2 Wednesday, May 26, 2021 TopNEwS P272K worth of shabu seized in Iloilo City drug bust By Je n n i f e r P. Re n d o n Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-6 buy-bust operation at Zone 6, Baran- He later yielded 8 more sachets of toza’s second drug-related arrest. He valued the seized substance at gay Sto. Niño Norte, Arevalo district. suspected shabu, a mobile phone, and was also apprehended following a buy Police recovered around 40 grams P272,000. The 32-year-old Aristoza, a resident other non-drug items. bust operation in 2016. of suspected shabu in a police anti- Members of the RPDEU-6, together of Barangay Desamparados, Jaro, Aristoza allegedly sourced his sup- Aristoza is now detained and will narcotics operation evening of May with the Criminal Investigation and Iloilo City, allegedly sold a sachet of ply from a drug personality in Baran- be charged for violation of Republic 24, 2021 in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Detection Group and Arevalo Police suspected shabu for P13,000 to a police gay Bakhaw, Mandurriao. Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Members of the Regional Police Station, collared Renan Aristoza in a undercover agent. It was gathered that it was Aris- Drugs Act of 2002).

UPV professor is Nevada U’s outstanding graduate Dr. Lorena P. Samentar, Assistant Professor 5 from the Division of Biological Sciences, CAS, is one of the Outstanding Graduates (Spring 2021) of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Samentar said the distinction was an “even greater bless- ing” together with her being able to accomplish her doctoral studies. She is graduating with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology). The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the plans and timelines of many researchers, academicians, and graduate students worldwide, including Dr. Samentar, who said, that “the pandemic has actually pushed back the timeline for the degree completion.” UPV/p11

CAPELCO lineman Reggie Arganosa was electrocuted atop a distribution pole Monday evening at Brgy. San Antonio Tapaz, Capiz. (Contributed photo) Capelco lineman electrocuted By Fe l i p e V. Ce l i n o line Monday evening at Barangay to the area. Malitbog here. Unfortunately, Argañosa accidentally TAPAZ, Capiz – A 27-year-old line- Police identified the victim as Regie touched a live wire. man of Capiz Electric Cooperative Argañosa of Barangay San Antonio, Tapaz, It took several minutes before his body (CAPELCO) died after he was acci- Capiz. was retrieved from the pole. dentally electrocuted while trouble- A power outage occurred in the village Argañosa was declared dead at Tapaz Dr. Lorena P. Samentar shooting an electrical distribution the reason why Argañosa’s team responded District Hospital. Ending insurgency before Duterte’s CAFGU nabbed for term achievable, military says hot gun after ‘illegal gun discharge’ By Je n n i f e r P. Re n d o n the end of the Duterte administration, all These activities are anchored on the remaining insurgency-affected villages government’s initiative to provide a peo- By Je n n i f e r P. Re n d o n At the rate that the campaign is being in its areas of responsibilities (Western ple-centered program, which aims to bring implemented, insurgency could be toppled Visayas and Central Visayas) will be peace and development in conflict-affected A Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member was before the end of President Rodrigo Du- cleared. barangays. It is an initiative of our state arrested evening of May 24, 2021 in Calinog, Iloilo. terte’s administration, an Army official “But of course, hindi ibig sabihin na ka- forces to bring the government closer to Christopher Castor, 28, a resident of Barangay Siya, Tapaz, said. pag cleared na ay okay na siya. The bigger the people through an immediate delivery Capiz, was accused of indiscriminately firing his gun 9 p.m. of Brigadier General Noel Baluyan, 3rd task ahead would be the sustainment of the of basic services, especially to grassroots Monday at Barangay Simsiman, Calinog. Infantry Division deputy commander, efforts na hindi na ulit sila ma-penetrate ng communities. Captain Dadje Delima, Calinog police chief, said that Castor is said the surrender of regular New People’s rebeldeng grupo,” he said. The conduct of the CSP is one of the assigned to a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Katipunan, Tapaz, Army and their supporters and the con- Meanwhile, Brigadier General Marion requisites in declaring a village insurgency Capiz but is temporarily residing at Simsiman village. tinued clearing of insurgency-affected Sison, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, cleared. Police responded to the area after receiving reports that some- barangays are indications that the rebel said they are looking to clear all insurgen- Sison said they have already conducted one was indiscriminately firing a gun. movement has lost their influence. cy-affected barangays in Panay by the end the said program to 19 villages in Central When the team led by Master Sergeant Nilo Cachuela arrived, “Sa mga kanayunan natin, mulat na ang of this month or next month. Panay. they caught Castor with a homemade shotgun (pistol type). mga tao sa exploitations na ginagawa ng Presently, Community Support Program “The next step would be the disman- The suspect was drunk when the incident happened. NPAs,” Baluyan said citing efforts done by (CSP) teams are deployed to 30 barangays tling of fronts. This time, the target of our “Wala man siya kaaway. According to barangay officials, pirme the inter-agency task force to address the in areas covering Southern Panay. soldiers would be the armed components daw siya nagapalupok kung hubog,” Delima said. issues of barangays that have been cleared The CSP teams conduct community ser- of the CPP-NPA,” Sison said adding they Castor is now detained and will be charged for violation of from insurgency influence. vices and civil military operations (CMO)- would carry out the move together with Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Baluyan said they’re expecting that by related activities in the barangays. En d i n g /p11 Regulation Act). Capiz capitol workers to receive performance bonus By Fe l i p e V. Ce l i n o Capiz Gov Nonoy Evan Contreras said the provin- He said that he will look for available budget “It only shows of our better management cial government can allocate funds for the PBB. for the PBB so that capitol employees can receive and cooperation of every department heads ROXAS CITY, Capiz— Employees of the Capiz “May daku nga pagabatunon ang mga em- the incentive. and employees of the provincial government,” provincial capitol will receive additional perks pleyado sang aton provincial government sa per- The governor said Capiz is the lone local gov- Contreras added. after the provincial government qualified for the formance based bonus kay 50% sina ang ila nga ernment unit in Western Visayas to be “eligible” Two Capiz municipalities, Ivisan and Panitan, performance-based bonus (PBB) in 2020. mabaton kag dugang nga ayuda,” Contreras said. for the PBB. will also be eligible to receive the PBB. negros Wednesday, May 26, 2021 3 Nocppo to conduct autopsy on Divinagracia’s remains By Gl a z y l Y. Ma s c u l i n o Divinagracia’s body to postmortem Petate has earlier confirmed the and Silay City Mayor Mark Golez to With the initial report on his examination to officially confirm his death of Divinagracia, whose body anyone who could give information death, Donasco said they will still BACOLOD City - The Negros Occiden- identity. was found dumped along with an un- on his whereabouts. continuously go after the members of tal Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) This, despite the initial confirmation identified man at Barangay Pinugay, Donasco said they have no idea yet the Divinagracia drug group. here is waiting for the remains of Silay of Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baras town, Rizal on May 19, 2021. when the remains will be transported to “Kahit po kasi sabihin natin na City’s alleged top drug personality Petate, Silay City police chief, regard- Divinagracia was wanted in the the province, adding that they also have patay na siya, may existing downlines Michael Vincent Divinagracia. ing Divinagracia’s death based on the province for a drug offense and was not reached out to his family, who is based pa rin po sila,” she added. In a virtual press briefing on Tues- recovered driver’s license from him. tagged as the alleged leader of a drug in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City. Donasco said the provincial police day, Police Lieutenant Abegael Do- “Initial pa lang po iyon, we want to group operating in Negros. “Waiting pa po kami na madala force will not stop until all drug group nasco, Nocppo deputy information make the confirmation official with In fact, a cash reward of P500,000 ang bangkay dito to undergo series of members will be arrested to eradicate officer said they will have to subject papers po as basis,” she added. was previously offered by Nocppo examination,” she said. the drug problem.

Bizman seeks aid to ease effects of Iloilo-Negros travel ban

BACOLOD City – The week-long travel moratorium between Iloilo City and Province, and Negros Island is expected to result in millions worth of revenue and opportunity losses among the affected sectors, prompting a business leader here to call for government aid. “It will hurt more the livelihood of the workers in the local ship- ping industry,” Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said as passenger travel was banned between neighboring cities and provinces in Western Visayas starting Tuesday. Carbon, operator of fast craft Weesam Express, added that in- directly, it will also affect the livelihood of people making a living at the port such as vendors, and pedicab and tricycle drivers. In Resolution 6-C, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Manage- ment of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) placed Iloilo City under the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from May 23 to 31, following a surge in the city’s corona- recovered five grams of suspected shabu worth P34,000 in a buy-bust at Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental Tuesday. virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. Police (Photo courtesy of Silay City Police Station) The declaration of the MECQ resulted in a moratorium on sea travel from May 25 to 31 through the ports in Iloilo City and Du- mangas town, Iloilo province as stated in the advisories issued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as well as the Western Visayas Regional IATF and the Regional Task Force on Covid-19. Four nabbed in illegal drug bust However, the movement of cargoes will continue during the pe- By Gl a z y l Y. Ma s c u l i n o suspected shabu. by police as a street level individual. riod, according to the Coast Guard Stations in Iloilo and Bacolod. The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Police recovered from him five grams of sus- Carbon urged the local government to provide the workers BACOLOD City - Four persons were ar- Office (Nocppo) reported seizing P42,908 pected shabu worth P34,000, the P500 marked and those affected in other sectors with subsistence for the next rested for alleged sale and possession of worth of suspected shabu. money, boodle or fake money, and P356. seven days. dangerous drugs here and in Negros Oc- The buy-bust operations were conduct- In Bacolod, only one drug bust operation “We have to bring in to open that there is a cost-benefit trade- cidental in the past two days. ed in the towns of Hinoba-an and Manapla, was reported, which was led by personnel off and that the government must pay the cost to lessen the pain Three of them were apprehended in the and the city of Silay. of Police Station 5 at Barangay 11. of losing their source of daily subsistence,” he added. province while the other was arrested here The Silay drug bust at Barangay Guin- The operation resulted in the con- In this city, Mayor Evelio Leonardia also issued Executive on May 24 and 25, 2021 that resulted in the halaran led to the arrest of Arnel Dum- fiscation of P15,000 worth of suspected Bi z m a n /p10 seizure of an estimated P57,908 worth of rique, 49, of Barangay Rizal who was listed shabu. NegOcc, Bacolod police hiring more non-uniformed personnel BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police During the qualifying examinations held on and the most qualified will be chosen for the inauguration stressing that “Walang palakasan Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and Bacolod City May 22 and 23, some 153 applicants aimed for positions,” Col. Romy Palgue, police provincial (No patronage system). Only the best for the PNP. Police Office (BCPO) are hiring additional non- vacant positions under the NOCPPO, while 70 director, said in a statement on Monday. Only the best for the Filipino people”. uniformed personnel (NUP) for various police under the BCPO. He cited the statement of Philippine National For the current hiring, the NOCPPO has 15 stations. “We assure the applicants that only the best Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar during his Ne g Occ /p10

