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Minor cracks reported after 12 tremors in Iloilo on Monday

STUDENTS and workers in Iloilo City moved out of buildings on Monday after a series of earthquakes were felt, the strongest of which was magnitude 4.8 that struck at around 10:54 a.m. A dozen tremors were recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Nov. 5 between 7:45 a.m. and 3 p.m., with the epicenter at Leon town, located about 36 kilometers northeast of Iloilo City. The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in a report issued on Tuesday, said minor damage were reported in school and public buildings, and private properties. The Iloilo International Airport, located in the neighboring town of Cabatuan, also had damage, particularly on electrical lighting. The CDRRMO said assessments were continuing as of yesterday to validate the structural integrity of affected buildings. The Iloilo Mission Hospital reported to have received 11 earthquake-related patients. Iloilo City Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III has ordered the CDRRMO to remain on full alert for monitoring, response, and possible emergency operations.

Police cites martial law in Mindanao crime rate decline

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL Police (PNP) Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the crime rate decline in Mindanao can be attributed to the imposition of martial law. “Based on our statistics on 2017, the average monthly crime rate in Mindanao was 8.79. Now from Jan. to Sept. alone in 2018, it went down to 5.92. So we can attribute that basically to the imposition of martial law,” said Mr. Albayalde in a press briefing on Monday, Nov. 5. Martial law was declared across the southern islands following the May 23 siege in Marawi City, and has been extended up to end-2018. PNP data provided to BusinessWorld show Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) had the highest average monthly index crime rate of 9.21, though a decrease from last year’s 10.95. It was followed by Region 11 (Davao) with 6.41 and Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) with 6.08. Last year, Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) had the highest average monthly index crime rate at 11.78, but it only posted this year a rate of 5.71. The total average monthly index crime rate pertains to the number of crime against people and properties. Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año has expressed support on the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao. “Based on the feedback of the people in Mindanao, I would opt for another extension of martial law in Mindanao,” Mr. Año told reporters on the sidelines of the Seal of Good Local Governance Awards at the Manila Hotel Tent City on Nov. 6. Last week, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said President Rodrigo R. Duterte is waiting for the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP before deciding. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Nation at a Glance — (11/07/18)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Honda: Future Brio teased via the Small RS, BR-V now PHL-made

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

TRUTH to tell, it seemed that the more popular displays at the 7th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) were smaller vehicles. One of them was the all-new Suzuki Jimny 4×4. The other was Honda’s Small RS Concept Car.
The hot hatch was revealed in April at the Indonesia Motor Show, with the “RS” appellation suggesting its sporty leanings. It was displayed there alongside Honda’s NSX GT3, Civic Type R, a refreshed BR-V, and a special-edition Mobilio, according to a report from Car and Driver.
Rising on Honda’s small car platform, it is meant to appeal to a younger set of customers (and even older ones channeling their halcyon days of youth). “Honda Small RS Concept is the implementation of our endless innovation, emphasizing Honda’s sporty spirit, especially in small car line up. As a concept car, this is our vision of what a small sporty car should be,” said Noriyuki Takakura, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. president and GM, in a speech at the launch of the company’s exhibit booth at PIMS.
The Small RS Concept is marked by aggressive styling, such as a large maw on its front, sweeping headlights, and even a hood scoop (yes, a hood scoop) on its wee bonnet. As it is, the vehicle appears to have forgotten it is a microcar — or rather, smashes the conventional notions of how a car this size should be.
Viewed from the side, the vehicle finally relents and betrays its proportions while still playing the part of an aggressor. Low-profile tires on black alloys are embraced tightly by lowered wheel wells. Slight but noticeable fender flares are complemented by deep creases and rising character lines emanating from what appear to be fender vents (we’re not sure if they’re faux). On the rear of the hatch is a massive wing that serves to complete the sporty image.
Developed by Honda Asia Pacific R&D, the Small RS Concept is imagined to be a version of the next-gen Brio. If we go by this thinking, then this hot hatch might be similarly powered by a 1.2-liter i-VTEC gas engine mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, or a CVT.
There were other offerings from HCPI, of course, such as the City, BR-V, CR-V, and the perennial selfie attraction that is the Civic Type R. Of note is that the Honda BR-V, introduced in the country via the 2016 PIMS, will now be produced here in the Philippines, along with the City. Mr. Takakura revealed that, to date, over 11,000 units of the BR-V have been sold here.
Meanwhile, the all-new Honda CR-V has also been well-received with over 3,000 units sold, while the 200-unit country allocation of the Civic Type R has been completely taken up.

