THE Philippine economy’s growth is expected to be on track to grow to its potential this year, but GDP may fall below target in 2025 and 2026, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
In its Monetary Policy Report (MPR), the BSP said the government’s target of 6 to 7 percent this year remains achievable, but may fall below expectations in the next two years.
e Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), in its last meeting in June 2024, had set a growth target for the economy of 6.5–7.5 percent in 2025 and 6.5–8 percent in 2026.
“Growth prospects are relatively stable for the rest of the year, driven by robust construction spending and the timely implementation and expanded coverage of various government programs,” the BSP, however, said.
MORE quality educational investments are needed in Southeast Asian countries, like the Philippines, to improve children’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores, according to experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
But the Philippines spent among the least amounts for education in the Asean, based on US dollar Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms. Based on these terms, the country’s cumulative expenditure per $11,030 per student over the duration of their studies and the mean score in mathematics in the PISA was 355. Cambodia spent the least at $669 per student over the duration of their studies and its mean
PBBM sees agri rebounding from El Niño
W@sam_medenilla
ITH support from the government, including fuel subsidies, agriculture production can rebound in the aftermath of the El Niño, a confident President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.
“Our farmers were doing quite well leading to high [crop] production until we were hit [by the effects] of El Niño. But we will be able to recover so that their products will be better and all be processed,” the chief executive
said in Filipino during the distribution of aid under various government interventions to farmers and fi sherfolks in Ilocos Norte last Wednesday.
e P157.9 million worth of aid was given to 1,000 farmers and fi sherfolk in the province to help boost their productivity.
e beneficiaries received seeds, tractors, fertilizers, fi shery paraphernalia, fuel subsidies, and solar-powered irrigation systems worth more than P156 million.
Aside from support to agriculture workers, Marcos also led in the distribution of 69 ambulances in Paoay City and
emergency employment benefits for Batac City and Laoag as part of the 107th commemoration of the birthday of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
From May to June, Marcos has also led in the distribution of P906 million worth of fi nancial aid to 90,000 beneficiaries. He said he also wants to assist agricultural workers in processing their products to raise their profits.
“ e higher the value-added [in their products], the bigger will be their income, which will improve their livelihood,” he said.
e National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the dry spell and droughts caused by El Niño, which left an estimated P9.8 billion worth of damage to agriculture, ended in June.
e effects of El Niño as well other weather disturbances have prompted the Department of Agriculture to lower its projected palay or unmilled rice production this year from 20.44 million metric tons (MMT)
this
DOLE unfazed by 4.2% unemployment rate in July
score in mathematics in the PISA was 336; while Singapore, which spent $166,112 per student for the duration of their studies, achieved the highest mean score of 575 in mathematics.
“Obviously, PISA results are attributed to many factors other than education expenditure, but it seems that the correlation is particularly strong until cumulative education spending per student reaches $75,000. However, the education budget should be spent wisely to maximize learning outcomes,” ADB experts said.
ADB said four lessons may be gleaned from the PISA results of Asean countries and the fi rst is that the PISA can be used to
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday indicated it is not alarmed by the 4.2-percent unemployment rate in July 2024.
According to Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, understanding the country’s labor force situation should not be solely dependent on the number of unemployed individuals.
“ e [statistics] on unemployment should not be something that would bring us to panic or alarm. It is a concern...but we address that by enhancing the youth employability projects of the department,” Laguesma told reporters in
a press briefi ng. e secretary cited four key indicators that should be used to see the “bigger picture” of the job market. ese are: employment, unemployment, underemployment, and labor force participation. Moreover, Laguesma said a year-on-year comparison would provide a more “reliable” interpretation of the labor force than comparing it on a monthly basis.
“If we do it month-on-month, it doesn’t capture the characteristics of our labor market. One is seasonality, and second is we’re adversely affected by calamities,” the labor secretary explained.
Based on the recent labor force survey by the Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA), there has been a year-on-year increase in the following indicators: 7.1 percent in employment or those who have worked for an hour at the time the survey was conducted; 3.8 percent in unemployment which is defi ned as those actively seeking work; and 6.9 percent in labor force participation.
Meanwhile, there has been an 18.3-percent decline in the number of workers expressing their desire to have additional job or working hours.
Geographical, job-skill mismatches
ACCORDING to DOLE, despite the millions of job vacancies across the country, it still cannot alleviate the unemployment rate if the “geographical mismatch” continues.
“ is is not just a simple jobskill mismatch. For instance, one region may be in need of production workers but it cannot be fi lled since production workers reside in other regions,” Laguesma said.
e secretary added that the department continuously conducts geographical mapping to help potential investors identify the skills available in the 17 regions in the Philippines.
e July 2024 survey of PSA showed that the National Capital
Bill for stronger PHL Coast Guard hurdles 2nd reading
THEHouse of Representatives gave a significant boost to the country’s maritime safety and security by approving on second reading a bill fortifying the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through comprehensive policy and organizational reforms.
House Bill 10841, passed through viva voce voting, seeks to replace Republic Act No. 9993, the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, with a new and updated framework designed to enhance the PCG’s capabilities in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
e measure is expected to be approved on the third and fi nal
reading next week.
e bill proposes the establishment of a trust fund dedicated exclusively to the PCG Modernization Program. is fund will facilitate significant upgrades to the PCG’s equipment and resources. Under the bill, the PCG will be authorized to receive loans, grants, bequests, and donations from both
local and foreign sources. Additionally, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation will have the authority to enter into loan agreements with foreign financial institutions, subject to the review of the Monetary Board and the Department of Finance.
e bill said a yearly allocation of P5 billion from the National Treasury will be provided for the PCG Modernization Program over the next five years, ensuring a steady stream of funding for its initiatives.
e bill also outlines a clear organizational structure for the PCG, including service commands and districts, with a minimum manning level of three uniformed personnel per kilometer of coastline. It also specifies the ranks, grades, and tenure for both officers and enlisted personnel.
e measure also includes extending legal assistance to PCG members charged with offenses
during official duties, creating the Office of Coast Guard Attaché, and ensuring that PCG personnel receive benefits comparable to those in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
e bill calls for the establishment of the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service to maintain accountability and introduces a military justice system for uniformed personnel while adopting Civil Service Commission rules for civilians.
e bill provides for retirement benefits to be exempt from attachment and taxes, ensuring that benefits from provident funds and mutual benefit associations are preserved.
e PCG will have 120 days to issue rules and regulations, and the bill grants retroactive adjustments to retirement benefits for uniformed personnel affected by previous legislation.
PHL GROWTH MAY FALL BELOW GOAL IN ’25, ’26
BSP noted that higher consumption will be driven by higher real wages and stable Overseas Filipino remittances. Real wages, BSP said, could see a 5-percent increase annually in 2025 and 2026, consistent with the historical average. e expected increase in consumption will support growth in the next two years. BSP noted aggregate demand accounted for a significant part of the country’s GDP growth in the second quarter.
According to the BSP, aggregate demand, which includes household consumption, government spending, investments or capital formation, and exports, contributed 3.2 percentage points, 1.7 percentage points, 3 percentage points, and 1.2 percentage points to GDP growth in the second quarter, respectively.
BSP said household consumption accounts for 67.8 percent of the country’s GDP in the second quarter.
Public spending, the BSP added, also posted faster growth driven by higher maintenance and operating expenses for social, health, and education programs.
“Spending also rose for infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, flood control systems, hospitals, multipurpose buildings, and railways,” BSP said.
“Interest payments, transfers to local governments, and subsidies for irrigation system restoration and development contributed further to the rise,” it added.
e BSP also noted that based on its Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines (PAMPh), output
gap will be closed in 2026 despite remaining in negative in 2024 and 2025.
PAMPh
THE PAMPh is a monetary policy model for a small open economy like the Philippines. e BSP earlier said it will adopt the new forecasting and policy analysis model next year to make monetary policymaking in the country more responsive to current trends.
Currently the BSP uses the Multi Equation Model (MEM) which captures the impact of monetary policy transmission channels and has an error correction framework that balances long-run and short-run factors. But by 2025, the BSP will start using the PAMPh—a larger model that takes into consideration aggregate demand and supply, fi scal considerations, the impact of monetary policy decisions, labor, foreign and external factors, and others.
BSP Monetary and Economics Sector Francisco G. Dakila Jr. earlier said the adoption of the PAMPh does not mean they will abandon the MEM. e MEM will still be used but it will no longer be the baseline model. Dakila noted that the PAMPh is a larger model that consists of more sectors. If the MEM has 24 equations, the PAMPh has 290 equations. He said the new baseline model is more complex. e complexity of the model also allows it to create a path for monetary policy. is means the model will be able to provide guidance on policymaking decisions, which is the primary feature that distinguishes it from the MEM.
monitor a country’s progress in educational investments and policies.
“ is investment does not translate into an immediate improvement in PISA 2025, which measures the learning outcomes of 15-year-old students in reading, math and science. But it is a critical area of investment now for developing countries to make a difference in the medium to long term,” ADB said.
Another lesson, ADB said, is that the PISA results can also help governments focus on foundation skills such as numeracy and literacy in primary education.
It may be noted that numeracy and literacy for all are part of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the deadline for which is fast approaching in 2030.
e list of lessons also includes the need for countries to study the PISA assessment with the aim of improving local assessments. ADB experts said the PISA is designed to test critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
e experts said the last lesson is on empowering teachers and principals in improving learning outcomes in primary education. e ADB said there is a need to visualize assessment results to motivate educators.
“One of the secrets of success is to gain the trust from teachers and principals by visualizing assessment results. Excellent data visualization can motivate them to take further action for student growth,” ADB experts said. In July 2024, research fi rm Capstone-Intel Corp. emphasized that the PISA results should serve as a basis to improve the education system and ensure that local graduates are globally competitive.
From June 18 to 25, Capstone-Intel conducted sentiment analysis on publicly available Facebook pages. It revealed that the “sad” reaction dominated at 46.9 percent, followed by “haha” emoji at 24.4 percent, “like” at 23.1 percent, “love” at 4.3 percent, “wow” at 1.1 percent, and “anger” at 0.2 percent. e report covered up to two petabytes of available Facebook data.
e PISA creative thinking test assessed the capacity of students from 81 countries to generate original and diverse ideas in simple imagination or daily problem-solving tasks.
Learners from Singapore, Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Estonia, and Finland scored highest in creative thinking. Conversely, those from Albania, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and the Dominican Republic were the lowest-performing. (See: www.businessmirror. com.ph/2024/07/06/keen-attention-on-pinoy-students-alarmingpisa-test-results-urged/) Cai U. Ordinario
WANT TO BUILD A RESORT IN BORACAY? CALL RAMON ANG
that the Aklan government is against the bridge because “it will deprive them of the jetty port income.” To get to Boracay, tourists travel by pump boat from the jetty port in Caticlan, which is maintained by the Aklan provincial government.
MPH, KLO airports ‘can co-exist’ ACCORDING to data from the Malay Tourism Office, there were some 1.37 million tourists on Boracay from January to August 15 this year, of which 1.08 million were domestic travelers and only 281,218 were foreigners.
Tour operators have said foreign travelers have lost their appetite for Boracay because of the many fees charged them, and the
discriminatory higher room rates charged Western tourists as opposed to mainland Chinese tourists.
Meanwhile, Ang said he didn’t see any confl ict in upgrading the Caticlan airport (MPH) into an international airport, with the the Kalibo International Airport (KLO), just 72 kilometers away. “ ose two can operate at the same time [as international airports]. ey can co-exist.” He said the project will be completed by 2026, and was delayed mainly by rightof-way issues.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, who also spoke at the forum, agreed: “ e runway at Caticlan can no longer be extended, so the biggest airplane we can operate there is an Airbus 320. But there might be foreign airlines
which would want to operate bigger airplanes like an A321, which can operate through Kalibo International Airport. is will give [carriers] options, and as Boracay becomes more popular and more tourists visit, it’s better that we have two airports in that area. And also there are other destinations in the Kalibo area that can be redeveloped for tourism.”
Ang’s Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. is currently handling Phase 1B and 2 in the upgrade of the Caticlan Airport, which includes the construction of a larger passenger terminal that can accommodate 7 million passengers a year. e unsolicited proposal is estimated to
Senator insists on having Guo in Senate custody
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ONLY the Senate has a valid arrest warrant against the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Alice Guo, one of the Senate’s legal eagles has asserted, bolstering the chamber’s bid to wrest custody of the woman at the center of the most explosive illegal Pogo case in the country.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino is standing firm on his position on this as he offered further proof that the Regional Trial Court in Tarlac that issued the arrest warrant on Guo has no jurisdiction in the case. In this, Tolentino provided colleagues no less than a document from the Office of the Ombudsman, which earlier dismissed Guo for gross negligence as it filed graft charges against her.
At the plenary session of the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, Tolentino cited the transmittal sheet sent by the Ombudsman to the Executive Clerk of Court of the Third Judicial Region (RTC of Capas, Tarlac), when
the Ombudsman filed the information for Guo’s graft cases. The transmittal sheet, dated August 29, 2024, and signed by Assistant Ombudsman Rex Reynaldo Sandoval, included a request to the Executive Clerk of Court “for appropriate action by the Honorable Executive / Presiding Judge in the immediate determination of the nearest judicial region pursuant to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) Circular 10-2024… and RA 10660 or an Act Strengthening Further the Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan.” Law violation
TOLENTINO earlier moved for the Senate to take custody of Guo in Monday’s hearing after arguing that the arrest warrant issued by Branch 109 of the RTC in Capas was in violation of RA 10660 because Guo held office in Bamban, which is located in the same judicial region (Third Judicial Region). Under Section 2 of RA 10660 on jurisdiction, “...the cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Regional Trial Court under this section shall be tried in a judicial region other than where
the official holds office.”
“Ibig sabihin , Mr. President, wala pong jurisdiction. Sang-ayon po dito, wala pong jurisdiction ang [court in] Capas, Tarlac, at binibigyan po ng poder ang Executive Judge na pumili ng pinakamalapit na judicial region,” Tolentino told his colleagues.
[This means the court in Capas, Tarlac, has no jurisdiction, and the Executive Judge has the authority to choose the nearest judicial region where the case can be tried].
This rule is meant to prevent a sitting official from exerting any sort of influence on the court or witnesses.
“I am stressing this, Mr. President, to highlight again that as of today, the Senate’s warrant of arrest should be considered as the only valid warrant of arrest in existence today,” he added.
The Senate warrant of arrest was issued after Guo was first cited in contempt last month for noncooperation with the tricommittee investigating how Philippine Online Gaming Operators (Pogo) have spawned serious crimes. The Bamban Pogo hub where senators allege Guo had a key role was
raided in May and law enforcement agencies said the hub was linked to human trafficking, serious illegal detention and torture, cyber fraud and money laundering.
Tolentino, meanwhile, has sent an official letter to Sen. Anna Theresia Hontiveros, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, to furnish the chairman of the Senate inquiry with a copy of the Ombudsman’s transmittal sheet.
In his letter, Tolentino told Hontiveros: “Despite the foregoing, the RTC Branch 109 of Capas, Tarlac, assumed jurisdiction over the same [Guo’s case] and issued an arrest warrant against former Mayor Alice Guo, which has raised questions regarding the jurisdiction and validity of the case filed against her.”
Tolentino is a lawyer who got 86.25 in the 1984 Bar examinations and has masters of law degrees from the US and England.
Deeper probe
FORMER senator Panfilo M. Lacson on Wednesday urged the intelligence
Makabayan bloc to Sara: Get your facts straight FMJr commemorates dad’s birth anniversary
TBy Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
HE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday firmly refuted Vice President Sara Duterte’s accusations that the group had met with House Speaker Martin Romualdez to discuss impeachment plans against the Vice President.
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro reiterated the bloc’s earlier statements, saying, “First, there is no truth to VP Duterte’s claim that the Makabayan bloc held meetings with Speaker Romualdez regarding her impeachment.”
“Second, the Makabayan bloc made no declaration in September 2023 about pushing for impeachment. In fact, we made statements in August and November 2023, clearly saying that talks of impeachment were premature,” she said.
Real issue
IN her earlier statement, Castro had urged attention to the real issue—the P125 million confidential fund of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2022.
“We need to focus on the facts and demand accountability. Discussions on impeachment are premature,” she emphasized. “VP Duterte should get her facts straight and not rely on gossip.”
“We ask that the Office of the Vice President provide a detailed public accounting of how the P125 million was spent. We hoped that Vice President Sara Duterte would use the OVP budget hearing to personally clarify her position on this sensitive issue, but she just used squid tactics to avoid answering and even boycotted the hearing yesterday [Tuesday],” Castro said. Castro said the Makabayan bloc remains resolute in its stance against what she said as the “illegal use of confidential funds” by the Vice President, now supported by the Commission on Audit’s findings.
The removal of confidential funds from the OVP’s budget is both legitimate and necessary, she said.
Despite claims to the contrary, the bloc said the possibility of impeachment remains a logical consequence of the evident misuse of confidential funds.
Political suicide
FOR his part, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez expressed deep concern over the rumors of an impeachment complaint against Duterte, calling it a dangerous move driven by political ambitions rather than genuine governance issues.
Alvarez pointed to Duterte’s overwhelming victory in the 2022 elections, where she garnered 32 million votes, demonstrating the immense trust of Filipinos in her leadership.
Alvarez stated that challenging this mandate through impeachment on shallow political grounds would be a direct affront to the people’s will.
“Impeaching a Vice President who holds
the record for the most votes of any national official in our history would be reckless, especially since she continues to enjoy high trust, approval, and satisfaction ratings,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez was believed to have been ousted as Speaker during the incumbency of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the behest of then Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City.
Self inflicted
A HOUSE assistant majority leader on Wednesday bluntly said Duterte’s current woes are “self-inflicted,” refuting her claims of being unfairly targeted and her office defunded.
In a news conference, House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said that “most of what she said seems like she’s attacking herself; it’s almost like self-inflicted.”
Ortega was responding to the Vice President’s allegations that she is being targeted, with rumors circulating about a potential “zero-budget” or only one peso being allocated to the OVP.
Duterte also suggested these alleged attacks were due to her being viewed as a possible contender for the presidency in the 2028 elections.
1-Rider Rep. Rodge Gutierrez dismissed any claims that the House’s examination of the OVP budget is motivated by 2028 election considerations.
“Maybe that’s the playbook of the previous administration, but as far as I’m concerned, I don’t care who the president will be in 2028. What matters to us now is the current budget,” Gutierrez said.
Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre assured the public that the House remains committed to providing the OVP with necessary resources while ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Our duty is to the people. I don’t think Congress will ever compromise the need to strengthen the mandate of every office, including the OVP. But since the Vice President has chosen not to explain it herself, we will turn to the Constitution and ensure her role receives the resources required,” Acidre said.
Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong added that the accusations of politicking are misplaced.
“I think the ones accusing us of politicking are the ones actually doing the politicking,” said Adiong, the designated sponsor of the OVP budget.
Adiong emphasized that the budget deliberations of the House Committee on Appropriations, which the Vice President did not attend on Tuesday, are a key part of lawmakers’ mandate and sworn duty.
He said that no one in the House is thinking about the 2028 elections since that’s a long way off.
“What’s urgent for us is ensuring that the entire bureaucracy can function effectively, and to do that, we need to approve the budget,” Adiong said.
PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday commemorated the 107th birth anniversary of his father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., by remembering his patriotism and sacrifices for the country.
In his speech after the wreath-laying ceremony at the Marcos Monument in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, the Chief Executive underscored how his father valued serving his countrymen.
“What is the essence of service that my father taught me? And that is very simple but not easy to achieve. But it is simple: be a Filipino, serve the Filipino, protect
Filipinos and the Philippines,” he said.
He noted this legacy from his father, whom he described as the “Great Ilocano,” that was his credo since he entered public service and even up to the present.
“And when I look back, now that I am in this high office, and many things become...many forces are impacting upon you and a decision has to be made and the guidance that I get once again is I always ask myself, what would my father do? What would be his advice? And I remember the mausoleum and I remember that it says, Filipino,” he said.
community to conduct a deeper investigation not only into the background but also the connections of Guo (also known as Guo Hua’ping) owing to potential risks to national security.
Lacson, a former National Police chief, also voiced concerns that Guo, if not exposed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) operations against her illegal activities and if she were really a spy, could have the resources to run for congresswoman or even higher office - and have access to sensitive documents in the Philippine government.
“Testimonials coming from her former constituents were one in saying that she’s governing well in Bamban, Tarlac. It cannot be ruled out that if she gets out of her issues now, she might run for congresswoman. And if she were a foreign spy, that is bad for us because as a member of Congress, she would have access to highly classified documents due to her high security clearance,” Lacson said in an interview on television.