F & C PAWNSHOP AND JEWELRY Republic of the Philippines GUANCO ST., ILOILO CITY REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Fifth Judicial Region Branch 39 Guanco St., Iloilo City #1 Delgado St., Iloilo City Daet, Camarines Norte Tel. No. 337-0776 Tel. No. 509-3855 IN THE MATTER OF THE INTESTATE #24 J.M Basa St., Iloilo City Iloilo Supermart Bldg. temporary Schedule ESTATE OF VIRGILIO J. ANG PETITION FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION Tel. No. 509-7077 Molo, Iloilo City

SPECIAL PROC. NO. 2475 Iloilo Supermart Bldg. Javellana Bldg. ILO - BAC FRANCIS VIRGIL MAJARUCON ANG, Tabuc Suba, Jaro Cor. Valeria Ledesma St. Petitioner. Iloilo City Iloilo City 12:00 NN x------x

O R D E R .....wishes to announce its auction sale on, May 31, 2021 of all 4:45 PM In a verified petition filed on March 11, 2021, petitioner Francis unredeemed jewelry items and articles, terms and conditions of Virgil Majarucon Ang, prays a “LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION” and which expired from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m at that said address. be the administration of the estate of the deceased Virgilio J. Ang. WHEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and The management BAC - ILO substance the same is hereby set for initial hearing on June 10, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning. Let copies of this order be published in a newspaper of general .....nagapahibalo sang ila nga subasta sa May 31, 2021 sa 6:30 AM circulation in the province once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks tanan nga mga alahas kag iban pa nga prenda sa diin ang before the date of initial hearing, and let copies thereof be posted at the tanan nga plaso kg kondisyonis nagligad o nagpasar na halin 2:30 PM Municipal Hall and Provincial Capitol of Iloilo City. SO ORDERED. sa 9:00 sang aga hasta 5:00 sang hapon sa nga ginhinambitan Schedule is subject to change without prior notice nga lugar. Given this 22nd day of April 2021 in Daet, Camarines Norte. For details please call: Iloilo (033) 337-3282•09253496250 Bacolod (034) 433-9125 • 09338690330 (sgd.)WINSTON S. RACOMA Ang tagdumalahan WEESAM CARGO: 09322661605 Judge 4 Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Opinion Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5 Iba naman sa 2022!

n 2011, the academic Björn Dressel wrote an article entitled, ‘The Philippines: how much real democracy?’. Such a note- Iworthy query because the Philippines played an important role in the democratization wave that passed through Asia in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. It was the first country in the region to topple an authoritarian regime, ousting the dicta- tor Ferdinand Marcos via direct citizen action in 1986. But three decades on, the democratization trajectory of the Philippines is indeed, still a curious case. Pertinently, Dressel correctly sees the paradox that has plagued the country all these years. On one hand, he acknowledges “signs of a vibrant democracy” such as high voter turnout, robust civic engagement, and institutional arrangements that aim to promote and safeguard human rights and civil liberties. But on the other hand, he points to “flaws in the democratic process” exemplified by elite domination of both politics and governance. This privileged and influential segment of the Filipino polity, or “political dynasties”, has been a constant feature since the Spanish colonial period. And while elite families in politics are not unique to the Philippines at all, the magnitude of Filipino political dynasties brings an unwelcome notoriety. They have been described by an Australian journalist as “dynasty on steroids”. The paper published by the Ateneo Policy Center entitled, “From Fat to Obese: Political Dynasties after the 2019 Midterm Elections,” differenti- Atty. Michael ates the scale and depth of political Henry Ll Yusingco dynasties into two categories. A “thin Beyond dynasty” is one where the mantle of public office is passed on amongst fam- the bend ily members sequentially. Elections are used by political dynasty members to Systemic mistrust succeed one another in holding political posts. On the other hand, the term “fat dynasty” refers to a family of he looming obstacle to Abeyasinghe, said supply ver- is a malady that afflicts not just politicians simultaneously holding public office. Multiple members the massive vaccination sus demand is now the main our politics but even our health of the clan all participate in elections at the same time, running Tagainst COVID-19 may concern in the vaccination ef- system. Giving preference to for different posts. Notably, data gathered over the past 6 election not be the brand or country of fort. relatives or friends of the pow- periods show that political dynasties have become fatter. origin of the vaccines but the Brand preference should not ers that be sans plausible reason Studies have likewise shown that lower standards of living, lower human development, and higher levels of deprivation and way we conduct the inocula- be perceived as vaccine hesi- is a manifestation of an aber- inequality persist in the districts governed by local leaders who tion. tancy, Abeyasinghe added. rant or dysfunctional system are members of a political dynasty. But a more alarming develop- Reports of some folks skip- The WHO and the Philippine that we have been forced to ment is that the ‘fattest’ dynasties are actually entrenched in the ping the priority queue, selling government laid out a prior- live in. poorest parts of the country. of vaccination slots, and un- ity list for the vaccine rollout. Vaccine recipients who Dynastic politicians maintain a firm grip on political power by leveraging their positions in government. Hence, patronage derground sale of vaccines will On top of the list are medical skipped line are to be blamed politics consistently undermine problem-oriented policymaking cause disgruntlement and even frontliners followed by immu- as well for their lack of guilt. and legislation. The state remains unable to implement social and sabotage efforts to stave off the no-compromised persons and They could have refused out political reforms that ensure economic development benefits all infection. senior citizens. Economic front- of a sense of shame. But then Filipinos. A recent Social Weather Sta- liners are in Category A4. shame and guilt are rare quali- According to Dressel, elite capture of government, at both national and local levels, means “effective participation and true tions survey released on May But latest reports of persons ties nowadays. representation are largely illusory.” Political dynasties are so un- 20, 2021 found that only 32% not belonging to the first three If we really want the public shakable in their positions of power they have become essentially (or 3 out of 10) adult Filipinos priority groups but were already to fully embrace COVID-19 vac- insulated from electoral competition. are willing to get vaccinated, vaccinated will shake the pub- cination, government should do One to three fat dynasties and a couple of thin dynasties usu- months into the country’s in- lic’s faith in the system and the its utmost to impose the priority ally dominate local elections. In some instances, candidates from political clans run for office virtually unopposed. A non-dynastic oculation campaign. The top vaccine itself. list, which is based on humani- politico winning over a dynastic one is an exceedingly rare oc- reason was fear over vaccina- Based on reports, some of tarian and practical reasons. If currence indeed. tion side effects. those who jumped the queue public trust dissipates, we will And so as local communities continue to suffer inept and cor- But the World Health Or- were either related to or friends be hard-pressed to achieve rupt dynastic leaders, Filipinos who are more qualified, passionate, ganization’s representative in of local officials. herd immunity and eventual and patriotic, including many from the youth ranks have little to the Philippines, Dr. Rabindra Palakasan or padrino system normalcy. Be y o n d t h e b e n d /p10

Lemuel T. Fernandez Daniel Y. LabindAo Sherryl Mallorca-Abbey Founding Publisher Marketing OIC-Manila Bureau Kalibo/Boracay Bureau Chief Cell:0917-551-1896/0923-221-2098 Sitio Lugutan, Manoc Manoc, Boracay, is a publication of Kayo & Partners Co., a SEC-registered company Email: [email protected] Malay, Aklan Main office: Lawrence Clark D. Fernandez Cell: 09983988913 Guzman Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Publisher Tel. Nos. 321-6124 • 508-2692 Albert t. mamora Website: Cor. Gen. Leandro Fullon Francis Allan L. Angelo www.dailyguardian.com.ph Manila Office: & Bagumbayan Street Editor-in-Chief Brgy., 8, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique 1501 Pioneer Highlands, Emails Brgy., Barangka, Ilaya, Mandaluyong City jigger s. latoza ariel inocencio Editorial: [email protected] vision Editorial Consultant Roxas Bureau Chief, A successful and reliable newspaper the Ilonggos McKinley St., Roxas City Marketing: are proud of; highly respected by its readers; and • Tel. No. (036) 522-3661 [email protected] Cell: 09109616271 trusted by the community it responsibly serves. ROMYLEEN ‘BEM’ B. MITRA Bureau Chief mission Manila Editorial/Business Offices DOLLY Y. YASA Member: To become an independent guardian of truth Cell: 0929-9765533 Negros Bureau Chief, 1722 Phi St., and justice; socially responsive and Greenville Subd., Bacolod City, un-compromising exponent of positive change Cell: 09205927958 Email: [email protected] and public enlightenment. 4 Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Opinion Wednesday, May 26, 2021 5 Filipino entrepreneur Bacolod’s ‘defeats’ Prince Harry vaccine

