BusinessMirror July 18, 2024 by BusinessMirror

DESPITE falling short of the government’s mid-year revenue assumptions, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) remained conﬁdent of reaching its P2.848-trillion full-year revenue goal on the back of taxing vape products and online sellers.

Internal Revenue Commis-

sioner Romeo D. Lumagui

collection from January to June 2024 posted a double-digit growth of 11 percent compared to the same period in 2023. e BIR has collected P1.36 tril-

Govt urged: Form national council for semiconductor biz

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) imposed tighter penalties and amended foreign exchange (FX) regulations to obtain accurate and crucial information on FX transactions.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. issued Circular No. 1197

Series of 2024 to amend regulations on FX transactions “to promote and maintain price stability, ensure ﬁ nancial stability and eﬀectively supervise banks.”

“ ese regulations will likewise enable the BSP to eﬃciently generate reports being used for policy studies and monitoring of the economy and ﬁ nancial system, among others,” the BSP said.

e BSP’s new regulations improve the reporting and com-

pliance for FX transactions, and mandate the central bank to strengthen its oversight of the market, but “not necessarily restrict [FX transactions],” according to a news report by Bloomberg. e Monetary Board, BSP’s policy-making arm, has set a maximum monetary penalty to authorized agent banks (AABs), AAB forex corps, oﬀshore banking units (OBUs), regional operations (ROs), and/or their Directors/Trustees, Oﬃcers and/or Employees (DTOEs), amounting to P1,000,000 for each transactional violation or P100,000 per calendar day for violations of a

THE Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi) is urging the government to establish a national council for the semiconductor industry to tighten the partnership among the sector, academe and the government in order to address workforce development issues within the industry and enhance the product mix in the Philippines, among others. At a brieﬁ ng on Wednesday on the government’s eﬀorts in advancing the integrated-circuit (IC) design in the Philippines, Seipi President Danilo C. Lachica underscored the need to put up a council targeted at executing plans within the semiconductor industry.

Citing Vietnam, which doubled its electronics exports in seven years or more than what the Philippines had accomplished in 50 years, he said, “Well, they have incentives but one of the things that they’re doing right is having a National Council for the semiconductor industry.” Lachica explained the role of Vietnam’s semiconductor council. “ e government, academe, industry...they really look at the global environment, what are the prospects of demand, what companies are we going to attract to Vietnam, what will the incentives be,” Lachica said.

e head of the largest organization of foreign and Filipino electronics companies said should this council be formed in the Philip-

continuing nature.

is, in pursuant to Section 37 or Administrative Sanctions on Bank and Quasi-banks of Republic Act (RA) No. 7653 as amended by Section 37 or Administratice Sanctions on Supervised Entities of RA No. 11211 or the New Central Bank Act.

e Board has also explicitly provided the process for notifying the concerned BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions and/or its DTOE of the FX policy violation and the corresponding amount of monetary penalty and appeal or request for reconsideration.

Moreover, the circular also indicated the revised monetary penalties on violation of reporting standards based on reporting entities and classiﬁcation of report.

e BSP has deﬁ ned reports that are non-compliant with the central bank’s reporting standards as erroneous, delayed and unsubmitted under the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions.

“To ensure fairness, consistency, and reasonableness in monetary or non-monetary penalty imposition, the BSP takes into consideration its general principles, categories of enforcement actions, observance of due process, and attendant circumstances of each case,” the BSP said.

e amended guidelines will enable banks to submit their reports on time in accordance with the BSP’s reporting standards and instill accountability among BSFIs and/or their DTOEs.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

No truth to walkout rumors in military meeting–AFP

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday denied claims that ranking military oﬃcials staged a walkout during the Command Conference held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last week.

In an interview with the media, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said such allegations are “fake news.”

“If you are referring to the Command Conference [last July 4] that’s fake news, I was there personally. ere is nothing of that sort that happened,” she added.

e said Command Conference was held at the AFP Commissioned Oﬃcers’ Club and in attendance

was President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who also served as the military’s Commander-in-Chief.

