“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” CEBU BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. August 2 - 8, 2021 Volume 3, Series 97 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 RISE TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESS DTI consultancy program to help MSMEs amid pandemic: manager

AN OFFICIAL of the De- program and DTI conducted By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO MEs that participated where (CIT-U) and Southwestern partment of Trade and In- a survey on the impact of their they thanked DTI for this pro- University-PHINMA. dustry (DTI) 7 said their new businesses to the pandemic need funding or access grants gram as a guide to recovery. Bollozos said the pro- program called Resilient, In- and guide them in recovering from different government “They know the new DTI gram is strongly backed by the novative and Sustainable En- the once vibrant economy,” agencies. program is free, and if MS- United States of Agency for trepreneurs (RISE) will sure- Bollozos said. “We will lead these MS- MEs will follow, they can have International Development ly help Micro, Small and Me- He said there are three MEs to concerned govern- a guide to improve their busi- (USAID) Science, Technology dium Enterprises (MSMEs) phases on the program. ment agencies to address their ness,” Bollozos said. and Innovation Development amid the health pandemic. The Phase 1 is the rapid- needs,” Bollozos said. Bollozos also thanked to (STID) program. Joenero Bollozos, DTI ness assessment where DTI He said that they are now the good leadership of DTI “With this, we can come Cebu program manager for will determine their current in the final stage of the pilot 7 Regional Director Nanette up with solutions and devel- RISE, said it is a direct-to- status and their needs. RISE with eight participants. Arbon who is advocating for opment plan. We are on leg- MSME consultancy and guid- The Phase 2 is the sug- DTI has already identified the adaptation of digitaliza- work in Cebu Province and ance service to help MSMEs gestions of priorities. DTI their needs and will link them tion of MSMEs. our program is direct with rethink their operations and will identify the needs and to government agencies con- “We are really going to- MSMEs,” Bollozos said. make an informed choice for the agency to know their cerned to address their needs. wards digitalization. We can- He added that if the Fil- about their recovery and con- priorities. Some MSMEs need During the launching of not anymore survive with the ipinos will only buy Philip- tinuity amidst the Covid-19 new technology to continue RISE, there was a part called traditional multi-strategy,” pine products like what the pandemic. running their business. Some “Kumustahan” with three MS- Bollozos said. South Koreans are doing in Actually, Bollozos said, In a separate interview shunning foreign products, RISE is a branding, inno- with former Department of Filipino MSMEs can recover vation or business recovery National Defense (DND) quickly. program for MSMEs to adopt Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Te- He said DTI’s initiative for strategies in the new normal odoro, he said the Filipinos this is called “Go Local,” a na- operations. especially the youth must re- tional approach. Support local He said that RISE started view what happened in the and buy local products. last May 2021, and the launch- past two years and recreate He said that the local Ca- ing was last August 5, 2021. the believing that cao “tableya” is more delicious Bollozos said this is still the past and traditional sys- than the imported ones. a pilot project with eight par- tem will never come again. Bollozos said that pack- ticipating MSMEs. The next Bollozos agreed with Te- aging of local products is the batch of entrepreneurs will odoro. main approach now in getting come in by September 2021. He said the DTI’s part- the attention of foreign and He said the approach is ners in creating this RISE domestic buyers. not by modules but a one-on- program are the Cebu Cham- “The difference here is one consultation. Initially, ber of Commerce and In- that foreign products have DTI invited and oriented them dustry (CCCI), two from ac- good packaging with lesser about this program. ademe that processed their taste. The Philippine prod- “The pilot participants needs like the Cebu Institute ucts have good tastes but poor have shown interest on the JOENERO BOLLOZOS, DTI CEBU PROGRAM MANAGER FOR RISE. of Technology-University packaging,” Bollozos added. 2 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS Leni supporters serve ‘Weekly Lugaw’ SUPPORTERS of Vice ally introduce Rodredo to President Leni Robredo the people, they also wish have served the “Weekly Lu- to provide care to those who gaw” to hundreds of people need help at thIS time pov- in . erty and health pandemic. Robredo and her sup- Team Leni Rodredo was porters realized the impor- organized by individual sup- tance of Lugaw at the time of porters of the vice president care needed by the people in from the different sectors like the middle of the health pan- urban poor groups, women’s demic. groups, and bikers’ group. About 800 families have With Robredo’s advo- been reached by the Rodre- cacy to reach out To the do supporters in their recent masses, Team Leni Robredo regular feeding program in supporters are now roam- the different parts of Cebu. ing around the country. The Hundreds of people volunteers are inspired by were rescued from hunger in Robredo’s sincere service to Sitio San Miguel, Apas; La- the poor people through the hug, Calamba, Sitio Lawis in Office of the Vice President Mambaling; and Barangay (OVP). San Nicolas, all of Cebu City Aside from regular com- initiated by the Office of the munity feeding, the Team Vice President, including Leni Robredo supporters Team Leni Rodredo. will put up livelihood train- According to David San- ing and educational pro- tos, volunteer coordinator of grams for the communities Team Leni Rodredo, while that they are going to visit. they are willing to person- PR/ELIAS O. BAQUERO Hontiveros urges extension of voter registration period in areas under ECQ SENATOR Risa Hon- cially for some of our first- spokesperson James Jimenez also pointed out that the vot- Last year, Hontiveros tiveros has called on the time voters, yung iba sa expressed concern about er registration process was called for an increase in the Commission on Elections kanila are not even eligible moving targets, adding it was already stalled several times COMELEC’s budget to pre- (COMELEC) to extend the for vaccination. It is only log- not likely to extend the voter due to fears over the pan- pare for the 2022 elections in voter registration period, at ical to extend the voter regis- registration period because demic. light of the major health ad- least in areas affected by the tration period by at least two there are other things to pre- “I agree that dead- justments due to COVID-19. 15-day enhanced community more weeks. It’s two more pare aside from the official lines should be observed. “COVID-19’s Delta vari- quarantine (ECQ). weeks that may prove criti- voter’s list. But, hopefully, in this case, ant has already disrupted our There is no word yet if the cal for our country’s future,” However, the senator COMELEC can make one last communities. Let it not get current deadline, September Hontiveros said in a phone- says the challenges brought necessary extension. Huwag in the way of our citizens’ de- 30, 2021, will be moved. patched interview with on by the pandemic must be naman sanang i-quarantine sire to participate in the May “Sayang ‘yung period DYRC radio Cebu. considered as “extraordinary pati ang karapatan ng mga 2022 elections,” she conclud- from August 6 to 20. Espe- In May 2021, COMELEC circumstances”. Hontiversos tao na bumoto,” she stressed. ed. PR/ELIAS O. BAQUERO Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam to get House and Lot from CLI LEADING developer Cagayan de Oro’s adopt- joy their new home in our in VisMin Cebu Landmas- ed son from Talakag, Bukid- Velmiro Heights community ters Inc. (CLI) announced non, a scavenger turned in CDO. We look forward to it is gifting Olympic Silver olympic silver medalist box- welcoming him home.” says Medalist boxer Carlo Paa- er is an inspiration to mil- Jose Soberano III, Chairman lam a 3.6M house and lot lions of Filipinos all over the and CEO of Cebu Landmas- (townhouse) in its subdivi- world. Since the age of 12, ters Inc. sion project Velmiro Uptown Carlo has been part of CDO’s Velmiro Uptown CDO is CDO, located in the prime grassroots boxing program a beautiful community locat- Upper Canitoan Cagayan de under