UP AS FTA TALKS RESUME
BMANALO ASKS THAI MINISTER FOR ACCESS TO CHINESE DETAINEE-SPY
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has asked the Thai foreign minister for access to the Chinese tycoon detained in a Thai prison.
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
RUSSELS was a bit chilly than usual on October 14, the day the Philippines and the European Union resumed negotiations on a free-trade agreement (FTA). The atmosphere at the negotiating table, however, was starkly different from the mood of the parties. and the European Union, the world’s biggest trading bloc, have been planning to have an FTA since 2015. EU is a bloc of 28 countries— Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
the FTA negotiations,” Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told the BusinessMirror The Philippines, the second largest market in Southeast Asia,
“We have an untapped potential of $8.3 billion in trade in goods in the European market.” — Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty on the opportunities the FTA could unlock for the Philippines.
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
If the Philippine-EU FTA is concluded, it would be the biggest FTA the Philippines has ever forged.
FTA talks have been progressing for two years. But Duterte’s war on drugs concerned human-rights parliamentarians in Europe, provoking Duterte to lash back at the West’s perceived double standards and threatening to expel EU diplomats. Diplomatic relations soured, and brought the FTA talks to the backburner.
Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed presidency in 2021, engagement between EU and the Philippines increased. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Brussels and European Commission President Ursula
PHL still most disaster-prone country in SE Asia–report
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Philippines remains as the most disaster-affected country in Southeast Asia, according to a recent report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The report indicated that from 2014 to 2023, the country experienced nearly 43 million disasterrelated displacements, with approximately five to 10 destructive typhoons making landfall each year.
A separate ADB infographic, based on the 2023 World Risk Report, showed that the Philippines leads the region with a Disaster Risk Index score of 46.86, surpassing Indonesia’s score of 43.50 and India’s 41.52. The vulnerability of the Philippines is exacerbated by the frequent typhoons and its geographic position along the Pacific Typhoon Belt, combined with rapid urbanization, socioeconomic factors, harmful human activities, and the increasing effects of climate change.
The SEA region, as a whole, recorded 58.7 million disaster-induced
displacements over the past decade, accounting for one-third of the global total. Much of the displacement in the region, which is nearly 70 percent, was driven by tropical cyclones and other storms, while floods made up 24 percent, and earthquakes contributed 4 percent.
For instance, in Indonesia, land degradation and deforestation are believed to have contributed to the January 2023 flooding in the province of Aceh, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 184,000 flood-related displacements recorded that year.
The Asia and Pacific region experienced 177 million disasterrelated displacements between 2014 and 2023, accounting for 74 percent of the global total. Weather-related hazards like floods and storms caused 92 percent of these displacements, while geophysical events such as earthquakes and tsunamis led to about 13.6 million displacements or 8 percent.
In response to these threats, the Philippine government created the National Disaster Risk Man-
helped streamline disaster response efforts, such as those seen in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Typhoon Rai in 2021.
The Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), established in 1994, also helps manage disaster displacement by tracking people in and outside evacuation centers. It collects data to guide the government’s response and ensure services like protection and psychosocial support are accessible for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
To protect vulnerable populations and reduce future displacements, the ADB called for sustained investments in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.
agement Plan (2020-2030) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (2011-2028) to address both the immediate and long-term needs of displaced communities. Per the report, these plans have
“Providing a regional breakdown, it shows how MDBs [multilateral development banks] can work with governments to invest in resilience building, mainstream disaster risk reduction, and finance initiatives designed to reduce the socioeconomic impact of disasters and prevent future displacements,” the report read.
A Chinese tycoon named She Zhijiang had earlier told AlJazeera in a documentary that he is a Chinese spy. He has a dossier of fellow state agents who work for the Chinese Communist Party, including dismissed Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Manalo flew to Bangkok Friday for a bilateral meeting with his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa.
Sources said Secretary Manalo raised the request for the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok and for the Philippine Senate to have a chance to interview She.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee probing human trafficking and other violations of POGOs, said that based on their media sources, the Chinese tycoon has already been transferred to another facility and is now “unreachable.”
“Mukhang kailangan natin kumilos agad para makausap ang suspected Chinese spy na si She Zhijiang, at mabunyag ang impormasyon nya ukol kay Guo Hua Ping at mga kasabwat nito,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
DFA sources told the BusinessMirror that Manalo brought this matter to the attention of the Thai foreign minister during his bilateral meeting Friday.
When asked how the Thai minister replied to the request, a high-ranking source privy to the meeting replied, “The minister said he will consult with relevant agencies.”
“We just have to wait for the Thais’ reply to our request,” another diplomatic official said.
During the Joint Commission for Bilateral Consultation meeting, the Philippine and Thai foreign ministers have also agreed to cooperate “closely on defense and security, specifically in combating transnational crimes, which continue to victimize our nationals in their online scamming operations.”
“We also agreed to explore other potential areas of cooperation, such as cybersecurity, peacekeeping operations, and disaster relief, among others,” Manalo said during the press briefing with Thai media.
He also reiterated the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the newly elected Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to visit the Philippines.
SHE ZHIJIANG
PHL-EU RELATIONS WARM UP AS FTA TALKS RESUME
von der Leyen’s trip to Manila last year “created positive vibes” and thawed the icy relations between the Philippines and the EU.
Gepty said both panels sat down and did a “stock taking” on the elements that they would like to be included in the FTA.
“We are aiming for a comprehensive FTA, bigger than our existing FTAs with other countries. The level of ambition is definitely much higher,” he said.
This week, the scope includes:
n Market access
• Trade in goods
• Trade in services
• Investments
n Set of rules with regard to:
• Intellectual property rights
• Competition
• Telecommunications
• Financial services
• Trade and sustainable development
• Enhancements on how to implement the FTA
Trade in goods
TOTAL trade in goods between EU and the Philippines amounted to $16.17 billion in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, making it the country’s fourth-
largest trading partner. That trade portfolio accounted for 8.1 percent of the country’s total trade.
In the eyes of Europe, however, the Philippines is just a blip on its total trade radar—just 0.3 percent and ranked 42nd largest trading partner globally. Among Asean, the Philippines is just the EU’s sixth largest trading partner.
The Philippines’s top export to EU are electronic products amounting to $5.92 billion, which represents 70.7 percent of its total exports. Electronic products range from office and telecommunications equipment to integrated circuits and electronic components.
Half of the country’s coconut oil exports goes to EU countries, which reached $597.36 million in 2023. EU was also one of the top destinations of Philippine tuna, with shipments amounting to $203.22 million in 2023. The Philippines also export other manufactured goods and machinery and machinery and transport equipment.
The top three markets of the Philippines in EU are the Netherlands, Germany and France.
Meanwhile, the Philippines imported electronic products valued at $1.36 billion from Europe last year. EU also exported $1.18 billion worth of transport equipment, $853.15 million worth
of medicinal and pharmaceutical products, and $654.4 million worth of industrial machinery.
The Philippines also imported other food and live animals from Europe, which amounted to $548.52 million in 2023.
Germany, France and Italy are the top exporters among EU member countries to the Philippines.
The Philippines enjoys a trade surplus primarily due to the Generalized System of Preferences Plus arrangements that the EU has been unilaterally extending to the Philippines. Under the GSP+, 6,274 Philippine products may be exported to the EU without paying for tariffs.
However, the Philippines has yet to fully utilize all the product lines allowed under GSP+. The GSP+ privileges were only provisionally extended until 2017.
“We have an untapped potential of $8.3 billion in trade in goods in the European market,” Gepty said.
Asked if the agricultural sector would be included in the scope of market access, he said this area is still being negotiated.
Trade in services, investments ASIDE from goods, the Philippines also exports services to EU. Transportation, primarily sea transport, and travel and tourism dominate
the Philippine exported services to EU, comprising around 31 and 28 percent of its total service export to the EU, respectively. Other business services including BPOs, communications and IT services were also being exported to the EU. The Philippines imported digital services (34 percent), transportation (25 percent), and construction services (15 percent) from the EU. Gepty said Manila aims to push for greater access to service sector markets in the EU for Filipino professionals and businesses, including those in IT-BPM, BPO, the medical field, architecture, and engineering. This could involve provisions for mutual recognition agreements, allowing Filipino professionals to practice their professions in EU countries.
Winners and losers
A STUDY commissioned by the EU in 2019 showed that if the Philippines-EU FTA is concluded and implemented, the combined GDP of EU members would increase to €1.09 billion to €1.59 billion. The EU’s global exports would also increase to €2.01 billion to €2.69 billion.
Development Solutions, a European consultancy firm, conducted the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) report for EU. It identified these sectors in EU that would likely benefit from the FTA: motor vehicles and parts, electron-
ics, other transport equipment and chemical, rubber and plastic products. The sectors that might suffer most are textiles and wearing apparel sector.
For the Philippines, the predicted gains to overall GDP could reach up to €1.98 billion, with Philippine exports potentially increasing by as much as €2.41 billion.
The sectors in the Philippines that would likely gain from the FTA are output and exports of textiles, apparel and electronics. Agrifood industry in the Philippines may benefit from the FTA, however, the study believes Philippine small and medium enterprises may find it difficult to comply with EU’s stringent sanitary and phytosanitary rules.
As for employment, the FTA could produce around 1,200 jobs in EU’s automotive sector and 2,200 for the electronic sector.
The Philippines could see an additional 19,500 jobs for wearing apparel, 2,300 jobs for textile, and 1,000 for leather products industry. Slight improvement in employment may also be seen in the electronics sector.
However, around 3 percent of workers from transport equipment sector and 9 to 1.2 percent from the motor vehicles and parts sector might be displaced because of the FTA.
Non-trade issues
WASHINGTON—Global finance leaders face a major uncertainty as they meet in Washington next week: Who will win the US presidential election and shape the policies of the world’s biggest economy?
Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris have spoken little about their plans for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. But their differing views on trade, tariffs and other economic issues will be on the minds of the finance leaders as they attend the financial institutions’ annual meetings.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva alluded to what’s at stake in a curtain-raiser speech Thursday ahead of the meetings.
Without naming Trump, she warned that “major players, driven by national security concerns, are increasingly resorting to industrial policy and protectionism, creating one trade restriction after another.” She said trade “will not be the same engine of growth as before,” warning that trade restrictions are “like pouring cold water on an already-lukewarm world economy.”
Trump promises as president to impose a 60% tariff on all Chinese goods and a “universal” tariff of 10% or 20% on everything else that enters
He did not elaborate, although he said the Philippine negotiating team had expected this.
EU’s SIA report outlines a number of labor, environment and human-rights issues that may arise in the Philippines as a result of the FTA.
The FTA might result in the Philippines textile and garment sector employing women and children, and expose them to poor working conditions. It recommends that both countries ratify all International Labor Organization conventions, and increase bilateral cooperation to protect women and child workers.
The EU could also consider supporting capacity-building programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to address the possible “mismatch problem.”
Environmental risks are also cited as potential problems with increased trade between the Philippines and the EU under the FTA.
Schedule GEPTY said both negotiating panels have not set any deadline to finish the FTA talks. “As much as possible, we want to finish the negotiations ASAP,” he said, noting that President Marcos Jr. had earlier said he wanted to see this concluded before the end of his term in 2028.
The European Chamber of Commerce said it is “excited” that the FTA talks have resumed. But the group insists that key challenges in doing business remain in the Philippines and should be addressed as the FTA talks advance.
“The ECCP emphasizes the need to reduce bureaucratic barriers, modernize customs regulations, and foster sustainable, resilient supply chains,” it said in a statement.
Clearly, so many moving parts are needed to bring the FTA into fruition.
GEPTY said their EU counterparts have tabled in as part of the negotiations certain issues that are not trade-related but affect the flow of goods and services. These include sustainable development, labor, environment issues and good governance.
Global finance leaders confront uncertainty over US election impact on economic policies
the United States, insisting that the cost of taxing imported goods is absorbed by the foreign countries that produce those goods.
However, mainstream economists say they actually amount to a tax on American consumers that would make the economy less efficient and send inflation surging in the United States. Trump has also embraced isolationism and heavily criticized multilateral institutions. During his first term, he signed an executive order to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, and replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement. His administration blocked new appointments to the World Trade Organization appellate body as the terms of its judges expired, leaving the organization without a functional appellate body.
World Bank President Ajay Banga, who also made a speech Thursday previewing the meetings, spoke directly about the election in a question-and-answer session with reporters. He credited Trump for increasing investment in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development during his presidency, which offers loans to middle-income developing countries.
“Then the question will be, how will the nuances of each administration be different,” Banga said. “I don’t
know yet so I’m not going to speculate on how to deal with them.”