“It was a very professional exchange of ideas and discussions and there [were] also a lot of updates that [were] given, it ended on a positive note,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said that such a report is

“50 percent fabrication, 50 percent imagination, 100 percent false.”

entire organization for that matter conducts itself with the highest level of professionalism,” he added.

lic to be very careful in picking up stories and always check on the veracity of their sources.

said that there is no truth to the recent commentary made by Brig. Gen. Johnny Macanas Sr. [retired] on a radio “blind item” also referring to the alleged walkout.

founded information, his comments were also misleading and uncharacteristic of any military oﬃcer, active or retired,” it added.

diers are professional and loyal to the chain of command.

any eﬀort to malign our ranks and discredit our commitment to

Govt urged: Form national council for semiconductor biz

pines, it should “look at the key focus areas” and “work in identifying and executing the plans to grow a

particular target market or sector.”

However, when asked by reporters if the government responded to his call to form such a council, he said, “I keep on saying it but I hope

somebody will listen and do it.”

Lachica emphasized that the council would be more efficient if it would only consist of around four to five members. “We like to involve everybody but sometimes too many is not necessarily effective or efficient, more so if you have 12 members in a council; it’s probably not gonna be as efficient as four or five that are truly focused on the specific access that’s needed,” he said, partly in Filipino.

Lachica stressed the imperative to benchmark the Philippines with other countries and to develop the national council for the industry when he discussed workforce development issues and the need to enhance the product mix of the electronics industry in the country.

“It turns out that the product mix here is such that, you know, it’s not really keeping up in terms of the high growth, high margin demand. So that’s where the industry needs to come in. Identify the niches, the products that we need to be producing here that have global demand,” the Seipi chief underscored.

Still, Lachica stressed that the industry cannot do it alone, saying the government also has to enter into the picture.

“So having said that, they can’t

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its growth forecast for the Philippines at 6 percent for this year, with “moderating” inﬂ ation and expected monetary easing in the second half of 2024 supporting household consumption and investment. According to the July 2024 Asian Development Outlook, ADB’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for the Philippines remains unchanged for 2024 and 2025 at 6 percent, and 6.2 percent, respectively.

e ADB noted in its outlook update that domestic demand, along with a recovery in merchandise exports, drove the 5.7-percent GDP growth in the ﬁ rst quarter of 2024.

e regional development bank noted that household consumption growth, while below last year’s level, remained the “main contributor” supported by low unemployment and remittances from overseas workers.

“Brisk public infrastructure spending continued to lift growth,” the ADB outlook also noted.

do it by themselves. And that’s why, you know, we’ve looked at the government also for support: the DOST [Department of Science and Technolofy], DTI [Department of Trade], the President, because whether you’re talking about incentives or the ease of doing business or regulatory environment, the industry can’t do much without the support of the government,” he said.

“Let’s listen to the customers, the leaders like academe and private industry to kind of ﬂesh out the actual details of how you plan to make this work,” he also noted. e Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry remains the top contributor to Philippines’s total exports, accounting for around 56.9 percent of $41.91 billion in 2023 and the third largest contributor to the country’s manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA), accounting for 11 percent of the total manufacturing GVA for the same period.

“Globally, the Philippines accounted for 2.7 percent of world [integrated circuit] IC exports and has been among the top 10 exporters for at least the last decade with [compound annual growth rate] CAGR of 7.9 percent,” the Board of Investments noted.

e ADB also explained that merchandise exports rebounded, particularly electronic products which occupy 60 percent of the country’s exports pie, while services exports, including tourism and business process outsourcing, remained buoyant.

With this, ADB retained the growth forecast for the Philippines at 6 percent for 2024 and 6.2 percent for 2025.

Moving forward, moderating inﬂ ation and expected monetary easing in the second half of 2024 will support household consumption and investment, said the ADB.

