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US judge rules securities suit against ExxonMobil, executives can proceed

HOUSTON — A federal judge rejected Exxon Mobil Corp’s motion to dismiss a securities suit alleging the company and top executives misled investors about the impact of climate change on its business.
U.S. District Court Judge Ed Kinkeade in Dallas ruled on Tuesday the plaintiffs could go ahead with their suit against Exxon, former Chief Executive Rex Tillerson and several financial executives.
The civil suit alleges Exxon and the executives failed to properly account for climate impact to its business and made public statements and financial disclosures that caused its share price to fall.
The decision to proceed “is an important first step in holding one of the world’s most powerful corporations accountable,” said Darren Robbins, an attorney for the plaintiffs, which include the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Pension Fund.
Exxon had sought to dismiss the suit, arguing plaintiffs failed to state a claim for the civil action.
“We continue to believe the complaint is meritless and will vigorously defend ourselves from these baseless claims,” said Exxon spokesman Scott Silvestri.
The case is one of several, including shareholder and employee lawsuits, centered on whether Exxon has for decades lied about climate change, including its impact on energy prices and the environment and its ability to develop reserves, and taken public positions inconsistent with what it knew.
New York and Massachusetts attorneys general are investigating whether the company misled the public and investors on its statements on climate change, releasing documents showing that Tillerson while at the company had used an e-mail account under a different name to discuss climate-related issues.
Exxon has called those investigations politically motivated.
The case is Pedro Ramirez Jr v. Exxon Mobil et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, No. 16-03111. — Reuters

Detroit church holds vigil for Aretha

DETROIT — The Detroit church once led by Aretha Franklin’s father — and where she first tested her remarkable voice — filled with music once again Wednesday as dozens gathered for a prayer vigil for the ailing “Queen of Soul.”
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and music legend Stevie Wonder were among the latest to visit the 76-year-old icon, as news of her failing health led to a flood of well-wishes this week.
Dozens, including ministers from multiple Detroit-area churches, gathered at New Bethel Baptist Church for a 5 a.m. service dedicated to Franklin, who influenced generations over a five-decade career.
Few details have emerged about the singer’s condition or illness, but she is said to be in hospice care, surrounded by family and friends.
The singer’s father CL Franklin was a preacher at New Bethel church, where a young Aretha got her start singing gospel music.
The 18-time Grammy award winner maintained ties with the church throughout the years, including making financial contributions and hosting events.
Franklin influenced generations of singers from pop diva Mariah Carey and the late Whitney Houston, to Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and the late Amy Winehouse.
The vigil was part of an outpouring of well-wishes this week from celebrities and fans alike.
Stevie Wonder visited Franklin on Tuesday, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson on Wednesday.
Franklin was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and sang at the inaugurations of two presidents — Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
“Like people all around the world, Hillary and I are thinking about Aretha Franklin,” Clinton said Monday on Twitter.
Beyonce dedicated her Detroit concert Monday to Franklin, while Chaka Khan, the Queen of Funk and Franklin’s contemporary, said on Twitter: “I fall asleep tonight with a heavy heart & a prayer for my soul sister.” — AFP

BPI Direct BanKo sees loans growing sixfold this year

BPI DIRECT BanKo, Inc., the microfinance arm of listed Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), expects its loans to grow sixfold this year supported by its aggressive branch expansion.
On Monday, BPI Direct BanKo President Jerome B. Minglana said the microfinance lender targets to have P3.3 billion in total outstanding loans at the end of the year, up sixfold from last year’s P500 million.
“We will be targeting probably P2.1 billion in outstanding balance and about P3.3 billion in bookings this year, Mr. Minglana told reporters in a briefing in Quezon City.
He added that the bank expects robust loan portfolio growth on the back of its rapid branch expansion.
“We’re not comparing apples to apples [since] we started last year with only 10 branches.”
BPI Direct BanKo said it will open 65 more branches this year to complete its target of having 200 offices by the end of the year.
Out of the 65 branches it intends to open until yearend, Mr. Minglana said 55 will be branch-lite offices or dressed-down and less complex versions of a typical branch.
“When you actually have those 200 branches in full force by the latter part of the year, there will be a multiplier effect there,” Mr. Minglana added. “It happens because as volumes grow, the number of branches increase as well.”
Despite its expectations of growing its loan book by six times this year, BPI Direct BanKo’s president said this will contribute little to parent BPI’s target of growing its retail loan book to 35% over the next few years.
“[Our contribution will be] very little if you would compare us with BPI, but what I can tell you is in number of people that we’re able to help, it’s a lot more,” he said.
Mr. Minglana said BPI Direct BanKo has serviced around 25,000 businessmen as of June.
“Our average loan size here is P60,000-P70,000 and we’re targeting billions [worth of loan bookings]. That’s a lot of loans,” he added.
BPI Direct BanKo was officially launched in 2017 after BPI’s two specialized thrift bank units — BPI Direct Savings Bank, Inc. and BPI Globe BanKo — were merged in 2016. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

