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23 firms recognized in ‘Best Company to Work For’ awards

TWENTY-THREE companies in the Philippines demonstrated high levels of employee engagement and have been named among the best establishments to work by Human resource publication HR Asia.

HR Asia on Friday recognized 23 domestic companies on the Philippine leg of the Best Companies to Work For in Asia.

Editor-in-Chief and Group Publisher of Business Media International, which publishes HR Asia, William Ng, said in an interview with BusinessWorld, “This is the only employee-driven award in the whole country. Over the past three months, we have deployed over 20,000 surveys across the Philippines called the T.E.A.M or the The Engagement Assessment Model, to the companies.”

The survey measures employee engagement based on how well workers respond to company culture and management; interact with fellow employees; and view their personal motivation in working for the company. Participants were full-time employees.

HR Asia’s survey is also used in 10 other markets in Asia — China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.

The Philippine winners for the HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For In Asia are: Alaska Milk Corp.; C3 Customer Contact Channels; Global Business Power Corp.; Globe Telecom Inc.; H & M Hennes & Mauritz Inc.; Johnson & Johnson Philippines; Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.; Monocrete Construction Philippines Inc. (MCPI); Mundipharma Distribution GmbH (Philippine Branch); Nestle Philippines Inc.; ON Semiconductor Philippines Inc.; Philam Group Finance and Insurance; Puregold Price Club, Inc. Wholesale and Retail; Robert Walters Philippines Recruitment; Shell Companies in the Philippines; SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Tata Consultancy Services Philippines; Teledirect Telecommerce Phils. Inc.; Unilever Philippines; Union Bank of The Philippines; UST Global; Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines), Inc.; and White & Case Global Operations Center (Manila) LLP.

“They are at par with some of the best companies across Asia and that is an achievement on its own. It’s a way to motivate them to continue what they do,” Mr. Ng added.

HR Asia also reported that in the survey conducted for the Philippines, 76.4% of respondents said they are motivated in their current jobs. Some 76.8% said that their company’s initiatives played a part in employee engagement, while 81.8% said that teamwork among colleagues has had a positive result.

In terms of what workers think of their workplace, 90% said that they are willing to help colleagues who are in need while 82.2% think their company encourages them to collect more skills and certifications. Some 82% of respondents said their company prioritizes open communication with their employees.

On the other hand, 36% of participants noted their companies do not have an employee activity association that is managed by employers. Only 28% of employees said they are excited to go back to work after a weekend.

Mr. Ng said that employers need to build a conducive workplace for their employees because a sound work environment contributes to better productivity.

“As the Philippines continues to grow and be more closely integrated into the global market, the demand for Philippine talent will grow stronger, not just within the Philippines but also globally. As such, Philippine companies need to be more pro-active in creating a more conducive work environment and stronger employee engagement, to be able to retain their best talent,” he said. — Gillian M. Cortez

Redefining the hatchback and sedan — An interview with the chief designer of the all-new 2020 Mazda3

By Manny N. de los Reyes

A VISIT last week to Mazda’s home proving ground in Mine, an hour’s coach ride from Fukuoka City in Japan, brought me face to face with the young and fashionable designer of the all-new 2020 Mazda3.

Mazda has been producing some of the most evocative designs in automobiledom, and both the current and soon-to-be-launched Mazda3 models are among the Hiroshima-based brand’s design leaders.

Which is why the opportunity to pick the brains of its designer was a huge treat. Here are a few insights from Yasutaka Tsuchida, chief designer of the all-new Mazda3.

Q: What was the first objective you set when working on the new Mazda3?

The biggest thing we wanted to accomplish with the new Mazda3 design was to once again redefine the meaning of C-segment hatchbacks and sedans. The general belief with mass-marketed C-segment models is that since it’s such a huge market with a wide variety of customer needs, the products and their designs tend to be modest for general appeal, and automakers have to make the vehicles efficiently. This is also true of the current Mazda3.

