“Radiating positivity, creating connectivity” BUSINESS Room 310-A, 3rd floor WDC Bldg. Osmeña Blvd., You may visit Cebu Business Week WEEK Facebook page. March 8 - 14, 2021 Volume 3, Series 77 www.cebubusinessweek.com 12 PAGES P15.00 ECONOMY LEAPS WITH TOURISM mayor supports governor’s push to open resorts BARILI, Cebu Municipal construct the modern pub- By: ELIAS O. BAQUERO by Rep. Pablo John Garcia. one Municipal Trial Court Mayor Julito “Julie” Flores lic market within one year,” We have another P20 mil- (MTC) which are presently said the economy of his town Flores said. vestors like Jollibee, Red Rib- lion from Senator Bong Go,” holding office at the Executive is bouncing back reasonably The collateral of the P200 bon, Goldilocks, banks and fi- Flores said. Department building. after a Covid-19 lockdown million loan is the Internal nancial institutions. We have He said that during bud- “The judges are happy to because they supported the Revenue Allotment (IRA) of created the Barili Economic geting, he was the vice mayor learn that I am constructing advocacy of Gov. Gwendolyn the municipality. Enterprise Council which will and presiding officer of the a 3-storey building for RTCs Garcia to open tourist resorts. The modern public mar- regulate the market opera- Barili Municipal Council. He and MTC through the facilita- There is now a positive ket is the same site of the old tion,” Flores said. asked financial assistance tion of Rep. Pablo John Gar- economic growth in Barili and public market with an area of Meanwhile, the plan to from senators who positively cia for Hall of Justice. the town’s revenue increased 10,000 square meters or one construct a modern munic- responded to his request re- For the remaining P90 because of their campaign for hectare. The building has a ipal building did not push sulting to a grant of P100 mil- million, we will construct a the people to renew business second floor. The floor area is through because it is far from lion to fund several projects. building to accommodate permits. Barili is business and 7,000. the market, and the project Flores said that Barili has National Government Agen- environment friendly. The front view of the site has another claimant. an old police station building, cies (NGAs)--- meaning, the “We give easy policies to modern market will be prime “We have acquired an- and they have now a clearance NGAs like the Department businessmen who want to in- stalls with the design-and- other one-hectare lot at the from the Commission on Au- of Interior and Local Gov- vest in the town, and we en- build program of the contrac- back of the legislative build- dit (COA) to demolish it. We ernment (DILG), Philippine courage people to get permits tor named JJ and J Construc- ing of which the land foun- will replace it with a Hall of Postal Corporation (Phil- on any substantial activities. tion. dation has been worked out Justice. They have three Re- post), and Commission on We even help them in com- “We are also inviting in- and funded by the Senate and gional Trial Courts (RTC) and Election (Comelec) among plying the law,” Flores said. others which are presently Flores is himself a busi- housed at the executive build- nessman being a transport ing will be transferred to that operator with several passen- future building. ger buses running province- This is at the one-hectare wide. area at the back of the legis- On the other hand, Flores lative building with matching said they are now awaiting parking lot. approval by Bangko Sentral He has allocated P3.8 ng Pilipinas (BSP) for Bari- million to fence the executive li’s loan with Land Bank of building, with 2,000 squares the in the amount parking area with an estimat- of P200 million to build a ed 111 parking slots. modern public market. This “So, all people with vehi- is an income-generating and cles who visit Barili will not self-liquidating project. anymore park at the roadside “We will demolish the old but inside the parking lot in Barili public market maybe front of the executive build- one month from now, and ing,” Flores said. 2 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week NEWS Cebu pork industry cuts production, increases prices The chief of the Nation- Before the ASF, the farm al Meat Inspection Service gate price was P141 to P150 per (NMIS) said that the P11-bil- kilo on live hog. Now, the live lion pork industry in Cebu is weight price is P170 to P190 decreasing because a few of per kilo in the different cities hog raisers closed shop and the in . But in the out- others have decreased produc- skirts of major cities, the price tion. is lower. NMIS Chief Dr. Eduardo Oblena said that during Oblena said that most of the their monitoring of pork prices hog raisers are skeptical to last week, some vendors sold continue operating or maxi- liempo pork at P290 per kilo mize operation because Afri- and other parts of the pig at can Swine Fever (ASF) may hit P260. In other places, liempo Cebu or . is sold at P280 and other parts The hog raising industry at P240 per kilo. in Luzon, Bicol and Region 8 Last year, traders sold have been stopped since last lechon at P4,500; P5,000 and year because of ASF coupled P5,500 per piece. But when with lockdowns. lechon traders received or- Oblena said that Secretary ders of lechon from Manila William Dar of the Department tinue supplying pork in Metro He said that in their con- that the local traders and local at P15,000 per piece, they in- of Agriculture (DA) where Manila. As a result, the price of duct of meat market monitor- hog raisers imposed the same creased the selling price in the NMIS is attached has request- pork has increased due to the ing and enforcement services, pork prices in Cebu and Ma- local market at P6,000 each. ed hog raisers in Cebu to con- law of supply and demand. the complaint of the vendors is nila. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Countryside program to uplift people’s lives: Diputado REGIONAL Director Sal- directors of National Govern- the governor the different nation with the Department viving the economic driver vador “Salva” Diputado of ment Agencies (NGAs), and DA projects for the differ- of Trade and Industry (DTI). including food sufficiency. the Department of Agricul- Presidential Spokesperson ent farmer organizations in The involvement of DA in While we revive the economy, ture (DA) 7 said they opened Harry Roque. the entire Cebu in the total the Sugbosog program aims we will increase food produc- the Enhanced Countryside The officials of Land Bank amount of P24 million. to increase food production tion,” Diputado said. Development Program at La- of the Philippines (LBP), De- He said that the Enhanced in the agricultural sector. Diputado said that be- mac, , Cebu last velopment Bank of the Phil- Countryside Development Diputado said that the cause of the pandemic, the March 5, 2021 to uplift the liv- ippines (DBP), and the Phil- Program of Garcia has two economy not only in Cebu people including the millen- ing condition of the people. ippine Veterans Bank (PVB) components which are the but the entire country has nials now realized how im- Diputado, a lawyer, said were also present. These Sugbosog and Sugbo Negosyo. collapsed during the months portant agriculture is. the event was attended by three banks were tapped by Sugbosog is for planning of lockdown because of Coro- “We feel that to fight Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Gar- the Cebu Provincial Govern- vegetables, fruits, and other na Virus Disease (Covid-19) against Covid-19 is to boost cia, Cebu 3rd District Rep. ment as lending institutions crops to increase food pro- pandemic. the immune system by eat- Pablo John Garcia, 2nd Dis- for the projects. duction, while Sugbo Nego- “That’s why the govern- ing fresh foods from agricul- trict Rep. , In that event, Diputa- syo is to teach the people on ment and the private sector ture,” Diputado said. ELIAS board members, mayors, and do said they turned over to entrepreneurship in coordi- are helping each other in re- O. BAQUERO Economy reviving in Toledo: Borgonia CEBU 3rd District Board the municipalities of Aloguin- of pesos in payroll money ev- the 3rd district usually had Member Ismael “Jimbo” Bor- san, Barili, Pinamungajan, Bal- ery 15th and 30th days of the fun and recreation in Met- gonia said about eight big amban, Asturias and Tuburan. month are really circulating ro Cebu. Now, they prefer to restaurants opened in Toledo Borgonia said that one in the community because roam around the district. In City which is an indication of the factors that the Cebu after the workers received fact, the people in Metro Cebu that the economy is reviv- 3rd district economy re- their salaries, they immedi- are the ones visiting the 3rd ing despite the presence of mains afloat is the fact that ately bought the daily needs District every weekend. Covid-19. industries are not affected by of their families. He said that while the Borgonia said that some Covid-19 like Global Power Borgonia said that orders thousands of workers in the of the chefs and food handlers Corporation, Toledo Power from world businesses for new 3rd district remain at work, the in Metro Cebu whose restau- Corporation, Cebu Energy De- ships from are be- tourism industry including ho- more job