40+ countries that helps Senator Manny Pacquiao, are heavily involved in tech- find solutions to humanity’s Ernest Cu, Dr. Justo “Tito” nology-- the Philippine Asso- key challenges by leveraging Ortiz, Michelle Rubio, and ciation for Digital Commerce disruptive tech and fintech. Zayd Tolentino share their and Decentralized Industries Amor Maclang, WFF-Philip- thoughts, plans, and outlook (PADCDI), the Distributed pines Convenor, is the coun- for the future of the Philip- Ledger Technology Associa- try advisor and Philippine pines as it embraces a digital INAUGURATION. THIRD DISTRICT REP. PABLO JOHN GARCIA tion of the Philippines (DL- representative of GIFT-ASE- transformation that ripples (CENTER) LEADS THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW BRIDGE IN TAP), and the Fintech Phil- AN. past tech players and out into BARANGAY ALEGRIA, TUBURAN. WITH HIM ARE MAYOR DANNY ippines Association (FPH). Maclang pointed out that the populace. DIAMANTE (RIGHT) AND VICE MAYOR ALJUN DIAMANTE (LEFT). 4 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Good cops, bad cops

Moving forcefully against the abusive cop who killed his two neighbors in Tarlac should have shielded the Duterte adminis- tration from the storm of public condemna- tion. One of the stories that built the Duterte brand of leadership was making a tourist Weekly Notes eat his cigarette or get Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya his genitals blown off in Davao City years ago. This time however, President Rodrigo Duterte merely described the cop as “may sakit sa utak” instead of his usual cuss-ridden rant. Better yet, he could have gone to Tarlac and slapped the policeman. Moves like this would have literally caught the public’s imagination of a president tough on abusive policemen. Meanwhile, the DDS hordes online focused more on shifting the narrative from condemnation of the erring policeman to the so-called provocation by the victims. This is a great way of increasing public indig- nation. The PNP should also have immediately condemned the abusive cop saying the organization need to get rid of the bad eggs. Messaging like this, instead of the convoluted quote about getting videos of crime, would have blunted attacks on the PNP. The administration, in my view, missed the mo- ment. In his late-night address, President Duterte chose to rail at length against Bayan Mura Rep. Isagani Editorial Zarate to raise the red tagging ante instead of heaping rage and cuss words on the bad policeman. Sinovac While the administration has allocated billions Do CCMC right to ferreting out local communists (even using liars as Controversy hound- from the demolition when the picture. As construction congressional witnesses and celebrities as targets), ed the rebuilding of the subsequent investigations visibly moved fast, another communist-led China burned the Duterte administra- Cebu City Medical Center brought to light the role of controversy is expected to tion. Still, officials still insist on getting Sinovac. (CCMC) since it was dam- a favored Rama support- arise. Is the DPS taking over The Chinese vaccine Sinovac failed to live up to ex- aged during the earthquake er. The brouhaha led to the contractor’s job? Or is it pectations. It is one of the most expensive worldwide. of September 2013. the defection of Councilor merely helping? Meanwhile, the tests have not yet been finished with As against the possibili- delos Santos to Bando Os- There is also the issue of reports of only 50% efficacy. Meanwhile, the other ty of refurbishing the build- meña-Pundok Kauswagan safety. brands like Pfizer and Moderna are already being dis- ing, then Cebu City Mayor (BOPK). How safe would it be tributed in several countries including Singapore and Mike Rama pushed through When elected in May for hospital operations to Indonesia. with his plan to demolish 2019, Mayor Edgar Labella go normal at the first three Nonetheless, I admire the communist-led Viet- the structure and rebuild it said among his priorities floors while construction nam. It acted effectively against Covid-19 early. Now, from scratch. In fact, Mayor would be the completion continues from the 4th to the country has begun human trials for its own vaccine Rama wanted a CCMC with of the CCMC. However, the the 10th floor? that cost only $5 a dose. Nanogen’s Nanocovax is one 10 floors. The mayor even mayor remembered this Can’t the DPS devote of four under development in Vietnam. Perhaps, our claimed getting donations campaign promise only re- more time, let us say a vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez should also consider for the construction. cently. He said three floors month or two, to finish the the Vietnamese vaccine. I am happy the country is ne- The demolition created will open before the end of 10 floors? With all the de- gotiating with other brands like AstraZeneca. a split within Rama’s par- 2020. lay during his term, cannot (Emmanuel ‘Anol’ Mongaya is co-founder and direc- ty. His supporters blamed With only days to 2021, Mayor Labella wait? Cannot tor for strategic PR of the Cebu-based PRWorks Inc. then Councilor Mary Ann City Hall’s Department of he not break just one more Contact him @anol_cebu in Twitter) delos Santos for profiting Public Works (DPS) entered promise to do CCMC right?