Toyota: TJ Cruiser leads brand’s new mobility concepts

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila
THE centerpiece of Toyota Motor Philippines’ booth at the 7th Philippine International Motor Show was the Toyota TJ Cruiser concept model. Embracing the event’s theme of “Future Mobility,” the TJ Cruiser is a hybrid-powered vehicle that combines the luggage capacity of a cargo van with the imposing design of an off-road SUV, making it ideal for people whose lifestyles mix work and play.
The “T” in the model’s name stands for “toolbox,” which Toyota said refers to how the car can be used, while “j” stands for “joy.” The car maker said it assigned the “Cruiser” tag to identify the vehicle as one of its SUVs.
Also highlighted at Toyota’s display were the new-generation Vios, new Rush, Fortuner and Land Cruiser SUVs, Innova Touring Sport MPV, and the Prius C hybrid. Also proving a crowd-drawer was the Toyota Vios One Make Race pace car.

Mazda: Defying convention through SkyActiv lineup

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila
MAZDA at the 7th Philippine International Motor Show brought out its 2019 lineup featuring the latest evolution of its Kodo design language and SkyActiv technology.
Leading the display was the 2019 Mazda6, which sports an updated look. Also improved are its handling, ride quality and cabin, which is now quieter. Engines available to the car are a 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D diesel and a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G gasoline.
Mazda’s crossover lineup is headed by the 2019 CX-9 Signature Edition, which the company said is its most luxurious vehicle to date. The car’s interior is lined with Rosewood trim, and Nappa covers all seven seats. It is now equipped with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, which enhance device connectivity, as well as improve interaction between the car and driver.
Parked at the center of the Mazda SkyActiv Pavilion was the MX-5 roadster, which now packs a higher-revving, 181hp SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Also new to both the soft-top and RF metal-roof variants is a steering wheel that can be moved closer or farther from the driver.
Other models with updated SkyActiv body, chassis, engine and driving dynamics completed Mazda’s 2019 collection at the show. These were the Mazda2 subcompact, Mazda3 compact, and the CX-3 and CX-5 crossovers.

Volkswagen: New Lamando, latest variants of Santana headline brand’s Filipino-theme display

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila
VOLKSWAGEN’s latest products made their public debut at PIMS, The new cars are the Lamando TSI DSG four-door sedan, the Santana GTS MPI A/T five-door subcompact hatchback, and the automatic-transmission variant of the Santana MPI four-door subcompact. The Lamando TSI DSG will come in both Comfortline and Highline trims, the Santana GTS MPI A/T in Comfortline only, and the Santana MPI A/T in Trendline and Comfortline.
The two Santana variants are powered by 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engines with BlueMotion Technology generating 108 hp at 6,000 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Colors available to the Santana MPI A/T are Deep Black, Polar White and Reflex Silver, while prices are set at P898,000 for the Trendline and P962,000 for the Comfortline. The Santana GTS MPI A/T will come in Polar White, Toffee Brown or Red Rock Metallic. It will initially be sold for P998,000.
The Lamando 280 TSI DSG is equipped with a smaller-displacement but more powerful gasoline engine — the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder TSI, also with BlueMotion. It makes 147 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 3,000 rpm. Colors offered for the model are Mangangrey, Polar White, Coriandolo, Dark Bronze and Misano Red. The Comfortline trim is priced at P1.569 million, the Highline at P1.703 million.

Volkswagen 2
Santana MPI sedan VW’s current notion of a people’s car.

Also included in Volkswagen’s 11-car display are examples of the Santana 1.4 MPI M/T Trendline, Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline, Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline, and a customized Crafter 35L 2.0 TDI M/T premium passenger van. The Crafter came fitted with a smart LED TV, six captain’s chairs, vinyl floors, premium carpets, Focal audio speakers, window blinds, mood and drop lights, and a step board.
Volkswagen explained its Filipino-theme display “put the spotlight” on its German-engineered vehicles that are “more accessible to hardworking Filipinos.”

