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What the two-week ‘timeout’ meant

The entire country, including the national government, paid attention to the call of 160 organizations representing healthcare professionals and workers. They sounded the alarm that we are losing the fight against COVID-19 and called for a two-week timeout from relaxed quarantine rules in the face of the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. Their unified message was about the need to rethink the strategies to win the war against COVID-19.

The position of the medical community and other allied healthcare professionals was so compelling that President Rodrigo Duterte declared a two-week return to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in mega Manila, from Aug. 4 to 18. Now that the timeout is over, the question on everybody’s mind is: Has it really worked?

Contrary to popular perception, the MECQ was not just about giving time for our healthcare professionals to rest and recuperate. In actuality, the two-week timeout practically meant more work for these front-liners as they had to participate in numerous meetings with both the government and the private sector in order to make concrete recommendations on how to effectively address the pandemic.

When they called for a return to stricter quarantine rules for two weeks, the Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC), a group of more than 160 organizations of doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, therapists, barangay health workers, municipal and provincial health officers, flagged seven major issues. The seven issues are: hospital overload; inefficient case finding and isolation; inefficient contact tracing and quarantine; workplace outbreaks; inadequate and unsafe transport options; difficult public compliance to safety protocols; and worsening inequities.

It is worth noting that the HPAAC has been invited to various meetings with both the government and private sectors to address the above concerns. In a press conference on Aug. 18, the alliance informed the public about the outcome of the different meetings with different government agencies. These bodies dealing with COVID-19 issues that the HPAAC met with include the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the National Task Force (NTF), the Departments of Health (DoH), Transportation (DoTr), Finance (DoF), Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Labor and Employment (DoLE), Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), among others. In these meetings, which are still continuing, the voice of the health alliance representing more than 80,000 doctors and more than a million allied healthcare professionals, has been heard. New strategies for dealing with COVID-19 have been agreed upon or are being seriously considered.

Indeed, some significant reforms have been secured during the two-week timeout. Of course, being part of the conversation is different from being the ones calling the shots. But the signs are encouraging.

The DoH launched the One Hospital Command Center on Aug. 6, during the MECQ. This addresses the issue of health facilities being overwhelmed by the rapid influx of patients. Through this program, people are provided with a hotline to call and to help them navigate through available health facilities based on their needs. The HPAAC welcomes this development at the same time that it recommends the expansion of this program whereby people can navigate and access the services of laboratories, clinics, and most especially, local government units (LGUs) or barangays. The HPAAC calls this proposal the One COVID Referral Network. This, the coalition has emphasized, is consistent with strengthening the primary care system.

Further, the DTI and the DoLE issued the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 20-04 series of 2020 on Aug. 8 which clarifies that rapid antibody tests (RATs) are neither recommended nor required for asymptomatic employees returning to work. The country’s medical societies have advised against the use of RATs as a requirement to return to work because of the high false negative rates they produce. The false negative as well as false positive cases give a false sense of security and contribute to the spread of the virus. Used in the wrong way, RATs cause unintended harm in the workplace and in the community. Still, a lot of work must be done when it comes to implementation on the ground. At present, some companies and LGUs still use RATs as part of their policies.

On the challenges relating to technology, a most difficult issue is dealing with the influx of information coming from multiple sources. Given the thousands of available technologies, the policymaker or decision-maker grapples with the question of how to choose the most effective, most efficient, intervention. In this regard, the HPAAC has asked the government to look no further than the Universal Health Care Law (RA 11223). One important provision in that law is the creation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC). The mandate of this group of experts is to assess all available health technology in terms of safety, equity, and cost-effectiveness. Simply put, it provides inputs and recommendations on whether or not the government should invest in a particular health technology. The HTA process is crucial especially in a pandemic like COVID-19 where evidence is evolving on a daily basis. The HPAAC fully supports the integration of the HTA process in all government decisions related to the pandemic response to promote evidence-based policymaking.

The HPAAC maintains that HTAC must be protected and be well funded so decisions on health technology are based on evidence and science, not on the lobby of vested interests. In this regard, a boost for the HTAC is the supplemental budget of P10 million as part of the Bayanihan II bill that both Houses of Congress approved.

Also on technology, the HPAAC has articulated the public clamor for internet connectivity, especially internet access for far-flung areas or geographically poor areas. Better connectivity is needed for health responses such as referrals, telemedicine, and contact tracing. Liberalizing the use of satellite technology through an Executive Order will make this happen. Different government agencies have expressed support for this proposal.