BALANGIGA: Howling Wilderness: GRADED ZERO

By the Cinema Evaluation Board
Film Development Council of the
Philippines
CINEMA EVALUATION BOARD
Summation of CEB members’
comments on Balangiga: Howling
Wilderness
Grade: None
Kamias Overground
THE DIRECTORIAL CREDIT reads “Not a film by Khavn.” This could very well be a statement of what to expect in Khavn’s “films,” like Balangiga: Howling Wilderness. It is not a film, in the sense that it uses the digital format and not what used to be the standard, 35 mm film. It is not a film, because it doesn’t follow the conventions of filmmaking. Thus, viewers can expect something different in Khavn’s films, something unorthodox, something experimental.
Khavn’s Balangiga: Howling Wilderness is an experimental, impressionistic treatment of the aftermath of the infamous Balangiga massacre. The “film” takes us through a tortuous journey of escape and survival from the perspective of a young boy named Kulas. One reviewer writes, “This reminds me of Kulas, the naive, simple-minded young man played by Christopher de Leon in Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? The director uses a minimalist approach, eschewing the usual big scenes that characterize most period films. There’s a bit of humor, too, and the use of stop motion photography gives pause to the viewer for contemplation, temporarily taking us out of the film.” An equally positive note comes from another reviewer, “The journey through the landscape of war and colonialism is depicted in painfully poignant vignettes.”
On the other hand, there are other reviewers with strong, negative reactions to the film. One reviewer finds it “a rambling narrative with no clear direction.” Another cites the attack against Catholicism, particularly “the grotesquely, lewd scene of a shaman masturbating while singing Salve Regina.” The reviewer concludes that “Over all, the Balangiga story is ultimately bigger than the story of hate, murder, and sexual perversion that this film unfortunately chose to focus on.” Another reviewer writes that the film “is just a long, tortuous journey with many artsy gimmicks.” Another concludes that “This is a perverted movie masquerading as high art.”
The performances of the two kids (Justine Samson as Kulas and Warren Tuaño as Bola), both non-actors, are quite good. However, one reviewer raises the question of exploitation of these two kids. Kulas, for example, carries “the burden of the whole film, even placing him in difficult situations.” How the filmmakers protected these kids from exploitation is not apparent in the film.
The other production elements, like cinematography, sound, and editing, are more than functional. The design, through the choice of locations, is economical but visually interesting. One reviewer notes that “there are some fine cinematic moments.”
The members who reviewed Balangiga: Howling Wilderness were clearly divided in their assessment of the film. Finally, the body has decided, by a majority vote, not to grant the film an incentive. (by Doy del Mundo)

Golden Bria income nearly doubles in 2nd quarter

VistaLand-ManuelVillar-1440
GOLDEN Bria Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. — BW FILE PHOTO