the support and lead- ed at a prime spot in Upper Oro area. ership of Mayor Oca Moreno. Canitoan in Cagayan de Oro The listed company joins “We are very proud of City , and CLI’s third resi- the rest of the country in the Carlo’s achievement, and dential project in CDO . The celebration of Paalam’s ex- want to take part in uplifting community offers impressive traordinary achievement at his quality of life especially views, efficiently designed the Tokyo Olympics bringing when it comes to housing. homes with generous space honor to every Filipino espe- He deserves to live well, and and premier amenities for a cially the Mindanaoans. we hope his family will en- serene family life. Cebu Business Week August 2 - 8, 2021 3 NEWS More COVID-19 beds open in Cebu private hospitals THE planned deploy- duce the number of patients ment of around 350 addition- that will be admitted to hos- al nurses to private hospitals pitals, which are now serving in will open up all cases, including those with existing bed allocation for mild symptoms. COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Presidential Private hospitals have Assistant for the Visayas Sec- been unable to accept more retary Michael Lloyd Dino COVID-19 patients because has announced Project Balik they don’t have enough nurs- Buhay Salary & Bonus Assis- es to man available beds. Hos- tance for Our Bidas Program pitals are required to have at (Salbabida). least 30 percent of their to- Under the Salbabida pro- tal bed capacity allocated for gram, the nurses hired will re- COVID-19 patients. ceive an incentive of P15,000 At present, private hospi- monthly for August and Sep- tals has around 850 beds allo- LACK OF HOSPITAL BEDS FORCES POSSIBLE COVID POSITIVE PATIENTS TO WAIT IN CORRIDORS tember and free RT-PCR tests cated for COVID-19 patients AND INSIDE THEIR OWN VEHICLES. every two weeks. but only 2/3 of the total allo- This program is upon the ini- cated beds can accommodate The Department of another 50 in the first week Other measures to in- tiative of OPAV and through COVID-19 patients. Health Region 7 has already of August for deployment to crease COVID-19 bed capac- the collective generosity of To address this concern, deployed 52 nurses to private private hospitals. ity is the use of temporary the PBB Private Sector Foun- additional nurses will be hospitals---22 to Chong Hua On the other hand, Cebu treatment and monitoring dation-Partners. hired for deployment to pri- Hospital, 20 to Cebu Doctor’s City will also be hiring 200 facilities (TTMF) to accom- The PBB program is open vate hospitals. University Hospital, and 10 to nurses, 100 will be allocat- modate patients with mild to 11 private hospitals in Cebu This measure was reached Perpetual Succour Hospital. ed for the Cebu City Medical symptoms and those who and to all nurses directly em- during an inter-agency meet- Also, Dr. Gerardo Aquino, Center and Cebu City Quar- are admitted in hospitals but ployed by these PBB Private ing organized by the Office of Vicente Sotto Memorial Med- antine Center. The other 100 have been downgraded to Hospital Partners, whether the Presidential Assistant for ical Center (VSMMC) chief of nurses will be deployed to pri- mild classification. full-time or project-based the Visayas (OPAV). hospital, said they will hire vate hospitals. The TTMFs will help re- employees. MEDIA OPAV PR VSMMC can supply the oxygen requirements of its patients THE Vicente Sotto book account. He noted that those retained by the Depart- the onset of the pandemic last chanical ventilators be- Memorial Medical Center the hospital has no issue or ment of Health. year, had been lent to other cause it is better than having (VSMMC) could provide the concerns regarding the sup- “Three years ago, we al- hospitals in Cebu. COVID-19 patients intubat- oxygen requirement of its pa- ply of oxygen. ready determined what is the Currently, 10 of the 32 ed, he explained. tients, including those with In his post, he stressed need (of the hospital), espe- units are being used by VSM- “The diversity, synergy, COVID-19. that the hospital has the ca- cially in times of emergency. MC-counterpart hospitals and agility of Vicente Sotto VSMMC chief Dr. Gerar- pacity to serve the require- That’s why we had our own in the cities of Bacolod and Memorial Medical Center was do Aquino Jr. explained that ments of its patients. oxygen plant,” Dr. Aquino Davao while one is also bor- tested more when COVID-19 the hospital has its own ox- “Pre-pandemic, we con- recalled. rowed by another hospital, pandemic came,” Dr. Aquino ygen generation plant with sumed only 350 to 400 tanks The hospital had also ac- Dr. Aquino said. pointed out in his FB post. a maximum capacity of 700 per day. We also have a 3rd quired High Flow Nasal de- The remaining 21 units “We continue to develop, im- tanks daily. party supplier that can pro- vices, which can be used in- are all used by VSMMC pa- plement, and adopt new ways “All of that supply is in- vide us additional oxygen if stead of the mechanical ven- tients, so they are purchasing to operate and many of these tended for the patients we needed,” Dr. Aquino said. tilators, for patients that have another 10 units for emer- changes have accelerated are attending to. We have ox- In a recent meeting, he difficulty in breathing. gency use. positive transformation in the ygen slots in the patient ar- said that if they have spare According to the VSM- The use of the low- delivery of quality healthcare eas,” Dr. Aquino noted in his oxygen, they could help MC chief, they had 32 units of er-priced high flow nasal service amidst this deadly vi- post on the VSMMC Face- smaller hospitals, especially these devices, which during devices is preferable to me- rus.” MEDIA OPAV PR DTI links Cebu MSMEs with consultancy services THE Department of Trade Cebu business group champions. These, in turn, Potential partners include recommendations. and Industry (DTI) launched a The program will link mi- would assist MSMEs in iden- universities for technical con- RISE was also launched program that will assist small cro, small, and medium-sized tifying their needs and provide sultancy and research links, in partnership with the Cebu businesses in Cebu through ac- enterprises (MSMEs) to part- innovative solutions to their startups for digitalization, Institute of Technology Uni- ademic partnerships. nerships and services avail- problems,” Trade Secretary government for funding and versity, Southwestern Univer- The “Resilient, Innova- able in the region. Ramon M. Lopez said during grants, and financial institu- sity PHINMA, and the Science, tive, and Sustainable Entre- “(The program) will sup- the virtual launch. tions for new capital loans. Technology, Research and preneurs (RISE)” program port our MSMEs by providing RISE will assist companies Each business recovery Innovation for Development was developed by the depart- them direct consultancy and in developing business recov- plan will be specific to the Program of the United States ment’s regional innovation guidance service from part- ery plans to mitigate the effects firms, making market-ori- Agency for International De- center in partnership with a ner universities and industry of the coronavirus pandemic. ented or technology-based velopment. BUSINESS WORLD 4 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Suppress COVID-19 photos? Many find efforts to stop ordinary citizens from taking photos of hospitals congested with Covid-19 patients both pathetic and hilarious at the same time. For instance, my sister was coming out from our small commu- nity beside the Chong Hua Hospital one day Weekly Notes when she thought of Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya taking photos the line of ambulances and private vehicles outside the private hospital’s emergency room. Suddenly, two security guards approached and tried to stop her from doing so. Though amused, she hurried towards Cybergate in Fuente Osmeña. I assume this is not an isolated incident. A friend shared that when he brought a family member to the provincial hospital in the south, the guards asked him to leave his phone. Perhaps, other readers could share sim- ilar experiences. There is this notion that sharing photos of congested hospitals in social media would cause panic. I watched an official who must not be named urging Cebuanos to refrain from taking such pictures and posting this online. It is not good for the economy, kuno. But how can one ask a Netizen not to take photos of an unusual scene of ambulances and private vehicles lin- ing up outside emergency rooms. It would be a disservice not to tell family, relatives, and friends that one would Editorial have to wait long