EMEMBER when this writer first opposition, specifying the date December 28, He has probably one valid excuse not to: wrote about the unusual case of a 2020 as the deadline. By defaulting way be- The strait has become so polluted it would roll-out Rroyal couple -- Prince Harry and yond that deadline, the Prince lost his case. not longer be healthy to accept the challenge. wife Meghan Markle of the United Kingdom Prince Harry had probably lost interest It was where an oil tanker sank and spilled he Bacolod City government has been proclaiming (UK) – engaging Ilonggo entrepreneur Vic- in pursuing the case anyway. Failure of his oil in 2006. its success in the vaccination campaign against the tor Martin J. Soriano in a legal lawyers to file the said veri- Tvirus. The media apparatus of Mayor Evelio Leonardia battle over copyright? fied notice prompted Atty. ---0--- makes it a point to daily praise this achievement and even Using this space, I expressed Christine Pangilinan-Can- MORE POWER BEGS FOR use the supposed top performance as a political tool against disbelief that Prince Harry lapan, director III of the IPO, CUSTOMERS’ PATIENCE the campaign of the provincial government. and his wife Meghan – who to issue an order dismissing IT is impossible to please everybody, as However, the attack against the provincial government are said to enjoy a net worth the case and requesting the the management of MORE Electric and is directed not to the governor, Eugenio “Bong” Lacson but of $30 million dollars – would Bureau of Trademarks for Power Corp. (MORE Power) has found out in his consultant, former 3rd District Congressman Alfredo run after a small Filipino en- corresponding action. its first 15 months of operation as distribution Benitez who is the highly possible challenger of Leonardia trepreneur. Sought for reaction, Mar- franchisee for Iloilo City. in next year’s election. And so we waited with tin Soriano told this writer In fact, MORE Power President Roel Z. The criticism is rather crude because a consultant does bated breath for a seemingly that he is happy over the de- Castro, in radio interviews, waxed sympa- not execute, he only gives advice when asked. In some cases Goliath-vs.-David mismatch cision but would rather not thetic to individuals who could not cope a consultant may propose but the executive decides. So it but to no avail, probably be- hurry with his next move – with paying bills because of the COVID-19 does not look well for Leonardia’s media to attribute the cause the complaining royal PEOPLE which is to proceed with the pandemic. alleged poor performance of the provincial government to family had foreseen an im- POWWOW delayed brand registration The usual misconception is that the Benitez. broglio that would put them Herbert Vego of his product – “because of distribution utility (DU) amasses so much But that is how the Bacolod political scenario is politicized. in a bad light. Anyway, the my respect for The Queen. I profit from its customers that it can sustain The city can stand on its own feet without having to dispar- fight has ended in our coun- am still waiting for the last temporary losses. The truth of the matter age others whose alleged lack of performance is incompa- trymate’s favor. word from Buckingham.” is that it gets only around 10 percent of the rable considering the wide variation in circumstances. “Case dismissed” was how the Intellectual The Queen, of course, is Queen Elizabeth payments collected; it remits the generation But it is not really all well with the vaccination campaign Property Office of the Philippines (IPO) in of the UK, the grandma of Prince Harry. charges to power generators. of Bacolod. There has been no independent evaluation of its Taguig City junked the petition of Prince I take it to mean that only the Queen In fairness, MORE Power aims to further operation, however, certain things do indicate problems. Harry’s Archewell Foundation to disapprove could change his mind. Who knows? She lower power cost with the operation of The city government reportedly asked the national the application of Soriano to use “Archewell might even suggest a better name. Anybody its new 69-kilovolt (kV) switching station government to allocate more coronavirus vaccines as the Harvatera” as the brand name of his tawas- else in Martin’s shoes would want to be so in Barangay Banuyao, La Paz that would city is being pummelled by a surge in COVID-19 cases. “We based deodorant. Queen-humbled. directly connect all its substations to the are being hit hard by this new It all started with UK based Cobblestone Soriano, a licensed importer/dealer of transmission lines of the National Grid Corp. wave of COVID-19 infections,” Lane LLC and local counterpart Federis & cosmetic products under the trade name of the Philippines (NGCP). said Leonardia. Associates Law Office questioning before the Strong Wind Trading, is not the only “We would therefore be open to offers He did not present statistical IPO Soriano’s alleged branding of his product Filipino businessman using the brand from power generators not only in the data to show this “surge” and the after the prince’s foundation. Archewell. It is also a jewelry brand popu- region but all over the Philippines,” MORE condition of the city remains Our Pinoy entrepreneur begged to dis- larized by jeweler Gina Sarabia Espinosa, Power president and chief operating officer the same for months. Where’s agree, arguing that Archewell Harvatera as a the wife of former Iloilo City mayor Jose Roel Castro told us “competitive selection the surge? brand of a local deodorant does not compete Espinosa III. process (CSP)”. This is a dangerous descrip- with the Prince’s charitable Archewell Foun- May I reiterate once more something The CSP will enable the company to buy tion because if indeed there is dation. Hence, they could not be confused about Martin Soriano that today’s younger electricity from power producers offering a flood of infections the city with each other. people have missed? the list prices at a given time effective Janu- Modesto P. Sa-onoy should have been placed into The noun Harvatera, incidentally, re- The guy – whose age today I would rather ary 2022. the more restrictive state with minds us of the Filipino slang “harbat” which not guess -- astounded the swimming world As of now, MORE Power is still under Focus everything locked down, longer means “to snatch.” when, on August 7, 1994, he swam the Iloilo- contract to buy 70 percent of its power sup- curfew hours, check points, clo- Soriano recalled, however, “I coined the Guimaras Strait continuously – a distance ply from Panay Energy Development Corp. sures of all businesses and even churches. term harvatera to mean someone who works of 4.2 nautical miles (7.7 kilometers) for the (PEDC) and 30 percent from the Wholesale But we see nothing of the kind. In fact there is more re- hard to earn money, like those people work- record. To this day after 27 years, no one else Electricity Spot Market (WESM). laxation of movements and gatherings. ing in Macau casinos.” has equaled or exceeded the same feat. In this month of May, MORE’s residential I think the word, “surge” is too much except when it was Thus, the legal office of the IPO asked the Given the opportunity, would the older rate averages PHP 9.73, still the lowest in the used to force the national government to give Bacolod prior- Prince’s legal panel to file a verified notice of Martin repeat that feat? region. ([email protected]) ity in the allocation of the vaccines. It is interesting, however, because prior to the arrival of the vaccines, Leonardia’s mouthpieces were boasting the Bacolod will not be dependent on others for its supplies. Bacolod has money prepared for Altra-Zeneca. Upgrading our defenses The recent news also say that the Bacolod City govern- ment “was among the very first local governments in the ITH all the powerful temptations around, we can cite when we truly have an earnest tance we may have against this country to secure 650,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and engaging de- what Christ told us. “Behold, I desire to identify ourselves with ideal. The truth is that we are but these would not be delivered until the third quarter of Wvelopments we are am sending you out like sheep Christ. meant to be like Christ, to be 2021.” having these days that can truly among wolves. Therefore, be as Only then can we be ex- “alter Christus” (another Christ), We can agree with his statement that “ramping (sic) up give us a lot of advantages and shrewd as snakes and as inno- posed to all kinds of tempta- if not “ipse Christus” (Christ our vaccination program will be critical to saving lives and convenience, cent as doves,” he tions and still manage to remain himself). restoring economic activity in our city,” said Leonardia in a we should also said. (Mt 10,16) unscathed, if only in the most On the practical side, we have letter dated May 5 to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. be aware that We should essential part of us, our soul. It’s to see to it that our curiosities The use of a critical word “surge” is probably a reaction to the same devel- have this com- a given that we may be dirtied are under control. We should the statement of Galvez that the national government will opments can b i n a t i o n o f externally, but if our defenses not allow them to go in any give priority to the vaccination program in Metro Manila and easily gratify s h r e w d n e s s , are good, we can still remain which way. For this purpose, we other key urban areas hit hardest by the pandemic. our weaknesses c u n n i n g a n d clean and pure internally, which should see to it that our greatest By using the term “surge”, Leonardia wanted to include and plunge us cleverness, on is what matters most. and abiding curiosity is to see Bacolod City among those “hardest hit”. Heavens forbid! into the pit of the one hand, We have to remember that the face of God in everything, There is no way to independently verify the claim of the perdition. There and innocence, our best condition to be in is echoing what a psalm says, “I Bacolod City Health Office that it had recorded “an alarming is a lot of sweet simplicity and as when we approximate as much long, Lord, to see your face.” increase of 422 percent in the number of COVID-19 cases in poison around Fr. Roy Cimagala much as possible, as possible our identification (27,8) Bacolod from only 271 cases in March to 1,415 in April.” That that can become total absence of with Christ who is the pattern Our curiosities should not is as fuzzy a claim as it can be. something like a Reflections malice, on the of our humanity and the savior be focused only on earthly and Although he claimed Bacolod is ahead of others, there is friendly fire to other hand. This of our damaged humanity. temporal things, no matter how a “continued rise in cases, increases in hospitalizations and us. is the perfect foil For this purpose, we cannot legitimate they are. If not related deaths. Hospitals and intensive care units are now nearing For this, we have to upgrade to the wiles and tricks of our overemphasize our need to do to our curiosity of God, they can their full capacity and staff shortages have been reported.” our defenses by revving up usual enemies: our own weak- everything for us to keep pres- turn into a very subtle tempta- He has others to blame “While we have already started our love for God and for oth- nesses, the allurements of the ence of God all throughout the tion to us. to roll out our vaccination program, our allocation from the ers, seeing to it that that love world, and the devil himself. The day, having an abiding conver- We certainly need to sit down national government comes in trickles.” is converted into practical and ideal is for us not to be scandal- sation with Christ, assuming and meditate on this ideal so As of last week, Bacolod has received 19,160 vaccine practicable means, freeing it ized by anything. Instead we Christ’s will and intentions. We we can process it slowly and doses from the national government and has inoculated only from being merely theoretical should have the strong desire to have to see to it that our love for make it a driving motive in our 11,993 out of 424,992 