With regard to public transportation issues, the DoTr is now setting up interim bike lanes in response to the needs of the health workers and other essential workers. These bike lanes will connect major roads, residential areas, and high-volume commuter areas to major medical facilities in Manila and Quezon City. Bike lanes will also be put in place covering the whole stretch of the EDSA Corridor, from Monumento to Pasay. This will allow more options for active transport and relieve pressure on public transport.

Another important gain on public transport is the policy of contracting the service of public utility vehicles (PUVs) that will allow safe, adequate, and sustainable transport options for all. The Bayanihan II bill has allocated a significant sum of funding for service contracting.

The HPAAC and government have likewise put into motion plans regarding other serious concerns. These issues include enforcement of workplace safety guidelines, augmentation of social support for those whose livelihood are affected by the pandemic, and improvement of strategic communications towards improving public compliance to safety protocols.

The HPAAC explains that its recommendations are not solely theirs. These recommendations are products of months of consultations with various stakeholders across the country and also the product of meetings with executive agencies in the past weeks. The success of these reforms will depend not only on the health professionals and the government, but on every single Filipino.

One lesson that the two-week timeout has shown is this: The medical frontliners are a credible social force, and they can undertake effective collective action together with the rest of society. As the doctors put it, kapit-bisig, sama-sama, tulong-tulong (arm-in-arm, all together, helping each other).

Mabuhay ang ating mga mahal na medical frontliners! (Long live our beloved medical frontliners!).

 

Arjay Mercado is the head of the Universal Health Care and Sin Tax program of Action for Economic Reforms (AER). Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III is the AER coordinator.

Seizing business opportunities during crisis

The pandemic is not exclusively a story of business failures. Many companies are doing exceedingly well during this period of crisis. Those whose businesses relate to sanitary products, healthcare products, drugstores, supermarkets, and e-commerce continue to enjoy unprecedented profits despite the economic downturn. Some enterprises are hardly affected. Those engaged in manufacturing, importation and trading as well producers of basic food products remain stable. For them, it is business as usual.

This piece is meant for all those whose businesses are thriving and whose cash positions are healthy. Now more than ever, this is the time to expand your businesses, grab market share and grow through diversification or acquisition. It is the time to make a move towards growth.

Cameron Herold is a top business consultant and best-selling author. He is a regular speaker of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, a global group of which I am a member. Cameron has guided hundreds of companies in their paths towards exponential growth. He is among the foremost business gurus of our time.

Over a private conference, Cameron shared several tips on how to turn this crisis into opportunity.

First and foremost, says Cameron, we must recognize that now is the time to invest in activities that either drive your sales or increase your profit margins. Spending on advertising and promotions is highly recommended at this time as it could yield quantum results. This is because your competitors are most probably struggling or holding back on spending. If you are able to increase market share while the competition loses theirs, your growth will be even more significant than in normal circumstances.

Engaging in activities that improve your margins is also recommended. As you enter a growth spurt (resulting from increased ad and promo spending), you also need to maximize your profits. Not to do so is a waste of effort. Thus, engaging in programs such as mechanization, computerization, or process streamlining is recommended at this point.

In a crisis, cash is king as it provides both financial stability and the ammunition to seize opportunities. Hence, it is wise to liquidate whatever assets you have that are not vital to operations. This could come in the form of ageing inventories, unused equipment or even whole divisions (or non-core businesses).

Owners of companies affected by the crisis are under enormous stress. Sometimes the stress is so intense that they are willing to sell their companies for a fraction of what it is truly worth just so they can walk away from the “pressure cooker.” These are the types of companies that are ripe for acquisition.

Cameron also suggests to target companies that are owned by baby boomers, or those 55 to 75 years old. Their owners are tired and just want to take it easy. Their companies can be acquired at cheap valuations.

When acquiring companies, ideally, do so with 70% debt and 20% installment payment to the owners. This means, you can acquire a company for just 10% of its price. Amortization for debt can be paid for, in whole or in part, by savings derived from eliminating redundancies and other cost cutting measures including not having to pay the expensive salaries of the former owners.

This may sound mercenary, but when you sense your competition drowning — make your move.

As your competitors struggle to keep their operations afloat amid a cash crunch, the time could not be better to acquire them for a song, grab their customers, poach their key executives, acquire their proprietary processes and/or persuade their suppliers to sell to you exclusively.