to be accommodated. Instead, these photographs indicate that cases of Covid-19 have surged in Cebu. Contrary to the official line, Cebu officials failed miserably to manage the Covid-19 situation well. Do things right, please Wrong response A pathetic group of city officials went to the Chong When the first Covid-19 Today, they can no longer Capitol also drastical- Hua Hospital ostensibly to solve the situation. They then surge struck early last year, use the same excuse. But a ly cut medical supplies. One had their photograph posted on the Superbalita Face- pathetic officials claimed that worse surge happened. cannot even find cotton, book with a caption that boasted that there was no more Cebu was the most prepared We know there was al- decent medical gloves, and line. That noon, I found myself having lunch at a coffee to fight the pandemic. But ways the threat of a fresh medical plasters. A patient shop in Cybergate. A line of vehicles including one am- Covid-19 overwhelmed them. surge. But we rested content had to buy these first. bulance was in plain view. The last van had its back door President Rodrigo Duterte in the propaganda line that Thus, when the recent open with a patient sitting with tubes to an oxygen tank had to send Secretary Roy we managed the Covid-situa- Covid-19 surge began, the first beside him. I laughed to myself when an online friend Cimatu to put things in order tion well. We failed to prepare line of defense in the Province asked if I had an agenda in posting that photo. here. Cebu’s shortcomings espe- of Cebu collapsed. Cases had Days after, the same official led the ribbon-cutting of Then came the excuse cially our primary health care to be brought to the better a new quarantine center in Cebu City. The official thought that nobody prepared these system. hospitals in Metro Cebu. This Netizens would be thankful. Instead, he got bashed for local officials. Never mind the For instance, we have of course overwhelmed the spending time, effort, and government funds for “pa-po- best practices that we could enough time to fix the weak- big hospitals in the metro. gi.” He could just have opened the center to patients right have emulated from such nesses of our barangay health These incompetent local away. Mas pogi pa unta siya, in effect. places as Pasig, Manila, and centers and district hospitals. officials can no longer say they (Emmanuel Mongaya, co-founder and director for stra- even Iloilo. Never mind the In 2019, Capitol simply tried faced the situation for the first tegic communications of PRWorks Inc., is a member of fact that Cebu topped for a to privatize the recruit of time. We can only ask them, the Political Officers League of the Philippines or POL- while the number of Covid-19 medical personnel. This was a please do the right things this Phil. PM him @anol_cebu) cases in the country. novel strategy that failed. time around. Please lang.

“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” Atty. Gerardo Carillo Emmanuel delos Santos Rabacal Cebu Business Week is published every Chairman President week by Cebu Newsmakers Forum, Inc. All contents of this newspaper are placed online CEBU through Cebu Business Week Facebook page. Emmanuel “Anol” Mongaya Elias O. Baquero BUSINESS Editor VP-Finance email: [email protected] Keres H. Aviles Bebie Hiñola Baquero Room 310-A,3rd floor WDC Bldg. WEEK Writer Marketing Manager Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City Cebu Business Week August 2 - 8, 2021 5 OPINION Virgin Galactic to sell space flight tickets starting at $450,000 tor to fly people to space. The house gas emissions. Pichai were down 4.1per cent by abuses. (CNA) company said it will have said that Google will oper- 0950 GMT as analysts noted oOo three consumer offerings - ate using clean energy and that its growth was lagging Apple will roll out a new a single seat, a multi-seat is committed to be 24-7 car- rivals Nike and Puma, which system in the U.S. that will package and a full-flight buy bon free — that is every hour, both reported that sales near- help identify images of child out. Sales will initially open every day around the world. ly doubled in recent earnings sexual abuse through pho- BIZBITS to the company’s significant Google is also developing releases. Second-quarter tos people upload on their Manny de los Santos Rabacal list of early hand-raisers. tools to help consumers save sales at Adidas rose 52per iPhone even before it is up- (Reuters) energy. Later this year, for cent to 5.077 billion euros loaded on the iCloud, as oOo instance, the default routes (US$6 billion), while oper- technology companies face CEO Sundar Pichai is suggested by Google Maps ating profit came in at 543 increased federal pressure stressed about Google’s will be “the most eco-friend- million euros, ahead of ana- to crackdown on child sex- plan to become carbon free ly routes” whenever possible, lysts’ average forecasts. Adi- ual exploitation and abuse over the next decade. That Pichai said. An eco-friendly das raised its 2021 outlook to on their platforms. The soft- means the company aims to route suggestion is one that predict sales will grow up to ware, which will reportedly use no carbon-based energy is optimized for things like 20per cent, and net income be called the “neuralMatch” Spaceship company Vir- whatsoever by 2030. Goo- less steep roads and less traf- from continuing operations according to Business Insid- gin Galactic (SPCE.N) said gle has been carbon neutral fic congestion, so that driving will reach 1.4-1.5 billion eu- er, will compare images on a it will open ticket sales on since 2007, Pichai said. That the route would likely require ros. That compared to Pu- person’s iPhone with imag- Thursday for space flights means that though Google’s less fuel. (CNBC) ma’s forecast for sales to rise es on the U.S. law enforce- starting at $450,000 a operations still create carbon oOo at least 20per cent for 2021. ment’s child sexual abuse da- seat, weeks after billionaire emissions, the company com- Adidas felt the impact of The new Adidas outlook tabase, and if it flags enough founder Richard Branson’s pensates by doing things like a Chinese boycott of Western assumes that the sourcing child abuse images, a review high-profile trip to the edge of buying carbon offsets. With brands on its second-quar- network will be back to nor- will start. Law enforcement space. Branson soared more offsets, Google is essentially ter results on Thursday and mal by the end of Septem- will be alerted if reviewers than 50 miles above the New paying other organizations is also suffering from the ber and that the company find there is evidence the Mexico desert aboard a Vir- or projects to actually de- closure of factories in ma- will continue to see a steady photos are illegal. The system gin Galactic rocket plane on crease greenhouse gas emis- jor supplier Vietnam due to recovery in Greater China, would be able to check the July 11 and safely returned in sions in an equal amount to rising COVID-19 infections. where sales fell 16per cent photos stored on the iPhone the vehicle’s first fully crewed what Google is producing. The German sportswear in the second quarter. West- before they are uploaded to test flight to space, a symbol- Google also uses other meth- company still raised its out- ern brands including Adidas iCloud servers, according ic milestone for a venture he ods to compensate, like buy- look for full-year sales and faced online attacks in China to a report by Reuters. The started 17 years ago. Shares ing enough renewable ener- profitability as it said it has in late March over past state- story was first reported by of the company rose 5% in gy to match its annual car- seen demand recover in Chi- ments saying they would not The Financial Times. Forbes extended trading on Thurs- bon-based electricity use. By na since calls for a boycott in source cotton from Xinjiang has reached out to Apple for day. In June, Virgin Galactic 2030, however, Google aims late March, and said it hopes after reports of human rights comment. (Forbes) received approval from the to operate without using any to restore production in Viet- abuses against Uyghur Mus- mannyrabacal1144@ U.S. aviation safety regula- energy that produces green- nam soon. But Adidas shares lims. Beijing denies any such gmail.com