Harris has not specified her views on the World Bank or IMF, though even as she has embraced some tariffs, is more likely to continue the Biden administration approach favoring international cooperation over threats, The Biden-Harris administration has not eliminated tariffs imposed on China during the Trump administration and in May also slapped major tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment.
Harris met Banga in June 2023 when he began his five-year term as World Bank president and released a statement then that “praised the steps taken to evolve the World Bank—including expanding its mission to include building resilience to global challenges like climate change, pandemics, fragility and conflict.” Georgieva who did not speak about the election directly in her speech, said:
“We live in a mistrustful, fragmented world where national security has risen to the top of the list of concerns for many countries. This has happened before—but never in a time of such high economic co-dependence. My argument is that we must not allow this reality to become an excuse to do nothing to prevent a further fracturing of the global economy.” AP
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Cruise industry to hire more Filipino workers–DMW chief
By John Eiron R. Francisco
AS the global cruise industry contin -
ues to expand, Filipino workers are becoming an increasingly significant part of its workforce, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
Cacdac noted that the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in cruise ships continues to rise.
He made the statement during the welcoming event for the Carnival Cruise Line’s (CCL) Carnival Panorama, which docked for the first time in the Philippines on Friday, October 18, at the South Harbor’s Eva Macapagal Super Terminal. The DMW chief more than a hundred thousand Filipinos are currently employed on cruise ships worldwide and that their skills are currently in demand.
“Our workers serve with both heart and skill, making them a great asset to any cruise company like Carnival,” he said. He added that the Filipino cruise workers are known for their “selfless service, ingenuity, innovation, and dedication.”
Asked about the manpower needs of the cruise industry, Cacdac said cruise ships will continue to hire more workers as economies have opened up.
In 2023, he said the department recorded all-time highs in terms of the the issuance of seafarers’ documentation, particularly in the cruise sector.
“Things are looking up, and our role is to regulate and ensure that seafarers have adequate employment standards onboard, working harmoniously with their employers and passengers. We are thankful that this is all happening,” he added.
With more than 400 Filipino cruise workers employed across various departments of the Carnival Panorama, Cacdac expressed gratitude to CCL for their “strong partnership with the human resources sector” and the DMW.
“We ensure regulatory standards are met, and once a company like Carnival adheres to those, we become partners and appreciate the job opportunities they offer,” he said.
Earlier this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12021, also known as the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.”
According to the country’s chief executive, this law is designed to protect the rights of Filipino seafarers by ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skills development. It also seeks to prevent exploitation and discrimination, offering proper training, secure contracts, fair compensation, and benefits.
In an interview with B usiness M irror , Jhaga Cortel, a junior restaurant host on the Carnival Panorama, shared that her five years in the cruise industry have been a “life-changing” experience.
Before entering the industry, she faced challenges finding employment at hotels in the country due to her height. However, after gaining experience working in various restaurants in Manila, she is now employed by an international cruise line, a stint which she enjoys.
Carnival Panorama Captain Luca Lazzarino described the 400 Filipinos who are part of the ship’s crew as “kind and hardworking.”
“They are wonderful people, and I’m very grateful to have them onboard,” he said.
‘Accessibility via airports will foster more hotel investments’
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
IF you build it, they will come. Tourism Congress of the Philippines president James Montenegro was hopeful that more hotel rooms will be built, after the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently launched a roadmap to lift the hotel industry, enabling the stakeholders to meet the demands of rising tourist arrivals in the country.
“[Hotel] investments will only come if there’s accessibility. We can build all the rooms, but if there’s no accessibility, there won’t be tourists. So accessibility means the airports are nearby, there are bigger aircraft and [airports] can accommodate international flights, then we can have international tourists to those destinations,” he told the BusinessMirror
Said roadmap, the Philippine Hotel Industry Strategic Plan (Phisap), was crafted by the DOT in collaboration with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), and hopes to address any bottlenecks that may impinge on the expansion of the hotel industry. It showed the need to construct
120,000 more rooms so the hotel industry can accommodate 10 million to 12 million foreign visitors by 2028. At present, there are 335,592 keys all over the country, both in DOT-accredited and nonaccredited accommodation establishments. (See, “Over 456,000 rooms needed by 2028–DOT,” in the BusinessMirror , October 17, 2024.)
More tax incentives needed
OF the Phisap, Montenegro added, “At least now there’s a proper plan and direction for [the hotel industry]. Hopefully we can get our number of rooms up. Now it’s really up to the DOTr [Department of Transportation] to get the international airports open faster, that can accommodate bigger aircraft to go to those key destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and even other upcoming destinations.”
PHOA Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr. described the Phisap as a “landmark document that provides the strategic direction for the Filipino hotel industry in terms of the capacity the country needs, the destinations which will require the development of additional accommodation facilities,
and also taking into consideration the amenities and services that have to be introduced in view of the changing preferences of travelers.”
Under Phisap, DOT will review the current fiscal incentives extended to the hotel industry. “Incentives have been the subject of very lengthy discussions. We have already conveyed to the DOT and other government agencies the types of incentives that we feel will encourage even more investments. These basically revolve around enhanced income-tax holidays and also a review of the projects that will qualify for incentives,” he stressed.
In the case of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, for example, it “now offers incentives for individual hotel projects because previously they were only offering incentives to the development of enterprise zones,” he added.
With more rooms, rates ease FOR his part, Philippine Tour Operators Association President Arjun Shroff called the Phisap launch a “monumental milestone,” and that with more rooms becoming available, “you can have increased in tourists arrivals. This strategic
alliance [between government and the private sector] is really going to help boost tourism in the country, of course, by putting attention on [the construction of] new airports and [encouraging more] flights.”
A property analyst recently said the shortage in hotel keys in the country by 2025 will increase the average daily rates of hotels, which can be a turn-off to foreign visitors. (See, “KEYS MUNA’ | Imminent hotel room shortage—and resulting higher room rates—could derail PHL’s ambition to lure more visitors,” in the BusinessMirror , April 20, 2024.)
But Shroff said, “I think the existing rates are already very good because it will all depend on the demand and also availability of the rooms. The shorter the supply the higher the rates. With more rooms available, the room rates may be given on promos.”
Meanwhile, Bengzon was hopeful that in the same way that the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan is updated every 5-6 years, the Phisap will also be updated after 2028. “This roadmap obviously should not end in 2028,” he said.
Marcos: ARAL law seeks to address education gaps
TBy Samuel P. Medenilla
O allow students who are lagging behind in terms of academic competencies to catch up with their peers, President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act.
During the signing ceremony of the new law in Malacañang last Friday, the chief executive said the legislative measure seeks to provide support to students, who are reentering school after a hiatus and low proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science.
“At the heart of this law lies a steadfast commitment to a free and effective learning intervention for our learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 within our public education system,” Marcos said. It will provide the qualified beneficiaries
with free tutorial from para-teachers and teachers, provided that they will not tutor their learners.
They will be provided free access to the Department of Educations’ (DepEd) Learning Management Systems, subsidized data plan. The tutorial sessions may be face-to-face, online, or through blended learning.
“These will encompass a multitude of tools—from web-based applications and online educational platforms, to digital libraries and other knowledge hubs—fostering continuous learning for both students and educators,” Marcos said. As an additional support for the ARAL beneficiaries, the law will require a portion of the mandated allotment in each broadcasting network’s daily total airtime to be allocated for supplemental tutorial videos on essential learning competencies. The law exempts any donation, contribu-
tion, or grant made to the ARAL Program through the DepEd—whether in cash or inkind—from donor’s tax and considered allowable deductions from the donor’s gross income.
“This initiative is designed to encourage support and partnership from individuals and organizations dedicated to uplifting the quality of education in the Philippines,”
Marcos said.
He said the new law aims to address the low proficiency of 75 percent of Filipino students in reading, mathematics, and science as revealed in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
“This disheartening trend remained alarmingly the same, highlighting the urgency of the learning crisis that we confront today,” the President said.
ARAL is part of the priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
The new law will take effect 15 days after its publication from the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara hailed the passage of the law, noting that it is “a critical intervention” at a time when education needs the most support.
“This law demonstrates our collective resolve to uplift the state of education in the Philippines. With ARAL, we can help students regain their momentum and achieve the learning milestones they deserve,” Angara said as he expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for prioritizing the measure.
Aside from Angara, the signing was witnessed by Senate President Francis Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, and Rep. Roman Romulo and other members of the Congress and officials of DepEd. With a report from Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
Agencies join hands to prevent more Alice Guos
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has joined hands with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and law enforcement agencies to stop unscrupulous individuals from obtaining Philippine passports.
Last October 16, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for an inter-agency cooperation and collaboration to combat fraudulent passport applications called “Operation Sentinel.”
Aside from the DFA, PSA, officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA),
National Bureau of Immigration (NBI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) signed the MOU. Representatives from the PNP’s Philippine Center for Transnational Center (PCTC) and Department of Information and Technology’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) also signed the MOU.
“The MOU would enable agencies to improve data sharing efficiency, develop interoperable systems, ensure prompt coordinated responses, and institute the necessary checks and balances,” DFA Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo said.
The DFA had earlier said it had cancelled 73 passports obtained fraudulently including those from Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, a.k.a. Guo Hua Ping, and her purported sister Sheila Guo a.k.a. Zhang Mier.
The MOU, Domingo said, is a “powerful testament” to a strengthened, wholeof-government approach in tackling the issue of fraudulent passport applications and illegal acquisitions of passports by foreign nationals.
However, the DFA did not elaborate as to how the agencies will coordinate more efficiently and immediately arrest foreigners who pose as Filipino
nationals to be able to obtain Philippine passport.
During the Senate investigation on human trafficking in POGOs last month, Sheila Guo testified that she is a Chinese citizen from Fujian and that she migrated to the Philippines in 2001 to help her “father” with his business.
She said it was her father who registered her birth with the PSA, under the late registration scheme. The PSA then issued a genuine birth certificate.
DFA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz had earlier said the DFA was also able to catch foreigners applying passports during interview process.
Take disaster preparedness seriously, OCD tells Filipinos
By Rex Anthony Naval
FFICE of Civil Defense (OCD)
OAdministrator Ariel Nepomuceno has called on all Filipinos to take disaster preparedness more seriously as global calamities are projected to worsen in the coming decades.
“I wish it weren’t true, but it’s a science-based prediction,” he said referring to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s projection that disasters will increase by 40 percent by 2030.
With these developments, Nepomuceno called on the public to give disaster preparations more importance and urgency.
“We must do what we can before it’s too late,” he said on the sidelines of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), which Manila is hosting for the first time at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Nepomuceno expressed concern that disaster preparedness and climate change are not among the top priorities for many Filipinos, as indicated by a recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations.
Despite this challenge, he highlighted the progress made by the government
in fostering safer and more resilient communities nationwide.
A UN official recently referred to the Philippines as a “lighthouse to the world” for its effective disaster risk reduction efforts during a media reception for the APMCDRR.
“We’ve made some gains, but we should not stop because the typhoons are also stronger. We should check if we have enough systems in place. If not, we must continuously improve,” Nepomuceno said, noting that the Philippines is “eager” to share its knowledge and experiences in disaster management with other countries. He underscored the importance of collaboration and cooperation during disasters.
“Not a single country in the world can face disasters alone. Even a rich country like Turkey needed assistance in dealing with a major disaster,” he said, referring to the devastating 2023 earthquake that resulted in over 15,000 fatalities and countless injuries.
Nepomuceno also stressed the significance of investing in disaster mitigation to lessen the impact of future calamities.
“We should not regret our investments in disaster resilience. These investments will save our lives,” he added.
VP Sara Duterte slams Marcos as feud escalates
PHILIPPINES Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday said the nation’s leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “doesn’t know how to be a president,” unleashing her strongest criticism yet against him since their political alliance collapsed.
Speaking at a news conference that was livestreamed on her Facebook page, Duterte said she has a list of impeachable offenses that Marcos has committed, but declined to elaborate.
“The incumbent doesn’t know how to be a president,” Duterte said, describing him as someone who doesn’t appear to have a clear platform for governance. Marcos’ office said it will not issue a statement in response to the vice president.
The animosity between the country’s two highest officials has intensified since Duterte resigned from Marcos’ cabinet in June. Marcos’ allies in Congress had also scrutinized the vice president over her office’s use of confidential funds and proposed budget for next year which the House of Representatives cut by
more than 60 percent. The daughter of former firebrand leader Rodrigo Duterte said lawmakers were trying to build a case to impeach her. She challenged critics to “drag me to hell.” Analysts earlier warned that the increasingly fractious disagreements between Marcos and his predecessor’s family could raise the risk of political instability and may undermine one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Duterte also said she once told the president’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, that she would “dig up” the body of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and “dump it on the West Philippine Sea”—using Manila’s term for the area of the South China Sea that’s part of its territory—if attacks against her would continue. She said the senator didn’t respond.