While the competition is slow and distracted, it is the ideal time to adopt their best practices (or ideas) and implement them in your own organization.

Although Cameron advises to spend aggressively for business expansion, bear in mind that cash is the oxygen of the business. No matter what, you must have at least three months of overhead expenses in your reserves. Manage your cash prudently. Good cash oversight is key.

Most businesses operate under the 80/20 rule wherein 80% of profits are derived from 20% of clients. The rest of the clients contribute little to the bottom line, yet require just as much time and attention as the bigger clients. Cameron suggests to use this time as an opportunity to let go of low yielding clients without eroding market share (since your competitors are losing clients too). Getting rid of low yielding but high maintenance clients liberates the organization from administrative burden and frees-up resources to pursue more profitable endeavors.

As we grapple with the crisis, do not get caught up in paperwork and internal administration. Business owners and their top executives must be out in the field, transacting and interacting with customers, suppliers, associates and potential clients. While your competitors are caught up in managing their internal affairs, use the time to forge stronger relationships with the people who matter.

Finally, never forget that the business owner or the CEO acts as the main energizer of the organization. He/she must also be the spotter of opportunity and the one that clearly defines the aspirations, targets and goals of the company. Above all, he/she infuses the organization with positive energy and the wherewithal to achieve the goals set forth. His/her role is to remove the stumbling blocks and negative energy that stand in the way.

This crisis offers a once-in-a-lifetime window when most competitors are fragile. Doing business is a dog-eat-dog affair and there is no shame in seizing opportunities.

At the end of all this, we can expect thousands of businesses to turn insolvent and close permanently. However, there will be a few which will grow even bigger and stronger. Hopefully, you will be among them. Such is the nature of a laissez faire economy.

 

Andrew J. Masigan is an economist

Little Papua dares the giant China

Why should seemingly irrelevant news about Papua New Guinea refusing to pay a loan of $53 million from China be among the opening salvo of posts last Friday on various Viber chats among bored mostly middle class Filipinos quarantined and restricted for five months — and going — in this coronavirus pandemic?

Enough of recycled corny jokes, lachrymose prayer-exhortations, home remedies against the unrelentingly virulent COVID-19 and breaking news of discovered vaccines from Russia or China yet to be tested on some developing countries! But Papua New Guinea (PNG) still insinuated itself into Viber and YouTube when it sent back a planeload of 180 Chinese workers trial-tested on the coronavirus vaccine developed in mainland China before coming to work in the mines of PNG.

See, that’s the way it should be for us Filipinos too, swarming netizens of social media buzzed. No way that Filipinos will be guinea pigs for untested and non-WHO compliant vaccines from China, even if allegedly offered free to President Rodrigo Duterte. And while we are talking about little PNG telling giant China that they will not pay their loans from the Export-Import Bank of China: there’s the roused hypochondria of being afflicted with the China loan pandemic as PNG and some 150 economically disadvantaged countries who have borrowed, with unsure capacity to pay, about $1.5 trillion from China. The China “debt-trap.”

This $1.5 trillion from China exceeds 5% of world GDP, the February (2020) Harvard Business Review (HBR) warns. HBR has compiled multi-year academic and empirical data that China is now the world’s largest official creditor — surpassing traditional official lenders such as the World Bank, the IMF, or all OECD creditor governments combined.

The Philippines, as with many other countries, is in great need of funds now because of the devastation of COVID-19. This year, the government is planning to borrow P3 trillion from domestic and foreign lenders to finance the government’s coronavirus efforts. Another P3 trillion will be borrowed next year, according to the Department of Finance (DoF), according to a Philippine Star report on Aug. 9. National government’s debt to gross domestic product rose to 48.1% in the first half as the economy plunged into a recession from a 16.5% plummet in GDP growth in the second quarter. Debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to further rise to 53.9% by year end and 58.3% in 2021.

The national government’s outstanding debt as of end-June reached a new record high of P9.054 trillion, 1.8 % up from the P8.89 trillion of the previous month, the DoF bulletin showed (P2.864 trillion or 32% was sourced externally). Add the P3 trillion to be borrowed up to end this year, exacerbated by the drying up of revenues and the widening budget deficit, and ordinary mortals might doubt the DoF’s repeated assurances of “fiscal space” — meaning, can we just borrow more and more? Last April, with P461.7 billion of spending and only P187.8 billion of revenues, the government’s budget deficit reached P273.9 billion — easily the highest in decades (Rappler, June 19).