GOLDEN BRIA Holdings, Inc. nearly doubled its net income in the second quarter of 2018, as the company continues to expand its presence in the country.
In a regulatory filing, the Villar-led firm said net income climbed to P357 million from April to June, 92% higher than the P185 million it generated in the same period a year ago. This followed a 62% increase in revenues to P1.44 billion.
This brought Golden Bria’s net income 87% higher to P596 million in the first half of 2018, as revenues likewise jumped 55% to P2.6 billion.
Golden Bria — whose businesses include death care through Golden Haven, Inc. and mass housing through Bria Homes, Inc., saw real estate sales account for 97% of the company’s total revenues. This was due to the 55% uptick in sales of both residential units and memorial lots for the period.
Interment income grew 25% to P15.8 million due to the increase in the number of services rendered during the six-month period.
“Growing the nationwide presence of both Golden Haven and Bria Homes is our focus for this year,” Golden Bria Chairman Manuel B. Villar, Jr. was quoted as saying in a statement.
Mr. Villar noted the company expanded to more than 50 locations last year. Bria Homes has a total of 40 residential projects across more than 550 hectares in 37 cities and municipalities. Meanwhile, Golden Haven has 18 memorial park developments covering over 130 hectares.
Golden Bria remains bullish in its prospects for the remaining half of the year.
“The company is looking to focus mainly on the development and aggressive expansion of current projects done in parallel with continued efforts in active land acquisition for both Golden Haven and Bria Homes,” Golden Bria said.
Shares in Golden Bria ended flat at P327 each at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday. — Arra B. Francia

Six critical elements of new-employee onboarding

I’m the human resource department head of a medium-sized corporation. I read some time ago that you’re promoting the start of the orientation process for new workers during the job interview itself so applicants are alerted to what’s in store for them. You said that it minimizes early resignations of people who may not like their new boss or anything about the company. I agree with you 100%. Outside of that, could you help us understand how to conduct a successful orientation program for new hires? — Not Satisfied.
Well, not exactly the whole new-employee orientation process. The “orientation process” I was talking about is to test the firm resolve of job applicants about your company’s culture, management style, and other terms of employment. They’re very important in ensuring that there are no surprises that could force new employees to promptly abandon their posts, resulting in HR being blamed for making a poor hiring selection.
Imagine hiding the fact that the applicant’s prospective boss is a much-hated manager. Or the punishing work schedule that may not match up with expectations of the new employees. Or plans to move the office to a far-flung location. Or a double-digit turnover rate reflective of low employee satisfaction.
Of course, you have to address these questions in a positive manner in order not to adversely affect the image of your organization, in general. Therefore, you should be prepared the moment you open the window of opportunity for applicants to ask important questions, which you can’t refuse to answer anyway. You can only hope to delay it.
If you think it’s time-consuming to do this with all job applicants, relax. Think again. The new employee orientation program should only be limited to tasks on a shortlist, especially if they’re applying for key managerial posts where you can’t afford to make mistakes.
Let’s proceed now to the meat of your question: How can an HR department ensure the successful conduct of a new employee orientation program? There are certain critical elements that you should consider:
One, ensure that the new employee’s work area is prepared. This includes having the desk, computer, telephone, office supplies, related gadgets, and facilities are readily accessible. While this may not literally fall under the strict purview of an “orientation” program, it’s much better than having to say: “Let’s see where we can fit you in.” Obviously, this sends the wrong message. It starts the work relationship on the wrong foot.
Two, cover all bases as specified under the company handbook. The trouble is that many employee handbooks are outdated. Even some online versions need to be overhauled. That’s why the HR department must have a standard checklist and pertinent template forms that can be used to explain the working environment, employee benefits, office facilities, and other concerns. Just the same, don’t overwhelm the new employees with too much information that may not be absorbed in one sweep.
Three, be open to answering all questions from the new workers. If you’re not ready to give an accurate answer, promise to give the answer at an appropriate time. Don’t ignore the questions. It could be misinterpreted as hiding something. If not, direct the person to the right party who can better explain the issues. You can also tell the worker that the information he’s seeking is confidential and sensitive information. The difficult questions that you must face squarely include “What happened to the former occupant of this job?” That’s assuming that he failed to raise that question during the job interview process.
Four, provide a general familiarization tour of the office facilities. The HR department should be able to facilitate the tour that includes the cafeteria, medical clinic, toilets, shop floor, and back office. Introduce the new worker to key officials who may show up in the hallway or elevator. Take extra care in doing this. Sometimes, bosses will want to perform this task, and if this happens, be glad to yield.
Five, endorse the new employee to his boss and assigned department. Take great care in doing this, while observing the protocol. For one, explaining the job description and other performance standards must be handled by the department concerned. It’s not the job of the HR department to do this. Sit down and talk with the department head about how he would like to perform the endorsement. Then, take it from there. This is very important in order to avoid giving information that may contradict the position of the department concerned.
Six, organize a “welcome lunch” for the new employee. Make him feel very important. It doesn’t have to be an expensive meal. Sometimes it’s better for you to host the lunch meeting at the company’s cafeteria. Let the department head or his representative handle everything. This is important to start on a positive note. Of course, much also depends on the personality and position of the new employee. Whatever it takes, make sure that the new worker feels positive about it.
If you’re in HR, maintain a safe distance with the new employees unless they insist on more guidance. Encourage them to communicate actively with their department heads. Just the same, keep your ears to the ground. Anticipate possible issues that may come up. Offer some help, if necessary, should you meet in the hallway or cafeteria. If there are issues, be the first to report any findings to the department head.
Send feedback or questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