The vice president held the briefing about a week after Marcos said he felt “deceived” when Duterte said she and Marcos were not friends despite teaming up and securing a landslide win in the 2022 elections. Bloomberg News
Time BusinessMirror Our
81-year-old South Korean falls
short in bid to become oldest
Miss Universe contestant
SEOUL, South Korea—An 81-year-old model fell short in her bid to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant after competing in the South Korean pageant against much younger rivals.
Dressed in a beaded white gown, the silver-haired Choi Soon-hwa strutted across the stage and performed in a singing contest at the Miss Universe Korea pageant held Monday at a hotel in South Korea’s capital, Seoul.
She missed out on the crown but did take home the “best dresser” award.
Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion school student, won the contest and will head to Mexico City for the Miss Universe pageant in November. Choi, a former hospital care worker who began her modeling career in her 70s, was announced as a Miss Universe Korea finalist earlier this month along with 31 other
15 Antique elderly honored at 2024 provincial congress
Scontestants.
“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge,” Choi told The Associated Press hours before the pageant.
“I want people to look at me and realize that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream.”
It would have been impossible for Choi to compete in the pageant a year ago as Miss Universe had limited the participation to women between 18 and 28. The age limit, which had long drawn criticism, was lifted this year to make the competition more modern and diverse.
Organizers of the Korean pageant also removed the swimsuit competition and eligibility requirements related to education, height and foreign language abilities to open the contest to more women. AP
Obesity drugs for elderly Americans seen costing Medicare $35 billion
By John Tozzi & Madison Muller
GIVING older Americans access to weight-loss medicines through the US Medicare program would cost $35 billion over nine years, according to a congressional analysis.
Expanding coverage of weight-loss drugs like blockbusters from Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk A/S would make 12.5 million more people in the US program eligible for them by 2026, according to a long-awaited Congressional Budget Office analysis released Tuesday. The CBO estimated the drugs’ costs from 2026 through 2034.
About 52 million older or disabled Americans get retail prescription drug coverage through Medicare, which doesn’t cover drugs specifically for weight loss. Drugmakers and advocacy groups have asked Congress to broaden coverage of wildly popular therapies including Novo’s Wegovy, which Medicare now covers only for heart disease, and Lilly’s Zepbound. Lilly and Novo didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Lilly shares rose 1.7 percent as of 3:37 p.m. in New York.
The CBO analysis is crucial because wider coverage would likely have to be paid for with either higher taxes or cuts to other federal spending. The total savings from the benefit of the drugs themselves would be small relative to their cost, the agency said. In 2034, according to the report, Medicare would spend $7 billion on weight-loss medications, while saving $1 billion from improved health related to the drugs.
Price drop OVER time, though, the drugs’ prices are expected to fall, while savings from averted medical costs would accumulate. The CBO expects that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo’s Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus, will be selected for government price negotiations in 2025 because of “high cost to the Medicare Part D program.” Still, CBO said, the government would incur added costs from the drugs through 2044.
The office cautioned that its estimates are “highly uncertain,” given the fast-moving changes in the scientific evidence behind the drugs along with their prices. Bloomberg
By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay
AN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA,
Antique—Fifteen senior citizens in the province of Antique were recognized for helping preserve the province’s rich history, culture, and arts and for their active contribution to their organization and community, during the 2024 Provincial Senior Citizen’s Congress at the Binirayan Gymnasium here Thursday.
Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, in her message, noted that all of the 10,000 senior citizens in Antique play a significant role in preserving the culture and remaining active in their community.
“The seniors, by narrating the history, culture, and art of the province to the younger generations of Antiqueños, help us always remember it,” Cadiao said.
She said Antique is significant in the country’s history because it was where the first Malay ancestors settled and formed the first barangay.
“It is because of the significance
of our province that the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs has installed 10 bronze lifesize statues of our Malay ancestors to perpetuate the history,” she said.
The awardees were Ma. Nona Sandig from the town of Anini-y; Vincent Piccio III of Belison; Danilo Acuña of Bugasong; Rosarita Peñaflorida of Caluya; Pilar Alocilja of Culasi; Merle De La Cruz of Hamtic; Antonieta Lumugda of Laua-an; Marietta Noble of Libertad; Patnongon Mayor Johnnyflores Bacongallo; Rosalie Cornelio of San Jose de Buenavista; Eldie Pelingon of San Remigio; Tes-
Nothing in life is too late
IREMEMBER a time in our the-
ology class when at one point
we were discussing Friedrich Nietzsche’s striking assertion that “God is dead. God remains dead,” when our teacher suddenly asked: “If God is dead and no longer alive, what is there to believe in?” After a long silence, one student raised his hand tentatively and ventured an answer: “Maybe content with being alive?”
That answer stayed in my mind, even now. Later that year, we were required to critique one of the films slated to be shown during the Japanese film festival (cinema was my college sub-major in communication arts). There was one film there that left me spellbound aesthetically and deeply moved emotionally. It was a quiet, slow-paced film entitled “Ikiru” by the great Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. In my critique, I wrote that to me the film’s message was not to be just content with existence but to become enthused with being alive up to the last moment. I even invented a new word: aliving.
If you have not watched “Ikiru” then you better not miss the film “Living” starring the accomplished British actor Bill Nighy. It is a superbly crafted remake of Kurosawa’s classic “Ikiru.” It is now accessible on a popular streaming platform. The new film shifts the story from Tokyo to London but keeps the 1950s time period and stays true to the most important plot points and core message.
Both “Ikiru” and “Living” depict the story of an ordinary civil servant, reduced by years of oppressive office routine to a shadow existence, who, upon being confronted with a death sentence of terminal cancer, chooses to turn his remain-
By Nick Tayag
ing time to see the construction of a children’s park to completion. The construction had been long delayed by bureaucratic indifference and negligence. Only then that he becomes truly alive, and he dies feeling fulfilled and in peace.
My more mature takeaway from both the original movie and its remake is that it’s never too late to find a purpose for living, which the Japanese call “ikigai.” This is why a
movie like “Living” is a must see for seniors in advanced age who are on the verge of giving up and just waiting for the eventual day. The film is telling us: you, too, could be this man. Even if you’re afflicted with all sorts of serious health issues, live meaningfully while you have the chance!
The most poignant scene in “Ikiru,” which is duplicated in “Living,” shows the old man sitting on a swing on a snowy night, softly singing a song just before his death. One of his subordinates in the office who happened to pass by says that the man was probably happier in that moment than he had been for a very long time. It was as if he were a child again, rediscovering his sense of fun in being alive.
sie Esparar of Sibalom; Jimmy Barrientos of Tibiao; Eulalia Pelingon of Tobias Fornier; and Nelieta Patchicoy of Valderrama.
Patchicoy, in an interview right after receiving her award, said she was happy for the honor and thankful to her fellow seniors in Valderrama for the nomination.
“There were so many struggles in life that I had encountered, but I feel blessed to have received the award,” she said.
The towns of Barbaza, Pandan, and Sebaste failed to send their nominations for the award.
Meanwhile, Cadiao said that in
Beyond fun, he felt the joy of fulfillment, because he was able to serve others even if it was just a little park in a corner. Because rather than becoming depressed by his terminal cancer, Rodney decides to become a factor for change. He has repurposed his life by striving to be a source of “blessings” to benefit others.
After his death, he was lionized by the grateful residents of that once blighted housing area. Note that people will remember you not only for the material stuff you gave them but more importantly for how your presence made a difference in a positive way.
Even if you’re not suffering from a terminal illness like the character in the said films, it is better for you to get up from your inertia as a senior pensionado. Don’t be like Shakespeare’s Richard II who la-
ments, “I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.”
You don’t have to do anything heroic or attention-getting to live your remaining last years with purpose. Feel the impulse at this time in your life to discover something new about yourself, to reinvest yourself in something noteworthy. Volunteer for a cause, like mentoring or getting involved in community-led climate action initiatives. Do something useful for someone you love, or a neighbor, or a stranger.
You’ve heard of some basketball teams that came back from 25 or 30 points to win. The prospect of losing a crucial game can be a strong motivation for players to compensate for being lackadaisical in the first
recognition of the importance of the sector, the provincial government annually provides financial assistance called “Kabalaka” (Care) for those 85 years old and above so they would have money to buy their medicines and other needs.
Social Worker Carla Jee Ann Cabigunda, in charge of the senior citizen’s affairs of the provincial social welfare and development office, said in an interview that those aged 85 years to 89 years annually receive P2,000; those 90 years to 94 years, P3,000; those 95 years to 99 years, P5,000; and centenarians, P30,000. PNA
35 minutes and then to give it their all towards the end. Those kinds of games can be significant because players can grow and mature in those last two minutes. While we may not be as agile as before, we can still score points in the last two minutes of life by being creative and harnessing our innate “abilidad” or “diskarte.” Don’t count the remaining time. Make the time count, especially if you are in the last lap. Good deeds matter in the here and now.
If there is one thing I regret about Rodney, the cancer-stricken character in “Living,” it is that he was never able to tell his only son about his terminal disease. He wasn’t able to get close to his son and his wife. That’s because, both he and his son failed to break the wall between them that began to build up after the demise of Rodney’s wife. He wanted to tell his son about his condition but something always managed to come up to prevent him from doing so. As one character says: “don’t let that yearning turn to regret.” Alas, Rodney died without being able to close the gap.
This is why, while still alive in your 70s and 80s, consider the people who are close to you, who really love and respect you. Renew your relationships with your sons and daughters. They would rather have you than the material things you can give them. Before it’s too late, let them know the best of you. For when you give the gift of yourself you’re saying, “you’re extremely important to me, I care about you, I love you, you’re valuable.”
It has been said that cinema speaks a universal language, but these two films are a superb example of the truth of the assertion. Its lessons about the finity of existence and the beauty of living for the good of others have universal resonance.
So get up from your chair. Do some good while you still have time. Don’t ride into sunset thinking you did not make good use of your time. Nothing in life is too late. Each day we oldies wake up is a good day to live.
Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao poses with the outstanding senior citizens in the province after their awarding ceremony at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista on October 10, 2024. Cadiao said the award recognizes their significant roles in preserving the history, culture, and arts of the province, as
SOuth Korean Choi Soon-hwa, 81-year-old, competes during the 2024 Miss universe Korea in Seoul, South Korea, on September 30, 2024. AP Photo/lee JiN-mAN
DRuGMAKeRS and advocacy groups have asked Congress to broaden coverage of wildly popular therapies including Lilly’s Zepbound. bloomberg Photo
THE UNIVERSITY EDITION
60-YEARS STRONG:
UST’s Artlets and Philets mark milestone of legacy, excellence
THE Philets and Artlets Alumni Assoc. Inc. of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) recently launched the 60th-anniversary festivities of the Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB).
Marked by the theme: “A Tradition of Excellence: UST Philets and Artlets Since 1896 to 2024,” the kick-off took place on October 10 at the Sampaguita Hall of Manila Hotel. Alumni from the Faculty of Arts and Letters—otherwise known as “Artlets”—as well as the former Faculty of Philosophy and Letters (Philets), were in attendance to witness the unveiling of the celebration’s key events.
President of the UST Philets and Artlets Alumni Association Henry Tenedero explained that the initial plan was to focus on the six-decade milestone from 1964 to 2024. However, they realized the institution’s roots run much deeper.
“Admittedly, Philets is a dying generation—but we don’t want them to be erased in the history of our wonderful celebration,” Tenedero explained. “More than anything else, this is a celebration to bring back memories of what AB is to the community of the Thomasians, and AB in the life of our nation.”
With a photo exhibit chroni -
cling the storied journey of both faculties set to be a centerpiece, AB Faculty dean Melanie Turingan urged alumni to reconnect with the college by contributing memorabilia for the exhibit, calling on them to help bridge the gap between generations: “Students would be able to see what we were once and, of course, that would continue and would make them feel like, ‘Oh, we belong’ [because I feel, to be honest, that’s what’s missing—the connection].”
She also shared plans of linkingup with UST’s Archives to revive significant documents—including those that chart the historic shift from “Philets” to “Artlets.”
“Hopefully, they’ll be able to share, so that [many can also see why it became ‘AB’ and ‘Philets’]— especially the remaining graduates of the latter that we have, so that our faculty can see a revival,” Turingan added.
‘AB Week’
ANOTHER highlight of the celebration will be a “thematic” concert scheduled for February next year—
although details on the venue and date remain under wraps.
“We planned [it in such a way that it will cater not only to the young graduates, but also to our entire AB alumni],” Tenedero shared.
“We [are also planning to invite alumni’s businesses to participate in the ‘AB Week,’ where they can showcase their trade. They] can have a booth beside the venue.”
The alumni association president also hinted at more activities to reconnect graduates with the current AB community, with invitations soon to follow.