He said this is why he urged the intelligence community to include Guo in their EEI (essential elements
The President also cited his father’s great sacrifice, when he helped defend the country with the American forces during World War II.
During his recent trip to the US, when he met with the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), he said he was granted access to the records of his father when he served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
“The OSS was a predecessor of the CIA. And they [CIA] allowed me. They took me to the records room and they started to show me many of the records... the reports that were sent during the war that are still secret,” Marcos said.
IN a groundbreaking move to revolutionize community wellness, ZENWORKS Regenerative and Rehabilitation Clinic has officially opened its doors, offering state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge therapies that promise to redefine healthcare in the region. The grand launch, held at the ZENWORKS Main Clinic located in the DLA Building on National Road, Putatan, Muntinlupa City, brought together key stakeholders, local government officials, and health and wellness practitioners. This event marks the historic moment in the pursuit of a healthier and invigorating lifestyle for all by offering a holistic approach to healing and wellness.
Bringing Wellness Closer to Home Strategically positioned on the bustling Manila South Road in Barangay
City, ZENWORKS stands as a flare of innovation and accessibility in the healthcare landscape. This location is no accident; it’s a deliberate choice aimed at addressing the growing demand for advanced medical care, particularly among the senior citizens of this densely populated area. By establishing its first clinic here, ZENWORKS is making high-quality, reliable healthcare more accessible to those who need it most.
ZENWORKS offers a comprehensive range of services, including Regenerative Medicine, Ultrasound Services, Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Wellness Programs. At the core of these services is a multidisciplinary team of experienced healthcare professionals—regenerative medicine specialists, physiatrists, neuromus-
of information) and do a deeper record check and background investigation. Lacson said there had been trueto-life spy stories including that of Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who was projected by Israel’s Mossad to infiltrate Syria in the 1960s. Before he was executed, he managed to rub elbows with top ranking Syrian officials and prominent business leaders and was even groomed to be Syria’s defense minister.
“I am not forcing anyone to take my opinion as gospel truth. Maybe I was subliminally positing that our intelligence agencies include Guo in their essential elements of information. It is worth the effort, considering the potential risk to our national security,” he said in an earlier post on X. Lacson also cited information from a Filipino-Chinese friend who claims to have connections to some powerful personalities, and who was supposedly approached by Guo to help her before she fled the Philippines. Guo supposedly offered through the trader PHP1 billion in exchange for the “help.” With Rex Anthony Naval
“The things that he did, the things, the sacrifices that he made for the Philippines [were there]. And I asked the CIA, ‘Can I copy some of the documents, so can bring them home?,’ and they told me ‘Sorry, it is still classified’,” he added. Marcos maintained this father showed his love for the country beyond the war and up to his presidency. He urged Filipinos to emulate the example of his father in defending the country’s interest.
“Let us continue that legacy of love of your kababayans [countrymen]. And I think that if we do that, that we will always be led in the right direction,” Marcos said. Samuel P. Medenilla
cular and interventional sonologists, physical therapists, prosthetists, and orthotists—all dedicated to crafting individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Guiding Filipinos on Their Path to Recovery and Wellness
Leading this visionary endeavor is Dr. Blitzen Maximillan A. Espeleta, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with expertise in Neuromuscular and Interventional Sonology, Sports Medicine, and Regenerative Medicine. With experience gained from working in some of the most esteemed clinics and hospitals both in the Philippines and abroad, Dr. Espeleta is on a mission to make ZENWORKS the premier destination for regenerative medicine and rehabilitation in the country. His vision is clear: to provide innovative, accessible, and affordable treatments that cater to the diverse needs of every Filipino.
Guided by
Putatan, Muntinlupa
Espeleta and City Councilor Atty. Rachel Ariaga
DAR completes
₧21.6 million roads in Isabela
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over to farm-to-market roads that cost P21.6 million to Isabela rice farmers belonging to agrarian reform communities (ARC).
Farm-to-market roads ease the transportation of rice, the area’s major crop, and foster growth in the agricultural sector.
Implemented under the Sustainable and Resilient ARCs (SuRE ARCs) Project, these farmto-market road projects comprise P8,837,829.73 in barangay Diamantina and P12,768,072.78 in barangay Rang-ay.
DAR Cagayan Valley Director Primo Lara said the newly rehabilitated farm-tomarket roads would boost the livelihood activities of the farmers.
“With improved infrastructure, better access to markets and reduced transportation costs would boost productivity and enhance the overall rice community,” he said.
Lara added that these rehabilitated roads signal progress for the town of Cabatuan’s agrarian communities, representing a hopeful step toward a sustainable future anchored by strengthened agricultural infrastructure.
“With these rehabilitated roads, the farming communities of Cabatuan move toward a more resilient and sustainable future, strengthened by enhanced access to vital markets,” he said.
The agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations, namely, the Diamantina Samahanang Nayon Credit Cooperative and Almadayrit Cabatuan Agriculture Cooperative, are the proponents of these projects.
The SuRe ARC Project aims to improve the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) and their households by providing them with climate-resilient farm support services and infrastructure to ensure their continued farm operations to make them productive, increase their farm incomes, and help address the country’s food security.
Cabatuan Mayor Bernardo Garcia Jr., and Lara, along with other DAR and local government officials, and the agrarian reform beneficiaries participated in this ceremony, emphasizing the collective effort behind the project.
House leaders elated by drop in rice prices
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE leadership of the House of Representatives on Wednesday welcomed the significant decrease in rice prices, which now sell at as low as P42 per kilo, and expressed hopes that this trend continues until the Christmas season.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez visited the Guadalupe Market in Makati, as well as the Farmers Market and Nepa Q-Mart in Quezon City, together with representatives of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders’ Movement (PRISM), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to see for himself if rice prices have really gone down.
Romualdez attributed the price decrease to the efforts of the administration to stabilize the food supply, lower the cost of the staple, and protect consumers from price increases.
“We’ve seen rice being sold at P45 per kilo, with broken rice at P42, and well-milled rice at P45. What we really want to see is the continued decrease in rice prices,” Romualdez said.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives, we welcome this positive development. This is truly in line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to ensure that food, particularly rice, remains affordable and accessible for all Filipinos,” he added.
Orly Manuntag of PRISM on the other hand noted that the reduction of tariff on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent, as outlined in Executive Order 62 signed by President Marcos on
June 20, had positively affected retailers and consumers, who are pleased with this development.
“The factor we observed here is the reduction of tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent. Retailers as well as consumers are very pleased with this development,” he said.
Hope ROMUALDEZ expressed hopes that the trend will continue to bring much-needed relief to Filipino families, particularly in the coming Christmas season. He is optimistic that this trend will continue, especially with the Christmas season approaching, to ease the burden on Filipino families.
Accompanying the Speaker during the market visit were Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, along with fellow ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap, and the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.
DTI Price Control Assistant
Secretary Agaton Uvero, DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services Assistant Secretary Bebang Guevarra, and DTI representatives Director Phillip Sawali, Division Chief Rosita Jaleco, and Assistant Division Chief Joel Buag also joined Romualdez during the market visit.
Romualdez credited the collaborative efforts of Congress, rice traders, and other stakeholders in combating hoarding and price manipulation, further noting that investigations into rice hoarding in Bulacan had been instrumental in releasing stocks into the market.
“Together with PRISM and other stakeholders, we have been actively working to stop rice hoarding and price manipulation. I would like to commend the rice traders who have responded to our call to make rice affordable and available for everyone,” the Speaker said.
“The Marcos administration is committed to implementing long-term solutions, such as increasing domestic rice production, improving import regulations, and penalizing those involved in illegal trade practices,” Romualdez said.
For her part, Guevarra said that additional farm input programs being implemented by the department are expected to boost rice productivity by next year, which could further bring down prices of the staple food.
Support
ROMUALDEZ also urged local governments and private stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to reduce the cost of essential goods, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
“As we continue to work towards this goal, we ask for the cooperation of all stakeholders. This is a whole-of-nation approach, and together, we will make sure that no Filipino family goes hungry,” he said.
“This price reduction is just the beginning. We will not stop until rice is affordable to every Filipino family. We remain committed to improving the livelihoods of our farmers while ensuring that consumers are not overburdened by high prices,” he added.
Bill allows retroactive pay hikes for local government employees
APARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed a measure that will allow the retroactive application of salary increases for employees of local governments, a privilege that they currently do not enjoy owing to restrictions set under the law.
Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, a former assistant secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said his bill will ensure that local government employees are treated the same as their counterparts working in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code bars the retroactivity of pay increases given to local government employees, which places them at a disadvantage, as what happened when President Marcos recently ordered the implementation of a four-step increase in the base pay of government workers through Executive Order 64, Yamsuan said.
He said that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman confirmed that funds are available to ensure that the salary increases will be retroactively implemented starting January 2024 but pointed out that the LGC needs to be amended for workers in local governments to have the same benefit.
To ensure that local government employees would not be unfairly treated, Yamsuan filed House Bill 10865, which removes the restrictions under the LGC on retroactively applying salary increases or adjustments.
“This is not fair and just under our Constitution. The equal protection clause enshrined in our Constitution also applies within the sphere of public service. Employees in the LGU sector deserve to enjoy the same benefit of receiving retroactive pay increases mandated by the government,” Yamsuan said.
He hopes that his fellow lawmakers will swiftly act on his measure to ensure that the salary hikes mandated under EO 64 will also be retroactively
Meralco rates slightly up this month
TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura
HE Manila Electric Compa-
ny (Meralco) announced on Wednesday an increase of P0.1543 per kilowatt hour (kWh) in the September electricity bills, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P11.7882 per kWh from the previous month’s P11.6339 per kWh.
For residential customers consuming 200 kWh, the adjustment is equivalent to an increase of around P31 in their total electricity bill. The power rate increase was
mainly brought about by higher transmission charge, Meralco said. There is an increase of P0.2913 per kWh in the transmission component of electric bills owing to higher ancillary service charges following the resumption of commercial operations of the Reserve Market on August 5, 2024.
This month’s higher transmission charge more than offset the reduction in the generation charge, which went down by P0.1547 per kWh.
“The increase in transmission charge became the reason why [reduction in generation charge] was overshadowed. We
have a reduction in the generation charge of 15 centavos but it was wiped out by the increase in the transmission charge. So what happened was that the ancillary service charge from the reserve market was double compared to the charges under the ancillary service procurement supply agreements of the NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines). More than 50 percent of the monthly transmission rate comes from ancillary service charges,” explained Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco spokesmann during a news briefing.
applied for local government employees.
“From the local to the national level, civil service employees form the foundation of efficient government operations. Their positions and titles may vary, they may either be working in the local governments or in national government agencies, yet they are all held to the same standards of professionalism, integrity, transparency, and accountability. That’s why benefits should be equally granted to them,” he added.
HB 10865, which Yamsuan filed last week, will amend Section 325(g) of the LGC, which states that “the creation of new positions and salary increases and adjustments shall in no case be made retroactive,” when enacted.
The bill removes the phrase “and salary increases and adjustments” from this paragraph. Yamsuan said the bill also mandates local governments, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), to identify the sources of funds required for the retroactive application of salary increases and adjustments.
Under the bill, the DBM “shall issue guidelines to ensure that local governments are able to effectively allocate and manage the necessary financial resources to implement budgetary adjustments and/or realignment in accordance” with the measure.
Yamsuan noted that DBM Local Budget Circular 160 on the implementation by local governments of the EO-mandated salary increases states that the pay increases will only take effect upon the enactment of an ordinance and that this should be “pursuant to Section 325(g) of Republic Act 7160 [Local Government Code], which states that salary increases or adjustments shall, in no case, be made retroactive.”
At least one local government— the provincial government of Iloilo—has already asked the DBM to allow the retroactive application of the EO-mandated salary increases. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
Meanwhile, charges from Power Supply Agreements (PSAs), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) all registered reductions.
The decrease in the generation charge was primarily driven by the peso’s appreciation to its strongest level since December 2023, affecting 50 percent of PSA costs and 97 percent of IPP costs that were dollar denominated. This led to the P0.2371 per kWh and P0.0529 per kWh reductions in PSA and IPP charges, respectively. WESM charges also decreased by P0.0514 per kWh. This already
factored in the final of four installments of deferred May 2024 WESM costs earlier ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). PSAs, WESM, and IPPs accounted for 46.2 percent, 27.3 percent, and 26.4 percent of Meralco’s total energy requirement for the period.
Meanwhile, taxes and other charges registered a P0.0177 per kWh net increase. Pass-through charges for generation and transmission are paid to the power suppliers and the grid operator, respectively, while taxes, universal charges, and Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) are all remitted to the government. Meralco’s distribution charge, on the other hand, has not moved since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction for a typical residential customer in August 2022.
Remulla wants Guo in BI; Cassie runs to SC
TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Department of Justice
(DOJ) on Wednesday ex -
pressed belief that it is the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that should have custody of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, owing to her immigration-related cases.
At a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed immigration cases should take precedence over other cases.
“To be fair to everybody, if there is one agency that should detain Alice Guo, it should be the Bureau of Immigration because an immigration case takes precedence over everything,” Remulla said.
Guo is facing violation of immigration laws for having an allegedly illegally acquired passport, being an illegal alien and passing herself off as a Filipino, Remulla said.
These cases are also non-bailable, Remulla said.
“I think when everything clears up already, it will have to be with immigration and the immigration will just have to seek our permission to bring her to court every time,” he said.
Guo is detained at the National Police Custodial Center, where she was taken after her return from Indonesia last week.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, thinks the Senate, which issued the original arrest warrant on Guo for contempt, should have Guo, since the other warrant issued by the Capas, Tarlac court was in violation of a judicial rule that cases against top officials like Guo must be held in a different judicial region other than where the official holds office. Related story in A3 Nation.
Guo has been charged with graft by the Office of the Ombudsman based on the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for her alleged links to the illegal operation of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in her town that was raided by authorities in May.
Guo, her siblings Shiela and brother Wesley and Cassandra Li Ong, the official representative of Pogo hub Lucky South 99, left the country in July despite an immigration lookout bulletin order (Ilbo) issued against them.
Shiela and Ong were returned to
DTI’s ‘Kalasag’ seizes ₧94M worth of illegal batteries, tires
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), has confiscated P94 million worth of illegal lead-acid batteries and tires, its largest operation to date.
On September 9, 2024, DTI Task Force Kalasag, composed of personnel from the FTEB and the Regional and Provincial Offices, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), executed what it deems its “largest operation to date,” confiscating uncertified lead-acid batteries in Quezon City and Manila.
According to the briefer released by the DTI’s enforcement arm via Viber, the Task Force Kalasag was able to confiscate 20,809 units of lead-acid storage battery and tires for automotive
vehicles and lead-acid storage battery worth P93.70 million. Of the total number of units seized, DTI-FTEB said 20,195 items worth P93.31 million were lead-acid storage batteries. According to FTEB, these lead-acid storage batteries were confiscated because they did not bear manufacturer’s name and address as well as the required Philippine Standard (PS) Mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker. Meanwhile, FTEB said it confiscated 614 units of tires for automotive vehicles and lead-acid storage battery worth P389,305. DTI’s enforcement arm said these units did not bear PS or ICC Mark.
“These uncertified lead-acid storage batteries and tires for automotive vehicles were found in violation of the marking requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards’ (BPS)
moves COC filing for BARMM polls to November 4-9
TBy Justine Xyrah Garcia
the country after their arrest by Indonesian authorities last August 22.
Shiela has been charged with violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for Disobedience to Summons issued by the Senate and Section 22, paragraph (b)(2) of Republic Act 11983 for allegedly using a Philippine passport acquired illegally.
Ong faces a case for violation of the Revised Penal Code for Disobedience to Summons issued by the House of Representatives and for obstruction of justice for harboring, concealing, or facilitating the escape of a criminal offender.
Ong seeks relief from SC MEANWHILE , Ong, through lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, petitioned the Supreme Court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a preliminary injunction to enjoin the Senate and House committees investigating Pogos from violating her constitutional rights to remain silent, from incriminating herself and to have the advice of counsel during the entire proceedings.
The petition also sought Ong’s protection against undue pressure, influence, intimidation or threat of verbal,
mandatory certification scheme,” said DTI-FTEB.
DTI-FTEB also noted that the retail firm from which these were seized was immediately issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) ordering the owner to submit an explanation within 48 hours from receipt of such notice.
Pursuant to Department Order No. 24-56, DTI created the Task Force Kalasag to carry out objectives relevant to trade and industry laws, rules and regulations.
The DTI is mandated as the “primary promotive, facilitative, coordinative, and regulatory arm of the Executive Branch of the government in the area of trade and industry.”
The DTI TFK was created to ensure that the rights of consumers and legitimate businesses are protected; that standards of safety and quality of essential consumer products are upheld; and that basic necessities and prime commodities are made available to consumers at reasonable prices especially during times of calamities, disasters, and emergencies.
mental or physical abuse against Ong.
Topacio also sought the conduct of oral arguments on the petition.
Topacio said the petition is of “transcendental importance” as it seeks to prevent the violation of basic constitutional rights of one invited by the Senate and the House to participate in their investigations in aid of legislation.
Ong was compelled to appear before the QuadCommm for hearing last August 28, 2024 to shed light on her alleged links in the illegal activities of Lucky South 99. There, she invoked her constitutional rights in refusing to answer some of the questions from QualComm, prompting the legislators to cite her in contempt.
The QuadCommm also ordered the House security staff to physically separate Ong from him because he was allegedly coaching his client, but Topacio said he was only doing his job of advising his client of her rights.
The lawyer said intimidation and threats to send her to a regular jail facility forced Ong to sign a waiver allowing the QuadCommm to look into her bank accounts.
The following day, Topacio said
Davao fiscal told: Transfer to DOJ cases vs Abalos et al
THE Davao City Prosecutor’s Office has been ordered to transfer to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the criminal cases filed against Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos and several other police officials in connection with the 16-day siege of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound.
At a press briefing, Acting ProsecutorGeneral Richard Anthony Fadullon said there were cases filed for unjust vexation in connection with the siege and this has been ordered transferred to the DOJ.
“They were filed with the Prosecutor’s Office-Davao and I think there’s already been an order to transfer all these cases here in the main office, whereas, we can investigate all of them,” Fadullon said.
Abalos earlier confirmed that former President Rodrigo Duterte filed criminal charges for malicious mischief while several KOJC officials filed charges of violation of domicile, offending the religious feelings and grave threats against Abalos, Philippine National Police Director General Rommel Francisco Marbil and several other police officials.’
the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed with the DOJ 87 cases of money laundering against Ong. “Therefore, the acts of the respondents House Committees and/ or the members thereof in exerting pressure and influence unto the petitioner to pressure her into giving information by isolating her from counsel, undermining her faith in counsel by using the floor of the House as a bully pulpit, terrorizing her with pictures of alleged torture victims and telling her that she will be charged with the ‘non-bailable’ offense of human trafficking, making vulgar and improper insinuations, etc. are all intended to make her give up unwillingly her right to remain silent,” Topacio said.
HE Commission on Elections announced on Wednesday that the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for next year’s parliamentary elections has been rescheduled to November 4 to 9. This decision comes after the Supreme Court recently ruled that Sulu province is not part of the Bangsamoro Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as it had rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Consequently, only the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur remain part of the said region. In an ambush interview, Comelec
Chairman George Garcia said that the commission unanimously agreed to reschedule the COC filing to accommodate the “several adjustments” needed to be taken.
“The en banc decided to move the filing of COCs for the entire Bangsamoro, including the manifestation of intent to participate and party nominees,” Garcia said in Filipino.
“We cannot postpone the elections in Bangsamoro; we have emphasized that since yesterday,” the chairman added. Following the SC ruling, there will now be 73—instead of 80—parliamentary seats to be filled for the 2025 polls. Out of the 73 seats, 40 will come from the representatives of regional political
parties, 25 from representatives of parliamentary districts, and eight from sectoral representatives.
Regarding national and local electoral aspirants from BARMM, the poll chief clarified that the filing period from October 1 to 8 will proceed as planned.
“The Supreme Court only said that Sulu is not included, and therefore it affects the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. Only the Bangsamoro COC filing will be moved to November 4 to 9,” Garcia said.
The chairman also assured the public this rescheduling will not cause much delay in Comelec’s preparations for next year’s polls.
