ASEAN NOW News

NURSES' STIPEND. Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas chief, Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino (top row, center), leads other officials in witnessing the turnover of the stipend for the nurses deployed at different hospitals in Cebu. Representatives from various private charitable foundations also attended the turnover ceremony in Mandaue City on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). (Photo courtesy of OPAV) CEBU CITY – A group of charitable foundations has turned over the first tranche of salary and bonus assistance to nurses who are serving in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-dedicated hospitals in Cebu. A statement from the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) on Tuesday said the Project Balik Buhay’s "Salary and Bonus Assistance for our Bidas (PBB-SalBaBida)" program released on Monday the first monthly allowance of PHP15,000 to each of the nurses. The program was launched last July to encourage nurses to continue serving the front-line facilities. They were deployed to private hospitals in August at the height of another surge in Covid-19 cases in Cebu which overwhelmed the healthcare system and affected the critical care utilization rate of medical facilities due to lack of personnel. Chong Hua Hospital-Fuente Among the hospitals that benefitted from the deployment were Chong Hua Hospital-Fuente, Chong Hua Hospital-Mandaue, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital Group, Perpetual Succor Hospital, ARC Hospital, and Cebu Velez General Hospital. The Adventist Hospital Cebu, Southwestern University Medical Center, St. Vincent General Hospital, Maayo Well Cebu, and Visayas Community Medical Center also received some nurses supported by this project. Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, OPAV head, said the stipend for the nurses was borne out of the generosity of various private foundations. “These foundations are headed by big businessmen who are working together to help the government address the impact of the pandemic to the local economy of Cebu. They want to help in the fight against Covid-19 by helping hospitals acquire personnel to man their ICUs and Covid-19 beds,” he told the Philippine News Agency. Dino witnessed the ceremonial turnover of the amount at the Visayas Vaccine Operations Center in Oakridge Business Park, Mandaue City. The foundations that contributed to the fund for the nurses’ honorarium were the Cristina Lee Dino Foundation, SM Foundation, Inc., BDO Foundation, LH Foundation Inc., PLDT-Smart Foundation, Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc., Visayan Electric Co., Cebu Landmasters, Inc., Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Century Pacific Group Rspo Foundation Inc. “The fight against the Covid-19 virus continues and it is our collective appeal for all Cebuanos to each do our part by strictly observing the proper health protocols and helping protect each other, as we move forward in our shared mission of saving lives and restoring livelihoods,” Dino said. (With report from Carlo Lorenciana/PNA)

South Korea’s antitrust regulator has imposed a USD177 million fine on global tech giant Google for its alleged abuse of the market dominance in the mobile operating system and app markets, local media reported. “Since 2016, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has been looking into Google over allegations it obstructed local smartphone makers, such as Samsung Electronics Co., from using operating systems developed by rivals,” according to Yonhap News Agency. The regulator said the global tech giant hampered market competition by requiring smartphone makers to clinch an "anti-fragmentation agreement (AFA)" when they sign key contracts with Google over app store licenses and early access to OS. Under the AFA agreement, the device makers are not permitted to install modified versions of Android OS, known as "Android forks," on their products. They are also not allowed to develop their own Android forks, Yonhap said. The regulator has also ordered Google to end its practice of forcing Android device manufacturers to sign the AFA agreement. "We expect the latest measures will help set the stage for competition to revive in the mobile OS and app markets. This is also expected to help the launch of innovative goods and services in smart device markets," the news agency cited KFTC statement as saying. Reacted to the decision, Google said it plans to appeal the regulator's decision. Global action In April this year, Turkish authorities fined Google 296 million Turkish liras (USD36.6 million) for violating the country's competition law. In 2019, the European Commission also slapped a USD1.69 billion fine on Google for breaking the EU’s anti-trust rules on online advertising. This ruling could have significant repercussions for Google in other countries in the region, and would naturally be a massive boost for the beleaguered advertising and media industry in SE Asia too. (Anadolu)

MANILA – Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña on Monday said recruitment of participants for the clinical trials on the use of ivermectin in the Philippines will start on Oct. 15. De la Pena made this clarification after he erroneously indicated in his presentation during President Rodrigo Duterte’s prerecorded Talk to the People aired on Saturday that the recruitment will begin on Sept. 15. "I told the President we can finish by February. We hope to get initial analysis by December 2021. We hope the project could be finished by February 2022," he said in a Viber message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA). The memorandum of agreement between the DOST and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila was signed last Aug. 17. "There were revisions in methodology, still to be approved by the technical committee and the research ethics committee," he added. He said the World Health Organization did not endorse ivermectin for Covid-19 use, but only for clinical trial purposes. “The Philippine ivermectin clinical trials are justified because of varying results in different countries," de la Peña said. Philippine clinical trials are internationally peer-reviewed and are aligned with the International Clinical Trial Consortium for ivermectin. In a separate message to PNA, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) executive director Jaime Montoya said the country will pursue the ivermectin clinical trial as this will provide local data with regard to the safety and efficacy of ivermectin. "(It is also) to respond to the WHO's call to conduct quality clinical trials, because of the insufficiency of good evidence for use or non-use of ivermectin," Montoya said. Earlier, Montoya said it would be good for the country to document the local experiences, how the participants would respond, and if there would be adverse effects. Meanwhile, de la Peña said the Department of Health (DOH) requested and funded the ivermectin clinical trials, and it will be the DOH that will decide what actions to take when the study results are out. "Clinical trials take some time. The (ivermectin clinical trial) is actually shorter than other projects because of simultaneous recruitment and short duration of treatment," he said. The country eyes to include 1,464 participants, a combination of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, according to de la Peña. (PNA)