That being said, I kept asking myself, “Has our approach really been providing customers with the cars they want?” Customers wanting a sedan demand a car with fine quality and in good taste. In contrast, drivers looking for a hatchback want a car that’s sporty and feels more personal. Basically, they want completely opposite things.

The challenge for us, then, to meet those needs, was to set aside any constraints and try to make an ideal C-segment car while ensuring the hatchback and the sedan each had a unique appeal.

Q: In terms of design philosophy and direction, how did you differentiate the hatchback from the sedan?

I think of them as twins who carry the same DNA, but with each having their own quirks. If we think of them as people, they may both be athletic, but the hatchback is an active guy who likes outdoor sporting events, while the sedan is a brainy girl who does track and field. They have different expressions and physiques, but they’re twins born from the same DNA. That’s how I imagine them.

Q: What is the hatchback’s design concept?

The hatchback has always been sporty and personal. Whereas the sedan has to have a certain style, the hatchback is about being free and active. However, because of the current global shift to crossovers, it seems the hatchback’s value is being taken over by these vehicle types. I wanted to give new expression to the sporty, active value inherent to the hatchback and revive that allure through the design, so the concept was about it being “condensed and emotional.”

This car will steal your heart and shake your foundations at first sight. Imbuing the vehicle with this sort of sensuality creates an impact that pierces the heart, no explanation needed. Specifically, the powerful, distinctive C pillar and rear design make a statement and express a certain concentrated mass, embodying the innate value of the hatchback that tells you it’s a zippy car with a low center of gravity.

Q: What about the design concept behind the sedan?

The sedan’s concept is about “sleek elegance.” Our goal was beautiful proportions in a proper sedan. Clearly representing the three “boxes” a sedan needs to have — the hood, the cabin and the trunk — was a prerequisite. The new Mazda3 sedan unmistakably expresses that style, while also possessing a graceful dignity. To give an analogy with clothing, think of a quality suit. It’s got that authentic shape, plus nice materials and attention paid to the inner lining and details. In other words, it’s a representation of mature, premium quality that doesn’t rely on ostentatious displays.

Q: What kind of driver or lifestyle did you have in mind during the design process?

We designed the hatchback for ourselves. I’ve always driven a hatchback or hatchback coupe. The reason is that they’re sporty but still have a convenient amount of trunk space, so you can use them for lots of different activities. My hobby is surfing, and for me, laying down the backseats, loading the boards and driving to and from the beach is all part of the fun. You can’t use a sports car like that. There are too many sacrifices in terms of passengers, luggage and so on. I think many hatchback drivers, myself included, are greedy. We want a car we can use in various settings, but that’s still sporty and stylish. Since I’m one of those drivers, I approached the design with the pride that I know better than anyone else how hatchback drivers feel.

For the sedan, our models were women who work as color designers in the same place as me, the Design Division. They’re incredibly sophisticated and they’re exactly the target drivers I had in mind for the sedan. They’re independent, working women who are strong-willed and pursue self-growth through their work. The new Mazda3 sedan’s design embodies that full dose of self-confidence.

Trump orders review of controversial biofuel waiver program

NEW YORK — US President Donald Trump has directed members of his Cabinet to review the administration’s expanded use of waivers exempting small refineries from the nation’s biofuel policy, after hearing from farmers angry about the issue during his recent Midwest tour, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Trump’s move underscores the rising political importance of the US Renewable Fuel Standard, a more than decade-old law which requires refineries to blend corn-based ethanol into their gasoline to help farmers, but which also provides waivers to small refining facilities that can prove compliance would cause them financial harm.

Since Trump took office, the Environmental Protection Agency has more than quadrupled the number of waivers it has granted, saving the oil industry hundreds of millions of dollars, but enraging another key constituency — corn growers — who claim the move threatens demand for one of their staple products.

