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The mad race for precious hospital bed slots amid the Covid-19 case surge has caused many people to resort to do-it-yourself fixes to stay alive—if the spectacular rise in Google searches for Ivermectin and for oxygen tanks is an indication.

COVID-19 patients stay outside the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center emergency area as they wait for rooms to be vacated in Marikina City on March 26, 2021. AP/AARON FAVILA

A

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

S people struggle to get precious slots in Philippine hospitals while Covid-19 infections surge, the resort to “do-it-yourself” treatments for the desperate may be gleaned from a spike in Google searches for, among others, the controversial veterinary drug Ivermectin, and for “oxygen tanks” which some families have been known to use at home after failing to get hospital treatment. This may be gleaned from data shared by iPrice Group’s research.

The research by the Southeast Asian e-commerce and information aggregator showed the gap between Filipinos’ Google searches on unapproved Covid-19 treatments and for vaccine registrations.

Wary of jabs, but risk takers

THERE’S a meager estimate of 1,430 Google searches on the keywords “vaccine registrations” in March 2021 at a time when authorities are trying to overcome people’s vaccine hesitancy. The in-

terest in “googling” vaccine registrations is about 157 times lower than searches on an unapproved drug for Covid-19 (Ivermectin) and about 27 times lower than searches on oxygen tanks, according to iPrice’s research.

The number of Google searches for vaccine registrations from January to March (2,070) only accounts for 0.0047 percent of the country’s Google population, iPrice said.

Moreover, the research noted that data “seems to be backed

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 48.5760

up by Pulse Asia’s survey,” which revealed that 6 out of 10 Filipinos don’t want to get vaccinated against the Covid-19 due to doubts about the vaccines’ safety, efficacy and necessity.

This vaccine confidence issue, the research added, could be “problematic” for the country’s efforts to eradicate the virus, as studies show an estimated 50-80 percent of the population needs to be inoculated to achieve herd immunity.

However, the World Health Organization noted that the percentage to achieve herd immunity varies with each disease. For instance, measles requires 95 percent of the population to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

“Bottom line, a large number of the population in the country needs to be inoculated to neutralize the spread of the coronavirus, and it seems that it may take a while for Filipinos to achieve this, given the figures above,” the research of iPrice Group stated.

Likewise, based on the numbers, it said, “there is a dire need to provide sufficient information on Covid-19 vaccines to the Filipino population.”

drug to treat parasites), reached a “shocking” Google search volume of 224,110 in March 2021, a 687-percent increase compared to the previous month.

However, iPrice noted, people may have been starting to talk about Ivermectin even as early as February, “so if we compare the Google searches of March 2021 with November 2020, when there wasn’t much talk about it, the surge is much higher [2,705 percent].”

In April, the Google search interests in Ivermectin continue to grow as seen in Google Trends’ data.

This isn’t so surprising, since the public debate was thrown wide open with the recent letterpetition of various groups urging authorities to allow wide use of Ivermectin for Covid treatment, fueled by a congressman’s offer to distribute the drugs for free to Quezon City residents. Asked who will be liable for adverse effects, the lawmaker said, recipients will be signing waivers.

Based on recent developments, iPrice predicts the continuous upward trajectory of people’s interest in Ivermectin, which some scientists deem alarming.

Unapproved drugs

Compassionate use

SEARCHES on Ivermectin, an unapproved drug for Covid-19 (it was known for years as a veterinary

IN a Laging Handa press briefing on Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced

that it had already granted the request of one hospital for the “compassionate use” of Ivermectin.

“The application of a hospital for compassionate use of Ivermectin was granted because we are aware that this is an investigational product against Covid-19,” FDA Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo said, partly in Filipino.

Domingo clarified that despite the compassionate-use permit granted to the unnamed hospital, the distribution of Ivermectin as part of treatment for Covid-19 is still prohibited.

He said there are pending applications of two local manufacturers seeking a certificate of product registration for the drug, so it can legally be used internally as part of Covid treatment.

The FDA official stressed that only the hospital with the permit for its compassionate use for humans will be allowed to import the drug through a licensed importer.

Currently, Ivermectin is allowed for human topical use under prescription to treat external parasites.

However, the use of oral or intravenous Ivermectin is only approved for animals, to prevent heartworm disease and external parasites.

The iPrice research noted that research by the United States FDA on Ivermectin is still hanging; thus, “they have not approved its

use for Covid-19 patients.”

Experts have warned that taking unapproved drugs, including Ivermectin, can be “very dangerous” as such may interact with other medications or cause overdose, which can lead to “dangerous side effects and even death.”

On April 5, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that current Ivermectin products registered in the country are for “veterinary use” and are only allowed for the treatment of internal and external parasites as well as prevention of heartworm disease in animals; hence the issuance of FDA Advisory No. 2021-0526.

Moreover, the DOH cited studies from the Philippine Covid-19 Living CPG Reviewers of a systematic review of six randomized controlled trials. These showed that: 1. Ivermectin did not significantly reduce the risk of mortality among patients with mild to severe Covid-19 cases; 2. Ivermectin was not associated with a definite benefit of other clinically important outcomes such as clinical improvement at Day 6-10, clinical deterioration, and need for mechanical ventilation; 3. Ivermectin did not significantly reduce the duration of hospitalization and the time to resolution of symptoms; and Continued on A2

n JAPAN 0.4423 n UK 66.7580 n HK 6.2396 n CHINA 7.4235 n SINGAPORE 36.2291 n AUSTRALIA 36.9615 n EU 57.6646 n SAUDI ARABIA 12.9533

Source: BSP (April 8, 2021)

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Olympics boycott risks becoming the next big US-China battle

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By Bloomberg News

VER the past month, diplomats in Beijing have been talking more about the pros and cons of boycotting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing—particularly as leading global brands came under attack for statements on human-rights abuses in the far west region of Xinjiang.

While most doubted there would be an outright boycott, they noted that a lot can change before the opening ceremony 10 months from now. The diplomats, who asked not to be named, also raised the possibility that top dignitaries would stay away from Beijing even while athletes compete and sponsors take part.

Either way, the diplomats agreed on one thing: No country wants to be the first to call for a boycott.

This week the debate erupted on the global stage after State Department spokesman Ned Price on Tuesday said a boycott was “on the agenda” and “something that we certainly wish to discuss” with allies.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki walked that back on Wednesday, saying “we have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners.”

Still, China immediately went on the offensive. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Wednesday that any US attempts to criticize China over alleged forced labor in Xinjiang were “doomed to be a flop” and would be met with “firm rejection and strong response” from the Chinese people. A boycott, he said, would harm the interests of athletes and “runs counter to the spirit of the Olympic charter.”

“The US Olympic Committee and the rest of the international community will not accept that,” Zhao told reporters in Beijing. “We have confidence that we will work with all parties to ensure a successful and extraordinary Olympic grand event.”

While the Beijing Olympics aren’t until next year, every government and foreign company that does business in China must now take a position on participation in the Games. As last month’s government-backed boycott of retailers like Hennes & Mauritz AB showed, the decision for companies will ulti-

mately impact their ability to access China’s market of 1.4 billion people.

“There would likely be bans imposed on select imports of products from countries that signal a willingness to shun the Games and boycotts of companies from those countries,” said Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If the US is seen as leading the boycott, it is likely that USChina relations would significantly deteriorate.”

“Our position on the 2022 Olympics has not changed, we have not discussed and are not discussing any joint boycott with allies and partners,” Press Secretary Jen Psaki said when asked about the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up the Olympics in a phone call on Wednesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying he hoped the Games could become a catalyst for more exchanges between the countries as he called on the European Union to “truly achieve strategic autonomy.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also raised support for the Olympics in a call this week with his Japanese counterpart.

China’s reaction to the US comments on a boycott followed the same pattern as other criticism aimed at the Communist Party: Hit back hard via state-run media while deploying censorship among the masses. Authorities banned searches for “boycotting Winter Olympics” on Chinese social-media platform Weibo, while an editor of a leading newspaper said Washington shouldn’t dare threaten China with an Olympic boycott.

“If that happens, it will be a small group of white supremacist nations pitted against the Olympic family, a display of their selfisolation,” Hu Xijin, editor of the state-linked Global Times, wrote on Twitter.

A JOURNALIST looks at a display at the exhibition center for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in Yaqing district on February 5, 2021, in Beijing, China. KEVIN FRAYER/GETTY IMAGES

“T

he US is likely to make a lot of noise over boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics, as it will not give up an opportunity to tarnish China’s image, but the chances of an actual boycott are low.”

—Zhou Qi, director of the Institute of Global Governance and Development at Tongji University in Shanghai Despite insistence from International Olympic Committee officials that sports and politics are separate, the Olympics have frequently been enmeshed in complicated developments in world affairs and controversies for decades, from the 1936 games in Nazi Germany to the 2008 games in Beijing. The US led a boycott of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow in response to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, while the Soviets boycotted the Los Angeles games four years later.

Still, it’s not clear how much international support there would be for a boycott. Previous boycotts during the Cold War had little lasting impact on political issues of the day and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been largely fo-

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4. The rate of hospitalization discharge did not differ significantly between between the Ivermectin group and the placebo group; Based on current evidence from randomized controlled trials, the DOH agrees with the Covid-19 Living CPG Reviewers and does not yet recommend the use of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19.

The DOH added: “Moreover, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Philippines, has stated that there is no evidence that supports the use of Ivermectin to treat Covid-19, even as a preventive measure. The use of Ivermectin for Covid-19 has to be evaluated through clinical trials.”

However, in what some quarters called mixed signals, the DOH and FDA said they are open to allowing pharmacies for compounding Ivermectin.

Hoarding oxygen

WHILE the Ivermectin debate is being handled by the DOH and the FDA, authorities have only begun to be alerted to a possible hoarding of oxygen tanks, for which even some hospitals have

been reportedly having trouble sourcing.

Google searches on oxygen tanks showed a similar trend as searches for Ivermectin, surging by 115 percent in March 2021 compared to February 2021, according to the iPrice research.

Searches on oxygen tanks have reached an all-time high of 39,160 throughout the year (from March 2020 to March 2021).

This trend, the iPrice Group research noted, happened in 2020 as well when searches also surged during the first wave in 2020, with an average of 24,277 searches from July to September, then tapering off as the daily cases declined.

“During this second wave, hospitals are experiencing a shortage of space and oxygen tanks. Thus, Filipinos are looking for oxygen tanks in case of worstcase scenarios.”

According to Google Trends, searches on oxygen tanks are also still in an upward trajectory in the first weeks of April, or a 376-percent surge in searches compared to March.

“This trend could be problematic,” the group lamented. “Since hospitals are already experiencing a shortage of oxygen tanks, the

supply may be going to households that don’t need it instead of hospitals that are in dire need of it.”

It is not known, though, whether profiteers are in fact already driving the mad search for oxygen, or riding on the apparent desperation for do-it-yourself fixes. In one case, a family with two Covid cases but who took more than two days to get hospital slots decided to buy oxygen tanks and attach these, with health workers’ help, to their patients, as their oxygen levels dropped alarmingly low and they grew very weak. On the second day, the family member tasked to source oxygen could no longer find fresh sources and had to scour for hours to find replacement tanks for the patients.

On April 7, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire appealed to suppliers of oxygen tanks to regulate their sale to ensure sufficient supply for hospital use.

Vergeire made the appeal following reports that some individuals are buying oxygen tanks to store in their house amid the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and the dwindling hospital capacity to handle the severe and critical cases.

“I know what you feel right

cused on getting this year’s delayed Summer Olympics in Japan on track.

‘A lot of noise’

IN 2008, US President George W. Bush attended the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing despite calls to boycott, according to Zhou Qi, director of the Institute of Global Governance and Development at Tongji University in Shanghai.

“The US is likely to make a lot of noise over boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics, as it will not give up an opportunity to tarnish China’s image, but the chances of an actual boycott are low,” she said.

But US-China tensions are much higher now than in 2008, and President Joe Biden has come under increasing pressure from some hu-

now, but this is not rational. First, it might cause you harm if you don’t really need it. Second, our supply in the hospitals might be depleted if all households will buy oxygen tanks,” the DOH official said, partly in Filipino.

Vergeire said that if a household is in need of oxygen tanks, they can ask help from their local officials and doctors.

“If they advise you that you need an oxygen tank, that’s the time that you get oxygen,” Vergeire reiterated.

As of April 7, the DOH said that of the active cases recorded (158,701), 762 or (0.5 percent) are critical. The DOH explained that a critical patient is one with impending or ongoing respiratory failure, in need of mechanical ventilation, or with evidence of end-organ damage or with septic shock.

There were also 477 (0.3 percent) moderate cases. A moderate case is a patient with clinical signs of non-severe pneumonia; 762 (0.5 percent) are severe, or those patients with clinical signs of severe pneumonia or severe acute respiratory infection.

On the utilization of intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 63 percent or 1,416 ICU out of 2,242 are occupied.

man-rights groups and lawmakers to boycott the Games over what his own administration has called the genocide of mostly Muslim ethnic Uyghurs.

John Katko, a Republican congressman from New York, on Tuesday said Biden should push for the Games to be moved from China “to a country that embodies democracy and the spirit of the Olympic charter.”

US Senator Mitt Romney, who played a key role in salvaging Salt Lake City’s hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics, has argued that the US should send its athletes to the Beijing Games. But, he wrote in a New York Times column last month, American spectators and politicians should stay home. US

corporations, he added, shouldn’t send delegations of executives and clients to the quadrennial event either, he added.

While past boycotts have occasionally helped reduce global support for countries such as South Africa under apartheid, China is a different story, according to Jules Boykoff, a professor at Pacific University in Oregon who has written several books about the politics of the Olympics.

“South Africa was in a much weaker geostrategic position than China finds itself in today,” he said.

“China’s global stature and economic heft not only give the IOC pause, but also countries who might not be interested in being rebuked—if not steamrolled—by the burgeoning economic power.”

“The number of confirmed severe and critical cases may not necessarily correspond to occupancy of ICU beds and mechanical ventilators, as suspect and probable cases in severe or critical condition also utilize these resources,” the DOH explained.

68,053 new cases on January 8, which dropped down to as low as 2,763 on April 7. The USA’s graph/ curve seems to follow the same trend as well.”

These figures of the research alone showed that daily cases may dramatically decline once mass vaccination begins.

“For now, however, there is an urgent call to educate Filipinos about the Covid-19 vaccine,” the group urged.

