By Andrea E. San Juan
THE Board of Investments
(BOI) said it is confident it will surpass the ₧1.6-trillion target in investment approvals this year after it just approved ₧1.15 trillion in investments as of the end of July 2024, with projects in renewable energy, agribusiness, among others, propelling the growth in the investment pledges.
THE option of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to cut interest rates this August 15 may be put under a lid, according to ING Bank Manila. ING said the lowered rice tariff seems to have had no “discernible” effect on the local retail rice prices yet in early July but in the meantime, higher seasonal food prices may be expected due to the recent damage caused by Typhoon Carina.
It is a waiting game for now as to how the impact of lower tariffs on food prices and inflation may affect the decision of the BSP to cut rates.
“We think that probably puts a lid on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ ambitions to front-run the US Federal Reserve with rate cuts as soon as this month, though conditions are becoming more favorable,” ING said.
However, the Central Bank could still proceed to reduce interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2024, ING added.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. had said a rate cut in the next Monetary Board policy meeting on August 15 is “still a possibility,” but it will depend on the numbers.
The Monetary Board is looking to reduce interest rates by 50-basis points (bps) for the whole year, with a 25-bps cut on August 15 and the remainder for
the rest of the year.
The BSP’s latest month-ahead inflation forecast said inflation may breach the government’s target and settle from a low of 4 percent to as high as 4.8 percent in July due to higher electricity and food prices.
“It’s still hawkish, which means we will still remain tight, but maybe less tight than before,” Remolona said.
Meanwhile, ING said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2024 will likely post a nearly 7 percent year-on-year growth.
“[This] will be mainly a base-effect driven result,” ING said.
Quarter-on-quarter growth will likely settle to a little below 1 percent, lower than the 1.3-percent growth recorded in the first quarter of the year.
Philippine economic growth settled at 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024, higher than the 5.5 percent recorded in the last quarter of 2023, but slower than the 6.4 percent posted in the first quarter last year.
Furthermore, trade data for July is projected for a “slightly smaller” deficit from June, which may provide a little support to the Philippine peso in what is currently a “fairly supportive environment.”
The GDP data for the second quarter of the year will be released next week, August 8, 2024. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
In a statement Friday by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the parent agency of BOI, the investment promotion agency (IPA) noted this figure represents a 65-percent increase from the P699 billion recorded in the same period last year.
“Our target is clear: to hit and even surpass P1.6 trillion in approved investments this year. With the momentum we have built, we are confident in achieving and exceeding this goal, driving economic development,” Ceferino S. Rodolfo, BOI Managing Head and DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Promotion Group, said.
In July 2024 alone, the BOI said it approved 30 projects worth P202.97 billion in investments, which are expected to generate 8,921 jobs.
The investment promotion agency reported that some of the major projects it approved in July 2024 include a P185-billion solar project with battery energy storage, a P1.2-billion manufacturing and processing facility for biscuits, P263-million worth of solar rooftop projects, and a P245-million activated carbon and charcoal production facility.
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By Joel R. San Juan
THE Supreme Court has been asked to stop the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. from transferring to the national treasury and utilizing “excess funds” of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amounting to P89.9 billion for other purposes except for its members’ health care.
The petitioners led by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) also asked the court to immediately order the return of the P20 billion taken away from PhilHealth by the Department of Finance (DoF) by virtue of DOF Circular No. 003-2024.
The DOF circular—drawing legal justification from the 2024 budget law—directs the transfer of unused subsidies from government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), specifically PhilHealth, to the national treasury to bolster the government’s unprogrammed appropriations.
It was issued in line with Section 1 (d) of XLIII of the General Appropriations Act 2024, an “inserted” provision on unprogrammed appropriations.
Both the DOF Circular No. 003-2024 and Section 1 (d) of XLIII of the General Appropria-
tions Act 2024 are being sought to be declared unconstitutional for violating the people’s right to health.
The petitioners insisted that PhilHealth has no excess funds considering that the promise to fully finance universal health care under the Universal Health Act (UHA) remains unfulfilled since its passage five years ago.
“More so, there clearly is a deficit of care and compassion from this administration. Redirecting these vital funds away from healthcare is a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us,” the 38-page petition read.
“The future of millions of Filipinos hangs in the balance, and the petitioners implore the Honorable Supreme Court to act now to protect the citizens’ right to health and the promise of a better tomorrow,” it added.
The petitioners asked the Court to issue a temporary restraining order or a status quo ante order/writ of preliminary injunction as immediate relief pending the resolution of the petition on the merit.
The immediate relief is necessary, according to the petitioners, to preserve or restore the status prior to the transfer of the P20 billion in May 2024.
This would also prohibit the DOF from further implementing Circular No. 003-2024
Named respondents in the petition were the House of Representatives, represented by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, represented by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero; Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; and PhilHealth, represented by its President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.
The petitioners lamented that no consultations were made by the government prior to the transfer of the funds.
The petitioners argued such inserted provision of the 2024 GAA is unconstitutional for being a rider, which violates Article VI, Section 25 (2) and Section 26 (1) of the Constitution.
Section 26 (1) of the Constitution, on the other hand, states: “Every bill passed by Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof.”
“Despite Congress being vested with the powers of appropriation, the Constitution demands that the
expenditure of these funds have distinct ‘items’, qualifications, limitations, or conditions to which they are subject. The provision fails to meet this criteria, making it unconstitutional,” the petitioners said. By diverting the funds to the unappropriated programs of the national budget, Congress has given the Executive branch the discretion to decide how to spend funds which have been earmarked specifically for the implementation of the UHA, the petition said.
Petitioners said the DOF circular violates Article VI, Section 29 (3) of the Constitution: “All money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only.”
The transfer, said petitioners, also violates Republic Act 11346, which earmarks revenues from excise taxes on tobacco products and sugar-sweetened beverages for PhilHealth’s initiatives in line with UHA.
“Reclaiming subsidies meant for the disadvantaged population
places an unbearable burden on those already struggling,” the petitioners stressed.
The PMA was joined by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, Dr. Ma. Dominga Padilla, and the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, among others, as petitioners.
Recto: Ready for questions
IN a statement on Friday afternoon, DOF’s Recto said: “While we have yet to receive a copy of the petition and read its contents, we respect the right of the petitioners to seek clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the legality of the PhilHealth unused subsidy [fund balance].”
The DOF, he added, is “ready to answer any question on the legality of DOF Department Circular 003-2024 which is an implementation of a direct mandatory Congressional order under Section XLIII (1) (d) Republic Act No. 11975, or the General Appropriations Act 2024. Further, legal due diligence was exer-
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Under the leadership of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, who co-chairs the BOI, the investment promotion agency highlighted that it has seen “significant growth in approved investments in sectors critical to national development.”
“Notably, the agency surpassed the trillion-peso mark with projects in renewable energy and agribusiness, supported by investments from a US equity fund and a major food conglomerate, among others,” the BOI also noted.
Rodolfo emphasized that the BOI is “committed to continuing the vision of Secretary Pascual for industrialization and the development of innovation- and sustainability-driven industries here in the Philippines.”
“This legacy of attracting strategic investments is a testament to Secretary Pascual’s push for economic development,” he added.
For his part, Pascual, who is set to step down as DTI chief on August 2, said, “These investment approvals underscore our unwavering commitment to fostering a robust and dynamic economic environment.”
“As we continue to attract significant investments, we lay the groundwork for sustainable growth that will benefit all Filipinos. It has been an honor to contribute to this legacy of economic progress as I prepare to step down from my role,” the outgoing DTI secretary underscored.
cised through coordination with the Governance Commission of GOCCs (GCG), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and the Commission on Audit (COA), all of whom have issued a favorable opinion on its legality.” He reiterated his conviction that “public health deserves the full support of the government—a position which I have maintained in my three decades in Congress. I want to make it clear that I never opposed any recommendations to reduce PhilHealth member contributions.”
Recto said: “I reiterate that whatever measures by the government to source financing for its programs and projects are undertaken consistent with the belief that its capacity to address the primary needs of our people—including health—is not compromised. This is borne out by the fact that the President has already announced that the PhilHealth will enhance its benefits, with improved medical aid packages for a broad range of illnesses, such as pneumonia, hypertension, and cancer.”
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s vision for a “sustainable” Bagong Pilipinas, the BOI said it saw significant approvals in the renewable energy sector.
These include the P297-billion Pakil Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project and the P114.7billion Guimaras Strait Offshore Wind Power Projects. This “milestone” was facilitated by revised rules removing nationality restrictions on renewable energy investments, the BOI noted.
In addition, the agency underscored that renewable energy projects are helping reduce the high-power consumption typically associated with manufacturing operations like cement production. BOI said this focus on sustainability and efficiency is also attracting a wave of foreign investment.
“The proactive engagement of various investment promotion agencies has led to the registration of high-profile projects by companies like Optum (Cebu), Atento, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Macquarie Green Investment Group,” said the BOI.
As for the domestic investments, which BOI noted “equally fueled” the growth narrative, these include SteelAsia’s P92-billion investment in steel mills and Mega Prime Foods’ facility in Batangas. Moreover, the Wawa Dam project will supply over 710 million liters of water daily to Metro Manila and Rizal by 2025.
Meanwhile, the BOI unveiled DTI’s initiatives related to attracting and processing investments.
Under its Angat Negosyo vision, the DTI said it is spearheading efforts to enhance the ease of doing business by streamlining and digitalizing institutional and regulatory requirements. These measures, it noted, aim to improve the speed and efficiency of business processes, particularly for strategic investments.
In parallel, the Asenso Trabaho thrust focuses on creating an attractive investment climate, promoting trade agreements, and facilitating partnerships between domestic and foreign businesses. These initiatives are crucial in fostering a thriving business ecosystem that drives economic growth and job creation, said the BOI.
“The BOI, in collaboration with other government agencies, remains dedicated to sustaining this upward trajectory, ensuring that the Philippines remains an attractive hub for both local and foreign investors,” the investment promotion agency noted.
The BOI said it also supported projects by Collins Aerospace, Dyson, and Nitori Holdings Co. Major developments include Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipbuilding project with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Endec’s Hyperscaler Data Center, and Taehiyo Cement’s modernized Cebu facility. FedEx’s expansion at Clark, Pampanga, aims to transform the area into a premier logistics hub, it also noted.
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“Many have shifted to online shopping from traditional transactions. There are a lot of transactions that the BIR is not able to capture, so that’s why we are focused on taxing those in the online selling platforms,” Lumagui told reporters on the sidelines of the 120th anniversary of the BIR.
Apart from the already “challenging” revenue targets to be raised this year, Lumagui said online sellers who have the mentality that they cannot be taxed also pose a challenge.
The BIR chief said a more aggressive campaign is needed to raise awareness among the public on who should register their businesses and pay their taxes for equal treatment among taxpayers.
Lumagui said the BIR will run after those who “flex” their earnings on social media, particularly those who claim they are billionaires at such a young age.
“I hope they will register and pay their taxes to show that they are helping the country by paying their taxes,” Lumagui added.
Recto: Leverage digitalization
FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto told the BIR to leverage digitalization to promote the ease of paying taxes.
“I am sticking to my guns that more revenues can be raised by simplifying, shortening, streamlining and speeding up the process, without leaving the government shortchanged, than a slew of higher, newer tax laws,” Recto said. Recto encouraged the BIR to keep up its digitalization initiatives such as the Online Registration Update System, the Optimized Knowledge Management for Chatbot Review, and the Electronic One-Time Transaction System to ensure efficient tax collection.
To plug tax leakages and loopholes, Recto emphasized the need
for stronger coordination through data-sharing between government agencies.