For Isuzu, October was a flurry of activities even outside PIMS

By Aries B. Espinosa
IN what could arguably be its busiest stretch yet, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) added five notches to its milestones — all within October.
And that’s not even including its successful participation in the 7th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).
In a span of 31 days, IPC opened three new dealerships and presided over two turnover ceremonies of its modernized public-utility vehicles. All while finding time to squeeze in four days at PIMS to showcase its latest diesel engine innovations.
IPC started the ball rolling with the opening of the Isuzu dealership in Pagbilao in Quezon Province on Oct. 5, followed by the Oct. 20 inauguration of Isuzu Butuan in northeastern Mindanao. On Oct. 29, it was Isuzu Taytay’s turn. These three new dealerships effectively added 21,912 square meters in display and service space, and brought the total number of dealerships nationwide to 43. More significantly, IPC deepens its reach into more strategic growth areas in Quezon and Rizal provinces, and in Mindanao’s Caraga region.
IPC president Hajime Koso explained that the rapid expansion of Isuzu dealerships isn’t just about selling more vehicles, though it has played a key role in the Japanese automaker achieving its number one status in total truck sales for 18 consecutive years.
“In order to make the Philippines an Isuzu country, our dealerships need not only to sell, but also to encourage more customers to patronize Isuzu after-sales services and genuine parts,” Mr. Koso stressed.
Apart from opening new dealerships, IPC had also been instrumental in pushing forward the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) envisioned to replace some 200,000 jeepneys nationwide which are 15 years and older with new, safe and environment-friendly PUVs.
And in October, IPC held formal turnovers of its modernized PUVs in two contrasting venues.
The first one, involving initially three modernized PUVs, was held in Boracay Island’s Bolabog Terminal on Oct. 26, on the day the island was re-opened to domestic and foreign tourists following a six-month rehabilitation. The three new PUVs would transport passengers along the island’s circumferential road, and would form part of the backbone of the Boracay Transport Master Plan.
The second turnover, on October 29, saw IPC handing over 15 units of the modernized PUVs to representatives of one of the country’s largest and transport groups — the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda) — at the Mabuhay Rotonda on the boundary of Manila and Quezon City.
On both occasions, the Isuzu PUVs were assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 cab-and-chassis platform, and the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corporation. These are air-conditioned, 23-seat, Class 2-type PUVs with side-facing seats, and compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017).
Mr. Koso said: “What IPC started for the Senate’s transport cooperative last June 18, we have expanded to other key strategic locations in the country. Now, we bring the efficiency, safety and comfort of our Isuzu modernized PUVs right at the heart of the country’s vibrant socioeconomy, where a modernized public transport system is most needed.”

Would you consider ‘subscribing’ to a car instead of buying it?