and they lost their rants they were working were velopment Corporation, and ing finished in two years. So, tels, restaurants and resorts in income. closed prompting them to Carmen Copper Corporation the ships which are ordered in Metro Cebu are really affected. The busloads of arriving return to the 3rd district and in Toledo City and the ship- 2021 will be finished and de- He cited the boatmen foreign tourists in ev- open their own restaurants in building industry in Balam- livered to the buyer in foreign in Oslob, Cebu who earned ery day are now a thing in the Toledo City. ban which are still open and countries in 2023. at least P70,000 a week in past, and there is no sign of The Cebu 3rd district is employing thousands. In the past several years, their tourism activities before early recovery of the industry. composed of Toledo City and He said that the millions Borgonia said the people in Covid-19. Now they have no ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week March 8 - 14, 2021 3 NEWS Consumers to pay for power not needed, not used MEMBERS of Bantayan 12-month In- the PSA; under August last year, presum- Island Electric Cooperative terim Power IPSA the rate is ably to end in August 2021. (BANELCO) and all the rest Supply Agree- P27.00 p/kWh. The PSA, according to Ju- of the country’s electricity ment (IPSA) In both cases, nia, was signed in February consumers will pay for ex- while ERC however, BA- last year and its 15-year term pensive but unnecessary sur- Case No. 2020- NELCO mem- starts from March 1, 2021 to plus power if the Energy Reg- 032RC is for bers will pay March 1, 2036. Meanwhile, ulatory Commission (ERC) a 15-MW, 15- only the SAGR BANELCO has an on-go- will approve BANELCO’s two year Power or Subsidized ing power supply contract power supply contracts. Supply Agree- Approved Gen- with Bantayan Island Pow- This was raised by Ro- ment, both eration Rate of er Corp. (BIPCOR) and that meo L. Junia, an intervenor with Isla Norte P6.25 p/kWh does not end until Novem- in both cases, after BANEL- Energy Corp. with the rest of ber this year. BIPCOR’s rate CO General Manager Lee (INEC). the consumers is about P11.00 p/kwh, ac- Rivera confirmed at the ERC Junia said – all electricity cording to Rivera’s testimo- hearing last February 26, Rivera testified that under under the contract. end-users – paying the differ- ny. 2021 that all capacities con- the PSA awarded to INEC in A similar take-or-pay ence of P7.00 p/kWh under Clearly, Junia pointed tracted by BANELCO under February last year the capac- provision is also in the IPSA the PSA and P20.00 p/kWh out, there will be three (3) its power supply contracts ity recovery fee for INEC’s BANELCO and INEC signed under the IPSA thru the Uni- supply contracts running si- will have to be paid by con- Guaranteed Dependable Ca- in April 2020 although for a versal Charge for Missionary multaneously from March to sumers even if not needed pacity (GDC) of 15MW will much smaller volume but at Electrification (UCME). August with the IPSA count- and not taken. be paid in full during the a significantly higher price or The IPSA covers a ed in; and two (2) beyond ERC Case No. 2020- whole 15 year run of the PSA, rate. monthly supply of 255,000 that to November 2021 af- 013RC is BANELCO’s ap- regardless of BANELCO’s ac- BANELCO granted INEC kwh over 12 months and ter IPSA runs its term out. plication for approval of a tual capacity off take or use a rate of P13.30 p/kWh. For actual deliveries started in ELIAS O. BAQUERO Alegado looks at cityhood for CONSOLACION, Cebu “We expect that in the of- census of population before lacion already reached P140 She said that the advan- Vice Mayor Teresa “Nene” ficial census of population in we can apply for cityhood,” million in 2020. tage if Consolacion will be- Pepito Alegado said that if 2020, as the census is done ev- Alegado said. “We are already qualified come a city is the Internal the Philippine Statistics Au- ery five years, our population She said that they may re- on income. We are only wait- Revenue Allotment (IRA). If thority (PSA) will officially is now more than 150,000. quest PSA for a special survey ing for the official population the IRA will be doubled, they declare that they now have Unfortunately, there are com- and if granted, it will reach an- declaration. If we can get the will have an extensive service more than 150,000 popula- plaints from the barangays other five years. official population count, I for the people. That is what tion, then they will be quali- that the census was done by She added that there are can request 6th District Rep. happened to the cities now fied for cityhood. unknown persons and did not three requirements in apply- Enmarie “Lolipop” Ouano Di- which have doubled IRA and In an interview with Cebu include the teachers who knew ing for cityhood: population, zon to sponsor a House Bill for can provide more projects. Business Week, Alegado said about the people in their re- income, and area. They set Consolacion to become a city. “Today, we can only set that based on the official cen- spective areas,” Alegado said. aside the area because it is not Consolacion Mayor Joa- five percent of the annual sus of population in 2015, the “What I am afraid of is big. They rely on income and ness “Joyjoy” Ouano has al- budget for senior citizens. The residents of Consolacion were that if the population based on population. They already hit ready sent a communication number of senior citizens is 142,000 and rapidly increas- the 2020 census will not reach the income. The income re- to PSA to get an official pop- increasing. If we will become a ing because of high migration 150,000, we will wait for an- quirement is P100 million, but ulation count for them to re- city, it will be doubled,” Alega- and construction of houses. other five years or the 2025 the local collection of Conso- view. do said. ELIAS O. BAQUERO CITRASCO describes public transport as surviving THE chairman of the ger output at present. Maybe of them are also working. Transport Route Plan (LP- up modern jeepney routes from Cebu Integrated Transport because while travel outside He added that there are ar- TRP) will fast track the public Cebu City Hall to Cebu Busi- Service Cooperative (CITRAS- homes is not anymore banned eas where workers are college transport savings. ness Park. However, the Land CO) said the public transport by the government, the travel- students and cannot immedi- “I cannot question the Transportation Franchising sector is surviving but striving ers for recreation, and the stu- ately get a ride to the office and wisdom of the local and na- and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) hard to continue the business dents are not yet going back to home. However, there are also tional leaders. But my sug- has allowed Ceres buses to ply and sustain it. physical classes,” Yu said. public transport vehicles that gested requirement is that on the routes from Cebu City Benjamin Ryan Yu said Yu said that the student do not always have passengers. the people who were trained hall to Talamban passing Cebu that in the modernization, sector is about 30-40 percent of “In short, the government for the job must be perma- Business Park and vice versa. new public transport vehicles the volume of passengers, but agency that is tasked to solve nent or must be organic per- “There is overlapping of are slowly coming but the they are not yet taking public the problem on public transport sonnel of the LGU because routes here, so that the mod- number of passengers is much transport because there is no is not doing well,” Yu said. even if the mayor will be ern jeepneys plying in the City less compared to the time be- physical or classroom classes. On the other hand, the removed, they will remain Hall-Ayala routes have few- fore pandemic. However, Yu said that submissions by the concerned working and implement the er passengers or no passen- “The public transport is some students are not taking Local Government Unit (LGU) LPTRP.” Yu said. gers at all,” Yu said. ELIAS O. about 20 percent in passen- college classes, hence, several concerned of the Local Public Yu and his group have put BAQUERO 4 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