The Swift Corporate and Other Records Exchange (Score) Protocol—the pilot project of the BIR and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—as such, allows data-sharing to monitor the records of registered corporations. Recto said this would be a key to a successful rollout of the proposed imposition of value-added tax (VAT) on digital services and other new tax laws in the future.
The BIR started imposing withholding taxes on sellers and merchants in electronic marketplaces on July 15, 2024.
“In the next few years, hopefully, it will be easier to raise revenues, especially with all the changes we are implementing. I think our performance in the coming years would be good,” Lumagui said. The BIR has collected P1.36 trillion as of end-June 2024.]
Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug
By Andrea E. San Juan
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Ma. Cristina Aldeguer Roque as Acting Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday, as the resignation of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual took effect.
Roque is currently the Undersecretary for DTI’s Micro,Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Group.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Roque has been “instrumental” in leading the MSME Development Group within DTI, executing various programs and initiatives focused on MSMEs.
In a statement on Friday, PCO said Roque oversees “critical” areas including the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Bureau of Marketing Development and Promotions, the OTOP Program Management Office, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Management Office.
Moreover, she manages the operations of the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) and the Cooperative Development Authority.
Meanwhile, Marcos emphasized the importance of DTI and the need for capable leadership.
According to PCO, the president said the DTI plays a “pivotal role in our nation’s economic growth, particularly in supporting MSMEs.”
With this, Marcos noted Roque’s “dedication and leadership” in the MSME sector “make her an excellent choice for the position.”
The President also expressed his gratitude to outgoing Trade chief Pascual for his service and contributions to the department.
Business groups earlier paid tribute to Pascual and cited his focus on MSMEs.
For one, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina V. Mangio said, “We have high respect for Sec. Pascual for his dedication and hard work in promoting MSMEs to the core.”
Mangio said PCCI and DTI have “closely been working” on initiatives such as MSME resilience program, educating MSMEs on the importance of intellectual property rights, among others.
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) also thanked Pascual for his service to promote economic growth in the country and particularly his focus on supporting MSMEs. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/08/01/ business-groups-thank-pascual-hope-new-dti-chief-willstill-focus-on-msmes/).
By Butch Fernandez
THREE and a half years after its passage, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Law, for all its noble intentions, is facing problems in financing and “alarming” gaps between those who enroll in the program and those who complete it. Many key provisions have yet to be fully implemented, members of a congressional panel have learned.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who cochaired the Second Congressional Committee on Education (Edcom 2) hearing on August 1, summed up the woes bedeviling the ALS, which was enacted to give millions of otherwise qualified people a chance to complete their schooling despite facing problems that bar them from attending classes like most regular students. Gatchalian was joined at the the Commission meeting by Executive Director Fr. Jerome Marquez; PBSP Executive Director Elvin Uy; Dr. Marie Therese Angeline Bustos, director of the Assessment, Curriculum, and Technology Research Centre (ACTRC); and representatives from the Department of Education led by Director Marilette Almayda of the Bureau of Alternative Education. ALS teachers from select schools also participated in the public hearing as resource persons, together with Unicef, ACTRC, US Agency for International Development and Phils Opportunity 2.0/EDC. ALS is a parallel learning system that provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction that aims to provide out-of-school children and adults with opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare for higher education, work, or selfemployment.
Gap between enrollees, completers
EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee presented concerning trends in ALS enrollment and completion rates. This is on top of the implementation woes
WBy Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
ITH the good feedback received by the coin deposit machines (CoDMs), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is looking to deploy 25 more machines next year.
However, the plan to double the CoDMs this year will have to be pushed to 2025, according to BSP Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
“Hindi na kakayanin. [It cannot be done this year],” Romulo-Puyat told reporters on the sidelines of the 2024 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony on Friday.
regarding budget and financing, and challenges regarding the enrollment-completion ratio of learners in ALS.
Data from DepEd showed an average enrollment of 600,000 annually, with the majority of the learners enrolled in the A&E Secondary Program. However, it also reflected an alarming disparity between the number of learners who enroll in ALS and those who successfully complete the program, with only 302,807 completers out of 655,517 enrollees of SY 2023-2024.
Many learners face socioeconomic barriers that prevent them from finishing the program, such as the lack of financial support, the need to work, lack of interest, vices, marriage, and bullying. These challenges result in high dropout rates, undermining the program’s mission to provide accessible education to all.
Moreover, despite annual increases in targeted ALS learners— rising by 1.5 times per year—the growth of the program’s enrollment figures does not align with the estimated 5 million potential learners aged 17 to 24 who are out of school. Recent data showed that only 224,885 learners are currently counted in the ALS system, a mere 9 percent of the estimated out-of-school-youths.
Issues hound financing AT the same time, governance and financing issues further complicate ALS implementation. While RA 11510 allows Local School Boards to use the Special Education Fund (SEF) for ALS programs, some LGUs still adhere to DepEdDBM-DILG Joint Circular No. 1, s.2020, which limits their ability to charge ALS-related expenses to SEF. This dependency restricts the allocation of necessary resources for ALS.
Budgetary constraints are also evident. The proposed budget by the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) does not accurately
Romulo-Puyat said the cities of Cebu, Davao, Naga, Pampanga, and Baguio are being considered as sites to locate and operate the CoDMs.
Currently, 25 CoDMs are spread out in various malls and groceries of SM and Robinsons chains in Metro Manila.
“We are on track because supposed to be, we have to test the 25 CoDMs for two years but due to
the clamor, we will place it all over the country,” Romulo-Puyat said.
Romulo-Puyat said there are two conditions that have to be met when establishing CoDMs in various locations: stable internet connectivity and speedy retrieval of deposited coins.
The internet connection must be stable since once a depositor loads the coins into the machine, it has to be credited immediately to their e-wallet.
The coins deposited could be converted into e-wallet credit and SM shopping vouchers.
Moreover, Romulo-Puyat said depositors usually can no longer load their coins as early as noon, as the CoDMs already exceed their capacity by then, which is why a retriever is needed to get the coins immediately.
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
AS the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of the Marcos administration celebrates its first anniversary this month, it has visited Eastern Visayas, distributing a total of P1.26 billion worth of government services and financial aid to 253,000 beneficiaries—the largest in the history of the service caravan.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, one of the main proponents of the BPSF, expressed his satisfaction with the program’s accomplishments.
The Serbisyo Caravan in Tacloban City, which concluded on Saturday, marked the 21st event of its kind since the program began last year.
This BPSF event was regionwide, a milestone for the program, with the main Serbisyo Fair held in Tacloban and mini-BPSFs simultaneously occurring in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.
“We are immensely proud of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’
Marcos Jr.’s program, which has reached countless compatriots in remote provinces. This is the essence of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign—bringing government services closer to the people,” said Romualdez.
“I believe we have and will continue to fulfill the President’s vision. We will bring this mega Serbisyo Fair nationwide, visiting all provinces and major cities to provide aid directly to the people,” added Romualdez.
The BPSF in Tacloban also saw the highest number of attending government officials: 241 House members, 12 governors, three vice governors, nine mayors, and 16 officials from the Executive Department.
The opening ceremony at the Leyte Sports Development Center Grandstand drew thousands of attendees.
“This BPSF for Eastern Visayas is like a Thanksgiving celebration, marking a year of direct service and aid to our compatriots in remote areas. Our BPSF has been truly blessed by God due
Data from the BSP showed the CoDMs have collected P831.774 million as of July 15, 2024, after a year since its rollout on June 20, 2023. In terms of pieces, the BSP said 223.021 million pieces of coins have been deposited, higher by 5.35 percent than the 211.690 million pieces of coins deposited as of June 23, 2024. Transactions made through the CoDMs reached 202,110 deposits since its launch. Deposits also increased by 5.37 percent from the 191,804 transactions recorded as of June 23, 2024.
to its success,” Romualdez said.
“We aim for the BPSF to visit all 82 provinces of the Philippines so that everyone can experience how President Marcos’s administration brings public service closer to the people,” he continued.
House Deputy Secretary-General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada reported that 56 national government agencies participated in the region-wide service caravan, offering over 328 services to more than 253,000 beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas.
A total of P1.26 billion worth of programs and services were rolled out to Eastern Visayas residents, P807 million of which was cash assistance.
Gabonada noted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted and will continue cash aid payouts across Region VIII, expected to reach over 140,000 individuals.
Other region-wide activities included various scholarship programs by the Commission on
The BSP launched the CoDMs across the Greater Manila Area to encourage the public to deposit their idle coins in the machines and to promote efficient coin recirculation in the country, thus cutting costs of producing more coins. The benefits of the innovative program were cited in a BusinessMirror editorial on August 1: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/08/01/coins-depositmachines-drive-coin-recirculation-and-financial-inclusion/.
Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), alongside livelihood assistance for eligible clients across Eastern Visayas.
A Pagkakaisa Concert, expected to draw 50,000 spectators, was scheduled for Friday night at the RTR Plaza in Tacloban City with free admission.
A total of 8,500 beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas received rice, educational, and livelihood assistance under three programs at the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. Romualdez has been a main proponent of the Cash Assistance and Rice Distribution (CARD) Program, the Start-up, Incentives, Business Opportunity, and Livelihood (SIBOL), and the Integrated Scholarship and Incentives for the Youth (ISIP for the Youth).
“When a Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair visits a place, we also implement CARD, Sibol, and Isip to assist sectors not covered by major social protection programs like the 4Ps,” Romualdez said.
“We launched these programs to help sectors like senior citizens, PWDs, single parents, IPs, students, and small entrepreneurs struggling with daily challenges. This is President Marcos’s goal— to reach out to all who need help,” he added.
All three programs utilize funds from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program (AKAP).
The CARD Program provided 3,000 beneficiaries in Eastern Samar with P5,000 and 20 kilograms of rice each during a ceremony at the Tacloban City Astrodome on Friday.
The Sibol Program aims to support small entrepreneurs coping with rising costs, encouraging start-ups to alleviate poverty and provide sustainable opportunities. A total of 2,500 beneficiaries from Eastern Visayas each received P5,000 in cash aid and 5 kilograms of rice at Leyte Normal University on Friday.
The Isip for the Youth Program, a financial assistance initiative for struggling college students, saw 3,000 student-beneficiaries each receive P5,000 and 5 kilograms of rice in Tacloban City. Beneficiaries will also be enrolled in CHED’s Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) and DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP).
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Philippine Navy conducted back-to-back bilateral maritime naval exercises with treaty allies the United States and Japan in the West Philippine Sea. Vietnam, which also claims the South China Sea, is also set to have joint military exercises with the Philippines.
PHL-US exercises off Leslie Bank ON July 31, Gregorio del Pilarclass patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz and Independence-class
littoral combat ship USS Mobile participated in the Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) off Leslie Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine and US navies executed tactical maneuvers for diversionary tactics, complex formations, patrol operations, advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance deployments via Seahawk helicopters.
A US Seahawk helicopter also conducted a low pass over BRP Ramon Alcaraz and US littoral combat ship USS Mobile in formation during the completion
of the photo exercise.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said these exercises “not only enhance operational readiness and tactical skills but also reinforce our mutual commitment to regional stability and security.”
“It is clear that our combined efforts are crucial in securing a safer future for all, proving that collaboration is the key to enduring peace and security,” the AFP said in its Facebook post.
PHL-Japan exercises in WPS
THE following day, on August 2, the Philippine Navy and the
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted its first bilateral MCA, also in the West Philippine Sea.
This is the first time the Philippines and Japan held a war games after the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement was signed last month.
Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Jose Rizal and Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami conducted a communications exercise, tactical maneuvering and photographic exercise.
“This collaborative exercise enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine Navy and
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
ROYAL Canadian Navy frig-
ate HMCS Montreal docked in Manila Friday for a port visit, drawing the ire of China after transiting the Taiwan Strait.