IN MEMORIAM! By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO Prominent lawyer and Engr. Pablo Oaminal. time. He knew all the ing Center-Visayas where he newspaper columnist Atty. “He will be deeply streets, sitios, baran- became the darling of police Clarence Paul dela Victoria missed by his family, gays, municipalities, officers. Oaminal had succumbed to friends, and all who component cities and I invited Oaminal and Bronchial Asthma in Acute knew him,” read the urban cities in Cebu, campaigned hard for him Exacerbation on August 4, statement, dated Au- and almost all places to become one of Cebu 2021. gust 5, 2021. in the Philippines. He Newscoop directors until at In an official statement I invited Oaminal, also knew all the poli- the time of his death. of the Oaminal Family, the an anti-illegal drug ticians in the country, I invited Oaminal to be an lawyer’s remains were cre- crusader, to join the particularly in Cebu, alternate host of 888 News mated according to his fam- Cebu media about for the past century. Forum together with an ily’s wishes. In keeping with 22 years ago. He Oaminal had au- equally tri-media personal- current public health proto- first joined my Yag- thored several law ity, Arthur R. Barrit. I was cols, the family did not hold yagan program over books, and he had 888 News Forum’s Overall a wake, but they will, how- DYDD-Bantay Radyo been a well-respected Coordinator and became its ever, announce a memorial in 1999. And for sev- colleague by his fel- regular host after the death service on a later date. eral straight months, lows in the legal pro- of Ricky Rama Poca. Atty. Oaminal is survived he was known to the fession. He was one of I invited Oaminal to join by his wife, Daisy; daughter, Cebu community and the best legal minds. me when I partly managed Ona; mother, Daisy; sisters, the media. He later Oaminal was the DYRC radio, and he was Manang Udo, Daryl, Anna joined as columnist of Cebu Legal vice chairman of the my program buddy until his and Debbie; nephews, Deini- The Freeman. Dangerous Drugs death. ol, Drake and Nathan; neice, For me, Oami- Pedia Board (DDB). He was Goodbye, my best friend, Dia; and brothers-in-law, nal, my best friend, also a professor of the Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oam- Danny, Chris and Jerry. He was the best walking Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal Philippine National inal. May God give you eter- is predeceased by his father, encyclopedia in his Police (PNP) Train- nal rest. 6 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Delta Variant under strict restrictions. AY.1, is considered a “subva- At the same time, jump in cases, particularly in What is the Delta vari- riant” of the Delta version, ac- COVID-19 patients in the Midwest and Southern states ant? cording to CBS News. It has a U.K. have reported that some such as Missouri and Arkan- The Delta variant, also mutation that allows the virus symptoms are slightly differ- sas. Outbreaks have also been known as B.1.617.2, can to better attack lung cells and ent for Delta, according to found in Mountain states, spread more easily, accord- potentially escape vaccines. data from the ZOE COVID such as Wyoming. ing to the CDC. The strain Where did the Delta vari- Symptom Study. Cough and Kids and younger adults has mutations on the spike ant come from? loss of smell seem to be less who haven’t been vaccinated protein that make it easier for The Delta variant was common. Headache, sore may be susceptible as well. In it to infect human cells. That first identified in India in De- throat, runny nose, and fever the U.K., children and unvac- The Legal Front means people may be more cember 2020 and led to ma- seem to be more common. cinated adults under age 50 Atty. Gerry Carillo contagious if they contract the jor outbreaks in the country. Is the Delta variant more were 2.5 times more likely to virus and more easily spread It then spread rapidly and is deadly? become infected with Delta, it to others. It is now the dom- now reported in 104 coun- Scientists are still track- according to a recent study inant strain in the U.S. tries, according to a CDC ing the data to determine how published by Imperial College Public health experts esti- tracker. deadly it is. Based on hospi- London. The COVID 19 Delta vari- mate that the average person As of early July, Delta has talizations in the U.K., the What does the Delta vari- ant spreads like wildfire. We who gets infected with Del- become the dominant form of Delta variant does seem to be ant mean for the vacci- have seen how the health ta spreads it to three or four the coronavirus in the U.S., more likely to lead to hospi- nated? system of our neighboring other people, as compared U.K., Germany, and other talization and death, partic- Scientists are looking at countries got crushed as pan- with one or two other people countries. In the U.K., for in- ularly among unvaccinated how the Delta variant can ic reigned in combating the through the original corona- stance, the Delta variant now people, according to a recent cause breakthrough cases, or virus. Countries like Indo- virus strain, according to Yale makes up more than 97% of study published in The Lan- infections among people who nesia, Bangladesh and Ma- Medicine. The Delta variant new COVID-19 cases, accord- cet. are fully vaccinated. So far, laysia, Australia have their may also be able to escape ing to Public Health England. What does the Delta vari- they seem to be rare. health system collapsed. protection from vaccines and What are the symptoms ant mean for the unvacci- A s the number of infections Recently, health officials some COVID-19 treatments, of the Delta variant? nated? in the city rise, it is important already admitted the pres- though studies are still ongo- The symptoms are sim- People who haven’t been that we should strictly main- ence of Delta variant in the ing. ilar to those seen with the fully vaccinated against tain our health protocol and Cebu prompting IATF to de- What is the Delta Plus original coronavirus strain COVID-19 are most at risk, drink a lot of vitamins and clare the entire island under variant? and other variants, including Yale Medicine reported. In the do some exercise to stay fit. the MECQ. But later, the The Delta Plus variant, a persistent cough, headache, U.S., communities with low Write us at carillogerry@ province was declared GCQ also known as B.1.617.2.1 or fever, and sore throat. vaccination rates have seen a yahoo.com.ph

Widespread labor violations in the country’s EPZs alarming worldwide is growing fast. the Associated Labor Unions Thus, numerous multina- and organizers are dismissed From 47 countries in 1986, (ALU), an affiliate of the tional companies in the Mac- and discriminated against and 130 two decades later Trade Union Congress of the tan EPZ, such as; Cebu Nisico and blacklisted by other com- the number of countries with Philippines (TUCP) point to Corporation, Yuenthai Phil- panies. Workers are often EPZs, then during the same these zones as separate prov- ippines Inc, Feeder Apparel prevented from meeting each period it increased to 176 and ince or an island, outside the Corp., Mactan Apparels Inc., other except on the job, stated now it ballooned to 3,500 scope of traditional industrial and Metro Wear Incorporat- the ITUC report. EPZs globally. relations. ed to name a few are firms Apparently, labor law ap- The Labor Front Towards the growth of The duo in the course of where violations of the right plies in EPZs but in practice Art Barrit the EPZs, trade unions in the their union activities and or- to organize, depriving work- “the ‘no union, no strike’ poli- country endeavor to orga- ganizing drive inside the EPZs ers of trade union protection, cies exist and are enforced by nize labor unions to make the during the past years saw and non-compliance with labor foreign investors, local gov- working and living conditions encountered different sce- and social protection were re- ernment officials and zone of the workers in these zones narios. Workers involved in portedly uncovered. administrators. Workers in observe and implement core union activity face intimida- A compendium, “Annual the zones are being employed labor standards. Recognized tion tactics by management, Survey of Violation of Trade on short term contracts. It norms that are enshrined in including physical assault by Union Rights” made by the In- allows employers to subcon- the ILO’s international labor security guards. Employees ternational Confederation of tract staff while evading their standards. attempting to organize are in- Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), obligations to the employees”. Widespread decent work This means that basic timated by threats of firing or the forerunner of the Inter- Commenting on the tacit deficits in the country’s ex- rights like the respect for free- company closure. national Trade Union Con- ‘no union, no strike’ guidance port processing zones (EPZs) dom of association and collec- Through efforts to orga- federation (ITUC) on