residents eligible for vaccination, and and intellectual. do good always. God and others remains hot and dealings with all the powerful so “we are experiencing a sharp increase in new cases and If only to have some idea of Impossible? Unfeasible? Defi- burning. A lukewarm love can developments we have around the threat of even faster spread. We need to accelerate the how to convert our love into nitely it is if we are to rely only easily attract temptations. these days. pace of vaccinations to move through the priority groups something that would give us on our human powers. This We have to overcome what- Email: roycimagala@gmail. more quickly.” effective protection from all the combination can only take place ever awkwardness and resis- com If Bacolod is ahead, why is there a surge? Foreign chambers back Wednesday, May 26, 2021 amendments 6 Business to Public Services Act PHINMA Education Several foreign chambers in acquires second school the Philippines said on Monday they are backing the passage in Laguna network of a measure that aims to dif- ferentiate public utilities from PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI), the education services public services to boost foreign subsidiary of PHINMA, announced Monday that Union College investments in the country. of Laguna (UCL) has joined its roster as its ninth school in the Plenary debates on Senate Philippines. UCL is the second in PHINMA Education’s Laguna Bill 2094 or the amendments network after the acquisition of PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna to the Public Service Act (PSA) (PHINMA RCL) last year. started on Monday. The House “Despite the challenges we faced during the COVID-19 pan- approved its version of the bill demic, our mission to provide quality, accessible education to on March 10, 2020, the joint underserved students has not changed,” said PHINMA Education chambers of commerce said in Country Head Dr. Raymundo P. Reyes. “In fact, there’s an even big- a statement. ger need now for schools that will help students get the education The bill approved in the low- they deserve at the lowest cost possible.” er House defines public utility UCL offers undergraduate courses in Education, Accountancy, to cover 3 sectors: distribution Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technol- of electricity; transmission of ogy, Criminology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Psy- electricity and water pipeline chology, among others. “Part of our strategy is evaluating courses distribution system or sewer- and adjusting them based on the needs of industries. We may add age pipeline. more courses that are better suited for the employability of our Under the measure, only graduates, especially after the pandemic,” Dr. Reyes continued. “natural monopolies” involving PHINMA Education is currently using two flexible learning the distribution and transmis- models, Flex Learning and Remote and Distance (RAD) Learn- sion of electricity, water and ing, which both employ printed modules and remote coaching sewerage will be considered to PHINMA/p10 be public utilities, the groups said. The PSA amendments “will match” policies in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the PH a regional laggard amid struggle groups added. The Philippine Constitution states that public utilities must be 60 percent Filipino-owned with virus: Moody’s Analytics but it did not provide a defini- tion of public utilities, the state- The Philippine economy has become the regional lag- 20, only 949,939 have been fully vaccinated against It noted that transit stations and routes and driv- ment said. gard as the country continues to struggle to contain the novel coronavirus, representing just 1.64 percent ing routes are all relatively quiet in the Philippines “We strongly support the the COVID-19 pandemic and roll out its vaccination of the government’s target of vaccinating 58 million compared with its Southeast Asian neighbours and passage of this vital legislation program, Moody’s Analytics said on Monday. Filipinos before the end of the year. prior to the pandemic, ensuring that consumers and and pledge our efforts to bring The Philippines’ gross domestic product is forecast “This is problematic, because it means the Philip- businesses are not operating anywhere near capacity the reform to the attention of to grow just 5.3 percent this year, down from an earlier pines remains vulnerable to continued local infec- and the recovery is not powering ahead. appropriate firms in our mem- forecast of 6.5 to 7 percent made in February. tion spikes, inhibiting the economic recovery as it “The Philippines also has a high percent of positive ber countries in Australia-New Economic output isn’t forecast to return to pre- is assumed the government will reintroduce strict results in COVID-19 testing, implying that a relatively Zealand, East Asia, Europe, and pandemic levels, defined as the December quarter of lockdowns to contain further infections.” high degree of cases are going undetected,” the firm North America,” the groups 2019, until the final quarter of 2022, Moody’s Analyt- Moody’s Analytics said the Philippines has had added. said. ics said. difficulty containing new local COVID-19 infections Earlier this month, Fitch Solutions also lowered its Restrictions on foreign in- “In contrast, China, Taiwan, South Korea and despite imposing one of the strictest lockdowns in economic growth forecasts for the Philippines for this vestments have created “oli- Vietnam have returned to previous output levels, the world. year and next year noting that the country is having gopolies and weakened compe- while Indonesia and Thailand are on track to return “The Philippines has one of the most stringent difficulty checking the COVID-19 outbreak, and is tition,” the groups said. this year,” the analytics firm said in a paper published social restrictions, according to the government strin- struggling to vaccinate its citizens. “Tens of billions of dollars Monday. gency index. Late in 2020, the government-mandated Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research in foreign investment did not “This makes the Philippines the clear laggard in lockdown closed approximately 75 percent of the forecast the country’s gross domestic product to grow come to the Philippines but Asia,” the firm added. economy.” 5.3 percent this year, down from an earlier forecast of instead went to our neighbors,” Moody’s Analytics said the country’s decentralized The financial services firm said measures that 5.8 percent. the statement said. healthcare system made responding to the COVID-19 included closing mass transportation and banning Moody’s Analytics said the sluggish economic Foreign investments in these outbreak inconsistent across local government units. minors and the elderly from being in public places, recovery paired with relatively strict lockdown mea- areas are expected to increase “As a result, there were not consistent policies and make it among the world’s strictest lockdowns. sures has increased inequality. competition, improve technol- rigorousness around contact tracing, funding, and “Data from Apple Mobility Trends and Google “Those in higher-paying jobs tend to be office work- ogy as well as modernize and quarantine measures for those infected and their Trends show that the Philippines is far from back to ers, and they have been able to transition to working lower the prices of services to close contacts.” pre-pandemic levels of activity, unsurprising given from home, while lower-income workers have not had the benefit of the Filipinos, the The financial services form also pointed to the slow the elevated infections and government orders to stay that option. The unemployment rate has increased as a business groups said. (ABS-CBN pace of the country’s vaccination rollout. home since late March in the capital and surrounding result, particularly at the lower-income segment.” News) ABS-CBN’s vaccine tracker shows that as of May areas.” PH/p10 AboitizPower supports Nestle’s Net Zero journey Nestle Philippines, one of the country’s largest corporations, con- tinues to champion sustainability as it recently declared bigger and bolder commitments towards a net zero future. A key step in this journey is Nestle Philippines’ use of 100% clean and renewable energy from AboitizPower’s MakBan geothermal power plant. AboitizPower, together with its partners, is currently the larg- est owner and operator of renewable energy in the country based on installed capacity. The company has been Nestle Philippines’ Cleanergy partner since 2013 and today, it is supplying about 24.46 MW of clean and renewable energy to Nestle Philippines’ factories in Luzon, as well as its head office in Makati City. At the recently held 2021 Net Zero Fair, AboitizPower Head of Commercial Operations Business Unit, Juan Alejandro Aboitiz, high- lighted the value of renewable energy to Nestle’s net zero journey. “Through the supply of Cleanergy to Nestle Philippines, we are able to reduce greenhouse gas in the equivalent amount of 24,736 cars driven in a year, or 12.8 million gallons of gasoline consumed, or 14 billion smartphones charged. We look forward to continuing this journey with Nestle Philippines in growing their business and helping them achieve their sustainability goals even beyond their need for renewable energy,” Aboitiz said. Aboitiz also added that Nestle’s net zero targets are very much aligned with AboitizPower’s 10-year strategy of significantly growing its Cleanergy portfolio. The company aims for a 50:50 balance between its Cleanergy and thermal capacities by 2030, in an effort to help build the country’s renewable energy market and contribute to the global sustainability goals. In the next 10 years, AboitizPower is heavily investing in renewable energy, focusing on wind, hydro, and solar, and also expanding into other technologies such as battery. AboitizPower and Nestle Philippines’ long-term partnership is proof that organizations with large energy requirements can switch to more sustainable business operations and help build a more sustainable future through clean and renewable energy. Nestle Philippines’ Tanauan factory powered by Cleanergy, AboitizPower’s brand for renewables Business Wednesday, May 26, 2021 7 DOE to review Malampaya deal between Udenna, Shell Department of Energy (DOE) Secre- completed at the consortium level, it of the Malampaya consortium, thus He said the agreement of Udenna and of state-owned Philippine National Oil tary Alfonso Cusi said Monday his will still be submitted to the DOE for the sale of any or all participating Shell is purely a business transaction, and Company (PNOC), has a 10-percent in- office will still review the transac- its review and approval in accordance interest should be consented to by the the DOE “did not partake in the decision terest in the Malampaya gas field. tion between a unit of Udenna Corp. with Presidential Decree No. 87 other- consortium. of SPEX to sell, the bidding or negotia- Udenna earlier said the firm be- and Shell Philippine Exploration B.V. wise known as the Oil Exploration and “For its part, the DOE will, accord- tions that ensued, and its outcome”. lieved that “Malampaya is a high- (SPEX) on the Malampaya gas field. Development Act of 1972 (PD87),” Cusi ingly and judiciously, evaluate the Once this deal succeeds, Udenna quality asset for the company.” This, as SPEX sold its 45-percent said in a statement. legal, financial, and technical aspects will have 90-percent ownership in Malampaya energizes 30 percent of stake in Malampaya to Udenna’s sub- He added the transfer of participat- of the transaction, and its impact to the the Malampaya gas field as it already the country’s power requirement. sidiary, Malampaya Energy XP Pte. ing interest in Service Contract No. 38 obligations of (the) consortium to the acquired Chevron’s 45-percent stake However, the country’s main Ltd., at USD380 million. (SC38) is governed by the joint operat- Philippine government according to the in Malampaya. source of natural gas is projected to “(O)nce the transaction has been ing agreement signed by the members terms of SC38 and PD87,” Cusi added. PNOC Exploration Corp., a subsidiary be nearly depleted by 2027. (PNA)