“The names of nominees have not yet been printed on the ballots, so we will not experience significant delays. We can begin printing the national and local election ballots and only delay the Bangsamoro ballots slightly,” Garcia added. Comelec
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
“President Marcos Jr. listens and works fast, and so the PhilHealth Board now hears all feedback and is agile, too. This improvement in the hemodialysis benefit package will be complemented by better preventive care benefits,” said the PhilHealth Chair. Earlier in the week, Herbosa himself convened the Benefits Committee (Bencom) which heard feedback from hospitals, dialysis centers, and also the Philippine Society of Nephrology.
The Bencom quickly noted the operations feedback on the new P4,000 rate, particularly the persistent challenges of dialysis providers.
“We have also reminded Management to work fast on urgent care and emergency benefits to complete the picture,” added Herbosa.
Administrative charges for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and/or conduct unbecoming of a public officer were also filed against them.
Meanwhile, Fadullon said the prosecutors handling the qualified human trafficking sexual abuse and child abuse cases against KOJC Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will likely ask the courts handling these cases to allow the latter’s detention in a facility where it would easier for his custodians to transport him during court proceedings.
The Regional Trial Court of Quezon City has issued an order to commit Quiboloy and coaccused Cresente Canada to the New Quezon City Jail- Payatas Road, Bagong Silangan Quezon City.
Quiboloy’s three female co-accused— Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemanes—were ordered transferred to the Quezon City Jail-Female Dormitory in Camp Karingal, Maginhawa, Diliman.
The QC RTC is handling the child abuse cases against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
On the other hand, Pasig RTC Branch 159, which is handling the nonbailable qualified human trafficking case, has allowed Quiboloy and his co-accused to remain with the PNP Custodial Center.
“The difficulty here is because the Quezon City court is asking for him to be detained in Quezon City but that usually happens if that is the only case they are facing. If there are still other cases in different jurisdictions, usually the prosecutors will request that we be allowed to have the accused in a facility, for example Camp Crame, where we can ensure his attendance in all these jurisdictions,” Fadullon explained.
“So we are in discussions with our prosecutors to suggest that, recommend that with the court so there will be no difficulty. It would be more difficult for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Quezon City to be transferring him to Pasig every time there is a court hearing,” he added. Joel R. San Juan
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CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 21st Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig
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Range: Php 30,000 - Php
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DOCIDACI INC. Unit A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati
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Oil prices stabilize after global demand concerns trigger swift decline below $70
OBy Jake Lloyd-Smith & Yongchang Chin
IL steadied after fast-escalating concerns about global demand ignited a swift and powerful selloff that drove Brent crude below $70 a barrel for the first
time in more than two years. The benchmark has sunk by almost a fifth this quarter on concerns that slowing growth in the US and China, the leading consumers, will hurt consumption at a time of robust and expanding supplies. Market metrics—including the shape of the entire
futures curve—indicate conditions fast becoming far less tight.
Oil’s retreat has already forced Opec+ to postpone an output hike, stoking investor concern that the extra barrels could be still be brought to the market closer to 2025. The International Energy Agency—which will
issue a revised monthly outlook later this week—said in August the market risked higher inventories next year even if the cartel canceled the output increase.
“The continued weakness in the oil market will be alarming to Opec+, and in order to soothe the market, the group needs
to announce policy to tackle the expected surplus in 2025,” said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING Groep NV. “Even if the group sticks to cuts, compliance is likely to slip.”
The slump will be a tailwind for central bankers as they press home their fight against
inflation, with the Federal Reserve expected to start reducing interest rates next week given easing price pressures and signs of a softening labor market. It’ll also be a boon for nations that rely on crude imports to power
Continued on A10
Debate between Trump and Harris marked by tense clashes, concludes with Taylor Swift endorsement
By Steve Peoples, Jonathan J. Cooper & Nicholas Riccardi The Associated Press
ASHINGTON—Donald
WTrump and Kamala Harris faced each other on the debate stage Tuesday night for the first—and possibly the last—time.
The Democratic vice president opened the faceoff with a power move, marching across the stage to Trump’s lectern to shake his hand.
“Kamala Harris,” she said, introducing herself as the pair met for the first time ever. “Let’s have a good debate.”
“Nice to see you. Have fun,” the former Republican president responded. The exchange set the tone for the 90-minute debate to come: Harris controlled the conversation at times, baiting Trump with jabs at his economic policy, his refusal to concede his 2020 election loss and even his performance at his rallies.
Trump, while measured early on, grew more annoyed as the night went on. And one significant moment played out after the two candidates left the stage, when megastar Taylor Swift said she’ll vote for Harris.
Some takeaways on a historic debate:
FROM the opening handshake, Harris took the fight to Trump in a way that Biden could not
In her first answer, the former prosecutor said Trump’s tariffs would effectively create a sales tax on the middle class. She soon accused Trump of presiding over the worst attack on American democracy since the Civil War—the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. She charged him with telling women what they could do with their bodies. And she mocked Trump’s praise of dictators “who would eat you for lunch.”
Harris effectively controlled much of the conversation with such attacks
and baited Trump into responses that were at times vents, and at others, reminders of his wild rhetoric and fixation on the past.
“You did in fact lose that election,” Harris said of the 2020 race that Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden but still insists he won. “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people,” she said, referring to Biden’s winning vote total.
But Harris may have got under her opponent’s skin the most when she went after his performance at his rallies, noting that people often leave early.
Growing visibly irritated, Trump insisted that his rallies were larger than hers.
A smiling Harris frequently shifted her message from Trump back to the American people.
“You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires,” Harris said. “And I’ll tell you, I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first.”
Trump had a label for Harris: ‘She is Biden’ TRUMP was often on defense, but he did drive the core message of his campaign: Inflation and immigration are hammering Americans. Immigrants, Trump said, have “destroyed the fabric of our country.”
He repeatedly tied Harris to Biden.
“She is Biden,” he said.
“The worst inflation we’ve ever had,” Trump added. “A horrible economy because inflation has made it so bad. And she can’t get away with that.”
Harris responded: “Clearly, I am not Joe Biden and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.”
Trump also went after Harris for moving away from some of the progressive positions she took in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, urging voters not to believe the
more moderate tone she’s striking in this campaign.
“She’s going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” he said, referring to the red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps that many of his supporters wear. “But if she ever got elected, she’d change it.”
Swift gets off the sideline
ONE of the most consequential moments came in a post on one of the most followed accounts on Instagram moments after the debate ended.
Swift has a loyal following among young women, a demographic Harris needs to turn out in big numbers. She called Harris a “gifted leader,” telling her fans to do their research and make their own decisions, but “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice.”
Trump on race and Harris on the attack
ABC moderator David Muir asked Trump point-blank about his allegation last month that Harris had belatedly “ turned Black.” Harris is Black and South Asian and a graduate of Howard University, a historically Black school in Washington.
Trump tried to play down the matter. “I don’t care what she is, you make a big deal out of something, I couldn’t care less,” Trump said.
Harris, however, had her opening and she rattled off a long list of Trump’s racial controversies: his legal settlement for discrimination against prospective Black tenants at his New York apartment buildings in the 1970s; his ad calling for the execution of Black and Latino teenagers—who were wrongly arrested—in the Central Park jogger case in the 1980s; and his false claims that former President Barack Obama was not born in the United States.
“I think the American people want something better than that, want better than this,” Harris said.
Trump accused Harris of trying to “divide” people and dismissed her claims as dated and irrelevant.
“This is a person that has to stretch
back 40, 50 years ago because there’s nothing now,” he said.
Harris and Trump dug in on abortion positions
HARRIS came out swinging in defense of abortion rights, perhaps the strongest issue for Democrats since Trump’s nominees created a Supreme Court majority to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion. Her sharp arguments provided a vivid contrast to President Joe Biden’s rambling comments on the issue during his June debate with Trump.
“The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” Harris said. She painted a vivid picture of women facing medical complications, gut-wrenching decisions and the need to travel out of state for an abortion.
Trump was just as fierce in defense, saying he returned the issue to the states, an outcome he said many Americans wanted. He struggled with accuracy, however, repeating the false claim that Democrats support abortion even after babies are born. He stuck to that even after he was corrected by moderator Linsey Davis.
“I did a great service in doing that. It took courage to do it,” Trump said of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and its constitutional protections for abortion. “And the Supreme Court had great courage in doing it. And I give tremendous credit to those six justices.”
Polls have shown significant opposition to overturning Roe and voters have punished Republicans in recent elections for it.
Who’s talking now?
TRUMP took a Harris talking point and directed it right back at her. It happened when he objected after Harris interrupted him.
“Wait a minute, I’m talking now,” Trump said. “Sound familiar?”
He was putting his own spin on a line Harris used famously against Mike Pence in the 2020 vice presidential debate when she rebuked Pence for interrupting, saying, “Mr. Vice
President, I’m speaking.”
A message to the middle
IN a divided nation, the election will ultimately be decided by a small slice of swing voters in only a handful of states. And in a nod toward that fact, Harris made an explicit appeal to voters across the political spectrum—including Republicans.
She noted that she is a gun owner.
She cited the “late, great John McCain,” a reference to the Arizona Republican senator and war hero whom Trump criticized for being captured by enemy soldiers. And she listed the many Republicans who formerly served in the Trump administration who have now endorsed her campaign.
Trump, meanwhile, offered little outreach to voters in the middle, ignoring the calls for unity that framed his summertime convention speech.
Harris seized on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol to make another explicit appeal to undecided voters.
“It’s time to turn the page,” she said. “And if that was a bridge too far for you, well, there is a place in our campaign for you.”
A restrained Trump—except when he wasn’t DEMOCRATS hoped and Republicans feared that Trump would lose his cool on stage. At first he didn’t, but as Harris increasingly got under his skin, he went to some dark places.
Trump amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating pets—ABC’s Muir noted that local officials say that is not happening—as he argued that the Biden-Harris administration was admitting dangerous immigrants.
When Harris pressed him on the array of criminal and civil cases against him, Trump similarly fumed. He accused Harris and Biden of planting all the cases.
“I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they said about me,” Trump said, referencing the assassination attempt in July by a gunman whose motives are unknown.
When pressed on whether he had
Pope lands in economic power Singapore after joyous visit to impoverished, devout East Timor
By Nicole Winfield & Niniek Karmini The Associated Press
SINGAPORE—Pope Francis flew to Singapore on Wednesday for the final leg of his trip through Asia, arriving in one of the world’s richest countries from one of its poorest after a record-setting final Mass in East Timor.
After a brief farewell ceremony, Francis, the Vatican delegation and journalists traveling with him flew to Singapore aboard local carrier Aero Dili’s only aircraft, an Airbus A320. It landed about three hours later in Singapore, where Francis had no public events scheduled for the rest of the day. Francis wrapped up his visit to East Timor with a rally Wednesday morning of its young people, who make up the majority of the
Continued from A9
1.3 million population. He urged them to work together to build their young country, using the foundations of older generations who formally secured their independence from Indonesia in 2002, to grow in peace, prosperity and reconciliation.
“Go forward with the happiness of youth, but don’t forget one thing,” Francis told them. “You are the heirs of those who persevered in founding this nation. For this, don’t lose your memory, the memory of those who persevered with so much sacrifice to consolidate this nation.”
The 87-year-old pope, who is on the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate, ditched his prepared remarks to speak off the cuff in his native Spanish, as he often does when he’s around young people.
The joyous encounter came just hours after around 600,000 people—or nearly half
the population—packed a seaside park for Francis’ Mass. It was held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago, when East Timor was under brutally oppressive Indonesian rule.
Francis came to East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, to encourage it more than two decades after it secured independence as it struggles with poverty and high unemployment.
In his final remarks at the end of the liturgy, Francis warned the Timorese today to beware of the “crocodiles” who come ashore and “want to change your culture, your history.”
It was an apparent reference both to East Timor’s past, as a colonial possession of first Portugal and then Indonesia, but also its current attractiveness to international commercial interests eager to develop its natural gas reserves.
any responsibility for Capitol riot, Trump raised his voice, blaming both Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, who was the House speaker at the time, and the Democratic mayor of Washington. He said the rioters have “been treated so badly” and once again denied he lost the 2020 election. Harris replied, “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, let’s be clear about that, and clearly he’s having a very difficult time processing that.”
An early skirmish on the economy
The debate opened with an unexpectedly wonky exchange on the economy: Harris took on Trump for his plan to put in place sweeping tariffs and for the trade deficit he ran as president; Trump slammed Harris for inflation that he incorrectly said was the worst in the country’s history. Trump said people look back on his presidency’s economy fondly. “I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country,” he said. Harris flatly told viewers, “Donald Trump has no plan for you.” Americans are slightly more likely to trust Trump over Harris when it comes to handling the economy, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll from August.
Gender an afterthought HARRIS would be the nation’s first female president. But her gender was an afterthought during the debate. She made no references to the historic nature of her candidacy. Neither did Trump.
And there were no performative moments in which gender was an issue. Who could forget Trump’s decision to stand behind his last female opponent, Hillary Clinton, during a 2016 debate? He also called Clinton a “nasty woman.” Afterward, Clinton said she was creeped out. But on Tuesday night, both candidates stayed behind their podiums as instructed and there were no explicit jabs regarding gender.
Riccardi reported from Denver.
The oil and gas industry is the bedrock of the Timorese economy and the main source of government revenue. Development of the promising offshore Greater Sunrise gas field, shared between Australia and East Timor, has been stalled for more than two decades—mainly over the question of which country the fuel should be piped to. Timorese officials believe that piping gas into their country would deliver more benefits for their people despite the added logistical challenges. In an interview last week, President Jose Ramos-Horta said any alternative would have to be “a very persuasive proposal.”
Francis, who is from Argentina and is history’s first Latin American pope, has long railed against multinational companies that exploit poor countries for their natural resources for their own benefit without taking care to adequately compensate the local population or care for the environment.
Niniek Karmini reported from Dili, East Timor. Eileen Ng contributed to this report from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
More ASF vaccine makers seek FDA nod–DA
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
PROVIDERS of vaccines against African swine fever (ASF) from four countries are seeking the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Laurel said the makers of six vaccine brands filed their application with the FDA earlier this year.
“Due to the urgency of the situation, we are consulting [veterinarians] and other experts in this field to find out how we can shorten the trials and approval process,” he told reporters in an interview
in Subic where he inspected agricultural products last Wednesday.
“I think the best case scenario is that one or two new vaccines will hurdle the regulatory process and trials six months from now.”
The FDA issued only a twoyear Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) under monitored
release to the AVAC ASF vaccine from Vietnam, which is subject to annual evaluation. The said vaccine was recently rolled out through a government-controlled inoculation scheme.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) initiated the first round of vaccinations on healthy pigs in Lobo, Batangas last August 30.
The municipality has been identified as ground zero for the largest ASF outbreak since the monsoon season began.
‘Hasten approval’
TO address the current ASF outbreak that has severely hit the local hog industry, Senator Cynthia Villar said the FDA should immediately approve vaccines against the fatal hog disease.
Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, conducted last September 9 a public hearing on ASF based on Senate Resolution No. 565 filed by
Senator Francis Tolentino.
Villar and Tolentino were dismayed over “the slow, weak and lack of scientific response” of the DA and the Bureau of Animal Industry to the outbreak.
“The public hearing brought together key stakeholders from the agriculture sector—government agencies, mayors of affected municipalities, private sector, and affected farmers—to discuss urgent measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease,” said Villar.
She said there is an “urgent need” for a vaccine as a long-term solution to ASF.
“The ASF, a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting domestic hogs, was first confirmed in the Philippines in 2019. Five years have passed and it continuously plagues the swine industry, causing severe losses in hog populations.”
‘Expand testing’
LAUREL earlier instructed the BAI
Wholesale price of regular milled rice up 10.5% in Aug
REGULAR milled rice was more expensive in August, the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
Figures from the PSA indicated that the average wholesale price of regular milled rice rose by 10.5 percent to P46.32 per kilogram in August, from P41.91 per kg a year ago.
The fastest increase in regular milled rice was registered in Cagayan Valley where the price of the staple surged 33.4 percent to P47.55 per kg, from P35.64 per kg in the previous year.
This was followed by Mimaropa, where prices increased by 18.9 percent to P42.43 per kg from last year’s P35.70 per kg.
However, the average price in August was 0.4 percent lower than the P46.50 per kilo recorded in July.
Meanwhile, the PSA said wellmilled rice jumped 8.9 percent to P49.76 per kilo last month, from P45.68 a year ago.
The fastest increase was recorded in Cagayan Valley and
Western Visayas, where prices rose by 15 percent and 16.2 percent, respectively. In Caraga, the price of wellmilled rice in August went up by 13 percent to P50.57 per kg from P44.74 per kg recorded a year ago. However, the average price of
well-milled rice was 0.6 percent lower than the P50.08 per kilo registered in July.
“Wholesale price refers to the price of commodity transacted in bulk for further resale or processing,” the PSA said.
“It is the actual ‘spot’ trans -
Ubra: PHL will have enough poultry this holiday season
POULTRY raisers belonging to the United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra) said the Philippines would have enough supply of local chicken during the holidays.
“Based on projections and past experiences, (chicken) supply would be more than sufficient,” Ubra Chairman Elias Jose Inciong told the BusinessMirror via Viber.
However, Inciong said the expected spike in demand for poultry meat during the holidays will have an impact on prices.
“The holidays may exert upward pressure depending on the supply of pork and fish; imports may exert downward pressure.”
The price of chicken in Metro Manila markets ranged from P180 to P240 per kilo as of September 10, based on the price monitoring of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
According to Inciong, “the gap is too big” between the retail price of P240 per kg and the current farmgate price.
“Masyadong malayo na iyang P240 per kilo. The highest farmgate today is P132 (per kilo).”
Inciong said the country’s dressed chicken inventory declined in August as traders are preparing for shipments during the “ber” months.
Data from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) showed that dressed chicken inventory in cold storage facilities nationwide stood at 31,917 metric tons (MT) as of August 26. This was lower than the
32,413 MT recorded in the previous week.
“Importers are maybe creating more space for their September to December arrivals.”
Figures from the NMIS, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, revealed that a chunk of the inventory during the period consisted of imports at 21,601 MT while the local inventory was at 10,315 MT.
The agency said its data excluded freshly chilled chicken and mechanically deboned meat (MDM), adding that the inventory for those already in distribution channels was not included.
Meanwhile, the country’s meat imports grew by nearly 10 percent in the first semester, driven by higher chicken and pork purchases abroad.
Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that meat imports increased by 9.64 percent to 647,745 MT from January to June, compared to last year’s 590,766 MT. Chicken imports rose 4.13 percent to 221,598 MT from 212,811 MT. Mechanically deboned meat (MDM) accounted for the bulk of chicken imports at 124,837 MT.
Based on BAI data, pork imports grew by 10.73 percent to 316,995 MT from the 286,275 MT recorded in the same period last year. Pork cuts accounted for most of the shipments, followed by offals at 113,851 MT and 112,597 MT, respectively. Ada Pelonia
to expand its controlled testing of the ASF vaccine to additional areas in Luzon as well as regions designated as red zones in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“We will cast a wider net to include La Union, Quezon, Mindoro, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Cebu in the BAI’s controlled testing of the initial 150,000 doses of ASF vaccines we have imported from Vietnam,” Laurel said in a separate statement.
He said commercial pig farms located in areas with numerous infections would also receive ASF vaccines to safeguard their herd from the disease.
“Our goal is to ensure a steady supply of pork in the market and stabilize prices.”
The DA recently increased indemnification for diseased pigs surrendered for culling, raising the compensation ceiling to P12,000 for breeders from the previous maximum of P5,000.
action price received usually by the wholesalers, distributors or marketing agents for large lots but net of discounts, allowances, and rebates.”
The agency said the monthly data on the wholesale selling prices for agricultural commodities were obtained from the results of the Wholesale Selling Price Survey conducted every week of the reference month.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said rice prices remain elevated due to high world prices and the existing inventory of imported staple bought prior to lowering of tariffs. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/08/30/da-explainswhy-rice-prices-stay-high-despite-low-tariffs/)
He also said the inventory of rice imported in January to June, when tariff was still at 35 percent, will be depleted by October.
“It will take until mid- or the end-October before the old stocks [bought] at high price will run out.” Ada Pelonia
CHAMPIONING
The government has allocated P300 million for the procurement of approximately 600,000 doses of the ASF vaccine developed in Vietnam, and an additional P50 million for related inoculation costs. The agriculture chief earlier announced that a second batch of about 150,000 doses of ASF vaccines is set to arrive in the country. The department initially procured 10,000 doses.
According to the DA, since the first ASF outbreak in 2019 that led to the culling of over 300,000 pigs, the Philippine hog industry has struggled to recover from the disease’s severe impact. It added that the high mortality rate of ASF has forced many smallscale pig farms to cease operations to avoid substantial losses.