“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” Atty. Gerardo Carillo Emmanuel delos Santos Rabacal Cebu Business Week is published every Chairman President week by Cebu Newsmakers Forum, Inc. All contents of this newspaper are placed online CEBU through Cebu Business Week Facebook page. Emmanuel “Anol” Mongaya Elias O. Baquero BUSINESS Editor VP-Finance email: [email protected] Keres H. Aviles Bebie Hiñola Baquero Room 310-A,3rd floor WDC Bldg. WEEK Writer Marketing Manager Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City Cebu Business Week December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 5 OPINION China will overtake U.S. as top global economy by 2028 China will surpass the and 330,000 people have the deal is facing opposition (Dec 27) as Trump U.S. five years earlier than died. Lockdown measures from some European continued to demand larger previously estimated. The and public safety fears members of parliament COVID-19 relief checks pandemic originated in have undermined the and the incoming United and complained about the Chinese city of Wuhan U.S. economy and sent States administration “pork” spending. Without late last year, before unemployment numbers of President-elect Joe the widespread funding spreading worldwide. soaring. In China, Biden, who say it does not provided by the massive China quickly introduced meanwhile, life has largely address concerns about measure, a government draconian restrictions returned to normal. the use of forced labor by shutdown would occur BIZBITS to snuff out the spread, (Newsweek) Chinese manufacturers, when money runs out at Manny de los Santos Rabacal especially in Wuhan where oOo especially in the restive 12.01am local time on the entire city was sealed European businesses north-western region Tuesday. Washington has off from the rest of the in China are hopeful of a of Xinjiang. China’s been reeling since Trump country for 76 days. The European Union-China commerce ministry has turned on the deal after it tough measures—enabled investment deal by the refrained from committing had won sweeping approval by China’s authoritarian end of the year, the head to a year-end deadline and in both houses of Congress system—appear to have of the European Chamber appears prepared for an and after the White House China will leapfrog the stopped the pandemic of Commerce in China extension of discussions. had assured Republican U.S. to become the world’s in China. Beijing has said on Saturday (Dec (AFP/CNA) leaders that Trump would largest economy by 2028, reported 95,460 cases and 26), although Beijing has oOo support it. Instead, he according to a new report 4,770 deaths, according declined to commit to Unemployment assailed the Bill’s plan by an economic think to Johns Hopkins a deadline. The China- benefits for millions of to provide US$600 tank, helped by its rapid University. But elsewhere EU Comprehensive Americans struggling to COVID-19 relief checks to and successful response to the situation has been Agreement on Investment make ends meet lapsed most Americans - insisting the COVID-19 coronavirus much worse. Worldwide, has been in the works overnight as President it should be US$2,000. pandemic while its there have been nearly for seven years and is Donald Trump refused House Republicans swiftly Western rivals lost control 80 million confirmed expected to pave the way to signed an end-of-year rejected that idea during of the virus. The British cases and more than 1.7 for European businesses to COVID-19 relief and a rare Christmas Eve Centre for Economics million deaths. The U.S. invest in financial services, spending Bill that had session. But Trump has and Business Research has become the epicenter telecommunications, been considered a done not been swayed in spite of released its annual report of the pandemic and cases electric vehicles, and other deal before his sudden the nation being in the grip on Saturday, suggesting are still rising sharply. sectors that are gradually objections. The fate of of a pandemic. (CNA) that the economic fallout More than 18.7 million being opened for foreign the bipartisan package mannyrabacal1144@ of the pandemic means cases have been confirmed investment in China. But remained in limbo Sunday gmail.com

Tuburan, Cebu used to be the biggest town took his oath of allegiance Sudlon and transferred to The defense plan was of Cebu until Tabuelan’s before the Americans on Tuburan. made and agreed that they separation. April 19, 1901). Maxilom People in Tuburan ex- would wait for the Span- It was Governor Sergio was later imprisoned at pected the arrival of Don ish forces in Marmol, Tu- “Serging” Chiong Veloso , his prop- Luis Flores (a street in buran. Above would be Osmeña Jr. who answered erties were stolen by the Pasil, Cebu City is named the forces of Cabajar to the call of independence of Americans with the help after him), president of feint an attack and while Tabuelan. It was through of Tuburan’s collabora- the Revolutionary Govern- the Spanish forces would Executive Order No. 621 tors. General Maxilom, the ment of Cebu. Awaiting become busy defending signed by then Presi- first Cebuano Governor of him in Tuburan were Don the attack, the forces of Cebu Legal dent Elpidio Quirino dat- Cebu died on August 10, Bonifacio Aranas, Don Sol- Aranas would maneuver Pedia ed October 23, 1953 that 1924, with Gen. Aguinaldo omon Manalili, Don Justo down to attack the rear of Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal Tabuelan became indepen- in attendance in his buri- Cabajar (Kabajar) and the the Spanish forces. Gen- dent. The visitas (chapel) al. Cebu honored him with representatives of the rev- eral Arcadio Maxilom, the of Tuburan were: Putat 1, a camp named after him, olutionaries from Iloilo successor Chief of Army of Tabuelan, and Taghaligui. the Cebu Provincial Police and Negros to discuss on Leon Kilat, supervised the The municipal hall Office, during the leader- how Visayas will connect defense battle plan. The used to be the residence ship of the then provincial with the KKK of Luzon. battle happened on a Sat- of Don Fausto Tabotabo, director Senior Superin- On the third Friday of urday Tuburan, the town be- built in 1899. On April 14, tendent Noel Gillamac. May in 1898, revolution- The gallant revolution- coming the top coffee pro- 1914, the town acquired Mango Avenue was also aries from Sudlon arrived aries were able to execute ducer in the Visayas be- and converted it into the renamed as Gen. Maxilom in Tuburan. Just after the battle plan. The Span- cause of Mayor Democrito town’s hall. Avenue. Aside from Maxi- having lunch, a courier ar- ish forces retreated. Our “Aljun” Diamante (elected Tuburan is the birth- lom, the other KKK leaders rived informing the group Cebuano ancestors won in 2019 as its Vice Mayor), place of the last Cebuano in Tuburan were Bonifacio that the Spaniards were in the battle and seized many became a parish by Dioce- general to surrender to the Aranas (originally from Toledo going to Asturias. weapons from the enemies. san decree on February 13, Americans, Gen. Arcadio Camiguin) and Ramon Al- They believed that the mis- The battle of Tubu- 1857 through Superior ap- Molero Maxilom. He sur- lego. sion is to attack Tuburan. ran must be told, retold, proval on July 26, 1854. rendered on October 27, Battle of Tuburan Don Justo Cabahar, the and handed down to our Town records show 1901 months after the cap- A woman interrogated Chief of Asturias, ordered youths, that hundred years that in 1952, Tuburan cele- ture of Gen. Emilio Agui- by the Spanish authorities his men to get ready. Don ago, brave Cebuanos stood brated the first centennial naldo (who was captured in Sudlon said the Cebuano Bonifacio Aranas also or- up against its colonizers of its founding. Tuburan on March 23, 1901 and revolutionaries abandoned dered his men to get ready. and won. 6 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