Okay, we must trust that our government finance managers know what they are doing, and are doing what is best for the country. Put aside the whimpering and whining on why they did not think of the small domestic investors and savers and at least protecting yields in “the most risk-free investment of all time” — government securities. “On top of the new foreign borrowings, the government also received in March a whopping P300 billion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through a so-called repurchase agreement. Government also regularly earns billions in the sale of government securities,” UP economist JC Punongbayan noted in Rappler on June 19.

Punongbayan asked why “the economic managers seem singularly bent on pursuing policies — such as CREATE (corporate tax cuts) and “Build, Build, Build” (big-ticket infrastructure) — that are not particularly needed at this time and will likely crowd out other important programs, notably Test, Trace, and Treat (for the coronavirus recovery plan). On June 16, the Department of Finance secured a new P75.5-billion loan to build road projects in Davao and Cebu. Borrowing billions for road projects in the middle of a pandemic? Really?” Punongbayan chided.

Those thoughts on the national debt bring the collective stream of consciousness back to the story of Papua New Guinea, and the shiver for how close the Philippines might be to borrowing again from China, forced by present fiscal and monetary trials in this coronavirus situation. Now, to be fair: in spite of open declarations by the President of his love for Chinese President Xi Jin Ping, the Philippines has borrowed from China only for the $62-million Chico River pump  irrigation project in Kalinga/Cagayan early last year. It was the first flagship infrastructure project financed by China under Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

But rights activists and nationalist critics of the Chinese loan pointed out dangerous provisions of the agreement that would kick in, if the Philippines somehow cannot pay back the loan. Then-Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned that “the loan agreement for the Chico River pump irrigation project has a provision that said China can seize Reed Bank if the government fails to pay the P3.69-billion loan” (Philippine Star, March 27, 2019). Carpio — proponent and defender of the triumphal UN declaration of the Chinese-contested territories in the West Philippine Sea as territories of the Philippines — said that as early as 1972, oil and gas in the Reed Bank have been classified as patrimonial property.

“If all loan agreements will follow the Chico River template, that will be a huge problem,” Carpio said. He also pointed out that collaterals are not standard in Official Development Assistance loans. But China is different.

See what happened to Sri Lanka, which in 2017 was forced to hand the state-owned Hambantota Port over to China for 99 years, this after the port racked up more than $1 billion in debt to Chinese companies. An Australian think tank report cited as examples the sorry experiences of Sri Lanka and that of Tajikistan, when in 2011, China reportedly agreed to write off an unknown amount of debt owed by Tajikistan in exchange for some 1,158 sq km of disputed territory.

The Australian Center for Global Development cited the plight of countries, which after borrowing money from China for infrastructure projects, are now pushing their debt-to-GDP ratios higher and higher, with China holding a rising share in them. And that is why Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison actively investigated Papua New Guinea’s looming defaults for its $147-million loans from China. It cannot be that the strategic Port Moresby, for example, should fall into Chinese control, like Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port.

Is this all just paranoia about China’s “debt colonialism” — as it forecloses on ports and takes control of debtor nations’ patrimony, in a discernible strategy to hegemonic power, as it brazenly claims other countries’ sacred territorial limits as in the West Philippine Sea?

In the forced isolation of the coronavirus threat, it is not paranoia; there must be the much-needed focusing on the health and survival of the people and the country, not just physically but morally and spiritually. We look to our leaders to do their duties and responsibilities for both.

And our leaders might look to Papua New Guinea for standing up against the Giant China.

 

Amelia H. C. Ylagan is a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of the Philippines.

ahcylagan@yahoo.com

Thailand seeking ways to safely reopen borders to boost economy

THAILAND is cautiously looking at plans to reopen its borders as it struggles to survive an extended period without international visitors, who account for about two-thirds of the country’s tourism income.

“The virus won’t go away soon and we have to think about the economy. But we can’t just reopen the borders. We have to be careful,” Transport Minister Saksiam Chidchob said in an interview. “Thailand has a limited budget so we have to make sure we can control the disease well.”

Thailand may allow some foreign visitors into the country as early as October. Tourists from countries with limited infections will probably be required to wear wristbands with GPS tracking systems and will need to be quarantined in a hotel for the first 14 days, Mr. Saksiam said. The plan is likely to be tested in Phuket province, he said.