Data from the BAI showed 472 barangays have active ASF cases as of September 6, thrice the number recorded on July 26 in 150 barangays.
HATCHERY BILLS. Sen. Cynthia A. Villar sponsors six hatchery bills in a bid to support and uplift the lives of Filipinos, particularly the fisherfolk, and to combat poverty in the rural communities. “By championing this initiative, we aim to revolutionize our nation’s aquaculture industry, bolster our fish supply, fortify our food security, and drive meaningful rural development. These hatchery projects are indispensable in addressing the critical shortage of fish seedings, cornerstone for the growth and sustainability of our aquaculture sector,” Villar said in her omnibus sponsorship speech at the plenary session, Tuesday, September 10, 2024. “To date, I successfully passed 41 hatchery laws, spanning 57 locations nationwide, all designated with a singular purpose to empowering our fisherfolks and uplift our nations. Passing this measure is not merely a legislative act, it is decisive step toward uplifting rural communities, combating poverty, and ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable nutritious food,” she added. The bills are House Bill
Bees and patrols: How Ugandan farmers guard against coffee theft
TO stop his coffee crops being stolen yet again, Ugandan farmer Charles Waliggo has been waking during the night to patrol his plot. Others are being urged to turn to dogs to guard plantations—or even bees.
The security measures are necessary to stop thieves snatching unharvested beans straight from trees under cover of darkness, a problem that has become much more serious as prices soar. Two of the country’s farming associations say coffee theft has hit unprecedented levels this year.
It’s another example of how food and drink have become lucrative targets for criminals. In recent years, rising prices and a cost-of-living crisis sparked a string of thefts of everything from African cocoa beans and Spanish olive oil to ham and donuts. Coffee has drawn attention as drought in key grower Vietnam and strong demand squeezed global supply and made it much more expensive.
The raids are “due to the fact that prices of coffee have gone higher than before,” said Ronald Buule, executive director of Uganda’s Central Coffee Farmers Association, known as CECOFA.
The now common problem in the world’s fifth-biggest bean exporter “has created insecurity
in coffee farms,” he said. Global prices of robusta coffee—favored for instant drinks—hit the highest since the 1970s this year, raising costs for roasters and consumers. In Uganda, farm-gate prices for unshelled robusta known as Kiboko jumped as much as 65 percent since the start of the year to a record 7,000 shillings ($1.89) per kilogram, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority.
High prices in Africa’s No. 2 grower have made coffee a significant theft target, joining other commodities such as cocoa and vanilla, according to Tony Mugoya, the executive director of Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance.
It’s hard to quantify the size of the problem, because the police force hasn’t compiled data on cases dealt with by local authorities and the government hasn’t published coffee-theft statistics. But CECOFA and the UCFA say crime is much higher than in previous years.
That’s adding to a rise in food crime. Food and beverages accounted for more than a fifth of all products stolen globally last year, up from 17 percent in 2022, according to the British Standards Institution.
Some Ugandan farmers suspect many thefts are committed
by local people, often youths, who then sell the beans into the supply chain. The looters—who sometimes damage trees in the process—are not only hurting farmers’ income, but also threatening Uganda’s efforts to boost output in the coming years.
Security measures
A VICTIM several times, Waliggo woke up most nights during the recently ended harvest to check his crops in Mayirikiti in the central region. About a dozen farms in the village were targeted in the latest harvest period, according to Ibra Ssemanda, a local government official.
During the harvest season
CECOFA’s Buule, who’s also a farmer, has himself had to hire 10 night guards to stay at his two plantations that cover a total of more than 40 acres (16 hectares).
The association recommends that growers invest in fencing, security guards and dogs, and bees to fight crime.
More farmers have been keeping apiaries to aid pollination, but the idea is that they will now also scare away thieves worried about being stung if they upset hives.
Some coffee communities are taking other steps to make it harder to profit from crime.
In the western region district of Kakumiro, children aren’t allowed to sell beans to middlemen because they can be taken advantage of by thieves, said Taddewo Senyonyi, a farmer who’s another victim.
The problem is that many smallholders who live near the poverty line can’t afford the extra security expense. For buyers, quality can suffer if thieves take cherries that aren’t fully ripe. Plus, some rip off branches to strip beans away from farms, hurting future productivity of trees.
Crime is becoming a bigger problem at a time when the government is trying to boost output and exports. It has distributed millions of free seedlings in recent years to help expand production to 20 million bags by 2030, from less than 7 million bags now as estimated by the US government.
That target could become even more ambitious if thefts keep threatening productivity.
“Certainly thefts will discourage efforts by farmers from investing if something is not done,” said Richard Muganzi, sales and marketing manager at the Masaka Cooperative Union, which has about 100,000 members. Bloomberg News
PHOTO BY NONIE REYES
Shameful indictment of the government’s failure to protect the rights of our workers
The recent data released by the IBON Foundation is a stark reminder of the harsh reality faced by millions of Filipino workers. As of August 2024, the typical Filipino worker falls P772 short of affording a decent standard of living. This is not just a statistic; it is a reflection of the daily struggle of our workers to make ends meet, to provide for their families, and to survive in a system that seems designed to keep them in poverty. (Read the BusinessMirror story—“Think tank: Average minimum wage covers a third of family living needs,” September 9, 2024).
The 36.5 percent national wage gap between the minimum salary and the family living wage (FLW) for a family of five is a glaring indictment of our government’s neglect of workers’ rights. In the National Capital Region, the gap is only slightly narrower at five percent following a recent P35 increase to the daily minimum wage. Yet, even with this modest adjustment, workers in the NCR still feel the pain because the daily FLW also increased to P1,206 from P1,178 in August 2023. According to IBON, “the average daily nominal minimum wage of P444 nationwide is only one-third of the P1,216 FLW nationwide for a family of five.” This meager amount hardly sustains basic needs, leaving Filipino workers without savings or investments for social security. It is an insult to the dignity of our workers to expect them to survive on such a meager income.
The situation is even more dire in regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where the cost of family living is a staggering P2,045, but the minimum wage is a paltry P361. This means that workers in this region fall short by a whopping P1,684 to meet basic living standards, resulting in an 82.3 percent wage gap. How can we expect our workers to thrive in such conditions?
The reaction of Senator Loren Legarda is a welcome breath of fresh air in this bleak landscape. She has rightly pointed out the need for a realistic living wage that reflects the actual costs that workers pay, including education and health expenses. The Department of Labor and Employment’s computation of the FLW at P1,082 daily or P27,050 monthly is unrealistic and does not reflect the harsh realities on the ground.
It is time for our government to take concrete action to address the poverty wages that afflict our workers. We need to revise our wage policies to ensure that Filipino workers can live a decent life, with dignity and respect. Anything less is a violation of their fundamental human rights.
We urge our lawmakers and concerned authorities to address the shameful reality of poverty wages in our country. The current situation not only violates the constitutional right of our workers but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and inequality. The time for empty promises and meaningless statistics is over. It is imperative to bridge the gap between minimum wages and the actual cost of living to ensure that all workers have a fair chance at a decent life. Our workers deserve nothing less.
Bad superpower economies
TJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
he United States of America and the People’s Republic of China are two sides of the same coin. Another metaphor might be a Drug Dealer and Drug User in which one is not only dependent on the other but cannot survive without the other. And that relationship is interchangeable.
Between 1980 and 1992, China’s poverty rate fell from 55 percent to 51 percent or a mere 4 percent. However, that 51 percent poverty in 1992 went to 38 percent in only seven years by 1999. Chinese apologists attribute the drop in poverty to the policies of Deng Xiaoping who died in 1997. That is partially true.
Nonetheless from 1990 to 2000, the United States saw its merchandise trade deficit with China grow from $10 billion in 1990 to $100 billion—a tenfold increase—in 2000. Concurrently, the US government external debt increased by 75 percent from $3 trillion to $5.8 trillion.
China’s poverty reduction then boosted its economy—measured by total GDP—with a doubling from 2000 to 2005 and doubling again from 2005 to 2009 even as the US
Iexternal debt doubled and the USChina trade deficit increased by 400 percent.
How did the US benefit from increased Chinese imports? In a 2019 study, economists Xavier Jaravel and Erick Sager found that increased trade with China boosted the annual purchasing power of the average US household by $1,500 between 2000 and 2007.
“Drug Dealer” and “Drug User.” Which country is which?
In 2024, the situation has changed dramatically. Without wanting to hurt Vladimir Putin’s feelings, there are only two sides to the coin; there are only two superpowers. Both are in potentially deep economic trouble.
Central Banks are by definition at least in some measure political as the CB head is appointed by the govern-
N May, China’s central government urged more than 200 cities to buy unsold homes to ease oversupply. More than three months later, only 29 have heeded the call.
The glacial pace of implementation—driven in large part by the unattractive economics of the plan for local governments—underscores the challenge President Xi Jinping faces as he tries to arrest a record property slump that’s threatening to undermine the country’s growth targets.
The plan has been a key part of the government’s attempt to shore up the real estate sector, while achieving Xi’s goal of creating more affordable housing. The disappointing progress raises the pressure for more forceful measures as China tries to deal with 382 million square meters of excess inventory, equivalent to the size of Detroit.
“Local governments have made slow headway,” Ding Zu Yu, chairman of real estate information platform Shanghai CRIC Info Tech Co., wrote in a late August report. Purchases stood at only 1.9 percent of unsold apartments nationwide as of July, Ding estimates.
Local bureaucrats are reconciling the demands from Beijing while trying to be prudent about costs. Buying
apartments at this point makes little financial sense for those officials, as apartment prices are expected to drop at least another 30 percent in major cities before stabilizing, according to Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
Estimated returns from turning inventory into affordable housing are also below the cost of funding. Rental yields in China’s tier-1 cities averaged just 1.4 percent in 2023, compared with the central bank’s funding rate of 1.75 percent, according to Macquarie Group Ltd.
A few cities have proposed to resort to heavy bargaining to minimize their risks, raising doubts on whether distressed developers would be willing to sell their inventory. In southern Guangdong, Foshan city proposed to buy at no more than 50 percent of prices of similar projects nearby. Within the same province, Dongguan city plans to price forsale affordable housing at around 50 percent of new-home values in a survey, meaning buying costs would be even lower than that.
How did the US benefit from increased Chinese imports? In a 2019 study, economists Xavier Jaravel and Erick Sager found that increased trade with China boosted the annual purchasing power of the average US household by $1,500 between 2000 and 2007.
ment. Countries like the Philippines’ central banks are not substantially political with their monetary—interest rate—policies. Changing interest rates higher or lower are in support of “price stability” (inflation) and economic growth. However, in the US, an increase of interest rates immediately affects home mortgage rates, a great concern of the middle class, and the stock market, which is a great concern of the wealthy and corporations. Neither of these are true in the Philippines.
The Federal Reserve did not begin to raise interest rates until inflation was at an incredibly high 9.1 percent in 2022. Too little, too late. The Fed has not lowered interest rates even as the US nominal economic growth is barely back to pre-Covid levels and the real growth rate—adjusted for inflation—is below the 2010-2020 average growth rate.
China’s economy-wide prices are in the longest decline (deflation)
A few cities have proposed to resort to heavy bargaining to minimize their risks, raising doubts on whether distressed developers would be willing to sell their inventory. In southern Guangdong, Foshan city proposed to buy at no more than 50 percent of prices of similar projects nearby. Within the same province, Dongguan city plans to price for-sale affordable housing at around 50 percent of new-home values in a survey, meaning buying costs would be even lower than that.
The potential for improved returns exists only if unsold homes were bought at a significant discount, said Tyran Kam, senior director on Asia-Pacific Corporate Ratings at Fitch. But local governments might also be wary of doing this because of the “socio-political repercussions for local homeowners,” he said.
The move risks further stressing local finances that are already on shaky ground. Regional governments’ ability to spur growth has been undermined by a record drop of income from land sales, with their
since 1999. However, in 1999, China accounted for 3 percent of the global GDP. Now it accounts for 20 percent. Why is deflation bad? Ask Japan, which had massive average deflation from 2000 to 2013 and a total GDP that is not larger than it was in 2002.
China depends on selling its goods globally and domestically. The trade surplus with the US—and therefore the selling to the US—is decreasing. The trade surplus with the EU, while still large, dropped 25 percent by 100 billion euros last year. For first quarter 2024, domestic consumption contributed 74 percent to China’s economic growth. But these are the potential negative effects of deflation: increasing the real value of existing debt, deferred consumer spending anticipating even lower prices, an increase in unemployment, reduced production, slower economic growth. Nominal GDP growth for 2024 Q2 is at the lowest level in this century not counting Covid/post-Covid instability. What will these two superpowers do in general and with each other if their economies continue to falter? 2024: The Year of Uncertainty.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market
budget spending shrinking in the first seven months. Among all 31 provinces and municipalities, only Shanghai recorded a fiscal surplus in the first half.
“We do not expect a wide rollout of the purchase program due to the lack of funding and the fact that banks and state-owned firms need to bear the full credit and investment risks,” said Zerlina Zeng, senior credit analyst at Creditsights Singapore LLC.
A Bloomberg index of major Chinese developers dropped as much as 1 percent on Wednesday to the lowest since late April. That followed a heavy decline the previous day, after some builders were removed from a program that connects the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses to the Hong Kong exchange.
Central bank program
A FTER the People’s Bank of China unveiled the initiative in May, the central bank called on more than 200 cities to advance the plan, according to a state media report. The next month, the housing ministry pushed the program to be widened to counties, meaning 387 lower prefectures were also encouraged to join. Authorities in at least 60 cities
See “China,” A13
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon
European firms more wary of investing in China, report says
EuropEan businesses are becoming increasingly “defensive” toward investing in China, according to a lobby group that represents companies from Volkswagen aG to unilever plc, as sentiment shifts around ties unsettled by trade tensions.
A report published on Wednesday by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China offered a more pessimistic assessment of the country’s growth outlook but sounded hopeful about containing the scale of the trade conflict between the two sides. Still, the prospect of less investment is alarming after a quarter when China saw a record amount of money pulled by foreign entities.
“For some European headquarters and shareholders, the risks of investing in China are already beginning to outweigh the returns, a trend that will only intensify if key business concerns are left unaddressed,” Jens Eskelund, the chamber’s president, wrote in its annual position paper.
“After another year of mixed messages from the Chinese government, it appears we are no closer to an answer” to the question of what China wants from foreign companies, Eskelund wrote in the report containing 1,043 recommendations.
The challenging business environment is a result of the economic slowdown in China, coupled with the deteriorating outlook for profitability and limited progress on reforms. China’s fading appeal to foreign firms underscores the tough job facing the Chinese government in trying to lure in new foreign investments.
The European Union’s trade standoff with China is another complication. A growing tussle over subsidies has spurred a tit-for-tat dispute that started with electric vehicles, and has since spread to pork, dairy and brandy.
In the report, the chamber said “the scale of the trade conflict so far remains limited,” adding it sees “room for dialogue and a negotiated solution.”
“It will be important that this leads to meaningful progress on key European concerns, if a rekindling of EU-China ties is to be possible,” the chamber said.
China was the single largest source of EU imports last year and the third-biggest destination for its exports of goods.
For the chamber’s more than 1,700 member companies, almost
have voiced support for the initiative, according to China Index Holdings. But not many have announced detailed rules to pave the way for implementation, said its research director Chen Wenjing. While state buying of housing inventory is widely seen as a key step toward easing the glut, uptake of the central bank’s funding support has also been low.
Only 12.1 billion yuan ($1.7 billion), or 4 percent of the PBOC’s 300 billion yuan relending program had been utilized as of the end of June, public data showed.
The limited usage of existing financing programs signals that the returns and cash flow from social housing are “insufficient” to service associated debt, Fitch Ratings analysts wrote in an August 29 note. Analysts have also been skeptical about whether the central bank funding is sufficient, as it’s just a fraction of the 1 trillion yuan to 5 trillion yuan that is needed to fix the supply-demand mismatch.
To address funding concerns, China is considering letting local governments use special loans to purchase excess residential units, which would give them access to as
Legendary Eraserheads music opened UAAP Season 87
MThe challenging business environment is a result of the economic slowdown in China, coupled with the deteriorating outlook for profitability and limited progress on reforms. China’s fading appeal to foreign firms underscores the tough job facing the Chinese government in trying to lure in new foreign investments.
two-thirds are now seeing their profit margins in China equal or below the global average, and pessimism about the future is at an all-time high. That’s prompting them to shift focus to other markets that can offer better returns and prospects.
“What has emerged as a key trend is that around 20 percent to 25 percent of our companies have either moved parts, which is the majority, or the entirety of the supply chain out of China,” Eskelund said at a media briefing this month.
Even for European companies that are considering adding investment in China, their purpose is geared to “siloing” China operations, including by creating separate IT and data storage systems as well as localizing business functions, according to the report.
But the issue with such new investments is that they won’t create new jobs or drive innovation in China, and may also set the EU and China on course for a future of reduced cooperation.
Though China’s government has stepped up work with foreign businesses in an effort to try to address their concerns, the report said that companies are still waiting to see real outcomes from those discussions with officials.
“We do not really see how all this engagement is actually resulting in concrete improvements on the ground for our member members,” said Eskelund. “We want these engagements to continue, but I think it’s also important that we begin to focus on ensuring that these engagement also need to turn to tangible actions on the ground.” Bloomberg
much as 1.6 trillion yuan of funding, Bloomberg reported last month. That would be more than enough to fund the home-buying program, which is expected to not exceed 1 trillion yuan for 2024-2025, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.
Relaxing rules
S TRINGENT purchasing requirements have also added to the challenges. In May, a suburban district in Hangzhou stipulated that potential targets be completed en-bloc assets with enough car parking space. Chongqing demands that building selections have a subway station, school and hospital within a kilometer.
Still, other cities with similar requests are lowering the bar. In August, the southern tech hub of Shenzhen stopped requiring that target assets be fully constructed. Zhaoqing city in southern Guangdong province ceased limiting purchases to en-bloc buildings. Shangqiu city in central Henan province has dropped its location standards.
“More cities are likely to ease their rules to expand the pool of potential targets,” Ding wrote.
But for now, China may struggle to sell its home bailout plan to local governments, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kristy Hung. “The meager rental yields hardly justify the risk.” Bloomberg
Dennis gorecho
Kuwentong PeyuPs
usiC of the iconic opM band Eraserheads reverberated last weekend at the smart araneta Coliseum during the opening ceremony of the university athletic association of the philippines (uaap) season 87.
Eraserheads members Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, Ely Buendia and Marcus Adoro are all alumni of this season’s host, the University of the Philippines (UP).
The band’s reunion perfectly mirrored this season’s theme: “Stronger. Better. Together.”
They treated the lucky rocking crowd of 7,429 to a trip down memory lane with their timeless tunes —Alapaap, Sembreak, Ligaya, Pare Ko, Minsan, Magasin, and Ang Huling El Bimbo.
“UP opens the Season 87 as host by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger and better as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world,” UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez said.
UP has played a special role in Eraserheads’ popularity since their first performance at the UP Fair in February 1991.
After their formation in 1989, the Eraserheads had seven studio albums, 44 singles, a live album, four compilation albums, 10 music videos and three extended plays.
Zabala and Marasigan were my roommates for two years (1989 to 1991) at the UP Molave dorm during my last college years.
The Eraserheads recently received
the UP Gawad Oblation for their “enduring excellence as a band, reflecting the university’s commitment to promoting national pride and cultural excellence.”
The opening festivities also include performances of home grown talents, the UP Symphony Orchestra, Concert Chorus, Kontra Gapi, hiphop dance group ‘UPeepz’, indie musician Johnoy Danao and the Maroon 4 composed of Slapshock guitarist Lean Ansing, Franco bassist Dave Delfin, and Moonstar88’s drummer Bon Sundiang and vocalist Maysh Baay.
It was followed by Game One as a rematch between two fierce rivals UP and Ateneo in men’s basketball in front of 12,932 fans. UP had its first win with the final score of 7761.The Quarterscores: 17-16, 40-30, 58-45, 77-61.
UP and Ateneo, who also faced each other in the UAAP Finals of seasons 81, 84, and 85, finished second and fourth, respectively, in Season 86.
The UAAP is an athletic association of eight Metro Manila universities in the Philippines, composed of UP, (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), and University of
“UP opens the Season 87 as host by sending a message to the world that together, we can be stronger and better as schools, as a community, as a nation, and as citizens of the world,” UAAP Season 87 Chairman and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez said.
Santo Tomas (UST).
FEU, NU, UP, UST are the original members that formed UAAP in 1938. Adamson and UE joined in 1952, followed by Ateneo in 1978 and DLSU in 1986.