New strain of Covid-19 ed to respond to the question But Sharon Peacock, pro- according to the WHO. their vaccines worked against that the new variant contains fessor of public health and A ustralia has identified two other variations of the virus. 17 mutations, appears more microbiology at the University cases of the variant in a quar- BioNTech’s CEO Ugur transmissible and harder to of Cambridge, said scientists antined area in Sydney and Sahin said he has “scientific control in terms of spread. did not know whether the Italy has also identified one pa- confidence” that the current “Given all the biological and mutation had originated in tient infected with the variant. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could epidemiological evidence that southeast England or whether A similar but separate vari- work against the new variant, has come together in the past it was introduced there from ant has also been identified in but full data will be available in few weeks, I think the picture elsewhere. But what is clear South Africa, where scientists two weeks. is getting more and more con- from them it is prevalent in say it is spreading quickly along How do we prevent this The Legal Front sistent with something pretty Southeast England where it is coastal areas of the country. new strain from spreading in Atty. Gerry Carillo serious,” says epidemiologist spreading rapidly. On Wednesday, British our country? Nick Davies who led the study. This new strain is a muta- health authorities said that Our country should adopt Davies is part of the group of tion of the original virus. Stud- two cases of the South African more pro-active moves like scientists that gathers data for ies could not confirm whether variant had been detected in prohibiting entry of tourist their policy makers. this is more dangerous though the UK. Public Health England from Great Britain or other The new variant is believed scientist are raising warnings Managing Director Susan countries already infected by My sister Maribel in- to have originated in south- like any mutation this could Hopkins said that the Covid-19 the new variant and making formed me that a new variant east England, according to the be more fatal that the original variants discovered in the UK the mandatory quarantine of the coronavirus is sweeping WHO. Public Health England strain. and in South Africa are both for the travellers outside the through England. She is pres- (PHE) says backwards tracing, What they can confirm “more transmissible.” country. Strict health proto- ently a frontline worker being a using genetic evidence, sug- is the fact that the new strain Will the developed vac- col such wearing of mask, fre- nurse herself serving at one of gests the variant first emerged spreads so quickly. cines work against this variant? quent washing of hands and the hospitals in London. in England in September. It No matter the underlying There are no signs yet that the social distancing again should Meanwhile, the country is then circulated in very low lev- reason, policymakers should current vaccine frontrunners be strictly enforce to prevent reporting a record-high num- els until mid-November. take this new variant very seri- won’t work against this new resurgence of the new strain in ber of COVID-19 cases – nearly “The increase in cases ously, says epidemiologist Bill variant, experts and drugmak- our country. 40,000 on Wednesday — as linked to the new variant first Hanage of the Harvard T.H. ers have said. The vaccination program well as surges in hospitaliza- came to light in late November Chan School of Public Health. The companies behind the of the government should be tions and deaths. According to when PHE was investigating If it is indeed 50% more trans- first two vaccines to gain au- fast tracked before we lose the London News Independent why infection rates in Kent missible, it will be difficult to thorization in the US -- Pfizer/ sight of the rapid spread of reported that an estimated 2% [in southeast England] were stop its spread. BioNTech and Moderna -- are this new strain. Otherwise our of people in private households not falling despite national re- The variant has already testing their shots to dou- country shall be facing another tested positive for the coronavi- strictions. We then discovered spread globally. As well as the ble-check that they’re effective lockdown which would surely rus. Could it be the new variant a cluster linked to this variant UK, the variant has also been against the variant. devastate further our economy. that cause the surge? spreading rapidly into London detected in Denmark, Belgium, The coronavirus has mu- Write us at carillogerry@ British scientists start- and Essex,” PHE said. the Netherlands and Australia, tated before, and both firms say yahoo.com.ph

State of work 2021 for the Millennials and Generation Xers

work has undergone unprec- technology in the workplace. age 18 to 29 hold favorable Michels, Ph.D. succinctly puts edented change over the past The study commissioned view of unions, while only 46% it, “as the workforce and work- year due to the COVID-19 partnered with Jason Dorsey hold a favorable view of corpo- place changes, companies and pandemic. The future of work and the Center for Generation- rations. corporations need to make appeared instantaneously into al Kinetics. Among the many issues in- cultural and environmental the present, says founder + sol- The study being undertak- terestingly millennials factored changes and adjustments in opreneur and business coach en puts premium on the age in having a vital role on their order to not only keep with Stephen Warley bracket, stating among others, views towards unions are as change but also to address mil- “Theirs is no denying the Millennials age workers or follows: social activism, dissat- lennial worker concerns. brutal effects the coronavirus Nexters the predominant co- isfaction with low wages and The workforce of the 21st has had on the workplace”, hort who graduated from col- concerns over the corporate century is rapidly changing in The Labor Front added Warley. lege and entered into the work- automation of jobs, the study today’s environment. And the Art Barrit And being contend with force born between 1981 and categorically emphasized. number of Millennials is in- specter of the pandemic that 2000 while Generation Xers “Over the past two years, creasing at a significant rate, hits all the nooks of the world, constitute the group born from we’ve seen unionization ef- noted Michels. technology has already played 1965 to 1980. forts gain momentum among On this note, I would like to As we head into the end of an important role in workers’ Taking those issues on graduate students on college greet all my friends, comrades a historic year and look forward knowledge productivity and the labor front – millenni- campuses as well as sectors in the trade unios and readers to a new year, let’s us view what engagement. als and trade unions. What is of the economy that haven’t a prosperous New Year. lay ahead in today’s workforce. Thus, today’s workers are happening in most developed traditionally been associated The year 2021 would be an- Accordingly, as always highly invested in workplace countries, millennials attitudes with unions, including digital other 12 months of new chap- mentioned about predictions technology – they are the mil- towards workplace conditions media, non-profits and coffee ters and 365 days new chances for what’s ahead in the job mar- lennials. A majority of Millen- had shown favorably their view shops”, the report pointed out. of life. But the most important ket and the economic potential nials (60%) say they want more on labor unions, a new study Seemingly, these devel- thing in life is not a matter