Moving forward

OVERALL, according to the iPrice Group, these Google searches showed how Filipinos’ online interests may indicate the “country’s urgent state,” even a year after the pandemic hit.

“Many Filipinos are desperate for treatment and security as not all have the means to be treated in hospitals.”

The research indicated, added iPrice, that it’s safe to say that everyone just wants the virus to end, but this is harder to achieve when many Filipinos are reluctant to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

“There are information and studies available that ensure the safety of each vaccine. Looking at the number of daily cases recorded on Worldometer, countries that have begun their vaccination programs early on seem to show a decline in daily coronavirus cases in 2021. For instance, the UK reached

Government’s vaccine rollout

AS of April 6, government reported 2,670 vaccination sites are giving Covid-19 jabs across all regions.

Of the total available 2.5 million doses, the DOH has distributed 1,936,600 (77 percent) doses throughout the country.

Of the distributed doses, a total of 922,898 doses have been administered to healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities, a move to give added protection to almost a million at-risk and vulnerable Filipinos.

Of the total allocated doses, 872,21 (63.74 percent) have been administered for the first dose, while 50,685 (3.70 percent) have been administered for the second dose.

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Locsin, Blinken affirm validity of Philippines-U.S. defense pact

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OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. on Friday spoke with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken amid a renewed focus on their two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) as tensions rise anew in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In the telephone call, Secretary Locsin also “welcomed the assistance of the United States in the Philippines’s efforts to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” the statement added.

Both officials also “expressed confidence and optimism in the future trajectory of the Philippines-United States bilateral cooperation as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries,” said the DFA statement.

The Locsin-Blinken phone call comes a day after US Department of State spokesman Ned Price reiterated Washington’s support to the Philippines over the current tensions spawned by the swarming presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels on Julian Felipe Reef, within the Philippines’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed the assurance by Price in a news briefing on Thursday.

Locsin had backed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s demand for the pullout of all of the Chinese militia boats, saying the DFA will file diplomatic protests for every day that the vessels remain in the area.

On Monday, the DFA also issued a statement that so-called “traditional fishing rights” invoked by the Chinese embassy must “yield to law” and in this case, the “only norm applicable” is that laid down by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) that affirms countries’ rights in their EEZ; and the 2016 arbitral ruling negating China’s claims over most of the South China Sea through its nine-dash-line map.

“Well, Secretary [James] Blinken actually spoke to this just a couple days ago. He said on March

28 that the United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] maritime militia massing...,” US State Department’s Price said during a news briefing on Thursday, Manila time.

“We will always stand by our allies and stand up for the rules-based international order,” the US State Department spokesman said. ”As we have stated before, an armed attack against the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea, will trigger our obligations under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The decades-old treaty mandates the US to come to Manila’s aid if it is attacked by any other state, an obligation that the Philippines is also required to undertake for Washington if it goes into war.

The Philippines’s DND welcomed the United States’s latest warning against China on the use of force in the West Philippine Sea. “The US admonition to China against the use of force on Philippine public vessels and aircraft, which are performing their constitutional mandate to protect and defend Philippine rights in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, is an additional affirmation of the long-standing partnership between our two countries,” the DND, through its spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.

At least 220 Chinese maritime militia vessels have been spotted to have moored at the Julian Felipe Reef, which is located near Balabac, Palawan on March 7.

Three weeks later, most of the ships supposedly left the reef, but were spotted to have redeployed to other features in the WPS, thus raising more concern—not only from the Philippines, but from its allies the US, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.

At least 44 Chinese ships have remained berthed at the reef based on the latest patrol of the Philippine military, which Chinese forces challenged, reminding the Air Force pilots to stay away from the area.

Health dept, FDA issue clarification on AstraZeneca, Sinovac inoculation

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HILIPPINE authorities on Friday issued separate clarifications on two vaccines—by AstraZeneca and Sinovac—following what were seen as confusing signals on their use for senior citizens, one of the priority groups for immunization against Covid-19, and for those below 60.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo on Friday said that they will continue to administer the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines on 60 and above, noting that the reported blood clotting was “not seen” on senior citizens.

“On the cases investigated, they are below 60.

So, we are not really thinking to limit, to limit it on senior citizens,” Domingo said in a mix of Filipino and English in an online briefing of the Department of Health (DOH).

His statement was corroborated by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who said that, to date, they have not received any report of blood clotting after AstraZeneca was administered.

Sinovac’s case

Also on Friday, the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation and Selection led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) issued guidance “on the recommendation to approve the use of CoronaVac [Sinovac’s vaccine] for adults 60 years old and above.”

The FDA had recently approved DOH’s request on the use of the vaccines for adults 60 years old and above, after earlier saying it was not recommended for such age bracket.

In its Friday statement, the task force led by the Department of Science and Technology, which oversees the Vaccine Expert Panel, pointed out this qualification, though: “While the general safety profile of the [Sinovac] vaccine based on available data is deemed to be acceptable, the FDA reiterates that their guidance may change and evolve as more efficacy, immunogenicity and safety data become available. Following FDA’s condition on the matter, vaccination of CoronaVac for a senior citizen will only be made after careful evaluation of the health status and exposure risk of the individual to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risk. Special attention will also be given to hypertensives.”

The surge of cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighboring areas and limited supplies of vaccine had earlier led the DOH to ask the FDA to evaluate CoronaVac (Sinovac) on the possibility of recommending its use to eligible population 60 years old and above who are deemed part of the most vulnerable populations; this was the basis

of the guidance given to allow Sinovac for senior citizens 60 and above.

‘Temporary suspension’

On Thursday, the DOH said the use of AstraZeneca vaccines for individuals aged below 60 years old, will be temporarily suspended following the recommendation of FDA due to recent reports of “rare cases of blood clots” with low platelets detected in some individuals inoculated with the vaccine.

“We are aware of the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency [EMA] to list blood clots as very rare side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While we have not seen such incidents in the country, the FDA has recommended to temporarily suspend the use of the vaccine for persons below 60 years old,” Domingo said then.

Domingo said they will await the results of the review being done by the local experts, as well as the official guidance the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, Vergeire said that currently, there is no more supply of AstraZeneca in the country.

“The World Health Organization gave assurance that the Philippines will get another batch of AstraZeneca vaccine doses through Covax Facility by end of April,” Vergeire added.

Assessment of MHRA and EMA

UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and European EMA completed on April 7 their assessment of extremely rare blood clotting events with low platelets from over 34 million people vaccinated with AstraZeneca’s vaccine in the UK and EU on April 7.

“Neither the UK nor EU regulatory agencies identified any risk factors, such as age or gender, or a definite cause for these extremely rare events.

However, they came to the view that these events have a possible link to the vaccine and requested they be listed as an extremely rare potential side effect,” the statement of AstraZeneca Philippines read.

Overall, the company said both reviews affirmed their vaccine offers a high-level of protection against mild, moderate and severe forms of Covid-19 and that these benefits continue to far outweigh the risks.

In addition, it quoted the WHO as saying that, based on current information, a causal relationship is considered plausible but is not confirmed, adding that further specialized studies are needed to fully understand the potential relationship between vaccination and possible risk factors.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

WPS tension escalates after armed Chinese ships chase PHL news crew T

HE US and Philippines have expressed concern over China’s decision to mass militia vessels in the South China Sea, as a Filipino civilian ship carrying local journalists reported being chased down by armed Chinese navy vessels while sailing within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Thursday.

L o c a l b ro a d c a s t e r A B S - C B N c l a imed t he People’s Liberat ion Army Navy deployed two vessels carrying missiles to drive away the ship as it traveled across reefs and shoals close to the western island province of Palawan. The report added it was the first recorded instance of a military maneuver against a civilian boat.

After being spotted by a coast guard vessel, their ship was radioed and then pursued for an hour, “getting so close that bow number 5101 was visible to the naked eye, sometimes sailing beside the Filipino vessel on either side,” according to the report.

It then turned away, only for two Houbei-class missile boats to show up moments later.

During a phone call on Friday, Secretar y of State A ntony Blinken and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretar y Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. discussed concerns about the build-up of China’s maritime militia in the disputed waters, including W hitsun Reef, or Julian Felipe Reef, according to a US readout.

They reiterated calls for China to abide by the 2016 arbitration ruling issued pursuant to the Law of the Sea Convention.

A separate statement sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to media outlets said Locsin and Blinken affirmed, “The importance of working closely to enhance

the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States that has stood strong for nearly 70 years, in light of the recent geopolitical developments and challenges in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.” The growing tension comes as Chinese vessels—initially numbering in the hundreds—were spotted at Julian Felipe Reef on March 7, prompting protests from Manila. The DFA said it would file a diplomatic protest for each day that the Chinese vessels remain in the reef, within the Philippine EEZ. The US last month said it stands by the Philippines while accusing China of using a “maritime militia to intimidate, provoke and threaten other nations.” China said last month that the ships were simply “taking shelter from the wind” and the Philippines should view the situation in a “rational light.”

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana slammed the “shelter” excuse, saying he was “no fool” because there were no reports of weather disturbance, and demanded that all Chinese boats leave.

The defense and military establishment also expressed concern on Friday over the latest incident. “We are concerned for the safety of anyone—unarmed civilians—at sea. As such, we view the report with concern,” said the Department of National Defense (DND) through its spokesman Arsenio “Popong” Andolong.

The news team was reportedly sailing toward the Ayungin Shoal to check on Filipino fishermen in the area when a Chinese vessel appeared and blocked their ship’s course although from a distance.

Andolong said the DND has already directed the military, through its

Western Command, to “investigate, gather, and validate all the relevant facts on the incident, the outcome of which will be used to coordinate any appropriate action” through the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through its spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said it was looking into the incident even as he counseled caution to journalists in doing their job. “ T h rough t he A FP ’s Wester n Command, we are conducting investigation and verifications to establish what transpired,” Arevalo said.

“While we understand the journalists’ insatiable desire to be ahead in reporting, we appeal to them to exercise prudence in the course of their job,” he added.

News crew harassment slammed

Also on Friday, Minority Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly protested the latest incident involving a Chinese missile vessel harassing a Filipino boat chartered by an ABS-CBN news crew doing a documentary in the West Philippine Sea. “I am outraged,” Hontiveros fumed, indicating she was beginning to “lose what little respect left’ she still has for the Chinese government.”

In a news statement, she said the most recent form of harassment “only proves that China knows she can never win diplomatically or legally in our territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, hence, she is desperately resorting to the threat of using deadly force.”

Hontiveros cited reports that the ABS-CBN crew joined Filipino

M

They were mobilized by Cf Sharp Crew Management Inc., the accredited manning agency for NCL. However, the pandemic delayed the start of US cruises by all major cruise operators and moved their schedules to November 2021.

“Strict guidelines from the US CDC [Center for Disease Control and Prevention] has forced NCL to bring home the Filipino crews instead of keeping them on board till late this year,” Geslani said.

The 1,250 sea-based overseas Filipino workers on board Norwegian Joy would be flown to Manila on March 15, 2021, while the cruise ship Encore collected some Filipino crews on its journey from Southampton to Asia.

“This will be a long and sad journey home for all the Filipino crew as their hopes and dreams to be the first to set sail had been dashed due to the continuing ravages of Covid-19,” Geslani added.

fishermen on their way to their traditional fishing ground in Ayungin Shoal when they were blocked by the Chinese navy ship, accompanied by two “Type 22 Houbei missile boat, a ship class in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy.”

In her statement sent to Senate reporters, Hontiveros recalled that ABS-CBN’s Chiara Zambrano checked their boat’s location, and they were only 90 nautical miles from Palawan.

“That is almost just as far as going to Cavite from Tarlac. Clearly, they were within our exclusive economic zone, and yet, China’s war vessels brazenly charged in their direction. Iyan ba ang magpapark lang ng barko kasi masama ang panahon? [Is that what you call just parking one’s boats to shelter from bad weather?], she asked.

The lawmaker lamented that “we are being encircled in our own territory,” asking that China pull back its navy and coast guard ships “outside the Philippines’s EEZ to avert an untoward incident.

Hontiveros, a widow of a Philippine Militar y Academy graduate, also echoed the recent statement of the PMA Alumni Association and the PMA Retirees Association that “strongly condemned China’s illegal intrusion in our EEZ and insists that China should comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as both countries are party to this convention.

She added: “Indeed, no productive negotiation would be possible if China does not adhere to international law and if she continues to use lies and deceit to impose her will upon the region.” Bloomberg News,

Butch Fernandez and Rene Acosta

DOH: P9-Billion Bayanihan funds ‘all accounted for’

PHL logs 12,225 new Covid cases, 401 deaths on Friday

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

he Philippines on Friday recorded a total of 401 Covid-19 deaths, the highest since the pandemic began.

However, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that there were 213 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries and were reclassified as deaths after the “final validation.”

The daily Covid-19 cases recorded was also higher after 12,225 new cases were logged. There were also 946 recoveries.

The total number of infections in the country stood at 840,554.

Of the total number of cases, 21.2 percent (178,351) are active, 77.1 percent (647,683) have recovered, and 1.73 percent (14,520) died.

Ten laboratories were not able to submit their data to the Covid-19 Document Repository System on April 8, 2021.

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he Department of Health (DOH) on Friday assured the public that “every centavo” of the questioned P9 billion funds of Bayanihan I and II, as well as all other public funds provided to the agency, “are all accounted for” and are “available for the public to access and examine” upon request.

Likewise, the DOH said that it would provide the “full expenditure reports” to the offices of lawmakers requesting for the said data.

The DOH explained that the P9-billion funds for the construction of health infrastructure under the Bayanihan I and II were spent, emphasizing that the said funds were utilized to construct temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, field hospitals, dormitories, and expand government hospital capacities through the procurement of various medical equipment.

“Of the P4.49 billion provided under Bayanihan I, P4.36 billion was utilized as of December 31, 2020 to procure medical equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, biological safety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, and biomedical microcentrifuges, among other medical equipment, essential to ensuring that hospitals will be caring for Covid-19 patients,” DOH stated.

Meanwhile, of the P4.5 billion provided under Bayanihan II, P3.88 billion has been utilized as of December 31, 2020 for the construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, field hospitals, dormitories for frontliners and expansion of government capacity all over the country.

On the other hand, the DOH said, of the remaining P617 million, P 308 million has been utilized for the procurement of essential Covid-related equipment such as mechanical ventilators, portable X-ray machines, hemodialysis machines, high flow nasal cannula oxygen machines, and other equipment necessary for increasing laboratories’ testing capacities.