UP used to be a founding member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from 1924 until it withdrew in 1930 and later became a founding member of UAAP in 1938.
Each school has its own monicker: Soaring Falcons for Adamson, Blue Eagles for Ateneo, Green Archers for DLSU, Tamaraws for FEU, Bulldogs for NU, Red Warriors for UE, Fighting Maroons for UP, and Growling Tigers for UST. They will compete in 28 events from 15 sports to vie for the overall championship title.
First semester sports from August to December include athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cheer dance, chess, E-sports, football, judo, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.
Second semester sports from January to May include baseball, fencing, softball, street dance, tennis, volleyball, and 3x3 basketball.
“Hands in the Huddle” is the new UAAP logo composed of a circular, vibrant colored-hands representing the eight member schools that symbolize UAAP’s theme of diversity and unity together.
TBy Craig Stirling & Grant Smith
h E world’s advanced economies might just have a new reason to hope for a firmer growth footing in the next year, if some of the most bearish forecasts for oil hit the mark.
With global benchmark Brent crude falling below $70 a barrel for the first time since late 2021 on Tuesday, a key component of the energy shock that drove the worst inflation crisis in a generation is already benign enough to give policymakers a green light for interest rate cuts.
But the prospect of a descent toward $60 a barrel in 2025, raised by forecasters from Citigroup Inc. to JPMorgan Chase & Co., and echoed on Monday by one of the world’s largest commodities traders, could further bolster the chances of the US and its peers weathering the effect of high borrowing costs without a damaging recession.
“The probability of pulling off a soft landing would increase—that applies to Europe as well as the US,” said Tim Drayson, head of economics at Legal & General Investment Management Ltd. in London and a former UK Treasury official. “On balance it would be a net positive for the world getting rates back down, and helping central banks get back to neutral.”
For monetary institutions poised to cut rates this month, the recent decline in oil prices has already opened the door wider to easing. Officials at the European Central Bank are set to deliver a second rate reduction on Thursday, while the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to start its own cycle of easing less than a week later.
The promise of $60 oil—at least for investors and policymakers who believe it—has the potential to further depress headline inflation rates and offer consumers a disposable-income boost. That’s a rare bright spot in a world fraught
with risks ranging from possible trade wars, to the worry of what a Chinese deflation spiral might do to global demand.
“It’s very helpful, especially for central banks,” said Christof Ruehl, senior analyst at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy. “It takes pressure off inflation, which is exactly what central banks need now.”
Adjusted for inflation, oil is now at levels seen two decades ago, when Beijing’s commodities boom was just beginning. Analysts at JPMorgan and Citigroup expect prices to fall further next year, as subdued demand growth is overwhelmed by a flood of new supply.
Brent crude is “probably going to go into the $60s some time relatively soon,” Ben Luckock, global head of oil at Trafigura, said at the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference in Singapore on Monday. Gunvor Group Ltd., another major trader, warned that oil markets are set to “worsen.”
Anemic demand is part of the equation, not least with the US economy losing momentum and China’s deflationary backdrop becoming ever more pronounced.
“It does point in the direction of the two largest economies in the world,” said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis SA. China “is in structural deceleration, which is continuing. And then the US is coming up with the same kind of tone—maybe not structural but cyclical.”
Supply growth
W HILE the US economy shows signs of weakness, its petroleum industry remains in rude health.
UP hosted UAAP 12 times for seasons 12 (1949–50),16 (1953–54), 20 (1957–58), 26 (1963–64), 31 (1968–69), 36 (1973–74), 42 (1979–80), 46 (1983–84), 54 (1991–92), 62 (1999–2000), 71 (2008–09) and 78 (2015–16).
UP had three championship titles in Men’s Basketball with their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2), followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49) then 36 years later in 2022 (Season 84).
UPMBT members that were named Most Valuable Players include Fort Acuña (1968), Eric Altamirano (1986), Bright Akhuetie (2019), and Malick Diouf (2021).
UPMBT players who were included in the mythical five were Marvin Cruz (2006), Paul Desiderio (2016), Bright Akhuetie (2018), Juan Gómez de Liaño (2018), Kobe Paras (2019), Zavier Lucero (2021), Carl Tamayo (2021 and 2022), and Malick Diouf (2022 and 2023).
The lyrics of “Pare Ko” aptly reflect how friendships are galvanized inside the campus and in UAAP: “O pare ko meron ka bang maipapayo. Kung wala ay okey lang. Kailangan lang ay ang iyong pakikiramay. Andito ka ay ayos na.”
Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786.
UP is this season’s host while next season will be UST, followed by FEU, NU, Ateneo, La Salle, Adamson and back again to Season 86 host UE. The colors of the UAAP members are green and maroon for UP, gold and white for UST, gold and green for FEU, gold and blue for NU, blue and white for Ateneo, green and white for DLSU, blue and white for Adamson, and red and white for UE.
Oil’s fall into $60s widens the runway for the global economy to make a soft landing
With global benchmark Brent crude falling below $70 a barrel for the first time since late 2021 on Tuesday, a key component of the energy shock that drove the worst inflation crisis in a generation is already benign enough to give policymakers a green light for interest rate cuts.
Global oil production will swell by 1.5 million barrels a day this year and next—led by American shale fields—surpassing growth in world demand by roughly 50 percent, according to the International Energy Agency in Paris. This supply surge is one reason why prices have continued to wilt despite extended production cuts by Saudi Arabia and its allies in the Opec+ cartel.
Such is the enduring importance of crude to global consumer prices that a swift decline to $60 a barrel— amounting to a decline of about $20 since July—would make a material difference.
The SHOK model devised by Bloomberg Economics suggests an immediate drop of that magnitude would remove 0.4 percentage point off inflation rates in the US and Europe in late 2024 and early 2025. For China, the decline would be half of that.
Its immediate stimulus effect for economic growth could be more muted than the impact on consumer prices.
Under the $60 scenario, the SHOK model anticipates little change to the US growth outlook from that outcome, and a 0.2 percentage point gain in the UK and the euro area.
“You’d see near-term impact on headline inflation—that would come through pretty quickly,” said Hetal Mehta, head of economic research at St James Place, and a former UK government economist. “The growth impact should
be mildly supportive—if you have lower inflation.”
Households would notice the difference, said Drayson at LGIM. “There would be positives for the developed market consumer—it would help cool down inflation and boost real incomes,” he said.
The first major monetary institution to confront the changing oil backdrop will be the ECB on Thursday. Its officials are most focused on the dangers posed by services inflation, which is still running at more than double their 2 percent target, but the risks to growth are also shifting into view.
Cheaper crude will already have had an automatic impact on the quarterly forecasts they use to guide their judgment. Last time round, in June, officials factored in an assumption of $78 a barrel for 2025— suggesting a $60 outcome would indeed make a serious downward impact on their inflation outlook if it were to materialize.
In the US meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen declared on Saturday that the situation there “is what most people would call a soft landing.” But it’s the worry of a souring economy—along with the lessening of inflation risks— that is causing policymakers there to pivot to easing at their decision on Sept. 18. TS Lombard Chief Economist Freya Beamish, who already sees a “soft landing” scenario holding in the US, suggested that there’s comfort to be had in the knowledge that the lower the cost of crude goes there, the more of a stimulus it might provide.
“That would hand back purchasing power to the US consumer,” helping to mitigate some of the cracks that are showing in the nation’s economy, she told Bloomberg Television. With assistance from Jana
Zoe Schneeweiss, Mark Schroers and Jamie Rush (Economist) /Bloomberg
2nd Front Page
DA, BOC seize P136M in smuggled veggies, tobacco
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P136 million worth of smuggled carrots, yellow onions, and cigarettes in Subic on Wednesday.
e five containers carrying undocumented shipment of fresh carrots and yellow onions from China were valued at P21 million, while two additional containers inspected held smuggled cigarettes from Taiwan worth P115 million, according to DA.
“Clearly, these are smuggled goods that rob our government of tariff revenue, pose a risk to public health, and undermine the livelihood of our vegetable farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. was quoted in the statement as saying.
“As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will be relentless in our effort to go after these smugglers,” he added.
e DA said the containers of
the vegetables were aboard the vessel SITC Licheng, which docked at the Port of Subic on August 15. It added that the agricultural commodities were imported by Betron Consumer Goods Trading.
Following the vessel’s arrival, the Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service at the Port of Subic requested BOC to inspect the contents of the five containers.
Despite Betron’s declaration of the cargo as frozen fi sh egg balls, the government’s inspection revealed a “substantial quantity” of fresh vegetables: 58 metric tons (MT) of carrots and 86 MT of yellow onions.
Laurel earlier said the Philippines will import 16,000 MT of yellow onions as domestic supply
DBM releases P31.9B for govt workers’ salary hikes under SSL 6
S. A
@reine_alberto
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rolled out P31.933 billion for the increased salary of employees across various national agencies and local governments.
On Wednesday, the DBM said it disbursed P31.933 billion or 88.70 percent of the P36 billion allocation this year for the Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL 6) as of September 10.
e earmarked amount for the salary adjustment has been released to 257 departments and agencies while the remaining 58 are now being processed, according to the DBM.
ose that have already been given their respective allocations are the Congress of the Philippines, Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, Department of Agriculture, DBM, state universities and colleges, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Information and Communications Technology; Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of National Defense, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry; the National Economic and Development Authority, Other Executive Offices (OEOs), Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, Commission on Human Rights and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
“We are doing everything we can so that we can release the budget to all agencies as soon as possible,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
For transparency and easier monitoring, an SSL 6 dashboard is created on the DBM’s website to provide real-time data on the bud-
get releases.
Pangandaman urged the heads of departments and agencies to distribute the funds immediately, since employees have long awaited their salary differential.
e DBM noted that the release of funds is based on the agencies’ submitted requests to the DBM regarding their respective salary adjustment computations and requirements.
e fi rst tranche of the adjusted salary will start from January 1, 2024, and will be paid retroactively.
To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 64 on August 2, 2024, which increased the salary and provided an additional allowance to civilian government personnel, whether regular, contractual or casual, appointive or elective and on a full-time or part-time basis. Contract-of-service and job-order workers are exempted because they do not have an employer-employee relationship, in this case, with the government. ere are currently 2,017,318 plantilla or regular positions in the national government, of which 92 percent are fi lled. About 168,719 plantilla positions are waiting to be fi lled.
is depleted. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/08/29/phl-toimport-limited-quantity-of-yellowonions/)
e DA said import regulations mandate that fresh vegetables and other agricultural food products require Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) issued by the BPI.
the declared commodity, frozen fi sh egg balls importers are required to secure permits from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
ganiban said that samples from the seized vegetables would be tested to determine their suitability for human consumption. e tests will check for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants.
products that fail these tests will be condemned and destroyed,” the DA said.
tions. According to BPI, perishable goods deemed unfit for human consumption or posing health risks will not be sold or donated, in accordance with DA and Department of Health (DOH) regulations.
@akosistellaBM Special to the
BUSINESS tycoon Ramon S. Ang is looking for partners to develop his properties on Boracay Island into leisure accommodations.
that smuggled oranges seized last month showed significant pesticide residues and microbiological contaminants, exceeding the country’s safety standards and regula-
these are smuggled goods that rob our government of tariff revenue, pose a risk to public health, and undermine the livelihood of our vegetable farmers.”
Responding to media questions at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (Ejap)-San Miguel Corp. Aviation Forum on Monday, Ang said the properties were acquired when he had a joint venture with another business tycoon, McDonald Philippines’ George Yang. “But we don’t have the expertise to develop resorts. So I think we will fi nd a partner to develop those properties.”
Ang owns an eight-hectare property in Caticlan, the main gateway to Boracay, as well as properties on Boracay he personally owns and through San Miguel Properties.
He also expressed confidence that he will fi nally be able to construct a 1.2-kilometer bridge that will connect Boracay to the mainland of Caticlan, Aklan. e P5.72-billion project is an unsolicited proposal submitted by San Miguel Holdings Corp. in 2019 to the Department of Public Works and Highways. “I think it will be approved soon. I will pray for it,”
he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
‘No public consultation’ “THE problem with Boracay is there are so many workers and employees there,” he explained, “but no one knows exactly how many they are.” Ang said the bridge will help “decongest” the island of workers, who can live in the mainland instead of Boracay, “while tourists can also live in Caticlan and just visit” the beach on the island.
During the closure of Boracay for six months in 2018, the Department of Labor and Employment had estimated 17,735 workers on the island. It was the plan of the then Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force to establish a relocation and resettlement area for the island’s workers, to be located in Caticlan. No further developments have been bared after this was announced in 2022. BM’s sources among island’s stakeholders, however, said, “ ere has been no public consultation about it [the bridge]. But the Malay [government] included it in its previous comprehensive land use plan. It was recently updated and the bridge project is there.” e same sources intimated
SENATORS on Wednesday championed the increase in the 2025 budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), citing its crucial role in pushing technological innovation and economic growth in the country; as well as in blunting the impact of risks from climate change and disasters.
Region (NCR)—despite being the country’s economic center—lost the most number of jobs and generated the least number of employees. For Laguesma, this is “not much” of a concern given that the employment figures in other regions rose.
“ is would actually address urban migration. It’s not true anymore that money can only be earned in NCR,” the secretary said.
e DOLE assured that together with its regional offices, it would continue to monitor and make sure that job seekers are qualified for the job vacancies’ requirements.
Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri called out the Executive for the agency’s lower allocation in 2025, as he underscored the importance of prioritizing research and development.
“I am a believer in the importance of research and development. We cannot plan for improvement in disaster management, food security, power sufficiency, communications technology, health and medicine, as well as security and defense, among others, without thorough innovation and development,” Zubiri said.
e former Senate President presided over a public hearing conducted by the Subcommittee K on
the proposed 2025 budget of the DOST and its attached agencies and the Philippine Space Agency on Wednesday.
Zubiri said he also wanted to know why there was a significant cut in the budget of the DOST from its proposed amount for 2025 to what was granted by the Department of Budget and Management in the National Expenditure Progam (NEP).
For her part, Sen. Loren Legarda sought to fi nd ways on how the Philippines can be delisted as the highest, for the third straight year, in the World Risk Index (WRI) Report which covers 193 countries including all member-states of the United Nations.
Legarda asked DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. what else could be done to delist the Philippines as the highest on WRI.
Based on the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Confl ict report of the Ruhr-University Bochum in Denmark, countries were assessed on their levels
of exposure, vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities to crises including extreme natural disasters, confl icts, pandemics and wars.
“What else are we lacking, you in the executive, we in the legislative, what else should be done for us to drop or be removed from the world risk index? And let’s be honest to ourselves if we have failed, where we have failed? What can we do to fi ll in those gaps to save our people from further damage, loss of lives, loss of livelihood?” Legarda asked.
In response, Solidum said the government has a program in disaster risk reduction from natural hazard, manmade, or climate change and continued assessment and monitoring. However, the country needs to improve more in prevention, mitigation and preparedness to respond.
Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino called on DOST to collaborate with other government
agencies in addressing the country’s pressing flood control problems and other challenges such as the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks.
Tolentino said DOST’s technical expertise and innovative solutions could play a significant role in solving complex issues related to agriculture, flood management and environmental sustainability.
“As we confront the problem of ASF, we challenge the DOST: Come up with a vaccine that is better than Vietnam’s. I see the relevance and importance of DOST. Why doesn’t the DOST join the Department of Waterworks and Highways? After all, they hold the geohazard maps to flood-prone areas,” Tolentino pointed out
Tolentino also advised officials of the DOST to recalibrate their 2025 proposed budget to include
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Del Monte widens net loss on higher production costs
By VG Cabuag @villygc
Campos-led del monte pacific ltd. said it recorded a net loss of $34.2 million during its fiscal first quarter ending July 31, wider than the previous year’s $13.1 million.
Del Monte said this was mainly due to higher interest expense and the high production cost incurred by its US subsidiary Del Monte Foods Inc.
The company also said it expects to end the current fiscal year (FY) with losses, although at a reduced amount compared with FY 2024 which ended last April 30.
“First-quarter margins have increased against the fourth quarter.
We are executing the priorities we have set to improve our operating
and financial performance across all businesses. This is most evident in Del Monte Philippines where profitability has significantly increased,” company COO Luis Alejandro said.
“We are optimistic that the group’s performance will continue to improve, paring losses on track for a group turnaround in FY 2026, with DMPI [Del Monte Philippines Inc.] leading the way as it bounces back in FY 2025.”
The company said it will sell some of its assets in the United States
and will inject equity into the group through strategic partnerships.
“The group intends to utilize the proceeds from these transactions to lower leverage.”
The company said it will reduce inventory levels by 30 percent through a production cutback during the current peak season, while the consolidation of manufacturing footprint will be completed in the third quarter. It will also reduce its warehousing and distribution costs and its waste and inventory writeoffs.
“The group will continue to accelerate the resurgence of domestic and international sales of Del Monte Philippines, which is expected to do better in FY 2025 versus prior year.”
Group sales for the fiscal first quarter rose by a meager 4 percent to $536.9 million from the previous year’s $516.7 million.
The US unit comprised 66 percent of group sales at $357 million, on strong Joyba bubble tea sales from expanded nationwide distribu-
tion and growth in both and stock portfolio, but these were offset by a slowdown in the sales of the healthy snacks category.
It incurred a net loss of $37.2 million for the period, higher than the prior year’s $9.3 million, but lower than fourth quarter’s loss of $75.2 million.
“Category dynamics continued to shift as consumers change the way they eat and shop in response to economic uncertainty, higher average prices and changes to industry supply,” the company said.
“Despite this, Del Monte has maintained its leading market shares across its traditional canned categories and fruit cup snacks.”
Sales of Del Monte Philippines reached $175.7 million, higher by 13 percent in peso terms, with Philippine sales rising by 6 percent to $77.2 million.
International sales surged 20 percent on robust exports of fresh and packaged pineapple.
ACEN project gets green lane status
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
he Board of Investments
T(BOI) has endorsed AC eN Corp.’s solar power project in Zambales for green lane processing, the eighth project of the Ayala Group’s energy arm that received such endorsement.
The investment promotion agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement that it has endorsed ACeN’s SanMar Solar, a project developed by the company’s subsidiary, Santa Cruz Solar energy Inc. Located in Zambales, the plant is
expected to generate up to 587 megawatt peak of solar energy once fully operational, the BOI noted. SanMar Solar is being developed in three phases. Construction of Phases 1 and 2 is already underway, with commercial operations targeted for the third quarter of this year while Phase 3 is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025.
At the peak of construction, BOI said the project will employ up to 2,000 skilled workers, with Phases 1 and 2 alone generating 3,600 jobs. ACeN is the publicly listed energy platform of Ayala. It has presence across the Philippines, Australia,
Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and the United States. It is leading the charge in the renewable energy transition. The company currently manages a substantial 4.8 gigawatts (GW) of attributable renewable energy (R e) capacity, both operational and under construction.
With the Philippines as its home and priority market, ACeN is fasttracking the expansion of its R e portfolio to align with the nation’s decarbonization goals and meet the increasing demand for clean energy. Currently, the company’s domestic assets include 1,850 MW of solar, wind, and geothermal capacity, ac-
cording to the BOI.
AC e N is committed to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy across the Asia-Pacific region. BOI said the company has set an ambitious target to increase its renewable energy capacity to 20 GW by 2030.
As a “pioneer” in sustainable practices, AC eN is spearheading initiatives for the early retirement of coal plants and has pledged to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
As of August, a total of 115 projects have been approved through the green lane initiative, representing P3.204 trillion in investments.
CPMC donates school chairs to Calatagan NHS
CITYSTATe Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC), a leading developer in wellness residences, has reaffirmed its commitment to community building and education by donating chairs to Calatagan National high School 2.0 on August 28, 2024. This contribution is part of CPMC’s broader philosophy of giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives.
The donation event was attended by the executive officers of CPMC, including executive Vice President Maureen S. Azarcon, AVP for Marketing and Communications Mark Anthony Almazora, Michael Wesley M. Cabangon, Giannina eunice A. Cabangon, and Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon.
Calatagan Mayor Peter Oliver M. Palacio, along with his son Pedro G. Palacio IV, Councilor Tessa Palacio-Peleo, and Calatagan NhS teacher-in-charge Aaron Urcia, graciously accepted the donation on behalf of the school.
“CPMC is deeply committed to supporting the communities in which we operate,” said Ms. Maureen S. Azarcon. “This donation to Calatagan National h igh School 2.0 represents our ongoing efforts to enhance educational environments and contribute positively to the lives of students.”