You hear the term “sharing economy” a lot these days. It refers to assets and services that are literally being shared by different people, among whom no one is an owner. The most popular example of this is the ride-sharing service being offered by transport network companies like Grab. It’s like having your own car that’s available on demand, without you having to purchase the vehicle or pay for its operating costs (like fuel, parking, maintenance and insurance).
There’s also the hospitality service of lodging booking companies like Airbnb, which connects house owners to customers around the world who would like to rent their place for a period of time. As with the ride-sharing example above, it’s like having your own home in various locations across the globe — but you only pay on a per-need basis.
Of course, the issue with this business model is that customers can only be served based on the service’s availability. During rush hour, for instance, it becomes extremely challenging to book yourself a car ride. In such instances, you get reminded of the fact that you don’t own the car — you’re just requesting to use it. Which sucks if you’re in a hurry.
Now, there’s a more evolved (and certainly more expensive) version of the car-sharing concept, and it’s essentially by way of subscription. It’s like a timeshare agreement with your friends, but again without the hassle of maintaining the vehicle. And it’s not just cars that are being offered in this way at the moment. I’ve read about a company overseas that applies the principle to expensive wristwatches. You pay a monthly rate — a hefty sum, obviously (though not as prohibitive as buying a Rolex yourself) — and you get to use different timepieces of your choosing. So you subscribe to the right to wear the watches for a limited time. Imagine having a vast watch collection without shelling out for exorbitant price tags that high-end horology commands.
But back to cars. Automakers are now likewise adopting subscription programs to entice people to use their vehicles — people who would otherwise not buy a personal set of wheels. This topic visited me when I picked up the latest issue of Time magazine last weekend, in which the publication lists down the “50 genius companies” in the world. Or companies that come up with “a creative solution to a problem.”
When I saw the cover, I wondered if at least one car company had made the list. Indeed, one vehicle manufacturer is included on the honor roll. No, it’s not the United States’ Ford or Tesla. It’s not even Japan’s Nissan or Toyota. And it’s definitely not Germany’s Audi or BMW. Earning a citation is none other than Sweden’s Volvo. A firm previously known for seat belts and air bags is now being recognized for its innovative business idea, and yes, it’s about the brand’s “Care by Volvo” subscription service. For about $600 a month, a customer may use the stylish XC40 subcompact crossover SUV. So for about P32,000 a month, one has access to unlimited use of a premium car.
The amount is not cheap, but consider the advantages. First of all, you can stop availing of the service if you get tired of the vehicle (or if you no longer need it). And perhaps more importantly, you don’t have to worry about paying for insurance and maintenance service. The only drawback I can think of is that you don’t get to own the car even after a considerable period of subscribing to its use — something I’m sure won’t fly with many Filipinos. We like bragging about our stuff, you see.
But then, think about all those car buyers in our market who default on their monthly payments and have their vehicle repossessed by the bank. That’s even worse, because they already paid a substantial down payment and have also presumably shouldered maintenance costs.
And that is why this subscription concept is presently being experimented with by premium brands (Access by BMW, Book by Cadillac, Mercedes Me Flexperience and Porsche Passport). Because it’s really designed for those who won’t flinch over the monthly fees and who don’t really care if they own the car or not.
Still, I hope the business model will eventually trickle down to mass-market brands. With the kind of traffic we have now and with the high costs of owning a motor vehicle, I really don’t mind just subscribing to a car I can give up anytime I want.

On Cagayan’s Cryptohub: How can it succeed?

With the announcement that the Philippines is building a “Crypto Valley of Asia” (CVA) in the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), cryptocurrency once again took the national spotlight as a potential key industry in the country.

The Philippines is not alone in its bid to build a crypto hub. It’s competing in a bullish fintech, crypto, and blockchain ecosystem in Asia Pacific. Japan and Korea in East Asia, for example, are some of the friendliest countries towards cryptocurrency in Asia. But Southeast Asia also finds itself emerging as one of the most promising up-and-coming crypto markets. For instance, Thailand has established one of the biggest cryptocurrency hubs in the region.

Generally, Southeast Asia itself stands out as a promising region for the industry given its crypto-friendly regulations, ICO launches, start-up development, and number of mobile users. The region has some of the largest unbanked sectors, having one of the lowest numbers of bank depositors. Very few are able to avail of financial services in the formal sector. But with one of the highest numbers of mobile phone and mobile internet users, Southeast Asia provides the optimum environment for the adoption of fintech and crypto solutions.

And because financial inclusion is an imperative for Southeast Asian people, the region’s governments and private sectors look to fintech, cryptos and blockchain to further drive inclusive economic growth, the rise of their middle classes, and prosperity given greater participation in a more vibrant digital economy.

Build it and they will come

Eight hectares of land will be dedicated to the Philippines’ Crypto Valley of Asia (CVA), with CEZA expecting the generation of $68 million from licensing. Already, 17 crypto companies have paid in full for their enterprises to be located or have a presence in the country. CVA will feature a Blockchain University slated to go up and supported by a Korean company.

Yet, establishing any crypto hub can be tricky. It is a paradox of sorts: despite all the optimism driving global blockchain growth, cryptocurrency can also be very unpredictable in markets that are just in their infancy. Amidst all this, mass adoption is key to stability.

Which begs the question, “Will the people really come?” What does it take to open the doors for ordinary folk who are the intended beneficiaries of their government’s economic empowerment programs?