EPZs in the EPZs, the ITUC has where foreign investors locate tive bargaining, non-discrim- nize EPZ workers who are spread across the Philippines some observations, stating has become an issue of con- ination, the rights of workers systematically denied the has revealed that union bust- among others, that although cern by trade unions because to occupational safety and right to organize, both Arcipe ing takes many forms, like the law provides in theory more often than not, workers health, workers’ rights with and Arnejo have the pains- intimidation of the workforce for freedom of association, are denied to organize unions. family responsibilities and so taking endurance to meet si- as well as threats of dismissal in practice inadequate labor Reports from the Inter- on are respected in the EPZs. lently workers in often heav- and company closures. inspection and non-enforce- national Labor Organiza- But for Arnold Arcipe and ily guarded and fenced work- Companies often leave ment of the law restrict and tion (ILO) showed that the Neil Arnejo, both longtime places to inform workers of the zones rather than allow discourage trade union activi- phenomenal growth of EPZs organizers and officers of the Constitutional rights. unions. Trade union leaders ties. Cebu Business Week August 2 - 8, 2021 7 BUSINESS Coco levy trust fund to support farmers THE coco levy trust fund mittee (TFMC) chaired by is a “powerful instrument” Dominguez is mandated un- that will reinvent the coconut der the law to oversee the industry and ensure support management and use of the for farmers amid the con- coco levy funds, the cash as- tinuing decline of copra pric- sets now amount to around es in the global market. PHP76 billion. Finance Secretary Car- Under the Coco Levy los Dominguez III said while Trust Fund Law, the Land several measures have been Bank of the Philippines implemented in the past to (LandBank), and the Devel- address the impact of the opment Bank of the Philip- steady drop in the prices of pines (DBP) are the entities copra and coconut oil, “there tasked to implement the is perhaps no greater reform credit programs using cap- accomplished other than the ital from the coco levy fund enactment of the Coco Levy to support technology trans- Trust Fund Law this year.” fers, fertilization and inter- President Rodrigo Dute- cropping as well as the man- rte signed Republic Act (RA) ufacture of high-value prod- No. 11524 or the Coconut the coconut farmers. farmers,” Dominguez, a for- tional Coconut Week orga- ucts, such as coco sugar, coco Farmers and Industry Trust “With the Coco Levy mer Agriculture secretary, nized by the Philippine Co- water and furniture. Fund (CFITF) Act into law in Trust Fund Law in place, said in his message at the conut Authority (PCA) under “We expect our state February, marking the fulfill- we now have a powerful in- virtual Coconut Investment the leadership of administra- banks’ credit support pro- ment of his promise to return strument to revitalize and Forum held Wednesday. tor Benjamin Madrigal Jr. grams to substantially grow the coco levy funds to their reinvent the coconut indus- The event marked the The multi-agency Trust in the coming period,” true and rightful owners -- try and support our coconut celebration of the 35th Na- Fund Management Com- Dominguez said. PR Inflation expected to drop to 2.4 % towards year-end THE Bangko Sentral ng by end of “The both demand and inflation,” Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday the year as uptick said the BSP. that inflation is behaving as the impact in inter- The central bank’s Mon- expected and is still seen to of govern- national etary Board will meet next drop within the two-four per- ment sup- commod- week, August 12, for its pol- cent target by the end of 2021. ply-side ity prices icy meeting review. BSP Governor Benjamin measures due to sup- During the Monetary E. Diokno said the latest July take ef- ply-chain Board’s fourth policy meet- inflation of four percent, low- fect.” bottle- ing, the BSP revised its infla- er than 4.1 percent in June, For necks and tion forecast for 2021 to four was within the BSP’s 3.9 per- now, the the recov- percent from its previous cent to 4.7 percent forecast BSP con- ery in glob- (May 13) projection of 3.9 for the month of July. tinue to as- al demand percent. Diokno, said the July sess as well could lend For 2022, the forecast rate is “consistent with the that infla- upside is three percent, also higher BSP’s assessment that infla- tion is projected to “remain to ease supply constraints pressures on inflation. On than earlier estimate of 2.9 tion could settle close to the firmly within the midpoint of remain crucial in tempering the other hand, the emer- percent. For the first time, high-end of the target range the target for 2022 to 2023.” inflation pressures,” said the gence of new coronavirus the BSP announced a 2023 of two-four percent over the “The continued im- BSP, adding that the balance variants and delays in easing inflation projection of three near term before decelerat- plementation of direct of risks is still broadly bal- lockdown measures are seen percent last June 24. THE ing back to within the target non-monetary interventions anced. to pose downside risks to MANILA BULLETIN OFBank exempted from remitting 2016 earnings to gov’t OVERSEAS Filipino the National Government President may adjust this, lations, as well as support the This means overseas Bank (OFBank) is no longer for CY [calendar year] 2016 upon recommendation of the Bank’s short- and long-term Filipino workers (OFWs) in required to remit its 2016 is adjusted from fifty percent Finance Secretary, according plans and programs for Fili- covered countries, including earnings to the national gov- (50%) of its annual net earn- to Duterte. pinos overseas, in the inter- top destinations Saudi Ara- ernment. ings to 0%.” Duterte said Finance est of national economy and bia, United Arab Emirates President Rodrigo Dute- A law requires all gov- Secretary Carlos Dominguez general welfare.” (UAE), Singapore, Hong rte signed on Thursday Ex- ernment corporations to re- III recommended this “in The Landbank of the Kong, Qatar, Kuwait, Tai- ecutive Order 146, declaring mit at least half of the annual order to support the capital Philippines in July said OF- wan, Italy, Bahrain, and Ma- that, “the percentage of net net earnings as cash, stock position of the OFBank and Bank, its all-digital unit, laysia can do their banking earnings to be declared and or property dividends to the allow it to comply with Bang- was serving clients from 113 online, the Landbank said in remitted by the OFBank to national government. The ko Sentral ng Pilipinas regu- countries and territories. a statement. ABS-CBN 8 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS Non-vaccination not basis for termination THE Department of everyone. They should be le- Labor and Employment nient considering their em- (DOLE) said employees can- ployees remain unvaccinated not be terminated from their not out of choice or refusal,” jobs just because they are un- she said. vaccinated. Belmonte’s statement “Any employee who came after people rushed to chooses not to get vaccinated several vaccination sites af- or fails to get vaccinated shall ter some employers allegedly not be discriminated against issued statements that un- in terms of employment,” vaccinated employees can no DOLE said in a statement longer report to work. released Thursday on social She added such orders media. put an unnecessary burden The statement added on workers who are already that vaccine cards should not stressed due to the pandemic. be considered an addition- Belmonte said more al requirement for employ- workers would be inoculated ment. as soon as vaccines become DOLE assistant secre- available. tary Dominique Tutay said from their jobs,” she stressed. from. understand that the delay Deputy Chief of the Na- in a briefing that employers Tutay said they have re- In a separate statement, in the vaccination of their tional Task Force Against can encourage workers to get ceived reports of workers be- Quezon City Mayor Joy Bel- employees had been due to COVID-19 Secretary Vince vaccinated because it would ing fired because they have monte condemned such the insufficient vaccine sup- Dizon said 10 million Filipi- give them added protection. not been inoculated, though practices as discriminatory ply and sporadic delivery nos are now fully vaccinat- “But this is not a reason he did not give details on against workers. to LGUs thereby making it ed against COVID-19. CNN for them to be terminated where the information came “The employers have to impossible to accommodate Philippines PH