MANILA – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has ratified the guidelines on the pilot implementation of granular lockdowns and alert levels system in Metro Manila, Malacañang announced on Monday night. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who is also IATF-EID spokesperson, said the new classification framework will start on Sept. 16. “In this new classification framework, we proactively advocate the principles of 3C’s (Closed, Crowded and Close Contact) Strategy, which shall be applied in Metro Manila starting September 16, 2021,” he said in a press statement. He said there should be a need to strike a delicate balance between health and the economy. “We should strive for total health, and this can only be realized by carefully balancing our Covid-19 response by considering both the health of our people and the economic health of the nation, which this policy shift is all about,” he added. Under the new guidelines, the new community quarantine classifications will have five Alert Levels that would determine the activities allowed in cities and/or municipalities. These include: * Alert Level 1 - refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, total bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate is low. * Alert Level 2 - refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate is increasing. *Alert Level 3 - refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing utilization. * Alert Level 4 - refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate are high. *Alert Level 5 – refers to areas wherein case counts are alarming, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at critical level. The Department of Health (DOH) shall identify the Alert Level of the pilot area that “shall follow the protocols consistent with the declared Alert Level.” “Areas placed under Alert Level 5 shall observe the guidelines applicable to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) as provided for under the IATF Omnibus Guidelines on the implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, as amended,” the new guidelines stated. On September 3, the IATF issued a resolution which provides that under the new classification framework, which focuses on the imposition of granular lockdown measures, community quarantine shall be reduced to either ECQ or general community quarantine (GCQ) “with the latter having an alert level system (Alert Level 1 to 4) with each alert level limiting restrictions only to identified high-risk activities.” Authority to impose granular lockdown City and municipal mayors will have the authority to impose granular lockdowns with respect to their component barangays subject to the concurrence of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF), and individual houses where one household member has been confirmed. According to the new guidelines, granular lockdown or a micro-level quarantine for areas identified as “critical zones” by the local government unit (LGU) may be declared “regardless of Alert Level.” Granular lockdowns must last for at least 14 days. The declaration of granular lockdowns must be provisionally effective immediately and must include due notice to the RIATF. The IATF retains its mandate to impose and/or lift lockdowns on highly urbanized cities and independent component cities. Households within areas under granular lockdown must also be provided assistance by their respective local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The pilot test guidelines also provide that the Philippine National Police shall always ensure peace and order, and that the security protocols are maintained in lockdown areas. (Reuters photo) During the lockdown period, only health care workers and non-health personnel working in hospitals, laboratories, and dialysis facilities “if their institutions are unable to provide accommodation”, and uniformed personnel tasked to enforce the granular lockdown, shall be allowed to move within, into, and out of the area. (PNA)

he flew from the States

It Does not get much better than this for Thailand's Kiradech. The past three weeks have been remarkable for Bangkok’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat. After enduring 216 very intense and competitive holes during the Korn Ferry Finals, he finished 20th out of 200 players to retain his PGA Tour Card. Then Sunday night he jumps on a plane to the UK, to play in the European Tour’s flag ship event the 2021 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in Surrey England. He was one of the lowest ranked golfers taking part, but on opening day he led the Championship with a staggering 8 birdies, seven on his back nine, finishing on 64. This followed with rounds of 68, 74 and 64, and only in form American Billy Horschel’s last putt on 18th meant Kiradech eventually finished tied 2nd. For his efforts he won Euro 492,898. Jumped up from 516 to 195 on the World Rankings. And moved up 154 places to reach No.52 on the Race to Dubai rankings too. Now he will need another ticket for Dubai in November if he remains in the top 60 on the Race to Dubai standings. Two Nightmare Years After a couple of years when he injured his knee at the 2019 Masters, then was stuck in Thailand due to travel restrictions and on returning to the PGA Tour caught Covid his season ended with him needing to play well in the Korn Ferry Tour’s finals. I am sure once he had retained his PGA Tour card, all his worries and pressures disappeared, and the old Khun Arm as he is known to his many fans was back in business peppering the flags. In a weekend when the underdogs won, with British tennis player Emma Raducanu coming from nowhere to grab the Ladies US Open title, although Kiradech has won before, his comeback was also remarkable.

Teacher Lanie Clemente on the opening of the school year on October 5, 2020, at the Rafael Palma Elementary School in Manila. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News MANILA - A lack of modules and data allowance remains a problem for some teachers as the country's new school year begins Monday. Benjo Basas, chairperson of Teachers' Dignity Coalition, said some teachers had to print modules that they need to conduct classes. "It's like almost nothing changed because in October 2020 we saw problems in modules, and these remained up to now.” According to abs-cbn.com, many have reported to us that they still don't have modules, to think it's the opening of classes. Teachers are still on it. Printing is ongoing in the respective houses of our teachers. Government must also provide data allowance and laptops for teachers, according to Basas. The Department of Education had given out data allowance last year by providing SIM cards, but most teachers have already availed of prepaid and postpaid plans, he said. It also provided 40,000 laptops to teachers, but the number is still quite small for nearly 1 million teaching personnel, he added. "Laptops should not come out of our teachers' pockets and it should not be given through a loan because the GSIS also suffered for laptop loans.” Distance learning is implemented as the Philippines is one of the few remaining countries that have yet to resume in-person classes due to the pandemic. Latest data from the Department of Education (DepEd) showed that nearly 22 million registered in basic education — including both public and private schools — this year, equivalent to only 83.6 percent of the 26.2 million students from the previous academic year, which saw around a million learners miss school. This lack of equipment is causing teachers issues across SE Asia as many schools are hforced to teach online, and many poorer families do not have access to reliable internet.

TIGHT WATCH. A member of the Batasan Police Station 6 in Quezon City observes a Covid-19 vaccination activity at a covered court in Barangay Commonwealth on Saturday morning (Sept. 11, 2021). Wearing of face masks, face shields, and physical distancing must be always followed. (Photo courtesy of Batasan QCPD) MANILA – Since the pandemic began in March last year, the police have been on top of health and safety protocols, making sure that rules and border control measures are enforced to help curb the spread of Covid-19. These days, policemen can also be seen in vaccination centers and Commission on Elections registration sites to ensure that minimum health standards are followed. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar warned on Sunday that registration and vaccination activities can become super-spreader events if not properly guarded. “All our police personnel have been tasked to secure these malls and to ensure that minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols are observed for the voters' registration,” Eleazar said in a statement. He added there is an expected influx of registrants in satellite sites, like those in malls, as the Sept. 30 deadline approaches. (File photo) Chiefs of police have coordinated with mall management and vowed to exercise maximum tolerance and treat even violators with utmost respect, Eleazar said. The PNP is also helping out in information dissemination on vaccination and the planned granular lockdown system that will be implemented only in areas with an alarming rise in Covid-19 cases. “In the midst of the continuous increase of Covid cases in our country, I have tasked all our police commanders to help strengthen information dissemination about the government vaccination program, especially since the A5 category vaccination has started,” Eleazar stated. The indigent sector falls under the A5 priority group. (PNA)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday ordered Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) to conduct a thorough investigation following the arrest of a police officer in Gerona, Tarlac who was tagged as both user and protector of illegal drug operations. Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) Eleazar directed PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Val de Leon, to know if Cpl. Geymar Orquero has other cohorts in the local police force in the protection and financing of illegal drug operations in Gerona and nearby areas. “I directed the regional director, PRO3 Brig. Gen. Val de Leon, to expedite the investigation so that Corporal Geymar Orquero, who was caught in an anti-illegal drug operations in Gerona, Tarlca, can be dismissed immediately in the service,” Eleazar said in a statement. He said de Leon assured him that the scalawag policeman was already disarmed and is currently detained while under investigation. “Aside from administrative charges which will lead to his dismissal from the service, separate criminal cases will also be filed against Police Corporal Orquero,” he added. Orquero and his supposed civilian cohorts Marvin Gadia and Joel Umagat, were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calayaan on Sept. 10 and seized from them were some suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and a Glock 17 with magazine and ammunition. Orquero, assigned at the Tarlac City Police Station, is said to be a drug user and protector and financier of one alias “July” and Melvin Gadia, who were tagged as drug pushers operating in Gerona and Tarlac City. Eleazar lauded the Central Luzon police for its swift action that led to the arrest of Orquero. “As I promised to our people, your PNP will act swiftly against the corrupt in our ranks because they are the ones destroying our organization,” Eleazar said. He said he will not hesitate to remove all scalawag police officers “no matter many there are”. “Anyway, I am sure that with the high salaries of the policemen and the aggressive reforms we have implemented in the recruitment system, there will be more good policemen who will replace them,” Eleazar said. He urged the public to report any PNP personnel involved in any irregularities through its official SMS hotline -- 0919-160-1752 (Smart); 0917-847-5757 (Globe) or via email: [email protected] or through social media -- facebook.com/OfficialPNPhotline and web portal (https://e-sumbong.pnp.gov.ph) Over 5,000 Dismissed Eleazar said a total of 5,151 police officers have been dismissed from the service due to various offenses since 2016 due to the intensified internal cleansing program of the PNP. Citing the latest data, Eleazar said a total of 18,664 police personnel were also penalized for various offenses. The dismissed personnel were involved in cases ranging from grave misconduct, serious irregularities, and other criminal activities while some members of the police force were meted disciplinary sanctions for administrative offenses and involvement in irregularities. These penalties include demotion in rank, suspension, forfeiture of salary, reprimand, restriction to quarters and withholding of privileges. (PNA)

