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COVID positivity rate in Metro Manila eased to 21% — OCTA

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE WEEKLY coronavirus infection rate in Metro Manila fell by four percentage points to 21% on May 28 from a week earlier, according to the OCTA Research Group.

The hospital occupancy rate slightly increased to 29.1% from 29.8%, OCTA fellow Fredegusto P. David tweeted on Tuesday.

Despite the decline in people testing positive for the virus in Metro Manila, there have been increases in several provinces in Luzon, he said.

The national positivity rate was 22.4%, Mr. David said.

Oriental Mindoro had the highest positivity rate increase at 55% from 33%, followed by Bataan at 38% from 21%, Tarlac at 21% from 15% and Cagayan at 27% from 21%, according to the OCTA report.

Areas with the largest declines were Isabela at 46% from 67%, Laguna at 29% from 25% and Batangas at 30% from 36%. The positivity rates remained high in most of Luzon, he added.

The Philippines posted 11,667 coronavirus infections in the past week, with a daily average of 105, the Department of Health said in a bulletin on Monday.

In its weekly COVID-19 report released on May 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) said globally, almost 2.3 million new cases and more than 15,000 deaths were reported on April 24 to May 21, 21% and 17% lower than in the past 28 days.

The coronavirus had sickened more than 766 million and killed about 6.9 million people globally as of May 21, more than 766 million, the WHO said.  — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Typhoon Mawar may be out of PHL area by late Thursday 

BAGUIO CITY COUNCIL 

TYPHOON Mawar, locally named Betty, could be out of the Philippine area by late Thursday or Friday morning, according to state weather agency PAGASA.  

In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday, PAGASA said the typhoon was 315 kilometers east of Batanes, the northernmost islands in the country.    

“Typhoon Betty is forecast to generally move slowly between today until tomorrow as it turns more northward over the waters east of Batanes. Afterwards, the typhoon will gradually accelerate north northeastward on Thursday and northeastward on Friday, bringing its center over the waters southeast of the Ryukyu Islands,” it said.  

Almost 5,500 people or 1,664 families were preemptively evacuated since Monday, according to the national disaster management council.   

Majority of them were in the Cagayan Valley in the north, and Western Visayas in central Philippines, where heavy rains and wind were expected as the typhoon was enhancing the southwest monsoon.   

“Under the influence of Typhoon Betty and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, a marine gale warning remains in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, the seaboards of Southern Luzon, and the seaboards of Visayas,” PAGASA said.   

In the Cordilleras, the municipal disaster management office of Tuba, Benguet reiterated its appeal to residents to evacuate, particularly those in areas prone to landslides.    

Tuba disaster management officials cited Kiangan Village and sitio Laao, both along Kennon Road, which are considered high-risk spots.  

Jonathan N. Labotan, head of the disaster management office, said designated evacuation areas were all ready to accommodate residents.  

In Baguio, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong suspended classes from elementary to senior high school for both public and private schools Tuesday as occasional heavy rains and gusty winds lashed at the mountain city.     

BASIC GOODS
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices and supply of basic goods are stable in northern Luzon amid the onslaught of Betty. 

In a statement late Monday, the DTI said supplies of staples across supermarkets are enough for the next two to four weeks, based on its market monitoring.    

“We have already spoken to manufacturers, and they are ready to fill the shelves in time for the super typhoon. We urge consumers to be prepared but avoid panic buying and hoarding of groceries,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said.    

He added that the department’s regional and provincial offices are closely coordinating with Local Price Coordinating Councils “to synchronize price and supply monitoring activities.” 

The DTI’s mandate covers the price monitoring of basic necessities such as canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave and Artemio A. Dumlao 

Saudi Arabia eyes hiring 1M Filipino skilled workers  

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

SAUDI ARABIA plans to hire about one million skilled Filipino workers in the next 18 to 24 months through a special employment program, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Tuesday.  

At a livestreamed briefing on the sidelines of the Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council Senior Officials Dialogue, Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana V. Ople said Philippine state officials met with private sector representatives in Saudi Arabia about the mass hiring plan. 

“We in the department will have to look at, have a special hiring program that would accommodate their needs while also scaling up our skills training and opportunities for job internships so that there is continued sustainability for our own needs and our needs of our external partners,” she said.  

The migrant workers chief said key sectors in need of workers in Saudi Arabia include the hospitality industry, construction, and information and technology.  