Thailand’s borders have been closed to most visitors since late March. While there have been several proposals for international travel arrangements, the government keeps adjusting plans to reopen for tourism, which makes up 20% of the economy.

The government has been trying to promote domestic tourism with a campaign to foot 40% of travelers’ hotel bills, but local spending alone can’t compensate for a loss of foreign receipts.

Thailand faces one of the worst outlooks among emerging countries in Asia as the pandemic batters its manufacturing sector and upends international travel, the two pillars of its economy. The Finance Ministry predicts gross domestic product will shrink by 8.5% this year, its worst contraction on record.

While the pandemic wreaks havoc on the economy, Thailand has managed to control the spread of coronavirus, with no locally transmitted cases reported in almost three months. In total, it has had 3,390 cases and 58 deaths. — Bloomberg

S.Korea reports biggest rise in coronavirus cases since March

SEOUL — South Korea reported its highest daily rise in novel coronavirus cases since early March on Sunday, as outbreaks continued to spread from a Seoul church and from political demonstrations its members had attended.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 397 new infections as of midnight Saturday, up from the previous day’s 332 and marking more than a week of daily three-digit rises.

That brings South Korea’s total to 17,399 infections of the new coronavirus with 309 COVID-19 deaths, it said.

From Sunday the government imposed second-tier social-distancing rules in areas outside Seoul, banning in-person church meetings and closing nightclubs, buffets and cyber cafes.

Health authorities say they may eventually deploy the toughest stage 3 social-distancing rules, where schools and business are urged to close, if the rate of increase in new infections does not slow soon.

On social media, mothers posted notes saying they have cancelled vacation plans to nearby hotels and the southern resort island of Jeju to comply with government guidelines.

On Friday, health authorities said South Korea’s coronavirus infections are back “in full swing” as hundreds of infections have started to come out from the Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church run by a far-right preacher.

Members of the church attending an anti-government protest in Seoul on Aug. 15 have also led to new cases across the country. — Reuters

LA Lakers race to 2-1 lead

LEBRON JAMES recorded 38 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 116-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series on Saturday night near Orlando.

Anthony Davis scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half and finished with 11 rebounds, eight assists and three blocked shots as Los Angeles took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series ahead of Monday’s Game 4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 points, and Alex Caruso added 10 points and seven assists.

Portland star Damian Lillard contributed 34 points and seven assists while playing with a dislocated left index finger. CJ McCollum registered 28 points and eight rebounds, Carmelo Anthony had 20 points and four steals and Jusuf Nurkic added 10 points.

Lillard made five of 11 shots from 3-point range and was eight of 20 overall but made just two of nine field-goal attempts in the second half. The Trail Blazers connected on 41.1% of their shots and were 12 of 35 from 3-point range.

THUNDER 119-ROCKETS 107 (OT)
Chris Paul drilled a 3-point heave as part of a 12-0 run to open overtime, and Oklahoma City beat Houston in Game 3 of a Western Conference first-round series.

Paul finished with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists, as a three-guard lineup worked wonders for Oklahoma City, which now trails the series 2-1 with Game 4 set for Monday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Dennis Schroder scored a team-high 29 points off the bench along with five rebounds and five assists.

James Harden posted a game-high 38 points, seven rebounds and eight assists with just one turnover but fouled out for the first time this season when he picked up his sixth foul with 4:07 left in overtime. Jeff Green paired 22 points with seven boards off the Houston bench, while Eric Gordon scored 18 points but missed 16 of 24 shot attempts. The Rockets shot just 15 of 50 on 3-pointers.

HEAT 124-PACERS 115
Bam Adebayo had a hoop, two offensive rebounds and three free throws down the stretch as Miami staved off an Indiana rally to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Jimmy Butler finished with a team-high 27 points, including 17-for-20 from the free-throw line, for the Heat, who outscored the Pacers 43-21 from the stripe, getting 24 more opportunities. Goran Dragic chipped in with 24 points and a team-high six assists, and Adebayo compiled a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds for Miami.

Malcolm Brogdon recorded postseason career-highs with 34 points and 14 assists — both game-highs — for the Pacers, who outshot the Heat 48.8% to 45.3%. T.J. Warren went for 23 points, and Victor Oladipo had 20 for Indiana.