Donated vaccines Never mind the inflated and incon- sistent reaction of the Duterte admin- istration when a small percentage of donated vaccines ar- rived. Some vaccines reached the Philip- pines. That is good news. Critics noted the Weekly Notes late arrival. The con- Emmanuel Nacorda Mongaya troversies before fo- cused on borrowing and allocating billions for the vaccines, dropping balls, safety, and efficacy. To- day, many ask why government now talks about solving the pandemic with the arrival of only a mil- lion donated doses. We need to vaccinate at least 70 million Filipinos to achieve herd immunity. Perhaps the president considered this when he said the Philippines will recover in 2023 yet. However, there is one reality that will impact how the administration carries out the vaccina- tion of the population – the election campaign. The Duterte administration needs to vaccinate faster or, failing this, generate a credible explanation. The campaign of presidential daughter Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio will suffer if vaccination remains unfinished by May 2022. Editorial COVAX I cannot understand the intensity of happi- ness that President Duterte felt when the Sinovac arrived. A president who is normally late came on Hasten vaccination! time. And like a fangirl, Digong said he would soon go to China to say thanks. The arrival of the first of candidacy this October. go Duterte showed delight When the Astrazeneca vaccine from COVAX ar- batches of vaccines against This ushers campaigns for when the first batches of rived days later, the president reached the airport Covid-19 should be the start local positions up to the pres- vaccines arrived, we know two hours late. The grateful head of state, however, of the rapid implementation idency. Are we poised to en- these are the donated sup- failed to say he will visit EU to say thanks. of vaccination in the Philip- gage in electoral campaigns plies. Meanwhile, the Department of Health, the pines. principally online? Imagine Worse, we note the bias World Health Organization and the United Nations The donated vaccines campaigns without hand for the Chinese-made shots. Children’s Educational Fund lauded the arrival of from China and Covax can shakings. Campaign rallies The enraptured president over 480,000 vaccines from British-Swedish drug only vaccinate a small per- with social distancing? gushes as he expressed his maker AstraZeneca through the global Covax Facil- centage of Filipinos. Note A slow pace in vaccina- wish to visit China to say ity. The Philippines is among the first countries in that we need to vaccinate tion will become a campaign thanks. There was nothing Southeast Asia to receive the AZD1222 vaccine un- 60-70 million Filipinos to issue against those in power. of that sort when donated der the facility, which is co-led by Gavi, the Vaccine achieve herd immunity. Either allegations of incom- supplies from the Europe- Alliance, the WHO, and the Coalition for Epidemic Only then can we be petence or discrimination an Union (EU) through the Preparedness Information (CEPI), in partnership confident enough to go out against detractors. Already, Covax facility of the World with the Unicef, the World Bank, Civil Society orga- for work, shopping, and the vaccination program has Health Organization (WHO) nizations and manufacturers. recreation. Tourists will be already become a political arrived. The president even The country will receive four million more doses assured of safety when they issue now. How much more showed up late for two of Astrazeneca from Covax until May. But then, layo visit us. Investors will come as the election approaches hours. pa gyud ang 70 million? to do business with us. next year? It is not too late though. (Emmanuel Mongaya is co-founder and director The pace of vaccination Unfortunately, the swift- The Duterte administration, for strategic PR of PRWorks Inc. He is also a mem- determines the speed our ness of our national lead- with its so-called political ber of the Political Officers League of the Philip- economy can recover. ers in procuring supplies will, can do much better to pines or POLPhil. DM @anol_cebu.) Moreover, candidates of vaccines disappoints. hasten vaccination of the will be filing their certificates While even President Rodri- Filipino people.

“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 March 8 - 14, 2021 5 OPINION Tech stock outlook uncertain for 2021 quarter of 2021 in the stock Microsoft, Facebook, and setting out suspected viola- blend of optimism and market could be best de- Disney—all popular high- tions of the bloc’s antitrust caution as oil supermajors fined by the enormous in- growth tech stocks over the rules to Apple before the sail into earnings season, flux of IPOs and SPACs, past year. (Newsweek) summer, one of the people following one of the worst with private companies oOo said. The case is one of four years for the industry. The hoping to capitalize on the The Senate took its first opened by the EU compe- energy sector was the worst high stock market growth major step Thursday to- tition enforcer against Ap- performer on the S&P 500 of the last year by getting in ward passing Democrats’ ple in June last year. The in 2020, plummeting 37% on public shareholder sup- $1.9 trillion coronavirus EU charge sheet usually YoY. Comparatively, the BIZBITS port. With the growth in relief package as lawmak- indicates whether a fine is broader index had a close to Manny de los Santos Rabacal technology stocks over the ers try to beat a deadline to merited and what compa- 15% gain during the period. past year, more and more prevent unemployment aid nies need to do to halt an- ExxonMobil, the largest US younger generations of from expiring. The cham- ti-competitive practices. energy firm, was one of the Americans are entering the ber voted to start debate on The Commission declined stock market’s top losers in stock market in the hopes the rescue package, setting to comment. Apple referred 2020. Its share price fell by of catching higher gains for the stage for its approval as to its March 2019 blog a massive 40% during the some of the top companies. soon as this weekend. Vice which said its App Store period. The decline wiped In data collected by Apex President Kamala Harris helped Spotify to benefit around $120 billion from Clearing, as of the fourth had to break a 50-50 tie from hundreds of millions its market value. Chevron The technology indus- quarter of 2020, compa- after a party-line vote in of app downloads to be- lost $68 billion in market try has seen unprecedent- nies like Tesla, Apple and the evenly divided Senate. come Europe’s largest mu- cap during the year. It was ed market growth in the Amazon have all become (CNBC) sic streaming service. Spo- valued at $164.01 billion as year since the COVID-19 favorites for millennial oOo tify in its 2019 complaint to of February 2, 2021. At the crash last March. Now, as investors. For Tesla, a re- Apple could face an EU the Commission said Ap- same time, BP had a market coronavirus cases drop and ported 20 percent of their antitrust charge sheet in ple unfairly restricts rivals cap of $75.25 billion, Royal vaccine distribution ramps stock shares are held by the coming weeks after a to its own music steaming Dutch Shell $139.67 billion up, these same tech stocks millennials, while roughly complaint by rival Spoti- service Apple Music and and Total SE $111.44 bil- are experiencing increased 11 percent of Apple’s shares fy that it unfairly pushed protested against the 30 lion. The five had a cumu- volatility and large one- are held by the young in- its own music streaming per cent fee levied on app lative value of $680, about day drop-offs—and some vestors. Other companies service, two people famil- developers to use Apple’s $70 billion lower than Tes- believe the current mar- with a sizable share of mil- iar with the matter said on in-app purchase system la’s $752 billion. (Middle ket correction could affect lennial investment include Thursday. The European (IAP). (CNA/Reuters) East Business) these high-growth stocks the Chinese electric car Commission could send oOo mannyrabacal1144@ for much longer. The first company NIO, along with the statement of objections There is a delicate gmail.com

Eulogy for Senator John Henry Osmeña (excerpts) by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III thereof, that was in the 9th, ipality will a get a telephone on to it no matter what. 1944. An Osmeña may pass 11th and 12th Congress- system; the Mini-Hydro- Truly, a man of conviction on and physically leave this es, the years from 1992 to electric Program (RA 7156), – that is what he is. Senator earthly world, but their 1995, and 1998 to 2004. which will provide non-con- Sonny Osmeña is likewise significant contributions Coming from a well-known ventional electricity in the fearless, and a fighter as in building our nation will political family – being the countryside; the Public proven by his strong stance forever remain. grandson of the late Pres- Telecommunications Act of against corruption through We reminisce all these ident Sergio Osmeña Sr. 1995 (RA 7925), which rev- his initiative in conducting because we remember Cebu Legal and a nephew of former olutionized the country’s investigations on sever- that once upon a time, we Pedia Senator Sergio Osmeña information and communi- al government anomalous had personal experience Atty. Clarence Paul V. Oaminal Jr. – it could be surmised cations technology, and the transactions – which led of what an Osmena was that a lot of pressure were creation of the Philippine to the resignation of some like – Sonny Osmena, one put on him to be able to Postal Corporation (RA public officials involved. of the youngest senators follow the footsteps of his 7354). He likewise authored The Osmeña brand of to be elected. On behalf of grandfather, or leave a leg- the Amended Build-Oper- public service – humility the Senate and the Filipi- acy, like his ancestors did. ate-and-Transfer Law (RA with courage -- began with no people, we thank you But certainly, that was not 7718), which is a landmark their patriarch President and we will remember you March 04, 2021 the case for Senator Sonny measure. His name is also Sergio Osmeña Sr. of Cebu. for the good man that you Today is a day for