Montreal’s commanding officer, Commander Travis Bain, said he did not see anything wrong with passing through the Taiwian Strait on their way to the Philippines because there is freedom of navigation in the area.
“The HMCS Montreal [went] on its 31st transit to the Taiwan Strait. Part of what we are here to do is we are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We transited lawfully to international waters and in doing so we followed all the rules and regulations. The conduct from the PLAN as well as with other navies was professional
and we proceeded through, bound to our visit here in Manila,” Bain said during the press conference on board the vessel.
China’s People’s Liberation Army said the transit of Montreal was “provocative,” and “disturbs the situation and undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”
Before coming to the Philippines, Montreal and USS Ralph Johnson conducted bilateral operations in the East China Sea. Last month, Montreal participated in the maritime cooperative activity (MCA) or joint sail in the West Philippine Sea, together with the United States, Japan and the Philippines.
A day after the multilateral MCA, Philippine and Chinese maritime forces clash in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Montreal’ s deployment to Manila is part of Canada’s newest strategic policy of deploying forward presence in the Indo-Pacific region to “promote peace and stability in support of a rules-based international order,” Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman said.
Canada, like the United States, has been supporting the Philippines in its advocacy for the rule of law to prevail, including adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal.
Montreal is one of the 12 Halifax-class frigates of the Canadian Navy and one of the most advanced warship designs in the world. Equipped with CH148 Cyclone maritime helicopter, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors, it can do both combat and humanitarian
disaster rescue operations.
During their port visit in Manila, Canadian Navy sailors will have professional development and training opportunities with the Philippine Navvy, community outreach, and local engagements including a friendly game of ice hockey and an exchange between cooks of the ship and the Philippine Navy.
In the coming months, two more Canadian ships will hold port visits to Manila.
Among its 250 sailors, there are four of Filipino descent, including Petty Officer 2nd class Nicole Fabella.
Fabella, who hails from Zamboanga City, migrated to Canada when she was 4 years old. She said she is happy to return to the Philippines, and get the chance to meet her relatives.
By Roderick L. Abad
ELEVEN people were found dead after a fire gutted a 5-storey residential-cumcommercial building along the corner of Nueva and Carvajal Streets in Binondo, Manila, authorities said Friday.
The Bureau of Fire Protection-
National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) confirmed the number of fatalities that was initially reported by community official Nelson Ty of Barangay 289 Zone 27 where the building is located, during a radio interview.
the JMSDF....The JMSDF and the PN are dedicated to promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order,” the AFP said in its Facebook post.
PHL-Vietnam Coast Guard joint exercise
VIETNAM’S Defense Ministry said it has dispatched a coast guard vessel to the Philippines for a joint training exercise. Hanoi also claims the whole South China Sea. Despite competing claims,
Manila and Hanoi have forged a “strategic partnership” in 2015 that includes maritime cooperation.
In a joint statement issued after the signing in 2015, the Philippines and Vietnam said joint maritime cooperation may include maintaining a hotline between Vietnam and Philippine Coast Guards and implement cooperation initiatives such as oil spill and search and rescue at sea.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm if the Philippine-Vietnam joint exercises will push through.
Bong Go backs livelihood programs for communities in crisis; aids micro-entreps
SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go personally provided livelihood support to 267 microentrepreneurs who had previously been impacted by flooding caused by shearlines.
At the Davao Oriental State University (DORSU) in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
Go’s team also distributed grocery packs, snacks, masks, shirts, and basketballs and volleyballs to the beneficiaries. Select recipients also received a cell phone, a watch, shoes, and a bicycle.
The recipients are also beneficiaries of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program that Go continues to support. Through this program, they received livelihood kits.
According to him, he was informed by the building’s security guard that the incident started at an eatery on the ground floor due to a leaked liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in its kitchen.
The mixed-use building was used by the vendors as a storage for their goods at night, he said.
Fire Senior Inspector Michael Ignacio, chief of operations of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Manila, said the victims were mostly women who may have perished due to suffocation.
Ty revealed that the wife of the building’s owner was among the casualties, when she tried to salvage items from the blaze but was trapped.
Six of the victims were found on the mezzanine floor, and the other five on the second story, lying on their beds.
Per Ignacio, it would be difficult for them to escape since the windows in the building had grills.
Likewise, they did not see a secondary exit in the building, he added.
Reports from the BFP-NCR and the Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office showed the first alarm was declared at 7:28 a.m., and less than an hour later the second alarm was raised at 8:14 a.m.
A total of 14 fire trucks responded to the fire, which was contained by the firefighters at 9:31 a.m., and was declared out at 10:03 a.m.
The fire bureau said that they are still investigating if the structure is registered and with a permit to operate as a residential building.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has ordered building and fire officials to inspect all structures in the city, particularly buildings that are at least 15 years old and are highly susceptible to fire.
DFA tells Pinoysin Bangladeshto be on alert
THE Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos in Bangladesh to be vigilant and keep their passports and residence visas within reach in case violence deteriorates in the south
Asian country and they decide to leave.
More than 200 people died and thousands were injured after weeks of peaceful student protests over quota system for government jobs turned violent on July 15.
There are around 700 Filipinos in Bangladesh.
“The security situation can deteriorate without warning,” the DFA said.
This is why the DFA placed Bangladesh under Crisis Alert Level 1 or “precautionary phase.
Under Crisis Alert Level 1, Filipinos are advised to exercise precaution and restrict non-essential movement. They should also remain vigilant, monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities.
“Always be in possession of valid passports and residence visas,” the DFA said.
If their Philippine passports or residence visas have already expired, they must contact the
Philippine Embassy in Dhaka here:
Email address:dhaka.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Emergency hotlines: (+880) 190.540.0079 (SMS, Calls, Whatsapp & Viber)
Facebook/Messenger: PhinBangladesh Malou Talosig-Bartolome
Go had pushed for DTI’s PPG program during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to help boost the livelihood of communities affected by crises. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help uplift individuals and families, particularly those engaged in micro-enterprises, who have been adversely affected by health disasters like epidemics and pandemics, calamities such as fires, typhoons, armed conflicts, and the like.
Meanwhile, he expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the local governments of Davao Oriental, acknowledging the present
officials such as Mati City Councilor Xander “Bong” Alcantara, Lupon Councilor Don Montojo, and Provincial Director of DTI Davao Oriental Ma. Joycelyn Banlasan, among others, in supporting their constituents, especially during challenging times. As head of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go highlighted the importance of the Malasakit Center at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in the city, urging residents to take advantage of the medical assistance available for impoverished patients. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. The Department of Health reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more or less 10 million Filipinos. Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also played a pivotal role in securing funding for several infrastructure projects in Mati City’s development, such as the construction of a multipurpose building and a sports complex in Barangay Don Martin Marundan, several road improvements, the rehabilitation of Buso Hot Spring Park, and the creation of a public eco-tourism park and botanical garden, among others.
reflect the per capita cost assumptions for each ALS learner, with an allocation of about P634 million. It is instead evenly distributed across regions at P7 million each, regardless of the actual number of ALS learners. DepEd has noted that the policy is being amended this year using a new formula.
THE Commission also found a lack of support for ALS teachers. ALS teachers face additional challenges due to the absence of unique training programs tailored specifically to their needs. Unlike their counterparts in the formal education system, ALS teachers do not have access to specialized professional development programs that address the unique contexts and challenges of alternative learning.
Currently, the majority of ALS teachers are DepEd Mobile Teachers and District ALS Coordinators (DALCs), and individual volunteers.
Angamingteachers ayregular senior high
school teachers, at hindi po nila alam kung paanoi-implement ang ALS. [Our teachers are regular senior high school teachers, and they don’t know how to implement ALS],” noted Teacher Madelaine from SDO Dasmarinas. Edcom 2 Standing Committee member Fr. Jerome Marquez highlighted the teachers as a crucial aspect of the ALS program: “It’s the teacher that creates the sense of belonging that enrolees seek, especially the adolescents and youth—and that is what ALS is. If we get lost there, we lose the sense of education,” he said, partly in Filipino, while emphasizing the essential role of educators in fostering connection and support within ALS. Gatchalian, the author of the ALS Act and Edcom 2 Co-chair, stressed that proper implementation of the law is essential for the program to succeed.”The ALS Act was carefully crafted to strengthen ALS without making it an incentive for young people to take rather than education. The ALS was a program long before but we institutionalized it to strengthen and to put more
said.
By Ferdinand Patinio
city government of Manila is looking at enhancing health programs for some 180,000 elderly citizens to ensure their well-being.
TIME and again, we are advised to forget the past and just focus on the future and similar other admonitions. But being an old obstinate fellow, I keep going back to the past. I like to revisit and, re-imagine certain events or episodes I encounter in books and speculating on possibilities about them. I have what natives call “malikot na utak,” and for me history contains many “what ifs.”
In his book the “Grand Design,” the late Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, wrote: “The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities. The universe, according to quantum physics, has no single past, or history.”
If this is so, then allow me to speculate and imagine an alternate version of a certain episode in the history of our young unfinished nation.
Recently, I was re-reading “The Great Malayan,” a short but substantive biography of Jose Rizal by the late distinguished historian Carlos Quirino.
Chapter 13 specially caught my attention. There Quirino tells us that sometime in 1891, Rizal was in exile in Hong Kong, unable to enter the Philippines because he was deemed a wanted man by the Spanish authorities. With him were members of his family including his parents.
But despite the bright prospects of setting up a lucrative medical practice in Hong Kong and being with his family, Rizal could not get the plight of the oppressed tenant farmers of Calamba out of his mind.
So it was at that point that he began to consider seriously the idea of establishing a Filipino colony in Borneo, which was then under British protectorate.
“So taken up was Rizal with the colonization project” Quirino continues, “that he even made a short visit to Sandakan in North Borneo. British officials badly in need of settlers to develop the sparsely populated region gladly accepted Rizal’s proposal.”
In his essay “Fragmented Filipinos: Rizal’s Dream to Build a Filipino Colony in North Borneo in 1892”Vicente Del Rio adds more details: “Rizal proposed to lease at least 5,000 acres of land with an option to purchase thousands of acres more in North Borneo for 950 years where he could relocate his family and the evicted farmers of Calamba and devote themselves to build an agricultural settlement with him serving as the leader. Settlers would not render free labor nor be forced to serve in military unless there is a territorial threat. They would autonomously rule themselves with their own laws under the safeguard of the Company.”
Rizal planned to call the proposed settlement Nueva Calamba (New Calamba).
But as we now know, nothing came out of that envisioned new colony, for many reasons that I can’t elaborate in this short piece.
Instead he returned to the Philippines and as every elementary school student knows, was later executed by firing squad in Luneta on December 30, 1896.
In his article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on November 14, 2014.
“Why did Dr. Jose Rizal return to the Philippines?” Rodel Rodis painted a scene where “as he faced the firing squad in Luneta, Rizal’s thoughts must have drifted to images of the thriving, progressive colony of Calamba tenant farmers flourishing in British North Borneo. If only…”
Like Mr. Rodis with his intriguing “if only,” a lot of alternative “what if” scenarios have since then continued to play in my head.
What if that plan pushed through and then Spanish Governor General Despujol gave his permission (that would have kept Rizal in exile for a long time)? He would then have assumed leadership of the settlement. Most likely, Rizal and the would-be Filipino settlers could have easily transformed the wilderness of Sandakan into a productive thriving agricultural estate.
While Nueva Calamba would be part ofBritish North Borneo, it would have some degree of autonomy. There, native Filipinos (indios) would have had their first taste of freedom while learning the rudiments of self-government.