“The Department of Health emphasized that it is, and has always been, committed to upholding utmost integrity and transparency in fulfillment of its mandate to establish and maintain an accessible health system that provides quality health services to every Filipino,” the agency assured.

Further, the DOH emphasized that “now is not the time to be fragmented in the pandemic response” and called for “unity” from the rest of the government and the public as the country faces an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

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Airport terminal cargo handlers cautiously load a shipment of vaccines to a flight-bound Cebu Pacific commercial airplane on Friday.

Photo courtesy of CEB

CEB flies 77.8K more doses of Covid vaccines across different destinations

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he Philippines’s leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) continues to safely fly life-saving Covid-19 vaccines to assist in the country’s distribution program. From April 6 to 9, 2021, CEB flew about 77,800 doses to six cities in the Philippines, specifically to Bacolod on April 6, to Zamboanga, Tacloban, and Cotabato on April 7, to Puerto Princesa on April 8, and to Tuguegarao on Friday.

CEB delivered around 53,000 doses to Zamboanga and Tuguegarao last month.

This week’s batch of consecutive shipments comprises of 7,200 doses to Bacolod, 14,400 doses each to Tacloban and Zamboanga, 34,800 doses to Cotabato, 1,000 doses to Puerto Princesa, and 6,000 doses to Tuguegarao.

“We are glad to actively take part in this national endeavor. These deliveries pave way to the timely and successful rollout of our country’s vaccination program, and we are thankful for our partners’ trust in Cebu Pacific,” Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer, said in a news statement issued on Friday.

All vaccines upon receipt at the CEB Cargo Warehouse were kept in a refrigerated storage container, complete with cooling systems to ensure that the condition of the vaccines is preserved up until arrival at the designated destinations.

“We look forward to carrying more of these much-needed vaccines to aid in the country’s fight against Covid-19,” added Lao. To date, CEB has already flown a total of 130,800 doses across the Philippines since March 2021. Recto Mercene

‘Lethargic’ cruise industry biz drives back 1,250 Senator urges Duterte govt to address plight of commuters amid pandemic Filipino cruise ship workers back home anew ore than a thousand Filipino cruise ship workers are scheduled to dock today, Saturday, in Manila Bay on board the Norwegian Encore cruise ship after the operator, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), decided to repatriate all the non-essential crews currently in the Caribbean and European waters.

After a low turnout of passengers amid the pandemic, the NCL may have realized that the cruise industry in those parts may not ready to do business, well at least until November 2021, according to travel consultant, Manny Geslani.

“Keeping the crews on board the ships will be added expenses to their rising financial deficits at $174 million a month,” the NCL said.

Last December 2020, the Filipino crews were flown to Aruba after staying for two months in plush hotels in Manila to board the Norwegian Joy for their long voyage to South America.

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These seafarers have made countless sacrifices, like undergoing RT-PCR tests and quarantines in hotels prior to joining the ships and ultimately providing for their family, “but these dreams have evaporated,” Geslani added.

He said the Norwegian Encore, a ship weighing 170,00 metric tons and capable of carrying 4,500 passengers, may have to stay anchored off shore in Manila Bay for quarantine protocols.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard will monitor the swab tests for the Covid virus for the returning crewmembers.

According to Crew Center, the decision to cut short the planned cruises did not come easy to Norwegian and was not in the company plan.

The cruise line operator promised the repatriated Pinoy crews that they’ll be prioritized for new assignments “as much as possible.”

Recto Mercene

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By Butch Fernandez

enator Grace Poe prodded the Duterte administration on Friday to act on the plight of daily commuters at high risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus as they scramble for rides amid the scarcity of public transport, jacking up their transportation fares.

Noting the “lack of public utility vehicles” (PUVs) force commuters to cram in buses and jeepneys, Poe, who chairs the franchise-granting Senate Committee on Public Services, cited findings of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that noted a slight deceleration in inflation in March but reported a hefty increase in the transportation index which accounts for 25.5 percent of total inflation.

“The lack of PUVs is the reason why people cram themselves into buses and jeeps that are available because they do not know when the next ride will come,” Poe noted.

She cited PSA data noting inflation for transportation jumped to 13.8 percent in March from 10.4 percent in February due largely to the 47.5 percent acceleration in tricycle fares.

“When bigger vehicles such as buses and jeepneys are not available, commuters are forced to take short-route rides, hopping from one area to another, kaya mas nagmamahal ,” Poe added.

Poe pointed out that the Department of Transportation is “one of the agencies with the biggest budget and it can learn a thing or two from local government units with very limited resources, specifically on how it can focus on the needs of commuters, while providing employment in the community.”

“The agony and peril that our commuters go through just to earn a living and make both ends meet amid the pandemic deserve heightened attention from government,” he added.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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The World BusinessMirror

Saturday, April 10, 2021

For the rich, living in Asia is costlier than anywhere else

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f you’re wealthy, Asia Pacific is the most expensive place to live in, with Shanghai overtaking Hong Kong as the priciest city in the world.

Those are some of the key findings from a Julius Baer Group Ltd. report about luxury lifestyles released Friday, which stated that part of the reason for the region’s success was its swift recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. By contrast, the Americas is the most affordable because of the slump in the US and Canadian dollars and sharp devaluations of Latin American currencies.

Asian cities are more expensive partly because “Covid didn’t become an epidemic quite the same way it unfortunately became in the other cities in the index,” said Rajesh Manwani, Julius Baer’s Head of Markets & Wealth Management Solutions in Asia Pacific.

Most expensive cities for luxury lifestyle 1. Shanghai 2. Tokyo 3. Hong Kong 4. Monaco 5. Taipei 6. Zurich 7. Paris 8. London 9. Singapore 10. New York

“So they were able to function more normally than the others.”

The Covid-19 crisis that has swept through the world and left hordes of people without jobs has also enriched the wealthy. Those from the tech industry have done

particularly well as lockdowns helped accelerate a switch to online for everything from learning to shopping and socializing. The 500 richest people on Earth added a combined $1.8 trillion to their fortunes last year, with Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk and Amazon. com Inc.’s Jeff Bezos gaining the most, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

While the collapse in tourism led to a 9.3 percent plunge in the price of hotel suites last year, business-class plane tickets became 11 percent more expensive, the biggest jump among luxury categories as airlines had to make up for a scarcity of sales, Julius Baer said. The cost of fancy shoes for women slumped the most, dropping 12 percent.

In Asia, the cost of goods and services for the wealthy has been much lower than the region’s consumer-price index since 2013, it added.

Shangha i over took Hong Kong as t he most e x pensive city as prices rose 6 percent last

year, while those in Hong Kong were f lat, according to Mark M at t he w s, head of resea rc h Asia Pacific at Julius Baer. In Shanghai, there was “quite an anomaly” where business class f lights went up 82 percent and hotel suite prices went up 15 percent, he added.

Overall, though, living a luxury lifestyle around the world became only about 1 percent more expensive in 2020, with the rich increasingly turning to conscious choices that may result in fairer prices for producers, according to the report.

Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report analyzed the price inflation of 20 luxury items indicative of the lifestyle of high-net-worth individuals in 25 cities across regions. To adapt to the changing world, the 2021 edition replaced categories including personal trainers, wedding banquets, botox and pianos with bikes, treadmills, health insurance and a technology package.

Bloomberg News

The forgotten shipping pallet is staging a pandemic-era rally

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fter carrying the weight of the global economy since World War II with little fanfare, the lowly shipping pallet is finally commanding some respect.

Demand for the platforms used to haul nearly every consumer good or industrial ingredient is soaring amid a surge in e-commerce, forcing retailers and manufacturers to expand warehouses or pile inventories higher. At the same time, two keys to production—cheap lumber and labor—are scarce, and even nail costs are rising.

The result: Pallet prices have hit record highs, according to a US Labor Department index, and European gauges show big jumps from the UK to Germany. The market may stay hot through the peak construction season in the springtime and as Covid-19 vaccines help revive restaurants and event venues—adding to inflationary pressures rippling across supply chains.

“Supply is just barely keeping up with demand,” said Howe Wallace, chairman and CEO of PalletOne Inc., a Bartow, Florida-based producer with facilities across the Southeast. “It’s a pretty dicey situation.”

At Virginia Tech’s Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design, the nation’s foremost pallet laboratory, “the companies we work with, every single one of them, said they’ve had their best year,” said Associate Professor Laszlo Horvath, the center’s director.

Pallets serve as the base of a so-called unit load, a standard way to ship products so they’re easy to move with forklifts and jacks. They are generally bought or leased by product makers and get baked into transport packaging costs. When a retailer or other end user is

finished with pallets, recycling companies collect, repair and resell them. Some industries like bottling companies manage their own pallet pools.

Wood’s dominance Th e r e are roughly 5 billion pallets in use worldwide, and an estimated 2 billion in the US alone—enough to go two-thirds of the way to the Moon if stacked on top of each other. About 90 percent are wooden and the rest are made of plastic, metal or cardboard. Each year, some 513 million new wood ones are built in the US and another 326 million are repaired and put back in circulation, according to Horvath.

Depending on the region, the usual price tag of $9 to $12 per wooden pallet may approach $15 this year.

“New pallets, used pallets, rental pallets— they’re all raising their prices,” said Chaille Brindley, editor and publisher of Pallet Enterprise magazine and Pallet Profile, a market report.

Pallets are made with a lower grade of hardwood and softwood than the timber used for construction and furniture. In the mid-Atlantic region, the price of pallet-grade hardwood rose to $635 per 1,000 board feet in March from $530 a year earlier, and a Southern California softwood more than doubled, to $520.

Meanwhile, nail prices gained between November and March along with a 36-percent jump in the cost of wire rod, Brindley said.

Adding to the squeeze is a dearth of workers willing to do the tough job of constructing pallets.

“The market’s right for a second shift, but there are no

people to add a second shift,” Wallace said.

Plastic’s potential Such strains would seem to provide an opening for plastic pallets, which are lighter, built to last longer, easier to sanitize, and pose fewer hazards like splinters and protruding nails. The downside to plastic pallets: They’re about three times more expensive, meaning a shift from wood to plastic turns what most companies view as throw-away packaging into pricey assets that need to be managed.

Before the pandemic, the overall pallet market was growing at about 5 percent to 7 percent annually.

“After the pandemic we believe that’s even higher,” said Jeff Pepperworth, CEO of Orlando, Florida-based iGPS Logistics LLC, the US’s largest plastic-pallet pooler. “We are seeing, especially in the plastic-pallet space, there’s more demand than there is supply.”

Pepper wor th said the shift to robotics and artificial intelligence in warehouses and distribution centers favors pallets with more consistent dimensions and tracking technology— top selling points of plastic.

“In the past, automation looked at the pallet as the dumbest asset in the process,” he said. “In the future, the pallet is going to be the smartest asset in the process.”

The wood-pallet lobby has heard such arguments before about their venerable product. “Companies will always look to build a better mousetrap,” said Brent McClendon, president and CEO of the Alexandria, Virginia-based National Wooden Pallet & Container

Association. “They keep coming back to wood.”

With lumber prices so high, the logistics world is intrigued by a pilot program this year using plastic pallets by Costco Wholesale Corp., the Issaquah, Washington-based chain of warehouse stores where pallets are fixtures on the sales floor. In an e-mail reply to questions about the trial run, Costco Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti said “we wouldn’t have any comments.”

The leasing company working with Costco is CHEP, a unit of Sydney-based Brambles Ltd. that traces its history back to Australia’s role in the Second World War. Brambles CEO Graham Chipchase indicated on a conference call in February that CHEP—known for its pool of bright-blue wooden pallets—is proceeding cautiously into the plastic variety so it doesn’t weaken the wood business.

“Because plastic pallets are so much more expensive than wooden ones, we feel that if this is a solution for Costco, we don’t think it’s likely to spread across the whole system quickly because of the price premium,” Chipchase said.

Marshall White, a Virginia Tech professor emeritus and a developer of pallet-design software, said it’s reasonable to expect plastic could reach 10 percent of the market over the long term, from about 5 percent to 6 percent now.

“Wood pallets will continue to dominate, until the time that we find the physics to dematerialize toilet paper at Procter & Gamble and rematerialize it in my house with some magic device,” he said.

Bloomberg News

Kim compares North Korea’s economic woes to ‘90s famine

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EOUL, South Korea—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for waging another “arduous march” to fight severe economic difficulties, for the first time comparing them to a 1990s famine that killed hundreds of thousands.

Kim had previously said his country faces the “worst-ever” situation due to several factors, including the coronavirus pandemic, US-led sanctions and natural disasters last summer. But it’s the first time he publicly drew parallel with the deadly famine.

Nor th Korea monitoring groups haven’t detected any signs of mass star vation or a humanitarian disaster. But Kim’s comments still suggest how seriously he views the current difficulties—which foreign observers say are the biggest test of his nine-year rule.

“There are many obstacles and difficulties ahead of us, and so our struggle for carrying out the decisions of the Eighth Party Congress would not be all plain sailing,” Kim told lower-level ruling party members on Thursday, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

“I made up my mind to ask the WPK [Workers’ Party of Korea] organizations at all levels, including its Central Committee and the cell secretaries of the entire party, to wage another more difficult ‘arduous march’ in order to relieve our people of the difficulty, even a little,” Kim said.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a closing speech at the Sixth Conference of Cell Secretaries of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea, on April 8. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. Korea News Service via AP Kim’s speech came at the closing ceremony of a party meeting with thousands of grassroots members of the ruling party, called cell secretaries. During his opening day speech Tuesday, Kim said improving public livelihoods in the face of the “worst-ever situation” would depend on the party cells.

During the party congress in January, Kim ordered officials to build stronger self-supporting economy, reduce reliance on imports and make more consumer goods. But North Korea’s problems are the result of decades of mismanagement, self-

imposed isolation and sanctions over its nuclear program, analysts say.

Chinese data show Nor th Korea’s trade with China, its biggest trading partner and aid benefactor, shrank by about 80 percent last year following North Korea’s border closure as part of stringent pandemic measures.

Experts say North Korea has no other option because a major coronavirus outbreak could have dire consequences on its broken health-care system.

Cha Deok-cheol, deputy spokesman at South Korea’s Unification Ministry, told reporters Friday that there are multiple signs that North Korea is taking steps to ease control on its border with China, including the North’s own reports that it established new anti-virus facilities on the border and passed new laws on the disinfection of imported goods.

North Korea for years depended on international aid after the famine in the mid-1990s, which was precipitated by the loss of Soviet assistance, mismanagement and natural disasters. The exact death toll isn’t clear, varying from hundreds of thousands to 2 million to 3 million.