re- Osmeña. He made a name attached to energy-related It was Don Sergio’s humili- were, and the inspiration membering one of our very for himself. He was a great laws, such as the Electric ty and patriotism that kept that you have become for own; and on behalf of the leader in his own right. A Power Crisis Act (RA 7648) the country united through the Filipino youth and the Senate of the Philippines, City Councilor, Vice-May- and the Electric Power In- the Commonwealth period generations to come. Your we extend our heartfelt or, Mayor, Congressman, dustry Reform Act of 2000 up to the Japanese Occu- legacy will live on in the condolences to the family and a Senator – he became or EPIRA. pation and the dawn of our hearts and minds of the and friends of former Sen- all of these and more. I have known him, as republic. With Gen. Doug- people, and your name will ator John Henry Osmeña, As a legislator, Senator well as by others, as a “lone las MacArthur and states- forever be etched in our better known as Sonny. Sonny Osmeña is famous ranger” because of his in- man Carlos P. Romulo, he country’s rich history. I had the good fortune for development-oriented dependent mindedness and too walked on the waters of Ug manamilit nami of being in the Senate when bills like the Municipal Tele- fearless stance even if the Tacloban, Leyte to reclaim kanimo, hangtud sa pagki- Senator Sonny Osmeña was phone Act (Republic Act odds were not in his favor. the Philippines from the ta nato pag usab. Daghang also serving as a member 6849) whereby each munic- If he took a stand, he holds Japanese on October 20, Salamat. 6 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week OPINION

On Forgery property). The property was Eddie’s employer finally per- filed before the Municipal ber 27, 2009 and returned covered by Transfer Cer- mitted him to go home. Vero- Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) only on December 21, 2009. tificate of Title (TCT) No. na was already buried before of Davao City an action for Further, Verona’s signature T-351707. issued in 2002. Eddie’s arrival on December unlawful detainer26 against appearing on the Deed was The registered owners were 21, 2009. the petitioners, James and distinctly different from “[Verona], married to [Ed- Thereafter, a copy of their unnamed relatives, those she had affixed in her die].” a Deed of Absolute Sale house helpers and acquain- petition for the issuance of On April 9, 2008, the (Deed), dated December 1, tances residing in the disput- a temporary protection or- Spouses Dizon entered into 2009, was shown to Eddie. ed property.27 der and Compromise Agree- a Compromise Agreement, Its subject was the disput- Vida alleged that she is ment, dated March 26, 2008 The Legal Front whereby they contemplated ed property conveyed to the registered owner of the and April 9, 2008, respec- Atty. Gerry Carillo selling the disputed proper- herein respondent, Yolanda disputed property. While the tively. Besides, the purchase ty in the amount of not less Vida P. Beltran (Vida), for Deed evidencing the convey- price of P1,500,000.00 than P4,000,000.00, which P1,500,000.00. ance in her favor was execut- was not in accord with the price shall be increased by Eddie alleged that the ed on December 1, 2009, Ed- Spouses Dizon’s agree- P100,000.00 for every suc- Deed was falsified, and his die pre-signed the same on ment to sell the disputed ceeding year until the same and Verona’s signatures April 9, 2008 before he left property for not less than is finally sold. They would thereat were forgeries and to work abroad. The Spous- P4,000,000.00. thereafter equally divide the during the time of the alleged es Dizon’s respective lawyers The case soon reached proceeds from the sale. sale, he was still abroad while witnessed the signing. After the Supreme Court. On September 27, 2009, Verona is already in the hos- Verona’s death, Vida toler- In ruling in favor of Ed- Eddie started working as Eddie left the Philippines to pital and unconscious, hence, ated the petitioners’ stay in die the Supreme Court the a seafarer in the 1980s. He work on board a ship. could not possibly signed the the disputed property. On determination that respon- has two children, namely, Sometime in October of deed. May 18, 2010, Vida sent a dent’s title is null and void, Bryan and James Christo- 2009, Verona was confined In January of 2010, Ed- formal letter requiring the the matter of direct or collat- pher R. Dizon (James). at the Adventist Hospital in die filed two complaints petitioners to vacate the dis- eral attack is a foregone con- Eddie and Verona Juana Bangkal, Davao City. She was against Vida. One was a civil puted property, but to no clusion as well. “An action to Pascua-Dizon got married transferred to Ricardo Limso case for nullification of the avail. declare the nullity of a void on March 8, 1995. Verona Medical Center on Novem- Deed, and for payment of The petitioners sought title does not prescribe and was a housewife. She and ber 30, 2009. She died on damages and attorney’s fees. the dismissal of Vida’s com- is susceptible to direct, as her mother, together with December 8, 2009 due to The other was a criminal plaint arguing that at the well as to collateral, attack;” Bryan and James, resided cardio-respiratory arrest, complaint for falsification of time the Deed was executed, petitioners were not preclud- in the house erected on a with “leukonoid reaction public document.22 He also Verona was already uncon- ed from questioning the va- 240-square-meter lot at No. secondary to sepsis or malig- caused the annotation of a scious. Eddie, on the other lidity of respondent’s title in 42 Mahogany Street, Nova nancy (occult)” as anteced- notice of lis pendens upon hand, could not have signed the ejectment case. Write us Tierra Subdivision, Lanang, ent cause. TCT No. T-351707. the Deed as well since he left at carillogerry@yahoo. Davao City (the disputed It took a while before In June of 2010, Vida the Philippines on Septem- com.ph

Workers rejecting jabs can’t be terminated along with the Department others, that he is against the issue a stern warning to em- Categorically explained of Health (DOH) and the idea and the Inter-Agency ployers, categorically stat- by the top honcho of the Department of Trade and Task Force (IATF) has not ing, a worker’s rejection to union, “employees, either Industry (DTI) have issued discussed it yet. get the jab is not a ground in private or in government, statements separately, stat- Due to the supply short- for termination. must never ever be subject- ing among others, they are age of the vaccines, it would The strongly worded ed to any compulsion. The against on the ‘no vaccine, become unnecessary. Work- statement made by the Na- decision of any person not no work’ policy espoused ers have been reporting tional Executive Vice Presi- be vaccinated should be re- earlier by the business sector to work even during the dent of ALU accusing the ar- spected in the same way we through a compulsory par- COVID-19 pandemic, added bitrary actions taken by abu- respect those who had taken ticipation of company-spon- Secretary Duque. sive employers are not only the vaccine.” The Labor Front sored COVID-19 immuniza- Another equally import- audacious acts of direct dis- So far, among the local Art Barrit tion program. ant is the statement made crimination and straightfor- government units (LGUs), There is no legal basis by Trade Secretary Ramon ward coercion but likewise it’ only the city government for an employer to require Lopez, pointing out, em- unjust and unfair treatment of Iloilo which imposed a workers to be vaccinated ployees should be given the of employees. compulsory vaccination pol- before they enter the work- option to decide and not be Reportedly, the coun- icy not only on local govern- place, said DOLE Secretary required by employer to get try’s biggest labor union ment employees but also on Silvestre Bello III in a virtual vaccinated. said that the group had been workers in private compa- Apparently, three gov- presser. Consequently, the in- calling for vaccination of all nies and other businesses ernment agencies are not They cannot make vacci- tervention of the Associat- workers especially those in in the city, which ALU de- in favor of the proposals as nation mandatory. It’s up to ed Labor Unions (ALU), an essential industries in order nounced. an emerging policy issue of the employee to say whether affiliate of the Trade Union to safely reopen the econo- “While the government some businesses to require he will get vaccinated, Bello Congress of the Philippines my. targets to inoculate 60 mil- workers to get vaccinated explained. (TUCP), asking the labor de- “Employers can try to lion to 70 million people in against COVID-19 before The issue was made partment to step in on the persuade their employees the hopes of achieving herd they are allowed to physical- it clearer through the un- reported scheme before it by discussing with them the immunity, it is not making ly return to work. equivocal statement made would become a new norm benefits of being vaccinated COVID-19 vaccines manda- The Department of Labor by DOH Secretary Francisco has prompted DOLE Sec- but should not coerce the tory”, stated the government and Employment (DOLE) Duque