manufacturing speeds up in June THE Philippines’ man- the volume of production of Production Index (VaPI) “On the other hand, the (83.0 percent), manufacture ufacturing output increased for the manufacturing sec- inched up by 439.6 percent remaining three industry di- of other nonmetallic miner- at a quicker rate in June, ac- tor in June 2021 was due in June, quicker than 248.1 visions were at a downward al products (78.7 percent) cording to preliminary data to the improvements in 19 percent in May and revers- trend, which was led by the and manufacture of tobacco provided by the Philippine out of 22 industry divisions. ing an 81.7-percent decline a manufacture of tobacco products (76.2 percent). Statistics Authority (PSA) on The fastest growth rate was year earlier. products with a -65.1-per- Missi monitors the pro- Friday. registered in the manufac- “The expansion in VaPI cent annual growth rate.” duction, net sales, invento- Results of the statistics ture of coke and refined pe- for the manufacturing sector The PSA said the av- ries and capacity utilization agency’s latest Monthly In- troleum products at 2,932.2 in June 2021 was contribut- erage capacity utilization of selected manufacturing tegrated Survey of Selected percent,” the PSA empha- ed by the increases in 19 of rate for the sector improved establishments to provide Industries (Missi) showed sized in a statement. the 22 industry divisions that marginally to 67.7 percent in flash indicators on the in- the country’s Volume of “On the contrary, the registered positive annual June from 66.6 percent the dustry’s performance. Production Index (VoPI) ex- remaining three industry growth rates. Among these, previous month based on The poll results were panded by 453.1 percent in divisions recorded decreas- the top contributor was the the responding firms. consistent with the latest June 2021, faster than the es with the manufacture of manufacture of coke and re- Eighteen of the 22 indus- Philippine Manufacturing 263.2-percent growth in May tobacco products registering fined petroleum products try divisions had an average Purchasing Managers Index, and erasing the 80.6-percent the fastest annual decline of with a 3,230.0-percent an- capacity utilization rate of which jumped to 50.8 in contraction a year before. -65.2 percent.” nual growth rate,” the PSA at least 50 percent, led by June from 49.9 in May. THE “The growth noted in Meanwhile, the Value also pointed out. manufacture of furniture MANILA TIMES DA-BFAR to streamline issuance of food passes to fish suppliers, producers THE Department of Ag- food pass(es) and make the Food passes are vehicu- DA-BFAR said its techni- other areas. riculture’s Bureau of Fish- process more efficient and lar passes issued by the ag- cal unit Fisheries Inspection On Friday, the agency eries and Aquatic Resources accessible to fish producers riculture department for the and Quarantine Division is also assured the public of (DA-BFAR) said on Friday and suppliers,” it said in a entry and exit of food and charged with issuing new food “unhampered and sufficient that it will expedite the is- statement. agri-fishery products within passes. Suppliers interested supply of fishery products” suance of food passes to fish “We are mobilizing its quarantine areas in Luzon. in securing a pass can contact after the government placed suppliers and producers as fishery law enforcers on the These are granted to quali- the mobile no. 09363213401 the National Capital Region it assured the public of “un- ground with a directive to fied food suppliers, delivery or send an email to fiqd.ltp- and other areas under vary- hampered” delivery of food coordinate with other con- truckers and logistics pro- [email protected]. ing levels of lockdown to pre- products amid the lockdown. cerned government agencies viders with valid business Meanwhile, holders of vent the spread of the more “The DA-BFAR has in ensuring the smooth im- permits, and are passing valid food passes can use transmissible Delta variant directed its workforce to plementation of food pass,” through Metro Manila and them to transport products of the coronavirus. BUSI- streamline the issuance of the bureau added. other areas under lockdown. to markets in the capital and NESS WORLD Cebu Business Week August 2 - 8, 2021 9 CEBU CITY PAGE Beat Delta variant thru health protocols, vaccines CEBU City residents can sired population protection contribute to addressing the of 70 percent before yearend spike of coronavirus disease through the ongoing vacci- 2019 (Covid-19) by observ- nation rollout in five differ- ing the minimum health ent sites here. protocols even in their The sites are in the homes and get vaccinated as (UC) soon as possible. Banilad, Robinsons Galleria, Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, Cebu SM Seaside, UC Senior High City Health Department School Private Campus, head, said in a radio inter- New Normal Oasis for Ad- view, that although there aptation and a Home (Noah) are no additional confirmed Complex, and in Ayala Cen- cases of Delta variant in this ter Cebu. capital city, residents are Ibones said the city is still advised to be vigilant. administering three brands “In this surge of Covid-19 of Covid-19 vaccines, in- cases, we can surmise that cluding Pfizer, Sinovac, and it is being caused by Del- Johnson & Johnson. ta variant. It’s a possibility ing infected with the virus. cases as 217 new infections ty to be inoculated now that The city government because the transmission is The Department of were reported on Thursday, the city has received enough is still waiting for another very fast,” he said, stressing Health (DOH)-Region 7 bul- with 96 new recoveries and vaccine doses from the na- round of Sputnik V supply that even without the Delta letin said the city has now a six additional deaths. tional government. for the second jab of those variant, the people must not total of 3,201 active corona- Ibones said the people He urged residents to who received this vaccine be complacent to avoid be- virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) should grab the opportuni- help the city reach its de- brand in their first dose.PNA Cebu City holds dry run of house-to-house vax campaign THE Cebu City Govern- Mobile vaccination will government agencies. ment held a dry run of its also be conducted for per- Six existing vaccination house-to-house Covid-19 vac- sons deprived of liberty at the sites are located at University cination campaign on Friday, Cebu City Jail. The guidelines of Cebu (UC) Banilad, Robin- Aug. 6, 2021. for this method will still have sons Galleria, SM Seaside, UC Vaccinations were ad- to be finalized. Senior High School Private ministered to residents of a These are among the vac- Campus, Noah Complex and home for the aged in Baran- cination campaigns that the . gay San Jose and members of City Government is planning As of Aug. 6, the City Gov- two households. in order to speed up inocula- ernment has administered Acting Cebu City Mayor tions against coronavirus dis- a total of 218,754 doses to Michael Rama said this cam- ease 2019 (Covid-19). 127,798 individuals, of whom paign targets individual who Others are a drive 90,956 have been fully vacci- are bedridden and those who through facility at the New nated. have difficulty walking. Normal Oasis for Adaptation A total of 466,069 indi- However, Rama said the and a Home (Noah) Complex, viduals have registered with Vaccine Advisory Board still and installing 21 satellite vac- the City’s vaccination pro- DRY RUN. A RESIDENT OF AHOME FOR THE AGED IN BARANGAY must assess the dry run. cination sites in hospitals and gram. CEBU CITY PIO SAN JOSE GETTING VACCINATED Free bus rides in Cebu City STARTING Monday, Au- modified enhanced commu- Hall) Kilat St. - Colon - Gaisano Junquera St. - Colon - City gust 9, 2021, free bus ride nity quarantine (MECQ) in * Cogon Pardo to City Metro - City Hall) Hall services will be provided by the Cebu City. Hall (Cogon Pardo - Tagu- * Busay to Cebu City Hall * Lahug to City Hall (La- the Cebu City Government. The routes of the buses nol - C. Padilla - Colon - City (Busay - Escario - Capitol Site hug - Capitol Site - Escario - Cebu City Councilor include: Hall) - Fuente Osmeña - City Hall) City Hall) James Anthony Cuenco, * Bulacao to Cebu City * Inayawan to City Hall * Banawa to City Hall * Talamban to City Hall committee on transportation Hall (Bulacao - N. Bacalso (Tagunol - Inayawan - SRP - (Banawa - M. Velez - Capitol (Talamban - Bacayan - Pit-os chairman, said 18 City Hall- Ave. - P. Del Rosario Street - City Hall) - Osmeña Blvd. - Santo Niño - Bantal Road - Gorordo - MJ owned buses will be deployed Day-as - City Hall) * Labangon