of of the country are popular at inputs on technology they use made by Pew Research Cen- opments have not yet trickled falling down but of standing up year-end on how enterprise at work versus 44% of Gener- ter, published by United Auto down in our midst – in our after the fall. Go and face the will fare as we move into a new ation Xers, reported the Work- Workers (AUW). country. world with a clear focus and year, stated the TechRepublic. front looking on how different Significantly, the study As business consultant understanding in life. A Happy Apparently, the state of generations view and value found out that 68% of adults and book author, Joseph B. and Prosperous New Year! Cebu Business Week December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 7 NATION IPOPHL, FB to curb online sale of counterfeits Tax amnesty deadline THE Intellectual Prop- owners,” he added, noting erty Office of the Philippines that the platform could shut (IPOPHL) revealed it has down the sale of counterfeit extended to end-June discussed with Facebook, products by evaluating their GOOD news for taxpay- Inc. to develop a process for likely genuineness from pric- ers! monitoring bogus items sold es on offer. Bureau of Internal Rev- on the platform. IPOPHL has also started enue (BIR) Commission- IPOPHL said online talks with financial technol- er Caesar R. Dulay issued sales of counterfeit goods ogy platforms like GCash in Revenue Regulations (RR) surged during the lockdown, relation to deterring IP viola- No. 32-2020 to extend the with the office receiving 135 tions. validity of the tax amnesty intellectual property viola- “We have another meet- on delinquencies to June tion reports in the first nine ing with advertisers (to) cur- 30, 2021 from the previous months, most of the com- tail sources of counterfeiting Dec. 31, 2020 deadline. plaints involved counterfeit- and piracy (by) disturbing This marked the fourth ing and piracy. their sources of income, time the BIR extended the IPOPHL Deputy Director which are advertisements program’s deadline from General Teodoro C. Pascua and if they’re being paid the original April 23 dead- said that major e-commerce through financial intermedi- line. platforms have been coop- aries — banks and payment BIR Deputy Commis- erating with IPOPHL to ad- centers — we will also neu- sioner for Operations Ar- BIR COMMISSIONER CAESAR R. DULAY dress intellectual property tralize it,” Pascua said. nel SD. Guballa texted infringement, but the office There is a pending agree- BusinessWorld that the tax 33-2020 moving the dead- The BIR said taxpayers also needs to address sales ment between brand owners amnesty program on delin- line for the availment of the that will secure a certificate from individuals on less- and e-commerce platforms quencies generated P3.544 Voluntary Assessment and of availment of the program er-known platforms and so- to take down infringing mar- billion in revenues since Payment Program (VAPP) will not be audited for its cial media. keters and advertisements. the program began in April to June 30, 2021, from the pending tax obligations in “Facebook is accepting IPOPHL, he added, also 2019. initial deadline of Dec. 31, 2018, while ongoing audits complaints. It will also help plans to extend its enforce- “The extension is a wel- 2020. The program, which will also be suspended. them populate an artificial ment powers by the first come development as this was launched in September, Aside from the tax am- intelligence (database). Ev- quarter of 2021--- meaning it will buy time for taxpayers allows taxpayers to volun- nesty on delinquencies, the ery time that we complain could take down online posts who may want to avail but tarily settle their tax ar- government’s estate tax am- that there are certain ac- by directly asking the Na- are having challenges giv- rears. nesty program is also cur- counts violating their stan- tional Telecommunications en the pandemic situation “We are delighted that rently ongoing. It provides dard of conduct, then they Commission (NTC). considering lack of resourc- the VAPP has been helping for a fixed 6% tax rate of the will be able to close them IPOPHL Director Gener- es and difficulty in comply- our small and medium tax- total net estate of persons down,” he said. al Rowel S. Barba, said that ing with the requirements,” payers settle their 2018 tax who died on or before Dec. “Facebook apparently the 135 reported violations said Maria Lourdes P. Lim, obligations while also gen- 31, 2017, and grants immu- is open to discussing cer- are a symptom of a bigger the tax managing partner of erating additional revenue nity from all other estate tain protocols with brand problem. Isla Lipana & Co., PwC Phil- collection for the BIR,” Fi- taxes and penalties incurred ippines. nance Undersecretary An- in the past. The program is SSS explains hike The BIR also issued RR tonette C. Tionko said. valid until May 31, 2021. Telcos to roll out 4,000 cell sites in contribution rate GLOBE Telecom, Inc. to support telcos in bring- structure is now at more THE Social Security Sys- ing, this would significantly and PLDT, Inc. revealed ing better services to their than 422,000 kilometers. tem’s (SSS) explained that the reduce the SSS fund life,” SSS their plans to install new customers in 2021. “This fiber infrastruc- increase in contribution rate President and Chief Executive cell tower installations in Globe targets to install ture supports Smart’s mo- is meant to guard the fund’s Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said. various parts of the country 2,000 cell towers next year. bile networks, which cover long-term viability and to off- “Historically, from 1980 in 2021. In a statement, the telco 96% of the population and set the increase in monthly to 2016, the contribution rate Ayala-led Globe committed said it had installed at least are present in 95% of cities pension implemented in 2017, was only increased four times to “fast-track cell tower in- 1,050 new cell sites and and municipalities,” it said. the state- while pen- stallations in 24 more local upgraded 10,876 sites this In the same manner, run pension sions in- government units (LGUs).” year “to further improve Smart Communications, fund said. creased 22 Globe said several its connectivity and expand Inc., PLDT’s wireless arm, SSS an- times,” she LGUs in Palawan, Nueva its coverage to include even plans to roll out 2,000 cell nounced added. Ecija, Negros Oriental, Ori- the remotest provinces.” sitesnext year. that the Igna- ental Mindoro, Occidental PLDT said in a separate “To date, Smart has scheduled cio said the Mindoro, Cebu, Quezon, statement said that it was over 10,000 sites across hike in the additional Batangas, Bulacan, and If- expecting the rollout of its the country, including more monthly contribution rate to one percent will be equally ugao “have set up their re- home broadband service to than 700 new cell sites fired 13% of members’ respective shared by the employer and spective one-stop shops to reach 48% of the total cities up by the end of 2020 de- salary will start in January the employee, with each of facilitate the issuance of and municipalities nation- spite mobility restrictions from 12%. them spending an additional permitting requirements wide this year. and supply chain challeng- “We understand the plight 0.5% for the monthly contri- for telcos.” PLDT plans to increase es due to COVID-19. These of our pensioners and recog- bution. Joel Agustin, Globe the capacity of its fiber-to- will help Smart increase its nize the good intention of the The higher contribution senior vice-president for the-home network and lay LTE population coverage, P1,000 second tranche addi- rate is part of reforms under program delivery, said the out additional ports next cover more municipalities tional monthly benefit, but Republic Act No. 11199 