III, informing among retary Silvestre Bello III to workers”, Seno added. post. Cebu Business Week March 8 - 14, 2021 7 BUSINESS Angara: Public-private collaboration could develop tourism’s full potential TO MAKE some govern- of economic activity and pro- ment assets in the tourism vide employment for Filipi- sector more profitable, Sen- nos. ator Sonny Angara said that While the tourism sector feasible collaborations with does not appear to be on the the private sector should be top of the priorities of the explored to develop their full government at this time, An- potential. gara said that its revival will Speaking at a recent fo- have to be addressed once rum on public-private collab- there is more certainty re- oration organized by the Ate- garding the health and safety neo School of Government, of travelers, both domestic Angara said that tourism is and foreign. one area where a possible “Tourism contributes a partnership between the gov- great deal to the growth of ernment and the private sec- our economy. It is lamenta- tor could be explored more ble that the pandemic struck extensively. at a time when the sector was “Government owns a lot already recording impressive of assets. But let us face it, growth,” Angara said. the government is not the “Tourism will continue best at running these enter- to be a driver of growth once prises. You’re not maximiz- things go back to normal. ing earnings in these enter- With the right programs and prises,” Angara said. prime tourist destinations vate sector could come in the future,” Angara said. investments, including clos- Angara noted that there that could use a little help and do some variant of BOT However, Angara said er public-private collabora- are some assets in the Vi- from private enterprises with (build-operate-transfer). that this is still a largely un- tion, I believe the Philippines sayas that are owned and strong track records in devel- They can make it profitable. explored area of public-pri- could easily compete with the operated by the Tourism In- oping such assets. They can make it nice. Then vate collaboration that could best in the region because of frastructure and Enterprise “If you could make them turn these back over to the provide a boost to the tour- how much it has to offer,” Zone Authority. These are attractive, maybe the pri- government at some point in ism industry, generate a lot Angara added. Energy efficiency – priority against deficiency ENERGY efficiency is reau (EUMB), said “If we get already built a culture of en- be enforced,” he said. er than usual” on it, Aquino “the first choice of response to do this correctly… there ergy efficiency.” Signed by President Ro- said. He added that guide- when it comes to any defi- might even be a demand-re- Alexander Ablaza, pres- drigo Duterte on April 12, lines on the energy-con- ciency or concern with re- sponse market presence for ident of the Philippine En- 2019, RA 11285 aims to insti- serving design of buildings spect to the energy situa- the Philippines, which will ergy Efficiency Alliance, be- tutionalize energy efficiency would be integrated into the tion” of the country. be unique and dynamic so lieves full compliance with and conservation as a na- Philippine Green Building Institutionalizing the that people would have the Republic Act (RA) 11285, or tional way of life. It also aims Code, which was being up- practice of energy efficien- capacity to contribute to al- the “Energy Efficiency and to efficiently use energy by dated. cy and conservation would leviating and easing pres- Conservation Act” (EE&C), formulating, developing, and “Energy efficiency is subsequently address de- sures on the power grid.” would happen much faster implementing plans and pro- seen as a major driver” in mand problems in the next Teresa Ira Maris Guan- than enforcing RA 9513, or grams to secure energy suffi- reducing greenhouse-gas decade or so, according to zon, who represented Sen. the “Renewable Energy Act ciency and stabilize supply. emissions “in the energy industry stakeholders. Sherwin Gatchalian--- who of 2008.” Since its enactment, the sector over the coming years Patrick Aquino, director leads the Senate energy “I see RA 11285 to “be Energy department has pro- with the full implementation of the Department of Ener- committee, echoed Aquino’s fully enforceable in a couple mulgated circulars to speed of the EE&C law,” Energy gy’s (DoE) Energy Utiliza- view, saying “hopefully in of years,” unlike the “10, 12 up the law’s enforcement. Undersecretary Jesus Cristi- tion and Management Bu- the next 10 years, we have years” it took for RA 9513 to “The DoE moving fast- no Posadas said. Poll says 31% of PH home schoolers face weak Internet A SOCIAL Weather Sta- tions. A combined ing people working nual outlay will reach a his- tions (SWS) survey showed 68% said they have and studying from torical high of P70 billion. that almost one- third of fam- either strong or fair home amid the An estimated 4.7 million ilies in the Philippines whose connections, and coronavirus pan- Philippine households have members take school class- most of them are demic. members in online distance es online have poor internet on the main Luzon PLDT Inc. learning programs, accord- connections. island where the on March 4 said it ing to the SWS report. Nearly The poll of 1,500 adults capital region is, will spend a record 9 out of 10 families spend an conducted nationwide in No- pollster SWS said. P92 billion ($1.9 average of P901 a month on vember found that 31% of The nation’s billion) this year, internet services, with 56% families with online distance largest telecommunications ing capital expenditure as while rival Globe Telecom using pre-paid connections, learners have weak connec- providers are rapidly boost- competition shifts to servic- Inc. in February said its an- the survey showed. 8 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week BUSINESS LTO 7 offers FREE Theoretical Driving Course LAND Transportation The TDC in LTO 7’s DEC Office (LTO) 7 regional di- will have two classrooms, one rector Victor Emmanuel is dedicated to special sectors Caindec announces that the such as for persons-with-dis- agency is offering the The- ability, senior citizens, lactat- oretical Driving Course and ing women, pregnant wom- the Practical Driving Course en, while the other one is for for free. the public. He also bared that addi- “We understand that ev- tional slots for these courses eryone wants to avail the free are open in the region’s Driv- TDC of LTO but let us give er’s Education Center. priority to those who are in Under the LTO Memo- need, like those who are the randum Circular 2019-2176, indigents who cannot afford a mandatory 15-hour TDC the private schools.” must be undertaken before In August 2020, LTO 7 an individual can get their started offering TDC courses student-driver permit. through their DEC but with “After launching our the implementation of the Malasakit Service Center two minimum health protocols weeks ago, we have made our such as physical distancing, People’s Hall at the second week which makes it 25 stu- The director also ex- everyone especially those limited students are accom- level of our N. Bacalso office, dents in one TDC course. plained that the instructors who want to avail of our TDC modated each week. our new classroom for the “This is already for free. are their existing personnel in N. Bacalso. We cannot ac- “Once the regular fund- TDC courses,” said RD Cain- We have expanded our class- wherein they need to do the commodate the increasing ing will be approved by the dec. room to accommodate more courses three times a week number of applicants. But we Central Office, we will im- He added that from only since we have a long list of and five hours a day, aside are surely doing something mediately offer also PDC to five students per week, he applicants,” added the re- from their current jobs. to improve our services,” RD the public,” said RD Cain- added 20 additional slots per gional director. “We ask the patience of Caindec explained. dec. PR DepEd-7 continues preparations for face-to-face classes THE Department of Ed- more than 90 schools in the ments that schools should served. continue their studies using ucation in Central Visayas region for the pilot run of the meet before they might be “However, it is not com- the modality that they ad- (DepEd-7) has continued limited face-to-face classes. allowed to implement a face- pulsory. Even if there is a res- opted. to prepare for the possible “We continue with our to-face class. olution from the PTA by the Jimenez also clarified implementation of the lim- preparations. if the Presi- These include a Parents time that the limited face-to- that they would prioritize ited face-to-face classes, es- dent will allow for the limit- Teachers Association (PTA) face will be implemented and the implementation of the pecially now that vaccines ed face-to-face, then we are resolution which will allow there are parents, who will limited face-to-face class in for the coronavirus disease ready with our pilot schools it, a resolution from the lo- not allow their children to areas with zero cases of the 2019 (COVID-19) are already that we have prepared if ever cal government unit (LGU) attend the class, then we will