to City Hall - City Hall) Cuenco - City Hall) in 14 routes in the city. * Talisay City to Cebu City (Labangon - Tisa - Punta * Mabolo to City Hall * Talamban to City Cuenco said the bus- Hall (via South Road Proper- Princesa - Shopwise - N. Ba- (Panagdait - Pope John Hall (Tintay - A.S. Fortuna es will start plying the city ties) calso Ave. - P. Del Rosario St. Paul - Mabolo Church - M.J. (Mandaue) -Park Mall - SM streets from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. * Basak Pardo to Cebu - Colon - City Hall) Cuenco - Cebu Technological City - S. Osmeña - Plaza In- and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The City Hall (Basak Pardo - N. * Guadalupe to City Hall University - City Hall) dependencia - City Hall). free bus rides will continue Bacalso Ave. - P. Del Rosario (Guadalupe - V. Rama - Cebu * Lahug to Cebu City Hall CEBU CITY COMMITTEE ON for the whole duration of the St. - Junquera - Colon - City City Medical Center - Leon (Lahug - Gorordo - Ramos - TRANSPORTATION 10 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week CEBU CITY PAGE CCPO probes medical oxygen hoarding THE local police are sonnel. now investigating reports Bernadas said the use of of hoarding medical oxygen oxygen as a therapeutic mo- tanks amid a surge in cases dality must only be limited of coronavirus disease 2019 in the hospital so that the pa- (Covid-19) here. tients are closely monitored Col. Josefino Ligan, Cebu by trained healthcare work- City Police Office (CCPO) -di ers. rector, said they have already “The inappropriate use started investigating the re- of medical grade oxygen ported oxygen tank hoard- without medical supervision ing especially since there is can lead to oxygen toxicity a complaint regarding the due to breathing in too much matter. or unregulated amount of He, however, clarified oxygen. This leads to trau- that even without a com- ma of the lung tissue. For an plainant and since the report individual whose lungs are on alleged hoarding circulat- already inflamed due to the ed in the media, “we really SARS-CoV2 virus infection, want to investigate and real- unsupervised oxygen thera- ly identify those who exploit py can lead to more damage and take advantage of the sit- and even death,” Bernadas uation.” said. He noted that local health CCPO deputy director for “They suppliers assured rector Dr. Jaime Bernadas He discouraged the pub- authorities have considered operations, said in a press of sufficient supply of oxy- said medical grade oxygen lic from purchasing medical oxygen as essential necessity conference Thursday they gen. But we will find these is essential in the manage- grade oxygen for home use in hospitals now that medical have identified medical oxy- individuals who are out to ment of severe and critical and those who are suspect- front-liners are fighting -an gen suppliers in Cebu as they sabotage the supply chain Covid-19 infection and relat- ed of having contracted with other surge in Covid-19 cases attended a meeting called by by stockpiling or hoarding of ed complications. coronavirus but without in Cebu and the rest of the this city’s Emergency Opera- oxygen,” Parilla said. However, he said it must symptoms at all are advised Central Visayas region. tions Center (EOC) on Tues- In an advisory, Depart- be used under the supervi- to seek immediate medical Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, day. ment of Health (DOH)-7 di- sion of trained hospital per- attention. PNA Don’t disburse without Rama’s approval, treasurer told Cebu City Acting Mayor couple of days acting mayor. plemental budget, P1.5 bil- that are suitable for Cebu Collin Russel, a Cebu City Michael “Mike” Rama has Now I call myself extended lion of it is for medical ser- City residents. Government consultant, is ordered the city treasurer to acting mayor,” Rama said. vices, and the completion of According to Rama, he now the third nominee of refrain from disbursing any The acting mayor said the Cebu City Medical Cen- will also give focus on the the MARINO Party-List, government funds, not even that once the budget is ap- ter building. stimulus package, within replacing former congress- one peso, without his con- proved by the City Council, Rama said there is about the domain of the Cebu City man Pastor Alcover Jr. who sent and approval. it should not be disbursed P100 million of the P4.4 bil- risk management office. is determined to run for “That is my marching while the mayor is blind lion supplemental budget to “I’ve already talked with Cebu City North District order. I will call for a meet- about it. purchase food packs and Atty. Gerry Carillo, the risk Councilor. ing with the city treasurer “So, my marching or- rice for food assistance to management office head, Rama said Alcover is the soonest possible time. der is that every single the people. that nobody is allowed to still busy promoting MA- I am the acting mayor. disbursement, I should be Rama said he will also disburse that money with- RINO Party-List but it is The mayor has not report- made to know,” Rama said. look into the budget for live- out my authority. I am the already settled that he is to ed back to work yet. I have Recently, the Cebu City lihood, and possible tie-up acting mayor and that is be part of the council team been 21 days acting mayor. Council has approved the with people in Cebu Prov- part of my responsibility of Partido Barug. ELIAS O. One week acting mayor. A amount of P4.4 billion sup- ince, especially on products On the other hand, Atty. BAQUERO MCWD project to solve lack of water in Busay: Sanchez The lack of water in sev- “Yody” Sanchez has thanked Office (MILO) in Busay, said dream of the Busaynons to mountain barangays of Cebu eral parts of Barangay Busay, MCWD Chairman Joey Da- MCWD has already started have sustainable potable wa- City to provide not only sus- Cebu City will soon be solved luz, Major- the pipe-laying from Lusaran ter in every home. And now, tainable water but affordable by piping water from a dam ity Floor Leader Raymond Al- to Busay which has a distance it’s nearing fulfillment. I hope water to the residents. in Lusaran through the Met- vin Garcia, Cebu City Mayor of about 30 kilometers. The there’s no obstacle for the On the other hand, Garcia ropolitan Cebu Water District Edgardo C. Labella and Cebu large piping started at Sitio success of this project,” San- said the Cebu City Government (MCWD). City Acting Mayor Michael Maaslom in Busay, heading chez said. is supporting whatever good Former Busay Barangay “Mike” Rama. to mountain barangays of For his part, Daluz said projects MCWD is undertaking Captain and now Busay Ba- Sanchez, head of the Cebu City. that they are now utilizing all that could improve the life of rangay Councilor Eleodoro Mayor’s Information Liaison “It’s been a long-time possible water sources in the the people. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week August 2 - 8, 2021 11 BOHOL NEWS Bohol closes its borders for 2 weeks AMID the threat of the For APORs extending Delta variant of the coronavi- their stay beyond five days, rus disease (COVID-19), the another round of swab test province of Bohol will close will be performed, and they its borders to inbound travel- will be subjected to quarantine ers for two weeks. while waiting for the results. In his Executive Order On the other hand, OFWs No. 37, Gov. Arthur Yap or- will be placed under quar- dered the suspension of do- antine for five days and then mestic travel via air and sea undergo another swab test to the province from Aug. 6 to before being allowed to join 20. their respective families and Based on the signed or- the community. der, Bohol will still allow the The 14-day suspension of entry of Authorized Persons inbound travel to Bohol will Outside Residence (APOR) give the local government and returning Overseas Fili- units time to drive an aggres- pino Workers (OFW). sive program to vaccinate the All APORs and OFWs senior citizens and those with need to submit a negative comorbidities and support polymerase chain reaction the OFWs who need to be de- test result taken 72 hours pri- ployed abroad quickly. or to arrival in Bohol. To date, there are 10,085 APORs entering the prov- COVID-19 infections record- ince are not allowed to go ed in the province with 822 outside their respective work active cases, 9,050 recov- bubble and will be allowed to eries, and 213 deaths. ECB/ stay here for five days. PANGLAO-BOHOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PIA7 BOHOL 3 Cabinet secretaries assure Yap of more vaccines BOHOL Governor Art Yap forts of the prov- Agency Task Force 40K project of the Provincial was able to secure addition- ince especially to (IATF) due