or the company was hoping these year. and provide more capacity without any additional fund- Social Security Act of 2018. LGUs would inspire others It said its fiber infra- for dense areas,” PLDT said. 8 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS Return to lockdown possible amid new COVID-19 strain PRESIDENT Rodrigo remains the same respiratory vez urged the agency to make Duterte on Saturday said the droplet and this virus, we ex- sure that all passenger airlines government might be forced to pect the mutations. So the min- coming into the country are place the Philippines under a imum public health protocols observing more stringent bor- lockdown again in case the new are the standards that need to der control measures and sug- coronavirus strain first detect- be implemented,” she added.. gested an “active surveillance” ed in the United Kingdom en- Secretary Carlito Galvez and “discreet investigation” by ters and spreads in the country. Jr., chief implementer of the the military and the police on “Actually, the lockdown government’s COVID-19 re- balikbayans who had arrived is a possibility. I said we are sponse, said the government in the country from the UK. making some projections. should take “pro-active mea- Meanwhile, Duterte asked But if the severity in numbers sures” in light of the new coro- the DOH and the Department would demand that we take navirus strain first detected in of Science and Technology corrective measures immedi- not after the IATF agrees on a situation that will occur later the United Kingdom. (DOST) to create a new task ately then we’ll just have to go “threshold.” on. Among these measures, force that would focus on de- back to lockdown,” said Duter- For his part, Department Dr. Marissa Alejandria of Galvez said the Department of velopments related to the new te during a meeting with IATF of Interior and Local Govern- the University of the Philip- Foreign Affairs (DFA) should strain. members and health experts in ment (DILG) Secretary Eduar- pines College of Medicine and come out with an advisory dis- He has approved anoth- Malacanang. do Año said the COVID-19 sit- Philippine Society for Microbi- couraging overseas Filipinos in er two weeks extension of the National Defense Secre- uation in the country remains ology and Infectious Diseases UK from returning to the Phil- travel ban for flights from UK tary Delfin Lorenzana said the manageable, but said we have echoed Año’s sentiment on an- ippines anytime soon. in light of the new strain there. government might enforce to close the country’s interna- other lockdown. As for the Department of The ban is originally set to ex- again a tighter lockdown, but tional borders if there is a real “The mode of transmission Transportation (DoTr), Gal- pire on December 31. Contact tracing vital to cybersecurity A GLOBAL Cybersecu- nies, it is contact tracing that Networks said. “In order for 2021, particularly as individ- italization, cyberattack will rity firm said that efforts to has really made individuals such arrangements to be effi- uals are now far more con- continue to advance and leave improve contact tracing nec- take notice of data privacy,” cient and safe for all travelers, scious of their personal data many companies vulnerable. essary to rein in the spread of Palo Alto Networks said personal data will need to be being shared. Hence the need for business- COVID-19 will take on greater Rigorous contact tracing shared across borders with Because of this, private es to identify the countermea- importance in 2021 as the pri- and timely access to accu- the right security controls and firms and governments will sures they must take to nav- vate and public sectors strive rate and complete data have accompanied by transparent have to invest more to protect igate the new normal in the to reopen economies and na- proven to be a key factor in communication about how the integrity of the personal longer term.” tional borders. “flattening the curve” in many such data will be handled and data they collect. Palo Alto Networks said “Despite the data privacy East Asian countries that stored.” “Cybersecurity has been the business landscape would conversation circulating for were quick to turn to such With this critical need to the top prerogative for board- also be altered by the in- several years – with wariness digital tools. move data between govern- room leaders as companies creasing availability of faster around the use of data by “More countries are es- ment agencies and enterpris- across industries were forced 5G telecommunications net- some big tech companies and tablishing travel bubbles and es such as airlines, airports, to digitally transform in works next year, which, in general data protection regu- reciprocal green lanes in a and hotels, the question on 2020,” the company said. turn, will help make working lation compliance continuing bid to revive the travel and how data is stored, accessed, “Due to the impact of ac- from home “safer and smart- to be a challenge for compa- hospitality sector,” Palo Alto and used will only increase in celerated progression to dig- er.” Business group backs Senate Bill No. 244 BUSINESS group backs ment’s institutional capacity to work in the government ment workers already take up the budget bill’s sponsor, bill to “right size the national to improve public service de- so that the country can truly about 33 percent of the pro- also noted that PS accounts government” of Senate Presi- livery. practice 12 Principles of Good posed P4.5-trillion national for about 33 percent of the dent Vicente C. Sotto. “The Chamber believes Governance. budget for 2021. P4.5-trillion proposed na- Jose Luis Yulo Jr., pres- that the aims of the bill should He urged that a Standard Sotto said the bill is “in tional budget in 2021, includ- ident of the Chamber of also ensure that the ones who Qualifications Template be line with the battle cry of the ing automatic appropriations. Commerce of the Philippine will remain are highly skilled used in evaluating appointed Duterte Administration to In addition, Senate Mi- Islands (CCPI) said Senate and competent to do their and elected officials for easy operate the national govern- nority Leader Senator Frank- Bill No. 244, “Rightsizing the jobs. Be it in work experi- reference comparison. ment with optional cost and lin Drilon noted that the allo- National Government to Im- ences, skills, talents and ed- Senate President Vicen- efficient – human resources.” cation for PS exceeds even the prove Public Service Deliv- ucational background,” said te Sotto III recently said that It will likewise give the Pres- P1.1 trillion proposed budget ery” is a good move. Yulo. the Senate will revive its push ident the “authority to abol- of the government’s Build, The bill primarily seeks to Yulo noted that The to “right size” the country’s ish, create and transfer offices Build, Build infrastructure streamline government func- Chamber’s Pillar III aims to bureaucracy in light of its within the National Govern- program. Drilon has called for tions and reduce the already ensure that those who will “bloated” toll on government ment, among others.” the setting aside of bills pro- ‘bloated’ Philippine bureau- be appointed and elected are resources. He noted that sal- Senator Sonny Anga- posing the creation of 8 new cracy to enhance the govern- only those who are best fit aries and benefits of govern- ra, finance panel chief and government departments. Cebu Business Week December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 9 NEWS Demand for residential property in Cebu seen to recover in 2021 A REBOUND in resi- and projects on the higher Colliers urges developers dential property demand in end of the price segments. to continue serving the re- Cebu next year is a probabil- In 2019, launches and quirements of Cebu’s end-us- ity especially