Digital payment firms fight for Hong Kong market

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s shopping districts are well known for their fierce competition. Now, a new battleground is forming as digital payments firms fight for retailers and shoppers.
Chinese tech giants like Tencent and Alibaba are bringing their payment platforms to a city that has long thrived on cash and credit cards, putting them into competition with the likes of Google, Apple and Samsung, as well as local players like HSBC.
“Hong Kong is probably a little behind other places when it comes to digital payments, so we are seeing a rush to establish a first mover advantage,” said Fergus Gordon, who leads Accenture’s Asia-Pacific banking practice.
The city has become an important testing ground for Tencent’s WeChat Pay, and Alibaba’s Alipay, dominant rivals in mainland China, as they look to establish themselves overseas.
AlipayHK, a joint venture between Ant Financial, Alibaba’s payments arm, and the Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, says the number of its users have jumped 50% to 1.5 million since March.
WeChat Pay does not disclose its user numbers in Hong Kong.
Visa says that as of last April, one in 10 Visa payments in Hong Kong were made using ApplePay, SamsungPay or GooglePay, doubling from a year earlier. HSBC said in July that it reached one million users for its peer-to-peer payments app PayMe.
Hong Kong has been slow to embrace mobile payments partly because of the ubiquity of Octopus, a once ground-breaking stored-value card that is accepted by 22,000 businesses like convenience stores and small restaurants, and is widely used on public transport.
Despite the growth of mobile payments, current spending habits will be hard to change.
A Hong Kong Productivity Council survey published in July found that the most widely used mobile payment methods were Alipay and WeChat Pay, but they were used by just 22% and 19% of respondents respectively.
However, 97% of respondents said they used Octopus cards.
Lack of familiarity and worries about data leakage were the most common reasons given for not adopting the new mobile payment systems.
Octopus cards were first launched in 1997. Twenty years later, there were 34.4 million cards in circulation — almost five per Hong Kong resident, according to the company.
But even Octopus is feeling the heat from competition. Net profit fell by one-third in 2017 to HK$272 million ($34.66 million).
However, Sunny Cheung, Octopus’ chief executive, told Reuters that the numbers were a one off, since the company had been spending heavily, particularly on technology and cybersecurity.
He added that the company still had an edge over the newcomers, particularly with small businesses long used to Octopus payments. “Acceptance is key, especially in the ‘mom and pop’ shops.”
An AlipayHK spokeswoman said the company was trying to attract users by offering special discounts.
“At the same time, we are seeking cooperation with various merchants to increase the penetration of AlipayHK to change consumers’ habits little by little,” she said.
BATTLEGROUND
Merchant cooperation is hard to get right though, due to the differing tastes of consumers.
Edward Ho, who owns a shop selling luxury bags in Hong Kong’s teeming Causeway Bay shopping district, signed up for Alipay last year but gave up on it after customers showed little interest.
“Unless these systems are as popular as Octopus, I won’t consider them,” Ho said.
However, James Lam, who runs the watch shop next door, installed Alipay after one visitor from mainland China would only buy a timepiece using Alipay or WeChat Pay. Lam now encourages local customers to use the digital wallets too.
As well as consumer demand, other new initiatives are attracting market interest.
This month, MTR Corp. is inviting tenders to create a new QR code-based payments system for traveling on the city’s subway system. In September, the central bank plans to roll out a faster payment system that will allow for real-time processing.
Visa has said it will bid for the MTR tender, and market insiders expect Alipay and WeChat Pay to also participate.
Cheung declined to comment on Octopus’ plans for the tender. Tencent did not respond to a request for comment, and AlipayHK said that e-payment on public transport is something that the company “is actively working on”.
While the mobile payments companies will be looking to supplant Octopus’ dominant position in the public transport system, ultimately their aim, analysts say, will be to create a wider network of services, which could range from food delivery and ride hailing, to financial services and lending.
“It is difficult to make money from payments, but they can be the glue that ties together an ecosystem of services,” said James Lloyd, Asia Pacific fintech lead at EY. “The company that succeeds in Hong Kong will be the one that learns this lesson.” — Reuters