Calatagan National high School 2.0, located in Barangay Sambungan, Calatagan, Batangas, will use the donated chairs to improve the learning conditions for students who are engaged in voluntary work within the school. These efforts are in line with CPMC’s overarching goal of building communities that not only provide excep -
Cable theft incidents in H1 alarm Globe
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
GLOBe Telecom Inc. said on Wednesday it recorded an alarming average of 245 cable theft incidents per month across the Philippines during the first half of 2024, with a total of 1,472 cases reported.
According to Globe head of Service Planning and engineering Joel Agustin, the highest number of incidents occurred in May, when it reached 273.
The Greater Manila Area, encompassing Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, was hit the hardest, reporting 906 incidents. Other affected regions included the Visayas with 179 cases, Southern Luzon with 135, Northern Luzon with 125, and Mindanao with 119.
he said the thefts have caused widespread disruptions for Globe customers, including those who depend on the internet for work, education, and essential services.
“each time a thief cuts even one cable for their own selfish motives, hundreds of our customers—individuals and businesses—are affected, including those engaged in the delivery of essential services. The impact is, thus, magnified.”
Agustin said connectivity is now as vital as basic utilities like power and water, with millions relying on Globe’s services for
tional living experiences but also support educational and local initiatives.
CPMC, the developer behind prominent wellness residences in Calatagan and Batulao, is currently venturing into the development of Sandari Calatagan. This project embodies CPMC’s commitment to promoting a wellness lifestyle, which they believe extends beyond their residential projects and into the broader community.
The partnership with local government units (LGUs) and educational institutions, like Calatagan National high School, is in-
tegral to promoting the wellness mentality that is at the heart of their developments.
The donation underscores CPMC’s dedication to community involvement, ensuring that their projects contribute to the overall well-being of the communities they serve, while also supporting educational institutions and voluntary efforts within those communities.
CPMC is part of the ALC Group of Companies founded by the late Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and is currently chaired by D. edgard A. Cabangon.
day-to-day activities.
Likewise, the company’s expansion efforts are being derailed by these recurring thefts, delaying improvements aimed at providing reliable internet access to its customers.
In response, he said Globe is calling on the public to help combat cable theft by reporting any suspicious activity to local authorities. he also urged communities to work together in protecting critical infrastructure to ensure continuous service.
Last month, the company said it built 352 new cell towers and upgraded 1,942 existing mobile sites 4G during the first half of 2024. Agustin said the network buildup “aims to enhance Globe’s mobile services and data speeds to provide reliable life-enabling connectivity to Filipinos.”
Aside from this, Globe also deployed 39,880 fiber-to-the-home lines from January to June. he said the rollout is “strategically” aligned with Globe’s 2024 optimized capital expenditures, which stood at $1 billion, 23 percent lower than the outlays in 2023. Agustin said part of the network expansion is the extension of connectivity to over 500 Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas, enabling residents in these remote communities to access essential online services, educational resources, and economic opportunities.
Photo from www.globe.com.Ph
Citystate Properties and Management Corporation (CPMC) turns over chairs to Calatagan National High s chool in support of the opening school year 2024-2025. Photo shows (from left to right) Dannica Nicole a . Cabangon, Giannina eunice a. Cabangon, Pedro G. Palacio iV, Calatagan Mayor Peter Oliver M. Palacio, CPMC e xecutive Vice President Maureen s a zarcon, Calatagan Councilor tessa Palacio-Peleo, Michael Wesley M. Cabangon, CPMC aVP for Marketing and Communications Mark anthony almazora, and Calatagan NHs teacher-in-charge aaron Urcia.
Bank assets post slight contraction in July ’24
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
HE Philippine banking sys -
Ttem’s assets posted a doubledigit year-on-year growth in July 2024, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The data showed the total assets of Philippine banks reached P25.93 trillion in July 2024. This is 12.24 percent higher than the P23.1 trillion posted in July 2023.
However, the July figure contracted 0.998 percent from the P26.19 trillion posted in the preceding month. The figure in June 2024 was the highest level recorded over 16 years or between March 2008 and July 2024.
In July 2024, the bulk of the banking system’s assets is accounted for by the net total loan portfolio (TLP), which reached P13.73 trillion followed by net total investments which amounted to P7.69 trillion.
The banking systems assets also included the P2.46 trillion cash and due from banks; P1.95 trillion worth of other assets; and net real and other properties acquired worth P110.11 billion in July 2024.
Meanwhile, BSP data also showed the banking system’s liabilities also posted double-digit year-on-year growth in July 2024.
Total liabilities reached P22.71 trillion in July 2024, a 12.53 percent growth from the P20.18 trillion posted in July 2023.
But in terms of a monthly basis,
Banking&Finance Pagcor eyes ₧50B from sale of Casino Filipino licenses
total liabilities contracted 1.38 percent from the P23.03 trillion posted in June 2023. This is also the highest level recorded between March 2008 and July 2024 or over 16 years.
The bulk of the banking system’s liabilities are taken up by deposits which reached P19.27 trillion in July 2024 followed by other liabilities which amounted to P1.78 trillion.
The sector’s liabilities also included bills and bonds payable which amounted to P873.85 billion and P577.37 billion, respectively in July 2024.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. earlier said that the total assets of the banking sector expanded by 9.2 percent to P25.2 trillion, representing 83.3 percent of the total resources of the Philippine financial system.
Remolona added that banks continued to report robust balance sheets and profitable operations in 2023.
Further, capital and liquidity buffers remained sufficient against unforeseen shocks and market volatility, with capital adequacy and liquidity ratios that are well above the BSP’s regulatory minimal and international thresholds.
The non-bank financial institutions, likewise, posted solid performance in 2023. The non-bank sector serves as an able conduit for the delivery of crucial financial products and services to underserved and unserved market segments through their extensive physical network nationwide.
TBy Reine Juvierre Alberto
HE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) expects to raise at least P50 billion from the privatization of all 45 casinos, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said last Tuesday.
Tengco told reporters on the sidelines of the “Inside Asia Gaming Academy Summit” that the Pagcor doesn’t own any property but rather just leases the area where the branches of Casino Filipino, both 100-percent owned and under a joint venture, are established.
With this, Tengco said Pagcor would only sell the casinos’ licenses
Labor Chief Laguesma extols labor relations of bank unions, mgmt LandBank
LABOR Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma underscored last week the vital role of tripartite partners–workers, employers and government–in fostering industrial peace in the banking industry during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Savings Bank Employees Union (PSBEU).
In his keynote address during the event held September 4 in Manila, Laguesma commended both the labor and management of the Philippine Savings Bank for their longstanding dedication to fostering harmonious labor-management relations.
PSBank Executive Vice President Noli S. Gomez stated that the institution has not experienced strikes or lockouts during the past 23 years, which he attributes to the strong working relationship between management and employees.
A statement issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) quoted the labor chief as noting the PSBEU’s significant role in supporting the reactivation of the Banking Industry Tripartite Council (BITC). The BITC is a consultative mechanism that aims to advance the welfare of both workers and employers in
the banking industry.
PSBEU president and chairman of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) Ignacio Magat sits as a labor sector representative in the BITC.
The DOLE earlier convened the labor and employer representatives of the banking sector as part of its intensified efforts to strengthen social dialogue and tripartite mechanisms at the national, regional, and industry levels, read the statement.
“Through collaborations like this, we do not only achieve industrial peace, but also create a working environment where management and its employees, and the union in particular, can co-exist and thrive together,” Laguesma said.
The DOLE chief further assured that the DOLE “will remain committed to supporting initiatives intended to enhance tripartism and social dialogue that will uphold the dignity and respect the rights of Filipino workers.”
Composed of 1,500 members, the PSBEU is a registered labor organization representing the rank-and-file employees of the PSBank and is affiliated with the NUBE-Insurance and Finance Organization.
By Claudeth S. Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has committed to fund the repairs of classrooms in 12 schools located in disaster-affected areas in the country.
This will be made possible after Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz the Landbank and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last Wednesday.
The LandBank will fund the repairs with P500,000 per school for the duration of the 2-year partnership.
According to Ortiz, the state-run subsidiaries LandBank Leasing and Finance Corp. and the LandBank Resources and Development Corp. contributed an extra P1 million in funding and construction assistance for the selected schools.
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE GoTyme Bank Corp. announced last Wednesday that it has partnered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to allow the bank’s customers to deposit their coins and turn them into high-interest savings.
The bank now offers an additional deposit option for users and is now integrated into the BSP’s Coin Deposit Machines (CoDMs).
GoTyme is the first bank partner to be integrated into CoDMs. These machines will have instructions on how to deposit the coins that will
BITCOIN slid as investors reacted to the US presidential debate between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump, who has embraced the crypto sector.
The digital asset fell as much as 2.6 percent before paring some of the drop to trade at $56,600 as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in New York. In wider markets, stocks traded mixed, a dollar gauge and Treasury yields retreated, while the yen climbed.
The original cryptocurrency is one of a number of so-called Trump trades because of the former president’s avowed support of the digital-asset industry. Bitcoin was thus in the spotlight as something that might provide clues on who gained the upper hand in the debate.
Trump was often on the defensive in the discussion as Vice President
through a bidding process by early 2026.
“Since day one, I have been very vocal about our plans to focus solely on Pagcor’s role as regulator to provide a level playing field for all our stakeholders,” he added.
Earlier, Tengco said the Pagcor is playing a dual role as both regulator and operator and that should not be
the
“This
According to Tengco, the Pag
Tengco said the first batch of 2,000 new slot machines is expected to be delivered in the middle of this month to “bring a new dimension” to various Casino Filipino branches in the country.
“With all these initiatives and preparations, we are confident that the Philippines, through Pagcor, will continue to remain at the forefront of the gaming industry innovations in the Asia-Pacific region,” the Pagcor CEO added.
Casino Filipino employees will be given the option to either be absorbed by the winning bidder or retire, he added.
“It’s up to the employees to decide if they still want to work,” Tengco said.
Under the privatization’s terms of reference, the winning bidder must absorb a minimum of 50 percent to 70 percent of a Casino Filipino branch’s workforce, Tengco added.
“It is clear that you [LandBank] have chosen communities that will really benefit from the donations,” Angara said after the signing.
In the MOU, concerned Schools Division Offices (SDOs) will oversee
go in their GoTyme account through the machine.
“Next, follow the same depositwithdrawal procedure on your GoTyme Bank app. This will generate a secure barcode for you to scan to credit the deposit to your account. Should the barcode fail to scan, you can enter the code manually,” the bank said.
The BSP launched the CoDMs on June 20 last year to address the artificial coin shortage in certain parts of the country.
Apart from promoting recirculation of coins, it was also a public service that allowed customers to exchange coins sitting at home into
Harris peppered in lines that appeared designed to needle the Republican nominee. Pop icon Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Harris minutes after the debate wrapped up. The odds reflected by betting markets moved in Harris’s favor in the wake of the face off on Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
Debate assessment
“THE market assessed Kamala Harris won the debate, in particular in the early stages, which translated into a small move down for crypto,” said Caroline Mauron, co-founder of Orbit Markets, a provider of liquidity for trading in digital-asset derivatives. Harris has yet to detail a policy position on crypto. Last month, an adviser to her campaign said Harris will back measures to help grow the industry. The adviser also signaled ongoing
adherence to government standards and facilitate learning continuity during repairs.
School heads, meanwhile, will manage documentation and updates, while Schools Division Engineers will
e-wallet credits, shopping vouchers and, now, bank deposits.
It’s especially useful for individuals who do not like carrying coins or those who don’t have time to go to the bank to convert, the bank said.
It offers the unique advantage of being able to convert coins into direct deposits that will earn 4 percent annual interest—60 times more than the average payroll account—and certainly more than if they were sitting in piggybank at home, it said.
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe said she has been a huge supporter of the BSP’s CoDM initiative.
interest in implementing safeguards.
Trump has pivoted to courting the digital-asset sector in search of donations and votes amid a tight race for the White House, even vowing to make the US the “crypto capital of the planet.” His stance is an about-face given that the former president previously dubbed the sector a “scam.”
Crypto projects
THE Republican nominee recently put out his fourth collection of nonfungible tokens. These NFTs, representing ownership of assets like images depicting Trump riding a motorcycle or as a boxer, have earned millions of dollars.
coordinate with LandBank’s technical team for the repair activities. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Landbank will also mobilize its employees as volunteers, promoting a culture of community service.
“We are introducing this volunteerism component that will mobilize employees to participate in repair and renovation efforts as well as support activities for both communities and learners involved,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz also committed to help the Department of Education (DepEd) in connecting with other banks to include an “adopt-a-school program” as part of Landbank’s CSR.
According to Angara, the DepEd welcomes other partnerships to improve the delivery of basic education services in the country.
“If we put together the combined CSR of all the banks, we will make a dent. We are looking forward to more partnerships in the future,” he added.
Gokongwei cited how they support economic activity and restore balance in our monetary systems. These machines can be found at select Robinsons Supermarkets nationwide. GoTyme Bank, a joint venture between the Gokongwei family and South Africa’s Tyme Group, earlier claimed to be the country’s fastest growing bank and expects to reach 5 million in depositors by the end of the year.
The digital bank said in just two years it is adding an average of 250,000 new customers per month and a seven-fold increase in growth of monthly transactions year-on-year.
Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. have also been promoting World Liberty Financial, a planned initiative in crypto’s niche decentralized finance sector. Details remain scarce, and hackers last week briefly compromised some Trump family social media accounts to issue a fake post about the project.
The digital-asset industry has become an influential player in the presidential election through big donations to political action committees. Crypto businesses are seeking friendlier regulations, pushing back against the critical stance adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Chair Gary Gensler. Bitcoin jumped to a record $73,798 in March, fueled by demand for dedicated US exchange-traded funds. The rally cooled but the gains have nonetheless dulled memories of a deep bear market in 2022 and a string of collapses, including the wipeout of the
This september 11, 2024, photo shows Education secretary Juan Edgardo “sonny” Angara and Land Bank of the Philippines President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz during the signing of an agreement between the two institutions. CREDIT: DEpaRTmEnT of EDuC aTIon (DEpED)
This september 4, 2024, photo shows Labor secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma speaking during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Philippine savings Bank Employees Union. CREDIT: DEpaRTmEnT of LaboR anD EmpLoymEnT
Health& Fitness
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
DOH advises public to take proactive measures against flu-like diseases
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
The Department of health (DOh) continues to advise the public to take proactive steps against Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILIs) and the other WILD (Water and foodborne diseases, Influenza-like illnesses, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) diseases that are common during the rainy season.
Also, the D o H said that they are in the process of procuring influenza vaccines with the ongoing bidding process ongoing.
Women from diverse backgrounds gathered for Guard Against HPV’s impactful panel discussion, “Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv” organized by m SD in the Philippines.
The event featured compelling stories on health literacy from medical experts, practical insights into everyday preventive measures from influencers, and powerful conversations with advocates and survivors. n iña Corpuz expertly moderated the event with panelists Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Liza Sta m aria, Jane Cheng, Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, Belay Fernando, Bea m cLelland, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, and Kendra Kramer.
What is HPV
H U m A n Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent virus that can lead to significant health problems, including cervical, genital, and throat cancers, in both men and women. It is often spread unknowingly, as many people are asymptomatic.
Dr. Veneracion, an o BGY n , describes it as a “silent pandemic,” noting that “[HPV] is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is responsible for over 95 percent of cervical cancer cases.” To combat HPV, she encourages the ABCDV approach: Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom Use, Doctor Consult, and Vaccination.
Preventing HPV with Awareness
Ce L e B r ITY mom and women’s health advocate Cheska GarciaKramer shares her approach to starting tough conversations about HPV at home with her daughter Kendra: “I know a lot of young girls are more comfortable talking with their peers, and young girls are also comfortable getting information through the internet. But I always
Dr . Cesar r amon G. e spiritu, President and C eo of The m edical City (T m C) South Luzon received the Gold Award for C eo of the Year during the culmination of the Hospital m anagement Asia (H m A) Conference 2024 held at nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on August 29, 2024, with his entry “Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace.”
“As the rainy season continues, we encourage the public to take proactive measures against Influenzalike Illnesses. e at well, stay active,
and get vaccinated,” Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.
The D o H recorded a total of 102,216 cases of ILIs in the country from January 1 to August 24, 2024.
This is 18 percent lower than the 125,153 cases reported during the same period last year.
Increasing cases noted
HoW e V er , there has been an increase in cases over the last three to four weeks, consistent with the ongoing rainy season.
All regions except Bangsamoro Autonomous r egion in m uslim m indanao have shown an increase in cases in the recent four weeks.
The 9,491 cases logged July 28 to
remind her [Kendra] that your comfort should be with your mom. Because I love you. I don’t judge you. There are no questions too hard, too difficult, or too embarrassing that you can’t tell me.”
Belay Fernando, former player and coach of the Philippine national Team for Women’s football, and a cancer survivor, reflects on her experience with the early symptoms of cervical cancer: “There were signs, but as Filipinos, as athletes, we were told to be strong. You have to put work ahead [or] this priority ahead. We weren’t really taught or told to prioritize our health or to listen to the signs of our body.” Bea m cLelland, a beauty queen and advocate for cervical cancer prevention, highlights the lack of awareness about the disease: “ n obody really talks about cervical cancer. n ot even with my friends, not in schools, not even within the family. They [medical professionals] opened my mind to it and how this is one cancer that can really be prevented with vaccination and early detection.”
Open Conversations on HPV A S part of the media, Jane Kingsu
emphasizes the importance of getting the word out “in an easy and comprehensible manner,” especially as people now read less and watch more. She believes everyone has the power to influence others, and as advocates of health, it’s essential to address this proactively.
m ulti-hyphenate mom, content creator and law student Jessica Tinio reflects on how attending a previous “Di m o DeCerv” talk inspired her to “try to research and to read more.” e choing Kingsu’s emphasis on accessible information, Jessica highlights the importance of dedicating time to reading and research, which she finds pivotal in her journey to prioritize her health while balancing the demands of motherhood.
Aencille Santos, a fitness content creator, believes that health is subjective but emphasizes four key areas to prepare against HPV: “movement, food, mind, and connections.” She stresses that these should be practiced consistently, even in small doses, as part of a daily routine.
People, especially Filipinos, look at health differently. As Ivy Bermejo, a Financial Advisor, highlights,
August 10 is 55 percent higher compared to the 6,124 cases reported from the earlier period July 1 to 27.
ILIs are a group of illnesses that present with common symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches.
The top three causes in the Philippines for this reporting period are: Influenza A (777, 28.5 percent); r hinovirus (770, 28.2 percent); and e nterovirus (675, 24.7 percent).
“Wash and clean hands often, and wear a face mask properly when sick or in crowded conditions to safeguard everyone’s health. These same measures protect against many other illnesses. Let us keep our case counts low,” Herbosa added.
TBy Rory Visco Contributor
he Brussels, Belgium-based International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an umbrella group composed of more than 240 national diabetes associations in over 161 countries and territories, said that in 2021, there were over 4.3 million people living with diabetes in the Philippines, with about 2.8 million undiagnosed. This was based on the Philippines Diabetes Report 2000-2045 of the 10th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas in 2021.
The same report added that the number is expected to grow more than 5.4 million by 2030 and 7.5 million by 2045.
When someone is told that he or she has diabetes, the most common reaction, just like any ailment, is shock. Uncertainties and worries then follow, especially for those with families.
If this were 10 to 15 years ago, receiving the news can be upsetting. h owever, with the advent of more modern treatment modalities and support materials, learning to live with diabetes may not be as difficult as before.
How to manage the initial shock
Filipinos often view health as a low priority. She emphasizes the importance of investing in preventive measures, noting, “If you add in the emotional cost, mental stress, financial cost–it makes sense why investing in this is a smart financial decision.”
Why Get Vaccinated Today
eACH day, 12 Filipina women die of cervical cancer. Although it is preventable and treatable, this disease claims the lives of 350,000 women globally every year.
Vaccines are proven to prevent HPV infections and significantly reduce cancer risks, making it crucial to expand access to these vaccines beyond traditional healthcare settings. Today, pharmacists are playing an increasingly vital role in this effort, with more becoming immunizing pharmacists trained to administer vaccines.
President of the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Liza Sta m aria, explains: “There is what we call pharmacy-based immunization. There are now certain pharmacies that are licensed to give the vaccines. [Through] proper training and certification, they would be able to administer the vaccines.”
So, why should you get vaccinated today? Prioritizing regular screenings and vaccinations is necessary, not only for your personal health but also for the broader public health effort. By taking these proactive measures, you ensure that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and support the fight against HPV-related diseases.
Guarantee your health and show that you’re committed to what you DeCerv—make the choice to get screened and vaccinated now. Learn more about HPV and what you can do about it through Guard Against HPV.