Aside from cultural events, academic fora and a fundraising campaign for future projects are also in the works. Earlier this year, the association awarded senior sociology graduate Faustina Dizon as the first recipient of the “Artlets Alumni Scholarship Fund.”
Celebrations will culminate
with a gala on March 1, 2025 at the Manila Hotel, themed: “From Pen to Pixels: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.”
When asked about the participation of alumni based overseas, Tenedero confidently stated that many would return for the anniversary, just as they had for previous homecomings.
He also pointed out that the UST High School’s anniversary would coincide with the event, which will give more reason for “dual alumni” of both Philets and Artlets, as well as “UST High,” to reunite.
Established in 1896, Philets has its origins in UST’s 19th-Century civic-philosophy curriculum. In 1964, the university combined Philets with the College of Liberal Arts, leading to the creation of the present-day Faculty of Arts and Letters.
Education that works: National U to expand to 20 campuses in 10 years
NATIONAL University (NU) is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy that aims to establish 20 campuses across the Philippines by 2028. This initiative underscores NU’s commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable education to young Filipinos nationwide. Since the NU-SM partnership in 2008, the former has revitalized its mission to democratize education—expanding access to quality and affordable education, starting with campuses in Metro Manila and reaching key provinces like Laguna, Batangas and now, Negros Occidental. The university strategically places campuses near residential and commercial centers. This proximity ensures convenience for students and fosters a community-focused educational environment.
Its expansion is rooted in the philosophy of “Dynamic Filipinism,” emphasizing updated and innovative educational practices that prepare students for success in diverse fields. Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita Jr., who is NU’s president and CEO, highlights the relevance of NU’s programs in disciplines such as engineering, accounting, information technology, tourism, nursing and other health sciences that are tailored to meet regional demands and industry needs. According to Dr. Ermita, NU offers programs that are not only within its scope of expertise and experience, but also the ones that are relevant in their respective sectors. By opening campuses in key cities like Bacolod, Las Piñas,
Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Naga, it contributes significantly to local economies and community development. This expansion does not only enhance educational opportunities, but also attracts skilled faculty members who are passionate about nurturing talent in their home provinces.
The university president shared that NU is opening campuses in areas where it can add value and positively contribute to its community: “In Bacolod, we hope to provide quality, updated, innovative education to the [city’s youth—both in content and in instructional method that reflect the NU standard of quality education. It is] education that is sustainable: It continuously improves, and is never stagnant.”
Expansion NU remains steadfast in its com -
mitment to providing affordable education without compromising quality. With continuous investments in infrastructure, laboratories, faculty development, and sports facilities, the university ensures a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and student success.
To date, there are 11 NU campuses: the main campus and the Nazareth School in Sampaloc, City of Manila; NU-Mall of Asia in Pasay City; NU Fairview in Quezon City; NU-East Ortigas in Pasig City; NULaguna in Calamba City, NU-Lipa City in Batangas; NU-Dasmariñas in Cavite; NU-Baliwag in Bulacan; NU-New Clark City in Pampanga; and NU-Bacolod City.
The latter was scheduled to open in August this year, while NULas Piñas and NU-Cebu, in 2025. Campuses in Pangasinan, Isabela,
FEU boosts cross-cultural learning, hosts US students
FAR Eastern University (FEU), through its International Relations Office (IRO), recently reinforced its dedication to international collaboration by hosting a threeweek “Study Abroad” program of De Anza College in the United States.
Its aim was to introduce the Philippines’ enriching cultural and educational experiences to students from outside the country, thus bridging global gaps and fostering international understanding.
FEU-IRO hosted 15 students and two faculty members from the US college to experience life in the Philippines through guided cultural tours, diverse lectures, and communityengagement activities.
“We are thrilled to host De Anza College students in our transformative ‘Study Abroad’ program. This partnership broadens perspectives and fosters meaningful connections between our institutions,” said FEUIRO director Driselle Pajuyo. “By sharing Philippine culture with international students, we encourage them to enhance their global awareness while promoting our rich heritage.”
With rapid globalization, there is increasing interest among students worldwide to study abroad. In 2023, there was a 10.2-percent hike in international student-enrollment in the Philippines, according to a statement from FEU.
Davao, Iloilo, and Naga are set to open in the next three years.
“As we expand, we have a lot of faculty members who are, in a sense, returning residents to their hometown. We understand there is the growing cost of education— meaning, it’s one thing to pay the tuition fee, and another thing to cover the expenses of going to school including having to spend for a dorm, for food, throughout the whole four years,” explained Dr. Ermita, as he added that NU hopes to bring education closer to students’ homes.
In 2008, SM acquired majority ownership of NU when it was struggling to get enrollees since the 1998 fire that razed the university’s main building. The year prior to their partnership, the university’s student population was only at 1,800.
Today, NU has 55,000 students, with the university aiming to boost the student population to 100,000 by 2027. The opening of NU-Bacolod and NU-East Ortigas in August is expected to contribute to the growing student population.
“The objective of NU is to produce productive individuals, professionals and entrepreneurs. We hope that they are able to fulfill their career and life objectives. Our motto is ‘Education that works…’ It also means it’s sustainable and relevant. But our mantra—as always directed by our chair Hans Sy and the family—is quality, affordability and accessibility,” Dr. Ermita further stated. “That is why we keep our tuition fees very affordable, and promote accessibility through the expansion.”
Cross-cultural understanding FEU’s extensive network of global linkages—now with 43 universities—indicate its commitment to enhancing education and promoting global citizenship. The “Study Abroad” program with De Anza College exemplified this commitment by offering international students
valuable cultural experiences and academic enrichment.
For their first day, the exchange program’s participants went on a guided tour around the FEU-Manila campus—the country’s largest Art Deco complex and a recognized “National Cultural Treasure” by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
As part of their community-engagement activities, the students visited the Gawad Kalinga headquarters, attended lectures on Philippine indigenous peoples, and met with Aeta communities in Pampanga. The university planned these activities with the intention of deepening the American students’ understanding and appreciation of Philippine communities to help enhance cross-cultural knowledge and skills essential in a globalized world.
Karen Wang, an Asian-American Studies delegate, expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply grateful for the welcoming community at FEU, who taught me that rather than being a passive observer, I could become part of a wider network of social relations, commitments and responsibilities.” For delegate Sarah Gibbs, the most rewarding experience was “exploring my Filipino identity and meeting other Filipinos… I’ve never felt so loved and cared for by a group of strangers, who soon became friends.”
FEU’s international-study initiatives are in-line with the Commission on Higher Education’s internationalization strategy that aims to integrate the Philippines into the global academic community. By fostering partnerships with international institutions, the university contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and global solidarity.
Mapúa U ready to drive innovation, produce ‘game-changing’ alumni
MAPÚA University—a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies—continues to expand its expertise and position its academic stronghold in providing a diverse array of undergraduate programs that are relevant in today’s society.
An important move that Mapúa recently launched is artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated learning, with a mission to set the standard for that kind of education in the country. Relevant modules include “Basic Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT: An Introduction,” which seeks to educate students more about large language models or LLMs like ChatGPT and maximize its capabilities.
Another is “AI Foundations: Scripting ChatGPT with Python,” which empowers learners to develop their foundations on the Python programming language and create intelligent results from such. With Mapúa’s partnership with Arizona State University, expect more AI-related courses and modules to be made available for students.
In addition, Mapúa has collaborated with Cisco to establish the Philippines’s first digital university last year.
The partnership aimed to modernize Mapúa’s traditional classroom setting with hybrid learning by utilizing
Cisco’s technology such as AI-powered collaboration tools, including Cisco Webex Meeting Suite, Webex Boards, Meraki Wireless and Smart Cameras. The university has earlier partnered with software and hardware company Sophos to offer cybersecurity courses and training that will equip students with skills and knowledge on securing cyberspace that would effectively help them transition from classroom to work-place settings.
Mapúa also offers a Bachelor of Science-Entertainment and Multimedia Computing program which equips students with expertise on game development from the creative to technical processes which can lead them to lucrative careers in the gaming industry.
“It is this kind of commitment to future-proofing the academe and the future of Filipinos that keeps Mapúa University in its game-changing and trailblazing streak,” said university president and CEO Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. “More than the innovations, its beneficiaries—the students and alumni—are the biggest testimonials of Mapúa’s legendary contribution to society. The university has long produced notable alumni by providing a learning environment that inspires students to make a difference.”
Editor: Mike Policarpio
Story & photo by Bless Aubrey Ogerio
FOREIGN delegates partake in a “boodle-fight” lunch.
AB alumnus and Rainmakers founding member Joel Macanaya (from left), AB dean Melanie Turingan, UST Philets and Artlets Alumni Association Inc. president Henry Tenedero, AB regent Fr. George Phe Mang OP, and AB assistant dean John Manuel Kliatchko
THE NU Laguna campus at Calamba City opened in 2018 with the aim of bringing the university’s brand of education to Calabarzon.
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
REDISCOVERING CEBU AND ITS NEW STAR
Why the ‘Queen City of the South’ offers infinite experiences
Story & photos by Nicole Paler
Cebu is an island filled with deep history as well as the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines and is one of the most vibrant places you can travel to.
Often referred to as the “Queen City of the South,” a visit to this island always starts within Cebu City itself. Despite being here a couple of times before, getting to have another look is an absolute treat, despite the short time I had to wander around. While most people mark their end with a cross, I marked the start of my tour with Magellan’s Cross. After all, it is a significant historical landmark that noted the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, and the start of a new chapter in our history and culture. The original cross that was planted by Magellan himself in 1521 is encased in Tindalo wood and is housed in a small chapel. The inside is filled with intricate paintings mostly depicting the arrival of Magellan and the first baptism in Cebu. Before, when I was younger and came in with my family, we could light a candle and say a short prayer within its walls. Now, you are encouraged to not light it and just place the candle underneath the cross and say a prayer instead. What makes Cebu City interesting is the architecture you can find within this city. Adjacent to Magellan’s Cross stands a National Cultural Treasure, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. One of the oldest churches in the Philippines, the church has a Baroque-style bell tower, but upon first glance, it has a solid facade that blends Muslim, Romanesque, and Neo-Classical features.
The Baroque-style bell tower has 2 alternatingly shaped blind and open windows ending up in triangular pinnacles with a circular disc. Within the complex also lies an inner garden that is beautiful and serene, as well as the Dagkotanan or Candle Area. Here I found red candles, lighted them up, and gave a short prayer.
A few more steps away, you will find a Cebuano homegrown business, La Fortuna Bakery. It is a bakery that has stood the test of time, as it has been up for around six decades from now. It serves Chinese-inspired delicacies such as hopia, masi (a dish of glutinous rice balls with a peanut and muscovado filling ), tikoy, breads and more. Beside this is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the first cathedral made in Cebu. Its facade is the only thing it retained from 18th-century architecture, after being bombed in the war in 1944 and renovated in the 50s.
I also took a break to try how the locals have street food at Pungko Pungko sa Fuente, located uptown in Cebu City. Taken from the Cebuano word “pungko”, which means “to squat”, it is how diners would sit on low stools to enjoy their meals. Being one of the best ways to enjoy street food in Cebu, you have a pile of your favorite fried food in front of you, and you just have to note which ones you got when you will pay for it, much like the “honesty box” concept.
My tour around the city concluded in Fort San Pedro, the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines. It is a triangular bastion with two of them facing the sea and has stone walls 2.5 m. thick. The fort is a testament to its crucial role in Cebu City’s military history. Today, one can enjoy the scenic views surrounding the place, and within its walls is a museum of sorts. I wished that I had more time to revisit the Temple of Leah or Sirao Gardens though, which host some of the most breathtaking views you can find in Cebu City.
The New Star in Cebu A FT e R history and culture hopping, I found my way back to relaxation in NUSTAR Hotel Resort. Touted as
Cebu’s first urban resort, it changed the tourism landscape of Cebu with it being a place to mix luxury, relaxation, gaming, and celebrations. It is the new star of the Queen City of the South, which welcomed my stay with an incredible view of the third Mactan-Cebu Bridge; known to be the CCL e X or the Cebu Cordova e xpressway.
I saw how beautiful contemporary Filipino architecture can be when I stayed at Fili Hotel in NUSTAR. Fili celebrates the Philippines’ heritage and the adventure one would find
in Cebu with the craftsmanship throughout the hotel, from the use of solihiya at the Lobby Lounge, a sardine swim-inspired entryway in the lobby, Capiz lined handles to its doors, which is also evident in their rooms. Fili Hotel made my stay magical with its lush, comfortable beds, ample space for my work desk, and a spacious, majestic bathroom.