Forecast for region

MEANWHILE, the ADB slightly raised its economic growth forecast for developing Asia and the Paciﬁc this year to 5 percent from a previous projection of 4.9 percent, as rising regional exports complement “resilient” domestic demand, while the growth outlook for next year is maintained at 4.9 percent.

ADB said, however, that it sees inﬂ ation slowing to 2.9 percent this year amid easing global food prices and the “lingering” eﬀects of higher interest rates.

by 11.74 percent than what it collected a year ago, according to the

However, the BIR fell short by 3 percent or P43 million in reaching the P1.403-trillion revenue target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Com-

Lumagui said he “hopes” that the imposition of revenue stamps on vape products and its strict monitoring on the imports of illicit vape and cigarettes will drive BIR’s collection eﬀorts in the remaining

“We’ve seen an increase in number of registered vape products and increase in collections since we started implementing the stamps on vape products,”

e BIR will also bank on the recent imposition of the 1 percent creditable withholding tax on online sellers to compensate for the revenue shortfall.

Lumagui said the extension of taxing online sellers, which was supposed to begin last April 2024 but was extended until July 15 due to requests, resulted to the delay in tax collections.

With the imposition of creditable withholding taxes to online sellers in place, Lumagui said the government will stand to gain billions, not indicating ﬁgures.

“We don’t know the universe of the entire online transactions or online selling industry. at’s why one of the primary reasons of imposing this is so that we will have the visibility on online transactions,” Lumagui explained.

Illicit vape products and cigarettes smuggled into the country and online sellers’ or businesses’ non-payment of taxes deprive the government of much-needed taxes to generate funding for its programs and projects.

Whether the close to P3 trillion revenue target, or exactly P2.848 trillion, is within reach, Lumagui said the BIR is doing everything it can to achieve it.

e national government targets to raise a total of P4.269 trillion in revenues with no new taxes to be imposed this year.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the Department of Finance will depend on the two main tax collecting agencies’ intensiﬁed collections to generate funds.

For the Philippines, ADB also maintained its inﬂ ation forecast at 3.8 percent this year and 3.4 percent next year.

Near-term risks THE regional development bank unveiled near-term risks for the region such as election outcomes in major economies, geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation. ese, it said, could lead to “renewed” supply chain disruptions, higher food and energy prices and increased global economic uncertainty. It also cited the “further deterioration” in China’s property market, as well as escalating trade frictions, which could “weaken” growth prospects in PRC. Another risk in the near-term, ADB noted, is weather-related events such as the impending La Niña. “Adverse weather conditions and impacts of climate change could constrain supply and push up commodity prices,” said ADB. On the other hand, “higherthan-expected” rainfall and cooler temperatures due to La Niña represent an “upside risk” to the outlook.

DOTr signs cooperation agreement with Jica

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Department of Transporta-

tion (DOTr) has signed a tech-

nical cooperation project (TCP) agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) aimed at “enhancing the quality and efficiency” of the Philippines’ road transport systems.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Wednesday that the agreement “is a step towards improving public transportation in Metro Manila and surrounding regions.”

“Our focus with this cooperation project is clear: to improve road transport systems in Metro Manila and surrounding regions,” he said, emphasizing on the role of the Jica in helping bolster road-based public transport capacities and enhancing inter-modality of transport systems.

The TCP will facilitate various capacity development initiatives, including route planning, improvement of intermodal facilities, and service level monitoring.

These initiatives are poised to strengthen road projects such as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), Edsa Busway, Active Transport Program, and Edsa Greenways Projects.

Collectively, these efforts are expected to “promote the use of public transport and help ease traffic congestion in the metropolis,” Bautista said. Jica Chief Representative to the Philippines Takema Sakamoto underscored the strategic importance of this partnership, citing the exportation of Japanese expertise in transportation development to the Philippines.

A decade ago, Jica estimated that the Philippines loses P2.4 billion per day in traffic costs in Metro Manila alone. The figure for transport losses in neighboring cities and provinces amounts to P1 billion daily.