Trump heard from disgruntled farmers and their political backers on the issue earlier this month when he visited the Midwest to tout his administration’s decision to lift a ban on summer sales of higher ethanol blends of gasoline called E15. Farmers welcomed that move but warned Trump it was negated by the surge in small refinery exemptions.

The sources said Trump, upon returning from his trip, asked the heads of the EPA and the US Department of Agriculture to find solutions to address the farmers’ concerns. They said the EPA is now considering limiting use of the waivers or forcing larger refiners to make up for the exempted gallons — or a combination of both.

“I think Trump realized he may have a political problem and told (EPA Administrator Andrew) Wheeler to fix it,” said one of the sources, a refining industry lobbyist who was briefed on the matter and asked not to be named.

The EPA, in a statement on Thursday, said the “EPA will continue to work with the White House, USDA, members of Congress and other stakeholders to ensure the Renewable Fuel Standard’s continued stability.”

The USDA and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Any move to alter the small refinery waiver program would face resistance from the oil industry, already stung by the administration’s expansion of E15 sales.

They view the government support for biofuels as a competitive threat to petroleum, and argue that the waiver program is now being run as Congress intended.

“The president has made promises to refiners, too. He promised to keep refineries competitive and he made promises to keep regulatory costs down, and we hope he keeps those promises,” said, Derrick Morgan, senior vice president of the refining trade group American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.

Trump’s expansion of the waiver program has become an unlikely talking point for several Democrats here vying to defeat him in the 2020 presidential election, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren, who believe it can help turn farmers already stung by the trade wars against him.

The EPA granted 35 exemptions for 2017, up from seven in the last year of the Obama administration, according to agency data. That included waivers for refineries owned by profitable majors like Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp, as well as one owned by billionaire investor Carl Icahn.

The exemptions represent more than 2 billion gallons of potentially lost demand for ethanol, the biofuel industry says. However, the extent of the actual demand destruction, if any, is a matter of intense debate.

The EPA has delayed action on the 39 pending applications for the 2018 calendar year. — Reuters

ILO adopts new convention on workplace violence, harassment

THE International Labor Organization (ILO) said it has created a new labor standard that aims to address violence and harassment in the workplace.

The ILO said Friday that the new Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 calls on member states around the world to enforce “zero tolerance” of any form of violence and harassment at work. This is the first new ILO Convention since 2011.

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in a statement Friday, “The new standards recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.”

The Violence and Harassment Convention 2019 was also adopted along with the Violence and Harassment Recommendation 2019.

The Convention covers violence and harassment that happens in the workplace; during workers’ breaks; in work-related trips; and even commuting to and from work. The Convention will not only tackle physical violence but also worker discrimination and labor law abuse.

“This Convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work, including employees as defined by national law and practice, as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, jobseekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer,” according to the Convention.

The Convention calls on member-states to promote the rights of employees such as freedom to organize and to have collective bargaining. Other labor rights include the prevention of forced labor and child labor.

The ILO said in line with the new labor standard, laws and policies must assure inclusivity and equality in the labor force especially for women and for workers who are part of sectors or groups vulnerable to violence and discrimination.

The Convention will officially come into force 12 months after two member states have ratified it. ILO Conventions are legally binding while Recommendations are guidelines on how Conventions are to be implemented.

ILO Department on Conditions of Work and Equality (WORKQUALITY) Director Manuela Tomei said, “This is the first time that a Convention and Recommendation on violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted. We now have an agreed definition of violence and harassment. We know what needs to be done to prevent and address it, and by whom. We hope these new standards will lead us into the future of work we want to see.” — Gillian M. Cortez

Digital transformation for SMEs

Established in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community promotes the significant growth and potential of the region’s emerging economies. Key drivers of emerging economies are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, with rapid digitalization occurring across almost all business sectors, ASEAN SMEs are increasingly looking to transform their enterprises. SMEs are considering tapping into digital trends to further grow and strengthen their competitive edge as well as making use of emerging technologies to maintain their profitability.