Some experts say North Korea’s ongoing difficulties will not lead to famine because China won’t let that happen. They say China worries about North Korean refugees flooding over the border or the establishment of a pro-US unified Korea on its doorstep.

When Kim last month exchanged messages with Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korea’s state media said Xi expressed a commitment to “provide the peoples of the two countries with better life.” Some analysts saw it as an indication that China would soon provide North Korea with badly needed food, fertilizer and other supplies that had been significantly reduced amid the pandemic border closures. AP

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

In this Thursday June, 16, 2011 file photo Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip arrive by horse drawn carriage in the parade ring on the third day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England. Buckingham Palace says Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 99. AP/Alastair Grant, File

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s activist husband, dies at 99

By Thomas Penny Bloomberg News

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rince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband and confidant of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II since 1947, has died. He was 99.

The prince “passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” according to an emailed statement Friday from the Queen’s officials.

Philip’s death comes at a moment of profound change for the royal family, amid Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties and the controversy over Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the same time, Britain is trying to heal the wounds resulting from its departure from the European Union and is riven by deep political and social divisions.

The duke was one of the hardest-working members of the British royal family. He powered through various health scares over the years, retiring from public life only toward the end of his life.

A former Royal Navy officer and World War II veteran, Philip was required by protocol to walk two paces behind his wife in public. But he successfully carved out a role for himself, tirelessly touring coal mines and hospitals, tiddlywinks championships and sheep shows. He accompanied his wife on more than 250 official overseas visits, meeting heads of state around the world.

He also guarded his independence and drove himself as much as possible until he turned over his Land Rover on a country road in January 2019, leaving a woman with a broken wrist.

He was persuaded to give up his driver’s license but was spotted later in the year driving a horse-drawn carriage on a road near the Queen’s Norfolk country estate.

Personal legacy

The duke never attended university, having joined the Royal Navy straight from school, but was passionately committed to education. His legacy includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award project, a personal-development program for young people, and he was made chancellor for life of the University of Cambridge.

He was perhaps most famous for speaking his mind in public. His politically incorrect gaffes amused, and sometimes appalled, the nation. While the queen managed never to offend anyone in public, her husband was followed wherever he went by tabloid journalists on “gaffe watch.”

He was able to laugh at his own mistakes, once joking about “dontopedalogy” or “the science of opening your mouth and putting your foot in it.” He said he’d been “practicing it for years.”

The duke’s supporters contended that his comments were usually bad attempts at humor, as when he asked a blind woman with a guide dog: “Do you know they have eating dogs for the anorexic now?”

The duke’s forthright manner sometimes led to strained relations with members of his family, particularly Charles, his eldest son and the heir to the throne. In 1994, Charles told his authorized biographer that his father had bullied him into marrying Lady Diana Spencer.

The couple divorced in 1996, after 15 years of marriage. Diana died in a car crash in Paris the following year. Many in the UK felt the royal family, and the duke in particular, had treated Diana poorly.

In November 2002, Philip issued a public statement following media reports that he had written insulting letters to Diana at the time of her breakup with Prince Charles. The reports were a “gross misrepresentation” of his relationship with the princess, he said.

The duke had a close relationship with the next generation. Prince William described him as a “legend” and his grand daughter Eugenie said Philip held the family together. “He really is strong and consistent,” she told a TV documentary. “He’s the rock, you know, for all of us.”

Turbulent childhood

The man who went on to marry the longest-reigning British monarch had a turbulent childhood.

He was born Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark on June 10, 1921, on a kitchen table at Villa Mon Repos, a summer house on the Greek island of Corfu.

At Philip’s birth, Greece was experiencing political upheaval. In September 1922, his uncle, Greece’s King Constantine, was forced to abdicate by republicans who resented his pro-German leanings and his dismissal of a popular prime minister.

A revolutionary court sentenced Philip’s father to death, though the punishment wasn’t carried out, and the British sent a Royal Navy ship to evacuate the Greek royals. The family fled with the 18-month-old Philip in a cot made from an orange box. Greece was declared a republic two years later.

Philip spent his early childhood in Paris, where he became fluent in French. His mother had a nervous breakdown in 1930 and was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. She was confined to mental institutions for most of the next decade, and during World War II returned to Greece, where she became a nun. His father moved to Monte Carlo and his four sisters went to stay with German relatives.

War service As war with Germany loomed in 1939, Philip enrolled as a cadet at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, southwest England.

Two years later, while serving on the battleship HMS Valiant, he won praise from superiors for bravery after a nighttime sea battle off Cape Matapan in southern Greece. Philip was in control of searchlights that illuminated enemy Italian ships.

In July 1943, he was second in command of the destroyer HMS Wallace and took part in the Allied landings on Sicily. The prince was on board the destroyer HMS Whelp just off Japan when the Japanese officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945.

During his time at sea, Philip corresponded with the young Princess Elizabeth, whom he called by the pet name Lilibet.

They had first met in July 1939 when she visited Dartmouth with her family. She was a shy 13-year-old, he an 18-year-old Royal Navy cadet. They were distantly related, both greatgreat-grandchildren of Queen Victoria.

The future queen’s governess, Marion Crawford, later wrote that Philip was “rather like a Viking with a sharp face and piercing blue eyes. He was good looking, though rather off-hand in his manner. Lilibet never took her eyes off him the whole time.”

In July 1947, the couple announced their engagement amid concern among some courtiers about Philip’s foreign roots. In an effort to fit in, he changed his family name from SchleswigHolstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg to the more English-sounding Mountbatten, an anglicized version of his mother’s surname, Battenberg.

He renounced his own royal title as a prince of Greece and Denmark in order to become a naturalized British subject and converted from the Greek Orthodox religion to Anglicanism.

Britain’s King George VI bestowed on his new son-in-law the titles His Royal Highness Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich. The wedding took place on Nov. 20, 1947, in London’s Westminster Abbey.

The bridegroom’s German relatives weren’t invited. Three of his sisters had married German aristocrats in the 1930s. One was photographed sitting opposite Hitler at the wedding of Nazi Reich Marshal Hermann Goering, the commander of Germany’s Luftwaffe.

Churchill’s advice There was also debate over the issue of what name the royal family should use. The queen, on advice from wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, decided she would not take her husband’s name, Mountbatten, and would remain Windsor. It was an important issue for the duke, who later said he felt like he had been “turned into an amoeba.”

The married duke continued to serve in the Royal Navy and became a commander with his own ship, while also performing royal duties with his wife. In 1952, the couple was in Kenya when George VI died. It was the duke who broke the news to his wife that she was now Queen Elizabeth II. He also ended his naval career, deciding he could not fully support his wife while spending long periods away at sea. At a banquet celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1997, the monarch publicly thanked her husband.

“He has quite simply been my strength and stay all these years,” she said.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The World BusinessMirror

Chinese billionaire family quietly expands empire in Hong Kong

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main l and C h i n e s e property family is quietly building a presence in Hong Kong by snapping up land plots and even a prominent local newspaper.

Shenzhen-based Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd.’s Kwok Ying Shing has become one of the most active Chinese tycoons in Hong Kong with a flurry of new purchases. His moves underscore Chinese elites’ growing influence in the former British colony as its status as a global financial hub shows signs of waning.

K aisa purchased four sites across the city for 7.1 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in 2020, according to an exchange filing. One of its most recent investments was a 50-percent stake worth 3.2 billion yuan in a residential land plot in the upand-coming Kai Tak neighborhood previously owned by beleaguered businessman Pan Sutong.

The family’s ambitions go beyond property. Kwok Hiu Ting, the patriarch’s daughter who is in her late 20s, agreed to buy a majority stake in one of Hong Kong’s most-circulated newspapers Sing Tao News Corp Ltd. earlier this year. The deal came as a surprise to many since both Kaisa and its young heiress were little known in Hong Kong.

To be sure, their presence remains small compared with the city’s homegrown property clans, who control industries f rom telecommu n ic at ions to

supermarket chains. But mainland companies are set to become more dominant as China’s recent assertive policies over Hong Kong give room for them to grow there.

The government in Beijing will welcome more Chinese firms expanding in Hong Kong to boost business sentiment and create job opportunities, according to Gary Ng, an economist at Natixis. “They will recruit more in Hong Kong to help the government stabilize the negative impacts of the current situation” both economically and politically, he said.

The flow of Chinese money is giving a boost to Hong Kong’s property market at a time when worries mount that capital may drain from the city. Global banks have been shedding office space in the prized business districts, while many residents are considering leaving for the UK under its new visa policy.

“The company sees attractive market potential in Hong Kong, one of the core cities of the Greater Bay Area and Kaisa Group is confident about Hong Kong’s prospect in the long term,” it said in a statement.

The group will keep actively exploring investment and business opportunities in the area, Kaisa added.

Kwok Hiu Ting’s newspaper purchase is a personal investment, according to a spokeswoman for the property firm. Bloomberg News

Japan trounces smoking epidemic with non-combustible alternatives

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apan emerged as model country for tobacco harm reduction when it reduced its smoking rate by nearly a third in a span of three to four years since the introduction of non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes in 2014.

A public health expert said Japan accomplished this milestone following the introduction of heated tobacco products (HTPs). Dr. Kumamaru Hiroya, vice director of the AOI Universal Hospital in K awasaki, said this rate of decline in smoking incidence was not obser ved after years of tr ying nicotine replacement therapy (NTP).

He said that while NTPs such as nicotine patches proved ineffective in reducing the smoking rate in Japan, the commercial launch of HTPs like IQOS from Ph i l ip Mor r i s I nte r n at ion a l (PMI) in 2014, following a market test in 2013, led to a substantial decrease in smoking rate.

“In conclusion, after nicotine replacement therapy direction has been tried, they were not really a big success. However, ever since 2014, three heated tobacco products have been launched officially nationwide in Japan and these have been penetrating 25 percent [of total smoking population], and this product has been successful to reduce cigarette smoking in Japan so far by 30 percent in three to four years,” Dr. Hiroya, a preventive physician specia lizing in smok ing cessation, said during a recent webinar organized by business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

HTPs are non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes that c losely m i m ic t he r it u a ls of smok ing m inus t he combus tion process. These electronic devices heat, instead of burn, specia l ly-desig ned tobacco units to release f lavorful nicotine-containing tobacco vapor.

R esu lts of sc ient i f ic st ud ies show that tar and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, causes the death and disease associated with smoking, and not nicotine.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of IQOS, the tobacco heating system of PMI, as a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) on July 7, 2020.

The FDA authorized the marketing of IQOS in the US with the information that the IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it and scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces the body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.

The webinar, titled “Tobacco Harm Reduction and Novel Nicotine and Tobacco Products-Evidence from the Japanese Market” focused on the experience of the Japanese market following the launch of novel nicotine and tobacco products (NNTPs), specifically HTPs in Japan since 2014. The event was moderated by Yvonne Lucas of Frost & Sullivan.

Dr. Hiroya said HTP users account for about 30 percent among Japanese male smokers and 25 percent among fema le smokers. He said dual use of cigarettes and HTPs remains low at 6.9 percent among male smokers and 4.8 percent among female smokers.

A study by Tottori University Medical School funded by Ministry of Health and Welfare also shows that the initiation to HTP use among 60,000 Japanese junior high-school students was very low at just 0.1 percent belying fears of youth uptake.

Ma rk Douga n, d irector of Transformational Health at Frost & Sullivan, said the case of Japan, being the world’s largest market of HTPs, deserves to be studied because of the significant reduction in smoking rate in the country.

“The reason we’re focusing on the Japanese market is because NNTPs have been commercially available in Japan since 2014. It’s by far the world’s largest market, and they put it to be commercially available now for seven years,” he said.

Saturday, April 10, 2021

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Biden calls US gun violence ‘international embarrassment’

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resident Joe Biden announced a set of executive actions Thursday to curb gun violence, urging Congress to adopt stricter laws and rebutting arguments that his new measures impinge on Americans’ second amendment rights.

“Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it’s an international embarrassment,” Biden said in the Rose Garden of the White House.

Recent shootings that left 18 dead in Colorado and Georgia have thrust gun violence back into the spotlight, with gun-control advocates calling on the president to make the issue a top legislative priority. The actions unveiled Thursday reflect the limited power the president has to regulate guns without action on Capitol Hill.

Biden has called on Congress to pass gun control legislation, but he has also acknowledged that Republican opposition makes progress unlikely. He said he first wants to focus on beating the coronavirus pandemic and boosting an economic recovery.

In addition to the orders, Biden announced his plan to nominate David Chipman to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF—an agency that has been without a permanent director since 2015.

One of the executive actions would take steps to stop the proliferation of so-called ghost guns, which come in kits and can be assembled in as little as 30 minutes.

The weapons can’t be traced by law enforcement because they lack serial numbers. Two high-profile shootings in California were carried out using ghost guns but they have otherwise not been commonly used in mass shootings.

“Anyone from a criminal to a terrorist can buy this kit,” Biden said.

T he AT F sa id in a December 2020 sea rc h wa r ra nt appl icat ion t hat about 10,0 0 0 ghost g u n s were recovered by l aw enforcement in 2019.

The W hite House also said Thursday that the justice department will issue a new rule clarifying that when a shoulder brace is used to effectively turn a pistol into a short-barreled rifle, the gun is subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act. Authorities say the suspect in the Boulder, Colorado, shootings—in which 10

people were killed—used a pistol with an arm brace that made the weapon more stable and accurate.

In addition, the justice department will publish model “red flag” legislation for states, which would allow petitions to courts to take away firearms from people who present a danger to themselves and others. Such measures can’t be enacted at the federal level without Congress, but administration officials have said they hope their move encourages states to pass new laws right away.

A gunman last month killed eight people, including six Asian women, at spas during a string of shootings in the Atlanta area.

The president also said he is allocating federal funds for community violence intervention and prevention programs aimed at heading off conflicts that can lead to violence in urban communities.

Biden’s proposed American Jobs Plan includes $5 billion over eight years for community intervention programs. Bloomberg News

Employee kills 1, wounds 5 at Texas cabinet business

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R Y A N , Te x a s — A m a n opened fire Thursday at a Texas cabinet-making company where he worked, killing one person and wounding five others before shooting and wounding a state trooper prior to his arrest, authorities said.

Bryan Police Chief Eric Buske told reporters he believes the su spec t, whose n a me wa sn’t i m me d i ate ly re le a se d , i s a n employee at the Kent Moore C abi nets loc at ion where t he shoot i ng h appened . He sa id investigators believe the man was solely responsible for the attack, which happened around 2:30 p.m., and that he was gone by the time officers arrived.