DMW officials and representatives from the Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday kicked off their two-day dialogue on fair and ethical recruitment and decent work for all migrant workers.  

On May 26, Ms. Ople said Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance has allotted funds to cover the unpaid salaries of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in the Middle Eastern country.  

The Saudi government had promised President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in November that it would settle the unpaid wages, she said.  

Jose “Sonny” G. Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers, welcomed the development saying it would help increase remittances and provide decent jobs.  

“As we celebrate this overseas employment opportunity, we also take this as a reminder that our efforts should be equally invested in creating more local job opportunities, especially for our millions of skilled workers,” he said in a Viber message.  

Money sent home by OFWs rose by 3% in March at $2.67 billion amid improving economic conditions in host countries, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 

“I urge a bold discussion on how we collectively define (overseas workers), and this can help promote better migration governance,” Ms. Ople said in her speech at the event, a copy of which was sent to reporters.  

“Safe and regular migration is achievable, only if we seek to make it so.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez 

House panel approves incentives in downstream natural gas bill 

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

A HOUSE committee has approved the fiscal and other incentives for investors in a measure seeking to develop the country’s downstream natural gas industry.  

“The substitute bill mandates more incentives, foremost of which is that the sale of natural gas to locators inside ecozones shall be subject to 0% value-added tax,” SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta told the committee. 

He added that more natural gas projects, as certified by the Department of Energy, “shall be entitled to the additional incentives provided by other relevant agencies.” 

The bill seeks to establish the Philippines as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading and transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region.   

The proposed law provides a “framework for the development of the Philippine downstream natural gas industry and its transition from emerging into [a] mature industry within a competitive natural gas market,” according to the unnumbered substitute bill.   

Under the bill, sectors involved will be natural gas supply and aggregation, LNG bunkering, LNG storage and regasification terminals, conventional and virtual transportation systems, their related facilities, and end-users.  

The bill is part of the common legislative agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).  

“The consuming public will benefit from the expanded use of natural gas given the chance for the industry to develop and be successful,” Mr. Marcoleta said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz 

CAAP alerts pilots on North Korea’s satellite launch; no flight cancellations in PHL  

CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

THE CIVIL Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday issued an alert to pilots related to the satellite launch activity of North Korea. 

The notice to airmen (NOTAM) will run from 8:00 a.m. of May 31 to 7:59 a.m. of June 11, the launching dates announced by North Korea.  

“The NOTAM was only relayed by our neighboring flight information regions to inform aircraft flying over the Philippine airspace about the activity,” said CAAP Spokesperson Eric B. Apolonio.  

The notice does not mean any flight cancellation, he said, as the satellite launch activities are “far from the flight path of commercial flights operating in the Philippines.”   

Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines confirmed that they will not be canceling any flights due to the NOTAM.  

“The North Korea missile test will have no effect on our operation,” the airline said in a Viber message.  

North Korea earlier announced that it has completed its first military spy satellite, and leader Kim Jong Un has approved the final launch preparations.   

Meanwhile, Japan has put its ballistic missile defenses on alert and warned that it would shoot down any projectile that threatened its territory after North Korea’s announcement. — Justine Irish D. Tabile 

Samal Bridge project has been on hold since January, NEDA official confirms  

PH.CHINA-EMBASSY.ORG

RIGHT-of-way (ROW) acquisition and the geotechnical survey for the Samal-Davao Bridge project have been suspended since January, a NEDA regional official confirmed.  

“It was reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Unified Project Management Office that the procurement of ROW and the conduct of geotechnical survey have been suspended since January this year. There are entry issues that need to be addressed by the implementing agencies,” said National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim.   

She said negotiations have been concluded with some affected property owners on the Davao City landing side, but discussions are still underway in Samal.    

Lawyer Ramon Edison C. Batacan, legal counsel of the Rodriguez family whose beach resorts in Samal will be affected, said the halt in the bridge’s work is due to lack of the required Detailed Engineering Design (DED).  

“Work cannot commence without the detailed engineering plan. The Department of Public Works and Highways cannot proceed without the DED, even without the temporary restraining order (TRO), but (they are just) making the ROW as a scapegoat for the alleged suspension,” he said.  

The Rodriguez family has a pending case before the Supreme Court seeking a TRO on the project and seeking a reassessment of the design.   

The P23-billion bridge, funded through a loan from China, has been targeted for completion by 2027.  