If he made the decision to live in Sabah rather than go back to the Philippines, Rizal would have evaded being executed. That alone would have changed the course of our nation’s history.
Rizal would not have completely abandoned his motherland. Even from a distance, he would have continued to inspire the Katipuneros to rise up in arms against Spain in 1898. Most probably Rizal would have secretly entered Philippine territory through the southern backdoor to join the armed struggle. Aguinaldo and Bonifacio would have then rallied around his leadership. Widely respected, Rizal would most probably have been elected as the first president of the newborn Philippine Republic instead of Aguinaldo.
With the Americans successfully occupying Manila after the Spanish-American war, Rizal as president would have gone in exile in Sabah Borneo together with his cabinet.
Through the might of his pen, Rizal would have used his connections in Europe to help turn his country’s plight into an international “cause célèbre.” Most probably, public opinion in the United States would have compelled the US government to grant independence to the Philippines even sooner.
Meanwhile, the Nueva Calamba’s population would have increased, as more native Filipinos from the archipelago would surely have come to settle there. With its large Filipino population, it would have become strong enough to declare itself an independent state and probably re-named Rizaliana. With the agreement of the Sultanate of Sulu, the original owners of Sabah, it would have annexed itself to the Philippines as an autonomous region under the Filipino government based in Manila. In an alternate world or parallel universe each of the speculated scenarios might have happened. We would then be extolling Rizal as the country’s first President with the same high regard given to heroic figures like George Washington, Sun Yat Sen or Nelson Mandela.
The permutations of potential scenarios are endless, limited only by our imagination. As Hawking pointed out: “Quantum physics tells us that no matter how thorough our observation of the present, the (unobserved) past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities.”
In her State of the City Address on July 30, Mayor Honey Lacuna said studies are underway on methods to complement the city’s existing interventions to prolong the life expectancy and ensure the quality of life of residents who are in their twilight years.
“Through policies on food, exercise, clean air and environment, among others, these are the real intention of the health programs of ‘Magnificent Manila’. Despite the need to tighten our finances, we finished what we started and we launched more programs that are needed by most Manilenyos,” she said.
Lacuna, a medical doctor, said she had always prioritized healthcare by empowering the city’s health cluster back when she served as vice mayor.
The city’s health cluster, which Lacuna started to manage during the coronavirus pandemic, include
the Manila Health Department and the six hospitals being run by the local government, all of which provide free health services for residents.
She said the Ospital ng Tondo, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Ospital ng Sampaloc and Sta. Ana Hospital, along with the Manila Health Department, are already ISO (International Organization for Standardization)-certified.
“The ISO certification is an assurance of high quality for our health services and an organized system of our hospitals. This is proof that in terms of health, our city is slowly becoming world class,” she said.
Lacuna said the city’s more than 40 health centers are capable of simple laboratory tests for blood, cholesterol, and urinalysis, among others.
Each health center also has its own electrocardiogram (ECG) and
ultrasound services for pregnant women so that they no longer need to go to hospitals and private laboratories or clinics.
The city also has portable vans providing free dental X-ray, mobile laboratory and X-ray services while residents are also receiving free maintenance medicines, Lacuna said.
Kids, teens’ health MEANWHILE, the city also launched the “Walang Batang Manileñong Bungi sa 2030,” where Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils are given fluoride and sealants to keep their teeth healthy.
Initially, over 100 high school students have been given free dental braces and dentures. Meanwhile, the mayor said the city government is bringing the “Responsable Ako: Huwag Maging Biba [Batang Ina, Batang Ama]” adolescent health program to various high schools to address teenage pregnancy. It is complemented by the “Ang Bata, Bata, Planado kang Ginawa Safe Motherhood Program”. Lacuna said under the safe motherhood program, family planning acceptors had increased from 36,000 to 157,872 following its launch last year. PNA
Blood tests for Alzheimer’s may be coming to your doctor’s office. Here’s what to know
By Lauran Neergaard Ap Medical Writer
WASHINGTON—New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday—zbut some appear to work far better than others.
It’s tricky to tell if memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s. That requires confirming one of the disease’s hallmark signs— buildup of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid—with a hard-to-get brain scan or uncomfortable spinal tap. Many patients instead are diagnosed based on symptoms and cognitive exams.
Labs have begun offering a variety of tests that can detect certain signs of Alzheimer’s in blood. Scientists are excited by their potential but the tests aren’t widely used yet because there’s little data to guide doctors about which kind to order and when. The US Food and Drug Administration hasn’t formally approved any of them and there’s little insurance coverage.
“What tests can we trust?” asked Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis who is part of a research project examining that. While some are very accurate, “other tests are not much better than a flip of a coin.”
Demand for earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis is increasing MORE than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Its telltale “biomarkers” are brain-clogging amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein that leads to neuronkilling tangles.
New drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, can modestly slow worsening symptoms by removing gunky amyloid from the brain. But they only work in the earliest stages of
Alzheimer’s and proving patients qualify in time can be difficult. Measuring amyloid in spinal fluid is invasive. A special PET scan to spot plaques is costly and getting an appointment can take months.
Even specialists can struggle to tell if Alzheimer’s or something else is to blame for a patient’s symptoms.
“I have patients not infrequently who I am convinced have Alzheimer’s disease and I do testing and it’s negative,” Schindler said.
New study suggests blood tests for Alzheimer’s can be simpler and faster
Blood tests so far have been used mostly in carefully controlled research settings. But a new study of about 1,200 patients in Sweden shows they also can work in the realworld bustle of doctors’ offices—especially primary care doctors who see far more people with memory problems than specialists but have fewer tools to evaluate them.
In the study, patients who visited either a primary care doctor or a specialist for memory complaints got an initial diagnosis using traditional exams, gave blood for testing and were sent for a confirmatory spinal tap or brain scan.
Blood testing was far more accurate, Lund University researchers reported Sunday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia. The primary care doctors’ initial diagnosis was 61 percent accurate and the specialists’ 73 percent—but the blood test was 91 percent accurate, according to the findings, which also were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Which blood tests for Alzheimer’s work best?
THERE’S almost “a wild West” in the variety being offered, said Dr. John Hsiao of the National Institute on Aging. They measure different biomarkers, in different ways.
Doctors and researchers should only use blood tests proven to have a greater than 90 percent accuracy rate, said Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo.
Today’s tests most likely to meet that benchmark measure are what are called p-tau217, Carrillo and Hsiao agreed. Schindler helped lead an unusual direct comparison of several kinds of blood tests, funded by
the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, that came to the same conclusion. That type of test measures a form of tau that correlates with how much plaque buildup someone has, Schindler explained. A high level signals a strong likelihood the person has Alzheimer’s while a low level indicates that’s probably not the cause of memory loss.
Several companies are developing p-tau217 tests including ALZpath Inc., Roche, Eli Lilly and C2N Diagnostics, which supplied the version used in the Swedish study. Who should use blood tests for Alzheimer’s?
ONLY doctors can order them from labs. The Alzheimer’s Association is working on guidelines and several companies plan to seek FDA approval, which would clarify proper use.
For now, Carrillo said doctors should use blood testing only in people with memory problems, after checking the accuracy of the type they order.
Especially for primary care physicians, “it really has great potential to help them in sorting out who to give a reassuring message and who to send on to memory specialists,” said Dr. Sebastian Palmqvist of Lund University, who led the Swedish study with Lund’s Dr. Oskar Hansson.
The tests aren’t yet for people who don’t have symptoms but worry about Alzheimer’s in the family—unless it’s part of enrollment in research studies, Schindler stressed.
That’s partly because amyloid buildup can begin two decades before the first sign of memory problems, and so far there are no preventive steps other than basic advice to eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep. But there are studies underway testing possible therapies for people at high risk of Alzheimer’s, and some include blood testing.
THE Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) celebrated the conferment of degrees on 1,016 undergraduate students on Friday, July 26.
Its system-wide commencement ceremony at the Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo was marked by a significant announcement from commencement speaker Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino, who pledged a P50million donation to construct a microbiology laboratory primarily for experiential learning, research, and innovation.
Tolentino also committed funding for the purchase of a boat or a training ship—a key prerequisite for the potential re-application and revival of maritime courses. As he highlighted the importance of the donation, the lawmaker assured of the project’s implementation next year. He emphasized that both the microbiology laboratory and the maritime vessel are crucial for the university’s mission to produce globally competitive and empowered graduates in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology.
“In the near future, I foresee a leading university not just in fisheries, but also in other disciplines—including maritime transportation and microbiology education,” the senator stated. “The world awaits your brilliance. Embrace the moment, value the process of the journey, and maximize the opportunity to serve our country.”
He remarked that he sees “a group of young graduates dedicated to a bright future, [a] faculty dedicated to imparting knowledge, and a vibrant community showing the world that the Filipino is one of the best. So, give your best, bigay todo [give it your all] always.”
Rep. Ferjenel Biron of Iloilo’s Fourth District praised ISUFST president Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. for his leadership in transforming the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) into ISUFST within a short period: “Let education remain the
only weapon to change your world,” he advised the graduates, while he reflected on his own journey from being a student to successful doctor, businessman, and statesman.
Biron reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ISUFST, recognizing its role in changing the “destiny of our kasimanwas [or fellow countrymen] by providing access to education at the least possible cost.”
‘Country’s hope’
IN a recorded video message, chair of the Commission on Higher Education and ISUFST Board of Regents Dr. J. Prospero E. de Vera III congratulated
TWO young Filipinos will advocate to raise education and community awareness on the importance of reading and writing toward lifting local literacy rates.
The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) recently announced that Chameleon Phoenix and Archelyn Sumampong will be the “World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassadors” for 2024. They will join a global group of 15- to 25-year-olds from 40 countries who are striving to improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children who struggle to read.
Phoenix is a dynamic 20-year-old student pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a major in marketing management. Alongside his studies, he is actively involved in two startups: one focused on education addressing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as issues both personal and social; and a marketing agency which is currently on-hold. His entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by his membership in various organizations as well as local and international communities, where he dedicates his time to volunteer work in roles ranging from community service to administrative tasks.
His passion for education is deeply rooted in his recognition of the educational crisis in the Philippines: “I’m aware of [such, and] trying to contribute to fighting that crisis in my way.” Through his startup focused on education, he aims to address the pervasive issues of illiteracy that hinder socioeconomic development. His involvement with the Center for Filipino Youth Volunteers underscores his commitment to community service, where he participates in activities such as reading to children, organizing games, distributing snacks, and gathering donations for fire victims. The illiteracy problem in the Philippines being a complex issue intertwined with political and social challenges, Phoenix is critical of the educational leadership, as he highlighted the need for systemic change. He emphasizes that tackling illiteracy requires a deep
understanding of the issue and a commitment to systemic reform, critiquing the appointment of leaders based on political connections rather than relevant expertise.
Despite not being an expert, his insights into the educational crisis are informed by his active engagement and observation. He believes addressing illiteracy and related academic issues necessitates a ground-up approach, and a complete system overhaul.
“Systemic change is crucial,” he insisted.
Volunteering, contributing MEANWHILE, Archelyn Sumampong—a 23-year-old graduate majoring in English—has been keen on exploring volunteering and contributing to her community. Her journey began in college, where she was actively involved in her academic organization, as this commitment has only grown stronger over the years.
In her locality, Sumampong is the president of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines: an organization dedicated to assisting the youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her leadership role has allowed her to make a significant impact, as it fostered a supportive environment for young people, while helping them navigate various challenges.
“I want to become a WLF ambassador, as I know this will improve my knowledge and experience in fundraising campaigns and leadership,” Sumampong stated, as she sees the role as a pivotal step in her journey, providing her the tools and experiences needed to
drive meaningful change: “Upon improving myself, I hope to work with the foundation for a long time, collaborate with fellow leaders, [as well as] create campaigns and projects to help eradicate illiteracy.”