This article focuses on selected insights from EY’s latest survey, Redesigning for the digital economy, which covers SMEs from the six largest ASEAN markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Respondents are from 370 ASEAN mid-market organizations with annual global revenues of between $20 million to $500 million. These collective insights help us understand their strategic priorities, approaches to digital transformation, and application of transformative technologies.

In general, the survey reports that transformative technology is increasingly viable, facilitating SMEs to adopt a digital-first mindset. Investments in technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic process automation present attractive benefits that can help manage costs, reduce risks, deliver personalized customer service, and create next-generation products and services that are more focused on the digital age. However, digitalization also presents a challenge. It is as much a game changer as it is a massive undertaking, since SMEs will need to take a long-term view of their resource investments, and may find the need to depart from traditional models to reboot themselves.

DRIVERS OF TRANSFORMATION
Many SMEs are determined to forge ahead with digital transformation strategies to gain an edge over their competition, and the EY survey identifies four of the forces that spur on digital investments to ensure they stay ahead.

Service quality. Customers today have higher service expectations, especially with younger, digitally adept accustomed to 24/7 availability. These customers expect service to be rendered faster than ever, pushing companies to elevate their ability to deliver. Applying digital technology would help organizations achieve near real-time fulfillment, provide contextual personalization, and enable increasingly problem-free user experiences. One current method to provide real-time fulfillment is through AI in the form of chatbots. This developing tool automates repetitive individual queries, increasing the chances of conversion.

Build connectivity and leverage off ecosystem partners. Regardless of size or industry, SMEs will gain an advantage from collaborating with participants within their broader ecosystem. This provides them with connectivity into the digital network of other businesses, with the added opportunities of co-creating new products, capitalizing on external expertise and collective innovation, and pursuing new markets or customers.

Managing operating costs. Meeting high customer expectations requires SMEs to accelerate the digitalization of their business processes. These include labor-intensive back-office processes to reduce paperwork, raise automation, quicken turnaround times and manage front-office expenses critical to reducing the cost to serve or deliver more services and solutions via digital, self-serve channels. For example, as a response to escalating salaries, robotic process automation (RPA) is emerging as a new class of digital labor that can eliminate manual, repetitive processes. Its benefits include cost-saving opportunities from continued enhancements to processes and advancements in robotic tools, higher dependability, and transactions that are more accurate, documentable, and auditable with process automation.

Keep pace with competitors. SMEs are facing competitive threats from new companies created in this digital age that can utilize nimbler data instead of slower physical infrastructure. A possible competitor may come in the form of micro enterprises that can negatively impact profitability without needing to be of comparable scale, or new companies that achieve significant scale by leveraging disruptive technologies and posing a challenge within a short amount of time. Another example is small e-retailers with minimal operating overheads that can choose what product segments to sell, severely undercutting the pricing of SME retail companies. To maintain relevance, SMEs need to deliver on new business propositions by stepping up their technological pace. A possible solution is through improved payment applications, with payment technologies enabled by e-commerce and e-wallets that are especially driven in an emerging country like the Philippines with low credit card penetration.

Digitalization will impact almost every facet of SMEs. It alters the competitive landscape and performance across industries, creating an urgent imperative for SMEs to transform for growth and competitiveness. High-level steps must be undertaken for SMEs to transform their digital vision into reality, some of which are presented in the survey.

STEPS TO DIGITAL SUCCESS
The EY Survey further discusses that while digital disruptions in businesses are well-documented, many organizations have achieved limited, genuine successes with digital transformations.

Transformation begins with a committed executive-level sponsorship, laying a firm foundation for digital success. Oversight of digital technologies, and the foresight to prioritize these to champion change, paves the way for SMEs to move quickly. The survey notes that 74.2% of respondents felt that, in developing a culture of agile innovation, having supportive senior stakeholders is a prerogative. To begin, a current-state assessment of the organization’s innovation maturity should be made to serve as a benchmark for execution, while a realistic outlook about what the future-state model must be adopted.