As liquidity has become abundant again, and credit growth turns sour because of demand heading south in the latest pandemic resurgence, cutting interest rate loans extended to hard-hit clients, not only lends them a hand but also promotes banks’ credit expansion. According to english.thesaigontimes.vn, following a cut in lending rates in mid-July, banks have recently sharply lowered these rates even further to aid those clients hit by the pandemic. Priority to the ones living in the southern cities and provinces, where social distancing is observed under Directive 16 has been given. 1-2 percentage points per year Reduction often ranges from a half to one percentage point per annum. As a result, within one month or so, the market has witnessed two rounds of lending rate cut at certain banks that opted for a total adjustment of 1-2 percentage points per year. Furthermore, several banks continue to implement their preferential credit packages, offering the lowest interest rate of only 4% a year. At the forefront are still State-run banks like Vietcombank, VietinBank, and BIDV, which are known for their solid and broad customer base, plus financial potentials, and profits always at the top of the system. It is likely that joint stock banks will follow suit in the coming time. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has recently issued an official letter on the implementation of lending rate reduction and bank service fee exemption. Also, the central bank said they will further enforce the supervision of lenders concerning the latter’s commitments to interest rate cuts to verify if such commitments are observed. This will serve as a basis for consideration of and introduction to policies on encouragement or limitation of banks’ credit activities in 2022. Apparently, banks’ attitudes toward the lending rate reduction have been more serious in recent months. Moreover, the debt restructuring policy has been stepped up because many clients are struggling amidst the pandemic. Lowering interest rates In the context that liquidity has become abundant again and credit growth turns sour because of demand heading south in the latest pandemic resurgence, cutting interests of loans extended to hard-hit clients not only lends them a hand but also promotes banks’ credit expansion. Apart from the source of capital generated by the bonds banks issue and the considerable liquidity of the dong injected by the SBV via foreign currency purchasing, the system has acquired ample net liquidity from government bonds whose maturity has come in recent months. Statistics show that the volume of government bonds due in the first eight months of 2021 was worth over VND1.7 million billion, nearly double the figure achieved in the same period last year. Whereas only VND210 trillion worth of such bonds was newly issued. As the main investors in the government bond market so far, banks in the year to date, especially in the recent three months, have welcomed back a massive amount of capital formerly spent on this type of debt security. The fact that liquidity is abundant is most clearly reflected in the level of interest rates in the mutual lending market between banks. Data updated by the central bank on August 26 show that the lending rates for overnight, one-week and two-week terms all fell below 1%, with the rate for overnight loans now only 0.65% per annum, down 32 basis points (bps) from late July and 89 bps from the peak in late May. Similarly, the lending rate applicable to the one-week term has gone down 58 bps and 91 bps respectively, while that for two-week loans has dwindled 40 bps and 84 bps. The interest rates for those with a term of one month, three months and six months have also dropped significantly. The decline in interest rates has even spread to the market of capital mobilization from citizens, thanks to ample liquidity and the rapid growth in deposits as the pandemic stimulates everyone’s demand for safety. One of the factors which prompts banks to reduce their deposit rates in the recent two months. The trend in turn helps banks stabilize the cost of capital input, or lower the cost of capital to be specific, and results in more favorable conditions for further interest rate cuts. A haven for bank deposits The pandemic has caused capital flows to find a haven in the bank deposit channel. Conversely, it has also led to a stagnation of credit again. In the first months of the year when credit growth was impressive, quite a few lenders soon reached their credit growth limits and urged the central bank to allocate extra quotas since the beginning of the third quarter. However, banks have ever since been unable to further boost lending. Several of them have even suffered a decline in their outstanding loans. This is an inevitable consequence in the context that the economy has turned sour by the pandemic. Notably, not only do enterprises and business households have a sluggish demand for loans, but some of them with idle working capital and abundant liquidity have even deposited their money into banks to earn interest. This trend is evidenced by the growth in banks’ institutional deposits, which is increasingly high, outpacing the growth in deposits by individual clients in recent months. Therefore, slashing lending rates to help their customers survive the current tricky situation is also the way for banks to save themselves. It is because, if the financial burden proves too heavy, and corporate clients are slow to recover their production and business, the risk of bankruptcy will build up, putting banks at stake with an unpredictable surge in potentially irrecoverable debts. There have been suggestions that banks should stopped charging lending rates instead of only lowering them now that a huge number of enterprises and business households have been forced to suspend their production and business activities. However, one should bear in mind that banks are just intermediaries that mobilize capital for lending. Therefore, even when affected by the pandemic or social distancing, these lenders still must pay interest on their customers’ deposits. For this reason, exemption or reduction of lending rates should only be done to a certain extent. Besides, given the absolute profits of trillions of dong banks have reported, some may consider this is unacceptable in the context the economy and the business community are mired in troubles. In fact, the equity of banks which is often tens of trillions of dong makes it obvious that their return on equity is still modest.