since the metro take-up in the province er market. remains a major investment reached a record-high 10,500 Aside from condomini- hub outside of Metro Manila. units and 9,500 units, re- ums, Colliers sees that house Global property consultancy spectively. and lot projects remain at- firm Colliers International The demand for mid-in- tractive among overseas Fil- made the projection. come condominium units ipino workers (OFWs). “Colliers projects a po- has been driving launches “Anecdotally, OFWs are tential rebound in residen- and take-up in . one of the major drivers of tial demand in 2021 and thus In the first half of 2020, the Cebu’s horizontal residential sees a faster pace of price mid-income segment ac- market as they are also the increase from 2021 to 2022 counted for more than half of end-user. Given the impact to reflect a stronger residen- take-up during the period. of the pandemic, developers tial market,” Joey Bondoc, “This indicates the rising should also highlight their senior research manager at the past few years. in Cebu has raised land and purchasing power of Cebua- sanitation and emergency Colliers Philippines said. “The residential sector property values,” he said. no investors and end-users preparedness protocols. The Bondoc pointed out that of the area is at a discount as The property analyst over the past few years. We pandemic has only raised the Cebu continues to be a premier compared to projects located said this was complement- expect projects under the need to live within a building investment hub outside of Met- within the country’s capital. ed by the rising demand for segment to partially fuel the that employs strict property ro Manila and has undergone The proliferation of both lo- integrated communities, re- recovery of demand in 2021,” management procedures,” significant transformation over cal and national developers sort-oriented developments, Bondoc said. Bondoc said. DOLE-7 recommended for continued ISO Certification THE Department of Division- Labor Relations of our programs, services, throughout the audit success- Labor and Employment and Standards (TSSD-LRS); and systems. With it, we are fully. And we are happy that (DOLE-7) now treks the road Internal Management Ser- challenged to stay relevant the CIP recommended for our towards continued ISO Cer- vices Division (IMSD); Medi- and updated as we endeavor continued ISO certification. tification after Certification ation-Arbitration and Legal to not just satisfy customers With the results of the audit, International Philippines, Service Unit (MALSU); and but also delight them with the we are more determined to Inc. (CIP) made the recom- the Top Management. Also best public service possible put our acts together and look mendation. audited were the Cebu Pro- that we can offer,” the DOLE- for opportunities where we With only one minor vincial Field Office (CPFO); 7 head explained. can improve ourselves, our non-conformity (NC) to deal Tri-City Field Office (TCFO); She added that the au- processes, our execution and with, DOLE-7 Regional Direc- and the Bohol Field Office processes and programs of dit was a good exercise to de- more importantly the kind of tor Salome O. Siaton is confi- (BFO). the TSSD-EWW and TSSD- termine whether or not the public service we deliver to dent that the Department will The audit centered on the LRS; among others. DOLE-7’s management system the public,” added Siaton. retain its ISO 9001:2015 Cer- Context of the Organization; “The purpose of the ISO conforms to some established She congratulated the tification. Internal Audit Results; Cus- Certification is definitely not criteria and ensures that appli- whole DOLE-7 Team and CIP audited the process- tomer Satisfaction; Control for the Performance-Based cable statutory, regulatory and urged everyone to stay agile, es maintained and executed of Externally Provided Prod- Bonus or PBB. ISO Certifica- contractual requirements are remain adaptable and to keep by the DOLE Regional Office ucts, Processes and Services; tion does matter because it met and are effective. an open mind especially to comprising of the Techni- Organizational Knowledge; helps ensure that the Depart- “Despite the limita- some drastic and inevitable cal Support Services Divi- MALSU processes; Manage- ment would continuously de- tions, we managed to go all changes in this day sion- Employment Work- ment Review; Infrastructure/ velop and abide by the stan- ers’ Welfare (TSSD-EWW); Work Environment; Admin- dards that promote quality of Technical Support Services istrative processes; and the service, safety, and efficiency Prank online buyers Cebu Customs hits P3B collection surplus risk imprisonment: DTI THE Bureau of Customs BOC-Cebu is confident lease goods without delay,” PEOPLE who order sages or other proof of the in the (BOC-Ce- that their excess income of said Mendoza. products online as a prank prank so that the DTI could bu) anticipates its P3 billion P3.017 billion will continue BOC-Cebu has already and inconvenience sellers help them file a complaint collection surplus to increase to increase before the year achieved its 2020 target col- or delivery personnel may with the police or the Nation- before 2020 ends. ends. lection of P27.54 billion last be liable for estafa and face al Bureau of Investigation, “A day before Christmas, Acting District Collec- November. possible imprisonment, the she said. the Bureau of Customs Port tor for BOC-Cebu, Charlito As of November, out of Department of Trade and In- “We have advised them of Cebu has already hit its Martin Mendoza, said he at- the country’s 17 ports, 12 col- dustry (DTI) said. and they are ready to receive monthly revenue collection tributed this achievement to lection districts surpassed “This is estafa under the complaints,” Castelo said in a target for December. This is ‘the good performance’ made their collection goals in Revised Penal Code so it’s public briefing. (has exceeded) the P2.554 by their district’s frontline November—Aparri, Batan- punishable by imprison- “This is a warning to buy- billion revenue target for the workers. gas, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, ment,” said DTI Undersecre- ers who are doing a prank or month, (higher) by P130 mil- “They are tirelessly put- Davao, Manila, Naia, Subic, tary Ruth Castelo. have no plans to buy and just lion or percent,” the agency ting in the extra effort this Surigao, Tacloban, Zambo- Sellers or delivery per- want to aggrieve others, don’t stated. December to process and re- anga, and Cebu. sonnel should keep text mes- do it or stop that,” she said. 10 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week THE ACADEME Duterte recalls order allowing face-to-face classes PRESIDENT Rodrigo der I gave a few days ago, a Meanwhile, Singapore Duterte has decided to take few weeks ago to Secretary has confirmed its first case of back his order allowing a dry Briones of the Education the new coronavirus variant run of face-to-face classes in Department. To suspend found in the United King- January 2021 in select areas everything, all activities of dom. Duque said Australia following reports of a new children, especially ‘yung and Hongkong have also re- COVID-19 strain in the Unit- face-to-face classes,” he later ported cases based on the ed Kingdom. added. new strain. On December 14, the Duterte was referring The Health Secretary President approved the to the SARS-CoV-2 VUI has said that though evi- DepEd’s earlier proposal to 202012/01 (Variant Under dence suggests a “higher conduct face-to-face class- Investigation, year 2020, transmissibility” for the new es in areas with a low risk month 12, variant 01). COVID-19 strain, there is no of coronavirus disease 2019 In response, Education indication that it causes a FUn TRiVIA (COVID-19). Secretary Leonor Briones more severe disease among “I’m