Nearly 61% of respondents highlight that technical limitations from legacy architectures hinder their digital strategies, requiring a balance between both. Some SMEs might opt for major overhauls, but many could simply decommission applications they find redundant, then recondition remaining systems to reduce complexity and enable them to process quickly when necessary. Cost savings from IT legacy modernizations such as cloud technologies, open APIs, and microservices applications can then be invested to fund a continuous digital strategy.

SMEs should not just concentrate efforts within specific areas, and instead focus on end-to-end initiatives. This means extending beyond customer-facing processes and including digital solutions for mid and back-office functions. Further cohesiveness could be improved by horizontally integrating between front, mid and back-offices. It should be noted that while surveyed SMEs intend to focus more on adopting emerging solutions than business-as-usual technologies by FY22, they should also be cautious against pursuing disruptive technology simply for the sake of doing so. Not every component needs to be digitalized, and not every initiative may deliver a satisfactory RoI. To reduce risk, SMEs can incubate digital solutions through prototyping, testing and validating initiatives through experimentation on a smaller scale and keenly monitoring feedback.

SMEs are also treading a fine line between balancing digital initiatives and managing data protection and customer privacy safeguards, ensuring that the intent to mitigate new digital risks do not impede innovation. Security risks from cyber threats and vulnerabilities are also challenges that merit attention as breaches can not only result in significant reputational and financial impact, they could also damage consumer confidence in the company. This calls for SMEs to develop integrated risk management, compliance and security protocols as part of an initial digital design phase.

ASEAN SMEs are vital contributors to the region’s economy, but their continued economic support depends on their ability to leverage digital solutions to expand efficiently. While transforming into digital powerhouses cannot be expected overnight, the digital environment is rapidly evolving, and SMEs cannot risk being left behind. Digital initiatives that are well-crafted and executed can help SMES today progress in a competitive landscape, further finding potential to become tomorrow’s multinationals. Clearly, while the challenges in transforming digitally are great, the rewards to be reaped are far greater.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinion expressed above are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Wilson P. Tan is the Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner of SGV & Co.

How PSEi member stocks performed — June 21, 2019

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, June 21, 2019.

 

What would a Duterte-anointed Speaker mean?

By Charmaine A. Tadalan
Reporter

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Roa Duterte’s move to recommend his preferred Speaker of the House of Representatives may put the independence of the 18th Congress further at risk, analysts said in separate interviews late last week.

It was also raised that while a supermajority in the House and Senate could translate to a stronger push for the President’s priority bills, it could also threaten the quality of legislative measures that will make it out of both chambers.

“I think a President openly and enthusiastically making an endorsement for Speaker of the HOR undermines the principle of separation of powers,” lawyer and senior research fellow Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco of the Ateneo Policy Center said in an email on June 20.

“In the case of a supermajority in both houses of the 18th Congress, keeping the executive accountable will most likely be a rare occurrence.”

Mr. Duterte announced on Tuesday last week that he will name his bet for the House leadership on June 28, following his state visit in Thailand for the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Among those interested for the Speakership are Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, congressmen-elect Alan Peter S. Cayetano of Taguig City-1st district, Pantaleon D. Alvarez of Davao del Norte-1st district, and Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte-1st district.

“Our political leaders today have allowed patronage politics to override constitutional conventions such as separation of powers. Consequently, we very seldom see the application of the principle of checks and balances anymore between the executive and legislative branches of government,” Mr. Yusingco also said.

As practiced by the Philippine legislature, the President’s endorsement for the leader of the House is an expected development, which University of the Philippines (UP) political science professor Maria Ela L. Atienza noted in this case “may be based on personal loyalty and trust but not necessarily the most well-suited as Speaker of the House.”

Ms. Atienza added the “principle of separation of powers is lost,” given the personality-based politics in the country and the weak political party system, which enables turncoatism.