According to VinaCapital Chief Economist Michael Kokalari, Covid-19 will not leave a big scar on Vietnam like some other emerging markets, as forecasted by the World Bank. In contrast, Vietnam has certain conditions for a strong recovery when it reaches the new normal. Reports by the World Bank and some other international organizations say Covid-19 will leave a long-term injury, leading to a reduction in the growth prospects of some in emerging markets in years to come. Michael Kokalari, Chief Economist of VinaCapital. (Photo: Vietnambiz) However, Michael Kokalari, Chief Economist of VinaCapital, Vietnam said that Vietnam's GDP growth would remain positive, and businesses were gradually adapting to the current situation. Foreign investors have faith in the Vietnamese market Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited a phone factory and worked with Samsung Electronics Vietnam Thai Nguyen company. Samsung Vietnam's general director said that he fully believed in the pandemic prevention solutions of the Vietnamese government. He believed that the situation would soon be stable, despite the complicated current situation in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces. In a report by vietnamtimes.org.vn, the interests and rights of foreign investors in Vietnam are protected. As a result, the industrial production index in August 2021 fell 4.2% from the previous month, a much less severe than the 15% drop in April 2020, when Covid-19 first stroke. Moreover, northern provinces, where most Japanese and Korean electronics manufacturers are located, still recorded an increase of 10% in the industrial production index over the same period last year. Examples of the Vietnamese economy's rapid adaptation Many Vietnamese businesses have recently made great efforts in adapting to the new situation, to meet the needs of local consumers. For example, banks have started to offer more types of online services, including opening accounts, approving small loans. Bach Hoa Xanh chain in Ho Chi Minh City receives nearly 50,000 online orders per day. Some real estate companies are now offering virtual tours of their new building projects. According to a survey by the World Bank, the percentage of Vietnamese businesses using digital platforms and social networks to sell products has increased from less than 50% in mid-2020 to nearly 75% at the beginning of this year. Vietnamese consumers have also quickly adapted to these shopping methods. The Vietnamese government has set a target that by 2025 and by 2030, the digital economy will account for 20% and 30% of the country's GDP, respectively. The Covid-19 pandemic has been posing countless challenges to Vietnam, but it is partly promoting the development of the country's digital economy. The same situation is reported in many other countries as well.

On Sunday at Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội, National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ witnesses the handover ceremony of COVID-19 aid (including COVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies) donated to Việt Nam during his trip to three European countries. Health minister Nguyễn Thanh Long (right) receives the token of support. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vương In Hoe arrived in Hà Nội on Sunday, concluding his trip to Europe to attend the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (WCSP5) in Austria and pay visits to the European Parliament, Belgium, and Finland from September 5-11. According to vietnamnews.vn , while there, the top lawmaker took part in more than 70 activities. The trip affirmed the foreign policy of Việt Nam’s Party and State; manifested the country’s proactiveness, activeness and responsibility; and raised its position. One of the focuses of the trip was vaccine diplomacy as well as cooperation against the COVID-19 pandemic. Bilateral contacts within the framework of the conference helped consolidate and strengthen foreign relations between Việt Nam and other countries. NA Chairman Huệ’s activities also helped deepen friendship and accelerate co-operation between Việt Nam and other countries in the fields of politics, economy, trade, investment, science, and technology. Upon arriving at Nội Bài International Airport, Huệ witnessed the handover ceremony of aid from organisations and individuals to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and the Việt Nam Fatherland Front. The aid package included 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from Belgium and Slovakia and medical equipment (including ventilators, patient monitors, and COVID-19 test kits) worth more than VNĐ1 trillion. Also in the trip, several contracts related to test kit production, COVID-19 vaccine research and production were signed by Vietnamese enterprises and foreign partners. Specifically, T&T Group signed a contract with a German partner to transfer the Testkit PCR production technology worth 80 million euros ($94.4 million), with a Spanish partner, a contract to co-operate in clinical trials and vaccine production for 50 million doses, worth 375 million euros ($442.9 million). Vingroup and Xenothera SAS Company signed a co-operation agreement to conduct a phase three clinical trial in Việt Nam of Xenothera's anti-COVID treatment, called XAV-19, to supply XAV-19 products and transfer technology to produce XAV-19 products in Việt Nam. Huệ’s working delegation handed over 200,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to the Ministry of Health, including 100,000 doses of vaccine donated by the Belgian Government and 100,000 doses of vaccine donated by the Government of Slovakia, medical equipment and supplies worth VNĐ1.028 trillion ($45 million) including over four million rapid test kits, 650 ventilators, 500 patient monitors and five PCR testing machines. The delegation handed over to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front VNĐ230 million ($10,000) from the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic donated to HCM City and VNĐ135 million ($5,900) from the Vietnamese community in Austria donated for Việt Nam’s fund for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. The remaining amount of medical equipment and supplies will be shipped to Việt Nam by air as soon as possible. The national airline Vietnam Airlines has transported the goods to the country by a special aircraft Boeing 787-9, one of the largest aircraft in Việt Nam today, meeting the urgent needs of the Vietnamese health system in protecting people’s lives and health. Vaccines and medical supplies donation from the EU. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh Việt Nam-Finland Business Roundtable National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ speaks at the Việt Nam – Finland Business Roundtable in Helsinki held on September 11. — VNA/VNS Photo Việt Nam wants to learn from Finland’s experience to develop fast and sustainably, National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ told the Việt Nam – Finland Business Roundtable in Helsinki on Saturday. He stressed that Việt Nam attached great importance to developing a green, circular, and low-carbon economy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating start-ups and innovation, while Finland has an economy based on cutting-edge technology and boasts one of the world’s most complete innovation ecosystems along with strong start-up trends. Therefore, Việt Nam wanted to explore Finland’s experience and forge cooperation between businesses in those fields. The Southeast Asian country was pursuing robust, sustainable, and harmonious development in terms of economics, social affairs, environment, and adaption to climate change in the future, he added. Noting that Việt Nam is a signatory to 17 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Huệ called on investors from Finland and the EU to do business in Việt Nam. The roundtable saw the presence of Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari, who said he hoped Finnish enterprises could provide help for Việt Nam in digital transformation, a critical factor for an economy to maintain sustainable growth. He also announced that Finland has agreed to provide extra support for projects using soft foreign loans. Also on Saturday, the NA Chairman hosted a reception for young Vietnamese businesspeople in Finland. The young entrepreneurs expressed their wish to bring modern technology to Việt Nam, particularly those for coping with climate change in the Mekong Delta. Chairman Huệ appreciated their dreams and stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State treasured the contingent of young intellectuals and businesspeople both inside and outside the country. He said they were a precious resource for national development, and affirmed that the NA, Government and ministries and sectors in Việt Nam were willing to support and create the most favourable conditions for them to operate in the country. — VNS

This is a real rainy season in Pattaya and there is more coming our way. So this is why the Thai Navy needed two Chinese submarines......to clear the drains. At least this is still a dream.....I hope!!!!!