BUCKS 121-MAGIC 107
Giannis Antetokounmpo notched 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists to lead Milwaukee to a dominant victory over Orlando to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Game 4 is Monday.

Antetokounmpo, the favorite to repeat as the league’s MVP, made his first eight shots and finished 12 of 14 from the floor. He finally received help from fellow All-Star Khris Middleton, who finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists after struggling from the field in the series’ first two games.

Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points on eight-of-19 shooting and grabbed five rebounds. D.J. Augustin (24 points, six assists) and Terrence Ross (20 points) were the Magic’s biggest contributors off the bench. — Reuters

‘Dropped’ Cansino finds connection with UP in move to new team

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

FOUND himself sans a team to play for in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) after he was “dropped” from the roster by his previous team, CJ Cansino did not waste time finding a new home, hooking up with the University of the Philippines (UP).

It was a decision that former University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers captain Cansino said he was comfortable to make, feeling a connection with the Fighting Maroons and what they want to accomplish in the UAAP.

Cansino, 20, hogged the headlines late last week after it was reported that he and UST decided to part ways after three years.

The do-it-all guard said that he was cut from the team for “defiance of authority” by UST coach Aldin Ayo but was not given the full reason for such.

He went on to say that the move caught him by surprise since he described his relationship with Mr. Ayo as “okay” and considers the UST coach “like a father.”

Cansino also said that he loves playing for the Tigers and that UST was his “dream school.”

The news came out amid reports as well of a “bubble” done by the Tigers in Sorsogon, hometown of Mr. Ayo, which is now the subject of an investigation by government agencies and the UAAP for possibly violating health and safety protocols during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of the UST team, Cansino immediately got the interest of other UAAP teams and some from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Among those which reached out to him were Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Adamson University, Far Eastern University (FEU) and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

He said he heard out all the teams that expressed interest in getting him but in the end had more connection with UP, and, thus, decided to be a Maroon.    

“Different teams reached out to me and I heard them out but I decided to go to UP and commit to their program. Thanks to UP for giving me a second chance to continue my basketball dreams,” said Cansino during his guesting on The Chasedown show on Saturday.

“When I was trying to decide which team I would join, the first I considered was academics. Second was the sports program. Third was player development. Fourth was how my game suits the program, if my skills set would fit the team. I saw those in the other teams like Ateneo, La Salle, FEU and Adamson, which I felt can help me grow. But after giving it some thought, I just followed my heart and what I felt was the best move for me.  And I felt a connection with UP when I talked to them,” he added.

Cansino went on to say that the transfer to UP had to be done quickly to meet the enrollment cut-off since the academic year has already started.

Had he waited too long, he would have to sit out for two years for residency. But since he is already enrolled, he only needs to redshirt for one year.

Now with the Maroons, Casino said he is very excited but also understands there are challenges he has to deal with.

“I just want to start moving on. Have a fresh start. The UP community has welcomed me like what UST did during my stay there. It’s going to be a challenge of course but I will do everything they ask me to. Whatever role they give I will do my best,” Cansino said.

INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), UAAP, Department of Health and the Games and Amusements Board met on Saturday to tackle the reported bubble mounted by the UST basketball team in violation of health and safety protocols during the community quarantine.

In a statement, the PSC said it “recognizes the UAAP as the mother organization of the concerned team and trusts that proper actions shall be done on this matter.”

The sports body also reiterated that government regulations on the conduct of sports during the time of the pandemic must strictly be followed.

Under government guidelines, mass gatherings relative to sports are not allowed or need prior approval from authorities.

UST was invited to the meeting but respectfully declined as it said it was still conducting an internal investigation on the matter, saying “the University does not tolerate any form of violation of government regulation,” and that it will respond to the matter accordingly.

Striegl looking to bounce back after COVID-19 sinks UFC debut

THE much-awaited Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut of Filipino-American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Mark “Mugen” Striegl did not push through at the weekend after he tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Was set to fight for the first time in the UFC’s famed Octagon on Sunday (Manila time) against fellow debutant Timur Valiev of Russia, Mr. Striegl, 32, instead saw himself needing to wait some more to fulfil his UFC dream because of the unexpected health news announced on Friday.

“I tested positive for CV19 and my August 22 UFC fight is cancelled,” Mr. Striegl (18-2) later wrote on his Instagram account.

The Fil-Am fighter was replaced in the card by American Trevin Jones.