Financial stability authorities in Asia discuss challenges, recovery efforts amid COVID-19

Bangko Sentral Governor, Benjamin E. Diokno, co-chaired the Regional Consultative Group for Asia (RCGA) virtual meeting of the Financial Stability Board (FSB) last May 18, 2021. Seventeen Asian jurisdictions participated in the meeting and were joined by the FSB Secretariat based in Basel, Switzerland. The FSB was created in 2009 as a global venue for organizing the reform of the financial system in light of the call to pursue the objective of financial stability after the global financial crisis. The RCGA is one of six (6) regional committees created by the FSB in 2011. The RCGA discussions continued to focus on the damages caused by the economic fallout from COVID-19, as well as the steps taken by the financial authorities. “What is clear is that there remain systemic risks, both risks to the financial system and risks by the financial system itself,” the Governor noted. The RCGA members continued to weigh the balance between responding to the current needs of the market while mindful of any possible longer-term implications. While there is absolute recognition that “this crisis is different,” the authorities also ap- preciate that the unconventional interventions needed today could affect market conditions over time. The added complication that the authorities have cited is the Global survey reveals that Filipinos put possible effects from different paces of recovery across different jurisdictions. Multilateral agencies have noted that the prospects family first in financial decision-making of the Advanced Economies are diverging from that of the Emerg- ing Markets, and this has spillover effects. Ding, the world’s largest mobile top-up prepaid products, we believe there is sig- the phones of loved ones. The platform is “The questions have sharpened as we now see clearer, but ap- platform, has published the inaugural Ding nificant growth potential for the broader trusted by Overseas Filipino Workers to parently more divergent paths in front of us,” the Governor said. Global Prepaid Index (GPI). The survey prepaid market in the Philippines.” support their family when far from home He added that “knowing how these different paths affect each one examined attitudes to prepaid services and He added, “As a country with more than by helping them to stay connected. With of us will require a lot of discussion to fully appreciate its holistic reveals that Filipino respondents place a 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers, more than 114 million connections in the interactions,” he added. high priority on family in financial deci- democratising access to prepaid financial Philippines – of which 96% are prepaid - Communication initiatives and macroprudential stress tests sion-making, particularly when compared products and services can play a powerful according to the GSMA, there is growing were also prominently discussed at the meeting. The participants to other countries. role in improving people’s lives. The OFWs demand to keep these phones in credit. agreed that keeping stakeholders informed has been critical in “The Ding GPI reveals that the Philip- are in many ways modern heroes in the Here are some of the key findings in the sustaining the concerted efforts in this recession. pines, along with, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Filipino economy, and prepaid products report from respondents in the Philippines. Macroprudential stress tests, on the other hand, were being United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia, like top up make it easier for them to stay used in many jurisdictions to pre-emptively identify possible are the countries where consumers show in contact with loved ones back home.” At 83%, respondents in the vulnerabilities. The authorities highlighted the important results the strongest preference for prepaid mo- Connectivity has never been more Philippines are some of the from these tests that could then be the basis for early action. bile contracts with 89% saying they are important especially in this time when biggest users of prepaid Reiterating that the work before the authorities is a journey, consumers in this space,” said Mark Roden, our travel mobility is restricted. Family mobile contracts. Governor Diokno closed the meeting by noting that the authorities Founder and Chief Executive at Ding. reunions and “kumustahan” are now done Consumers in the Philippines show a are at “that crucial stage where actions today will more so define “With more than half of Filipino respon- virtually. To date, Filipinos have used Ding strong preference for flexibility in their the market landscape of the future.” dents also saying they have two or more to send more than eight million top-ups to Gl o b a l /p11

Private equity’s falling out of love with plastic packaging

FRANKFURT - A decade ago, private equity ernance - risks include new EU rules due to be Graphic Packaging last week. “greener” is proving essential, deal experts say. couldn’t get enough of plastic packaging. They brought in next year requiring packaging to be “We still consider the packaging sector to Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, which snapped up companies making bags, films and reusable or recyclable by 2030. be highly attractive,” Thomas Unger, managing bought a majority stake in Portuguese packaging trays to contain everything from food and Private equity investment in the global plastic partner at Lindsay Goldberg Europe, adding that maker Logoplaste in February in a 1.4 billion euro fashion to drink to drugs, drawn by reliable cash packaging sector has already slowed in recent the trend towards sustainability was becoming deal, said it planned to make all the firm’s pack- flows and consolidation prospects. years, with the combined deal values in 2016- a decisive factor. aging reusable or recyclable by 2025 and would But now the sector’s not quite so in vogue. 2020, of $1.3 billion, being a third lower than in “Companies that score points with material increase the recycled content in its products. Many buyout firms are steering clear, and some the five prior years, according to Refinitiv data. efficiency, closed material cycles and the most Logoplaste even added ESG-linked interest of those holding assets are struggling to offload positive ecological footprint possible will win,” costs to an institutional term loan last year, with them at what they consider attractive prices, HUNTING ECO-CHAMPS he added. “Companies that fail in this challenge the level of interest payments tied to its carbon according to people involved in such deals. That doesn’t mean there are no deals to be will lose drastically in their value.” emissions and use of recycled plastic. This reversal illustrates how much the invest- done, though. Partners Group, which was close to striking Similarly, private equity firm SVPGlobal has ment world has recalibrated itself in a matter The plastic packaging market was worth a deal to buy Schur in 2019, did not participate revamped German packaging maker Kloeckner of years, with environmental factors becoming $265 billion in global sales last year, according in the bidding this time, sources close to the Pentaplast (kp) since it acquired it in 2012. dealmakers or breakers. to figures from Market Data Forecast. Many matter said. “kp’s use of recycled materials is about three “No plastic packaging firm would pass our investors continue to see the value in packaging “We are very cautious about future invest- times higher than the competition. We have internal ESG check and we would pass even if assets, banking on solid growth prospects as no ments in plastic packaging firms, for reasons supported the company to set tangible ESG tar- such an investment would promise a large re- comparable substitute has been found for mass- including ESG concerns,” said Juergen Diegruber, gets and we were delighted when kp issued the turn,” said Marcus Brennecke, co-head of EQT’s market goods like food. partner at Partners Group, whose portfolio firm first-ever ESG ratchet-linked term loan in the U.S. private equity advisory team. But they are hunting the eco-winners, which Hoffmann, a caterer, recently switched to paper market earlier this year,” said SVPGlobal founder “While we have invested in plastic packaging requires a close look at the details. packaging from plastic to improve its environ- Victor Khosla. in the past – we owned Faerch Plast from 2014 This week, buyout firm Lindsay Goldberg mental footprint. That loan also sees interest payments linked to 2017 – we would not buy a plastic packaging sold food and pharma packaging maker Schur to ESG factors. firm today.” Flexibles to Austrian investor B&C, days after SO, WHAT’S THE PLAN? Investors are likely to pore over ESG creden- Such ESG - environmental, social and gov- CVC sold Sweden’s AR Packaging to US-based Having a plan to make an acquired company Pr iv a t e /p10 Two abattoir Wednesday, May 26, 2021 subprojects 8 Community in Iloilo get nod from RPAB

UPV inks MOU with BFAR 6, NFR to boost By Le o n a r d T. Pi n e d a , I

The Regional Project Advi- livelihood support for fisheries sector sory Board (RPAB) of Western Visayas has approved two UP Visayas, represented by Chancellor Clement C. ing initiatives. Camposano said the MOU signing “gives us the proposed subprojects that will Camposano, signed a Memorandum of Understanding CFOS-IFPT has done solid groundwork in fisheries confidence in the kind of work that we do and the be established in Iloilo under (MOU) with the Bureau of Fisheries and AquaticRe- post-harvest research. direction that we have taken as an institution. We the Department of Agriculture- sources Regional Office VI (BFAR-6) and NGOs for IFPT director, Dr. Sharon S. Nuñal, said the engage- want to be publicly engaged, and we can only do that Philippine Rural Development Fisheries Reform (NFR) on May 11, 2021 to scale up ment provides an opportunity for the Institute to through this kind of collaborative undertaking.” Project (DA-PRDP). extension services and technology transfer to support translate its research results into valuable products The chancellor’s public service agenda is to deepen DA-6 regional executive fisherfolks. and services and provides a chance of learning and UPV’s engagements with the communities, bring director Remelyn Recoter, who The collaboration is expected to improve the quality improving on areas where they lack capabilities. its research findings to the local communities, and also serves as RPAB chair and of life of the fisheries sector by conducting appropriate By offering alternative sources of income, the effort contribute to sustainable growth and development Project Support Office (PSO) technical training, access to technology, and providing is also seen to minimize the problem of overharvesting in the region. Visayas project director, spear- sustainable alternative livelihood, especially those and illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing. Representing USAID Fish Right Program, NFR, a headed the review of vari- affected by the pandemic. Under the MOU, BFAR will facilitate creating the non-government organization that provides techni- ous subprojects including two This is also in support of implementing the Visayan Sub-committee on Livelihood for Aquaculture/Pro- cal support to national fisherfolk federations and proposed abattoirs in Iloilo Sea Management Framework by incentivizing sus- duction and Post-Harvest in the Technical Working coalitions, is tasked to provide technical and financial province. tainable fishing practices, which is in line with the Group of the Management Board of Fisheries Manage- assistance to the target beneficiaries. Its responsibili- The two proposed abat- principles of the ecosystem approach to fisheries ment Area (FMA) 11. It will also primarily identify the ties include organizing and mobilizing resources for toirs, along with three other management (EAFM). target beneficiaries and pool of trainers from BFAR to capacity development activities and assisting indi- subprojects in the region, were UPV, through the College of Fisheries and Ocean undergo training from UPV-CFOS-IFPT. vidual/people’s organizations in developing proposals subjected for approval of the Sciences- Institute of Fish Processing Technology Chancellor Camposano lauded and expressed his for funding. board in order for them to ad- (CFOS-IFPT), will provide technical training to target gratitude to BFAR (the government agency responsible The MOU was also signed by BFAR-6 regional di- vance for endorsement to the beneficiaries, including the BFAR personnel, to equip for the development, improvement, management, and rector Remia A. Aparri and NFR board chairperson National Project Coordination them with entrepreneurial and post-harvest technolo- conservation of the country’s fisheries and aquatic re- Marlon P. Palomo. Office (NPCO) and be able to gies. It will also allow the transfer of its knowledge sources) and NFR, one of the implementing partners of CFOS Dean Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap and secure a fair chance for funding and technologies for potential replication to other the USAID Fish Right Program, for the partnership that USAID Chief of Party, Fish Right Program Nygiel B. this year. sites and assist BFAR-6 in preparing business plans/ allows them to bring science to the people especially Armada signed as witnesses to the agreement. (Ms. “As we are now anticipating proposals for funding and other post-harvest process- to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors. Lenilyn B. Gallos, CFOS) the second additional financing of PRDP amounting to US$280 million retrofitted budget with EUR18.3 million E.U. co-financ- ing grant, we aim to cater to the proposals of local government units and endorse them to the NCPO,” Recoter said. These two infrastructure development subprojects, which are the establishments of the Oton Abattoir and the Concepcion Abattoir, were presented by representatives of their respective local govern- ment units (LGUs). The three other subprojects approved during the meeting are the establishment of Roxas City Abattoir in Capiz, estab- lishment of Hinoba-an Abattoir in Negros Occidental, and the construction and concreting Tw o /p10