Đặng Amaobi now spends time in training young players in HCM City and also works for several television stations as a football pundit. — Photo courtesy of Đặng Amaobi After nearly 18 years of living in Vietnam, retired Nigerian footballer Amaobi Honest Uzowuru has found his second home. Born in 1981 in Nigeria, Uzowuru first played in the V. League 1 in 2004 and enjoyed a successful career. He gained Vietnamese citizenship in 2011 and began going by Đặng Amaobi. According to vietnamnews.vn, following his retirement in 2016, Amaobi decided to stay in Việt Nam instead of returning home like many other foreign footballers. He spends time training young players in HCM City and works for several television stations as a pundit. “I played for seven different teams in Vietnam, and I liked them all, however, Nam Định were the team I loved the most and they still have a big connection with me till now,” said Amaobi. “Personally, I don't have regrets during the time playing in Vietnam because I won trophies, scored goals and made a good living from playing football so I am happy for that opportunity." “The V. League 1 is changing and improving, the players are more informed and educated about the modern game and they are becoming more professional. I see the gap between local players and foreign players is becoming very close,” Amaobi added. Amaobi was introduced to Vietnamese football through his agent while he was playing in South Africa. After joining Nam Định in 2004, Amaobi helped his team finish second and was the league's top scorer with 15 goals. “After my first successful season with Nam In, I decided to seek more contracts and to keep playing in the league because I liked the league, food, weather, fans and culture,” said Amaobi. After the 2004 season, Amaobi became one of the league's best-paid and most coveted foreign stars. He played for seven Vietnamese clubs, including two spells each at Nam Định (2004, 2009), SHB Đà Nẵng (2005, 2008) and Bohn Dương (2006-2007, 2010). “Playing abroad is the dream of every young Nigerian football player. I was lucky to play in so many countries from Europe to Asia and Vietnam, so I have learned so many cultures, experiences and new things about life,” said Amaobi. Đặng Amaobi (centre) plays for Thanh Hóa in the V. League 1. — Photo bongdaplus.vn Enjoying life in Vietnam Amaobi said that his wife and children currently live and work in South Africa, but he doesn’t go there with his family. “I have lived and played in Việt Nam for nearly 20 years, so I love this country very much. This place is like my home country Nigeria." "However, to be honest, if I return to Nigeria or South Africa now, it would be very difficult to find a job and I don’t know what I would do because I only know football." "Meanwhile, I already have Vietnamese nationality, it's much easier to find a job here and I can follow my passion for football. "Therefore, my wife and children support me and every year we still see each other regularly during the holidays," Amaobi said. Amaobi said he feels very comfortable living in Vietnam because the people are friendly, the country is safe, it's easy to live in, and there is no discrimination. “I have lived and worked in many countries, but nowhere is as happy as Vietnam. I live comfortably as at home," said Amaobi. After retiring, Amaobi started coaching children and has been working at Lưu Ngọc Hùng Football Centre and his own centre for five years. In addition to football skills, he also teaches young players about professionalism. “Besides, I also participate in sports TV shows as a guest and work with my brother in business. We know the demand of consumers in Nigeria, find the corresponding products in Vietnam and send them home," Amaobi added. Đặng Amaobi (left) seen in a training session for Lưu Ngọc Hùng Football Centre. — Photo courtesy of Lưu Ngọc Hùng Football Centre Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Amaobi liked sitting in street food stalls and ordering food like any other Saigonese person. He also loved to talk with the shop owners about Vietnamese and international football. “The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, but the Vietnamese Government is trying to control it well. So, I hope we all can work together and defeat the pandemic so everyone can go back to their normal life and job,” said Amaobi. — VNS

Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vương Đình Huệ (left) and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli held talks on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn BRUSSELS — Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Vương Đình Huệ held talks with President of the European Parliament (EP) David Sassoli in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday. Welcoming the Vietnamese leader, Sassoli highly valued the country’s role in the region, stressing the EP and Việt Nam share common interests in multiple areas and that the EP wants to enhance all-round cooperation with the country in fields such as trade and investment, COVID-19 prevention and control, and response to climate change, including challenges to water resources, saltwater intrusion, and drought. Huệ affirmed that the European Union (EU) is a partner of leading importance in Vietnam's foreign and international integration policies. The two sides have maintained high-level meetings; signed and effectively implemented many important cooperation agreements such as the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and the Framework Participation Agreement (FPA); and maintained regular cooperation and dialogue cooperation mechanisms, thereby helping to lift the Vietnam-EU comprehensive partnership and cooperation, including the ties between the Vietnamese NA and the EP, to a new height, according to the Chairman. At the talks, the two leaders discussed issues to further intensify the two parliaments’ ties to help develop Vietnam-EU relations more strongly for the sake of both sides. To promote economic and trade links comprehensively, Hue expressed his hope that the EP will help promote its member parliaments’ ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to step up investment cooperation while continuing to facilitate the implementation of the EVFTA. Covid talks Regarding collaboration in the COVID-19 combat, he thanked the EP, relevant agencies of the EU, and parliamentarians’ groups in the EP for supporting and assisting Vietnam in the fight. He also echoed the EP’s viewpoint that only solidarity, sharing, and confidence of victory can help people address the pandemic’s consequences and return to a “new normal” life. Particularly, Huệ said, as the pandemic is growing more complicated, it requires stronger inter-regional (between ASEAN and the EU) and global cooperation to continue maintaining achievements in socio-economic development. He also voiced his hope that the EP will accelerate vaccine supply from Europe via the COVAX Facility and sharing of surplus vaccines, along with medical supplies and COVID-19 drugs, and cooperate with the country in vaccine production. Vaccine production centre Vietnam is ready to make all-round preparations to become a regional vaccine production centre, the top Vietnamese legislator emphasised. He also took this occasion to ask the EP to support the removal of the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing against Vietnam's fishery sector to help guarantee livelihoods for Vietnamese fishermen. He stated that the country has been exerting every effort to deal with the problem and gained positive outcomes. Regarding bilateral parliamentary cooperation, the NA Chairman held that the achievements obtained so far should be promoted, and both sides should increase contacts at all levels. Huệ invited the EP President to visit Việt Nam to discuss issues of common concern, including the establishment of practical and effective cooperation frameworks between the two parliaments. For his part, Sassoli said the EVFTA is an exemplary cooperation model, adding that the EP has ratified the EVIPA and is promoting the remaining member parliaments’ ratification. The EP sympathises with Việt Nam’s current difficulties and will strive to seek vaccine and medical supplies for the country’s fight against COVID-19 as soon as possible, he noted. The two leaders shared the view that relations between the Vietnamese NA and the EP are flourishing in both bilateral and multilateral channels, agreeing to increase the exchange of all-level delegations and share information and experience in parliamentary activities. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on issues related to international peace, security, and cooperation and underlined the role of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in settling disputes and maintaining security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight. They also agreed to closely coordinate and make active contributions to regional and international forums. Following the talks, Huệ received heads of the EP’s Committee on International Trade (INTA), the delegation for relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE), the EP’s parliamentary friendship group. They investigated measures to reinforce ties in areas of common interest, including trade and EVFTA implementation. — VNS