“The President and his allies will likely choose a loyal Speaker who will protect the President’s interests. However, many politicians are also very practical. In case they feel that the President is no longer very popular, they can also switch loyalties to protect their interests. It is thus worth-watching if the President can maintain his popularity in the second half of his term,” Ms. Atienza said in an e-mail on Thursday.

Further, she raised that while the Senate, dominated by the President’s allies, is expected to become a rubber stamp, it is worth noting that some senators are likely eyeing to run for the executive post in 2022.

“Being nationally elected, the senators are more attuned to the national mood as well as more conscious about how they are perceived by the public. Many senators usually also aspire to be President and Vice President. Thus, this coming three years can also be a preparation for the 2022 presidential elections,” she said.

On this note, Ms. Atienza raised the role of media, the academe and social movements, among others, to keep the independence of both Houses in check.

Contrary to this, University of Santo Tomas political science professor Marlon M. Villarin in a phone message on Thursday said the separation of powers and the principle of checks and balances will remain intact.

“The primary intention is normally to find a leader in both house that will make the president’s legislative agenda in the form of service get supports and priority, I don’t see it as a threat to separation of power for at the end of the day, congress will still sit and decide independently to fiscalize executive initiative and check and balances is still in effect,” he said.

“What is worth noting is the extent and effect as well as the quality of legislation and priority congress does.”

He, however, noted the supermajority in congress may eventually allow for a President to resist checks and balances that may lead to a “tyrannical regime.”

Angat Dam level could further drop this week

ANGAT DAM’S water level could breach its lowest level recorded at 157.57 meters this week.

“If the situation in Angat watershed and dams, as far as rainfall is concerned, does not improve then it is possible,” National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Executive Director Sevillo D. David, Jr., told BusinessWorld in a text message when asked about the possibility of such a situation to occur.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already declared the start of the rainy season, but the dam’s water level continues to go down.

The weather bureau noted in its website that as of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the water level in Angat was at 159.43 meters, 50.57 meters below its normal high water level of 210 meters.

Water elevation at Angat Dam last dropped below the critical level of 160 meters on July 13, 2010 when it registered a low of 157.57 meters, as the El Niño phenomenon affected the country.

WATER SUPPLY
As for the water allocation to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Mr. David said 36 cubic meter per second (CMS) will be maintained for the rest of June.

Discussions will be held next week if this will be further reduced in July depending on the dam’s water level and climate projections.

The NWRB reduced water allocation during this month from 46 CMS to 40 CMS and further to 36 CMS.

“We appeal to everyone to help us also through responsible use of water and conserve water. Let’s also try to collect rain water and recycle it to help in the limited supply that we have now from the dam,” he said.

With this development, water concession holders in Metro Manila and surrounding areas said they will have to wait for further actions from the NWRB before they can determine how much longer the ongoing water interruptions would be.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. Spokesperson Jennifer C. Rufo said in a text message, “We are spreading out that limited supply so that all customers will receive some water even within a few hours daily. The interruption schedules we implement will greatly depend on the allocation that NWRB will give to the MWSS.”

“Interruption hours could extend if less supply is given. Most affected in the West Zone are the highly elevated portions, and those that are farthest from the source, like Cavite,” she added.

For Manila Water Co., Inc., Group Head for Corporate Strategic Affairs Nestor Jeric T. Sevilla Jr. said in a separate text message, “We are already implementing longer hours of water interruption as Angat has already breached its critical level. Further longer hours of interruption will be dependent on NWRB if it will further reduce the current 36 CMS allocation to the concessionaires. The entire East Zone is affected with highly elevated areas and those located far from our pumping and booster stations heavily affected.” — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

Baguio to get help from Metro Manila, Davao City for traffic management center

BAGUIO CITY Mayor-elect Benjamin B. Magalong said over the weekend that “a team of experts” from Metro Manila and Davao City will help set up a command center for managing traffic congestion in the popular mountain destination. In a statement posted on Baguio’s official Website, Mr. Magalong said the facility will be similar to the 911 center in Davao City, which will also be used for security and disaster management operations. The incoming mayor, a former police director for the Cordillera region and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has “assured him of funds required to guarantee the integration and eventual full operation of a command center to deal with traffic, peacekeeping and disaster management.” The amount has yet to be finalized and one of the factors that will determine budget would be the center’s location. The sites being considered are the City Buildings and Architecture Office building and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council building. Mr. Magalong is currently holding dialogues with the city’s various sectors in preparation for his first term in office.