Monster Hunter on hold as China hits pause on new video games

SHANGHAI — China appears to have halted approvals of new online game licences, with reports Wednesday that a government shake-up was causing paralysis in the world’s biggest gaming market.
The hold-up has battered shares of market leaders like Tencent, which have plunged since the company said it had been ordered to remove hit game Monster Hunter: World from sale, only days after its debut.
Bloomberg News reported Wednesday that China had stopped approving any new mobile games as part of a wider shake-up of the market.
Checks of the National Radio and Television Administration’s online list of approved games showed that no new titles had been added since May. The list is normally updated regularly.
Quoting unnamed sources, Bloomberg said approvals for online, console and mobile games have been stalled for months by regulatory personnel changes linked to President Xi Jinping’s ongoing consolidation of power, leaving developers stranded.
China’s Economic Daily in June had quoted the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the other state body involved in approvals, as saying the agencies were undergoing “organisational adjustments.”
Regulators have also balked at approving games featuring violence and gambling, Bloomberg quoted a source saying, as Xi pushes a “purification” campaign in media and entertainment.
Hong Kong-listed shares in Tencent, which derives much of its income from games, dropped more than three percent on Wednesday and are down around 10% since last week’s announcement.
A Tencent spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“For new game approvals, there will continue to be a drag,” Alicia Yap, a Citigroup internet research analyst told Bloomberg.
“If they previously didn’t get an approval, it seems that there will continue to be a hold on that.”
China is the world’s largest gaming market, with an estimated $37.9 billion in revenue, according to research by Newzoo.
Xi dramatically strengthened his grip at a Communist Party leadership congress late last year, becoming the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.
Subsequent government personnel changes are widely believed to have led to a logjam in some decision-making, partly as officials avoid making major moves until the dust settles.
China’s gaming industry in particular has drawn government attention over concerns about violent content and game addiction.
Under pressure to curb gaming marathons on Tencent’s smash hit King of Glory mobile multiplayer battle game, the company last year started restricting daily playing times for children.
Some analysts expect Tencent to post a drop in mobile gaming revenue when it announces earnings for the most recent quarter later on Wednesday. — AFP

Your Weekend Guide (August 17, 2018)

Gee-gee at Waternina Ang Musikal

ARTIST Playground presents Gee-gee at Waternina ang Musikal, the company’s first original Pinoy musical, on Aug. 18 and 19, 8 p.m., at Arts Above, Artist Playground II, 112 West Venue Bldg., West Ave., Quezon City. Directed by Andrew de Real, the musical features new original music composed by Jesse Lucas, based from the story, book, and lyrics of J. Dennis C. Teodosio, and choreography by Lezlie Dailisan. It stars Roeder Camanag as Waterina and Norman Penaflorida as Gee-gee. For tickets and schedules, visit TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).

Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!

9 WORKS THEATRICAL presents Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!, a musical comedy featuring the music of the Apo Hiking Society, until Aug. 21 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center in Taguig City. For tickets and schedules, visit TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).