“Timeline, we are flexible but hopefully this will be achieved within our medium-term plan period,” Ms. Lim said, referring to the region’s 2023-2028 plan. — Maya M. Padillo  

More cops, soldiers deployed to secure Lanao del Sur town from terrorist threat  

JOHN M. UNSON

THE BANGSAMORO Police Regional Office has deployed combat-ready law enforcers in Marogong, Lanao del Sur after the local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya threatened to attack the town.  

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. Tuesday commended Bangsamoro Police Director Allan C. Nobleza for personally supervising Monday’s positioning of more cops in Marogong, where thousands of residents evacuated to other towns, fearing an attack by members of the extremist group.  

The outlawed Dawlah Islamiya sent out text and social media messages last week warning of an attack on the town center following the arrest of its members in a series of police anti-crime operations in Lanao del Sur. 

More than 20 Dawlah Islamiya members also fell in anti-narcotics operations in the province in recent months, who area now detained and are being prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

“Our Provincial Peace and Order Council, the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the PRO-BAR and the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army are cooperating in addressing the Marogong security issue,” Mr. Adiong told reporters. 

He also assured that the provincial and municipal governments are reaching out to the displaced residents to provide assistance.    

“Contrary to what these terrorists are spreading around via text messages and social media, the (Bangsamoro police) and counterparts in the Philippine Army and the administration of Gov. Adiong are on top of the situation. We are in full control,” Mr. Nobleza said. — John M. Unson 

1st compensation and benefits conference to be held on June 1-2

The most awaited Comp&Ben Conference of the Year is here, “1st Compensation & Benefits Conference,” which will be held at Marco Polo Ortigas on June 1-2, 2023, and co-presented by Generali Philippines and Hive Health.

This is the best avenue to collaborate with like-minded leaders, exchange best practices and perspectives, learn and understand innovative and emerging trends and win in the marketplace. Meet with top speakers who are masters of compensation and benefits and leaders in innovation.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get an interactive in-person learning experience like no other.

This event is organized by the Philippine HR Assembly, the country’s biggest and most successful online learning event for HR leaders and people managers.

Why you must attend:

  • Learn and Understand Innovative and Emerging Trends: Feel the pule of Automation and Artificial Intelligence through Compensation and Benefits.
  • Plan for Future Success: Win in the marketplace by shifting to market-based pay structures and by elevating your executives’ and expatriates’ compensation plans.
  • Learn Through Collaboration: Find the conference as “welcoming and engaging” which promotes openness and sharing about the strengths and opportunities of other organizations’ journey through networking.
  • Develop New Plans and Programs for Compensation and Benefits: Design, strengthen, and manage employee incentive programs with ease and confidence.

INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Collaborate: With like-minded leaders, exchange best practices and perspectives to find out what works for them, why it works, and how it may work for you.

Relax, Have Fun, and Make New Friends: Create the groundwork for building connections with top-tier HR leaders and people managers. Maintain a growing contact list while taking advantage of exclusive networking opportunities throughout the program.

Stay Ahead of the Technology Curve and Opportunities: Meet with top event partners who are leaders in service innovation and experts in their field, and utilize their services to boost your revenue.

Leaders seeking to learn and share best practices in compensation and benefits excellence and innovation, including CEO, COO, CIO, CHRO, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and Officers of the following industries:

  • IT & BPO
  • RETAIL
  • INSURANCE
  • MANUFACTURING
  • FINANCE
  • PHARMACEUTICALS
  • RESTAURANT
  • SHARED SERVICES
  • CONSTRUCTION
  • HOSPITALITY
  • LEISURE
  • AVIATION
  • INDUSTRIAL
  • LOGISTICS

CONFERENCE GOAL

The goal of this conference is to shift the focus from transactional C&B processes and methodologies to a more strategic, innovative process while providing you with endless opportunities to network with fellow attendees and get exposed to new ideas.

SCOPE & COVERAGE

The conference is focused on the current trends, post-pandemic best practices, and technological innovations for Comp&Ben. The carefully-curated topics and sessions revolve around benchmarking and analytics, new practices, and crucial updates from governing agencies.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Intended for Comp&Ben Professionals, Payroll Professionals, Accounting Professionals, HR Managers, HR Business Partners, HR Generalists, Business Owners, and individuals seekings to understand post-pandemic best practices in the field of Compensation & Benefits.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity.

International HR Institute is a leading professional organization for professional development and lifelong learning for the HR management profession with its vision to be the Southeast Asia’s center of excellence in shaping the future of the HR management profession ensuring its commitment to powering Human Capital. To learn more contact us via www.ihri.ph.