Two of the five people who were wounded at the business were hospitalized in critical condition, while three others were in serious but stable condition, according to a hospital statement. During the manhunt for the suspect, he shot and wounded a state trooper, who was hospitalized in serious but stable condition, the Texas Department of Public Safety said on Twitter.

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowel l said about t wo hours after the attack, the suspect was arrested in Bedias, a tiny community about 40 kilometers

First responders work at the scene of the apprehension of a suspect at a residence in Bedias, Texas, on April 8, following a shooting at Kent Moore Cabinets in Bryan, Texas. One person was killed and several people were wounded. AP

northeast of Br yan.

Investigators were still trying to determine the motive for the attack, authorities said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent agents and dogs to the shooting scene, said spokesman Deon Washington. Police asked people to stay away from the business during the investigation.

Bryan is about 160 kilometers

northwest of Houston and is near Texas A&M University. With more than 86,000 residents, it is the seat of Brazos County.

A person who answered the phone at Kent Moore Cabinets’ headquarters in Bryan said she couldn’t provide any information on the shooting. The company, which makes custom cabinets, has design centers in nearly a dozen Texas cities and employs

more than 600 people, according to its web site.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered prayers for shooting victims and their families.

“I have been working closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers as they assist local law enforcement on a swift response to this criminal act. Their efforts led to the arrest of the shooting suspect.” AP

‘Satan Shoes’ recalled as Nike, MSCHF settle suit

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ike Inc. and MSCHF Product Studio agreed to settle a lawsuit over “Satan Shoes”—MSCHF’s customized sneakers with a satanic theme, complete with human blood—that were based on the athletic wear giant’s Air Max 97 line.

As part of the agreement, MSCHF will start a voluntary recall of the Satan Shoes and the previously released Jesus Shoes, which were also based on Nike sneakers. MSCHF will buy back the products at their original retail prices to remove them from circulation, Nike said in a statement Thursday.

“Nike had nothing to do with the Satan Shoes or the Jesus Shoes,” the athletic wear maker

said. “If any purchasers were confused, or if they otherwise want to return their shoes, they may do so for a full refund.

Purchasers who choose not to return their shoes and later encounter a product issue, defect or health concern should contact MSCHF, not Nike.”

A notice of the settlement hasn’t yet been filed with the court.

MSCHF said a settlement was the best way to put the lawsuit behind it and allow it to dedicate its time to new artistic and expressive projects, but in a statement confirming the agreement it excoriated the shoemaker.

“MSCHF intended to comment on the absurdity

of the collaboration culture practiced by some brands, and about the perniciousness of intolerance,” said David H. Bernstein, a lawyer representing the art collective.

Nike sued MSCHF, pronounced “mischief,” in March and won a temporary restraining order barring the sales of the shoes on April 1. But a judge declined Nike’s request to recall the 666 shoes that were produced. Nike said at the time that the shoes could dilute or tarnish its brand.

The shoes sold out in less than a minute, and 665 of 666 were shipped to collectors before the restraining order was put in place, Bernstein said.

The shoes “were individually numbered works of art that will continue to represent the ideals of equality and inclusion wherever they are displayed,” Bernstein said.

The shoes were created in collaboration with singer Lil Nas X, famous for “Old Town Road,” and featured a red embroidered satanic-theme and a bronze pentagram.

The midsole of the shoes contained red ink and a drop of human blood.

The release of the shoes coincided with Lil Nas X’s “Call Me By Your Name” video.

“The parties are pleased to put this dispute behind them,” Nike said Thursday.

Bloomberg News

A6 Saturday, April 10, 2021

ExportUnlimited BusinessMirror

PHL invites investors, seeks fintech, halal ties with Indonesia

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INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has identified technology and halal as potential areas for trade and investment collaboration with Indonesia in a move that signals the country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the largest economy in Southeast Asia.

“The best way forward for the region is to resume integration and cooperation in earnest. We

are each other’s best allies in recovery. We create products for each other’s consumers,” he said

during a keynote speech for the PHL Economic Outlook 2021 organized by the Philippine Business Club Indonesia (PBCI) last March 25. Dominguez stressed that the Philippines is looking at possible partnerships with Indonesia to expand its growing halal footprint. The two countries can also find areas for collaboration in expanding their respective startup ecosystems.

“As we all prepare to reemerge from the brighter end of the tunnel, the Philippines looks forward to more comprehensive dialogues with our partners in the Asean. A more dynamic regional partnership will enhance

our recovery efforts,” the finance chief added.

“I urge the Indonesian business community to take a much closer look at investment opportunities in the Philippines. I hope that our strong fundamentals, fiscal stamina, pro-business environment, and effective governance will continue to make us a promising investment destination,” Dominguez concluded.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the PBCI reports that Indonesian companies stand ready to explore opportunities for collaboration with their Philippine counterparts.

“What has become evident,

however, is the visible fact that our economies are so integrated that we need to take a closer look that trade and investments are anchored towards such diagram and that nationalistic policies hurt everyone more than it helps,” Antonio B. Capati, PBCI chairman said during the opening remarks.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Jakarta, the overseas office of the Department of Trade and Industry led

by Commercial Attaché Jeremiah C. Reyes, has been working closely with public and private entities to deepen trade and investment relations between the

two countries.

Indonesia is the Philippines ninth major trading partner in 2020, accounting for $5.95 billion in bilateral merchandise trade, preliminary data show.

T he webinar was attended

by Ambassador Leehiong Wee, Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coco Alcuaz, executive director of the Makati Business Club, and the Honorable Minister Yasonna Laoly, Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

The virtual event is the culmination of a three-part economic series organized by the PBCI.

India may resume vaccine exports by June National Arts and Crafts Fair goes online to boost MSMEs N EW DELHI—The world’s largest vaccine maker, based in India, will be able to restart exports of AstraZeneca doses

by June if new coronavirus infections subside in the country, its chief executive said Tuesday.

But a continued surge could result in more delays because the Serum Institute of India would have to meet domestic needs, Adar Poonawalla warned in an interview with The Associated Press.

The company is a key supplier for the UN-backed COVAX program that aims to distribute vaccines equitably in the world. On March 25, COVAX announced a major setback in its vaccine rollout because a surge in infections in India caused the Serum Institute of India to cater to domestic demand, resulting in a delay in global shipments of up to 90 million doses.

Since then, daily new infections in India have almost doubled, with the biggest single-day spike of over 100,000 new cases on Monday. Infections are being reported faster in India than anywhere else in the world, prompting tougher virus restrictions in New Delhi and the nation’s financial capital, Mumbai.

India initially immunized the most vulnerable, but broadened that to anyone over 45 on April 1 because of the surge in cases. The resulting increased demand forced the halt in exports.

Since then, several top state officials have urged the federal government to further expand vaccinations.

Poonawalla said the company has “chosen to prioritize India temporarily for two months” and hopes to then restart exports.

If India’s surge in infections doesn’t subside, “I am scared of what ...we will have to do, and what will happen,” he said. “We are going to have to keep supplying to India, and not anywhere else. Because we have

T

IN this March 15, 2021, file photo, boxes of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative arrive at the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia. The world’s largest vaccine maker, based in India, will be able to restart exports of AstraZeneca doses by June if new coronavirus infections subside in the country, its chief executive said Tuesday, April 6. On March 25, COVAX announced a major setback in its vaccine rollout because a surge in infections in India had caused the Serum Institute of India to cater to domestic demand, resulting in a delay in global shipments of up to 90 million doses. AP

to protect our nation.”

He acknowledged that has put a “strain on our contractual obligations” to provide vaccines to other countries, and that he has been fielding phone calls from various heads of state.

“I’ve had to politely explain to everybody the situation,” he said, adding that most world leaders understood because they were facing the same issues—the needs of domestic politics and questions raised by opposition parties and the public.

“Nationalism is happening... to a certain extent, everywhere,”

Poonawalla said, pointing to vaccine export controls imposed by Europe, and the use in the United States of the Defense Production Act to prevent exports of critical raw materials needed to scale up vaccine manufacturing.

He said the unavailability of these raw materials, such as the specific medium needed to grow microorganisms, could affect the Serum Institute’s production of another vaccine, Novavax, which is still being tested in India. It has signed a deal to supply Novavax to COVAX, but pivoting to different suppliers of the raw materials

would result in a delay of five to six months, he said.

“The crunch...for supplies is today,” he said.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser to World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said vaccine supplies for COVAX remain fluid.

“Obviously, if we have an interruption with any one of our suppliers for a short time, a month or so, we can find ways to try and manage as best we can with the countries. And if it’s longer than that, obviously it would be a big challenge,” he said at a WHO briefing Tuesday. AP

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) Artisanal Shop to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Indigenous People (IPs) market their artisanal products online amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The NACF Artisanal Shop is being launched through the DTI’s Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTIBDTP) with the support of the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices and in partnership with CustomMade Crafts Center Inc. (CMCC). This is powered

by UnionBank GlobalLinker and features the finest collection of authentic and intricately designed heritage crafts by the IPs, local weavers, and artisans from 17 community-partners from all over the Philippines.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said, “With our 2025 vision of a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines, the online NACF Artisanal Shop will give broader market access both locally and globally to the products of our artisanal communities. This, in turn, will create employment opportunities that will provide decent income for our people and support our poverty alleviation efforts.”

“With the accelerated adoption of ecommerce during the pandemic, DTI is also increasing its efforts to promote the digitalization of our MSMEs. This will serve as a means to secure sustainable practices and livelihood that will also ensure inclusivity in our communities, especially those in far-flung areas,” the trade chief said.

Deputy House Speaker Loren Legarda, who has been supportive of the NACF, especially during her stint as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, meanwhile, said that the “online fair is timely and may be a venue that can be used to empower our

micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid this pandemic, where they can continue to showcase their local products.”

The NACF Artisanal Shop is a onestop online hub for products selected with the consumer in mind. The online platform features wardrobe staples such as: neckties, scarves, earrings, and woven fabric face masks; home accessories such as baskets, planters, and pillowcases; trinkets and gifts for any occasion; snacks and wine; and an array of teas best paired with honey from the Philippine Forest Honey Network.

The Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Program Philippines (NTFPEP Philippines) initiated CMCC as a collaborative network of non-government and community-based organizations that empower forest-dependent communities to work towards fair trade and sustainability. This year, CMCC has curated artisanal products from its partner communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Anchoring on sustainability, the CMCC advocates for safe environmental practices, research, and sets top quality standards for the production of products such as honey, textiles, and natural dyes.

Further, with the rise in demand for products that contribute to safer practices for the industry, the Philippine Textile Research Institute has been working with CMCC towards slow fashion, which is quality-based rather than time-based and focuses on slower production, sustainability with ethics, and encourages consumers to invest in well-made and lasting clothes. Every bespoke piña formal attire, everyday wear, or new product using indigenous fabrics not only makes for a statement piece but also carries the stories of hard work and ingenuity of Filipino artisans.

OurTime BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, April 10, 2021 A7

Muntinlupa City’s 45,000 senior citizens to get AstraZeneca jab

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By Roderick L. Abad | Contributor

FTER the successful inoculation of its frontline health workers, Muntinlupa City is preparing for the vaccination of about 45,000 elderly residents following the expected delivery of the vaccines it purchased from a BritishSwedish pharmaceutical company.

Muntinlupa Public Information Officer Tez Navarro told the BusinessMirror in a text message that all senior citizens in the city will be immunized against Covid-19 “as soon as the AstraZeneca [vaccines

they ordered] arrive.”

She said the LGU is “hoping to receive this month” the 400,000 doses of AstraZeneca jabs it procured for P170 million under a tripartite agreement it forged with the National Task

Force against Covid-19 and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines.

This will commence their vaccination of the A2 priority population group comprised of 60 years old and above individuals, she added.

Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) Acting Chief Dr. Juancho Bunye said they are coordinating with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs in preparing the vaccination of more than 45,000 elderly residents.

He added that 19 public schools, including one private school, have been identified as vaccination centers for the rollout of the immunization activities for the city’s aging population.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the senior citizens and other members of the priority groups to avail themselves of the city’s vaccination services for them to have an added protection against

Covid-19 infection.

The local chief executive, likewise, urged the public to pre-register in the city’s vaccination registration online by going to this site: https://vaccine. muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

As of March 29, the CHO has recorded 5,657 frontliners from Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Medical Center Muntinlupa, and other private hospitals who received the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines.

Dra. Maria Rochelle Abat, National Immunization Program coordinator for Covid-19 in Muntinlupa City, noted that the inoculation of city health workers is ongoing and 269 or 37 percent local frontliners, such as members of barangay health emergency teams and contact tracers, have already received their first dose of Covid-19 jabs.

Last April 5, Muntinlupa City

started vaccinating members of A3 and A4 priority groups that include persons with comorbidities and frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel in 12 initial vaccination centers.

Bunye said the LGU is aiming to complete until next week the vaccination for the remaining A1 subpriority group of frontliners from stand-alone facilities, clinics and diagnostic centers, dental clinics, and other institutions.

On a daily basis, 444 individuals are targeted to be inoculated, before proceeding to vaccinate the senior citizens, he added.

As of April 4, Muntinlupa has posted 7,820 confirmed cases with 6,378 recoveries,1,233 active cases, 209 reported deaths, 206 suspect cases, and 814 probable cases. Ospital ng Muntinlupa has reached 136-percent bed capacity utilization

on Covid-19 related cases.

Navarro said barangays were directed to reactivate local isolation centers to accommodate asymptomatic cases and residents with mild symptoms to decongest primary health care and quarantine facilities.

She added that the LGU, through the Department of Disaster Resilience and Management, will intensify its citywide cleaning and disinfection activities to prevent further transmission of the virus.

With the rising number of Covid-19 cases nationwide, Mayor Fresnedi advised his constituents to strictly observe health protocols, such as frequent hand-washing, wearing of face masks and face shields, and physical distancing, especially now that the enhanced community quarantine is implemented anew in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Susan Meily-Santos: Promoting virgin coconut oil against Covid Muscle your way to healthy aging At the helm

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

A

RECENT study led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) revealed that suspected Covid-19 patients administered with virgin coconut oil (VCO) had observed reduced symptoms. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute under the DOST led the study, which involved 57 probable and suspect Covid-19 patients in a quarantine hospital in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Around half of them or 29 were given VCO added to their food for 28 days, while the other half served as the control group. Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña presented their study on the use of VCO as a supplement for the treatment of Covid-19. “VCO could be used as an adjunct supplement to probable and suspect cases of Covid-19. It could prevent Covid-19 cases from becoming severe,” de la Peña said.