Comedy nights

COMEDY MANILA presents Funny Fridays: State of Hilarity at 8:30 p.m., on Aug. 17 at the Teatrino at Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan. For tickets (P500), visit TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).

Ang Huling El Bimbo

FULL HOUSE Theater Company presents Ang Huling El Bimbo, a musical featuring the songs of the Eraserheads, from July 20 to Aug. 26 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. The musical tells a story of friends who reunite after 20 years and look back on the things that brought them together and kept them apart. For tickets and schedules, visit TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).

Rak of Aegis

PETA brings Rak of Aegis back for a 6th run until Sept. 2. The musical, featuring the music of the jukebox band Aegis, tells the tale of a perpetually flooded barangay and how its inhabitants adapt. The PETA Theater Center is at No. 5 Eymard Dr., New Manila, Quezon City. For tickets and schedules, visit TicketWorld (www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999).

Attaining the equivalent of rhythmic Nirvana


By Anthony L. Cuaycong
SINCE ITS DEBUT early last year, the Nintendo Switch has been a haven for makers of rhythm games. It’s certainly with reason; the hardware boasts of touchscreen and multiple-controller configurations, backstopped by portability and ease of use. It’s why such notables as Deemo, Superbeat: Xonic, and VOEZ have been ported over, and why even offbeat — pun wholly intended — titles like Frederic: Resurrection of Music, Crypt of the NecroDancer, and Hiragana Pixel Party have thrived on the hybrid console.
In this regard, it’s no wonder that MUSYNX has been tagged as a worthy addition to the distinguished list of rhythm games on the Switch. Originally released on the iOS and Android platforms, its strengths are accentuated in its latest iteration. The setup is easy to navigate, complementing the two-level difficulty, four-note or six-note options on tap. In fact, there is no learning curve to speak of; even newcomers to the genre won’t encounter any problems starting a game, grasping the interface, and thereafter having a rollicking good time posting high score after high score.
For the most part, the relative effortlessness with which gamers can settle into MUSYNX stems from its simple, if effective, presentation. It has notes coming from out back to the fore — from the top to the bottom of the screen by actual orientation — in succession, with the sole focus on clearing each by hitting the button that corresponds to it (or, in the case of the touchscreen option, pressing it) at the right moment. Combos are done by stringing together correctly judged presses, individually or in tandem; needless to say, the longer they are, the more desirable the outcome.
Parenthetically, it helps that MUSYNX makes available every single one of its songs off the bat. Given that the number is close to the century mark, it’s no mean feat. Nothing is hidden behind a paywall. Nothing requires grinding to unlock. And for those who’d like nothing better and nothing more than to experience the gameplay when and where they want, the marriage of convenience is much appreciated. In this light, the so-called “Nintendo Tax” becomes a boon to loyal users of the console. Because there is already a premium price tacked on compared to mobile counterparts, the Switch version is presented with unparalleled completeness. And as a happy aside, there are plans to release more songs as downloadable content — free of charge.
Certainly, the appeal of rhythm games is directly correlated to the quality of the music tracks carried by specific titles. In the case of MUSYNX, the sheer variety is matched by the attractiveness of the beats of each item on the list; from English-lyric to Japanese-lyric to Chinese-lyric tunes to Vocaloid mixes to instrumental compositions over distinct categories, the charts are catchy and inviting. It goes without saying that favorites will surface soon enough depending on taste and preference. That said, all are engaging challenges, a tribute to the caliber of PM Studios’ eclectic selection.
When it comes to rhythm games, the visuals can, on occasion, get overlooked. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with MUSYNX. Considering the way the graphical presentations accentuate the mood of specific songs and categories, it winds up as a welcome plus and not an afterthought. The kinetic vibrancy of the images helps build tension and, at the same time, loads up on the adrenaline, serving as motivator to gamers keen on doing well.
If there’s anything MUSYNX falters in, it’s in the title’s pronounced tilt towards casual gamers. Veterans of the genre will find its rhythmic hurdles to be on the relaxed side, even in 6k mode at the highest-difficulty setting — and especially when touchscreen controls are used. Manual adjustments can even be made to delay the progression of notes, as well as to make seemingly ill-timed taps mercifully counted. Nonetheless, there can be no discounting the attainment of the equivalent of rhythmic Nirvana, when all senses are so attuned to the game that near-infinite combos are expected and achieved. And when the EX rating is reached, it isn’t satisfaction that’s guaranteed. It’s delight.