calling back the or- heeded Duterte’s new order. humans. Do you know that… der and I will not allow face- “We will implement the “We don’t know anything to-face classes for children President’s instructions to yet. I cannot take the risk of n Walt Disney World is the second-largest buyer until we are through with recall limited face-to-face allowing the children. That of explosives in the U.S. second only to the U.S. this. We have to know the classes in the light of recent would be a disaster, actual- Department of Defense? nature of the germ that we development,” Briones said ly. So I am mindful of that,” n The Grasshopper Mouse that howls to defend are confronting,” Duterte in a text message read aloud Duterte said. said during a post-Christmas by presidential spokesper- The Philippines has sus- its territory has a main diet of scorpions, meeting with members of the son Harry Roque during the pended all flights from the centipedes, and other scary creepy crawlies? Inter-Agency Task Force on meeting. United Kingdom amid con- n You get Goosebumps when you are scared to the Management of Emerg- Health undersecretary cerned on the new variant. make you look bigger? Your hairs stand on edge ing Infectious Diseases and Maria Rosario Vergeire said The suspension started on when you get Goosebumps, so you look bigger experts that was broadcast the DOH has yet to see the December 24, 2020 at 12:01 and scarier? live. new strain of COVID-19 in a.m. and will end on Decem- “I am canceling the or- the Philippines. ber 31, 2020. State universities touted as startup incubator potential ALBAY Representative fective in creating so-called Jose Maria Clemente S. Sal- breakthrough enterprises n Cockroaches can live for weeks without their ceda said that Internet, lab- because current law does heads and that their severed head can survive oratory, and entrepreneur- not take advantage of uni- ial facilities within state versities as “concentrations for several hours on its own – more if it is universities and colleges of young, smart, and ambi- refrigerated? must be improved to enable tious entrepreneurs.” n Nephophobia is the Fear of clouds? the incubation of startups. His office is eyeing Le- Republic Act No. 11377 gazpi, Baguio, Cagayan de Now you know! or the Innovative Startup Oro, and Dumaguete “as Act hopes to streamline the cities where investment procedural obstacles faced in creating start-ups from by emerging businesses. universities can be expand- “If you have good uni- ed.” Best Quotes versities with the ecosys- “Capital is starting to from Successful People tem to support new start- flow inwards. There are ups, you will be able to good STEM-based univer- “The only person who is educated is the one who has create new innovative busi- sities in these cities. These learned how to learn …and change.” – Carl Rogers nesses,” according to Sal- can be the country’s start- “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he ceda, who also chairs the up centers, and they will ALBAY REPRESENTATIVE already knows.” – Epictetus House committee on ways JOSE MARIA CLEMENTE certainly help decongest and means. S. SALCEDA Metro Manila. But we have “Success means doing the best we can with what we He said the necessary to invest in the universities have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the elements within universi- priorities as economic re- and the infrastructure of trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, ties include “excellent men- covery co-chair in 2021. these cities,” Salceda said. reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that toring, fast access to data, You can expect a flurry of Salceda said he is con- we can be.” – Zig Ziglar access to capital, and good reforms that we will pass in sidering amendments to “If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can support infrastructure.” these areas.” RA 11377 to focus on po- take it away from him. An investment in knowledge “Work in these areas Salceda said the gov- sitioning universities as always pays the best interest.” – Ben Franklin is definitely among my top ernment has not been ef- “sandboxes” for startups. Cebu Business Week December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 11 WORLD NEWS US decries ‘disinformation’ amid Taiwan pork import dispute THE de facto US embas- in parliament on one occa- propagate disinformation sy in Taiwan decried “disin- sion. and raise unfounded anxiety formation” from politicians The government says among Taiwan consumers, it about food safety, amid a nobody will be forced to eat is a disservice to everyone,” contentious decision by the the pork and that the move the institute added, without island’s government to allow brings Taiwan into line with naming any names. imports of US pork treated international norms. “We call on all parties to with a leanness-enhancing The American Institute approach this issue respon- additive. in Taiwan said that all US sibly and on the basis of sci- President Tsai Ing-wen’s exports to the island and its ence.” decision in August to allow other trade partners were Lu Shiow-yen, the mayor imports of US pork con- safe and meet the same high, of the central Taiwanese city taining ractopamine, which evidence-based standards of Taichung, expressed her is banned in the European that are also used in the concerns about the pork is- Union (EU) and China, has United States. sue to the top US diplomat in roiled Taiwan politics. “Safe here. Safe there. Taiwan, Brent Christensen. The main opposition Safe everywhere. That is one Most pork consumed Kuomintang (KMT) party of the reasons American food in Taiwan is domestically opposes the move on safety PROTESTERS AGAINST THE IMPORT OF US PORK CONTAINING is so popular in Taiwan,” it reared, with only around 1% grounds, holding noisy pro- RACTOPAMINE FEED ADDITIVE IN THE TAIWANESE CAPITAL said. currently coming from the tests and flinging pig entrails TAIPEI. “When political figures United States. Japan official urges Biden to ‘be strong’ Key points in the UK-EU A TOP Japanese defense Nakayama urged Biden to Biden. I would like to hear it post Brexit trade deal official on Friday urged U.S. take a similar line on Taiwan quickly, then we can also pre- THE European Union and measures if they believe they President-elect Joe Biden to as outgoing President Donald pare our response on Taiwan in Britain on Thursday agreed are being damaged” subject to “be strong” in supporting Tai- Trump, who has significantly accordance,” Nakayama said. a post-Brexit trade deal after arbitration. wan in the face of an aggressive boosted military sales to the During the presidential almost ten months of tortu- Customs China, calling the island’s safe- Chinese-claimed island and in- campaign, Biden called for ous negotiations to govern ties Britain will leave the EU’s ty a “red line.” creased engagement. strengthening ties with Tai- when the UK exits the single customs union along with the “We are concerned Chi- Japan shares strategic wan and other “like-minded market. single market at the end of the na will expand its aggressive interests with Taiwan, which democracies.” Here is what we know so year, meaning that businesses stance into areas other than sits in sea lanes through which An official in Biden’s far about the 2,000-page ac- face new red tape for imports Hong Kong. I think one of the much of Japan’s energy sup- transition team said the pres- cord that covers areas from and exports across the Chan- next targets, or what everyone plies and trade flow. ident-elect believes U.S. sup- fishing to future competition nel. is worried about, is Taiwan,” “So far, I haven’t yet seen port for Taiwan “must remain after December 31. The UK said the agreement State Minister of Defense Ya- a clear policy or an announce- strong, principled, and bipar- Tariffs allows for the recognition of