DILG to roll out SBDP in 42 Iloilo villages

By Li l i b e t h A. Fr e n c h

The Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay De- velopment Program (LGSF-SBDP) will be rolled out in 42 villages in the province and city of Iloilo this year. Department of the Interior and Local Government 6 Project De- velopment and Management Unit Chief Mossad Vincent Araneta said LGSF-SBDP is one of the initiatives of the national govern- ment to help insurgency-affected villages. The program intends to provide much needed support – infrastructure and social services for villages that have lagged in terms of development. Araneta said each of the 42 villages, composed of 36 villages from the province and six from Iloilo City, will receive P20 million each from the P16.44 billion released by the national government under the General Appropriations Act. For fiscal year 2021, a total of P840 million was allocated to fund the 203 identified projects by the 42 villages. In Iloilo province, LGSF-SBDP will be implemented in four villages from Igbaras town, three from Miag-ao town, 15 from Tubungan town, and 14 from Leon town. Businessman and philanthropist Noel Ferrer Iligan, guest of honor and speaker during the recognition rites, with Regional Training Center chief The six village-recipients in Iloilo City include Lapuz Norte, Police Col. Giovanni A Musico leads the Opening of Collars and Rolling of Sleeves of trainees during the recognition rites. (EAD-PIA6/RTC photo) Sinikway, Ingore, Dungon A, Dungon B and Tacas. These villages were qualified to receive the development package after they have been cleared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, undergone the Retooled Community Service Program 247 police recruits hurdle training and were identified by the NTF-ELCAC. By Ea s t e r An n e Do z a and Rolling of Sleeves of trainees which training course. All the 42 villages have completed the orientation on LGSF- signify that some of their curtailed privi- According to Gregas, these trainees SBDP, according to Araneta. BACOLOD City – 247 police trainees of the leges will be lifted. need to go through their Graduation Run “One hundred percent of beneficiaries LGUs were already Public Safety Basic Recruit Course, both “The battle of perception has turned the and Honors Night next month. oriented on SBDP,” said Araneta during the recent Provincial of Classes 2020-04 “Pinili” and 2020-05 people against you, but let me just stress “You are presented with a big opportu- Task Force Levelling Sessions jointly spearheaded by the National “Maharlika” underwent recognition rites again, while we may not be able to correct nity to turn around the sentiments of the Task Force – Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed at the Regional Training Center in Bakyas, the past and the present, there is hope for public as we confront this biggest crisis in Conflict Barangay Mansilingan in Bacolod City. the future and that lies in you,” Iligan told our lifetime – the war against COVID-19 He added that the funds were already downloaded to benefi- RTC chief Police Col. Giovanni A. Musico the trainees after the rites. where guns are not a necessity. Let the ciary LGUs on April 19 this year. led the recognition rites which mark the Police Senior Master Sergeant Nida people know you are there to help and “We are one the first regions to receive the LGSF-SBDP fund,” success of the trainees in hurdling long L. Gregas, Public Information Officer of protect them from this invisible enemy Araneta said as he asked the help of recipient villages to comply months of rigid training. RTC 6, said these trainees after the rites by mere enforcement of proper health with the guidelines and procedures on the release and utilization Businessman and philanthropist Noel will still continue with their remaining protocols and leading the fight by getting of fund. Ferrer Iligan, guest of honor and speaker academic subjects, comply with their yourselves vaccinated,” Iligan reminded He said recipient barangays in Iloilo City have identified COVID during the recognition rites, with Musico modular and comprehensive examina- the trainees as there is global war against DILG/p10 also led the ceremonial Opening of Collars tions prior to their graduation from the COVID-19. (PIA) classified ads Wednesday, May 26, 2021 9

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Like us: facebook.com/DailyGuardianPH Follow us: twitter.com/dailyguardianph Email: [email protected] [email protected] 10 Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Environment SNP wows DENR chief The towering old growth Ma- hogany trees which were part of the old reforestation project of the government inside Sibalom Natural Park (SNP) impressed Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu during his tour of the area recently. Cimatu was the only Secre- tary of the Department of Envi- ronment and Natural Resources (DENR) who visited the SNP and talked to the local people, whom he thanked for helping protect and conserve the natural park. Aside from the Mahogany trees, CCC: Integrate nature-based many native tree species could be solutions to protect biodiversity found inside the Park. In a meeting with the regional MANILA, 22 May 2021 — In observance of the International Day officials of DENR Region 6 led for Biological Diversity today, the Climate Change Commission by regional executive director highlighted nature-based approaches as part of solutions for Francisco E. Milla Jr., Cimatu biodiversity loss and climate change for the Philippines, as one ordered an in-depth study on the of the megabiodiverse countries in the world. possibility of adopting the use of “Biodiversity is the web of life. Let us not forget that biodiver- fast-growing trees to be planted sity feeds and heals, provides us air and water, and is a source of in National Greening Program livelihood and recreation. Development without environmental (NGP) areas. safeguards, and unsustainable land degradation, overgrazing and He also wanted that DENR field deforestation, pollution, overfishing, hunting, land-use change, offices determine the number of and overuse of freshwater, are pushing ecosystems to the limit,” growing/alive trees, and ordered the CCC said. the inventory of trees thriving This year’s theme, “We’re part of the solution #ForNature,” within the protected area. serves as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to sev- Prior to its declaration as a pro- eral sustainable development challenges - climate, health issues, tected area, the Sibalom Sub-Re- food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods. forestation Project was established The CCC also encouraged local government units to integrate in 1949 as part of the Valderrama biodiversity conservation into the country’s local development Integrated Reforestation Project. agenda through the enforcement of environmental laws, and for The Sibalom Natural Park is individuals to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle and join campaigns that one of the last remaining lowland aim to eliminate single-use plastics which are a major source of forests in Panay, where the en- marine and land pollution and contribute to climate change. dangered Rafflesia speciosa, was The CCC said, “The solution begins with us, and now. To sustain discovered in 2002. The flower Secretary Roy A. Cimatu was the first DENR Secretary (left) to set foot on the Sibalom us and future generations, we need to protect our nature as the has since become a symbol of the Natural Park in the province of Antique. He was accompanied by DENR-6 officials led by regional capital for development and prosperity for those who will be born SNP. (DENR-6) executive director Francisco E. Milla Jr. (center). (DENR 6-PENRO Antique) beyond our time.”

e g c c Tw o ... f r o m p.8 N O ... f r o m p.3 of Manika- Oyang- Dalag- of Fisheries and Aquatic Re- Recoter lauded the LGUs vacant positions while the batches of applicants to ensure The facilitators include four saan farm-to-market road with sources, Department of Trade for answering the call of fos- BCPO has three. the strict observance of mini- NUPs, who are members of the bridges in Aklan. and Industry, Regional Agri- tering agri-fishery sector in The two-day qualifying ex- mum health protocols on social Human Resource Merit, Promo- Composing the RPAB team cultural and Fisheries Council, their respective towns and aminations, held at the NOCP- distancing. tion and Selection Board of Police who tackled the significant Department of Public Works provinces. PO Kapanalig Hall in Camp Three batches took the test Regional Office-Western Visayas, aspects and gave comments rel- and Highways, Department of The five subprojects present- Afredo M. Montelibano Sr. on Saturday while the other and one lead examiner from the evant to the presentations are the Interior and Local Govern- ed are now set to be endorsed to here, were organized for five two, on Sunday. Iloilo city government. (PNA) the representatives from the ment, Department of Agrarian the NPCO subject for issuance Department of Environment Reform, and National Meat of No Objection Letter (NOL) 1. and Natural Resources, Bureau Inspection Service. (DA-RAFIS/ PIA) DILG... f r o m p.8 -19 vaccination, immuniza- transparency and accountabil- the NTF-ELCAC’s budget will tion and other health related ity at all times. be a big boost to the develop- projects. “By having them implement ment and infrastructure of PH... f r o m p.6 In a recent released state- programs and projects that barangays, especially those Government economic man- even the Asian Development 9.6 percent in 2020, its worst ment of support, Mayor Jerry truly benefit the grassroots, facing problems of communist agers earlier said that jobless Bank however pointed out that performance since the end of Treñas said he has always we give them the autonomy to insurgency. Likwise, he ex- figures have fallen from heights the new jobs created were in the World War 2. The GDP shrank believed in empowering the govern their people well,” said pressed his strong opposition reached at the start of the lock- informal sector and were not qual- 4.2 percent in the first quarter, villages by enhancing their Treñas. to the proposed defunding of downs imposed last year. ity jobs that provided security. the fifth straight quarter of con- capabilities and encouraging He also firmly believed that the LGSF-SBDP. (PIA) Independent economists and The economy contracted traction. (ABS-CBN News)