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Vietnam from September 10-12. VNA/VNS Photo Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Vietnam from September 10-12, discussing cooperation in the COVID-19 fight and vaccine assistance. According to Vietnam News, the announcement was made by the deputy spokesperson of Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Đoàn Khắc Việt at a press briefing on Thursday. Within the visit, the Chinese minister will co-chair the meeting of the 13th Steering Committee for Vietnam-China Bilateral Cooperation with Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh, hold talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn and pay courtesy calls on Vietnamese leaders, the spokesperson said. At the steering committee meeting, the two sides will discuss measures to resolve existing issues and strengthen the relations between the two countries. The two sides will also talk about COVID-19 prevention and control, vaccine assistance and supply of medical equipment, the spokesperson said. The visit, which is made upon the invitations of Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, aims to continue to strengthen the Việt Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the interest of two countries’ people and for the peace, stability, cooperation and development of the region and the world, he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Lê Văn Thành will attend and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of the 18th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Trade and Investment Summit held in China’s Nanning City on September 10 via video conference. These are among the top 10 expos of China held annually since 2004. This year Việt Nam will participate the most extensively among ASEAN countries with 80 businesses attending in person and 200 businesses via video conference. The participating businesses will introduce and promote signature products of Vietnam including agricultural produce, food, woodworking products and consumer goods as well as promote the country’s investment environment and tourism. — VNS

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control asked authorities of northern and central provinces to ensure fishing vessels find shelter as typhoon Conson has entered the East Sea and is forecast to strengthen. Fishing ships anchor at a port in central Quảng Trị Province's Gio Linh District to avoid typhoon Conson. — VNA/VNS Photo At a virtual meeting held with representatives from the localities on Thursday, Deputy Director of the committee Trần Quang Hoài also ordered local authorities to contact the owner of each vessel to update them on the progress of the storm and guide them on preventive measures. According to Vietnam News, he also requested the Ministry of Health to provide detailed guidance because it was difficult to evacuate people in areas where social distancing measures have been applied following Government Directive No 16. Deputy director of the National Hydrometeorological Forecast Centre Hoàng Phúc Lâm said it was necessary to closely watch the development of the storm because its progress was complicated and hard to predict. At 11pm Thursday, it was 570km east-southeast of Hoàng Sa Islands with sustained winds of 75 to 90km per hour near the eye. It is forecast to move north-west at a speed of 15km per hour and is expected to be 180km east-southeast of Hoàng Sa Islands at 10am Friday with winds of 90-100km per hour and gusts approaching level 12. The storm is forecast to strengthen with wind speeds reaching 100-120km per hour and gusts approaching level 13 when it reaches the Hoàng Sa Islands on Saturday. It is anticipated to make landfall on September 13, causing rough seas and heavy rain. Deputy director of the Natural Disaster Prevention and Control General Department Nguyễn Văn Tiến asked the localities to keep a close watch over the development of the storm as well as rain and flash floods and guide local residents in storm prevention and control measures, particularly in ensuring safety. Localities were asked to check residents living in areas at high risk of landslides and flash floods to have measures to evacuate them. Ministries and agencies were required to prepare rescue forces and equipment. By 6am Thursday, more than 71,000 fishing ships with nearly 350,000 people on board were informed of the storm and guided to find shelter. The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Committee on Thursday sent a document to central localities, including Quảng Trị, Quảng Nam, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Ngãi, Bình Định and Khánh Hòa, to ask them to take measures to ensure safety for vessels from storm Conson. The local authorities were required to calculate and call on all fishing ships operating in areas expected to be affected by the storm to move out of dangerous areas or find shelter. — VNS General Weather forecast 22 hrs ago Tropical Storm Conson (known in the Philippines as Jolina) is tracking west northwestward over the far eastern reaches of the South China Sea early Sept. 9 after transiting over the northern Philippines. As of 11:00 CST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 319 km (198 miles) west-northwest of Manila, Philippines. The system is forecast to shift to a westward course and intensify into a typhoon before making a close approach to the Paracel Islands from late Sept. 10 to early Sept. 12. Conson is forecast to weaken slightly into a tropical storm as it turns to track northwest, passing south of Hainan Province, China, and approaching central Vietnam early Sept. 13. Landfall is forecast as a tropical storm over Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, early Sept. 14. The storm's track and intensity forecast remain somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.

ONE IN A MILLION. The Monday Media Production team represented by Geraldine Lamberta Smink and Gerard Bernard Oostveen pays a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya (center) last month. The two presented a citation which reads: “The Philippines: It is a one in a million location for filming all reality shows. Looking forward to a wonderful new long-term cooperation!” (Photo by the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands) MANILA – A Dutch reality TV show is looking at northern Palawan as its potential filming site this year, describing the country as "a one in a million location" for shooting all reality shows. The Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands on August 16 said the Amsterdam-based Monday Media Production wants to bring a 145-member production team on the island in September 2021. The shoot of the still undisclosed program will be in cooperation with the Philippine Film Studios, Inc. should the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-IED) approve the producers' request, the proposal of which was presented on August 18. All foreign projects shooting in the Philippines need prior approval of the IATF-EID. "The local production company counterpart for this project (PFSI) is in coordination with the FilmPhilippines Office of FDCP and the project's details and dates for shooting are yet to be presented to the IATF for its review," said the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). If approved, Tourism Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Department of Tourism will assist in ensuring that they are billeted at accredited hotels and by providing recommendations on locations to shoot in. Northern Palawan (File photo) "The Department of Tourism welcomes such initiatives as they not only showcase the beautiful destinations and unique cultures of the Philippines, but also generate revenue and provide jobs for tourism stakeholders and workers residing near the area of production," she said in a text message. Good for business "This is especially helpful during this time when the tourism industry has been affected by the travel restrictions," she added. The Monday Media Production had also produced the reality show “Expeditie Robinson” which debuted in 2000. Out of its 23 seasons, nine were filmed in the Philippines, including the pristine waters and shores of Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Since last year, the DOT said there have been "a number of requests" from foreign production companies to film their shows and movies in the country. It did not elaborate, however, how many were granted approval. The FDCP refers the requests to the IATF for approval pending the vetting of safety protocols the TV crew will be implementing during the production such as RT-PCR testing, observing the 14-day mandatory quarantine, and a strict travel bubble between the point of origin and location shoot. (PNA)