Crucero is NUSTAR Resort’s newest elegant experience. It is a twinhulled party yacht that offers an ideal setting for a sunset cruise, reminiscent of Magellan’s voyages, with a
backdrop of the kaleidoscopic sunset near the CCL e X Bridge. There was live music when we boarded, for the breathtaking sunset view, as well as welcome drinks and food. The resort also has a couple of pool areas that are perfect places to just lounge the day away, and Fili Hotel’s breakfast buffet is quite extensive, with lots of options for Indian food, Korean and Japanese cuisine as well as Pinoy breakfast favorites cooked to perfection like Danggit (dried fish), tapa, and even a desserts section that is centered around Cebu’s
loved mangoes. NUSTAR is also the place to try out different cuisines all around the world in one place. You can find the famed Mott 32, an award-winning popular Hong Kong Chinese restaurant known to have “the best Peking duck in Hong Kong.”I fell in love with their Smoked Black Cod, but all of the dishes here are really divine. You can also get your drinks here, as they have a bar that serves some of the most amazing cocktails.
There’s also Il Primo which caters to more of Italian, and e uropean cuisine, with its pizzas and Black Angus steaks, and Fina, where you can find Filipino, and Cebuano dining options like their Lechon Belly with an extra crispy skin and a sweet and slightly lemony taste. My journey to Cebu showed me that its city has much more to offer than just Cebu’s historic and gastronomic delights. Visiting NUSTAR added a variety to Cebu City’s must-go places, and it also provided an infinite number of experiences for curious visitors like me down south.
Chan C es are, while scrolling through social media, you’ve come across stunning photos of this breathtaking, multi-tiered waterfall. Imagine the Banaue Rice Terraces, but instead of rice fields, you’ll see shimmering cascades flowing over vibrant emerald green and turquoise blue waters.
Kaparkan Falls has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most stunning waterfalls, and after seeing it myself, I can wholeheartedly agree.
But despite its undeniable beauty, Kaparkan Falls remains a place that many travelers have yet to explore. Most tourists heading north from Manila opt for well-known destinations like Baguio, s agada, or Ilocos, often overlooking a bra, a province nestled between the Ilocos mountain ranges to the west and the Cordillera to the east. This trip was also my first time visiting a bra.
Perhaps it’s because Kaparkan Falls reveals its full splendor only during the rainy season, leaving it dry and inaccessible for the rest of the year. Plus, according to online sources, adventurous travelers began discovering this hidden treasure only in 2015. n ot to mention, a bra is still in the early stages of tourism development. s ome might find it challenging to navigate without pre-arranged plans or
local guidance. For my trip, I decided to join an organized tour with Gala.ph, which a friend highly recommended. We departed Manila at 9:00 PM, and by dawn, we had reached our breakfast stop. a
hours, we journeyed through various towns, soaking in the views, before the road turned rough and rugged toward the end. Once we reached the trailhead, an easy 20 to 30-minute downhill hike awaited us. a t the trail’s end stood Kaparkan Falls in all its breathtaking glory. Kaparkan Falls, also known as Mulawin Falls, is located in s itio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, in the municipality of Tineg, the northernmost part of a bra Province.
This stunning natural wonder is arguably a bra’s most unique attraction. While there may be other similar falls, nothing compares to the picturesque, beautifully terraced pools of Kaparkan, which look almost man-made. n ature’s artistry is evident, with century-old trees, including a towering banyan tree, standing watch over this wonder.
The falls span approximately 500 meters in length and 60 meters in width and drain into the Tineg River, a vital waterway in the region.
We spent our time soaking in the beauty of Kaparkan Falls, lounging in its crystal-clear pools, and capturing countless photos. While the limestone edges looked slippery, they were surprisingly safe to walk on. I first tried walking barefoot but eventually decided to put on my Teva sandals. This trip gave me the perfect chance
to test my Teva sandals. I wore the black h urricane XLT 2, which has Teva’s classic three-strap design. The soft footbed provided just the right amount of arch support, while the quick-dry webbing, made from recycled plastic, performed flawlessly for hiking and wading through water. We also enjoyed our packed lunch at Kaparkan Falls, as visitors had to bring their own food and water since no vendors operated at the site. It was just as important to pack out everything we brought, helping to keep the area clean and unspoiled. The local guidelines encouraged the ‘leave no trace’ principle to preserve the falls for future visitors. There were also tables where guests could relax and store their belongings. We spent four hours at Kaparkan, including the 30-minute uphill hike back to the monster truck. The local government has implemented strict visitor regulations to preserve the falls, allowing only up to 100 visitors per batch, with a maximum of four hours to enjoy the experience. The rest of our stay in a bra was spent visiting its other attractions, like the Bangued town proper, Calaba Bridge, Lusuac s prings, and Victoria Peak at Casamata h ill. We also had the chance to
Story & photos by Kelly Austria
Labubu is having a moment
YOU’VE probably seen celebrities post this toy on their social-media accounts or people having it dangling from their bags. Labubu is having a moment right now.
The mischievous character Labubu was first introduced in 2015 and it’s now everyone’s must-have accessory thanks to Blackpink’s Lisa who, back in April, posted a video of herself on her Instagram Story hugging a Labubu plush doll from The Monsters’ Fall in Wild series. She’s also been seen decorating her bags with other Labubu pendants. Labubu has also inspired memes on the Internet, including “Labohoo” and “Me and my Labubu against the world [featuring horror doll Annabelle].” Labubu going mainstream can also be credited
to the popularity of anik-anik, those key rings and chains that people hang from their bags.
If you go online on TikTok, Labubu is all you’ll ever see.
Filipino actresses Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista also have their own Labubu collections.
“Labubu-wang na Kami,” said Evangelista on Instagram as she displayed her collection alongside some of her luxury bags.
Rivera has a variety of Labubu sizes from the small plush pendants to the large Mega Labubu figures.
“Channeling my inner child,” said the Balota star in an Instagram post. Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda is another Filipino celebrity obsessed with Labubu.
Ruffa Gutierrez and her mom Annabelle Rama also showed their own collection of Labubu and other POP MART dolls.
So what is Labubu and why is it so popular online and offline?
Labubu is furry elf character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. It is recognized by its pointy ears, impish smile, and sharp teeth. Labubu was created as part of a larger group of creatures called The Monsters which included other characters like Zimomo and Tycoco. All these characters were inspired by elves, fairies, and monsters in Nordic fairy
tales. Labubu is available at POP MART stores and online at m.popmart.com/ph. The pendants are in blind boxes, meaning they are in sealed boxes so you don’t know what you’re getting until you open them. The pendants have an average price of ₱900 to ₱1,700 each but resellers on Facebook Marketplace, X, Carousell, TikTok Shop, and Instagram price them at way more than that because of the demand.
In Thailand, people line up to enter the POP MART stores but right outside are people selling their Labubu pendants for more than the retail prices.
POP MART is opening its first official pop-up store in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia on November 2. The pop-up, which will run for three months, is a key step in POP MART’s expansion across Southeast Asia.
The SM Mall of Asia pop-up will feature a lifesized statue of Hirono Mime Devilry, designed as an interactive photo spot.
With over 500 stores, 2,300 Robo Shops, and distribution across 30+ countries and regions, POP MART continues to lead global collectible art and pop culture. In addition to bringing its beloved IPs to the Philippines, POP MART hints at future plans for new store openings and potential collaborations with local Filipino artists, blending global inspiration with local creativity.
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
Christopher Louis Tsu, the CEO of Venom Foundation, told reporters in a recent interview that deploying blockchain technology will enable the Philippines to leapfrog and be at par with the countries in the Middle East and Europe in putting importance on transparency and better governance in their respective socio-political structures.
“The compelling
Venom Foundation partnered with the PBW to promote blockchain in the country.
He said the main objective of Venom Foundation to “develop and support a self-sufficient blockchain ecosystem” has attracted developers to build various projects: VenomWallet (non-custodial wallet with a multisig option and ledger support), VenomScan (to access transactions history), VenomGet (an easy gateway to Venom tokens).
He said First World countries such as the United States and Japan don’t need to install blockchain technology because they already have very efficient banking systems, strong currencies, strong rule of law, and lots of investors.
Tsu said Venom Foundation is bullish as it signed an agreement with the Philippine government to do electronic bills and government checks, and put them onto the blockchain.
Tsu said the Philippines is making a significant leap forward by launching an ambitious project to use Venom technology to digitize approximately 10 billion accountable forms such as but not limited to invoices or receipts, cash tickets, documentary stamps, and special bank receipts, individually identified, accounted for, and afforded appropriate security. The initiative marks a new phase in the country’s digitalization journey and promises to revolutionize financial operations.
Tsu said the project is expected to significantly enhance transparency, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency and security of financial transactions across the nation. With a population of approximately 115 million, the impact of this digitization effort will be far-reaching, touching every aspect of daily life and commerce in the Philippines.
The country’s National Printing Office, responsible for printing 10 billion accountable forms annually, and Venom Foundation agreed to implement the digitalization of documents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said digitizing government records and services would enhance the country’s planning and decision-making processes, as well as, streamline business transactions.
Blockchain technology is a decentralized, distributed ledger that stores the record of ownership of digital assets. Any data stored on blockchain is unable to be modified, making the technology a legitimate disruptor for industries like payments, cybersecurity and healthcare.
UNIFIED Transport Operations League (UTOL), an all-Filipino ride-hailing transport network company (TNC), partnered recently with the Social Security System (SSS) to enable UTOL to subsidize the SSS monthly premiums of its drivers/operators.
For this special subsidy, SSS designed a new program to accommodate the needs of the company that has no employer-employee set-up with its drivers/operators. With this unique arrangement with SSS, UTOL becomes a pioneer in the transport industry being the first TNC to subsidize and provide SSS benefits for its drivers/operators.
To qualify, drivers have to go online with the UTOL app and be active for a specific number of hours daily. In addition, drivers/operators are required to meet minimum standards set up by UTOL for its drivers/operators. They should be well-disciplined, good mannered, and have no bad record with law enforcement agencies.
This is a welcome development since UTOL will take care of their monthly remittances and premium costs while drivers/operators can concentrate on their work and be able to earn more. UTOL’s move to provide SSS subsidy is such
main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, along with a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera captures detailed images with accurate colors, especially in good lighting conditions, making it one of the better cameras in its price range. The 5MP front camera, while sufficient for selfies and video calls, doesn’t offer anything particularly special.
The phone also excels in battery life, boasting a 5,200mAh battery that easily lasts a full day of moderate use. It supports 35W Honor SuperCharge via USB Type-C, allowing users to charge up to 20 percent in just 10 minutes, a convenient feature for those on the go. Running on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14, the Honor X6b provides a clean, user-friendly interface with helpful features. Overall, the Honor X6b is a durable, practical and well-rounded smartphone that offers excellent value for budgetconscious consumers.
Both the Honor Pad X8a and Honor X6b are perfect gift options, combining premium design, reliable performance, and practical features. Whether for work, entertainment, or casual browsing, these devices offer impressive value for money and, best of all, you won’t regret giving them away as gifts. ■
SSS; Atty. Victorina
Atty. Voltaire P. Agas, executive vice president, branch operations sector, SSS; Rosalie Maningas, UTOL general manager; and Atty. Orly Ocampo, head, UTOL legal department. More information is available
LABUBU creator Kasing Lung with Thai actor Mario
OPPO IMAGINE IF PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
OPPO has announced the winners of its second annual imagine IF Photography Awards, a global competition celebrating creativity and innovation in mobile photography. Launched in January and closed for submissions in July, the competition saw over 1 million entries from 81 countries and regions. Including China, India, Mexico, Columbia and Egypt were among the top five countries in terms of submissions. OPPO will showcase winning works at Paris Photo, the largest international art fair in November.
“Exceptional photographs have the power to preserve cherished emotions, even in the most seemingly mundane of moments, transforming them into timeless memories,” said Pete Lau, senior vice president and chief product officer of OPPO. Alec Soth, Magnum Photos member and competition judge, added, “Photography is esteemed as an art form that blends a multitude of techniques, not merely capturing stunning sights but also evoking profound emotions and resonating with power,”
This year, 15 photographers have been honored with Master, Silver, and Bronze Awards, while the Master Award went to Liang Xibing for his evocative work.
His awarding entry, “Summer by Hutuo River,” captures the fleeting joy of childhood with masterful use of light and movement. As the OPPO imagine IF Master, Liang Xibing will receive a grand prize of $24,000 and be appointed as an OPPO Photographer, enjoying priority access to various OPPO events.
In “Wandou and Her Teddy Bear,” Silver Award winner Huapei He captures a touching bond between a child and her toy, a testament to OPPO’s advances in mobile imaging. Through this heartwarming image, the judges expressed their amazement at how tools like the OPPO Find N3 Flip can empower photographers to capture professional-quality images with vivid detail and atmosphere.