PHINMA... f r o m p.6 Bi z ma n f r o m p.3 through mobile data and de- with industry knowledge but tion. It has had 102 board ... Order 27, series of 2021, sus- ery of essential goods which tween Iloilo and Negros as he vices. Last year, it partnered also with core work skills and exam topnotchers since its pending any mode of travel will remain unhampered sub- encouraged Negrenses to sup- with Globe and PLDT Smart the ability to learn by them- inception in 2004. between the cities of Bacolod ject to the health and safety port Iloilo City in containing to provide 10 GB of mobile selves. As part of our network, PEHI’s parent company, and Iloilo from May 25 to 31, or protocols, he added. Covid-19 cases. data every month to its 72,000 UCL will benefit from the strat- PHINMA Corporation, is a may earlier be lifted or further On Monday, Negros Oc- “Let’s just help Iloilo. They strong student population. It egies that we have been able Filipino-owned conglomerate extended, while Iloilo City is cidental Governor Eugenio feel that is one way of stopping also continued to provide Ha- to hone over the past 17 years,” with investments in educa- placed under MECQ. Jose Lacson expressed support the surge then, let’s be part of wak Kamay (HK) scholarships concluded Dr. Reyes. tion, property development, This is except for the deliv- to the travel moratorium be- that solution,” he added. (PNA) to qualified enrollees. PHINMA Education has hospitality, and construction “As educators, we have the an 80 percent average first- materials. PEHI now owns and responsibility to prepare our time passing rate for licen- operates nine schools across Pr i v a t e ... f r o m p.7 students to succeed in a con- sure exams with some 81 the Philippines and manages tials in upcoming auctions. microscope. unit, whose products are used stantly changing world. This percent of students getting one in Karawang, West Java, Information packs have just “Does the target use recycled to print on plastic and paper means arming them not just hired a year after gradua- Indonesia. gone out to prospective buyers raw materials, how good is the packaging, and which asked of Polish plastic packaging firm recyclability of its products etc? for first-round bids from pro- Alupol, owned by Grupa Kety, A low ESG score translates into spective buyers earlier this Be y o n d t h e b e n d ... f r o m p.4 while London-based private a low multiple,” he added, refer- month. no chance at all to be elected. This is precisely the reason tion of the political system has equity firm 3i is expected to ring to a company’s valuation Flint declined to comment. Political reformists who do not why public administration in sustained the dysfunction af- launch a sale of Germany- as a multiple of earnings. While there are doubtless have the inherited political ad- the country, including policy- flicting state governance and based Weener Plastics next “While ESG was a marginal opportunities to be seized in vantage are effectively denied a making at the top level of the has made electoral politics year. topic two to three years ago packaging, some investors fair shot at public office because executive branch and even essentially a “choosing the Grupa Kety and 3i declined a large amount of work went aren’t willing to take the risk. of the current monarchical na- the legislative process itself, lesser evil” proposition for to comment on the upcoming into preparing ESG reports “Plastic packaging - not for auctions. this time.” us. Our teams aren’t fond of ture of electoral politics. consistently earn poor marks Filipinos. Some investors said that this, they’d struggle to explain As the 2022 elections draws in democracy indices. As the first step to coun- UNDER ESG even companies in associated it to our investors,” said the Eu- closer, it is good to remind vot- Political dynasties manifest teract this dangerous trend, MICROSCOPE sectors face being impacted by rope manager of one of the larg- ers that the gross expansion democratic decay in the Philip- the young electorate should An investment banker who the tougher line being taken est US private equity firms. of political dynasties over the pines because they exemplify seriously consider internal- worked on a European plastic on ESG. “And who’ll buy it in five course of three decades sus- the incremental degradation izing the rallying cry of Pasig packaging deal earlier this year A test of this could come years when ESG will likely be tains a political culture steeped of constitutional democracy City voters in 2019, “Iba na- said the environmental factors when with the sale of printing taken much more seriously in corruption and clientelism. in the country. Their domina- man!” had been under the investor ink maker Flint’s flexographic than today.” (Reuters) Wednesday, May 26, 2021 11

Il o il o Ci t y ... f r o m p.1 Su r gi c al ... f r o m p.1 authorized persons outside and vitamins, medical supplies, operate at a maximum of 30% Street along the National High- down: Phase 1, 1st Street, Alta will be allowed to enter the residence (APORs). devices and equipment; capacity. way; and Zone 7 Landheights Tierra Village; 4th street and affected areas. In a media interview on industries involved in agri- Other industries such as Subdivision. 6th street, Alta Tierra Village; All residents of the affected Tuesday, Jeck Conlu head of culture, forestry, fishery and dental, rehabilitation, optom- The lockdown in Sto. Niño Block 5, Centennial Homes; areas are strictly advised to the Public Safety and Transport other components of the food etry and other medical clin- Sur will be enforced in Zone 1, Block 6, Centennial Homes; stay at home and refrain from Management Office (PSTMO) value chain and workers; ics; veterinary clinics; banks, Avancena Subdivision; Zone 1, Block 7, Landheights; and Block unnecessary travel until the said that border control check- essential and priority con- money transfer services in- Villa Claro Subdivision (near 20, Country Homes. lockdown has been lifted. points will be established and struction projects whether cluding pawnshops; energy Lomboy Chapel Area); and The EO mandates the im- Under the EO, health au- manned by the Philippine public or private; sector; capital markets; water Zone 3 near Seventh-Day Ad- position of curfew in the said thorities will conduct manda- National Police (PNP). manufacturing related to supply services; telecommuni- ventist Church. areas from 8 p.m. up to 4 a.m. tory testing for all high-risk The border control check- food and other essential goods cation companies; funeral and Block 9 and Block 8, Ciudad In the duration of the lo- and medium-risk contacts of points will be established par- such as but not limited to de- embalming services; establish- de Iloilo in Calumpang, Molo calized containment, only COVID-19 cases and continued ticularly in the Mohon, Are- tergents, diapers, and other ments engaged in repair and will also be placed under surgi- authorized persons outside contact tracing. valo; So-oc, Arevalo; Calajunan, personal hygiene products; maintenance of machinery, cal lockdown. residence (APORs) specifi- Meanwhile, barangay of- Mandurriao; Hibao-an Sur, essential retail and trade equipment of households and In Quintin Salas, Jaro, ar- cally government officials; ficials will implement the EO Mandurriao; and Ungka, Bu- service establishments such as motorized and non-motor- eas that will be placed under members of the COVID-19 while the Philippine National hang, Tagbak, Lanit, and Bito- public markets, supermarkets, ized vehicles; and teachers, surgical lockdown include Task Force; personnel from Police (PNP), Philippine Army, on in the district of Jaro. grocery stores, convenience professors, and other staff Zone 2, Imperial Subdivision the Department of Health Bureau of Fire, and Public Aside from the border con- stores, and pharmacies, among conducting online or flexible specifically along King’s Road (DOH) and other key agencies; Safety and Traffic Management trol, the EO also mandated others. classes must adopt skeletal and Queen’s Road. personnel distributing food Office and force multipliers additional health protocols Meanwhile, food prepara- workforce. The following areas will also and medicines; and sanita- shall augment the barangay particularly for non-essential tion establishments such as The EO also mandated the be placed under surgical lock- tion personnel among others officials. businesses. restaurants and food kiosks temporary closure of the Iloilo Under the EO, establish- can operate full-time provided Esplanades, playgrounds, and ments which are allowed to op- that no-dine-in services will be courts in all public plazas. Ca r d i n al ... f r o m p.1 erate on full-site capacity are: allowed. On Monday, the Inter-Agen- In October 2020, Pope Fran- cardinals attended the consis- Vidal, Jaime Sin, Julio Rosales public and private hospi- Media establishments will cy Task Force finally approved cis announced the 13 new ad- tory, Advincula and other car- and Rufino Santos. tals; be allowed to operate at a maxi- the MECQ classification of Iloilo ditions to the College of Cardi- dinals joined the celebration at On March 25, the pope ap- health emergency and front- mum of 50% capacity while City following the appeal of the nals, two of them are from Asia the St. Peter’s Basilica online. pointed him as Manila arch- line services; business processing outsourc- local government to curb the including Cardinal Cornelius Those physically present bishop, succeeding Tagle, who manufacturers of medicines ing establishments (BPOs) may rising cases of Covid-19. Sim, Brunei’s first cardinal. were given red hats and rings now heads the Vatican’s Con- But with the consistory on as cardinals by Pope Francis. gregation for the Evangeliza- Nov. 28 occurring during the Advincula, 69, is the coun- tion of Peoples. pandemic, Advincula and Sim try’s ninth cardinal, following The archdiocese has yet to UPV... f r o m p.2 didn’t make it to Rome because cardinals Orlando Quevedo, officially announce the date of She said that the University Her previous research in- Samentar highlighted the im- of travel restrictions. Luis Antonio Tagle, Gaudencio Advincula’s installation as the of Nevada “issued a hold order cluded mollusk reproductive portance of passion. While many Rome-based Rosales, Jose Sanchez, Ricardo 33rd Archbishop of Manila. in the acquisition of animals for biology, histology, molecular “It is important that the field research, (there is also a) shift of cloning, and protozoan infec- you will pursue is really where production of most companies tion. your heart is because that pas- to prioritize Covid-related sup- With her graduation also sion will sustain you through plies and reagents, and the long comes the excitement of com- the years despite the challenges quarantine of imported raw ing home to the Philippines. Dr. you will encounter.” materials.” Samentar is more than eager She also identified several All these caused delays and to be back in the country and other important characteristics significantly affected her re- return to UP Visayas. While that one must remember when search timeline. rest is part of the picture when pursuing further studies: be- Dr. Samentar’s dissertation she comes home, she is also ex- ing self-driven, having a clear is on the “Development of a cited to share with UP Visayas focus, and maintaining a strong novel Alzheimer’s therapy.” the learning and experiences support system, especially from Her dissertation explores that she gained from her Ph.D. friends and family. She also potential treatment for Al- journey. added this very important line, zheimer’s disease, which is She is looking forward to applicable not only to those the most common cause of de- working on research projects, who plan to pursue further mentia. Further, her research establishing linkages, mentor- studies but also to every indi- interests include Cellular and ing students, and producing vidual – “rest if you must but Some Nocppo personnel led by Police Major Jesus Mesahon, officer-in-charge of Provincial Investigation and Molecular Biology, specifi- significant scientific research NEVER QUIT.” Detection Management Unit, visit the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station in Negros Occidental last week to cally in phagocytosis, pro- and discoveries that can benefit For the full feature of Dr. check the cleanliness of the station. (Photo courtesy of Nocppo) tein and genetic engineering, the community. Lorena Samentar, please visit receptor-ligand interaction, When asked for her message this link: https://www.unlv. De pu t y ... f r o m p.1 neurodegeneration, immuno- to her fellow faculty members edu/news/article/spring-2021 said Police Lieutenant Minardo noticed the filthy premises of due for them na action,” she histochemistry, and biological in UP Visayas who would like -outstanding-unlv-graduates. Ellaga decided to personally the station and the absence of added. imaging. to pursue further studies, Dr. (Prof. Jude Vincent Parcon) meet the Napolcom personnel Ellaga and their police chief Donasco said the investiga- to tell them what really hap- Police Lieutenant John Paul tion will also elevate to the pened. Tabujara. regional level. En d i n g ... f r o m p.2 Ellaga was reported to have With the said incident, Tabu- On the other hand, some the Philippine National Police. Baluyan said stressing the group and the dismantling of asked permission from Police jara was immediately relieved Nocppo headquarters person- In doing that, he said the importance of continued de- political structures,” he said. Colonel Romy Palgue, Nocppo from his post and was moved nel led by Police Major Jesus concept would be to co-locate liver of basic social services and Baluyan said they are ac- director, that he will not be able to the Personnel Holding and Mesahon, officer-in-charge of with the enemy. other infrastructure projects. counting for the remaining to report to the police station Accounting Unit (PHAU) at the Provincial Investigation and “Kung nasaan sila, nandoon Meanwhile, Baluyan said armed groups, which would on May 15, prior to the surprise Nocppo headquarters here. Detection Management Unit, din ang ating mga sundalo,” it wouldn’t be long also before be dismantled through focus visit of Napolcom-6 director Meanwhile, Donasco said visited the police station last he said. insurgency-affected barangays military operations. Atty. Joseph Celis that day. that the provincial police of- week and noticed some im- After the CSP, a local govern- in Negros Island would also be And given the support of the During the Napolcom visit, fice has already received the provements which they con- ment unit-led Retooled- CSP cleared since “may sinusunod government and the people, four personnel were reportedly written explanation of the six sider a good move in relation will be done in these baran- kami na timeline.” both Baluyan and Sison said caught sleeping at the police cops but she did not divulge the to the mandate of the Philip- gays, as one effort to sustain the “Aside from unearthing the ending the insurgency is al- station that caused disappoint- content. pine National Police (PNP) on government’s anti-insurgency structures of the communist ready within sight. ment on the part of Celis, who “Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang cleanliness and orderliness of efforts, terrorist group, the military is later reprimanded them. investigation sa kanila until every police station, according “No issues, no insurgency,” also taking account the armed Aside from that, Celis also mapatawan po sila ng what is to Donasco.