The Valiev fight would have been the culmination of nearly a decade journey for Baguio-based Striegl to parade his wares in the UFC.

Prior to earning a shot in the UFC, Mr. Striegl did the rounds of the different promotions in Asia like the Universal Reality Combat Championship and ONE Championship.

The fight was made possible through Mr. Striegl’s representatives in the United States who gave him a call during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Seeing it as a great opportunity to finally fulfil his MMA dreams, Mr. Striegl, the reigning URCC featherweight champion, decided to pack his bags for the US.

But despite his plans being scuttled by COVID-19, Mr. Striegl remains upbeat and is looking forward to bouncing back whenever cleared to return just as he encouraged others to stay safe amid the uncertain times.

“You can never be too careful these days. Thankfully, my symptoms are mild and I’m looking forward to bouncing back!” he said.

Meanwhile, Striegl replacement Jones defeated Mr. Valiev in impressive fashion, winning by technical knockout (punches) in the second round.

Struggled early on, Mr. Jones came back strong in the second round, connecting on a solid right hook to the jaw that sent the Russian to the canvas and signalled the end for the latter.

Also victorious was UFC legend Frankie Edgar, who defeated Pedro Munhoz in their headlining bantamweight fight by split decision, 48-47, 46-49 and 48-47. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Philippine Basketball Association preparing for next step to return to activities

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to resume team workouts this week after months of inactivity because of the coronavirus pandemic. But even before the resumption of activities is to be made formal, the league is already preparing for its next move, particularly holding full contact scrimmages by September.

Following the revert to a more relaxed lockdown setup in the National Capital Region last week, the opportunity opened up for the PBA to finally set into motion its planned team workouts, the first phase in its push to resume its currently suspended season.

The team workouts will be done under strict health and safety protocols as directed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and other pertinent government agencies to guard against the spread of the coronavirus, which as of this writing has at least 187,000 confirmed cases in the country.

Included in the PBA’s return to training protocols are the players undergoing a series of swab testings; players are expected to abide by the “closed circuit” method that has them confining their travel as much as possible to home-to-practice facility and back; and during workouts, to be overseen by a designated health officer, players must observe proper distancing (only four players at a time) and hygiene.

Violations of the closed circuit method and during the workouts carry corresponding penalties.

The teams have already taken the swab test needed to participate in the workouts, targeted to start by Aug. 25, and are just waiting for the results.

For PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, they are happy to finally get the workouts going after hitting some delays previously.

The PBA is hoping that the workouts will eventually pave the way for the league to resume its 45th season in October.

The PBA chief said with workouts now a go, moves are being prepared to get their push to another gear.

Mr. Marcial said they will write the IATF to allow the teams to do scrimmages after the workouts.

The letter also contains a refined set of protocols that they would use as a guide.

But he recognizes that the granting of their request by the IATF all depends on how the coronavirus situation pans out in the coming weeks.

“Hopefully [the IATF] allows us [to do scrimmages]. But it all depends on where we are with the coronavirus,” Mr. Marcial was quoted as saying by the official PBA website.

“If the level of cases remains high the possibility of stricter quarantine levels will be high as well. But if the number steadies then maybe they will allow us to do full contact scrimmages. We’re crossing our fingers,” he added. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Toronto’s Nurse named NBA Coach of the Year

TORONTO RAPTORS coach Nick Nurse was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 2019-20 season on Saturday.

The defending NBA champions had the league’s second-best record during the regular season — 53-19 — and their .736 winning percentage set a franchise record. They have a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven opening-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

“When you see Nick on the sidelines, that’s who he is as a person. Relaxed, but so hard-working. Creative and dynamic. Always setting the tone for our team — attacking our next championship, rather than defending our last,” said Masai Ujiri, the Raptors president, in a news release. “That is who Nick is, that is why we believe in him. His journey to this tremendous honor has been a long one — we are so happy to see him recognized this way.”

Nurse, 53, is in his second season as the Raptors head coach after five seasons as an assistant. He was the ninth rookie head coach to win an NBA championship and has an overall 111-43 record with the team.

Nurse kept the Raptors among the top teams in the league this season despite having NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard depart as a free agent to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“There’s a player development segment, there’s a way we play defense, there’s a way we share the ball, there’s competitiveness, there’s a never-give-up attitude, there’s all kinds of big-shot mentality, there’s lots of things that have emerged from this team, but I think that the biggest one is the way we try to go out and play hard and try hard defensively and how we try to figure things out each, almost each and every possession, on each and every night,” Nurse told reporters.