MANILA – The hotel sector's biggest online travel sale is returning on September 15 to help revive the hard-hit tourism industry affected by the ongoing pandemic, with up to 70% discounts and vouchers valid for up to 12 months. In a virtual presser on Tuesday, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) said SOS or the September Online Sale will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2021 with "bigger promotions and discounts" in at least 80 hotels nationwide. The Peninsula Manila (File Photo) This year's SOS will offer various hotel vacation and food & beverage packages at as much as 70 percent off and can be accessed by visiting the HSMA website on the official launch. The discounted packages are sold in the form of e-vouchers that can be used in a span of a year from the date of purchase and may be extended upon request. In 2020, the inaugural SOS generated about PHP14 million in confirmed bookings and HSMA is looking forward to double it this year. “From a 15-day event, we’ve planned a month-long travel mart. We are also including the ancillary services of the properties such as restaurants, bars, banquet packages, spa, gym and pool, and other facilities of the hotel, making this year’s campaign more thrilling and inviting,” said Benjie Martinez, HSMA President and Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Bayleaf Hotels. The inaugural SOS held last year was one of the many projects initiated by the local hotel association in response to the coronavirus crisis. The event sold almost 2,000 vouchers, which brought in much-needed revenue for the participating hotels and resorts’ operations and upkeep, keeping millions of Filipinos employed in the sector. The participating hotels for 2021 SOS are as follow: MANILA, PASAY, PARANAQUE - The Bayleaf Intramuros - Bayview Park Hotel Manila - Kingsford Hotel Manila - Conrad Manila - Diamond Hotel - Hotel Jen Manila - Okada Manila - Winford Manila Resort & Casino - Hotel Lucky Chinatown - Manila Marriott Hotel - Sheraton Manila Bay - Microtel Wyndham MOA ORTIGAS, PASIG, QUEZON CITY - Ace Hotel & Suites - Astoria Plaza Ortigas - B Hotel QC - The Linden Suites - Discovery Suites - Eastwood Richmonde Hotel - Edsa Shangri-La, Manila - Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila - Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA - Richmonde Hotel Ortigas MAKATI, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, ALABANG - The Peninsula Manila - Dusit Thani Manila - The Bellevue Manila - Crimson Hotel Filinvest - Discovery Primea - Seda BGC - Grand Hyatt Manila - Acacia Hotel Manila - Seda Residences Makati - Shangri-La at the Fort - Oxford Suite Makati - Valero Grand Suites by Holiday Inn & Suites Makati - New World Makati Hotel CLARK, BAGUIO, BATAAN, ILOCOS - Quest PlusConference Center Clark - Clark Marriott Hotel - Grand Sierra Pines Baguio - Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas - Vitalis Villas - Banaue Hotel CAVITE, LAGUNA, BATANGAS, TAGAYTAY - Acuatico Beach Resort - Acuaverde Beach Resort - The Bayleaf Cavite - Twin Lakes Hotel - Summit Ridge Tagaytay - Seda Nuvali - Quest Hotel Tagaytay BORACAY, ILOILO - Belmont Hotel Boracay - Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay - Discovery Shores Boracay - Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel - Paradise Garden Boracay Resort & Convention Center - Alta Vista de Boracay - Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa - Felize Hotel Boracay - Richmonde Hotel Iloilo - Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay - Hue Hotel and Resorts Boracay - Patio Pacific Boracay - Astoria Current CEBU, BOHOL - Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort - Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan - Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu - Marco Polo Plaza Cebu - Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino - Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino - Mithi Resort and Spa - Be Resort Mactan - Savoy Hotel Mactan - Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa - The Bellevue Resort - Best Wester Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao PALAWAN, DAVAO - Astoria Palawan - Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao - Club Paradise Palawan - Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort - DusitD2 Davao - Miniloc Island Resort - Bacau Resort Coron Even 40 hour package offered! HSMA said one of the hotels even include a package that allows guests to check-in at 6 am and check out the next day as late as 10 pm for the price of an overnight stay. Staycation hotels in areas under general community quarantine may technically already forego testing requirements, except for minors and senior citizens who have to submit a negative RT-PCR, but HSMA clarified that the decision would still depend on the local government unit where the establishment is located. Giving assurances that the participating hotels will strictly implement health protocols and precautionary measures set by the government and the World Health Organization, HSMA is hoping this initiative could help promote safe domestic travel among Filipinos. "It has to start from us, this domestic travel has to start from us, we have to show them from the hotel industry. There has to be a point wherein we have to open up," HSMA Director for Ways & Means Cristina Carreon said in the presser. 98 percent vaccinated Board Chair Margie Munsayac, meanwhile, said at least 98 percent of the total employees in HSMA's member hotels/resorts have already been vaccinated with the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and local government units. "The HSMA will hopefully be 100 percent two days from now," she said. HSMA’s SOS is presented in partnership with the DOT, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Atlantis, and Isentia, with Cebu Pacific as the airline partner. “HSMA has always been at the forefront of helping the hotel industry and with SOS, we will continue to strive and ensure that marketing efforts for our hotels are still happening despite the current very challenging situation. We hope the SOS will be that spark to bring the hotel industry back to life,” said Carmela Bocanegra, HSMA Director of Public Relations and Vice President for Sales. (PNA)

MANILA – A changed economy is seen for the Philippines post-pandemic, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno forecasts the economy to regain its previous vigor starting in the last quarter of 2022. “On the aggregate level, we will be back by around the fourth quarter of 2022 or the first quarter of 2023. On the aggregate level. But the structure, the composition of that economy will be different from the pre-Covid level,” he told journalists in a virtual briefing on Thursday. After five consecutive quarters of contraction, the domestic economy was able to expand in the second quarter of 2021, with a growth print of 11.8 percent, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). Authorities are optimistic for an economic recovery this year, with the target range set between 4 and 5 percent. Diokno has repeatedly said the economy continues to show signs of recovery amidst the challenges brought about by the virus-induced pandemic. Governor Benjamin Diokno (File photo) On Thursday, he said while the economy is seen to recover from the impact of the pandemic “that does not mean that it will be the same economy, that pre-Covid economy will be different than the post covid economy.” “So naturally some industry or some firms will not be able to recover or will be able to recover many years to come but there will be new industries,” he added. (PNA)

Chew on this for a minute… Lexi Thompson has 11 #LPGA wins and 74 top 10s. Meanwhile, Patrick Cantlay just earned 3.6 million dollars more in one week than Lexi has earned in her ENTIRE career. A very rich winner. Patrick Cantlay The 2021 FedEx Cup final leaderboard was headed by winner Patrick Cantlay, who prevailed by a shot in the Tour Championship to win the FedEx Cup at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga. Jon Rahm finished second in the season-long race, having tied with Kevin Na for the lowest 72-hole score in the season finale but unable to win the trophy as he started the week four shots back of Cantlay. Cantlay won the $15,000,000 winner's share of the $46,000,000 purse. The top 30 players in the standings, all of which qualified for the Tour Championship, earned their final bonus-pool payout based on their finish in the Tour Championship inclusive of starting strokes. The other 120 players who earned money from the $60 million bonus pool did so based on their FedEx Cup points standings at the time they were eliminated from the playoffs. Even the last player who finished 150, Satoshi Kodaira won $70,000. When will this gravy train stop?