Sicogon Island village under state of calamity due to dengue cases

THE VILLAGE of San Fernando in Sicogon Island, which is under the town of Carles in Iloilo, has been placed under a state of calamity due to a sudden spike in the number of dengue cases. Julieto A. Manggasang of the Carles Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the increase started on May 14 with two children admitted to a hospital for dengue. “Since then, cases have been rising,” he said in a phone interview on Saturday. San Fernando, with a population of over 1,000, is one of the three barangays in Sigocon Island where Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is developing a tourism estate. “The affected population are mostly school children aged 18 and below. They were admitted to the to Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan, Iloilo while the critical cases were brought to West Visayas Medical Center,” Mr. Manggasang said. The declaration of a state of calamity gives the barangay access to emergency funds to address the situation. Mr. Manggasang said the municipal government and barangay officials, with assistance from ALI, are working together to conduct clean-up drives and spraying activities to combat mosquito breeding sites. — Emme Rose Santiagudo

P160M fake cigarettes, machines found in Bulacan warehouses

THE BUREAU of Customs-Enforcement and Security Service (BoC-ESS) found more than P160 million worth of fake cigarettes, cigarette-making machines, and other smuggled goods stored inside two warehouses in Bulacan last June 13. In a statement released on Sunday, BoC said ESS agents inspected the warehouses in Marilao and Sta. Maria with Letters of Authority issued by the Office of the Commissioner. Found inside the Marilao warehouse were 1,339 master cases of fake Mighty, Fortune, Hope, Belmont, Marlboro, Modern, Double Happiness and Camel cigarettes valued at P40.170 million. In Sta. Maria, nine cigarette-making machines and fake cigarette tax stamps worth P120 million were discovered. Other seized items included imported drinking glasses and wall clocks. Warrants of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the items pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and RA 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Japanese group to plant cherry blossoms in Davao City, Marawi

JAPANESE CHAMBER of Commerce-Mindanao Vice-President Takeyoshi Sumikawa has announced that they are working with Japanese agriculturist Masayuki Takahashi to plant 10,000 cherry blossom seedlings in Barangay Mintal, Davao City and in Marawi City. “We will start the project very soon,” he said, noting that they have initially brought 800 seedlings of sakura, Japanese for cherry blossoms, and started to grow these in a nursery located at the Eden Nature Park in Davao. “We will start the experiment and we want to confirm that the sakura trees will grow in Mintal. It takes three years for sakura trees to grow and come out with flowers,” he said. A part of Mintal is known as the “Little Tokyo” in Davao, an old Japanese settlement pre-dating World War II where a Japanese cemetery is located. Mr. Sumikawa said planting sakura trees is a good investment in terms of attracting more tourists.

MARAWI CITY
In Marawi, Mr. Sumikawa said they have visited the so-called ground zero from the 2017 siege and want to contribute to rebuilding the devastated city. He said they had a meeting with Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and expressed their intention to borrow military land in Marawi for the sakura trees. “We want to start experimental planting in Marawi. We can start next year. Considering the weather there, which is suitable for sakura trees,” he said. In Japan, he explained, cherry blossoms symbolize peace and the beauty of life, and stands as a reminder that life, while overwhelmingly beautiful, is also tragically short. “This is the first time that we will try planting sakura in the Philippines. We want to show the sakura to the Filipinos,” he said. — Maya M. Padillo

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