to the Government of Bohol (PGBh) al vaccines for Bohol through the A4 category. continuous follow which targets to inoculate ad- the assurance from Sec. Carli- It was Bohol ups made by Gov. ditional 40, 000 Boholanos to Galvez Jr, Sec. Berna Puyat that started the Yap to Puyat’s of- for the month of August. and Sec. Vince Dizon. inoculation of A4 fice. Yap thanked Puyat, Di- Puyat and Dizon will category especially Yap, him- zon, and Galvez for their bring 7,500 vaccine doses--- the tourism front- self arranged the untiring support to Bohol’s about 5,000 doses Sinovac liners as Puyat per- meeting with the vaccination programs, which vax and 2,500 doses Moder- sonally requested said Cabinet sec- ensure the safety and protec- na jabs. They will personally the vaccines from retaries, in rela- tion of the Boholanos. BOHOL oversee the vaccination ef- the National Inter tion to the Bakuna DAILY TRIBUNE CDA conducts seminar for Boholano coop THE Circulo Boholano The new CBCCC Board ted as member of the con- the government is increased Sapong said the creation de Cebu Consumers Coop- elected Baquero as chair- sumers’ cooperative without food production against of the consumers’ cooperative erative (CBCCC) has been man, and Sapong, the presi- being a member of CBCUCI. health pandemic,” Diputado is to provide both Boholano finally given the Pre-Regis- dent of the Circulo Boholano However, any membership said. and Cebuano communities tration Seminar (PRS) by the de Cebu United Communi- by any CBCUCI member An initial survey of an in Cebu access to their daily Cooperative Development ties Inc. (CBCUCI) as vice should be voluntary, and not independent group revealed needs especially at this time Authority (CDA) last July 30, chairman. mandatory. that there are about more of Covid-19 pandemic. 2021. Elected as chair of the Atty. Salvador “Salva” than 200,000 Boholanos He said any member of During the PRS, the at- Election Committee was Ar- Diputado, director of the in Cebu either as members the consumers’ cooperative tendees immediately elect- nel Pahang, Michel Limbago Department of Agriculture of the academe, hospital who has no money for their ed members of the CBCCC was elected as chair of the (DA) 7, and a Boholano, has workers, priests, business- family at a certain time can Board the regulatory body Audit Committee. welcomed the creation of the men, workers, students, get it through installment at of the new consumers’ co- In a virtual meeting of consumers’ cooperative. plain housewives, vendors, affordable prices. operative. They are: Elias CBCCUI last August 7, 2021, “Please send me a letter government employees and While CBCCC is regis- O. Baquero, Christopher the group agreed to follow for DA to determine what officials, food manufactur- tered with the CDA, CBCUCI “Boyet” Sapong, Mercedes the CDA 7 that it is associa- intervention we can pro- ers, technocrats, customs is registered with the Securi- Yamit, Paul M. Lumacang tional. This means that no vide to this new cooperative brokers, truckers, and many ties and Exchange Commis- and Lamberth Casul. Boholano should be admit- especially that the trend of more. sion (SEC). 12 August 2 - 8, 2021 Cebu Business Week WORLD NEWS Economic challenges await Biden and the Fed this fall THE U.S. economy is On Thursday, Biden asked heading toward an increasing- states to use money from the ly uncertain autumn as a surge March stimulus package to pay in the Delta variant of the $100 to every newly vaccinated coronavirus coincides with the person and said the govern- expiration of expanded unem- ment would reimburse em- ployment benefits for millions ployers who gave workers time of people, complicating what off to be vaccinated or take oth- was supposed to be a return to ers to get shots. normal as a wave of workers The Fed is taking an op- reentered the labor market. timistic but wait-and-see ap- The widespread availabil- proach. Central bankers voted ity of COVID-19 vaccines, the at their July meeting to leave reopening of schools and the emergency support in place expiration of enhanced job- for now. They gave no precise less benefits have been seen as date for when they may begin a potent cocktail that should to reduce their help for the prod workers off the sidelines economy, although they are and into the millions of jobs beginning to draw up a plan for that employers say they are paring back support. having trouble filling. Biden told a CNN forum Federal lawmakers are with unused unemployment for a scheduled August recess. new “lockdowns, shutdowns, in Ohio on July 21 that he still also planning to repurpose benefits and airline aid. It Officials say the $1.9 tril- school closures and disrup- sees no evidence that the sup- more than $200 billion worth would also claw back unspent lion economic aid package that tions” like last year’s. plemental benefits have had a of COVID relief to help pay funds from some expired Biden signed in March — and “We are not going back to “serious impact” on hiring. But for a $1 trillion infrastructure small-business programs to that caused forecasters to lift that,” he said last week. even if they had, he said, they plan. help offset the plan’s $550 their estimates for growth this White House advisers would soon run their course. An infrastructure bill billion in new spending. year — has given the economy say the most important thing “We’re ending all those moving through the Senate Democratic leaders have enough cushion to endure an- Biden can do for the economy things that are the things keep- would rescind previously al- been adamant that the Senate other surge from the virus. is to continue making the case ing people back from going located virus funds for col- will vote on the infrastructure Biden has also vowed for more people to get vacci- back to work,” he said. THE leges and universities along bill before leaving Washington that the virus will not lead to nated. ECONOMIC TIMES Rihanna richest woman in music industry THE Barbados-born pop The Barbados-born pany, of which LVMH owns star Rihanna derives an esti- singer, whose birth name is the other half, is known for mated $1.4 billion of her for- Robyn Fenty, derives an esti- its broad range of 50 skin tune from her 50% stake in mated $1.4 billion of her for- tones, including dark shades the Fenty Beauty cosmetics tune from her 50% stake in for women of color, which line, the Fenty Beauty cosmetics were rare when it launched Singer Rihanna’s net line, Forbes reported. in 2017. This made it a leader worth is estimated at $1.7 The rest of Rihanna’s in inclusivity in the industry. billion, making her the rich- wealth comes from her share The singer of ‘Umbrella’ est woman musician in the of the Savage x Fenty linge- and ‘Love the Way You Lie’ world, but her music is not rie company and her income ranks second behind Oprah the primary source of her as a singer and actress, the as the richest female enter- wealth, Forbes magazine magazine said. tainer, Forbes said. BUSI- said on Wednesday. Rihanna’s beauty com- NESS TODAY Snickers Spain pulls TV advert after homophobia accusation SNICKERS in Spain has apologized for any “misun- Spain’s equality minister, gy,” she wrote on Twitter. paign, the aim was to convey pulled a controversial TV derstanding that may have Irene Montero, also joined the “Our society is diverse in a friendly and casual way advert that was heavily criti- been caused” by the film. criticism. and tolerant. Hopefully those that hunger can change your cized for being homophobic. The advert unleashed a “I wonder to whom it who have the power to make character,” it said in a state- The 20-second commer- wave of accusations on social might seem like a good idea decisions about what we see ment posted online. cial shows Spanish influencer media that the brand was in- to use homophobia and hear in commercials “At no time has it been in- Aless Gibaja transform into a sulting gay men. as a business and TV shows will learn to tended to stigmatize or offend bearded man with a low voice “It is shameful and regret- strate- be too.” any person or group.” after eating a Snickers ice table that at this point there are On Thursday, Snick- A spokesperson for parent cream. companies that continue to ers Spain said it was delet- company Mars Wrigley said The video went viral this perpetuate stereotypes and ing the advert and apologized the firm wholeheartedly apol- week, with some calling for a promote homophobia,” the for “any misunderstanding” it ogized for any harm caused by boycott of Snickers. State Federation of Lesbians, may have caused. the advert and recognized that The chocolate brand has Gays and Bisexuals tweeted. “In this specific cam- it “got it wrong.” BBC