With 36 Honorable Mentions across nine categories, including Landscape, Portrait, Colors, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection, the competition celebrated a diverse range of creativity that pushed the boundaries of mobile photography.
From vivid landscapes to intimate moments, the works transcend traditional artistic limits. Furthermore, for the first time this year, the competition introduced five Youth Special Awards, specifically designed to acknowledge and celebrate the inspiring talents of the emerging generation.
At its finest, mobile photography embodies accessibility, ease and spontaneity, allowing anyone to turn moments into lasting works of art. With the theme “Beyond the Image, Beyond Imagination,” OPPO reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and empowering creativity on a global scale. As the global partner of the largest international art fair, Paris Photo, OPPO will showcase winning works from the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 at the upcoming exhibition in November.
To explore the winning works and learn more about the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards, visit imagine-if.oppo.com/en.
Honor’s sub P10K steals
WITH Christmas only 70-plus days away, it’s time to seriously start thinking about holiday gifts— especially if you’re in my age group, where the gift list seems to grow longer each year.
Let’s face it: choosing the right present can be tricky, particularly when you want something that’s both meaningful and useful. So, how do you select a gift that truly stands out, making it memorable and significant, rather than just another item under the tree?
Start by setting a realistic budget and sticking to it. The holidays have a sneaky way of tempting us into overspending, but a thoughtful gift doesn’t need to be extravagant. Often, a well-chosen item that reflects genuine consideration leaves a bigger impact than an expensive one. Remember, it’s about the gesture, not the price tag. Be sure to take advantage of holiday sales on platforms like Shopee and Lazada. These events can help stretch your budget further—and you might even score some freebies to pass along as extra gifts.
Next, consider practicality. A gift that seamlessly fits into the recipient’s life—whether it’s something they’ve been eyeing, or a useful item they didn’t realize they needed—tends to be appreciated most. There’s something special about a present that brings ease or joy well beyond the holiday season.
Lastly, don’t forget the personal touch. A meaningful gift reflects who the recipient is, whether it ties to their hobbies, passions, or a shared memory. After all, the best gifts show that you truly know and value them. A balance of thoughtfulness, practicality, and personalization ensures that your gift will be cherished long after the decorations are put away.
If you’re looking for a combination of practicality and personalization, tech gadgets are a great choice, as they suit a wide range of interests. As we count down to our annual gift guide, Honor Philippines is ahead of the curve with two new devices that check all the boxes.
The Honor Pad X8a and Honor X6b offer a perfect blend of form and function. The Pad X8a, with its larger screen and long-lasting battery, is ideal for both work and entertainment. Meanwhile, the Honor X6b, a durable and affordable smartphone, covers all the essentials and more—proving that practicality and style can go hand-in-hand this holiday season.
HONOR PAD X8A: BUILT TO ENTERTAIN ONE thing that both younger and older generations share is their love for content consumption, such as watching videos, browsing, or even light gaming.
That’s why for many, a tablet is often a better choice than a smartphone. With a larger screen and userfriendly features, the Honor Pad X8a is a fantastic option for both age groups. It offers a more immersive experience, making it ideal for entertainment, education and staying connected. And from the way it sold out in 10 minutes on Shopee, it looks like everyone’s adding this to their list.
One of the biggest strengths of the Honor Pad X8a is its design. At first glance, it’s hard to believe this tablet is priced at just P7,999 thanks to its premium metallic unibody design. The tablet is extremely slim at 7.25mm and weighs just 495 grams, making it both lightweight and portable, whether you’re taking it to work, class, or on vacation. The sleek edges and smooth finish lend it a minimalist, modern look that feels comfortable in hand, even during long use. Honor has also included a folio cover in the box, which is a thoughtful addition, especially for users who want to keep the screen safe from scratches. I do hope this becomes a standard inclusion in the retail
package if not a freebie as it’s hard to get a proper case for tablets.
The 11-inch Honor Full View Display is another key feature of the Honor Pad X8a, offering a 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution and an 84 percent screen-to-body ratio. The tablet boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and transitions whether you’re browsing social media, reading, or watching videos. The LCD screen is bright and vibrant, producing rich colors and crisp details that are great for multimedia consumption.
For indoor use, the display is more than adequate, offering a pleasant viewing experience but with a peak brightness of 400 nits, it isn’t ideal for use under direct sunlight. The tablet does include eye comfort technology, including dynamic dimming, e-book mode and TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue light emissions, which helps reduce eye strain, particularly during extended reading sessions—and I’ve spent several very late nights reading comic books on this tablet.
Honor has also optimized the screen for stylus support, so you can use it for sketching, note-taking, or other creative tasks, making it good choice for students. While the tablet doesn’t come with a stylus, its responsiveness makes it compatible with thirdparty styluses for those who prefer handwriting or drawing.
Also worth mentioning is its surprisingly loud quad-speaker system. The speakers are powered by Honor’s Histen algorithm, delivering rich sound with a balanced mix of lows, mids and highs. Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the audio quality enhances the overall experience. Its not the best but again it should be enough for casual users. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, the Honor Pad X8a offers reliable performance for most daily tasks. The tablet comes with a decent 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card.
During our testing, the tablet handled basic tasks like web browsing, streaming, and social media with ease. However, because of its limited RAM, it begins to show its limitations when used in more complex scenarios with multiple open apps and more graphic intensive games. That said, for its target audience (casual users who prioritize multimedia consumption and light multitasking), the Honor Pad X8a performs admirably.
Battery life is another strong point for the Honor Pad X8a. The 8300mAh battery is capable of lasting up to 14 hours on moderate use, so it should last an entire workday of moderate use, including video streaming, browsing, and some light gaming. This makes it ideal for long trips or days when you’re out and about without access to a charger. But when it’s time to charge, it does take a few hours to completely top up, so I do suggest you charge it overnight.
HONOR X6B: BUILT TOUGH FOR DAILY BUMPS FOR those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone that can easily handle daily wear and tear, the Honor x6b is an great option. As the more affordable sibling of the Honor X9b, the X6b is also designed with durability and practicality in mind. It measures 163.59mm in length, 75.33mm in width, and 8.39mm in depth, with a weight of 192g. Available in Midnight Black, Starry Purple, and Forest Green, it offers a modern and sleek look while catering to various aesthetic preferences. One of the main highlights of the Honor X6b is its durability. Certified with a five-star overall drop resistance by SGS, the X6b can withstand falls from up to five feet, the typical height from which phones are accidentally dropped. Honor has reinforced the device with protective design features such as reinforced corners and force-distributed architecture, which help absorb shock and reduce the risk of
damage to both the exterior and interior components.
To showcase its ruggedness, Honor Philippines put the X6b through extreme stress tests, including using it in a billiard game, hitting it with a bowling ball, and even making it a target in a soccer game. In personal drop tests, the phone remained undamaged, demonstrating its toughness. However, while it’s resilient, repeated drops may still cause damage over time, so it’s best not to push its limits.
The X6b features a 6.56-inch TFT-LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a pixel density of 269 PPI. Its 89.47 percent screen-to-body ratio offers vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling, thanks to the 90Hz refresh rate. Although it’s not as sharp as highend devices, it delivers good clarity for everyday use. Additionally, the display includes several eye-comfort features like Eye Protection Mode, E-Book Mode, DC Dimming, and Dynamic Dimming, reducing eye strain during extended use.
Under the hood, the Honor X6b is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and comes with three memory configurations: 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, and 6GB RAM + 256GB storage. The device includes Honor’s RAM Turbo technology, making multitasking seamless for everyday activities like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
In terms of photography, the X6b features a 50MP
MASTER AWARD Summer by Hutuo River by Liang Xibing (China), shot on OPPO Find X7 Ultra
Lady Blazers in straight sets win over Lady Stags
COLLEGE of Saint Benilde booked the last ticket to the next round after sweeping also-ran San Sebastian College, 25-19, 25-18, 25-20, in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Wielyn Estoque showed the way in Saint Benilde’s second straight victory to close Pool D with a 2-1 win-loss record.
The veteran winger pounded 11 kills with one kill block and one ace for a game-high 13 points for the Lady Blazers, the reigning three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association champions who joined seven teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in the playoffs.
San Sebastian rallied from a three-point deficit late in the third set to breathe down Saint Benilde’s neck, 21-20.
Saint Benilde head coach Jerry Yee praised his wards for stepping up to the challenge.
“That’s what I expected from the girls especially on their composure,” he said. “They’ve been making the rounds of the tournaments and they’re maturing.”
Clydel Catarig finished with nine points while Cristy Ondangan and Rhea Densing added seven and six points, respectively, for the Lady Blazers.
San Sebastian, led by Christina Marasigan’s nine points, ended its campaign with a 3-0 card.
Saint Benilde faces University of the East in Pool E on Sunday at the start of the second round-robin phase.
Also in Pool E are three-peatseeking National University and De
mum, but not Lipa, Dyip ace Juami
By Josef Ramos
Jaraula avoids meltdown, reigns supreme in Murcia
REYMON JARAULA stormed past his rivals with a brilliant display of skill and composure to card a final-round 68 and win by one stroke the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Bacolod Golf Challenge in Murcia on Friday.
He, too, needed to fend off Angelo Que’s late surge to capture his third title on the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT). Jaraula’s final-hole drama unfolded on the 180-yard par-three 18th where a pulled tee shot into the wind landed him 40 yards left of the green and sparked hopes of a potential playoff with Que, who spiked his scorching 64 with closing back-to-back birdies.
But the pride of Bukidnon showed remarkable poise with a masterful chip shot that sent the ball bouncing through the green and roll past four feet off the hole.
After carefully studying the line from all angles, he confidently knocked in the parsaving putt to seal his narrow one-shot victory over Que.
“I never doubted I could save that par. My caddie told me it was the perfect spot to make a chip shot,” said Jaraula, who went 16-under at 264 in earning the P440,000 champion’s purse.
Que started the day five shots back but birdied four of the last six holes to finish with a 64 and 15-under 265 total worth P287,500.
Two flights behind the leader, Que forced Jaraula to dig deep but the eventual champion was unfazed and strung pars from the 12th to the 17th to keep his lead intact.
Even when his punched 7-iron tee shot on No. 18 veered left, opening the door for Que, the 32-year-old displayed nerves of steel in executing the chip and draining the decisive putt.
His composure was further tested when flight mates Hyun Ho Rho and Jhonnel Ababa positioned themselves for potential birdies on the 18th—but Jaraula never blinked.
Rho birdied the last hole and finished with a 66 to claim solo third at 266 for P160,000.
“There was pressure on the back nine, especially after Que finished
HE Women’s Cup is playing on its second weekend as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) continues to strengthen its women’s football program to keep the momentum of the country’s qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.
PFF general secretary Angelico Mercader told Friday’s press conference that the federation’s women’s national team program will always be tops in the agenda and the Women’s Cup is proof of the federation’s mission to achieve its goal.
Coca-Cola, Mercader said, is an important partner for the endeavor.
“We’re very happy that for the second consecutive year, Coca-Cola has been a great supporter of the Women’s Cup heading to next year’s Women’s League that gives our women players the opportunity to play in a high level of competition,” said Mercader in the press conference at the Coca-Cola Philippine headquarters at the Bonifacio Global City.
Six teams—Kaya Football Club (FC) Iloilo, Stallion Laguna FC, Manila Digger FC, Beach Hut, Tuloy FC and Azzuri SC—are seeing action in the Women’s Cup that plays 10 match days at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on weekends.
THE EVO City Front Act Run flags off Sunday in Kawit to set the stage for an exciting preview of next month’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Manila Running Series. The unique musical running event blasts off at 5:30 a.m. and will give participants a taste of what’s
Manila Digger beat Stallion Laguna, 2-1, and Beach Hut defeated Azzuri SC, 5-1, last weekend to kick off action in the event that is a prelude to the bigger PFF Women’s League Mercader said could be held in the first half of 2025. Coca-Cola vice-president for Philippine operations
MILO Philippines celebrated its 60th year with the “Gathering of Champions” that marked the brand’s unwavering commitment to energize more than two million young Filipinos through its grassroots sports programs.
Milo paid tribute to its partners—Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee and Department of Education—for their signifcant role in
strong with two birdies. But I kept telling myself to just par the remaining holes, and that’s exactly what I did,” added Jaraula, who drew strength from his family and supporters.
The victory marked only the third in Jaraula’s 11-year professional career, a surprising number for a player who showed great potential during his amateur days.
Despite his talent, it took him six years to claim his first professional title in 2019 when he beat veteran Tony Lascuña in a thrilling sudden-death victory at Pueblo de Oro.
Jaraula battled through both on and away from the course to again shine last year with a five-stroke victory at Valley.