T he initial shock of knowing that diabetes is always present but this dissipates after a while. After regaining composure, a person afflicted with the disease will be glad to note that there are now diabetes support groups that can provide vital information on how to combat diabetes and manage overall health.
Working together, these groups find ways on how to adopt smart changes that can help them manage their condition and be able to live life to the fullest. In the Philippines, social media groups are a convenient way to connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
The Philippine Diabetes Association (PDA), for one, holds annual conventions that serve as a venue for people with diabetes and their families to learn more about the disease and interact with others who have it.
Aside from support groups, the emotional support from family and friends is important in understanding what diabetes, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular problems, strokes, end-stage renal disease, blindness, and lower extremity amputation, is all about. With their presence, they can help make adjustments adjustments and lifestyle changes in order to ensure effective health management.
Navigating through the effects of diabetes
SOM e experts believe that finding an effective healthcare team—doctor, registered dietitian, a physiologist, and other specialists—is crucial and are seen to provide expert advice in managing diabetes.
Medical professionals have always reiterated that education is key in overcoming a medical challenge such as diabetes. Knowing more about the disease, the value of nutrition, the essence of exercise, and blood sugar management, together with legitimate and factchecked resources and educational materials are all key essentials in diabetes management and in staying healthy.
The presence of diabetes devices such as the Blood Glucose Meter (BGM) or glucometer, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is also necessary. The blood glucose me -
ters (BGMs), according to the ADA, “continue to play an important role in diabetes management. Understanding how they work is essential for your best diabetes self-management and to prevent or delay complications.” e xperts noted that regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help in understanding how the body responds to different food types, activities, and medications.
Physical activity is also a vital part of diabetes management. Taking the stairs going up or down two floors in the office, going for a short walk, spending time at the gym or picking up a recreational sport, are good exercise activities. h owever, remember to consult a doctor first before engaging in any strenuous activities for the first time.
“Diet” if you don’t want to die yet T he Mayo Clinic advised of a diabetes diet that means “eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. It’s a healthy-eating plan that’s naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, this type of diet is the best eating plan for most everyone.”
The Scottsdale, Arizona, USA-based said that a diet for people living with diabetes “is based on eating healthy meals at regular times. e ating meals at regular times helps to better use insulin that the body makes or gets through medicine.” It said that a registered dietitian can help put together a diet “based on your health goals, tastes and lifestyle. The dietitian also can talk with you about how to improve your eating habits. Options include choosing portion sizes that suit the needs for your size and activity level.”
Some doctors push for “portion control” to help manage blood sugar. It means creating a balanced meal, where 25 percent of a nine-inch plate is filled with protein, 25 percent with whole grains and starches, and 50 percent with non-starchy vegetables. It is also essential, according to medical experts, to eat regular, balanced meals and avoid skipping them, which can cause low blood sugar levels that can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Skipping meals can likewise cause overeating that can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous and cause long-term complications.
If there is an urge to eat snacks, doctors advise to eat only the healthy ones like those low in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats to avoid blood sugar spikes and weight gain, and also protein-rich dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and small servings of nuts.
Aside from that, blood sugar can be managed by considering taking diabetes-specificformulas (DSF) like Glucerna. Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., nutrition medical director for Abbott in Asia Pacific, said that DSF like Glucerna works by slowly releasing carbohydrates, which helps the body produce insulin naturally. It also contains inositol that helps convert sugar into energy that can be utilized by the body. Diabetes should not be considered as the end of the world for some, but probably just a new chapter in life. Living a fuller, high-quality of life can be achieved if one employs the right management plan that includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, proper nutrition and medication as prescribed by a doctor.
Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace
H IS winning entry that bested three C eo s from other Asian countries focused on the human element in healthcare services. It adopted a unique style of leadership that proved to be a success factor in leading T m C South Luzon. Being an artist, Dr. e spiritu encouraged T mC South Luzon staff to be innovative and creative. His leadership style as described in his entry of “Inspiring Creativ -
Attended by more than 1,100 participants, Dr. e spiritu accepted the H m A 2024 C eo of the Year award with much pleasure and shared it with the entire T m C South Luzon community. Together with Dr. e spiritu at the H m A 2024 Awarding Ceremony were T m C South Luzon officers and department heads composed of Dr. e arl r ichardson Q. Chua, Chief m edical o fficer; Dr. Anne V. m arie e spiritu, Chairperson of Department of or L – Head and n eck Surgery; r osybelle D. m iclat, Chief Finance o fficer; Arnold m m aniebo, Director of nursing; Jan Clarizze S. Alberto, Head of m arketing, Communications, and Patient e xperience; and Kamille A. Cuadra, Quality, Innovation, Safety, and Data Privacy Department Consultant.
ity in the Workplace,” is anchored on the following programs—WorkLife Balance aimed at achieving teamwork and communication with employee engagement activities like Team Building and Summer o utings, Fitness or Zumba for Staff, Sports Clubs, Urban Gardening, Volunteerism; and Creativity, Skills, and Innovation e nhancement Programs such as Innovation Projects— m y r obot Contest, Parade of Talents— T m C South Luzon Singing Ambassadors and Dance Troupe, Parade of Art—Photos and Artworks of T m C South Luzon staff as wall displays at T mC South Luzon r ooms and, Parade of Beauties ( m r. and m s. T m C SL nurse), Parade of Festivities –Dance Contests and Christmas Tree m aking Contests.
Dr. e spiritu started his term as President and C eo of T mC South Luzon in 2019 and encountered many
challenges, from the need to improve its financial bottom line, the pandemic, and nursing staff hiring difficulties, to keeping pace with the changing demand for healthcare services. However, these did not hinder Dr. e spiritu’s efforts for T m C South Luzon to thrive to where it is now with inspired and dedicated medical staff and employees. This was made possible with T m C South Luzon’s active employee engagement with assured quality service delivery and desired patient satisfaction. As Dr. e spiritu said in accepting the C eo of the Year Gold Award for H m A 2024, “The award is an affirmation that even in the current times when so much is talked about and resources dedicated to technology in healthcare, the human component is still recognized as the most important in delivering the excellent service that we all aim for.”
The Philippine h ealth Insurance Corporation-Calabarzon (Phil h ealth-4A) has launched a pilot program for its Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN) in 49 rural health units (R h Us) in Quezon province.
At the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum held Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at St. Jude h otel and e vent Center in Tayabas City, Dr. e dwin Oriña, acting regional vice president of Phil h ealth, announced the initiative dubbed “Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama,” or “Konsulta,” which aims to set a model for primary care provision through the PCPN.
The PCPN is targeting 490,000 individuals across the 49 R h Us in the province.
The Konsulta program provides comprehensive outpatient benefits as mandated by the Universal h ealth Care Law, including consultations, health risk screenings, assessments, selected laboratory and diagnostic tests, and specific drugs and medicines.
Under the Konsulta regular scheme, a set amount of money is allocated after the patient first encounter (capitation) to cover anticipated healthcare costs for each patient. In the PCPN model, this capitation is frontloaded, allowing facilities to address patient needs, whether they are sick or well, without waiting for the funding to be processed. Oriña also discussed future plans for creating a h ealth Care Provider Network ( h CPN), which will include a range of primary to tertiary care providers, both public and private. The h CPN will introduce the Phil h ealth GAMOT program, which stands for Guaranteed Accessible
In the photo are, from left, panelists include renowned women’s health advocates Belay Fernando, Bea mclelland, Kendra Kramer, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer, with Niña Corpuz as the host.
Envoys&Expats
NZ delegation explores climate-smart agriculture, dairy innovations at UPLB
ANEW ZEALAND delegation witnessed the progress of the Asean Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) initiative at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB).
Amb. Catherine McIntosh led a delegation from the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, together with Matthew Johnson from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, as well as Drs. David Pacheco and Roger Hegarty of NZ Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC) in their visit to UPLB on August 26 and 27. The delegation was warmly welcomed by UPLB chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. and the university community.
is working on more accurate ways to measure these emissions by improving the GHG inventory for livestock.
VICE chair, president and CEO of Hijo Resources Corp. Rosanna Tuason-Fores was named as honorary consul to the newly opened Norwegian Consulate in Davao.
According to the Norwegian Embassy, Tuason-Fores has extensive experience in agriculture, hospitality, and businessprocess outsourcing where she has made strides in these various industries. She is also a recipient of the “Signum Meriti Medal” of Saint Paul-School of Business and Law Inc. for her exemplary achievements in the fields of Business, Education, Tourism, Agribusiness and Property Development.
Currently, the consul heads the Tuason Development Foundation, and previously served as president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines.
The ceremonial opening of the consulate in Davao was led by Amb. Christian Halaas Lyster, who has recognized Mindanao’s importance in various cooperation in sectors such as maritime, renewable energy, seafood, and the circular economy.
Norway also worked significantly for peacekeeping in the Bangsamoro Region, where it currently serves as vice chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body for the transition of the Bangsamoro government.
Food security and agriculture are also becoming important points of cooperation in the island-region, according
The initiative is a joint effort to reduce said emissions from livestock, especially in areas that are most affected by climate change. In the Philippines, agriculture makes up about 9 percent of the country’s economy, while ruminant livestock contributes to a significant proportion of agricultural emissions.
The project, funded by the New Zealand Government and with technical assistance from the NZAGRC,
Supported by the New Zealand government, the Asean CSA initiative with the Philippines will promote sustainable agricultural practices, while enhancing food security without increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
This shift from basic to more precise methods is instrumental for the Philippines to reach its climate goals, which include cutting GHG emissions by 75 percent by 2030, as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement. According to its embassy, New Zealand’s investment in the Philippines for this program is more than NZ$1.6 million, or about P55.4 million.
Focus of the visit was directed at the engagement with the Dairy Training and Research Institute and the Philippine Carabao Center. There, they met director Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, as well as DTRI project leaders Dr. Amado Angeles and Gerard Guadayo, plus PCC’s Dr. Phoebe Llantada and Charity Castillo.
Discussions centered on the CSA project, as well as broader implications for livestock development and emission-mitigation strategies in the Philippines.
The delegation also toured the
DTRI Farm, which featured the Headbox Respiration Facility pivotal in the development of a Tier-2 inventory for cattle emissions. The members also met with representatives from the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture or SEARCA, as well as the International Rice Research Institute or IRRI.
Reflecting on the visit, McIntosh welcomed the project’s progress and thanked the team for their dedication: “People are at the heart of this Initiative. Empowering people to engage and advocate for this initiative is key to its success.”
McIntosh and the embassy’s visit to UPLB represented a significant step in strengthening New Zealand’s partnership with the Philippines, and reflected its ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that address global challenges through innovation, collaboration and shared expertise, according to the embassy.
For more information, visit climatesmartagriculture.org.nz
Taiwan’s Wanfang Hospital forges medical alliances, pioneers health-care innovations
THE Republic of China’s (Taiwan’s) Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, led by superintendent Dr. Liou Tsan-Hon, has concluded a visit to Manila aimed to strengthen medical collaborations and impart innovative health-care practices with the Philippines.
It marked a significant step in the hospital’s efforts to foster international medical alliances, according to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco).
Key highlights included the signing of two key memoranda of understanding (MOUs). Wanfang Hospital and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) recently signed one to enhance cooperation in medical research and clinical practice. The agreement was formalized by Dr. Liou and Dr. Samuel Dee Ang, and was witnessed by guests from both institutions.
On the same day, the hospital signed another with Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), represented by Dr. Wenceslao S. Llauderes. The agreement aimed to foster collaboration in medical training, research, and patient care, paving the way for innovative health-care advancements.
A highlight during the visit was the “Innovations in Health Care: AI, Precision Medicine, and Beyond” symposium held in the afternoon of July 26. Hosted with the Taipei Medical University, the event featured pioneering presentations on artificial intelligence in medicine, digital histologic image analysis, AI in cardiol-
ogy, minimally invasive surgery, deep learning for osteoporosis screening, endobronchial lesions cryotherapy, chemo hyperthermia treatment for bladder cancer, management of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus or HIV initiatives and programs, plus comparative studies in bile duct repair. It was a platform for exchange of cutting-edge knowledge and discussing future advancements in healthcare technology.
Following the symposium, Wanfang Hospital hosted “Taiwan Night,” which was designed to cultivate camaraderie among attendees. It featured spirited interactions, showcased cultural exchanges, then underscored the unity and shared commitments to advancing global health care. Luminaries and representatives from various institutions graced the event, as it reflected the signifi-
cance and wide-reaching impacts of the symposium and Taiwan Night. Attendees included Teco’s deputy representative Yang Teng-Shi and Irene Wang Yao-Ling. Dignitaries and medical professionals from the Department of Health, along with representatives from the Philippine General Hospital, CGHMC, JRRMMC, Lung Center of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines-Manila were also present. Industry partners ASUS and Wistron Medical also joined, which ensured a diverse and comprehensive discussion on health-care innovations.
The event saw a huge turnout of around 90 participants. It fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and strengthened foundations for future collaborations, said Teco.
The visit aligned with Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy,” which ex-
emplified a steadfast commitment to reinforcing medical and industrial collaborations. The MOUs signed with local institutions represented strategic alliances, aimed at advancing health-care and fostering regional growth, aligned with the broader objectives of the collaboration.
Teco considers Wanfang Hospital’s engagement in Manila as “a monumental achievement in international medical cooperation, heralding a new era of collaborative efforts that promise to revolutionize health care outcomes across the region. This exciting venture reinforces existing bonds and paves the way for future innovations and partnerships, igniting a shared vision of a healthier, more interconnected world. The synergy and enthusiasm generated during this visit testified to the transformative potential of international medical alliances.”
THE United States Embassy will inaugurate a new Visa Application Center (VAC), launch an updated visa-appointment system, and expand call center services to US citizens in the Philippines starting on September 28.
The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo in Parañaque City. Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking interview appointments starting September 28 will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview in the US Embassy along Roxas Boulevard. Scheduling will be done through the new and redesigned online appointment system.
Applicants with schedules for a visa interview before the said date are not affected by this change, and should go directly to their appointment at the embassy.
The new online appointment system will feature a secure and userfriendly interface for visa applicants, and will be available on September 28 on ustraveldocs.com/ph. Applicants who have existing accounts in the current visa-appointment system will be required to sign in to the new system using their already-registered e-mail address to retrieve their user profile,
which includes payment receipts and appointment information.
The VAC will offer appointment slots from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. None is needed for applicants who would like to pick up their passports or drop off interviewwaiver visa applications and other required documents from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
Additionally, the embassy will launch a call center for customers with general, non-emergency American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries. US citizens can call consular hotlines at (+632) 7792-8988 or (+632) 85488223, or (703) 520-2235 for callers in the US with passport, citizenship, and notarial service questions. The US Embassy will also launch a new and dedicated web site (ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/american-citizens-services) and e-mail (support-acs-philippines@usvisascheduling.com) for these ACS services on September 28. Inquiries unrelated to passport, citizenship, or notarials should still be sent to the embassy’s ACS unit directly via ACSInfoManila@state.gov.
Updates regarding these changes will be posted on the US Embassy web site (ph.usembassy.gov), on Facebook (USEmbassyPH), and X (@USEmbassyPH).
THE Kingdom of Bahrain is expected to formally open its embassy in the Philippines by the end of 2024. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that the Bahrain Foreign Ministry is preparing for the inauguration of the new foreign-service post in the country, following initial talks in 2023.
TECO representatives and Wanfang Hospital delegation
AMB. Christian Lyster and honorary consul Rosanna Tuason-Fores at the newly opened Norwegian Consulate.
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts is now open
THE much talked about first Gordon Ramsay restaurant in the country is now open to the public following an exclusive ribbon cutting ceremony on August 31, 2024. The inaugural restaurant of world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay is the newest exciting dining experience that further expands the culinary landscape of the country’s premier lifestyle and leisure destination.
The ceremonial opening was attended by distinguished guests led by His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau H.E. Laure Beaufils and Pasay City Mayor Hon. Emi Calixto-Rubiano, and led by Newport World Resorts
Chairman Kevin L. Tan and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Executive Chef - International Ronnie Kimbugwe with Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines Managing Partner Raymund Magdaluyo and General Manager Ryan Behr. Guests raised a glass of champagne to the successful opening of one of the most anticipated new restaurants of 2024.
Tan expressed his gratitude to the team behind the new restaurant and the chef who started it all, “We
are extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved in this ambitious undertaking, from our partners and contractors to the restaurant’s preopening team along with the team from Gordon Ramsay Restaurants that have been working with us tirelessly behind the scenes, and of course, Chef Gordon Ramsay himself. We look forward to our guests discovering another exceptional dining experience here at Newport World Resorts.”
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts features British classics including Gordon’s Signature Beef Wellington, perfectly grilled steaks, fresh market
seafood, and a delightful array of sides and desserts. Alongside the exciting culinary menu, the restaurant also hosts a remarkable bar experience, offering high-end wines from around the world, sought-after spirits and expertly handcrafted cocktails.
For more information and table reservations for Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines at Newport World Resorts, visit www. newportworldresorts.com/grbg and follow @newportworldresorts and @gordonramsaybarandgrillph on Facebook and Instagram; and @ newportworldresorts and @ gordonramsayph on TikTok.
Show Gratitude This Mid-Autumn Festival with Marriott Manila’s Mooncake Gift Box
symbolizes gratitude, harmony, family, and the moon’s enchanting beauty. This Mid-Autumn Festival, turn
tradition into something even sweeter, by sharing mooncakes and helping the community as part of the profit will be donated to the chosen beneficiary of the Marriott Worldwide Business Councils – Philippines. Marriott Worldwide Business Councils support Marriott International’s mission to build the most loyal and valuable travel community by serving and welcoming all. Man Ho, Marriott Manila’s renowned Chinese restaurant, is thrilled to unveil its mooncake gift box in the colors of Autumn. This year’s mooncakes are available in the flavors Red Lotus Paste with Yolk, White Lotus Paste with Yolk and Wine Cranberry. Elevate the gift giving experience with exquisite Galaxy Mooncakes in the flavors Chocolate Galaxy and Marble Chocolate, and delightful additions of Candied Walnuts and Tie Guan Yin Tea. Man Ho’s Mooncake package starts at P1,488 nett. Grab your mooncakes until September 17, 2024. Discounts apply for bulk orders. For inquiries or to place an order, you may reach out to 0917 584 9553 or 0917 624 5980.
To know more about Manila Marriott’s latest offers, call (+632) 8988 9999 or visit the hotel’s website www. manilamarriott.com, and social media accounts in FB, IG, and Twitter @ManilaMarriott. Be updated and join their Viber Community at Make it Marriott.
Bounce at Parqal: Aseana City’s Newest Playground for Sports Enthusiasts
PARQAL , the flagship development of Aseana City, recently introduced the latest addition to its development: Bounce at Parqal, an outdoor sports complex designed to cater to sports enthusiasts of all levels.
This new facility reinforces Parqal’s identity as Aseana City’s main street, where live, work, and play, come together.
Strategically located within Parqal’s expansive open spaces, Bounce at Parqal offers a wide range of sports amenities that complement the existing lifestyle features of the development. The complex boasts of two multi-purpose courts, ideal for pickleball and volleyball, and a basketball court with dimensions matching FIBA standards.
A standout attraction is the fullsized 2,213 sqm football pitch, which accommodates both 9v9 and 5v5 matches. The football pitch is currently home to young athletes training under the Azkals Development Academy, founded by former Bundesliga player Coach Stephan Schröck.
Booking a game at Bounce at Parqal is also as easy as it is exciting. Reservations
THE complex boasts of two multi-purpose courts and a full-sized football pitch. and payments can be made seamlessly through a dedicated online reservation portal at www.bounceatparqal.com, making it convenient for players to organize matches and events. Bounce at Parqal
Radenta Offers Client Success Partners Team to provide after-sales support
RADENTA Technologies, one of the country’s premier solutions integrators, now provides a dedicated team of specialists to provide integral after-sales support to customers.
Aptly called Client Success Partners Team (CSPT), the group is focused on onboarding new customers, defining service concepts, and promoting product engagement from top executives to junior personnel. The team’s skillset also includes system management, network security, cloud architecture, database administration and customer service. CSPT conducts periodic infrastructure assessments to evaluate system performance and key metrics. CSPT uses its own System Health Check and Monitoring services to guarantee that customers’ systems run smoothly. In addition, CSPT offers technical assistance, project execution, and technical services all with the goal of ensuring longterm customer success.
Members of the CSPT boasts of a wide range of certifications to include:
• Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPI) –demonstrates open-source mastery and ensures reliable Linux system administration.
• Yellow Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma – indicates expertise in process improvement and efficiency.
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM Certification – demonstrates mastery of customer relationship management and CRM systems.