virus. available in the country. the President will allow it,” where the school is located, not force them,” he added. He said that Central Vi- Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, Jimenez said. while the agency will make Students, whose parents sayas has more than 3,000 regional director of DepEd-7, Jimenez, however, said sure that the health and safe- do not agree with the limit- public elementary and high said that they were preparing that there were require- ty protocols are properly ob- ed face-to-face class, should schools. DOLE 7 chief lauds PNP for recognizing women in their ranks “RESPECT is one of the at the Wom- demonstrat- and non-uniformed person- greatest expressions of love. en’s Month ed for all nel. And I think the entire po- 2021 Kick- its Juanas Also highlighting the lice force has demonstrated Off Ceremo- during the event was the showcase of the just that when they created nies of the ceremo- agency’s dance group and a an avenue that honored and Philippine nies held at combat demonstration by the celebrated the contributions National Po- the PRO 7, women in uniform of PRO-7 and achievements of all lice-Police Camp Sergio under the Regional Mobile performing women in their Regional Of- Osmeña Sr., Force Battalion Group. ranks.” fice 7 (PNP- Cebu City. Lauding the efforts that DOLE-7 Regional Direc- PRO 7). Siat- the awardees must have val- tor Salome O. Siaton made The on, together iantly demonstrated even in this remark even as she DOLE Di- with the rest the midst of the pandemic, thanked the police force for rector, who of the PNP the DOLE Regional Head respecting their “Juanas” met PNP- PRO-7 Key said that these women, then and for making them a sig- PRO 7 Re- Officials, and now, truly lived up to nificant part of their agen- gional Direc- personal- this year’s thematic caption, cy, when she delivered her tor PBGEN. ly hand the “We Make Change Work for message last Monday as the Ronnie S. Montejo for the gushed over the grand rec- awards to the institution’s Women - Juana Laban sa Guest of Honor and Speaker first time, underscored and ognition that the institution outstanding policewomen Pandemya: Kaya!” Cebu Business Week March 8 - 14, 2021 9 CEBU CITY HALL Letters to makers of vaccine sent: Labella CEBU City Mayor Edgar our Vaccine Board chaired by partment of Health (DOH) C. Labella said that they had Vice Mayor Michael Rama. Secretary Francisco Duque already sent Letters of Intent The Cebu City Council because among the local gov- (LOI) to the developers of As- presided by Rama has ap- ernment units (LGUSs) out- traZeneca and Covovax vac- proved a budget of P400 mil- side Metro Manila, Cebu City cines against Corona Virus lion to purchase vaccines. was also given the priority Disease (Cobid-19) as soon “We will purchase vac- for the vaccine rollout,” La- as the Cebu City Council gave cines as needed because bella added. him the authorization to do there are still vaccines which Meanwhile, Labella said so. will arrive from the nation- the people have been won- “This is an important step al government. Let us be dering if he will avail the vac- so that the Cebu City Govern- prudent to avoid excess of cine. Like he said before, yes ment can initially purchase vaccines and waste public he wants to be vaccinated. In vaccines worth P100 million funds,” Labella said. fact, if the senior citizens are long as there is go signal for a substitute for health pro- from our allocated budget,” “I really want to thank not prohibited to avail the senior citizens like him, he tocols, it is one of the nec- Labella said in his post on his the national government led Sinovac, he could have been will get himself inoculated. essary steps to do to end the Facebook account. by President Rodrigo Dute- vaccinated now for the sake “I also want to set an ex- Covid-19 pandemic,” Labella Labella said negotiations rte, Vaccine Czar Secretary of his family and his neigh- ample to the Cebuanos be- said. PR/ELIAS O. BAQUERO are currently being done by Carlito Galvez Jr., and De- bors. Any kind of vaccine, as cause even if a vaccine is not Labella to give P600M subsidy to barangays CEBU City Mayor Edgar barangays had subsidy C. Labella met with baran- funds in the amount of P1 gay captains last March 6, million, P2 million and P3 2021 on the P600 million million depending on the financial subsidy to the 80 area and population, the barangays. 2021 annual budget will Labella said the finan- give subsidy to barangays of cial subsidy will be used not less than P5 million and by the barangays for in- not more than P10 million. frastructure projects for For his part, Vice Mayor the benefit of his constitu- Michael Rama said that this ents who are now suffering is the second time the La- economically because of MEETING. THE MEETING CALLED BY MAYOR LABELLA WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY COUNCILO RAY- bella-Rama administration Covid-19 pandemic. MOND GARCIA AND EATTY. MARY ROSE SALVATIERRA, ANG CHIEF OF STAFF SA OFFICE OF THE is giving financial subsidy “I want these projects to MAYOR. to barangays. give our residents the op- Rama said that during portunity to earn a living. Councilor Raymond Gar- avail the P600 million sub- tend to use the financial as- his time as city mayor, he That is why we have been cia, who is the chairman of sidy and what requirements sistance. also gave budgets to baran- consulting together with the budget committee. They are needed to be submitted In an earlier interview gays for projects at the pe- City Administrator Floro will come up with the final by the barangays, like the with Cebu Business Week, rusal of officials. Casas, Jr. and Cebu City set of guidelines on how to proposal on how they in- Garcia said that while the ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu City to buy P100M AstraZeneca, P100M Covovax VICE Mayor Michael rollout massive vaccination Meanwhile, Cerwin Ev- The Cebu Medical Society is issues and concern. “Mike” Rama said the Cebu program. iota of Cebu Citizens Ini- willing to go down, whoever Rama recognized the ef- City Government is finalizing The P200 million for tiative has manifested in a will invite them, to tell the fectiveness of Eviota as he is the tripartite supply agree- AstraZeneca and Covovax is meeting that they will help people about the advantage if very quick, putting all peo- ment to purchase P100 mil- part of the P400 million ap- in the massive information we all have been vaccinated. ple needed and he is on top, lion AstraZeneca and P100 propriated by the Cebu City campaign, together with the Online registration for side by side with the City million for Covovax vaccines. Council to purchase vaccines. Public Information Office, vaccination is a way to avoid Government, Non-Govern- The supply agreement The other P200 million will Kapisanan ng mga Broad- crowded places in vaccina- ment Organizations, insti- will be signed by Mayor Ed- be on standby as Labella said casters ng Pilipinas (KBP) tion centers. tutions, and the church with gar Labella, vaccine manu- the purchase of vaccines will and print media. Rama is communicating the same messages. There facturers, and the national depend on the supply from “We also want to bring with Labella and City Ad- are about eight clusters. government. the national government to the Philippine Information ministrator Floro Casas, Jr., Rama said they have Rama said while negoti- Cebu City to avoid excess and Agency (PIA) on board be- vice chairman of the vaccine barangay affairs which will ation to purchase vaccines is waste of funds. cause the more the better, board for every updates. report to the vaccine board. going on, they are focusing Rama said that while moving in one direction and Rama added that ”While we have barangay on information, education Covid-19 is a novel matter, one messaging,” Rama said. Covid-19 pandemic is some- captains and councilors, and communication cam- Cebu City should not be left Some civic organizations thing novel that has affect- they want a “teniente” in ev- paign as part of the massive behind, but should not rush in are also willing to join in the ed the entire world. Many ery sitio.” ELIAS O. BAQUE- information drive for the to avoid a confusing ending. massive information drive. countries have their share of RO 10 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week CEBU CITY HALL 24 bike lanes complete: Labella Mayor Edgar C. Labella ect,” Labella said. revealed that they have com- Meanwhile, SBLB Chair- pleted the bike lanes on 24 man Atty. Gerardo “Gerry” roads in Cebu City with the Carillo said that once the or- help of the Department of dinance will be fully imple- Public Works and Highways mented, vehicles will not be (DPWH). allowed to park on the bike In relation to this project, lanes which they planned to the Cebu City Council under rename as “mobility lane” as Vice Mayor Michael “Mike” it will accommodate motorcy- Rama passed City Ordinance cles, bicycles, and e-bike. No. 2408 regulating the Carillo told DYRC radio bike-friendly areas in the city’s that those who obstructs the major thoroughfares to ensure mobility lane will be penalized the safety of bicycle commut- at P1,000 for the first offense, ers. P2,000 for the second offense The bike lanes are looped and P3,000 for the third