 

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Miami Heat dismantle Boston Celtics, punch ticket to Finals

Teams that held a 3-0 series lead improved to 151-0 in the NBA playoffs

THE MIAMI Heat sustained a gut-wrenching, last-second loss on their third attempt to clinch the Eastern Conference finals, tilting momentum strongly in favor of the Boston Celtics.

However, the Heat who had to take the play-in route to even reach the playoffs, and then upset the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks to fuel their postseason run, found another gear in their seemingly never-ending fountain of resiliency.

Series MVP Jimmy Butler scored 28 points, Caleb Martin added 26 and the Heat became the second No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals by posting a convincing 103-84 victory over the host Celtics in Game 7 on Monday night.

Miami was wobbling after a 104-103 setback on Saturday that featured Boston’s Derrick White scoring on a putback just as time expired, evening the best-of-seven series.

Yet even the raucous homecourt atmosphere in Boston couldn’t prevent the Heat from reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in four seasons.

“That could puncture a team’s spirit,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the Game 6 loss. “But instead, it drove us to more resolve to try to get the job done.”

Bam Adebayo recorded 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as Miami finished the job. Teams that held a 3-0 series lead improved to 151-0 all-time in the NBA playoffs.

Jaylen Brown had 19 points and eight rebounds and Mr. White scored 18 points for second-seeded Boston, which was just the fourth team in NBA history to force a Game 7 after losing the first three games.

Jayson Tatum had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, but he sprained his left ankle during the game’s first possession and hobbled throughout the contest.

“That was tough because it kind of impacted me the rest of the night,” Mr. Tatum said. “It swelled up. It was frustrating that I was a shell of myself. It was tough to move. It was frustrating, especially happening on the first play.”

The Heat will face the Western Conference champion Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. Game 1 is Thursday in Denver.

“Nobody’s satisfied. We haven’t done anything,” said Mr. Butler, who averaged 24.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.6 steals in the series. “We don’t play just to win the Eastern Conference. We play to win the whole thing.”

The New York Knicks (1999 postseason) were the only other No. 8 seed to reach the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, the Celtics struggled throughout the do-or-die game.

“I thought we played tight,” Boston guard Malcolm Brogdon said. “When you play that way, it makes you hesitant on both ends of the ball. I thought Miami played the opposite. I thought they played loose.”

The other three teams to force a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0 were the New York Knicks (lost to the Rochester Royals in the 1951 NBA Finals), Denver Nuggets (fell to the Utah Jazz in the 1994 second round) and Portland Trail Blazers (lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2003 first round).

Miami shot 48.8 percent from the field, including 14 of 28 from 3-point range. Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent added 10 points apiece. Mr. Martin made four treys and collected 10 rebounds and Mr. Butler also had seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

The Celtics connected on 39 percent of their shots and were nine of 42 (21.4 percent) from behind the arc. Boston went 16 of 77 (20.8 percent) from 3-point range over the final two games of the series.

Mr. Brown shot just eight-for-23 from the floor, one-for-nine from long distance, and committed eight turnovers.

“We failed. I failed,” Mr. Brown said. “We let the whole city down.”

Boston trailed 52-41 at halftime, and White kept the Celtics in the contest with 13 third-quarter points.

White put up eight straight points as Boston trimmed a 16-point deficit in half with 8:29 remaining in the third. The Celtics were unable to creep closer than seven, and Mr. Martin’s short baseline jumper with 1.5 seconds left gave the Heat a 76-66 lead heading into the final quarter.

Miami started the fourth quarter strong with a 3-pointer from Martin and back-to-back baskets by Butler to push the lead to 17. Later, four straight points by Adebayo increased the advantage to 21 with 6:55 remaining. Miami’s advantage topped out at 23 points.

“We talked about going to get a tough one on the road and we did just that,” Mr. Butler said. “But we’re not satisfied. We got four more (wins) to get.”

Boston missed its first 12 3-point attempts as Miami controlled the first half, leading by as many as 17 points. — Reuters

Bachmann wants PSC more involvement in Asian Games

PSC CHAIRMAN RICHARD BACHMANN

WHILE reaffirming support for the national team, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Dickie Bachmann wants more involvement for the government body in matters relating to the Asian Games.

“For the next event, the Asian Games, the PSC will have to step up,” Mr. Bachmann said when he graced yesterday’s PSA Forum with Commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston and Ed Hayco.