• Microsoft Certified Teams Administrator Associate –enables capability of administering Microsoft Teams environments.
• Zimbra Sales Engineer – specializes in Zimbra email and collaboration products.
• OCI Foundation Associate – ensures understanding of the foundation of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
• SQL Certification – provides knowledge of database management and SQL.
• Effective Business Communication – endows effective communication abilities geared to business settings.
• Customer Service in the Hospitality Industry – assures excellence in providing superior customer service.
• IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) – assures best practices for IT service management.
• Computer Forensics and Digital Forensics Masterclass – includes learning of advanced digital forensics techniques.
• Information Security Fundamentals – gives a solid basis for information security activities.
• Java Networking Programming – focuses on mastering TCP/IP (CJNP+ 2023 JVA): Knowledge of Java networking and TCP/IP.
• Secure Your WordPress Website – enhances expertise in protecting WordPress websites.
• Ultimate Linux File Protection – maximizes expertise in protecting Linux file systems.
• Python for Intermediate – gives Advanced Python programming abilities.
These credentials give CSPT an edge in giving high quality, bespoke solutions to customers. It highlights the team’s adaptability and ability to manage client demands for technical assistance, project execution, system security, and sophisticated programming.
A customer needs CSPT for many reasons:
• Comprehensive Expertise: CSPT provides a wide range of competence, which includes ITIL, and several technical certifications, to ensure that all elements of an organization are skillfully managed.
• Proactive Engagement: In addition to traditional assistance, CSPT offers proactive system health checks, continuous monitoring, and strategic counsel to help prevent difficulties and maximize performance.
• Tailored Solutions: CSPT provides individualized assistance and solutions that match technology to unique company goals, resulting in long-term success.
• Holistic Approach: CSPT works with all levels of the business from top executives to junior professionals, to ensure that all stakeholders have the assistance and insights they require.
• Strategic Partnership: CSPT is more than a support staff; they are a strategic partner committed to client success, innovation, and keeping ahead of the competition.
• Deep Industry Knowledge: With certifications in network security, database administration, and cloud infrastructure, CSPT offers professional advice on industry best practices and new technologies.
• Business-Driven Technology: CSPT combines technical competence with a thorough grasp of business requirements, ensuring that technology investments provide measurable business results.
CSPT has a diverse menu of services for every client’s need and budget.
• 24/7 Technical Support: Around-the-clock, help to keep your systems up and running.
• 8x5 Technical help: Dedicated help during business hours, ideal for clients with common operating requirements.
• System Health Checks: Ongoing
•
Guilt over kids’ screen time is common, uncomfortable and can stress family relationships— but it can have a silver lining
NEWEST ‘BESTIES’ HERE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY
GET ready to be thrilled and make new friendships. After much anticipation, OREO Philippines has finally announced the launch of the limited-edition OREO Coca-Cola cookies, arriving this September in major nationwide supermarkets and select retailers.
In a world where true and genuine connections can be hard to find, iconic brands OREO and CocaCola are teaming up to spark and celebrate friendship or “bestie-ship” with a delicious twist through this limited-time product.
Launching under the “Besties for a Limited Time” campaign, they’re all about creating new friendships and cherishing special bonds, just like the perfect combination of OREO cookies and Coca-Cola’s signature taste that’s infused into the sandwich filling.
This unprecedented “bestie-ship” brings together the world’s bestselling cookie and the globe’s most valuable food and beverage brand (based on Kantar’s 2024 report), creating an ultimate treat that’s bound to become a symbol of friendship.
The limited-edition OREO Coca-Cola cookies are set to provide many ways for people to share and enjoy more experiences with their besties, both new and old. Because in today’s fast-paced, digitalfirst world, such inspired special moments can have ripples that make every day more meaningful. Whether it’s about rekindling old friendships or making new ones, the limited-edition OREO CocaCola cookies will provide the perfect way to forge and celebrate lasting bonds.
Starting this September, the limited-edition OREO Coca-Cola cookies will be available in major stores nationwide. They come in two packs—a multipack priced at P89 SRP and a full slug pack at P53 SRP. Alongside the product launch, OREO is rolling out fun and engaging activities that besties can enjoy together, both online and offline. Follow OREO on Facebook for exciting updates. And, giving besties even more to experience together, exclusive OREO Coca-Cola premium items featuring Bestie Shirts, Bestie Tote Bags, Bestie Hats, and Bestie Stickers will be available in select retailers.
BY ROBIN NABI University of California, Santa Barbara
WHAT parent hasn’t been there?
It’s been a long day, you still have dinner to make, maybe lunches for tomorrow too, and you just don’t have the energy to wrangle your kids into a new art project or plead with them to pick up a book. Instead, you give in when they beg for more iPad time. Or maybe they promise they’ll do their homework after just a few more YouTube videos, and it’s easier to agree than have another argument. Now you’re not only exhausted, you feel like a bad parent too.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Concern over how—and how much—their children are using media is a common source of parental guilt, which makes sense given the reputation of screen use as a frivolous waste of time, with no intrinsic value. So even if people are on their screens for a great reason—to relax, for example, or otherwise manage their moods—they are inclined to feel guilty about it. And this guilt undermines any stress-reducing benefit they might have otherwise enjoyed.
But as unpleasant as this guilt is, the good news is that those feelings, if you listen to them, can help encourage healthier choices for you and your kids.
PARENTAL GUILT OVER CHILD SCREEN USE
STUDIES, including from my own media research group, have found that screen media use is among the most common tools that people of all ages use to decompress, relax and enjoy themselves.
But parents worry about their kids’ screen use and for good reason. Without adequate management, screen time can too easily get out of hand, raising concerns about negative outcomes, such as compromised sleep, increased obesity risk, reduced academic performance and mental health challenges.
So here’s the dilemma. Well-meaning parents set various rules to protect their children from the harms associated with too much screen time. But research shows that most parents break those rules. If a child is sick, why not let them play several hours of video games? Maybe you plop your child in front of the TV to keep them busy while you sort laundry or hop on a work call.
So what happens when you break your own rules—especially when those rules are in place to protect your children? You’re primed to feel guilt, and because guilt is its own form of stress, this dynamic sets up tension that can be unhealthy for both parents and kids.
THE DOWNSIDE OF PARENTAL SCREEN
GUILT
THE Covid-19 pandemic, when media use of all sorts increased among all demographics in the US and internationally, gave my research team a unique opportunity to study the guilt that parents feel over their children’s screen use.
Our research considered how the sudden and substantial increase in screen use at the onset of the pandemic affected how parents felt about their relationships with their children. We surveyed parents in March 2020 and another group of parents in both April and May of 2020. We asked about their
it and how satisfied they were with their relationship with their child.
We found that 73 percent of parents experienced at least some guilt, and 48 percent felt moderate to intense guilt over their child’s use of screens. So, parental screen guilt was quite common.
We also found that parents who felt more guilt about their child’s screen use also experienced greater stress about that screen use, and that greater stress was linked to feeling less satisfied with their relationship with their child. Importantly, parents’ initial screen guilt in April predicted higher stress about screen use in May, but initial screen stress in April did not predict screen guilt in May. What does this mean? Screen guilt was, in fact, increasing stress, and not the other way around.
What about the amount of time kids spent on screens? Is that the reason why parents felt guilty and stressed? It turns out: not really. In our research, we found little to no relationship between how long children used screens and parents’ screen guilt, screen stress or relationship satisfaction. In other words, it was the feelings of guilt over children’s use of screens, regardless of the amount of use itself, that was problematic for the parents and, by extension, their children.
TURNING GUILT LEMONS INTO LEMONADE
SO, what can a parent do? Rather than berating yourself over perceived mistakes or misjudgments regarding media choices, it would be far more productive to find the value and deeper lessons in
conflict with their internalized belief systems or standards of behavior. And as uncomfortable as guilty feelings may be, that guilt can be useful in helping you repair any harms you think you may have caused, particularly within relationships.
In other words, screen guilt can be useful information, nudging you to reflect on and adjust your own rules or choices. Was there a good reason to relax your usual limits on screen use, like when trying to comfort your child when they are sick? On the other hand, is your child suffering negative consequences, for example, not completing homework or getting exercise, because of leniency with screens? Or do you simply feel like a bad parent because you’ve internalized the belief that good parents don’t let their children use screens?
Such reflection can be an opportunity to consider not only how your family is using screens but, importantly, what guardrails you might need to put in place, or adjust, to support family wellness.
Although you might not hear this sentiment often, not all screen media use is bad. There is, in fact, evidence that screen use and content can contribute to a range of wonderful outcomes, including learning, social connection, inspiration and, yes, relaxation and stress relief.
Although guilt may not be pleasant, if you take a moment to understand why you feel it, it can help guide you in creating not only a more balanced diet of media and real-world experiences for you and your family, but also more satisfying relationships with your kids. THE CONVERSATION
Sweden joins countries seeking to end screen time for children under 2
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
The Associated Press
SWEDEN says children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to any digital screens. The recommendations, issued by the Scandinavian country’s public health agency earlier this month as a new school year begins, are the latest in a worldwide effort to limit screen time for young children. The coronavirus lockdowns exacerbated the problem as schools turned to Zoom for distance-learning and parents relied on TV shows and movies to keep their children occupied while they worked from home.
WHAT DOES SWEDEN SAY?
SWEDEN suggests that toddlers should not have any exposure to digital screens, including television. The recommendations ease slightly as the children age: From 2 to 5 years old, they should have a maximum of one hour a day in front of a screen, while for youngsters aged 6 to 12 it’s two hours. Teenagers should have no more than three hours of screen time a day. Sweden’s suggestions came after research found
that children reported negative effects like poorer sleep, depression and limited physical activity with high use of digital devices.
WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE DOING THIS?
SIMILAR recommendations have come out of other countries as well, including the United States, Ireland, Canada, Australia and France. France has the strictest suggestions so far, saying children under 3 should not have any time in front of screens. The recommendation comes from a report published in April that was commissioned by President Emmanuel Macron. Ireland and the US say babies and toddlers can engage in video calls with family and friends—though Canada, Australia and Sweden do not make such distinctions.
WHAT ABOUT CELLPHONE BANS IN US CLASSROOMS?
CELLPHONE bans are already in place at many schools across the United States. Cellphone pouches, lockers and bins have grown in popularity to help carry out the prohibitions. But the bans aren’t always enforced, and students often find ways to bend the rules, like hiding phones on their laps. Some parents
have expressed concerns that bans could cut them off from their kids if there is an emergency, such as a school shooting. But while the bans are gaining traction, many experts say they’re not enough. They argue for alternative stimulation: steering students outdoors or toward extracurricular activities to fill time they might otherwise spend alone online. And students need outlets, they say, to speak about taboo topics without fear of being “ canceled “ on social media.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
A 2023 Unesco report says while digital technology can augment education—through new learning environments and expanded connections and collaboration—it comes at a cost to socialization and real-life learning. Negative effects on physical and mental health also play a role. The report additionally noted insufficient regulations around unauthorized use of personal data for commercial purposes, as well as the spread of misinformation and hate speech online. “Such challenges may cancel out any benefits,” the Unesco authors wrote. And a study published last year in JAMA Pediatrics researched a potential link between screen time for young
children and developmental delays.
“In this study, greater screen time for children aged 1 year was associated with developmental delays in communication and problem-solving at ages 2 and 4 years,” the study said.
WHAT ABOUT THE TECH INDUSTRY AND SOCIAL MEDIA?
POLICYMAKERS and children’s advocates are growing increasingly concerned with teens’ relationships with their phones and social media.
Last fall, dozens of US states, including California and New York, sued Instagram and Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features that addict children.
In January, the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X and other social media companies went before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify about their platforms’ harms to young people. Now, Sweden’s public health agency has called for tech companies to change their algorithms so children do not get stuck doom-scrolling for hours or watching harmful content.
PHOTO BY VITALY GARIEV ON UNSPLASH
Summer like no other in Paris? Not quite so
Disappointment was also felt steps away on rue Saint-Honoré, home to some of Paris’s most prestigious hotels and haute couture shops.
“I have all the records from last year and we didn’t match a single one,’’ said Marina Orlando, store manager at French luxury candle brand Diptyque. Orlando said sales in August were down 29 percent year on year.
“We were given a whole serenade about the Olympics, that it was going to be incredible. Some of us didn’t go on vacation, it was a huge logistical effort so that we could all be present on D-Day,” she said. In the end, she added, they had a store largely empty of customers.
Tourists did come to Paris in large numbers. Government data released last week show that some 1.7 million international visitors came during the Olympic period, up 13 percent compared with the previous year, and another 1.4 million French tourists visited the capital, up 26 percent.
In addition, the Olympics drew millions more visitors who traveled to Paris for the day.
percent drop in visits during the Olympic Games, and a 45 percent drop during the two weeks leading up to the opening ceremony compared to the same period a year ago.
Obiena’s program for next ‘EJ’ begins
By Josef Ramos
RNEST
E“EJ” OBIENA’S good for another Olympic cycle, to say the least, but this early in his very much active athletic career, he’s already focused on finding the next EJ Obiena.
To do that, Obiena and Milo are partnering for the two-time Olympian and world No. 3’s “Six-Meter Initiative”—a program that would ntroduce pole vaulting to kids in what he desires as “every nook and cranny of the country.”
“My goal is to make sure that everyone in the corners of the Philippines who wants to do pole vault should be able to have the facilities and should be able to have the opportunity plus the knowledge to do it and to try it,” said Obiena in a Milo event held in his honor on Tuesday in a hotel in Mandaluyong City.
Obiena became the 28th member of pole vault’s exclusive Six-Meter Club when he cleared the height twice last year at the the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway on June 10 and at the world championships in Budapest on August 27.
“This sport has given me a lot—and I really hope that it can do the same to other Filipino kids,” he said.
The initiative of finding the next pole vault star should start now, he said.
“This is high time not just for my sport but for all the sports,” said Obiena, bronze medalist in 2022 and silver winner inw2023 World championships. “The Philippines did well in the past Olympics and the interest is at an all-time high.” Obiena has a meet-and-greet activity at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Sunday, do some engagements after that and will return to his base in Formia, Italy, on September 22 to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on his spine.
“The MRI scan and my doctors will determine whether I can return to training, but I need to let that vertebrae heal,” said Obiena, whose German girlfriend, triple jumper girlfriend Carolyn Joyeux, is also in town. “It needs time, at least three or four weeks.” The two-time Asian champion and Asian Games gold medalist finished fourth in Paris.
“I think that our country’s bet has paid off,” Olivia Grégoire, who leads the ministry charged with companies, tourism and consumption, told a news conference last week. Grégoire said France as a whole was on track to
But shopping was not the visitors’ priority, shop owners and managers said. “They were here for the sports,” Orlando said.
Denaive agreed. He said that tourists “spent so much on hotels, flights, tickets...they didn’t have much of a budget left for shopping.”
Many visitors were struggling to get to shops and restaurants even if they wanted to, because Paris chose to host Olympic events in the heart of the capital rather than building an Olympic park outside the city center.
Protecting those venues involved a boosted security apparatus, deploying up to 45,000 police officers backed by a 10,000-strong contingent of soldiers and reinforcements from more than 40 countries.
Most Parisians and visitors welcomed the security measures, but not the metal-fence barriers erected on both sides of the River Seine that made the city hard to navigate.
Only those with a QR code were granted permission to pass police checkpoints, making it nearly impossible for those without one to commute between the city’s south and north, except by metro. Permission for the precious code could take days to obtain. AP
Pilac makes JPGT Match Play final; Ahn triumphs in playoff vs Suzuki
UINCY PILAS went wire-to-wire triumph in the girls’ 10-12 category with an 80 for an a 11-shot victory over Maurysse Abalos, while Chan Ahn edged Ryuji Suzuki in sudden death to top the boys’ contest in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Luzon Series 7 at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club on Wednesday. Pilac’s remarkable showing in Trece Martires—including a first round 82— earned her not just the leg honors in the 36-hole competition for the first time with a 162 but also the third spot in the final standings for berths in the Match Play Championship.
Absentee Aerin Chan and Abalos took the top two seats while Georgina Handog, who did not compete this week, finished fourth in the rankings.
Kelsey Bernardino, on the other hand, grabbed the lone spot in the girls’
10-12 via the multi-series participation. Abalos wound up with an 89 for a 173 while Althea Bañez shot an 87 for a 175. In the Luzon series, the top four finishers from the 8-9, 13-15 and 16-18 divisions will advance to the finals set October 1 to 4 at The Country Club, along with the top two players from the Visayas and Mindanao series, and standout players from multiple series.
In boys’ 10-12, Ahn charged back with a 76 to force a tie at 154 as Suzuki wavered with an 80. But the former, who competed only in the last two legs, parred the first playoff hole on No. 1 in fading light to clinch the leg title against the latter’s bogey.
Javie Bautista finished third with 159 after a 78.
Despite the setback, Suzuki advanced to the finals, along with topnotcher Vito Sarines, Jose Luis Espinosa and Bautista.
Amit’s primary weapon? Prayers
UBILEN AMIT is headed to the another potential world title in Shanghai to add to the World Pool Association Women’s World 9-Ball crown she won in Hamilton, New Zealand, last week. But besides her pool gear that has gifted her fame and fortune many times over, the 42-year-old from Mandaue City will again pack her heart and soul with her most important equipment—prayers. “I am nothing without God, I’m
UAAP rock party
ONE of my first assignments as a noobie sportswriter back in the mid. 1970s was to cover the opening ceremony of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
I still remember it clear as day, how I clambered up the Rizal Memorial Coliseum’s tiers to take a seat alongside the collegiate crowd one rainy Saturday.
It was surprisingly simple, if I remember correctly. I would liken it to a “Linggo ng Wika” event in today’s kiddie schools,
with dancers performing a simple folk dance. Very different, I thought then, from how the National Colllegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines (NCAA) opened their collegiate league in those days—with snappy cheerleaders clad in their schools’ shiny, colorful satin jackets, yelling their yells.
Fast forward to the UAAP Opening Ceremony Saturday, September 7, and we’ve come a long way, baby! The fastpaced, hour-and-a-half long show was a kaleidoscope of color, a dazzling light show, a sandbox of different musical beats and textures, a coming together of different genres of entertainment and a living iteration of the season’s theme “Stronger, Better, Together.”
Host school University of the Philippines (UP) hammered on the theme throughout the afternoon, with classical music melding with rock, pop and indigenous music; artists from different bands performing as one, music and dance teams collaborating on the floor and chorale group representatives of the different schools singing the UAAP Hymn together with the UP Concert Chorus.
Musical soloists—cellist Patrick Espanto, kulintang artist Mikee Agnazata and guitarist Daniel Morabe—struck the first chord, followed by acoustic artist Johnoy Danao. Then the rich, colorful beat of Edru Abraham’s indigenous music ensemble Kontra Gapi filled the senses, followed by the swirling music of
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TChina’s Chen Siming, 3-1 (1-4, 4-2, 4-2, 4-3) in the final to win the crown and the $50, 000 cash prize thus becoming also the first Filipina to win a world 9-ball title. Josef Ramos
the UP Symphony Orchestra.
Then stars of different rock bands—Slapshack’s Lean Ansing, Franco’s Dave Delfin, Bon Sundiang and Maysh Baay of Moonstar 88—did their rousing version of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” followed by a PPop treat from Kaia and kinetic dancing from multi-awarded dance crew UPeepz.
The biggest treat of the afternoon came from the Eraserheads who completely took over the rest of the opening ceremony, after the introduction of the UAAP Boards of Trustees and Managing Directors, the Athletes’ Parade and the Oath of Sportsmanship.
Right after UAAP Season 87 Chairman, UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez invited everyone to come together in “a spirit of friendship and camaraderie” and UAAP president, UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Carlo Vistan declared the games open, the EHeads—Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala—took their mikes, drummer Raimund Marasigan sat on his drums—and took the crowd on a rock-filled drive down memory lane.
They treated the Araneta Coliseum crowd of 7,429—the biggest in league history for an opening ceremony—to their best songs in a mini concert with a spectacular light show that sent the screams and cellphone flashlights into active mode. It was a wild, awesome ride that had not just the crowd in
their seats, but the athletes on the stage floor and the UAAP officials as well, singing along and dancing in place to the iconic pop group’s hits that afternoon: “Alapaap,” “Sembreak,” “Ligaya,” “Pare Ko,” “Minsan,” “Magasin” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo. A true blending of school colors and identities, as the season theme suggested. Bo Perasol explained the theme and the season logo that inspired
Sandwiched!
NorthPort import Venky Jois powers between Converge’s Justin Arana (15) and Kevin Racal in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup which the FiberXers won, 107-99, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