With decades of many ethnic backgrounds and intercultural marriages, SE Asian women can blend into most cultures. Some say that most Southeast Asian women really look the same physically. Even one Filipina said it’s hard for me to tell fellow Southeast Asians apart based on simply looks alone. I tried, but many times, I failed. If you forced me to take a guess when I was younger, I would think that the Vietnamese would probably be the easiest to isolate from the group in terms of physical appearance, because they are probably the most likely to have generic Chinese-looking features. Perhaps a fair complexion and slanted eyes, because of their historical ties with China, based on my very, very limited knowledge of Asian history. As a personal example, we went on a trip to Singapore once and a good number of the Singaporeans with possibly Malay ancestry that we saw, looked a lot like many Filipinos in the Philippines. In some cases, there were even Singaporeans with Indian heritage that look like some of my Filipino relatives, that if I had seen them in the Philippines, I would think they were just another Filipino. Expat’s reaction According to one expat living in Thailand. there are stereotypical appearances by nationality, and if a woman happened to look a lot like the stereotype it would be possible to guess, but Southeast Asians vary a lot in appearance too. I think locals in the region are more familiar with those stereotypical appearances, but that almost relates to a different question. A lot of Thais—where this writer lives, have close connections with Chinese ancestry, and if they look a lot like they are Chinese, whether they are or not, then picking out a nationality wouldn’t work. His wife and her mother are completely Thai, not Chinese at all, and my wife could probably pass for Chinese, and her mother Japanese. Thais alone span a range of different looks, more or less regionally based within Thailand, but again genetic mixing and random variation would vary what people from different areas look like. Central Thais tend to look more Chinese, Isaan-region Thais look relatively completely different, overlapping some with an appearance typical for Cambodians or women from Laos, and the far South and far North vary in two different ways. Sometimes the writers wife will say she can tell where people are from by appearance but more often, she can’t do it. Once they speak in their own language it’s easy. Deeper Observation Finally, another Filipina female said all it takes is deeper observation. Our features are different, our behaviour (brought about by our differing cultures and environment) are different as well. Just like there is a difference between Chinese, Japanese and Korean women, and difference between French, English, German, Russian, Swedish women. Believe it or not, the most well-travelled people can tell the difference. So, this writer suggests that you do the same. Travel, observe and learn. It is not that hard, it’s even very enjoyable. With various ethnic groups, religions and inter marriages of the past few centuries, it is sometimes hard to recognize where people originated from. Do you think you could recognize the difference? We have posted a few photos randomely selected from Google today of women from across SE Asia. Do you think you could recognize the difference and tell us what country they come from? We will post the correct answers in the comments tomorrow. No.1 No.2 No.3 No.4 No.5 General notes: Ethnic groups. Indonesia is clearly dominated by the Javanese and Sundanese ethnic groups, with hundreds of ethnic minorities inhabited the archipelago, including Madurese, Minangkabau, Bugis, Balinese, Dayak, Batak, and Malays. While Malaysia is split between more than half Malays and one-quarter Chinese, and Indian minority in the West Malaysia however Dayaks make up the majority in Sarawak and Kadazan-dusun makes up the majority in Sabah which are in the East Malaysia. The Malays are the majority in West Malaysia and Brunei, while they are forming a significant minority in Indonesia, Southern Thailand, East Malaysia, and Singapore. In city-state Singapore, Chinese are the majority, yet the city is a multicultural melting pot with Malays, Indians and Eurasian also called the island their home. The Chams form a significant minority in Central and South Vietnam, also in Central Cambodia. While the Khmers are the majority in Cambodia and form a significant minority in Southern Vietnam and Thailand, the Hmong people are the minority in Vietnam, China, and Laos. Within the Philippines, the Tagalog, Visayan (mainly Cebuanos, Warays and Hiligaynons), Ilocano, Bicolano, Moro (mainly Tausug, Maranao, and Maguindanao) and Central Luzon (mainly Kapampangan and Pangasinan) groups are significant. Thailand is a country of some 70 ethnic groups, including at least 24 groups of ethnolinguistically Tai peoples, mainly the Siamese, Lao, and Yuan; 22 groups of Austroasiatic peoples, with substantial populations of Northern Khmer and Kuy; 11 groups of Sino-Tibetan peoples ('hill tribes'), with the largest in population being the Karen. Other ethnic groups include longstanding immigrant communities such as the Chinese and Indians.

MANILA – Despite cases of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus, President Rodrigo Duterte has not changed his stance about allowing Filipinos to return home. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte continues to push for the unimpeded return of all Filipinos. The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, facilitates the repatriation of 150 distressed Filipinos from Bangladesh on July 15, 2021. The returnees received USD200 reintegration assistance on top of free plane fares, quarantine facility stay, and Covid-19 testing. (Photo courtesy of DFA) “For President Duterte, they are our fellow Filipinos. If they want to return home, it is their right. We cannot stop our fellowmen from returning. That’s unfair to them,” Nograles said in a radio interview on Sunday July 25th, 2021. The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 55 new cases of the Delta variant also on Sunday, bringing to 119 the total cases in the country. The cases were from the latest batch of samples sequenced by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center. Nograles assured the national government has set in place testing and quarantine protocols. “We have protocols in place. These include a 10-day quarantine from those coming from non-green countries or non-green jurisdictions. And then they get swabbed on the seventh day,” he added. Green countries and jurisdictions are those classified by the DOH as “low risk” based on disease incidence rate. Fully vaccinated travelers from green countries and jurisdictions must carry their official documentation of full vaccination. Nograles said current testing and quarantine protocols are “effective” in preventing further transmission of the new variant. Earlier, Duterte said he is eyeing stricter health measures against the Delta variant. "The reported local cases in the country is a cause for serious alarm and concern. Again, it's redundant but it's good as any warning that can be given to people. We may need to impose stricter restrictions to avoid mass gathering and prevent super spreader events," he said in his July 19 public address. Of the new Delta variant infections, 37 are local cases and 17 are returning overseas Filipinos. The Delta coronavirus variant was first detected in India and found to be 60 percent more infectious than the Alpha (United Kingdom) variant. Delta caused the surge in Covid-19 cases in other countries, according to reports. (PNA)