Makati City leads the way in socialized health care

IN 1986, Mayor Jejomar Binay signed an agreement with the Makati Medical Center to allot a number of beds to poor residents, with the city government subsidizing the beneficiaries’ hospital bill. The increasing demand for health services eventually prompted the city government to push for the construction of its own full-service hospital.
Thirty-two years later, the Makati Health Plus (MHP) Program, more popularly known as the “Yellow Card,” continues to provide indigent and low-income residents, and other beneficiaries with access to quality health care through subsidized hospitalization and free outpatient services at the city government run hospital; Ospital ng Makati (Osmak).
Yellow Card beneficiaries are also entitled to free check-ups or consultations at Makati City’s 26 barangay health centers and two lying-in clinics, which provide primary care services. Services offered include general consultation, maternal care, child care (i.e. immunization, etc.), nutrition service, dental services, communicable disease control, among others. Six of these barangay health centers host satellite laboratories, three in each district, which augment the services being provided by the main laboratories at Osmak and the Makati Health Department in City Hall. The Palanan Health Center is open 24 hours, seven days a week to address the needs of working parents so they do not have to file a leave of absence from their jobs to bring their children to the doctor.
“The Yellow Card remains one of the biggest perks of being a ‘Makatizen,’ a term that refers not only to city residents, but to other beneficiaries as well,” said Ryan F. Barcelo, MHP, assistant head, Social Welfare Development Department, Makati City Government, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Abigail Binay during the 2018 Health for Juan and Juana Forum.
Yellow Card beneficiaries include senior citizens, Persons With Disability (PWDs), city government workers, and employees of selected Makati-based national government agencies. The current number of beneficiaries is estimated at almost 250,000, with almost 200,000 active cardholders, close to 50% of whom hold Family Cards, according to Barcelo.
The city government recently adopted a new payment scheme for Yellow Card holders confined in Osmak. For hospital bills exceeding P5,000, beneficiaries only have to pay a uniform rate of P500. Those whose hospital bill is below P5,000 do not have to pay anything. On average, the city government subsidizes around 80% of Yellow Card holders’ total hospital bill in Osmak.
In 2013, the city government launched its free medicines program called “Libreng Gamot Para Sa Mamamayan” program to provide Yellow Card members with access to quality medicines for various illnesses, including maintenance medicines for “lifestyle” diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, among others. The free medicines are available in eight pharmacies: one in each barangay cluster, and one each in the Makati City Hall and Osmak. Door-to-door delivery of medicines is provided to senior citizens 70 years old and above, bedridden residents, and persons with disability.
In 2006, PhilHealth acknowledged Makati as the first local government unit in the country to attain universal health insurance coverage for its constituents. The city government sponsored the PhilHealth premium contribution of 25,000 indigent residents. In 1994, the Kabisig People’s Movement named the Yellow Card Program “Most Outstanding Kabisig Project in the National Capital Region.” The following year, the Department of Health declared Makati as the First Healthy City Model in the country, citing the success of its “integrated and holistic approach to socialized health care.” In 2002, the program won the Dubai International Award for Best Practices for its outstanding contribution towards improving the living environment of residents.
“We would like to inspire other localities in the country, and even in other parts of the world, to continuously promote people’s health and wellbeing, especially the poor,” Barcelo said.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). Medicine Cabinet is a weekly PHAP column that aims to promote awareness on public health and health care-related issues. PHAP and its member companies represent the research-based pharmaceutical and health care industry.
medicinecabinet@phap.org.ph

Cities and Municipalities competitiveness index

QUEZON CITY and the City of Manila have continued to dominate an annual list of local government units (LGU) gauged on competitiveness, though the picture is mixed when localities are ranked in each of the development pillars of economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure and resilience, according to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2018 released on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Read the full story.
Cities and municipalities competitiveness index

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