Sumampong is keenly aware of the country’s learning hurdles: “[Kids are now either addicted to gadgets, or lack] money to read books and learn to love reading,” she noted, and added that “the issue is [worsened by the alarming rate] of high-school students who do not know how to read, putting their futures at risk.”
She is determined to address these issues through volunteer work and future initiatives. Her dedication to literacy and education is not just about providing access to books, but fostering a love for reading and learning among young people.
Believing that literacy is a bedrock of personal and societal progress, she is keen on creating platforms where the youth can thrive and reach their potential.
The WLF is a leading international literacy nonprofit seeking to eradicate illiteracy by 2024. Currently, 770 million persons are unable to read a single word, while 2 billion people are struggling to read a sentence. In lowincome homes, 72 percent of children struggle to read.
Illiteracy can have a lifelong social and economic impact on a young person, according to the foundation. In a statement, its youth ambassadors will be able to develop leadership skills and highlight literacy issues to the broader community.
the graduates and assured continued support through CHED’s projects, scholarship grants, and training programs: “Be thankful to your teachers and parents. You are the new faces and hope of the country.”
Dr. Siason confirmed the 1,016 students’ graduation for Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024: “The future is yours to shape and lead! Congratulations!” In the institution’s 67 years of existence, the event was ISUFST’s second system-wide ceremony since its establishment as a university, following its con -
version from ISCOF.
Distribution of the graduates was as follows: 153 from the Tiwi campus, 266 from Poblacion, 224 from Dingle, 163 from Dumangas, and 210 from San Enrique. Among them were five magna cum laudes: Rhea Aguilar (Bachelor of Science in Office Admin.), Jayra Guilaran and Jhea Alyanna Jinon (BS in Information Technology), Hannah Pearl Serrano (BS in Education-English), and Edeth Subong (BSED-Mathematics). Additionally, 230 students graduated cum laude, and 94 received academic distinction.
Biron, who is also a member of ISUFST’s Board of Regents, sponsored the legislation leading to the enactment of Republic Act 10604 and later RA 11012, laying the foundation for ISUFST’s transformation. He is often called the “father of ISUFST” due to his pivotal role in its development.
Meanwhile, the ISUFST School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Regalia Hooding and Graduation Ceremonies were also performed on July 19 at the Iloilo Convention Center. It minted 154 graduates, covering 17 Masteral and 11 Doctorate degree programs. The
By Engr. Herman M. Lagon PhD
DESPITE political instability and economic challenges, we have decent job opportunities and a respectable employment rate.
However, this wealth of options often leaves students and job seekers needing clarification about their career paths. Career and personality guidance and assessment services become indispensable in such a landscape, particularly for public school students. Government support in this crucial area needs to be improved, leaving many young minds unguided.
Today, the Department of Education (DepEd) is having trouble filling 4,400 guidance counselor positions nationwide. This shortfall is significant, especially given the country’s rising bullying problem. The lack of school counselors hinders mental-health support and bullying prevention, putting students’ well-being at risk.
Only 251 people, including myself, earned a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from 2018 to 2021, compared to 4,460 vacancies in March 2024. This glaring mismatch highlights a significant supply gap in qualified professionals. The dearth of guidance counselors is not merely a numerical issue; it speaks volumes about this critical profession’s systemic neglect and undervaluation.
One major deterrent is the disparity between the high standards required to become a guidance counselor and the low salary offered. Entry-level guidance counselors—despite needing a Master’s degree and passing a grueling licensure exam—are assigned a salary grade of 11, which equates to just P27,000 per month. This unappealing compensation, juxtaposed with the rigorous qualifications, deters many potential candidates from pursuing this career path.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported that Mimaropa and Eastern Visayas have hundreds of openings, but need graduates. Other
regions like Soccsksargen have too few new workers for open positions. The mismatch forces schools to hire unqualified teachers as guidance counselors, which violates Republic Act 9258: the “Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004,” but is necessary.
Despite the “2013 Anti-Bullying Act,” school bullying has increased. These incidents are underreported due to a lack of registered guidance counselors. DepEd’s figures are consistently lower than global assessments, indicating a worse problem. The 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA had 65 percent of 15-year-olds in the country suffer from regular bullying—the highest among 79 countries.
To improve policy responsiveness, EDCOM 2, as a congressional committee tasked with identifying Philippine education system gaps, is reviewing the act’s implementing rules and regulations. This review hopes to enhance bullying reporting and response to make students safer.
Comprehensive career guidance and assessment benefits include helping people understand their strengths, weaknesses, and interests to make informed career and personal choices. The MyersBriggs Type Indicator and Emotional Quotient Inventory or EQ-i reveal personality and emotional intelligence. They need to be more utilized, contributing to the career guidance crisis.
Much to be desired
THE 2019 Secondary School Career Guidance and Counseling Act was passed to improve high-school career guidance. However, if not that poor, its implementation could have been better, leaving many students needing more support to make future decisions. Despite expectations, the National Secondary Schools Career Guidance and Counseling Program must still standardize and improve these services.
Teaching, informed peers, and parents are crucial career guides, especially in the face of government
graduates came from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (26), College of Education (95), College of Management (17), College of Agriculture (seven), and College of Information Technology (nine).
ISUFST is set to introduce six new graduate school programs in the next AY, pending CHED’s approval. These programs include the Master of Arts in Education with majors in Mathematics, Science, and English; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education with majors in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Teaching.
According to a statement, the commitments of Tolentino, Biron, Dr. de Vera, Dr. Siason, and the ISUFST community “reflect a unified effort to elevate [the university’s] educational standards and infrastructure. This collective vision aims to transform the university into a leading institution not only in fisheries and marine sciences, but also in broader academic disciplines.”
The ceremony concluded with a declaration of optimism for the future of the graduates and the university, which signaled “a bright and promising future for ISUFST and its community.”
Engr. Herman M. Lagon PhD
neglect. Teachers and guidance counselors provide mentorship and insights, while peers can relate. Despite their influence on children’s career and personal choices, parental involvement in career and crisis counseling is insufficient. Filling this gap requires involving parents and providing them with information.
Finances also limit students’ university and career choices. Many students and parents must be aware of government scholarships and financial aid. This lack of awareness perpetuates inequality and prevents students from pursuing their dreams, highlighting a significant career guidance service failure. Career counseling’s availability and efficacy show a nation’s youth commitment. Because the government does not support these initiatives, many students need more tools and information to make decisions, especially in public and underprivileged schools. This situation must be corrected immediately to ensure every student receives career guidance, resulting in personal fulfillment and a more robust national economy.
Clearly, guidance counseling is plagued by a shortage of qualified professionals, regional disparities, low salaries, and high standards that deter candidates. The national government, schools, and communities must link up to solve these problems. Better compensation, career guidance, and parental involvement are keys in solving this crisis.
We know that the future of Filipino youth is at stake as we navigate this complex issue. Lack of guidance and support will keep many students struggling with bullying, mental-health issues, and career uncertainty. Hence, we must face these challenges head-on, with a sense of urgency. So far, there is no other better option to fix this looming counseling crisis than this.
“Doc H” fondly describes himself as a “‘student of and for life’” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
WHEN I think of Singapore, what immediately comes to mind are shopping centers, Formula 1 racing and the iconic Merlion. However, after visiting the city-state for the very first time last March for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, I discovered so much more.
Even as the streets of Singapore were full of fellow Swifties, that first trip here included stops at Haji Lane, the ArtScience Museum with its incredible teamLab exhibits, and the always awe-inspiring Universal Studios. Still, I kept wondering: Are these the only attractions Singapore has to offer?
Initially, Singapore wasn’t in my immediate travel plans until Taylor Swift announced it as the sole Southeast Asian country for her tour, and it was there I realized that it is also the only place in the region hosting F1 racing. Other than these two major events, there is not much else I know about Singapore.
On my subsequent visit only recently, I experienced a completely different side of Singapore as I found myself immersing in its local culture and history. In the process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the vibrant and diverse communities that make the Lion City unique.
The Singapore Tourism Board is promoting Singapore as a place where “passion is made possible.” Based on the highlights of my own personal experience, here are just a few reasons why.
Day 1: Cultures and traditions
ON the first day of our visit, our group explored Little India. Contrary to what its name suggests, Little India is actually a multicultural hub where Malays, Singaporeans, and other ethnicities happily co-exist. Our tour began at Tekka Centre, a vibrant market with hawker stalls offering diverse cuisines and a second floor filled with traditional Indian clothing
and souvenirs. The wet market inside was impressively clean and offers affordable food items.
Historically, Little India was home to Europeans in the 1840s due in large part to race horses. The blend of European architecture with Malay and Chinese influences creates a colorful yet eclectic atmosphere. You can see hints of European architecture in some shops on Serangoon Road, with their columns and terracotta roof tiles. The mix of architectural styles, including the European elements combined with Malay preferences for bright colors makes for a very lively community.
The Tan Teng Niah House, the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India, is a stunning example of this architectural fusion.
I also enjoyed the murals depicting the area’s history, such as horse racing and traditional merchant activities. Our tour guide introduced us to the Indian tradition of breaking coconuts to release negative energy—a refreshing and slightly nerve-wracking experience since I was the one chosen in our group to break the coconut.
Next, we visited the Peranakan Museum, that depicts the history of the Peranakan people, a community with mixed cultural identities such as Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian. It was recently reopened to the public last year after being closed for four years. During that time, the museum studied more ab out the Peranakan community that resulted in the creation new exhibits.
The museum offered insights into
their traditions, such as the first birthday celebration, which is similar to those in South Korea and China. I appreciated the “anak anak” labels, meaning “children” in Malay, which provided simplified explanations for kids and made the museum family-friendly.
Our final stop was the Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest, a paradise of waterfalls and lush greens. This stunning, Instagram-worthy location was a delightful surprise. As you enter the Cloud Forest, it truly feels like you’re in some kind of sustainable nirvana. The cool air welcomes you to a peaceful and enchanting environment. It’s a must-see on its own and made even more special with its proximity to nearby attractions like the ArtScience Museum.
Day 2: More than just sightseeing OUR second day was packed with activi-
Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug
Pties that showcased more of Singapore’s culture. We attended the Flavours of Singapore cooking class by Let’s Go Tours, learning to make classic dishes like the coconut pancake dessert even as we gained more insights into Singapore’s local cuisine.
The Art of Tingkat class allowed us to design our own Tiffin boxes, a traditional Singaporean craft. Our instructor, Pei Lin, created a relaxing environment perfect for both creative expression and family bonding. It was an enjoyable activity with no pressure, as the instructor guided and encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in painting.
Our day ended with a thrilling session at HyperDrive, an indoor electric go-kart track located at The Palawan@Sentosa. As a Formula 1 fan, I would definitely say that this was a highlight. With safety measures in place, it’s an exhilarating
activity for all ages, with specific time slots for kids and adults. Regardless of how we finished in the race, we all loved the adrenaline rush it gave us, even as our safety is assured with all the protective gears provided.
HyperDrive also offers dual karts for kids, allowing parents to accompany them in the race if they get scared or intimidated. Although it was intimidating at first since I was new to go-karting, the staff’s guidance quickly eased my nerves.
Culinary delights
FOOD is a universal connector, and Singapore offers a culinary paradise. I relished the Mandarin Chicken Rice at Chatterbox, a meal that felt like home with its tender chicken and flavorful sauces. The chili crab at Keng Eng Kee Seafood was another highlight, perfectly spiced for all palates while more hawker fare including hot-
plate stingray were among the delightful treats at La Pau Sat.