Cryptos as a way of life: Not just tech superiority; real-life applications

A crypto hub like CEZA must not exist in isolation and needs the support of a thriving cryptocurrency ecosystem and community to grow it. Essentially, crypto hubs across Asia must make sure that their cutting edge fintech and crypto technologies are made visible, accessible, and functional for communities.

In other words, crypto hubs must go beyond showcasing the technologies that they want consumers to adopt and instead push these as a way-of-life for their communities.

This is what will facilitate the widespread usage of the technology, with the hopes of making it as commonly-used as paper money. Or as Pundi X, a Jakarta-based crypto and blockchain leader, puts it: to make it as easy and commonplace as buying something as essential as bottled water.

Pundi X itself is in the midst of an aggressive rollout of point-of-sale systems that are essential if cryptocurrencies are to be used in everyday transactions. The Pundi XPOS systems introduced recently in Hong Kong and Taiwan allow people to use their cryptocurrency to transact for goods and services in real-world stores.

Generally, the Pundi XPOS systems are installed in partner establishments to facilitate transactions in cryptocurrency. Customers can even load up their e-wallets with cryptocurrencies by making use of the XPOS in partner establishments. The system makes use of Pundi X’s NPXS tokens to facilitate all these transactions, offering these tokens as rewards and incentives for continuous usage. All this is provided in an efficient and user-friendly system to ensure no hiccups in usage.

For many emerging crypto hubs, POS systems should make up the vital cogs that inject vibrancy, speeding up the adoption of cryptocurrency and ultimately bringing the benefits of blockchain to the mainstream market. For Cagayan’s CVA to succeed, it must – in the parlance of tech companies – “eat its own dog food,” or implement in the community the very products it wants to spread across the nation and the world. In addition to POS systems, CVA should also have crypto ATMs, such as those manufactured by Bitcoin Exchange Singapore.

Therefore, in CVA, digital wallets should be like passports: everyone should have one. Fortunately, Satoshi Citadel Industries (SCI), one of the country’s flagship fintech companies, has mobile money wallet BitBit that consumers can easily use. A company like SCI could also build a trading floor that would encourage community members to actively trade in popular and nascent digital currencies.

In short, CVA should be more than just a place where top cryptocurrency and fintech companies are located – we can establish it on the world’s tech map by showing that the solutions we believe are the future can be used seamlessly today.

NFA's bidding for 203,000 MT of rice fails

THE governments of Vietnam and Thailand, in separate letters, expressed their failure to comply with NFA’s terms of reference. — PHILSTAR

By Anna Gabriela A. Mogato
THE National Food Authority (NFA) has failed to secure the remaining balance for the additional 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice after the governments of Thailand and Vietnam has pulled out from the bidding.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state-owned grains agency disclosed that both countries, in separate letters opened during the Opening of the Bids, said that they could not comply with the terms of reference (TOR) set by the NFA for the bidding of 203,000 MT of 25% broken long, white grain rice.
Vietnam and Thailand are the two countries which the Philippines can source its imported rice from in a government-to-government procurement scheme through a Memorandum of Agreement on Rice Trade.
Adul Chotinisakorn, Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade of Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, in a letter dated Nov. 5, said that complying with the TOR “remains difficult” despite the amendments set by the NFA.
Likewise, Vietnam Southern Food Corp.’s (Vinafood 2) Deputy General Director Bach Ngoc Van, in a letter dated Nov. 6, also said that they could not meet the TOR without going into specifics.
The failed bidding was set to be a continuation from the last bidding on Oct. 18, which was done through an Open Tender scheme. Only 47,000 MT of the 250,000 MT offered was awarded to three suppliers: Vietnam Northern Food Corp. won the bid to supply 14,000 MT of rice; Vinafood 2, 15,000 MT of rice; and Thai Capital Crops, Co., Ltd., 18,000 MT of rice.
The result of the failed bidding is yet to be reported to the NFA Council.

ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers’ index, October

FACTORY ACTIVITY in the Philippines saw the biggest improvement in 10 months in October, keeping the country in the lead in Southeast Asia, according to the latest survey which IHS Markit conducted for Nikkei, Inc. that cited “a sharp rise in demand for manufactured goods.” Read the full story.

ASEAN manufacturing purchasing managers’ index, October

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