Gl o bal ... f r o m p.7 mobile usage, with 83% using a prepaid mobile have sent load top-up to family at least once if ingly, the Philippines and Indonesia, both coun- their only option to live in the world today. 7,000 contract and 43% of respondents stating they not more often each month, and 78% state they tries where supporting family is rated as a high respondents were surveyed across Europe, Asia, use a SIM-only contract. 84% of those who use a have received load top-up from family once or financial priority, both generally scored higher and the Americas regarding their use of prepaid prepaid service say they do so out of choice, with more a month. on optimism than countries where respondents offerings, examining the attitudes, activities, and half stating that it gives them better control over cited other financial priorities. outlook of the forgotten billion in particular dur- their budget and expenditure. Supporting family is a high prior- ing the Covid-19 pandemic. Those surveyed were ity when it comes to spending. Facebook is the most popular way evenly distributed across gender and aged over 18. 51% of Filipino A third of Filipino respondents stated that for people in the 30 percent of the sample also identified as expats. respondents use supporting their family was their highest finan- Philippines to stay in contact two or more cial priority, second only to food and groceries. with others. About Ding prepaid products. Respondents in the Philippines prioritize family People in the Philippines love to use Facebook Ding was founded to improve people’s lives The popularity of prepaid services extends finances above other significant expenditure cat- to stay in touch, with 88% indicating it was their by helping those with less gain access to more. beyond mobile services, with more than half egories such as rent, utility bills, and education. preferred medium. The next most popular was As the number one international mobile top-up of respondents stating they use other prepaid SMS with 53%, followed by voice calls at 28%. service in the world, Ding has been keeping products. These may include utilities, gift cards, Filipinos maintain a positive out- And almost 70% said they would be interested people connected since 2006, when it launched or prepaid debit cards. look on matters of economy and in a SuperApp – to serve as a one stop shop for this first-of-a-kind service. Today, Ding’s users employment compared to other all their needs. have successfully sent over 450 million top-ups Filipinos love to stay connected countries. About the Ding globally, via the app, online at Ding.com, and in- with 61% sending or receiving Consumer confidence in the Philippines is Global Prepaid store at over 600,000+ retail outlets worldwide. phone load top-up rated at 64.1 – well above the global average of Index (GPI) Ding is the world’s leading universal top-up Two thirds of respondents stated that they 52.5. Three-quarters of respondents stated they The Ding Global Prepaid Index (GPI) is a major service. Ding delivers a top-up every second, via have either sent or received load top-up at felt optimistic about the economy, while 72% bi-annual survey analyzing the prepaid market. 550+ operators, across 140+ countries – helping some point, most commonly between family indicated positive sentiments about employment The inaugural GPI shines a light on the people families and friends around the world to stay members. In terms of frequency - 84% say they and 70% about their family’s income. Interest- who may see prepaid products and services as connected. PBA vet Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson wins Eddie Laure to coach NBA Sixth Man of the Year Roxas in

By Le o b e r t Ju l i a n A. d e l a Pe ñ a achieve such feat. VisMin Also, Clarkson and Ingles’ first Filipino-American Utah Jazz guard and second finish in the Sixth man Super Cup and former Gilas Pilipinas member voting made it to the NBA record sports Jordan Clarkson took home the as the first teammates to vie for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award top spot of the award. By Le o b e r t J.A. d e l a Pe ñ a besting teammate Joe Ingles and It was a stellar season for Clark- former MVP Derrick Rose of the son after improving his offensive Another team is set to dazzle New York Knicks. game and averaged 18.4 points, the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipi- The scoring two-guard gar- 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in nas VisMin Super Cup-Mind- nered a unanimous decision of 65 26.7 minutes of playing time per anao Leg. first-place votes (407 points) from contest. Announcing their participa- sportswriters and broadcasters all Clarkson’s 18.4 scoring average tion in the Mindanao leg are the around the world. in the season is also the highest Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte Meanwhile, Ingles had 34 first- recorded average of a sixth man Vanguards to be coached by place votes (272 points) while winner in the history of the former PBA player Eddie Laure Rose had one first-place vote (77 NBA. who is a proud homegrown of points). Currently, Clarkson and the the team. Aside from the prized award, Jazz trail 0-1 against the tough “Unang-una kasi is taga dito the Fil-Am also etched his name and gritty Memphis Grizzlies and ako. Pangalawa, ‘yung team in the Jazz history books as the are hoping to even the series at owner namin, magkaibigan kami. Siyempre, gusto ko din first player from the franchise to home. Jordan Clarkson bagged the NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors (Adrian Portugal/Rappler photo) dito muna mag-stay habang pandemic tapos na-timing na nagbuo siya ng team. Ako ‘yung tinawagan niya at hindi na ‘ko Iloilo A. Diasnes nagdalawang-isip na kunin ‘yun,” said Laure. This will be Laure’s first gym dazzles in head coaching stint in his bas- ketball career but served as an assistant at University of international Santo Tomas, University of the East, Jose Rizal University, and MPBL team Laguna. taekwondo tilt Backstopping the Laure- By Le o b e r t Ju l i a n A. d e l a Pe ñ a orchestrated squad are big-time veterans and also former PBA The Iloilo A. Diasnes taekwondo gym made waves once gunners in Chito Jaime and Leo again in another international stint during the 2021 Najorda. Online West Coast International Taekwondo Champi- Both Jaime and Najorda onships last May 22-23, 2021. became MPBL staples after Organized by California, USA, a total of nine medals: their careers in the PBA ended eight golds and one silver medal were clinched by the and still proved to be valuable prized taekwondo jins from the Diasnes gym. contributors to their teams. Familiar faces bannered the prominent Iloilo tae- Completing the Roxas Van- kwondo gym and were also the same group of jins who guards roster are JK Casino, impressed during the 4th Lents Taekwondo Worldwide Jordan Sta. Ana, Lester Reyes, Jor- Sports Online Poomsae 2021. dan Intic, Joshua Templo, Marr Leading the A. diasnes gym are staples Elaine Mar- Rifarial, RJ Deles, James Castro, garet Borres, Kian Ezekiel Castigador, and Seth Ryan Francis Camacho, Roy Velasco, Templanza who all won gold medals. and Fil-Libyan Seraj Elmejrab. Completing the list of the gold medalists are Eliza- “Yung team namin, kailan- beth Marie Borres, Elisha Venice Aguilar, and Janus gan sama-sama talaga, depensa Miguel Tacsagon. muna bago ang opensa. Yung The lone Diasnes jin who managed to land in second team namin lalaban ng palitan place is Antonio Miguel Nafarrete in the Traditional ng muka. Yan yung pinaghah- Individual Poomsae of the Cadet Male Blackbelt divi- andaan namin dahil malalim sion. The Ilonggo jins who represented the City of Love and the Philippines in the 2021 Online West Coast International ‘yung field,” added Laure. Taekwondo Championships. (Flora Navales FB) Athletes qualified for Olympics and SEA Games to receive vaccine this Friday

By Le o b e r t Ju l i a n A. d e l a Pe ñ a

Tokyo Olympics and Vietnam Southeast Asian Games bound athletes will finally receive their dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this Friday. According to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, all Filipino athletes who will fly to Vietnam and Japan will be getting their vaccines at Manila Prince Hotel. The move came after SEA Games organizers confirmed that they will not allow participating athletes to enter premises and to join their respective sport without having the vaccine. “Alam natin na inaprubahan na po yung prioritization ng vacci- nation ng Olympic-bound at SEA Games-bound delegates ng IATF. Ang good news po ngayon ay inaprubahan na rin po ang ating vaccination day sa Friday exclusive for Olympic-bound delegates and SEA Games-bound delegates,” said Tolentino. Those who will be present at Manila Prince Hotel this Friday are Chief Implementer of the National Task Force against COVID- 19 Carlito Galvez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. A rough estimate of 600 athletes and coaches are expected to get inoculated and will be verified by the respective National Sports Associations (NSA) of the country. As of now, there are nine qualified athletes for Tokyo confirmed while the SEA Games participants are yet to have a final list.