By helping promote VCO as food supplement for the elderly in the time of the pandemic, Susan Meily-Santos knows she can help prevent Covid infection among the country’s most vulnerable sector.

As the president of Salutare Inc., a company that’s engaged in the marketing and distribution of highquality food supplements including VCO, Santos walks the talk by taking only one food supplement—Growrich Virgin Coconut Oil (GVCO). She takes one capsule in the morning and one capsule in the evening. GVCO capsule is one of Salutare’s most popular products. She said GVCO and Sunburst Saw Palmetto have a strong following of loyal customers.

Santos told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview that she has no dietary restrictions, and she eats

SUSAN MEILY-SANTOS

all kinds of food in moderation. “As I get older I feel the need to limit my meat and rice intake. I limit my sweets to an occasional bite of cake or pie. I drink more water, eat more vegetables, fish, and fruits these days. I have two full meals a day, lunch and dinner. As a mother, I look for healthier recipes for my family. My downfall is snacks at night, chips, etc. but I’ve been trying to keep that to a minimum,” Santos said.

For her physical regimen, Santos said she is being assisted by her “best friend”—her treadmill at home. She uses the machine four to five days a week for 35 minutes, and her routine consists of running and brisk walking.

While working out, Santos makes it a point to do the planning of her work routine for the day in her thoughts.

“This is when I do a lot of my planning for the day ahead,” she said. As soon as she gets off the treadmill, she knows exactly how her day is going to go.

To be motivated to burn excess calories, Santos always thinks of her 94-year-old mother, Anita Meily, who was a late bloomer when it comes to physical conditioning. She said that Anita would have been fitter today if she started working out in her 50s.

A listening heart for a suffering world

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

M

Y wife sometimes complains that I am too available, giving attention to almost anybody who wants me even those she deems obnoxious, toxic and discourteous. “All they know is ask you to do favors for them,” she carped one day after I took one lengthy call after another.

Is my wife right about me, that I am too available?

As a creative gig writer, of course I need to be available. I get invited to be part of speculative projects.

These take much of my time in

terms of interminable meetings and frequent phone discussions.

Many times, the projects don’t pan out. Sometimes, I don’t get paid on time. When I do get paid, it’s not enough. But still I take calls from the same people, hoping the next project will be better.

But then, it’s not all about money.

Some of the calls might have to do with exploring a prospective project and then in the middle begins to veer into personal woes. I get to play the role of a pseudo counselor and a few times a father confessor.

IN 2011, Santos took the helm of Salutare Inc. as president. She led the company through its difficult years, establishing it into the successful company it is today. Revealing a trade secret, Santos said she’s always on the lookout for food supplements as part of her plans to expand Salutare’s product portfolio.

“When my business partner Joy Cirineo and I were asked to take over Salutare in 2011, we encountered many obstacles. Salutare was deep in debt, and we had to take out additional loans to keep it going. It has certainly been a challenge, but through the years we have managed to pay down the loans,” Santos said.

Santos has more than 20 years of experience in retail and marketing.

She is also the founder and owner of Art Box Enterprise, a company whose expertise lies in producing specialty boxes and styling corporate gift packages.

Santos said 16 percent of their GVCO sales come from senior citizens.

She said GVCO is the ideal product for the elderly. Aside from addressing multiple health conditions that commonly ails parents, grandparents, and other elderly members of families, GVCO is a natural laxative, a gentle antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal supplement, heart-friendly, and a great antioxidant.

“We formulated a VCO in hard gel capsules from our personal experience—my Mom believed in the benefits of VCO but found it very difficult to swallow the oil because of its oily mouth feel and aftertaste. The hard gel capsule goes through a cold-press process, which maintains all its natural properties. It is a more expensive process but is certainly worth it. In a hard gel capsule with a double lock feature,

People just seem to be comfortable baring their hearts to me.

I endure these calls because deep inside I care for people. Everybody needs someone to listen to him or her. Whether I like it or not, it’s in my nature. I have a listening heart.

By nature, I am a listener. I hesitate to talk and make an effort to be inconspicuous in a meeting or in a seminar. That’s because I am inarticulate. I don’t think on my feet. I am a slow thinker and need time to mull over things in my mind. To avoid making a fool of myself, I just listen unless I am asked to comment. I seldom go to social functions because I am not a witty conversationalist. I am not good at crafting bon mots or making jokes.

But I am good at listening.

When I was working in the corporate world, people saw me as too soft and pliant. They said I didn’t know how to berate or reprimand subordinates; that was tolerant of failures.

It is simply because I have a different approach to dealing with

the oil is always fresh and the dose is always the same,” Santos said.

“Our goal was to make GVCO easy and convenient to take, especially for the elderly, and we believe that we do have a loyal base of senior customers,” Santos said, adding that GVCO was the first patented virgin coconut oil in hard gel that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Santos is happy to see that more and more senior citizens are enjoying the benefits of GVCO. They are experiencing the advantages of taking a natural and safe supplement with so many benefits, she said.

Salutare has also developed a strong niche among women in their 40s, according to the company’s market research. Interestingly, Santos also pointed out that the youth market is also becoming a growth driver as the growing awareness of the youth on the importance of health and wellness is rising.

“When I say younger crowd, this is the 25+ age group. Happily, they are realizing how important it is to start using natural products at a young age to keep themselves healthy,” Santos said.

Santos said the introduction of GVCO capsules was very timely as people were encouraged to focus on their health and well-being during the pandemic. When people started looking for natural supplements with immunity-boosting properties, GVCO was a good fit and addressed the needs of many, she said.

“Also, Filipinos are more likely to stick to healthy habits and prevention of disease during these uncertain times. They realize that prevention is cheaper than trying to cure a disease,” she said.

people. I don’t like bossing people around. I am more of the coach or mentor type, allowing individuals to grow, not stunt them or steer them toward my own way. Rather than raise my voice, I raise my empathy quotient. It turns out there is always a backstory why they behave that way. I listen and at the end I point out their weaknesses and urge them to do better. Many times it works because the striving to be better comes from within them.

Listening and being available is what the world needs right now.

Day in and day out, I read messages like these, which break my heart: “My dad died last night from Covid-19.” “ My best friend died this morning of Covid. He had to take care of his dad who died two days ago. Hirap i-process ang feelings mag-isa.” So many hearts are getting hurt or feeling the pain. And many more are still going to feel the pain before this long night is going to be over.

Offering a listening heart may sometimes be all you can give or

By Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano

B

Y 2030, one in every 6 people will be 65 years old or older. These super-aged populations will be in more than 35 countries across the world, and 60 percent of them will be found across Asia.

While the Philippines has a primarily young population, elderly adults are expected to make up 14 percent of the Filipino population by the 2030s. As we navigate our way through these unprecedented times, the need to stay healthy is a must—especially as we age.

How aging affects our muscles

BEYOND visible wrinkles and graying hair, the true challenge for aging populations is one we can’t directly see—the gradual loss of muscle mass.

Starting in our 40s, we can lose up to 8 percent of our muscle mass every 10 years. While it may not seem like a big number, take a moment to think about all the things muscles allow us to do. Aside from strength, muscle loss can impact our mobility, energy level, immune system, and even bone strength. This can affect how we carry out even the simplest of daily activities like climbing stairs, lifting objects, doing chores, or playing with our kids.

The SHIELD study (Strengthening Health In ELDerly through nutrition)—Asia’s largest clinical study from Changi General Hospital, SingHealth Polyclinics, and Abbott found in 2019 that every one-year increase in age over the age of 65 led to 13 percent higher odds of having low muscle mass. As the SHIELD study sheds light on who may be more at risk, it’s best to keep an eye out for our moms, dads, and grandparents because muscle loss can pose an unforeseen health risk that families should address as soon as possible. After all, caring for and protecting our loved ones should always start at home.

Muscle loss and weak immunity

WHILE many of us splurge on vitamins to help strengthen our resistance to sickness, a valuable insight that isn’t common knowledge is the link between muscle health and immunity.

do. You may not be able to heal their ailment, or alleviate their grief over a loss, or help them out of their money trouble. But you can make your presence felt physically or virtually, to comfort them however slightly and temporarily.

And though this may seem like a small or inconsequential action you can offer, it can mean a great deal to the other.

It’s called “silent availability.”

That’s a good phrase I stumbled upon recently. In the words of the late Dutch theologian and pastor Henri J.M. Nouwen, a true friend is someone “who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement…instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”

This does not mean that we should not do other things to assist people in their situations, from offering food to clothes or even donating money.

Studies suggest that the loss of muscle mass is associated with compromised immunity and infections. Additionally, muscle tissue is a major storage site for amino acids needed by our bodies for tissue repair when we sustain injuries, physical trauma, or infections.Researchalsoshowsthatolderadultshave increased markers of inflammation associated with lowmusclemassandmusclefunction.Immunitycan be compromised if an older adult loses more than 10 percent of their lean body mass, while a decrease of more than 30 percent can make them more susceptible to diseases like pneumonia.

These findings imply that maintaining or improving muscle health should be a priority, especially for the elderly. On top of adequate rest, and decreased stress, it is important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Nutrition and exercise are key

A REGIMEN of strength training coupled with a complete and protein-sufficient diet can help maintain and regain muscle strength. While eating well is a key determinant of our quality of life, maintaining a balanced diet can prove to be a challenge. Abbott’s SHIELD Study shows that even normally nourished adults may be at risk of having low muscle mass, and that risk increases with age.

To complement proper exercise and food intake, consider adding adult nutritional supplements rich in Vitamin B, C, D, Iron, Selenium, and Zinc to help maintain immune system functions and with breakthrough ingredients like HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate), which works together with protein to help preserve muscle mass. In fact, the latest phase of the SHIELD study found that those who consumed specialized oral nutritional supplements showed improvements in their overall health, increased their weight, and had a lower risk of malnutrition.

No matter what the situation, everyone wants to age gracefully. By paying attention to our muscles, staying active, and getting proper nutrition, we can all live our lives to the fullest even as we age.

Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano is Abbott’s Medical Affairs Director for Asia Pacific

I must confess that there are times I feel used or my time is being wasted. I too have made myself “unavailable.” Sometimes I want to say, simply, “Not today, please; call me some other day.” There are times when I feel too stressed or emotionally drained to listen truly. It’s almost like that one scene in the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar when he found himself overwhelmed and stressed by so many sick people crying out to him, demanding attention.

But then I think of all the spiritually wounded people who are thirsting for the caring presence of other people.

The mystic Mechtild of Magdeburg defined the attitude of having a listening heart this way: “How should one live? Live welcoming to all.”

As a Buddhist sage once said: W ho is available to you? To whom are you available? These to me should be the measures of a life that is meaningfully lived, a life that is more accepting PIEDAD and less judging.

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, April 10, 2021

Youth org protests resumption of limited face-to-face classes

A

By Roderick L. Abad

YOUTH group has denounced the recent decision of local education officials to resume the physical holding of classes in 24 colleges and universities on a limited basis.

“[We condemn] the sudden conduct of limited face-to-face classes of several HEIs higher education institutions) [amid the rise of pandemic infections] in the country,” Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) said in a statement. “Students, teaching and nonteaching staff are being exposed to the virus for the sake of opening up the economy.”

Hands-on training and laboratory classes were allowed for third- and fourth-year health-allied students starting the second semester of Academic Year 2020-2021, as reported in the BusinessMirror on March 26 Read: CHED allows 24 colleges, universities to hold limited face-to-face classes.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said the HEIs were able to pass the imposed guidelines, as well as those by the Department of Health (DOH) and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Amid the resurgence of high coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection rates nationwide, the commission still continues to open colleges and universities, in-line with the government’s plan to slowly reopen the economy.

“The fact that opening up the economy is the primary reason [CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III] wishes to open HEIs means that education

isn’t really his priority,” the group stated. “Safety of the academic community is not also included in his priority, as he allowed HEIs to conduct limited face-to-face classes at a time when cases of Covid-19 infections are at their peak.”

The Philippines started to see new record-high cases of the virulent disease on March 13, when the day’s figure reached 5,219. Since then, the numbers had breached the 15,000 level in the first days of April.

“The opening of face-to-face classes, [though] limited, can possibly contribute greatly to the number of Covid-19 cases,” SPARK said.

Insurance borne by students?

THE group also criticized guidelines on the medical insurance of students imposed by CHED and DOH with the opening of classes. Based on regulations, HEIs will be responsible to cover expenses in the event a student is infected because of the conduct of limited face-to-face classes.

“Despite registering students to PhilHealth or any related medical insurances, the budget to cover medical expenses related to Covid-19 will be

I

WORLD-RENOWNED architect Jan Gehl

the people-oriented approach to city planning. By keeping the people’s experience or “the patterns of public life” in urban environments at the heart of urban design, he envisions lively, safe, sustainable and healthy cityscapes that do not heavily rely on motor vehicles. In the course of a decades-long career, he has created such spaces in Copenhagen, Melbourne, New York, and other urban centers around the globe.

This idea was echoed by UST College of Architecture’s Dean Ar. Rodolfo S. Ventura, as he reminded the 442 architecture students and faculty members that “we are always challenged not just to create inspiring and functional works of art, but also to be mindful of the spaces we use and create.”

In particular, Gehl emphasized that planning and building for urban centers needed three main points of consideration: the protection, com-

fort, and enjoyment of the people who will inhabit or pass through the space.

“First, we shape the cities, then they shape us,” said Gehl, adding that “Architecture is the interplay between form and life. If life and form interact in a successful way, then that is good architecture.”

The architect recommended to the students to study public life or the behavior of inhabitants within and around the planned space to see their habits and needs, instead of building a city space that looks good from above, or as a 3D model.

Gehl further explained that architects should design for protection against traffic accidents, crime, and inconvenient sense experiences involving weather and pollution. One should also add a clean and unobstructed street layout, defined spots for staying, sufficient lighting and unhindered views, as well as open spaces for “talk-

scapes” and group physical activities.

The scale, ventilation and insulation as necessary, as well as positive-sense experiences and aesthetic qualities are also key.

When these key factors successfully come together, the result is a livable, lively, healthy and sustainable city that would also be “good to be old in,” he said.

Aside from being the founding partner of Gehl Architects, Gehl is professor emeritus of urban design at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts-School of Architecture. In the last 50 years, he has published several books—including Life Between Buildings, Cities for People, New City Spaces, Public Spaces-Public Life, New City Life and most recently, How to Study Public Life.