Singapore’s multiculturalism is reflected in its diverse food options, catering to all budgets. Whether indulging in high-end cuisine or savoring street food, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
ALTHOUGH I’ve only visited Singapore twice, I’m eager to return. The blend of cultures, efficient transport system, and vibrant atmosphere all combine to make exploring this city a joy. With major events like concerts and F1, there’s always something exciting happening. Yet, even without these events, Singapore’s multicultural community and numerous attractions ensure there’s always something new to discover and I for one, look forward to uncovering even more on my next trip.
With 1,530 ergonomically-designed rooms available, Grand Westside Hotel offers a variety of room types and sizes, bannered by presidential suites that feature its own living, dining, and kitchen spaces. Other room types include Queen Suites, Twin Suites, and Executive Suites. It will also have dedicated rooms designed specifically for specially-abled guests. Each room has airconditioning; bedside reading lamps/charging ports complimentary bottled water; hairdryer/ vanity mirror; mini-refrigerator; powersaving device; safety box; slippers; Smart TV; tea/coffee making facilities; telephone; toiletries; wi-fi and work desk with lamp
Aside from having the largest room inventory, the property will feature four dining outlets—Café by Westside (an allday dining restaurant, it serves Filipino
ROPERTY giant Megaworld Hotels and Resorts has done it again. The Philippines’ biggest hotel operator, with over 8,500 hotel rooms in its portfolio, it has added another feather in its cap with the opening (during Megaworld’s 35th anniversary last June 22) of the 19-storey, two-tower Grand Westside Hotel, the biggest hotel in the Philippines in terms of total room keys. Megaworld is the only Philippine real estate development company to earn a “Hall of Fame” distinction as “Best Developer” after winning, for three straight years (2015, 2016, and 2017), the Outstanding Developer Award at the Property and Real Estate Excellence Award by FIABCI Philippines. The company was also named, for three consecutive years (2016, 2017, and 2018), the “Best Developer” at the prestigious Philippines Property Awards by PropertyGuru. The hotel, the 13th homegrown hotel development launched by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts across the Philippines, is the second hotel property to welcome travelers in the 31-hectare Westside City (the rising “Broadway of Asia”) township development at the bustling Entertainment City in Parañaque City, the first being the 529-room Kingsford Hotel Manila. Aside from the two aforementioned hotels, other developments in the group’s portfolio include Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Savoy Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Savoy Hotel Capital Town, Savoy Palawan, Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Belmont Hotel Iloilo, Kingsford Hotel Bacolod, Twin Lakes Hotel, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, ArcoVia Hotel, Paragua Sands Hotel, and Chancellor Hotel Boracay. At present, it employs about 3,000 people in its operating hotels across the Philippines. In 2019, Megaworld committed to invest around P64 billion to build Westside City within the next 10 years.
and international cuisine), Zabana Bar (ground floor), the Plunge Bar (open deck on the fifth floor which serves guests their drinks of choice and more) and LaMeza (its own specialty restaurant).
Over at the amenity floor on the fifth floor, guests will enjoy a variety of firstclass amenities, including an expansive pool area with views of the Manila Bay sunset. There’s also a children’s pool, gazebo, a sprawling Zen garden, and an outdoor seating area decked with colorful
Google’s partnership with AI startup Anthropic faces scrutiny from UK competition watchdog
LONDON—Britain’s competition watchdog said on Tuesday it’s looking into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, adding fresh regulatory scrutiny to investment money flooding into the AI industry. The Competition and Markets Authority said it’s seeking comments as it considers whether the deal between the two companies has resulted in a “substantial lessening of competition” in the United Kingdom for AI services. The watchdog said it will accept feedback from “any interested party” until August 13 before deciding whether to open a formal investigation.
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company focused heavily on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic. The UK regulator has already been scrutinizing Amazon for investing $4 billion in Anthropic. It has also been probing Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft’s hiring of startup Inflection AI’s key staff over concerns it could thwart competition. “We intend to cooperate with the CMA and provide them with the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration,” Anthropic said in a statement. “We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others.”
Google said it “is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world.”
The company said Anthropic, which is using Google’s cloud computing services, “is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.” AP
GLOBE AND OPPO UNVEIL AI-POWERED RENO12 SERIES 5G
TELCO giant Globe continues to champion Filipinos’ innate creativity by bringing the latest innovations in the tech industry through a partnership with OPPO Philippines.
On July 29, Globe and OPPO unveiled the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G at The Globe Creator House, showcasing the phone’s advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. The launch underscores stronger collaboration between Globe and OPPO and aims to make the OPPO AI smartphone technology both accessible and relatable for consumers. With the theme “Capture Your True Self,” the experiential event gave guests the opportunity to unleash their inner artist by creating self-portraits and sharing their most authentic stories along the way. The OPPO Reno12 Series 5G, the ultimate tool for self-expression, makes this possible.
The OPPO Reno12 Series 5G is equipped with cuttingedge front and back dual cameras and advanced AI imaging features, including the upgraded AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Studio, ensuring every image taken becomes a masterpiece. Whether it’s the subtle curve of a smile, the spark in an eye, or the beauty of a candid moment, the phone captures it all in stunning detail. Globe also rolled out its latest plan offerings featuring the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G and the phone’s live demos of groundbreaking AI features, including AI Camera, AI Assistant, and AI Performance.
Customers can also avail of OPPO Reno12 Series 5G devices at discounted prices via the All-New GPlan Plus in Globe stores nationwide. Together with this SIM-only plan from Plan 1299 and up, customers can purchase OPPO Reno12 5G at a discounted price of P18,500, and OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G at P22,000.
“We hope that each shared narrative and captured memories at the event will serve as an inspiration for our guests to move towards a greater life with Globe,” said Jo Anne Illescas, brand head for Globe Postpaid.
“We are proud to partner with Globe in our goal of making the AI smartphone experience even more accessible to Filipinos through the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G. Through this collaboration, OPPO will widen its reach in the Philippine market and help Filipinos get a better understanding of AI,” said Danica Gigante, OPPO Philippines head of PR and customer relationship management. More information is available at www.globe.com.ph.
WATCHING Julie Anne San Jose and SB19’s Stell onstage at the Julie X Stell: Ang Ating Tinig concert is being present during a vocal masterclass. No one is lip-synching, catching their breath, or missing any notes. At one point, Gary Valenciano said, “These are not just artists we have here. These are outstanding artists.”
Julie is perhaps the most underrated singer of her generation. This lady, and I have this from a good source, never lip-synchs. I was with her on a brand trip and during the main event, she sang live when she could have brought recorded music. Her voice is clear, her diction perfect, and her lower register is as good as her high notes.
Stell has received accolades from no less than record producer and composer David Foster. He is a great singer and also a funny guy (more on this later).
I caught the second night of the concert at New Frontier Theater. The show started strong with Julie Anne and Stell singing “Narito Ako.” Their voices were so powerful that all I could say was “Grabe!”
This was followed by “Free” (Julie’s song) and “Crimzone” (SB19’s). Now, if they had performed those songs individually, it would have been great, but they did it together and gave the audience an experience that would not be easily forgotten. This was followed by “Dati.”
There was a Pinoy Rock segment and an R&B one followed by Acoustic ’90s (“Pusong Wagi, Pusong Sawi,” and “Pusong Bumabangon”), during which Julie and Stell performed songs by Alamid, Southborder, Ella May Saison, Regine Velasquez, and Bituin Escalante. Those are formidable singers and the two truly did the songs justice. I loved Julie’s rendition of “Till My Heartaches End” because it truly was performing “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” was also one of the night’s highlights.
For Hugot History, Stell took the stage with Fortenors with “Salamin ng Buhay” while Julie performed Eva Eugenio’s “Tukso” with Music & Me.
The two singers also did Trending Artist Choice songs such as “Delulu” by Zach Tabudlo, “Saan” by Maki, and “Pasilyo” by Sunkissed Lola.
Josh Cullen of SB19 was one of the two guest artists and he gave a powerful performance with his own song “Yoko Na.”
Julie then sang “Tayong Dalawa” and “Right Where
from his EP Room. They performed “Room” together.
The night could not end without Julie and Stell performing “Gento” and this was even more iconic because they got Gary Valenciano to do it with them. As if that wasn’t enough, the trio sang a Gary V hit “Sana Maulit Muli.”
“We just want to share that we are truly so honored to be here with the one and only Gary Valenciano. It’s emotional because before, we could only watch him and listen to his songs, and now we are with him,” said Julie.
Stell said it was an honor for him to dance and sing with the singer.
“Isa pong karangalan ang makapag
Gary V. sa New Frontier, papaalala ko sa inyo, kayo ang kauna-unahang nakakita paano ang isang ‘Pure Energy’ kumaldag,” said the SB19 vocalist.
Gary gave the biggest compliment to the two singers and what he said brought Stell to his knees.
“I’m being very honest with both of you right now. their concert at Araneta. Julie, there are many female singers, but there are very few extraordinary female
vocalists. I can say now that the state of OPM is in good hands because of talents like these,” he said.
The two singers wrapped up their concert by switching their respective songs, “I’ll Be There” for “Bagsakan.”
Julie sings ballads and love songs very well but it’s when she raps that I am truly amazed. I don’t know if she took voice lessons when she was younger, but her technique is excellent. Her breathing is controlled and you understand every word she is saying. Stell is, of course, a natural. He is one of those people who can, as the cliché goes, sing the phone book (except no one knows what a phone book is these days).
Anyway, one of the things I like about watching Julie and Stell together is their banter. I love how witty Stell brings introvert Julie out of her shell and makes her laugh onstage. I like how their voices blend so well together instead of one outshining the other.
The concert was presented by GMA Synergy, in partnership with GMA Entertainment Group and 1Z Entertainment.
Filipino angel investor urges local startups to tap US market
FILIPINO startups that want to develop a global their growth.
Rene Benitez, one of the founders of the Manila Angel Investors Network (Main), told opportunities. “We are very inward looking in terms of market development. The strategic thinking is that According to www.statista.com, most revenue
Benitez suggested that Filipino startups should to get the attention of the American corporate sector.
“And so, the best way for a startup to grow is to go via the SaaS route,” Benitez added. He also pointed out that the SaaS model has the higher value for startups as compared to the
enterprise and e-commerce platforms. “How can you compete with the likes of Amazon and Lazada,” said Benitez in an interview on the sidelines of Main’s networking night in Makati City.
a cloud-based application in which the provider by the application.” Further, SaaS allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the Internet. During the event, Gappify CEO Jotham Ty gave a talk on his experience as a startup that wanted to enter the corporate market.
Ty is the CEO of Gappify, a leading provider of accrual automation solutions for corporate accountants. Gappify is a Series-B funded cloud-based Before founding Gappify, Ty established one of the San Francisco/Bay Area. With the able support
national organizations with IPO readiness, scaling
domestic and international accounting operations, and upgrading and modernizing their automation environments. Moreover, Gappify is endorsed by Benitez said Main is techno-agnostic and allows investors to choose where they want to invest. “If you become a member of Main, it means you have to invest in the startups starting at P1 million per year. speaking, we screen 80 startups a year. Every quarter, three are chosen for funding,” Benitez said. Apart from providing capital funding, Main also mentors entrepreneurs, provides expertise support, and opens networking opportunities. This innovative portfolio and overall growth of Filipino startups. Main invests in pre-seed, Seed and Series A rounds. Many of its initial investments to date can be characterized as “impact-focused” in the areas of Benitez said the country needs to catch up in the startup horizon because it is badly behind Vietnam and Indonesia in terms of startup development.