Entering the penultimate leg of the 10-stage PGT circuit, Jaraula opened with impressive rounds of 67 and 66 and a spectacular 63 in the third round propelled him to a three-stroke lead for a crucial cushion heading into the final day.
The victory put Jaraula in a position to win consecutive titles in the final leg in Negros Occidental next week.
“I also want to experience winning back-to-back,” he said.
Jaraula held a three-under card through the first nine holes and looked headed to a cruise with a five-shot lead over his closest pursuers.
But a rare bogey on No. 11—his first stain after 46 flawless holes—provided an opening for Que and Clyde Mondilla who fought back in the back nine to inject drama into the closing stages of the P2.5 million tournament presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.
Mondilla mounted an aggressive run of birdies by the 14th hole to keep himself in contention but missed chances on the par-five 15th and the final three holes and settled for fourth with a 268 after a 64. Aidric Chan rallied with a 65 to tie Ababa, who wound up with a 70, at fifth at 269, while Forest Hills leg winner Keanu Jahns fought back with a 66 to earn a share of seventh at 270 with Kim Tae Soo, who carded a 69. Sean Ramos, who scored a breakthrough at Lakewood, also fired a 65 for ninth at 271 while Ira Alido sizzled with a 66 for joint 10th at 272 with Ozeki Kakeru, who faltered with a 71 in hot but windy
The women’s national team, called Filipinas, made an impact in the World Cup when they beat co-host New Zealand, 1-0, a victory that resonated in football’s global stage. With Mercader and Noriega in the press conference were PFF national team director Freddy Gonzalez and competitions committee chair Lovely Tababa as well as national players Isabella Passion, Sofia Harrison, Reena Balajadia, Isabella Bandoja, Olivia McDaniel, Chandler McDaniel, Mary Christine Duran, Hazel Lustan, Hali Long, Inna Palacios, Quinley Quezada and Rhea Chan.
shaping and continuing the legacy of nurturing Filipino kids to success through sports.
“Our commitment to getting Pinoy children into sports has never wavered,” said Veronica Cruz, Milo Philippines SVP and Business Executive Officer for Beverages and Confectionary at Nestlé Philippines.
“We are very proud of the heritage we’ve built, the relationships we’ve strengthened, the values we have helped teach young athletes.”
PSC chairman Richard Bachmann expressed solidarity with Milo in their shared mission to uplift grassroots sports and inspire future champions among Filipinos.
“The landscape of Philippine sports is dynamic. We eagerly anticipate more victorious outcomes,” Bachmann said. “I would like to extend our gratitude to Milo Philippines for being one of our partners in promoting physical wellness and health.”
Milo continues to engage with young children, parents and teachers through its Active Pilipinas campaign that has as flagship programs the National Marathon, Barangay Liga and the Sports clinics.
Milo also recognized its longstanding partners including the Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training (BEST) Center, Philippine Taekwondo Association, Club Gymnastica and Association for the Advancement of Karatedo for dedication to developing young Filipino athletes.
last season when he had the luxury of playing Stephen Holt and Isaac Go. Cardel went 1-9 in the current Governors’ Cup. Raymond Tiongco, one of Cardel’s deputy coaches, is the Dyip’s interim
THE women’s national team members—Isabella Passion, Sofia Harrison, Reena Balajadia, Isabella Bandoja, Olivia McDaniel, Chandler McDaniel, Mary Christine Duran, Hazel Lustan, Hali Long, Inna Palacios, Quinley Quezada and Rhea Chan—with Philippine Football Federation general secretary Angelico Mercader, competitions committee chair Lovely Tababa and national team director Freddy Gonzalez and Coca-Cola vice president for Philippine operations Pablo Medina Noriega.
Olivarez prevails in Sucat netfest
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Israel kills top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, marking significant blow to militant group
By Josef Federman, Melanie Lidman & Wafaa Shurafa The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Israeli forces in Gaza killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year’s attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel’s mostwanted man.
Israeli leaders celebrated his killing as a settling of scores just over a year after Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others in an attack that stunned the country. They also presented it as a turning point in the campaign to destroy Hamas, urging the group to surrender and release some 100 hostages still in Gaza.
“Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. US officials expressed hopes for a cease-fire with Sinwar out of the picture. But eliminating him may not end the devastating war, during which Israel has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 42,000 Palestinians.
The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says more than half of those killed were women and children.
Sinwar’s death is a crippling blow to Hamas, but the group, which receives support from Iran, has proven resilient to past losses of leaders. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas of Sinwar’s death.
Netanyahu has said Israel will
keep fighting until all the hostages are free, and that it will keep control over Gaza long enough to ensure Hamas does not rearm—an effective occupation that raises the possibility of months or even years of continued fighting.
Earlier this month Israel opened a new front in its war with Hezbollah, stepping up bombardment in Lebanon and launching a ground campaign against the Iran-backed militia after a year of trading cross-border fire.
In his speech about Sinwar’s death, Netanyahu said, “Our war is not yet ended.”
President Joe Biden said Sinwar’s death opens the way for “a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” He said he would talk with Netanyahu “to discuss the pathway for bringing the hostages home to their families, and for ending this war once and for all.”
Sinwar has been Hamas’ leader inside the Gaza Strip for years. He was elevated to the group’s top leadership position in July after his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an apparent Israeli strike in the Iranian capital, Tehran.
Biden says Sinwar’s death is an ‘opportunity’ for a hostage deal and an end to war in Gaza
By Josh Boak And Zeke Miller The Associated Press
BERLIN—President Joe Biden said Thursday that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli troops is a “good day for the world,” calling it an opportunity to free hostages held by the militant group and end the yearlong war in Gaza.
“Now’s the time to move on.... Move toward a cease-fire in Gaza, make sure that we move in a direction that we’re able to make things better for the whole world,” Biden told reporters as he arrived in Berlin for a short visit. “It’s time for this war to end and bring these hostages home. That’s what we’re ready to do.” US officials expressed such measured optimism that the killing of a militant characterized by national security adviser Jake Sullivan as a “massive obstacle to peace” might breathe new life into ceasefire talks that have failed to produce a breakthrough for months despite periodic signs of progress.
“Over the past few weeks, there have been no negotiations for an end to the war because Sinwar has refused to negotiate,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. “We now see an opportunity with him having been removed from the battlefield, being removed from the leadership of Hamas, and we want to seize that opportunity.”
Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on the mission that killed
Sinwar. They also discussed “how to use this moment to bring the hostages home and to bring the war to a close with Israel’s security assured and Hamas never again able to control Gaza,” according to a White House summary of the call.
However, Netanyahu said Thursday that “our war has not yet ended.” Besides seeking the release of hostages, Netanyahu has said Israel must keep long-term control over Gaza to ensure Hamas does not rearm—opening the possibility of continued fighting.
Biden said he would be sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel in the coming days.
In an earlier statement, the president compared the reaction to Sinwar’s death to the feeling in the US after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who was responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He said the killing of the mastermind of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel “proves once again that no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes.”
The inability to reach a cease-fire in Gaza and deliver the return of the hostages has bedeviled negotiators from the start. Hamas militants killed some 1,200 people in Israel in the attacks that launched the war and took about 250 hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, about a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 42,000 Palestinians. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish be -
In the past months, Israel has eliminated a string of senior figures from Hamas and Hezbollah with airstrikes. Israel has claimed to have killed the head of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, but the group has said he survived.
But in Sinwar’s case, troops found him by chance.
Israel military spokesperson
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Israeli forces identified three Hamas militants running from building to building in Gaza’s southernmost city, Rafah. The troops attempted to shoot them before they ran inside a building.
The Israeli military released drone video showing what it said were Sinwar’s last moments: In a room wrecked by shelling, a man sat in a chair, his face covered with a cloth, possibly to hide his identity. The video showed the man, with one wounded hand, throwing a stick at the drone.
The military then fired an additional shell at the building, causing it to collapse and killing Sinwar, Hagari said. He said Sinwar was found with a bulletproof vest, grenades, and 40,000 shekels ($10,707).
Some of Sinwar’s DNA had previously been found in tunnels near where troops found the bodies of six hostages at the end of August, Hagari said. The military believes weeks of searches in the area had pushed Sinwar to come out of hiding, he said.
Photos circulating online showed the body of a man resembling Sinwar with a gaping head wound, dressed in a military-style vest, half buried in the rubble of a destroyed building. The security official confirmed the photos were taken by Israeli security officials at the scene. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.
The military said three militants were killed in the operation. Police said one of them was
tween civilians and combatants but says more than half of those killed were women and children.
The US has been working with fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar on a cease-fire proposal since the war began a year ago, sending Blinken and other envoys to the Middle East multiple times to try to broker a deal without success.
Last month, on Blinken’s 10th trip to the region since the war in Gaza began, he skipped Israel and withheld optimistic projections of a breakthrough.
“On multiple occasions over the past months, Sinwar rebuffed efforts by the United States and its partners to bring this war to a close through an agreement that would return the hostages to their families and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Blinken said in a statement Thursday.
wThe Biden administration also had urgently called for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah to avoid the possibility of all-out war in the Middle East before shifting its message after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike and pressed ahead with a ground invasion in Lebanon.
Miller reported from Washington. AP reporters Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker contributed from Washington.
Biden said with Sinwar’s death “there is now the opportunity for a ‘day after’ in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
He praised US special operations forces and intelligence operatives who helped advise Israeli allies on tracking and locating
confirmed as Sinwar by dental records, fingerprints and DNA tests. Sinwar was imprisoned by Israel from the late 1980s until 2011, and during that time he underwent treatment for brain cancer—leaving Israeli authorities with extensive medical records.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed Hamas fighters, saying it “is time to go out, release the hostages, raise your hands, surrender.”
Netanyahu said Israel had “settled its account” with the man behind the Oct. 7 attack, and that “evil has suffered a heavy blow.” But, he added, “the task before us is not yet complete.”
He said anyone in Hamas who surrendered weapons and assisted with the return of the hostages would be allowed to leave Gaza safely. About a third of the captives still in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Hundreds of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Thursday night for the release of the hostages after news of Sinwar’s death emerged. Some carried signs that read “Sinwar’s end, end the war.”
Ifat Kalderon, whose cousin, Ofer Kalderon, is being held hostage in Gaza, said he was happy that Sinwar was dead but “scared about the 101 hostages. ... They might murder them or do something because of the murder of Sinwar.”
In the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, one Palestinian woman displaced from her home in the north said she hoped Sinwar’s death would bring an end to Israel’s campaign. “What more goals do they have than that? Enough. We want to go back,” said the woman, Umm Mohammed.
Some praised Sinwar as a symbol of resistance against Israel’s decades long occupation of the Palestinians in the West Bank.
Ahmed Hamdouna, who also fled his home in northern Gaza, said Hamas would be able to replace him. “After the leader, a thousand leaders will come. After the man, a thousand men will come,” he said.
For more than a week, Israeli forces have been waging a ground campaign in Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza, saying they are battling Hamas fighters who have
once again regrouped there.
On Thursday, an Israeli strike hit a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Jabaliya, killing at least 28 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Fares Abu Hamza, head of the Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency unit in the north, said the dead included a woman and four children.
The Israeli military said it targeted a command center run by Hamas and Islamic Jihad inside the school. It provided a list of around a dozen names of people it identified as militants who were present when the strike was called in. It was not immediately possible to verify the names.
Israel has repeatedly struck tent camps and schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military says it carries out precise strikes on militants and tries to avoid harming civilians, but its strikes often kill women and children.
Sami Magdy reported from Cairo. AP writers Jack Jeffery in Jerusalem and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, contributed to this report.
South Korean intelligence says North sending troops to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine: reports
SEOUL, South Korea—South Korean intelligence has found that North Korea has dispatched 12,000 troops including special operation forces to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, news reports said Friday.
Yonhap news agency cited the National Intelligence Service as saying that the North Korean troops have already left the country.
The NIS didn’t immediately confirm the report, but South Korea’s presidential office said in a statement that President Yoon Suk Yeol had presided over an emergency meeting earlier Friday to discuss North Korea’s troop dispatch to Ukraine. The statement said participants of the meeting agreed that North Korea’s troop dispatch poses a grave security threat to South Korea and the international community. But the presidential office gave no further details like when and how many North Korean soldiers have been sent to Ukraine and what roles they are expected to play.
Ukrainian media reported earlier this month that six North Koreans were among those killed after a Ukrainian missile strike in the partially occupied eastern Donetsk region on October 3.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his government has intelligence that 10,000 troops from North Korea are being prepared to join Russian forces fighting against his country, warning that a third nation wading into the hostilities could turn the conflict into a “world war.”
“From our intelligence we’ve got information that North Korea sent tactical personnel and officers to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told reporters at NATO headquarters.
“They are preparing on their land 10,000 soldiers, but they didn’t move them already to Ukraine or to Russia.”