suhide Nakayama said. ment on Taiwan from Joe tisan.” This means there will be “trusted trader” schemes that no tariffs or quotas on goods could cut bureaucracy on both produced in the UK and EU sides, but it is yet to be seen moving between the two sides. how widely this can be applied. Ethiopia to hold national election in June Future access for EU fish- Security ETHIOPIA will hold a would be set once an inter- Eritrea, which won inde- erman to Britain’s rich water The EU says the agreement parliamentary election on im government, which was pendence from Ethiopia in was one of the thorniest — “establishes a new framework June 5, as Prime Minister established during the con- 1993 after years of conflict, and politically combustible for law enforcement and ju- Abiy Ahmed seeks to quell flict, opened election offices. helped earn him the Nobel issues. dicial cooperation in criminal political and ethnic violence The national vote was Peace Prize in 2019. But his The two sides reached a and civil law matters”. in several regions. postponed from August this moves to loosen the Ethio- compromise that will see EU London said the deal will Abiy’s Prosperity Party, year due to the coronavirus pian government’s iron grip boats gradually relinquish 25 see the two continue to share a pan-Ethiopian movement crisis. The head of the win- was followed by outbreaks percent of their current quotas DNA, fingerprint and passen- he founded a year ago, faces ning party becomes prime of violence as regional pol- during a five and a half-year ger details and see them co- challenges from increasing- minister. iticians and groups jostled transition period. operate through the EU’s Eu- ly strident ethnically-based For nearly three decades for resources and power. Level playing field ropol. parties seeking more power until Abiy’s appointment, Abiy ordered troops Another major stumbling “The free movement of for their regions. Ethiopia was ruled by a to the western Benishan- block was the so-called “level persons, goods, services and Ethiopia is Africa’s sec- coalition of four ethnical- gul-Gumuz region, which playing field” regulations that capital between the UK and the ond most populous nation ly-based movements dom- borders Sudan, on Thurs- the EU insisted on to prevent EU will end,” Brussels said. and has a federal system inated by the party from day after attackers torched British firms having an- ad The EU and the UK will with 10 regional govern- Tigray. That administration homes and killed more than vantage over European rivals form two separate markets. ments. ruled in an increasingly au- 200 people in a village. if London lowers standards Two distinct regulatory and le- The National Electoral tocratic fashion until Abiy The prime minister in future or subsidizes indus- gal spaces. This will create bar- Board said next year’s calen- took power in 2018 follow- is also grappling with a tries. riers to trade in goods and ser- dar for polls did not include ing years of bloody anti-gov- long-running insurgency in The UK government ad- vices and to cross-border mo- an election in Tigray. It said ernment street protests. Ethiopia’s most populous mitted the deal allowed for bility and exchanges that do not the date for a Tigray vote Abiy’s peace deal with region Oromiya. either side to impose” counter- exist today in both directions. 12 December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021 Cebu Business Week BISAYA EDITION 2021 RITUAL

SHOWDOWNGIKUMPIRMAR ni ADTO SAgi saSRP live stream. Walay audi- Cebu City Vice Mayor Mi- ence ang maong pasunday- chael Rama nga ang ritual ag,” matod sa bise-mayor. showdown alang sa Sinulog Sa sayo pa, ang siyudad 2021 adto himuon sa South nipahibawo nga aduna na Road Properties (SRP). kini plano nga ihinayon ang Matod ni Rama, ang mga Sinulog Festival sunod tuih organizers ug ang kagam- taliwala sa hulga sa sakit nga hanan sa Siyudad sa Sugbo coronavirus. nagkasinabot nga putlon na Apan isip paagi sa pag- ang karaang tradisyon sa likay sa pagkatap sa kagaw, pagpahigayon sa showdown nagkasinabot ang mga orga- sa Cebu City Sports Complex nizers nga did-an ang mga (CCSC). tawo sa pagdasok sa Siyu- Si Rama nagkanayon dad sa Sugbo aron pagsak- nga gidid-an ang mga tawo si sa pasundayag sa nagka- sa pagdasok sa open park- lain-laing contingents. ing space sa SM Seaside City Isa sab kini nga paagi sa Cebu aron pagtan-aw sa fes- pagsanong sa hangyo sa De- tival. partment of Health 7 (DOH- “Giawhag ang publiko sa 7) sa paglikay sa himuong pagsaksi sa showdown pinaa- “full-blown” Sinulog Festival. 55 ka barangay sa Cebu City COVID-free pag Disyembre 27 HANGTOD pag Disy- Kini mao ang barangay Sud- naad nga kadtong adunay gay human si Environment luwatan niadtong Domingo, emnbre 27, ang Emergency lon I, Buot-Taop, Paril, ug zero COVID cases sugod Secretary Roy Cimatu, nga Disyembre 27, nagpakita nga Operations Center (EOC) Taptap, pulos nahimutang Nobyembre. 1 hangtod Di- maoy Visayas chief imple- ang siyudad karon aduna na sa Siyudad sa Sugbo nitaho sa bukiran nga bahin sa siyu- syembre 31 makadawat og menter sa Inter-Agency Task lang nahibiling 81 ka aktibo- nga sa 80 ka barangay sa si- dad. P100, 000 cash incentive,” Force for the Management ng kaso sa COVID-19. yudad, 55 niini nagpabiling Ihinayon gyud sa kagam- matod ni Mayor Edgardo La- of Emerging Infectious Dis- Ang Siyudad sa Sugbo walay mga aktibong kaso sa hanan sa Siyudad sa Sugbo bella. ease (IATF-MEID), mihagit nga kaniadto ginganlan nga COVID-19 sa milabayng 14 ang plano niini nga muha- Kahinumduman nga ni- sa siyudad sa pagkab-ot sa “epicenter” sa pagkatap sa ka adlaw.. tag og pahalipay nga kwarta tanyag si Labella sa maong COVID-free status sa tapos kagaw sa Central Visayas Upat ka barangay nag- sa mga barangay nga walay cash incentive aron pagdasig ning tuig 2020. anaa ubos sa modified gen- pabiling walay bisan usa ka aktibong kaso sa COVID-19 sa mga opisyales sa barangay Ang datos gikan sa De- eral community quarantine kaso sa infection sukad pa hangtod Disyembre 31. nga maningkamot nga ma partment of Health sa Cen- (MGCQ) sukad niadtong bu- niadtong buwan sa Marso. “Mao ni ang among pa- COVID-free ang ilang baran- tral Visayas (DOH-7) nga gi- wan saSeptyembre. P365 million tinuig nga multa sa telcos 14 ka adlaw nga kwarentina nga di makaabot sa internet speed target alang sa mga gikan sa UK USA ka magbabalaud ang ANG mga nibiyahe gikan sa Hong Kong, Australia, ug nisugyot nga multahan og sa mga nasod diin gikataho Singapore. P365 million matag tuig ang nga adunay bag-ong variant Si Health Secretary mga telcos nga mapakyas sa COVID-19 gikan sa United Francisco Duque III, mupa- pagkab-ot sa mandatory in- Kingdom (UK) kinahanglan hibawo nga usa sa 79 nga pa- ternet speed targets. mupailawom sa mandatory sahero nga niabot sa Pilipi- Ang Pilipinas anaa sa ika 14-day quarantine inig abot nas gikan sa UK nagpositibo 110 nga dapit sa mobile ug nila sa Pilipinas. sa COVID-19, hinuon wala ika 103 sa fixed broadband Matod ni presidential pa matino kon ang maong internet speed sa buwan sa spokesperson Harry Roque pasahero nagdala ba sa bag- Nobyembre, sigun sa Speed- nga ang mga nasod naglakip ong strain sa kagaw. test Global Index. Ubos sa House Bill 7479, nga gipasaka ni Makati City manduan o regulasyon sa NTC. si Campos. Rep. Luis Campos Jr., ang Na- Ang mga Pilipino angay Kahinumduman nga si tional Telecommunications nga makatagamtam og paspas President Rodrigo Duterte sa Commission (NTC) mahimong nga Internet speeds, nga nag- sayo pa nibahad nga iyang pa- momulta og P1 million matag pasabot og taas nga economic sirad-an ang tanang telecom- adlaw o kaha, P365 million productivity, lig-on nga jobs munication providers kon dili matag tuig sa mga telcos nga creation ug mas maayong ka- ma improve ang ilang serbisyo makit-ang nakalapas sa ka- lidad sa kinabuhi, nagkanayon sa tapos ning tuiga.