The Associated Press
LONDON—British regulators opened a preliminary investigation on Tuesday into concerns that it could thwart competition in the The Competition and Markets Authority AI, including its co-founder and CEO Mustafa open an investigation.
this year, and brought over several top engineers and researchers. Suleyman co-founded the AI research lab DeepMind, which is now owned
The watchdog has indicated that it was assessing whether the hirings amount to a merger that results in “a substantial lessening of competition” in the UK’s AI market, in breach of the country’s antitrust rules.
will provide the UK Competition and Markets Authority with the information it needs to complete its inquiries expeditiously.”
The British watchdog has until September 11 to decide whether to give its approval or escalate the probe into an in-depth investigation. The authority has the power to reverse deals or Authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have become concerned about how the biggest technology companies are gobbling up the talent and products of innovative AI startups without formally acquiring them.
Three members of the US Senate wrote last week to antitrust enforcers at the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, urging them to investigate Amazon’s deal with San Francisco-based Adept. The deal will result in Adept’s CEO and key employees going to Amazon and giving the e-commerce giant a license to Adept’s AI systems and datasets.
The senators noted that the FTC is already described it as “alarmingly similar to the one eliminated a major competitor to OpenAI.”
WHEN the Honor 200 series launched a couple of weeks ago, it was such an easy recommendation. It looked nice, had impressive specs on paper, and a camera system that was capable of capturing portraits that are valued at P120,000, but most of all you get a pair of JBL Soundgear Frames—a wearable audio device that combines the functionality of wireless headphones with the convenience of eyeglasses. The JBL Soundgear Frames alone is worth P9,499, which equates to about 30 percent of the Honor 200 Pro’s P29,999 price tag, so what else was there to think about?
But now that the preorder promo is over, and
(some good, some honestly scary), I can do a more impartial review of the Honor 200 Pro.
the side resembling a twisting coastline. You get two color options: Ocean Cyan, which is inspired by the mesmerizing waters of the Maldives, and Black. The device’s rear camera module meanwhile pays homage to the patio windows of Casa Milà, demonstrating a harmonious fusion of organic geometric outlines with naturalism. While it does look premium, personally though I am not a fan of this design. There’s nothing wrong with it but it just doesn’t work for me. Maybe because it resembles the childhood scar I have on my “old” rather than “classic” and something that would go more with your grandma’s everyday carry than yours.
The build quality though is outstanding as usual.
The Honor 200 Pro measures 163.3 x 75.2 x 8.2 and weighs only 199 grams. It is light, has reasonably thin bezels and curves front and back into the aluminum frame. It feels good in the hand even during prolonged use, but the inevitable accidental touches that comes with a curved screen, especially when using gesture controls, can be annoying at times.
Honor also did an amazing job with the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen. The 2,700 x 1,224-pixel resolution is sharp, and you’ll be enthralled to look at this screen or Disney+ series, or just reading about the latest trending topic on your feed. For audio, the stereo speakers are loud and clear and is among the best ones in this price segment.
achieve an impressive CPU clock speed of up to real-time responsiveness. Additionally, the phone is strengthened by the Honor C1+ RF enhancement chipset, a proprietary technology that optimizes telecommunication capabilities and facilitates seamless internet connection. This combination of cutting-edge hardware performance guarantees users a powerful and uninterrupted experience across various tasks and applications. I didn’t experience any problems during our review and all our daily usual tasks (photo editing, content creation, web browsing, watching videos) were smooth.
Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0 that’s been enriched with a range of AI-powered smart functionalities. Honor says this “intent-based” interface leverages AI A couple of my favorites are Magic Capsule and Magic Portal. Magic Capsule is Honor’s version of the Dynamic Island which uses the pill shape module on
Calling, Timer, Alarm, Screen Casting and more so you don’t have to navigate through multiple system apps. The Magic Portal, meanwhile, intelligently comprehends and interprets your messages and behaviors, and guides you to the relevant system apps. This allows you to drag text or images to the side of your display, and a selection of recommended apps will pop up. Then you can quickly share or search for your selection in the relevant app. I love how it for speedy directions, and it’s a really fast way to reverse image search, too. For example, when I saw photo to Magic Portal to easily search where I could Portal, and toggle the switch next to Magic Portal to On.
Now for the main “AI-vent”, those AI Portrait cameras. Perhaps the biggest news prior to its launch was Honor partnership with the prestigious Studio Harcourt of Paris.
Known for its iconic black-and-white portraits, Studio Harcourt has been a Parisian landmark since 1933, capturing the elegance and essence of countless expressionism in cinema, pioneered this unique individuals, creating depth and three-dimensionality to reveal the inner qualities of subjects. This cinema and fashion. If you’ve seen those sensual black-and-white portraits of Laetitia Casta, Jean Dujardin, or Brigitte Bardot, or those iconic portraits of Karl Lagerfeld and Cate Blanchett, those were taken at the studio. The studio isn’t exclusive to celebrities, P120,000 rate for a photo session.
Paris to watch the Olympics, but with the Honor 200 Pro, you can shoot portraits as if it was taken straight from Studio Harcourt. But do the cameras really “honor” this promise?
The Honor 200 Pro camera system is headlined by a 50MP Portrait Main Camera equipped with a
31 percent better light sensing capabilities than competitors. I think it’s the same if not at par with DXO Mark ratings. This sensor, along with 4-in-1 pixel binning technology and dual stabilization (OIS + EIS), ensures highly detailed and well-lit portrait shots even in challenging lighting conditions. The secondary 50MP Telephoto Camera is a customized Sony IMX 856 sensor, that enhances portrait photography with 2.5x optical zoom and superior light sensing. This camera can capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity and detail, maintaining sharpness and reducing blurriness with its optical image stabilization. Completing the triple rear camera setup is a 12MP Ultra-Wide/Macro Camera, featuring an f/2.2
double duty and can be used both for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural shots, as well as macro photography, with a minimum focusing people in the photo, capturing a breathtaking view or going for a closeup of a tiny subject, the Honor 200 Pro can deliver sharp, detailed images with great dynamic range and color accuracy.
and automatically switches between 1x and 0.8x for
While the camera hardware of the Honor 200 Pro is impressive, it’s really the portrait mode developed in collaboration with Studio Harcourt that makes it stand out. It might just seem like a few AI-enhanced lighting, you’ll be able to shoot portrait masterpieces in no time.
This Honor AI Portrait Engine is the result of meticulous co-engineering with Studio Harcourt and involved over 20 experts working for 400 days, analyzing 1,000 lighting scenarios, over 10,000+ portrait shots, and millions of datasets to ensure Studio Harcourt’s artistic essence was captured. The key AI algorithm was implemented to replicate how language models are trained through an AI Neural Network. Honor then trained the AI with millions of light and shadow datasets coming from 1,000+ scenarios, ensuring the Honor 200 Series understands
The results are three bespoke professional portrait modes exclusive to Honor 200 series, namely, Harcourt Vibrant, Harcourt Color, and Harcourt Classic.
Since I got my Honor 200 Pro, I’ve been using portrait as my default camera mode just because it can really help make your photos look amazing. I was a bit disappointed though that Studio Harcourt does not
FINAL WORD: Even without the preorder freebies, the Honor 200 Pro easily stands out as one of the best midrange phones I’ve used this year. Its partnership with Studio Harcourt might have generated a lot of hype, but it’s more than just an AI Portrait Master. The performance, a great-looking screen, superfast 100w
A10 Saturday, August 3, 2024
By Jun Lomibao
PARIS—Carlos Yulo had a couple of two-hour training sessions on the eve Friday of the floor exercise final—his pet event in men’s artistic gymnastics and where he’s favored to medal—at the Paris Olympics. The training window is applicable to everybody else competing in the sport here and they were adequate enough for Yulo as he summons all the skills and mindset to focus on the event where he’ll be up against seven of the world’s best gymnasts.
“Positive mindset,” Yulo told BusinessMirror two nights ago
after the men’s all-around final at the Bercy Arena where he wound up 12th, already an accomplishment for the 24-year-old who didn’t make the event in his Tokyo 2020 debut.
“I was grateful I survived the allaround,” added Yulo, who was second with 14.766 points, only .200 behind Filipino-British Jake Jarman, who competes for Great Britain, in the floor exercise qualifier last Saturday.
Yulo will also be up against Spain’s Rayderley Zapata (14.600), Ukraine’s Ilia Kovtun (14.533), Britain’s Luke Whitehouse (14.533), China’s Zhang Boheng (14.466), Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat (14.466) and Kazakhstan’s Milad Kamili(14.433) in the final beginning at 3:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. in Manila).
Yulo wasn’t in his best in the floor exercise routine in the all-around final and only finished fourth overall, but everything, he said, went as planned because the all-around isn’t his forte yet.
He admitted he needs to finetune for the final.
“I committed an error in my third pass [lost balance] in the floor exercise [all-around],” Yulo said. “But I’ll work on that, perfect my breathing and shake off a bad habit of rushing things.”
Yulo said that his routine will be similar to what he performed in the all-around final and will be upping his degree of difficulty from 6.30 to the 6.60 maximum.
“Caloy [Yulo] is all set for the final, he’s fine and he’s focused,” said Gymnas-
tics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion Norton after attending an International Gymnastics Federation meeting in the sidelines of the Paris Olympics.
Keeping a keen eye on Yulo are GAP deputy-secretary general Rowena Bautista and coach Aldrin Castañeda.
“Caloy’s going through the motions in training,” Bautista said. “Yesterday [Thursday] though, we all heard Mass for blessing.”
Some 1,500 members of the Filipino community in France joined members of the Philippine delegation in a High Mass organized by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino at the Èglise SainteMadeleine Church. Seven priests—six
Delgaco paves way for more PHL rowers to earn shot at Games glory
PARIS—Joanie Delgaco wound up 20th place in women’s single sculls at the conclusion of the classification phase of rowing at the Paris Olympics on Friday at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
She didn’t medal nor came close to the podium, but her future as a rower looked brighter.
The pride of Iriga City will attend a three-month training in Germany and is now a candidate for an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, in addition to added financial support from the Philippine Sports Commission, according to Philippine Rowing Association president Patrick Gregorio.
“Joanie just proved that if we can get additional support from corporate sponsors, we can excel in this sport,” said Gregorio, ecstatic on Delgaco’s final race where she clocked a personal Olympic best of 7:43.83.
Chairman Richard Bachmann, Gregorio said, is recommending to the PSC board that rowing gets additional slots for the national team—five males, five females plus two coaches.
Delgaco made a dramatic rally from fifth to second in Final D of
Amid injury concerns, EJ staying under radar ahead of medal bid
PARIS—Nothing much was detailed about how Ernest John
“EJ” Obiena prepared in the homestretch for the Paris Olympics except those coming from his team, confidante and national federation president.
Obiena didn’t actually train in seclusion but shunned online interviews especially in the last two weeks when he and his Ukranian coach Vitaly Petrov skipped Metz in favor of a training camp in Normandy. On Saturday, Obiena will be bringing his world No. 2 act to the Stade de France for the qualification round among 32 pole vaulters starting at 10 a.m. (4
p.m. in Manila) with only the top 12 advancing to the final on Monday.
Obiena has been dealing with a lingering back issues since 2022, athough his camp downplayed the recurring injury on Thursday.
“He’s handling it properly and it’s being attended to. He should be okay,” Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Terry Capistrano said.
“He has a physician with him, an Italian physiotherapist, who’s part of the team,” Capistrano said. “And Dr. Raul Canlas [head of Philippine medical team] is also here. Whatever it is, as far as I know, it’s manageable.”
of them Filipinos—officiated the Mass that was celebrated in Tagalog.
“We’re all praying and hoping for Caloy to perform superbly tomorrow,” said Tolentino, who expects Yulo to carry himself with more maturity and confidence not only in the floor exercise final but also in vault on Monday.