“We’re not only here to fund but we want to get involved already, be on a working POC (Philippine Olympic Committee)-PSC relations,” he stressed.

After personally witnessing the action and monitoring the progress of Team Philippines in the recent Cambodia SEA Games, Mr. Bachmann said the PSC should have a say in even the selection process of the prospects for the Asiad.

“There should be a committee between the PSC and POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) regarding the accreditation of sports (athletes) going to the Asian Games,” Mr. Bachmann said his office is already “working on our own (selection) criteria for Asian Games aspirants” to be presented to the PSC board before eventually discussing it with the POC “and see a common ground on all sports going.”

Mr. Bachmann’s idea is similar to the old practice where PSC’s representatives sit on a joint task force with the POC to screen the delegates.

For the Asiad, the POC said gold medalists and silver winners, as well as world and Asian-rated athletes have the inside track in the determination of the contingent to Hangzhou.

Those who would not meet the criteria will be allowed to go but on condition they would fund their own trips.

Mr. Bachmann also batted for more PSC personnel in the Asiad. In the Cambodia campaign, he rued that the agency’s physical therapists (PTs) didn’t have participation and that only four of his staffers got slots in the delegation.

“I feel that PTs should be coming from the MSAS (Medical and Scientific Athletes Services). PTs actually worked with athletes every single day (in training) and I don’t understand why it’s a different PT out there,” he said.

“We met with CDM (chef-de-mission) Richard Gomez and that’s one of my concerns. My PSC staff, they allowed only four to go around and work. I need more than four,” he added. — Olmin Leyba

Concio and Villa rule National Juniors Chess Championships

MICHAEL CONCIO JR — FIDE

MICHAEL Concio, Jr. needed to work harder to rule the division he was supposed to dominate while Ma. Elayza Villa had to bring down the big guns to reign supreme in their respective classes at the conclusion of the National Juniors and Kiddies Chess Championships in Alicia, Isabela yesterday.

Mr. Concio survived a harrowing seventh-round loss but regained his form and caught a break late to rule the boys’ crown with 7.5 points for the second straight year in this meet bankrolled by host Mayor Jose Alejandro.

Ms. Villa, for her part, bested Shiela Mer Donoga and then edged Ruelle Canino, who downed Rinoa Mariel Sadey, via higher tiebreak to top the girls’ side also with 7.5 points.

Unheralded Jan Clifford Labog shocked Mr. Concio in the seventh round to catch up on the latter but sputtered in the last two rounds where he had only a draw to show.

In contrast, Mr. Concio, a World Cup veteran, scored 1.5 points in the last two rounds to seal the deal.

Deandra Castronuevo and Phil Martin Casiguran took the girls and boys kiddies crowns, respectively. — Joey Villar

Collegiate Press Corps honors best student-athletes from past 3 seasons

THE CPC honored the brightest student-athletes from the past three seasons in a momentous all-in-one awards night.

THE COLLEGIATE Press Corps (CPC) honored the brightest student-athletes from the past three seasons in a momentous all-in-one awards night presented by San Miguel Corp., and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission late Monday at the Hummingbird Rooftop Bar in Quezon City.

Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin, San Juan de Letran University’s Bonnie Tan and University of the Philippines’ Goldwin Monteverde were named Coaches of the Year as Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena and Ange Kouame with Rhenz Abando of Letran were hailed as Basketball Players of the Year.

National University’s Mhicaela Belan and De La Salle University’s Angel Canino, the consecutive UAAP Rookie-MVPs, with Mycah Go and Gayle Pascual from two-time NCAA champion St. Benilde University rose as the Volleyball Players of the Year.

“It means a lot to me. Four years ago, that was really the time that shaped me both on and off the court and made me a better person,” said Mr. Ravena through a video message as his father Bong received the award on his behalf.

The distinguished coaches and players stamped their class amidst the pandemic in the UAAP Seasons 82 to 85, where Ateneo and UP in basketball with NU and De La Salle in volleyball, took turns in claiming crowns.

Letran, with a three-peat, and back-to-back queen St. Benilde, ruled in basketball and volleyball, respectively, of the NCAA Seasons 95 to 98.

Mythical teams in three basketball seasons of both the UAAP and NCAA were also recognized led by the troika of Messrs. Ravena, Abando and Kouame in each selection of the historic awards night also powered by MNL Kingpin, Tinapayan Festival and Jockey. — John Bryan Ulanday

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