The webinar with Gehl was part of a series of programs under the celebration of the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Denmark and the Philippines. It was made possible through the collaboration of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, UST’s Office of Public Affairs and the UST College of Architecture. Faculty members Ar. Ruth Marie I. Equipaje, Ar. Cesar Concio III and former Dean Ar. Luis Ferrer served as the panel discussants.

Aside from producing topnotchers in the national licensure examinations in architecture, the royal and pontifical university also has national artists and renowned architects within its ranks of alumni, such as Leandro Locsin, Ildefonso Santos Jr. and Francisco Mañosa.

Benilde senior HS strands open next academic year

T

HE De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) is set to open its very own Benilde Senior High School (SHS) effective Academic Year 2021-2022 as a head start to respective college degree programs.

Tracks include accountancy and business management; arts and design; technical, vocational, and livelihood (TVL) culinary; TVL hospitality; TVL tourism management; and general academic strand.

The institution welcomes students with special learning needs, as it has dedicated offices providing support and services. They will be guided in their transition to college under the mentorship of licensed, experienced, practicing educators, as well as industry leaders and movers.

To ensure the safety of the Be-

nildean community amid the pandemic, Benilde SHS will initially be delivered on full online modality through BigSky Benilde—the college’s official integrated learning platform.

Students will have access to DLSCSB’s facilities, campuses and a wide array of online academic resources available at the multimedia library of Br. Fidelis Leddy Learning Resource Center.

Benilde SHS students who finish the strands maintaining a minimum grade requirement will have seamless entry into the college’s undergraduate programs. Those who wish to pursue advanced certification or diplomas may opt to enroll in the School of Professional and Continuing Education, or SPaCE. Application period is until Friday,

INTERFACE of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s official integrated learning platform BigSky

April 30. Benilde SHS will follow the school calendar’s trimestral schedule.

Classes are slated to begin in August or September. For inquiries, send an

New book profiles modern Filipinas

most likely taken from miscellaneous fees charged unto students,” SPARK pointed out. “This will be [an added burden on learners and their families] who are already suffering financial problems due to the pandemic.”

Two days before it announced the approved continuation of limited face-to-face classes, CHED said it will prioritize the inoculation of teaching and nonteaching personnel of HEIs, in time for the gradual opening of colleges and universities.

“While this may be of great help for the teaching and nonteaching staff, it is still pointless, as students are [likewise] exposed to, and are prone, to get infected,” the organization insisted.

“Moreover, getting vaccinated doesn’t mean [they] will be safe, as they can still infect [others, or get themselves] infected by the virus.”

SPARK concluded, “We are not guinea pigs, and we deplore that we are taken for granted by...authorities. Health and safety should be topmost priority at times like these. Unless it is already guaranteed safe and there will be…free and mass vaccination for all, no face-toface classes should be conducted.”

Danish urban design expert dares UST ‘arki’ students to think different N the wake of Metro Manila’s systemic transport and city planning concerns, internationally renowned Danish urban-design expert and architect Jan Gehl recently discussed planning livable cities with architecture students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

In her message, Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines Grete Sillasen mentioned that she grew up in Copenhagen—a city designed through Gehl’s methodology of “Cities for People.” “[The Danish capital] got better year by year, and we are all very proud that it is considered one of the most livable cities in the world. For that, we can thank Jan Gehl,” said Sillasen. “Cities for People is not only about traffic…I noticed that when we talk about livability, traffic is often an issue…. Part of the livability of Copenhagen is that it’s a city for bikers and pedestrians.”

The ambassador challenged her audience: “I hope you will walk along the footsteps of...Gehl. I dare you to be the ones to make Manila a city for the people.”

Gehl, whom the ambassador called the “Grand Old Man of Urban Planning for People,” is an award-winning architect and expert on urban planning, with more than 50 years of experience.

He is a recipient of the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2015, and the Sir Patrick Abercrombie Prize for exemplary contributions to town planning in 1993, among others.

Gehl centered his lecture “Livable Cities of the 21st Century” on

Editor: Mike Policarpio

e-mail to the Benilde Center for Admissions at admissions@benilde.edu. ph or visit https://www.benilde.edu. ph/shs.html.

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

J

UST like their counterparts from earlier generations, modern Filipinas continue to break the proverbial “glass ceiling” by being successful in their respective fields while maximizing their effort to give back to their communities.

These kinds of “Pinays” are featured in the new book Fearless Filipinas: 12 Women Who Dared to Be Different.

It highlights women from a broad range of fields, including entertainment, sports, academe, arts, business, and science.

Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo provided the foreword, who noted that the content can serve as a catalyst for readers.

Because of their global achievements, Dr. Reinabelle Reyes and Dr. Erika Legara were adjudged as “ambassadors for the sciences in the Philippines.”

Reyes, an astrophysicist, famously confirmed Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity as a PhD student at Princeton University, while Dr. Legara founded the Asian Institute of Management’s Master of science in data science program.

“Data Science has, of course, become one of the most in-demand professions in the Philippines and around the world. What separates Dr. Legara was her ability to cut through the popularity to distill its raison d’etre for both her students and the general public. [The subject] can help tens of millions of Filipinos across every aspect of day-to-day life,” said editor Kyle Nate. She is also deputy editorial director of Bookshelf PH—the book’s publisher—which specializes in titles covering business, education, and other genres.

Coauthor Pancho Dizon echoed similar sentiments about Dr. Reyes: “I can’t think of a bigger headline t ha n ‘ T he Fi l ipina who proved Einstein right.’ But what really makes [her] story remarkable is that on top of making groundbreaking contributions to astrophysics, she actively promotes the joy of science to the next

generation of leaders in the Philippines.”

Others spotlighted in Fearless Filipinas…include Angel Locsin, the prominent TV and film actress and philanthropist; Kim Lato, founder and CEO of K imstore—a pioneer ing e-commerce retailer in the Philippines; Elda Rotor, vice president and publisher of Penguin Classics who brought Filipino authors like Nick Joaquin to a global audience; Kaizen dela Serna, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in the burgeoning sport of obstacle course racing; and Stella Abrera, the first FilipinaAmerican principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre who played roles such as Juliet, Giselle and Princess Aurora.

Others are Jessica Cox, a motivational speaker and the world’s first licensed armless pilot and a blackbelt in the American Taekwondo Association; Jessie Sincioco, president of The Manna Cuisine Corp. and the chef who served meals for Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in 2015; Dzi Ger vacio, cofounder of t he Beach Vol leyba l l Republic and a Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball bronze medalist; Asia Jackson, a Filipina-American actress in Hollywood who started the #Magand a ngMoren x movement to combat colorism in the Filipino community; and Merlee Jayme, “chairmom” and chief creative officer of advertising agency Dentsu Jayme Syfu.

Aside from Dizon, Fearless Filipinas was also penned

by Monica Padillo and Mica Magsanoc. It was edited by Kyle Nate; and illustrated

by Chloe Gaw. The book was slated for release at the end of March, and is available for pre-orders via https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/fearlessfilipinas.

Bookshelf PH aims to promote great Filipino books in fiction and nonfiction, with a goal to produce a rich literature that will contribute to individual empowerment, and in the aggregate, nationbuilding. It also promotes personal and professional growth through reading.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, April 10, 2021 A9

That sudden stop and surprise in Daegu The bustling dining, entertainment and shopping district in Daegu.

Performers do their thing during different times of the day.

One of the best times to visit Daegu is autumn.

Food from the stalls in the markets are of good value and delicious.

Go for a relaxing walk along some of Palgongsan Park’s many trails.

Daegu has many quaint cafes, shops and narrow streets.

Say a prayer or just soak in the serene ambiance.

Donghwasa is an ancient temple complex you can visit while in Daegu.

I

Story & photos by Joshua Berida

didn’t want to travel directly to Seoul from Busan because of the long bus trip by bus, or by bullet train since it’s an expensive ride. I added Daegu to my itinerary only because I saw it was conveniently en route to the capital. I was only planning to spend the night, but when I arrived at the hostel and walked around the city, I decided to stay a little longer.

In transit

My second trip to South Korea was about to end and I wasn’t quite sure what made me decide to spend an extra day in Daegu. The attractions weren’t as exciting as in Gyeongju, Seoul or Busan. It’s difficult to make assumptions about a place I was only passing through or haven’t read much about. My mind was in transit mode when I included this stop. This was probably the reason the city surprised me in a good way.

I walked along the dining, entertainment and shopping district

of Dongseongno and Banwoldang in search of nothing in particular.

There was a stage with a few dancers doing their thing in front of a nonchalant crowd. The usual cafes, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and shops lined the streets. I checked a couple of places to see online, but wasn’t quite sure what to do or where to go.

So I just went and walked to a place that looked interesting.

Nowhere in particular

I went to the First Presbyterian Church, Gyesan Cathedral, and

the Yangnyeongsi Market because these places were on lists of attractions. I read a few things about them, took a few pictures and moved on. There was something about this city; its somewhere-inthe-middle-feeling of a big city and a town in the province seemed comforting. It was an ideal and welcome break from the usual touring-acity-and-checking-off-attractions when I was in Busan and Seoul.

Then I decided to leave the urban jungle to see the nearby mountains and parks.

I visited Palgongsan Park and Donghwasa during a beautiful autumn day when the leaves burst with red and yellow hues. I took a refreshing walk around the temple complex of Donghwasa. Yes, the statues, temples and relics were

ancient history and culturally significant. The park had trails that took visitors to various parts of the mountain. I didn’t have much time to explore all of them so I took the shorter walks.

I returned to the city refreshed, and slightly less philosophical about my views of life and how travel changed me.

I ended up spending two nights just hanging out at Seomun Market after I explored the city and nearby attractions, and ate delicious street food. I loved the fact that I could use my debit and credit card to pay, even if I ordered from a small stall (always be grateful for little wonders). I sat on a small chair and ate, while singers performed folk and love songs in Korean or English on a rare number.

I asked the guy sitting next to me (luckily he spoke English) what the lyrics to one of the songs meant.

I don’t remember the exact words, but it was about longing he said.

This brought me back to why I started to travel in the first place and remembered some of the conversations I had with others about it. I wasn’t trying to change or prove anything when I spontaneously booked tickets to my first solo adventure. I just wanted to do it. Others I met wanted to gain perspective, do research, meet people, discover kindness and share it, and all sorts of reasons; shallow, profound or otherwise.

Some reasons change, some remain the same.

Not all experiences are life changing, some are just ordinary

Work from Paradise at Lio Beach T

ravel plans to areas outside of the “NCR+” may have to be cancelled given the recent travel restrictions, yet many people are yearning to make future plans and travel again to a safe and secure destination when travel restrictions are lifted.

At Lio Beach, guests can safely explore a sustainable beach town

Lio Beach boutique resorts

through its DOT-approved travel bubble program which started last November 2020. Lio Beach has had six successful travel bubbles since and is offering the market a safe and secure travel destination and long-stay workation through its boutique resort, Balai Adlao.

The Work from Paradise program allows guests to be in an idyl-

lic beach setting with easy access to nature while staying connected to work. Standard inclusions are accommodations for two persons, airport transfers, complimentary use of kayaks, in-room entertainment, access to the lounge areas, Wi-fi access and discounts on LTE pocket Wi-fi rentals for those who need to work on-the-beach, plus use

of amenities like Seda Lio’s swimming pool and gym.

Restaurants in Lio Beach have remained open, while ATM machines, the estate clinic and a mobile wet and dry market (E-Lengke) are also available.

The Work from Paradise program follows a travel bubble format which offers an end-to-end solution to one’s travel needs, such as RT-PCR swab testing for guests from Manila, antigen tests for guests coming from Palawan, a dedicated carrier by AirSwift, and the latest safety protocols under El Nido Resorts’s Be Green Be Clean program.

The potential of longer-term stay in a safe and secure community such as Lio Beach is a reminder that the spirit of wanderlust in this extraordinary time is not completely lost, only redefined.

Rates start at P3,500 per room for a minimum of 9 nights, with special rates for stays beyond the said period. For details, contact reservations@lioestateresorts. com or call +63917-5708179.

Lio Beach

Lio Beach Wetlands

and unnecessary, but what’s life like without the pursuit of fleeting and unnecessar y things?

Sometimes I wonder, if I should just keep going to the next place?

And when if I finally get there, what comes next? Maybe I’m in love with the idea of travel like many people do?

The cold air of autumn seeped into my jacket. It’s late. The musicians packed their instruments and prepared to leave. I should too, since I have to take the bus bound for Seoul the next day. I went up the stairs of the metro station near Seomun Market. As I waited for the train to arrive, I remembered George Bernard Shaw once said, “There are two tragedies in life.

One is to lose your heart’s desire.

The other is to gain it.”

A10 Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Unopened Super Mario Bros. game from 1986 sells for $660,000 DALLAS—An unopened copy of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. that was bought in 1986 and then forgotten about in a desk drawer has sold at auction for $660,000.

Heritage Auctions in Dallas said the video game sold on Friday. The auction house said the video game was bought as a Christmas gift but ended up being

/

placed in a desk drawer, where it remained sealed in plastic and with its hang tab intact until it was found earlier this year.

“Since the production window for this copy and others like it was so short, finding another copy from this same production run in similar condition would be akin to looking for single drop of water in an

ocean,” said Valarie McLeckie, Heritage’s video game specialist.

Heritage said it is the finest copy known to have been professionally graded for auction. Its selling price far exceeded the $114,000 that another unopened copy that was produced in 1987 fetched in a Heritage auction last summer. AP

Mobile TV receiver allows you to watch live TV broadcasts on your phone

THE GMA Now mobile digital TV broadcast receiver dongle

T

HERE are millions of television sets in homes across the Philippines, but not a lot of those homes have antennas (now in boxes) or cable.

Problems also arise when there is only one TV per home and the household members want to watch different things.

With so much online content out there, networks have to be innovative in coming up not just with content but also with ways in which the public can watch their shows.

GMA Now is a mobile digital TV broadcast receiver that, along with the GMA Now mobile application, enables select Android smartphones to receive clear and live digital TV broadcast on the go, for free.

Of course, it is intended for commuters to use.

I remember back in the day when we would leave our offices earlier to watch the season finale of our favorite shows. Mine was the Korean drama Jewel in the Palace on GMA. On that day, traffic was extra heavy around 5 to 6 pm because everyone was itching to go home.

But in this pandemic reality we are living in, GMA Now makes a perfect at-home companion if you want to watch local TV and someone is hogging the only TV in the household, like in our case.