NATO Secretary-General
Mark Rutte said the western alliance “have no evidence that North Korean soldiers are involved in the fight. But we do know that North Korea is supporting Russia in many ways, weapons supplies, technological supplies, innovation, to support them in the war effort. And that is highly worrying.”
The US, South Korea and their partners have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery shells, missiles and other equipment to help fuel its war on Ukraine
Outside officials and experts say North Korea is sending troops possibly in exchange of badly needed food and economic aid and technology assistance aimed at upgrading Kim’s nuclear-armed military. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have repeatedly denied the existence of an arms deal between the countries. AP
India denies Canadian allegation that it uses mobsters to target Sikh separatists in Canada
By ASHOK SHARMA The Associated Press
NEW DELHI—India’s government on Thursday denied it was working with mobsters to target Sikh separatists in Canada as alleged publicly this week by Canadian officials in an escalating diplomatic dispute.
But Canada is not the only country that has accused Indian officials of plotting an assassination on foreign soil. The US Justice Department announced criminal charges against an Indian government employee Thursday in connection with an alleged foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.
In the case announced by the Justice Department Vikash Yadav, who authorities say directed the New York plot from India, faces murder-for-hire charges in a planned killing that prosecutors have previously said was meant to precede a string of other politically motivated murders in the United States and Canada.
The Indian government didn’t immediately provide comment on the US charge but earlier Thursday India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal denied that India was in cahoots with India-based mobsters in Canada and even suggested that Canadian authorities had been resisting India’s attempts to extradite those people to India.
“It is strange that people who we asked to be deported” are being blamed by the Canadians for “committing crimes in Canada,” Jaiswal said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and police officials went public this week with allegations that Indian diplomats were targeting Sikh separatists in Canada by sharing information about them with their government back home. They said top Indian officials were then passing that information along to Indian organized crime groups who were targeting the activists, who are Canadian citizens, with drive-by shootings, extortions and even murder.
The two sides ordered the expulsion of top diplomats this week
in the deepening crisis over the accusations, including Canada’s allegation that t he diplomats were linked to the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The US criminal case was announced the same week as two members of an Indian inquiry committee investigating the plot were in Washington to meet with US officials about the investigation. Canadian officials say Indian officials have not been cooperative in the Canadian case.
The Nijjar killing in Canada has soured India-Canada ties for more than a year, and despite Canada’s assertion that it has forwarded evidence of its allegations to Indian authorities, the Indian government continues to deny it has seen any.
Jaiswal said again on Thursday that Canada has provided no evidence of its allegations surrounding attacks on Sikh activists, contradicting Trudeau’s statements this week that his country’s investigators have privately shared information with Indian counterparts and found them to be uncooperative.
At the same time, Jaiswal accused Canada of failing to take action against Sikhs living in Canada who face terrorism charges in India and who are accused of being part of a Sikh secessionist campaign in India’s northern Punjab state.
Jaiswal said India’s 26 extradition requests have been pending in Canada for a decade or more. He also said that several criminals had provisional arrest requests pending with Canadian authorities.
“Some of them are charged with terror and terror-related crimes (in India). So far, no action has been taken by the Canadian side on our requests. This is very serious,” Jaiswal said.
India has repeatedly criticized the Canadian government for being soft on supporters of what is known as the Khalistan movement, which is banned in India but has support among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada.
Trudeau said Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi underlined to him at a G-20 summit in India last year that he wanted Canada to arrest people who have been outspoken against the Indian government. Trudeau said he told Modi that he felt the actions fall within free speech in Canada.
Trudeau added that he told Modi his government would work with India on concerns about terrorism, incitement of hate or anything that is unacceptable in Canada. But Trudeau also noted that advocating for separatism, though not Canadian government policy, is not illegal in Canada.
AP reporters Matthew Lee in Washington and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed.
China’s growth slows to 4.6%, falling short of official targets
By Zen Soo AP Business Writer
HONG KONG—China’s economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.6 percent in the July-September quarter, the government said Friday, in the latest evidence that recent efforts to rev up growth have yet to take hold.
The world’s second largest economy slowed from 4.7 percent annual growth in the previous quarter and falling short of the official target of “about 5 percent” growth for 2024, a figure that some analysts consider ambitious without more aggressive measures to spur consumer demand and spur a recovery in the ailing property sector.
In a statement, the National Bureau of Statistics said that the economy was “generally stable
with steady progress” even in the face of a “complicated and severe external environment” and complicated domestic economic development.
The economy has remained sluggish despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions at the end of 2022. Consumer confidence is low and the real estate market remains a drag on the economy.
Chinese policymakers have in recent weeks announced a wave of measures aimed at boosting
the economy, including reducing mortgage rates for existing homes and allowing banks to lend more by reducing reserve requirements.
But Beijing has so far stopped short of unveiling major new stimulus plans that analysts and stock investors believe is needed to give the economy a major boost.
China’s growth rate in the first three quarters of the year was 4.8 percent. On a quarterly basis, the economy expanded 0.9 percent in the quarter that ended in September, up from 0.7 percent growth in the previous quarter.
For the first three quarters,
China’s factory output rose 5.8 percent, while retail sales expanded 3.3 percent compared to the same period last year. However, property investment sank 10.1 percent and the value of new home sales plunged 22.7 percent, underscoring weakness in the housing sector.
Earlier this week, China reported its September exports slowed sharply, rising just 2.4 percent in dollar terms from a year earlier, down from 8.7 percent year-onyear growth in August. Imports were also weak, growing just 0.3 percent and missing estimates.
“A boost from fiscal stimulus should help narrowly meet the annual growth target this year and support activity in the coming quarters, although this won’t stop growth from slowing again by the end of next year,” Zichun Huang of Capital Economics said in a report.
Huang said that while retail sales and industrial output have improved, the housing market remains in the doldrums, with sales volumes still edging down and home prices continuing to drop.
Real estate measures announced on Thursday, such as increasing financing for approved housing projects, are “unlikely to drive a significant turnaround in the sector and broader economic activity,” she said.
Most of the moves by the government to revive the economy have been piecemeal.
On Friday, China’s large staterun banks cut their deposit rates, to 0.1 percent from 0.15 percent for demand deposits and to 1.1 percent from 1.35 percent for longer-term deposits.
Meanwhile, the central bank
issued guidelines for state banks to provide loans to companies and major shareholders for stock repurchases as part of an effort to stabilize China’s share markets, which have languished in recent years.
The loans, which can be made only by 21 designated financial institutions, will have a maximum interest rate of 2.25 percent, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement that underscored plans for strict oversight of the effort to support the markets.
The news helped drive a rally in Shanghai, with the Composite index up 2.1 percent and the benchmark for the smaller market in the southern city of Shenzhen up 2.4 percent. Shanghai’s benchmark has gained 9 percent in the past three months, though it had surged higher last month with the release of new measures to counter the slowdown, before falling back as investors registered their disappointment over a lack of big government spending initiatives.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 1.9 percent.
Wealthier Americans driving retail spending and powering US economy
By Christopher Rugaber Ap Economics Writer
WASHINGTON—It’s a trend that has surprised many: Why, despite being squeezed by high prices, have Americans kept spending at retail stores and restaurants at a robust pace?
One key reason is a relatively simple one: Wealthier consumers, boosted by strong gains in income, home equity and stock market wealth, have increasingly driven the spending.
That trend, documented by Federal Reserve research, represents something of a shift from the pre-pandemic period. And it suggests that consumer spending, the primary driver of the US economy, could help sustain healthy growth this year and next.
Lower-income consumers, by contrast, have been disproportionately squeezed by higher-priced rent, groceries and other necessities, leaving them less able to spend on discretionary items, like electronics, entertainment and restaurant meals, than they were before the pandemic. Though their spending is starting to rebound as inflation-adjusted incomes rise, it could be years before their finances fully recover.
The disparities help explain the gap between gloomy consumer sentiment and widespread evidence of a healthy US economy—a major dynamic in the presidential race that is now in its final weeks. Only a portion of the American population is fueling most of the growth that is evident in government economic data.
The trends also help illustrate how the economy has managed to keep expanding at a solid pace even though the Federal Reserve, until last month, kept its key interest rate at its highest level in more than two decades. Despite the much higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards that resulted from the Fed’s rate hikes, inflation-adjusted consumer spending rose 3 percent in 2022 and 2.5 percent in 2023. And it increased at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, the government said last month.
On Thursday, the Commerce Department reported that retail sales in the United States rose 0.4 percent from August to September, a solid gain that suggested that shoppers are confident enough in the economy to continue spending freely. Restaurant sales jumped 1 percent, a particularly encouraging sign because it meant that many people felt they could spend on meals outside the home. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta now estimates that the economy grew at a strong 3.4 percent in the July-September quarter.
Higher-income households have been fortified by huge gains in housing and stock market wealth since the pandemic. Home values have marched steadily up, fueled by high demand and an unusually low supply of houses. And the stock market has been consistently hitting new highs, with the S&P 500 index up a sizzling 22.5 percent for the year. Roughly 80 percent of stock market value is owned by the richest 10 percent of US households. “It speaks to the ongoing strength of those Americans, which is still carrying overall spending,” said Michael Pearce, deputy chief US economist at Oxford Economics.
Housing and stock values have soared in particular for the wealthiest one-tenth of Americans over the past four years. The value of their home equity has leapt 70 percent from the first quarter of 2020 through the second quarter of this year, according to Fed data—
to $17.6 trillion. Their stock and mutual fund wealth has jumped 86 percent, to just under $37 trillion. Though inflation has eroded some of those gains, they are still quite substantial.
Such sharp growth in wealth has reduced the need for affluent Americans to save from their paychecks while still ramping up their spending. A report last week by Fed economists found that before the pandemic, retail spending had been rising for all income groups at roughly the same pace. But about three years ago, the trend shifted: Upper- and middle-income consumers started spending at a much faster pace than lower-earners.
By August 2024, inflation-adjusted spending on retail goods was nearly 17 percent higher than it was in January 2018 for upperincome households, defined as those earning more than $100,000. For middle-income households—earning $60,000 to $100,000— their spending rose 13.3 percent during the same period, the Fed study found. And for those earning less than $60,000, spending has risen just 7.9 percent since 2018. It actually fell from mid-2021 through mid-2023.
“Middle- and high-income households have been fueling the strong demand for retail goods,” Fed economist Sinem Hacioglu Hoke and two colleagues wrote.
Among those who have felt pressure to spend cautiously is
Helaine Rapkin, a 69-year-old teacher who was shopping last week at a Kohl’s in Ramsey, New Jersey, looking for discounts on athletic wear and gifts for her nephew, niece and daughter. Rapkin said she’s wrestling with higher costs on a range of items and isn’t feeling the benefits of a dramatically reduced inflation rate.
“I am not feeling good at all,” she said. “I can’t believe how expensive things have gotten…Clothes or food.”
Pearce, in his own research, has found that since the pandemic, lower-income Americans have had to cut their spending on
discretionary items. Inflation sharply increased the portion of their income that they had to spend on housing and food, leaving little for other purchases.
As a result, for the lowest-income onefifth of Americans—those earning less than $28,000—the share of their spending on discretionary items fell 2.5 percentage points by the second quarter of this year compared with 2019. It also declined for the second-lowest one-fifth of households and for the middle fifth. But for the wealthiest one-fifth, the share of their spending on discretionary purchases actually increased.
“This has clearly been a very large shock to households, particularly those at the lower end,” Pearce said. “What surprised me is how little has been clawed back.”
One sign of the struggles that lowerincome consumers have faced is that the proportion of borrowers who are behind on credit cards or auto loans has risen in the past two years to the highest levels in
about a decade.
Karen Dynan, an economist at Harvard and a nonresident fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, suggested, though, that such trends aren’t likely to derail the overall economy.
“There are increasing cracks in consumers’ spending,” she said. “But it’s not yet a broader economic story.”
Dynan and Pearce say they’re optimistic that consumers overall—including lowerincome ones—will keep spending in the coming months as inflation-adjusted incomes keep rising, restoring more of Americans’ purchasing power.
“We’re probably past the worst, the most intense pressures on spending from both the inflation shock and from rising interest rates,” Pearce said. “Now, I think the outlook is pretty strong.”
AP Retail Writer Anne D’Innocenzio contributed to this report from New York.
WORKERS install billboards outside a mall in Beijing on Friday, October 18, 2024. AP/NG HAN GUAN
21. HONG, WENZHI Assistant Freight Forwarding Coordinator
Brief Job Description: Assist customers and other third parties with inquiries and problems resolutions.
22.
Brief
23. YE, YUNHUI Assistant Freight Forwarding Coordinator
Brief Job Description: Assist customers and other third parties with inquiries and problems resolutions.