of- so that bikers can access them They have conducted meet- so it cannot obstruct it. behikulo sa bike lane samtang fense. without interruption. ings with each barangay where He said that the Cebu City magdagan, but please make Caraillo added that the or- “I had created the Sug- the routes traverse for smooth Transportation Office (CCTO) sure that no bicycle is running dinance provides that because bo Bike Lanes Board (SBLB) implementation,” Labella said will also see to it that any vehi- on it, and if naa man gani, let of the mobility lane, business- which will focus on the imple- in his Facebook account post. cle caught parking on our bike us give them priority,” Labella es like car wash, vulcanizing, mentation of City Ordinance Labella urged the motor- lanes will be apprehended and said. and long-hour parking are No. 2408. I am excited to ists and vehicle drivers not to towed. “I will look forward for the prohibited. ELIAS O. BAQUE- know the board is doing well. block or park at the bike lanes “Okay ra moagi ang mga full completion of this proj- RO Influencers urged to boost vaccination drive THE Office of the Pres- awareness about the benefits bares said, speaking as guest the Cebu Doctors University. vaccination once the initial idential Assistant for the of getting vaccinated against during the Sikwatea show. Gonzales pointed out that supplies of COVID-19 vac- Visayas (OPAV) urges ‘in- COVID-19. Being a trailblazer in the social media influencers can cines arrive in the country. fluencers’ to boost the Transgender beau- LGBTQIA+ community for greatly help in minimizing the President Rodrigo Dute- COVID-19 vaccination cam- ty queen Jess Labares ex- being the first transwoman disinformation going around rte and Senator Christopher paign in the Visayas. pressed her commitment flight attendant of local air- about COVID-19 vaccines. Lawrence “Bong” Go, who OPAV has enjoined so- to help the government in line Cebu Pacific, Labares ex- “We need to boost this chairs the Senate Committee cial media influencers to join this advocacy. Labares was pressed that she wants to use advocacy to encourage the Vi- on Health, have been calling the government’s massive among the Top 6 finalists their voice and influence to sayan community and the Ce- on Filipinos to be vaccinated campaign to increase the and won the Miss Photogenic advance this advocacy. buano community to believe when the vaccines become COVID-19 vaccination confi- award during the Miss Inter- “I’d be willing to get vac- in vaccination because this is a available. The President has dence among Filipinos. national Queen pageant held cinated. I want to become an crucial step taken by our gov- stressed that he will only During his online show in Thailand last year. example to ease the hesita- ernment as we gradually re- place the entire country un- “Sikwatea,” OPAV Assistant “I really do believe in this tion of other people in get- open our economy,” she said. der the Modified General Secretary Anthony Gerard vaccination push and the vac- ting a vaccine or not. This is Labares assured that Community Quarantine sta- ‘Jonji’ Gonzales underscored cine brands that our govern- really important because this she’s more than willing to join tus once the vaccination of the influence of social media ment is procuring. We have will help us become immune the movement of both public 70 percent of Filipinos will personalities which can be to trust the process. We have to this virus,” said Labares, a and private sectors in urging be accomplished. PR/ELIAS put to good use in increasing to trust our government,” La- physical therapy graduate of more people to join the mass O. BAQUERO Skilled workers ready to maintain foot paths: Guardo CEBU City Councilor Jer- will be a long term solution to Some barangay officials ment can save on it. There is Companies (Telcos) like Globe ry Guardo said they have ready flash floods,” Guardo said in are suggesting that the De- an ongoing replacement of old and Smart, power Distribution skilled workers to maintain an interview with Cebu Busi- partment of Public Services streetlights and some places Utilities (DUs) like Visayas Elec- and repair broken foot path ness Week. (DPS) count how many posts which have no electric post tric Company (VECO), and Busi- covers and manhole covers to On the other hand, Guar- are without lights in a month lights are being installed with ness Process Outsourcing (BPO) prevent accident. do also supervises the provi- so the Cebu City Government LED lights. like Converse to help Cebu City Guardo, chairman of the sion of lights to areas that are will stop paying its P5,000 per As Technical Infrastruc- Government in cleaning the Committee on Infrastructure, dark at night. post bill to VECO. ture Committee chairman, electric posts of spaghetti wires,” said they always de-clog canals The Cebu City Govern- Guardo said the City Gov- Guardo said the people must Guardo said. on flash flood prone areas, and ment has paid Visayan Electric ernment through DPS has just complain to him of unlight- He said there is an ongo- construct drainage projects in Company (VECO) P5,000 a received procured LED lights. ed posts so it can be installed ing clearing operation against several streets to avoid floods month per post with light and Sodium lights have high price with LED, of destroyed posts spaghetti wires because most during rainy days. it is unfortunate that hundreds and will consume high wattage. so these can be replaced. hang low preventing firetrucks “We cement and asphalt of posts are without lights to He said the LED lights are “We created a team. We or- from entering a place during the roads, and hopefully there the detriment of the taxpayers. efficient and the city govern- ganized the Telecommunication fires. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Cebu Business Week March 8 - 14, 2021 11 NEWS Sales of Ubi fest almost P12 billion BOHOL Vice Governor chance to those who are in Rene Relampagos said the the food business to direct- gross sales of the recently ly offer meals to people who concluded month-long Ubi went to witness the festival Showcase Festival from Jan- and buy Ubi,” Relampagos uary to the end of February said. 2021 was almost P12 million. The vice governor said Relampagos told Cebu that the millions of sales in Business Week that the festi- the festival showed that Ubi val was held at the old airport is still an agricultural product in City to help the that is in-demand in the mar- Boholano farmers who en- ket and can also be exported gaged in Ubi production in to other countries. sell their produce directly to Relampagos said that buyers so they can have live- Ubi is noi only grown in the lihood especially at this time Municipality of Corella but of Covid-19 pandemic. in other towns like Panglao, He said the Ubi Showcase Dauis, Balilihan, Anda and Festival is another program others. of the Bohol Provincial Gov- With the Ubi festival, ernment headed by Governor Relampagos said the farmers Arthur Yap to showcase good were able to sell their produce Ubi produce especially the directly to the consumers Kinampay. without passing through mid- “We also want to give a dlemen. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Bohol moves to improve agriculture THE Bohol Provincial Relampagos said that be- 200 cavans per hectare if well The biggest cost in making idle because the owners failed to Government is now moving to cause agriculture and fishing are cultivated. feeds is the mixture of corn and recover since the 7.2 magnitude improve the agricultural sector big sources of food in Bohol, the In areas that are not irri- cassava, so producing more earthquake in 2013. amid the damage caused by the Yap administration is helping gated or areas that are just re- corn and cassava can also bring He said Yap is making pro- Covid-19 pandemic. the farmers and fisher folks in- lying on rains, the farmers are down the prices of animal grams in consultation with the Bohol Vice Governor crease their production. also being helped by the Yap feeds, he said. stakeholders of that sector for Rene Relampagos said that “Governor Yap has initiated administration through tech- “In relation to this, the Bo- the Bohol Provincial Govern- the Covid-19 pandemic hit the several programs in Bohol. For nical assistance and certified hol Provincial Government will ment to buy equipment that can tourism industry so hard that example, in the irrigated areas seeds to harvest at least 120 ca- buy farm equipment to help the be used to repair and rehabilitate several Boholanos lost their of ricefields, the administration vans per hectare. cluster of barangays and mu- idle fishponds in Bohol which is livelihood. of Yap is providing the farm- “We are also improving the nicipalities and aid them in land estimated to be 2,000 hectares. In relation to that, Relam- ers hybrid seeds to increase the corn and cassava production in preparation. In this way, we “If the fishponds will be pagos said that the adminis- number of cavans of yields per Bohol. So, we identified cluster can increase food production,” rehabilitated, we can help in- tration of Bohol Governor Ar- hectare,” Relampagos said. of towns and help the farmers Relampagos said. crease the production of fish thur Yap has been relentless