The network kindly sent a GMA Now unit for me to review. I use it to watch GMA Heart of Asia and HallyPop. The latter airs K-pop videos and music and variety shows. Despite GMA Now being a gadget designed for people who commute and those who are out of the house for most of the day, the network is optimistic that people will go for the receiver. This optimism is based on internal data a lot of people are using their mobile phones to consume video.

Priced at P649 per unit with no monthly fees, GMA Now is currently available in portions of Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Metro Cebu, Davao, Baguio and Cagayan de Oro. The receiver enables Android smartphones to receive clear and live digital TV broadcast of GMA, GTV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop and, soon, DepEd TV, as well as other free-to-air channels available in the area.

No Internet connection is needed for TV watching. Only the interactive features and one-time registration require a connection.

What requires an Internet connection are certain features, including Groupee Chat, a proprietary messaging service that allows users to create groups and chat with family and friends while watching.

My favorite feature is the GMA Videos-onDemand (VoD), which allows you to watch all the GMA content you want, when you want it.

There are also interactive promos, which I truthfully have not tried. This feature allows you to

RANDALL LOZANO, president of Radenta Technologies

MAJOR LOCAL SOLUTIONS INTEGRATOR EYES ASEAN EXPANSION

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

join quizzes and polls, and you can win prizes.

GMA Now, which is a thumbsized dongle, can be connected to the micro-USB or Type-C port of Android smartphones that meet the following minimum system requirements: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), dual-core 1GHz CPU, and support for USB On-The-Go (OTG) mode.

Before downloading the GMA Now mobile application, ensure that your Android smartphone meets these minimum system requirements and there is enough storage space on your smartphone (around 30 to 45 MB). You also need to connect to a stable Internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or mobile data. I used a Wi-Fi connection as it is more stable. It’s recommended that you use GMA Now outdoors. The reception is really better when you’re outside but I had no problems using it when I was in our room, which is on the second floor.

Actor Alden Richards is the face of GMA Now. He said his favorite feature is that he can watch old videos via the VoD feature.

I wish I could test the dongle in different locations, then I could see if it really works well as something that you could use to watch TV on-the-go. ■

Telco empowers consumers over data usage IMAGINE having the capability to know where your mobile data goes and being able to control how it is consumed.

Leading telco Globe fully understands that this is what customers need and responds by introducing Data Manager, a feature that empowers customers to track and control their data usage.

Data Manager provides Globe Prepaid and TM customers on Android a comprehensive understanding of their data consumption by showing its breakdown. It gives them a view of frequently used apps and lets them select which apps can consume their data. This allows customers to use their data only for activities that are important to them.

“We really care about empowering our customers at a time when uncertainty is so prevalent. Technology enables us to serve their needs through simple yet powerful features that are within their reach,” said Beck Eclipse, Globe chief customer experience officer.

The introduction of this technology underscores

how the telco values the hard-earned money customers spend for data, seeking to ensure data is used according to the customer’s needs. Consumers are often unaware that their data is being used up by background apps that continuously run even when closed, resulting in a perception that their data is being eaten up despite having no usage. This can be stopped by Data Manager, giving customers the assurance that their data will not be wasted but instead maximized.

“Over the past year, we have seen how connectivity has become increasingly critical.

We are committed to continuously enhance our channels to enable customers to stay on top of their Globe account and keep them connected,” added Eclipse.

Customers can access Data Manager by downloading the GlobeOne app at onelink.to/ mg9tg8. GlobeOne is the go-to digital companion of customers for everything Globe—from tracking of data usage to paying their bills, subscribing to promos, and more.

AFTER successfully establishing a major presence in the Philippines in the last five years, leading local solutions integrator Radenta Technologies aims to expand its footprint in the Asean region.

In his recent address before company stakeholders and employees, Radenta Technologies president Randall Lozano stressed the company’s achievements and proclaimed the possibility of establishing its presence outside the Philippines. Lozano stressed this is feasible since Radenta has had outstanding collaborations with big international names.

Moreover, he said these dealings have garnered positive reception in the local market. For cloud application and platform services, Radenta works with Microsoft and Oracle, its two major principals for technology integration.

In the education sector, LP+365 formed a partnership between Learning Possibilities and Microsoft. The partnership resulted in LP+365 transforming Microsoft Office 365 into a school learning and collaboration platform that provides interactive, engaging and collaborative learning.

Radenta Technologies is also working with cloudbased SIEM solution and Micro Focus Arcsight on Global Reconnaissance and Defense Intelligent System, the first fully managed cybersecurity operations center in the Philippines providing cutting-edge solutions for network security.

For micro, small and medium enterprises, Radenta Technologies has rolled out Synacor’s Zimbra Email and Collaboration productivity tools both for office and remote teams. Furthermore, Lozano said the platform is also well-suited for government and anyone who seeks reliable, secure, intuitive solutions that increase engagement and productivity that can fit into any desired collaboration app suite.

In response to the pandemic, Lozano said Radenta Technologies addressed it through InstantVitals, a unique mix of signal processing and artificial intelligence technology that measures three key earlydetection vital signs with medical grade accuracy.

South African company UC-Wireless (Pty) Ltd. developed InstantVitals in collaboration with medical doctors, engineers, professors and tech experts.

Porter Management Solution, developed by ICEGEN Computing Inc., was rolled out by Radenta Technologies to address hospital logistics problems, reduce operational cost and improve efficiency.

Locally, Radenta Technologies has developed the Government Resource Integrated Planning System—a resource planning system that is comprehensive, fully customizable and scalable, developed and integrated with only the Philippine Government process in mind.

For human resources, Radenta Technologies has a solution called Human Empowerment Equals Happy Employees, a seamless, customized and scalable touch-of-a-button solution that offers features like HR and Payroll, Performance Assist, Employee Accounting, Staff Hub and Biometrics Security.

“The past five years have seen Radenta strengthening its hold as one of the industry leaders in digital transformation. It has seamlessly done so in the fields of telco, banking and financial institutions, media and entertainment, utilities, SMB, education, human resources, health, data storage and security.

The company works not only with private enterprise but government, as well,” Lozano pointed out.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, April 10, 2021 A11

‘SUPER APP’ PLATFORM UNVEILS NEW CAMPAIGN

TOUTED as the leading super app platform in Southeast Asia that provides everyday services that matter to consumers, Grab recently announced its GrabFood Signatures program featuring popular restaurants offering amazing deals on a wide selection of best-selling food and beverage, exclusively to Grab consumers.

“I am so excited to announce the launch of GrabFood Signatures in the Philippines. In our quest to deliver only the very best to our users, we have partnered with several of our most beloved and loyal merchants to create special, onlyon-GrabFood offers for everyone to enjoy. We hope that our consumers appreciate the meticulous care and attention that both the company and our partners have put into crafting this program that is meant to delight. In this challenging lockdown period, we hope to bring some joy to our consumers, and drive more sales to our merchant-partners,” said Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

GrabFood Signatures has an exciting selection of food and beverages on special discounts that you would not find on another delivery platform. Its partner mechants include Angel’s Pizza, Frankie’s, New York Buffalo Wings, North Park, Andok’s, Kimono Ken, Mann Hann, Turks, Cibo, Sinangag Express, Wildflour Burger, Popeyes, Starbucks, Koomi, Big Al’s Cookie Jar, J.Co Donuts & Coffee, Banapple, Cake2Go, and Cafe Mary Grace.

As part of GrabFood Signatures, all these restaurants offer exclusive deals, such as a P100 off whenever you order a minimum order of P550. To celebrate the launch of GrabFood Signatures, Grab is offering up to 30-percent off on select meals from participating merchant-partners until April 11.

More information is available at www.grab.com.

IMAGE FROM THEBALANCESMB.COM

Buzzwords and buzzkill: Why MSMEs need continuity planning

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LOUD computing and data science have been buzzwords in the IT and business fields in the Philippines for the last few years, but sadly it has remained just that—buzzwords—until the buzzkill that is Covid-19 changed everything.

Because of Covid-19, the Philippines and the rest of the world have fallen into recession, as mobility restrictions and the lockdowns slowed down if not entirely stopped business operations. Research from the Asian Development Bank said 71 percent of MSMEs surveyed in the country were forced to halt operations, while the Department of Trade and Industry reported that an estimated 90,000 MSMEs remained closed. The risks to Philippine businesses, however, don’t end there.

Natural calamities also serve as threats to enterprises as the country receives an average of 20 storms annually not to mention the dangers from having 24 active volcanoes and a bunch of fault lines all over the archipelago.

A study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) published in 2015 suggested that SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region are the most vulnerable and least prepared for disasters. It also cited related research saying that only 13 percent of the region’s MSMEs have Business Continuity Planning. BCP creates a system of prevention and recovery from potential threats to a company and IT plays an important role in BCP. With the resurgence in Covid-19 cases and a tighter watch on natural disasters in the country, a new player in the information technology (IT) industry is pushing for greater awareness of the concept of cloud computing among MSMEs. Taking off from the gains of its technologyrelated initiatives, the Tanco Group launched a new

information technology (IT) firm Stitch Tech Solutions as an expression of the group’s commitment to its digital pivot.

“In a country prone to disasters, coupled with the pandemic, our financial health as a country suffered given that MSMEs function as our main economic lifeline serving as the backbone of the economy,” said Stitch CEO Jaeger L. Tanco. “Through cloud computing, we want to give these businesses a shot in the arm, so they can get back on their feet the soonest and not just survive but thrive.

Prior to the pandemic, the group that owns the STI network of schools saw the potential of both data science and cloud computing, and launched data science-related courses—the first institutions in the Philippines to offer such programs in the college level.

“With Stitch now here, we also hope to advance further our existing technology-related endeavors to create an ecosystem that empowers even more people in this digital age,” Tanco added.

Stitch primarily offers cloud computing solutions such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), a virtual server that allows MSMEs to store and access relevant files and programs without the need to purchase physical equipment. These would enable MSME personnel to work remotely and efficiently even when they are away from their usual workplaces.

Cloud computing brings several benefits to businesses such as speed, flexibility, global scale, productivity and cost savings. Most cloud computing services provide self-service, and on-demand, so even vast amounts of computing resources can be provisioned in minutes. Cloud computing is a flexible way of storing and accessing data over the Internet. This means that your data is not tied down to one specific computer and can instead be accessed from several devices while still keeping all your information and data secure. The accessibility of cloud solutions allows employees to work on-the-go; all they need is a connection to the Internet to work from wherever they need to.

With cloud computing, businesses can store and access files and software, especially large ones, without necessarily buying a physical server, saving them as much as 30 percent to 50 percent from office space and cost.

“Perhaps one silver lining this pandemic has is the value of helping one another get up and move on with our lives as entrepreneurs and as individuals. BCP

is important for MSMEs as it is for us, so we want to empower them with tools to support that purpose,” Tanco said.

Aside from cloud computing services, Stitch offers SAP consultation and IT services such as web site and app development and management, as well as IT support and enhancement of day-to-day operations.

JEFF PROVES TO BE ‘PANDEMIC PROOF’

ONE company that has thrived despite the pandemic is Jeff—a company created in 2015 by three Spanish entrepreneurs: Eloi Gómez, Adrián Lorenzo and Rubén Muñoz.

Starting out as a home laundry and dry-cleaning app, Jeff is currently in an expansion process adding different day-to-day services such as hairdressing and beauty, fitness or massages, becoming the first international omnichannel ecosystem of day-to-day services.

Since the pandemic last year, Jeff in the Philippines performed better than what was expected. The percentage of online orders was around 65 to 70 of the total, with franchisees strengthening their numbers and metrics since pre-Covid.

It has already started to make its mark in the Philippines, with its first footprint through a convenient home laundry and dry-cleaning app and delivery service that has helped keep Filipinos safe at home instead of heading to a laundromat. By using the app, customers can choose the exact location, time and day of pick-up; a driver proceeds to get the items and delivers them, cleaned and folded or ironed, in just 48 hours.

Worldwide during the pandemic in 2020, Jeff opened at least 185 Mr Jeff laundry hubs showing the company’s and the franchisees’ commitment to the business. As of 2020, Jeff has sold 80 Mr Jeff laundry franchises in the Philippines, with its laundry hubs operating in Metro Manila and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

From its “business in a box” concept Jeff has grown from its initial foray into the convenience laundry segment with 2,300 franchisees sold in over 40 countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. With many gaps still needing to be filled especially in the delivery of home services in the Philippines, Jeff will expand its super-app capability with the introduction of Fit Jeff and Beauty Jeff where customers can book beauty and fitness services that save time and minimize risks. ■

ONE-TIME PIONEER LG ELECTRONICS TO CLOSE SMARTPHONE BUSINESS

BY VLAD SAVOV AND SOHEE KIM Bloomberg News LG Electronics Inc. is shutting down its loss-making mobile communications unit in a move to streamline operations and focus on future projects such as electric vehicle components.

The company will end production and sales of mobile phone products on July 31 to focus resources on growth areas including EVs, smart homes, robotics and artificial intelligence, it said in a statement.

Phones constituted 8.2 percent of LG sales last year and there will be a short-term loss of revenue but the company expects the closure to be financially favorable in the long run.

It’ll strength its car-parts business and continue to develop mobile technologies such as sixth-generation networking and cameras, it said.

Shares rose as much as 4.1 percent in the wake of the announcement. Affiliate LG Display Co. also climbed as much as 6.3 percent.

LG was one of the pioneers of the Android operating system, collaborating with Alphabet Inc.’s Google on the Nexus smartphone line and producing some of the best camera and display technology in the category’s early days. In the US, the company was third behind Apple Inc.’s iPhone and fellow South Korean giant Samsung Electronics Co., but it hasn’t been competitive for years and Chinese upstart OnePlus has since replaced it amid a global loss of market share to overseas rivals.

The company said in January that it would review the direction of its smartphone business, having earlier that month promised it would sell a rollable phone this year. The firm held talks over a potential sale but negotiations failed due to big differences in valuing technology patents, according to local media reports.

LG has been expanding its vehicle components business and partnered with Magna International Inc. for a joint venture to make key parts for EVs. Shares in the Seoul-based electronics maker soared more than 30 percent since the announcement, fueled by hopes that the collaboration may contribute to Apple’s EV project. LG’s expertise from developing mobile tech may help its offerings in the auto space, such as with detecting user intent, drowsiness or gesture interactions.

Sports BusinessMirror

A12 Saturday, April 10, 2021

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph • Editor: Jun Lomibao

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