“We don’t do it every night, but we come out fighting most nights, and that’s the trait that I think I would say we should all be proud of.”

On defense, the Raptors led the NBA in points allowed (106.5 points per game) and opponent three-point field goal percentage (33.7) and ranked second in opponent field goal percentage (42.8). Toronto led the NBA in holding its opponents to fewer than 100 points 22 times.

On offense, the Raptors averaged 112.8 points and a franchise-record 13.8 three-point field goals per game.

Toronto has a winning record in 24 straight months of regular-season play, the longest streak in the NBA.

Nurse is the third Raptors coach to win the award, following Dwane Casey (2017-18) and Sam Mitchell (2006-07). — Reuters

Messi contemplates Barca exit

BARCELONA — Lionel Messi still wishes to leave Barcelona after meeting new coach Ronald Koeman, according to reports in the Spanish media on Friday, as all four sports newspapers dedicated their front covers to the Argentine’s uncertain future.

Marca, Spain’s biggest selling daily, said the Argentine told Koeman that he was more likely to leave the club than to stay, while AS declared on its cover “Messi sees himself leaving.”

Barcelona-based daily Mundo Deportivo said Messi “does not see his future clearly,” but stressed that the captain has little hope of leaving the club immediately due to his €700-million ($827.05 million) release clause.

Messi, who joined Barca aged 13, has scored a record 634 goals for the Catalans in 730 matches and is also the club’s most decorated player with 33 trophies.

He is 37 games away from matching Xavi Hernandez as the club’s all-time appearance maker.

But the 33-year-old is into the final year of his contract at the club and doubts about his future have grown since last week’s historic 8-2 thrashing to Bayern Munich to exit the Champions League, which Barca have failed to win since 2015.

Sport, also based in Barcelona, talked of a “first summit meeting” between the captain and coach, adding that Messi interrupted his holidays in order to meet with Koeman.

The Dutch coach said in his presentation on Wednesday that he wanted Messi to stay, although he did not show as much reverence to the player as some of his predecessors.

Koeman said he “did not know if he needed to convince Messi to stay” although he did call the Argentine the best player in the world and said he would be happy if he chose to remain at Barca.

With his contract running out next June, the six-times world player of the year is free to negotiate with other clubs from next January.

Yet even without a transfer fee, Messi’s colossal salary, reported to be the highest in world football, means very few clubs would be able to afford him.

A study by French newspaper L’Equipe earlier this year said Messi earns €8.2 million per month from Barca, way more than Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Paris St Germain striker Neymar, who earn €4.5 million and €3 million respectively. — Reuters

Silver unsure Dec. 1 start date is realistic

COMMISSIONER Adam Silver warned on Thursday night that the NBA’s scheduled Dec. 1 start date for the 2020-21 season is likely to be moved back.

“I’d say Dec. 1, now that we’re working through this season, is feeling a little bit early to me,” Silver said before the NBA draft lottery on Thursday.

“I think our No. 1 goal is to get fans back in our arenas. … So my sense is, in working with the players’ association, if we could push back even a little longer and increase the likelihood of having fans in arenas, that’s what we would be targeting.”

The free agent window is tentatively scheduled to open Oct. 18, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that uncertainty about how the coronavirus pandemic will affect league revenue — and, in turn, the 2020-21 salary cap — could lead to a delay. He added that many teams also want to delay the draft, currently set for Oct. 16.

Any additional time could allow for more accurate information on the financial implications of the pandemic, informing offseason plans for every team. The salary cap could be artificially inflated or smoothed to avoid any drastic decrease caused by the drop in revenue.

Per Wojnarowski, the union is also telling players that the 2020-21 season could start as late as January or February, rather than the scheduled start of Dec. 1.

NBPA executive director Michelle Roberts has previously said she was not sure the new season could start by December.

Any changes would have to be collectively bargained between the NBA and NBPA, who previously delayed a deadline for the league to end the CBA via a force majeure provision. That deadline is now Sept. 10, although Wojnarowski reported it could be pushed back again until after the playoffs end.

The league is midway through the first round of the playoffs at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex near Orlando, Fla. The NBA Finals are scheduled to start Sept. 30. — Reuters

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