Usually, Relampagos said, in producing more cassava and Aside from the farms, sev- like Bangus (milkfish) and in finding ways to secure food the farmers have rice yields of corn to decrease the operational eral fishpond operators have Tilapia and reduce the prices security ans avert hunger in the 150 cavans per harvest, but cost in raising domestic or food stopped operating and there are of fish in Bohol,” Relampagos province. this can be surpassed by about animals,” Relampagos said. now fishponds which are lying said. ELIAS O. BAQUERO Bohol governor is just helping poor Boholano farmers AMID daily bombardment ple when I took my oath as gov- the said lot for our farmers so Citing tourism and agricul- arate interview, “even good of well-orchestrated radio at- ernor,” Governor Yap said in a that their agricultural produce ture as the two main economic intentions and plans can be tacks against a project aimed recent radio interview. would not rot, then I would ask drivers of the province, Gov. twisted by those who have self- at helping Boholano farmers The governor’s statement for forgiveness,” the governor Yap said the pandemic has par- ish political ambitions.” overcome life’s hardships be- came in response to critics said. alyzed tourism industry. This Despite what the admin- cause of the Covid19 pandem- who lambasted the provincial He stressed, while holding left agriculture as the last hope istration’s supporters have ic, Bohol Governor Arthur C. government over a proposed back emotions, that if it were of survival during this time of called as a “politically-motivat- Yap has renewed his commit- display center of agricultural wrong to help his Boholano global economic collapse. ed demolition job” designed ment to rescue the lives of the products that will rise at an un- brethren, then he would seek Yap said he needs to move to unseat him in the 2022 marginalized poor. used area in CPG Park, Tagbi- forgiveness. and think out of the box and elections, Yap said attempts “I know that not all of our laran City, Bohol. The radio interview was map out strategies how to help to destroy his legacy have in- good deeds would be appre- CPG stands for Carlos P. hosted by Broadcaster Atoy the poor farmers who have stead emboldened him to work ciated. I am doing my best to Garcia, a Boholano president Cosap, with Bohol Provincial been deeply affected by the im- harder to uplift the lives of poor help because this was my vow of the Philippines. Agriculture Office chief Larry pact of the pandemic. Boholano brothers and sisters. before God and before our peo- “If it was wrong to use Pamugas. But then, he said in a sep- ENIE M. MAKINANO 12 March 8 - 14, 2021 Cebu Business Week WORLD NEWS US condemns China’s ‘assault on Hong Kong democracy’ THE United States has model spokes- “resolutely guard against condemned China’s “con- is being man Ned and deter” interference by tinuing assault on demo- eroded led Price said external forces in Hong cratic institutions in Hong to huge the move Kong’s affairs. Kong”. pro-de- was “a di- Earlier the EU called on China’s National Peo- mocracy rect attack Beijing to “carefully consid- ple’s Congress (NPC) un- protests in on Hong er the political and econom- veiled the plans to change 2019. Kong’s ic implications on any deci- the electoral system in Hong Under autono- sion to reform the electoral Kong. the agree- my, Hong system of Hong Kong that One proposal would re- ment, Kong’s would undermine funda- quire all candidates standing Hong freedoms mental freedoms, political for Hong Kong’s assembly to Kong, a and the pluralism and democratic be approved by a committee former democrat- principles”. of members loyal to Beijing. British col- CHINA’S NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS ic process- The UK Foreign Office The move follows the ony, was es”. also urged China’s author- imposition of a tough secu- allowed to continue with its rubber-stamp parliament is “If implemented these ities to “uphold their com- rity law last year. own legal system and have expected to also discuss and measures would drastical- mitments to the people of Critics say Beijing is rights including free speech approve economic growth ly undermine Hong Kong Hong Kong, including re- crushing dissent and remov- and freedom of the press. targets and environmental democratic institutions,” he specting their fundamental ing the “one country, two Thousands of lawmakers policies from the central said. rights and freedoms, and systems” agreement it made have gathered for the annual government. Premier Li Keqiang Hong Kong’s high degree of with the UK. Fears that that NPC meeting in Beijing. The State department warned that China would autonomy”. UK ‘to cut aid to Syria and African countries’ THE UK will cut aid to ed by a conflict that erupt- through what this means fice email gives the first in- ed by the document are of Syria and several African ed after President Bashar for individual programs and dication of which countries the same scale as the 50% countries by more than al-Assad’s government re- decisions have not yet been might lose out. cut in aid to Yemen an- 60%, a leaked email sug- sponded with deadly force made. And the figures suggest- nounced earlier this week. gests. to peaceful anti-government “We remain a First reported by Open protests in March 2011. world-leading aid donor Democracy, the document The fighting has left at and we will spend more dated last month suggests least 380,000 people dead than £10 billion this year to Pope Francis visits Iraq officials are considering and caused half the popu- fight poverty, tackle climate POPE Francis made his Barham Salih, Pope Francis cutting aid to Syria by 67% lation to flee their homes, change and improve global first ever papal visit to Iraq said he was very pleased to and Lebanon by 88%. including almost six million health.” and has called for an end to come to Iraq, which he de- Aid to Nigeria could refugees abroad. The government wants violence and extremism. scribed as the “cradle of civi- drop 58%, Somalia 60%, A UK government to reduce its overall interna- He also said Iraq’s dwin- lization.” South Sudan 59% and the spokesman said: “The seis- tional aid budget by about dling Christian community “May the clash of arms Democratic Republic of mic impact of the pandem- £4bn in 2021-2022, which should have a more promi- be silenced... may there be an Congo by 60%, it says. ic on the UK economy has will mean missing the UN nent role as citizens with full end to acts of violence and ex- The Foreign Office said forced us to take tough but target of spending 0.7% of rights, freedoms, and respon- tremism, factions, and intol- no decisions had been made necessary decisions, in- national income on foreign sibilities. erance!” he said. and insisted the UK re- cluding temporarily reduc- aid. The Pope said he is hop- “Iraq has suffered the di- mained a world-leading aid ing the overall amount we But it has yet to say ing to foster inter-religious di- sastrous effects of wars, the donor. spend on aid. where the axe will fall. alogue - meeting Iraq’s most scourge of terrorism and sec- Syria has been devastat- “We are still working The leaked Foreign Of- revered Shia Muslim cleric tarian conflicts often ground- - and will celebrate Mass at a ed in a fundamentalism inca- stadium in Irbil in the north. pable of accepting the peace- Scotland ‘absolutely intent’ on hosting Euro 2020 About 10,000 Iraqi Se- ful coexistence of different The Scottish government erning body UEFA wants all countries have to give an curity Forces personnel are ethnic and religious groups,” was intent on hosting Euro each of the countries stag- indication to UEFA what being deployed to protect the he said. 2020 matches at Glasgow’s ing matches to submit their they think will be possible in Pope, while round-the-clock He turned to the country’s Hampden Park amid uncer- plans including for the safe terms of fan attendance and curfews are also being im- Christians, saying, “The age- tainty due to the COVID-19 return of fans by April 7. fan zones. All countries are posed to limit the spread of old presence of Christians in pandemic. Speaking at a daily coro- grappling with this, not just Covid. this land, and their contribu- The tournament was navirus briefing on Friday, Scotland,” she said. Iraq’s Prime Minister tions to the life of the nation, postponed by a year to June Scotland’s First Minister Hampden Park is sched- Mustafa al-Kadhimi greet- constitute a rich heritage that due to the pandemic and Nicola Sturgeon said, “No- uled to host Scotland v. Czech ed him at the airport, where they wish to continue to place there remain questions over body wants to lose the Euros Republic on June 14, Croatia hundreds of people lined the at the service of all,” he said. UEFA’s plan to host the and I don’t think we should v. Czech Republic on June airport road as the Pope’s He said Iraq’s diversity event in 12 cities across the be in the position right now 18, Croatia v. Scotland on convoy left for the city. was a “precious resource on continent. of thinking that is the case.” June 22 and a round-of-16 In a speech after being which to draw, not an obsta- European soccer’s gov- “There is a deadline that match on June 29. welcomed by Iraqi President cle to eliminate.”