Yulo said that he’s more experienced after his Tokyo 2020 stint.
“It’s really a big leap for me, I didn’t make the all-around final in Tokyo,” he said. “I could say that I have become matured and I thank the Lord for all these opportunities He’s been giving me.”
the classification phase on Friday to emerge as the second-best Asian rower.
In the quarters and in semis C/D, Delgaco registered time of over eight minute and in the final, she was fourth through the 500m mark then down to fifth through the 1000m before thundering to second through 1500m. She maintained her pace to finish second behind Paraguay’s Alejandra Alonso and ahead of Iranian Fatemeh Mojallaltopraghghale, Turkish Elis Ozbay, Vietnamese Thi Hue Pham and Peru’s Adriana Sanguineti.
“She outperformed herself,” said Gregorio who later handed Delgaco a P50,000 bonus from the association.
“Before the Olympics, there were five qualifiers and the rankings were Uzbekistan, Iran, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore.”
“Now we’re second in Asia and No. 1 in Southeast Asia,” he said.
And it’s not lost on FISA (world rowing).
Daniela Gomes, head of rowing’s world body FISA’s sports development, said they have been observing Delgaco and sees great potential.
“She said they’re supporting an Olympic Solidarity Scholarship grant for Joanie,” Gregorio said. Jun Lomibao
Paalam takes aim at historic Olympic feat
PARIS—History beckons as Carlo Paalam takes on fourthseeded Australian Charlie Senior in the men’s quarterfinals of boxing Saturday—if he wins, he’ll be the first Filipino to win two consecutive Olympic boxing medals in two different divisions.
“Carlo is one win away from history as no Filipino boxer has ever won medals in two different weight classes in consecutive Olympics,” said secretary-general Marcus Manalo as he briefed Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines chairman Ricky Vargas at the Paris North Arena before flyweight Villegas’s birthday victory on Thursday. Paalam won silver as a flyweight in Tokyo 2020 but is now fighting in the featherweight class after Paris organizers scrapped the lighter weight division.
Obiena’s long-time physiotherapist Antonio Guglietta and confidante Jim Lafferty have confirmed to BusinessMirror that the athlete from Tondo is currently injury-free.
He is considered a strong contender for a medal here, having leaped 6 meters twice on June 10, 2023, at the Sparebanken Vest Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway and on August 26, 2023, at the World Championship, where he clinched the silver.
But Capistrano cautioned against underestimating the competition and that anyone of the top 10 pole vaulters could achieve a podium finish. Olympic and world champion and
record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden, according to Capistrano, is the clear favorite—his most recent recordbreaker was a stunning 6.24 meters at the Diamond League in Xiamen, China.
But Duplantis is just one of Obiena’s worries with field in Paris stacked with talent including the US’s Sam Kendricks (6.06) and Cris Nielsen (6.05) and Poland’s Piotr Lisek (6.02).
The competition is expected to be fierce, with several other athletes capable of clearing heights of 5.9 meters or above, including Kurtis Marschall (Australia), Thibaut Collet (France), Ersu Sasma (Turkey), and Jacob Wooten (USA). Jun Lomibao
PARIS—Simone Biles dazzled once again while winning the gold in women’s all-around gymnastics at the Paris Olympics, becoming the oldest woman to accomplish the feat since 1952. The 27-year-old Biles nailed her floor exercise to edge Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade by 1.199 points in one of the tightest victories of her decorated career. She became the first woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold at nonconsecutive
H
Olympics, having previously done so at the 2016 Rio Games.
“I’ve never had an athlete this close,” Biles said. “It brought out the best athlete in myself.”
It’s the sixth Olympic gold medal for Biles, the most of any US gymnast; she picked up her fifth in the team competition earlier in the week. Teammate Sunisa Lee, the defending all-around champion from Tokyo, was third for the bronze.
SUMMER’S GAMES
SUMMER MCINTOSH claimed her second gold medal of the Olympics with another strong performance, romping to victory in the 200-meter butterfly and dealing Regan Smith of the US another runner-up finish.
“It means the world,” McIntosh said. “That was definitely one of my favorite races.”
McIntosh finished in 2:03.03 to set an Olympic record, breaking
Eight years later, Biles reaffirms dominance in Olympic all-around
the mark set by China’s Zhang Yufei three years ago in Tokyo. She also won gold in the 400-meter individual medley and took home silver in the 400-meter freestyle.
Kate Douglass of the United States won gold in the 200-meter breaststroke in a race that was something of a changing of the guard. Longtime American star Lilly King, competing in her last Olympics, was last in the final. AP
“We came in with five and with three boxers, I would be very happy with two gold medals,” Vargas said. “I think that’s very possible, our boxers prepared hard.” Paalam, whose shown improved savvy from his Tokyo debut, gives away six inches to the 5-foot-10 Senior in the 3:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. in Manila) fight whose winner will advance to the semifinals for that guaranteed podium finish. But he’s unfazed.
“All I need is to follow my coaches’ strategy,” he said. “But I know I cannot relax, there are the Olympics.” Paalam is coming off a 5-0 win over Ireland’s Irish Jude Galagher— touted as his most formidable opponent in the division—while Senior advanced following a 4-1 win over Belgian Vasile Ustoroi. A win by Paalam would set him up toward a projected semifinals collision against his Asian Games tormentor Abdumalik Khalolov of Uzbekistan.
AIRA EYES SEMIS QUALIFYING for the Olympics was a dream for birthday girl Aira Villegas and now that she’s through two victories to move a win away from a guaranteed bronze medal, her mission at the Paris Olympics has grown to a much bigger dream.
“It was
“I’m very grateful that I’ve won twice already and this one [against Boualam] came on my birthday,” she said. A bouquet of flowers and a minicake she couldn’t devour greeted Villegas a she entered the Mixed Zone.
“Just a little bit,” she answered when asked if she’ll partake of the cake, whose two candles couldn’t be lit inside the arena. She needs to be smarter, quicker and stronger in her quarterfinal fight in women’s flyweight against Wassila Lkhadri of host France also on Saturday.
“Hopefully, fair judging,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to Lkhadri’s controversial split decision victory over a favored Irish Daina Moorehouse on Thursday. Jun Lomibao
• Editor: Angel R. Calso
By Abby Sewell & Kareem Chehayeb The Associated Press
BEIRUT—Hezbollah’s leader warned Thursday that the conflict with Israel has entered a “new phase,” as he addressed mourners at the funeral of a commander from the group who was killed by an Israeli airstrike this week in Beirut.
Meanwhile in Tehran, Iran’s supreme leader prayed over the body of Hamas’ political leader, who was killed in a presumed Israeli assassination.
The back-to-back killings have increased fears of an escalation into a wider war, leaving the region waiting to see how Iran and ally Hezbollah will respond. Iran has vowed retaliation against Israel for the strike that killed Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday in the Iranian capital of Tehran.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination, but comments by Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stopped short of an outright denial.
“There was no additional airstrike, not a missile and not an Israeli drone, in the entire Middle East that night,” he said Thursday, fueling speculation that Israel could have used other means to kill Haniyeh.
Israel did confirm it carried out the strike Tuesday in Beirut that killed Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, along with an Iranian military adviser and at least five civilians. Israel said Shukur was behind a rocket attack days earlier that hit a soccer field in the Israeliheld Golan Heights, killing 12 children. Hezbollah denied being behind that strike, a denial that Nasrallah reiterated.
In a speech via video link to mourners gathered with Shukur’s coffin at an auditorium in a Beirut suburb, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said, “We … have entered a new phase that is different from the previous period.”
“Do they expect that Hajj Ismail Haniyeh will be killed in Iran and Iran will remain silent?” he said of
the Israelis. Addressing Israelis who celebrated the two killings, he said, “Laugh a bit and you will cry a lot.”
But as he often does, Nasrallah kept his comments vague, vowing a “very well-studied retaliation” without saying what form it would take. He said only that Israel “will have to wait for the anger of the region’s honorable people.”
“The enemy and the one who is behind the enemy”—an apparent reference to Israel’s chief ally, the United States—“will have to wait for our coming response,” he said.
International officials have been scrambling to avert a cycle of retaliation before it spirals into a greater war. Since the Gaza war began in October, Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire almost daily across the border in exchanges that have caused deaths and the evacuation of tens of thousands from their homes. But they have also stayed within limits.
Several times, strikes that appeared to cross red lines raised fears of acceleration into full-fledged war, but outside diplomacy reined in the two sides. Hezbollah faces strong pressure not to draw Lebanon into a repeat of the militant group’s 2006 war with Israel, which wreaked heavy death and destruction in the country.
Israel and Iran risked plunging into war earlier this year when Israel hit Iran’s embassy in Damascus in April. Iran retaliated, and Israel countered in an unprecedented exchange of strikes on each other’s soil, but international efforts succeeded in containing that cycle before it spun out of control.
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, the biggest Shiite district in the capital,
hundreds of black-clad mourners packed the auditorium, many of them holding Hezbollah flags or photos of Shukur. An escort of red-capped fighters carried Shukur’s coffin, also draped in a Hezbollah flag, down the aisle to the backing of a military band.
In his speech, Nasrallah praised Shukur as a veteran commander and denied that Hezbollah carried out the deadly strike on the soccer field in the mainly Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan.
“We have the courage to take responsibility for where we strike, even if it’s a mistake. If we made a mistake, we would admit and apologize,” he said, adding, “The enemy made itself the judge, jury, and executioner without any evidence.”
An unusual relative calm prevailed Thursday on the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah claimed no rocket launches into Israel during the day.
The Lebanese state news agency said a strike hit the house of a Syrian family in a southern Lebanese town, killing at least four people and wounding several others. Afterward, Hezbollah announced it had launched a barrage of rockets into Israel in retaliation.
Nasrallah said Hezbollah’s fighters would return to regular military operations Friday, ending the period
of mourning for Shukur, but that the renewed strikes would be unrelated to the retaliation for his killing.
Earlier Thursday in Tehran, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed over Haniyeh’s coffin in a ceremony at Tehran University, with the new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, next to him. State television later showed the coffin placed in a truck and moved on the street toward Azadi Square in Tehran and people throwing flowers at it.
Haniyeh’s remains are to be transferred to Qatar for burial Friday.
Haniyeh came to Tehran to attend the inauguration of Pezeshkian.
Associated Press photos showed the Hamas leader seated alongside leaders from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group and Hezbollah, and Iranian media showed him and Pezeshkian hugging. Haniyeh had met earlier with Khamenei.
Hours later, he was killed in a strike that hit a residence Haniyeh uses in Tehran. Iranian authorities said the attack is under investigation but haven’t provided details.
Israel had pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. On Thursday, Israel said it had confirmed that the
head of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in a July 13 airstrike in Gaza. Hamas, which earlier said Deif survived the blast, did not immediately comment.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said “all parties” in the Middle East must avoid escalatory actions that could plunge the region into further conflict.
Speaking Thursday in the Mongolian capital of Ulaaanbataar, Blinken appealed for countries to “make the right choices in the days ahead” and said a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was the only way to begin to break the current cycle of violence and suffering. Blinken did not mention Israel, Iran or Hamas by name in his comments.
The Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv and Amir Vahdat in Tehran contributed to this report.
Php
42. TAN YUAN LING
43. YANG, XIONGXIN
44. ZHOU, MEI
45. HAN, MENG
46. HARPREET SINGH
47. KE, YIXIANG
48. DUAN, WENLONG
49. LIAO, XIAOMING
50. LUO, CHUNXIN
51. SU, PEIBIN
52. YE, ZHIMIN
53. ZHANG, HAO
54. ZHAO, LIUGANG
55. GOBIND
56. KIRAN BALA
57. YU,
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