In theory, then, the Philippines loses P1.24 trillion per year on traffic costs alone.

By 2030, the country is projected to post P2.19 trillion in loses annually on transport costs.

Local groups donate ₧300k to Red Cross’ Blood Samaritan Program

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC)

received P300,000 in donations from the Manila Rose Lions Club, Wang Zhao Zhi, and Manila Volunteer Lions Club to fund the Blood Samaritan Program (BSP), which PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon initiated in 2006.

The three groups contributed P100,000 each for the BSP, which will be used to cover the payment of blood processing fees of legitimate indigent patients in need of blood transfusion. The donation was turned over at the National Blood Donors Month celebration and recognition ceremony on July 16 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City, organized by the PRC Rizal Chapter. On hand to witness the donation

SEN. Christopher Go personally extended additional support to struggling residents in Catarman, Northern Samar, during his visit on Tuesday, July 16. Highlighting the significance of improving the quality of life for the poor, Go reiterated his dedication to boosting the health and welfare of Filipinos starting from the community level, to ensure a secure and healthier future for all.

During his visit, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed essential support to 948 residents during relief activities held at the Freedom Park Covered Court in Catarman. These items included food packs, snacks, vitamins, facemasks, shirts, sling bags, basketballs, and volleyballs. Select beneficiaries also received a bicycle, mobile phone, watch, and shoes. Through the initiative of Go in coordination with Mayor Francisco “Antet” Rosales III and the national government, financial aid was disbursed to each qualified beneficiary.

Go commended the efforts of local leaders with whom he collaborated to extend support to needy sectors, including Reps. Paul A. Daza and Harris

Congress bicameral committee approves Maritime Zones bill

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

TO reinforce the country’s maritime sovereignty, the congressional Bicameral Conference Committee on Wednesday approved the Maritime Zones bill, which aims to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its waters.

The bicam-approved bill delineates the country’s maritime domains in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

Negross Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, the author of the bill and a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the Maritime Zones bill, expressed the urgency and importance of this piece of legislation.

“The Maritime Zones Law is long overdue. We urgently need a law delineating our maritime domains to assert the extent of our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in accordance with Unclos,” Benitez said.

In the bill, Benitez said the House and Senate clarified the extent of the Philippines’ internal and archipelagic waters, ensuring that the definitions align with the Constitution and Unclos, saying this alignment is crucial for protecting the nation’s internal waters from the unlawful entry of foreign vessels.

“The passage of this law will strengthen our assertion of maritime entitlements over the West Philippine Sea, which is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone, and Philippine Rise,

turnover were PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang, PRC-Parañaque Branch Council Chairman Anson Ong, Parañaque Rep. Edwin Olivarez and Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, along with representatives from the donor groups. Pang, speaking on behalf of Gordon, pointed out that the number of Filipinos in need of blood transfusion remains high in the country.

“Unfortunately, in low and middle income countries, problem pa rin ang source of blood,” she said.

She urged the public to become “blood champions” or “blood advocates,” encouraging families, friends, and peers to donate blood through the PRC to sustain its blood banks.

From 2023 to July 2024, the BSP has served 75,544 indigent patients.

Christopher Ongchuan, Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan, Vice Gov. Clarence Datu, and Vice Mayor Francisco “Jun” Rosales Jr., among others. During the event, Rosales took the opportunity to express his gratitude and highlight the significant contributions of Go. He also called on the residents to support Go’s initiatives, linking their local progress to the senator’s broader efforts. Additionally, as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged the community to visit the Malasakit Center at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman. First established in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together concerned agencies to provide particularly poor and indigent patients with access to medical assistance programs.

Go is also advocating for expanding access to primary medical services through the establishment of Super Health Centers nationwide. With the support of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and DOH, funds were allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers, including seven in Northern Samar.

which is part of our extended continental shelf,” Benitez added.

He emphasized the bill’s role in laying the foundation for future submissions to the United Nations on the limits of the country’s continental shelf, including the recent claim for the region of West Palawan.

This bill also supports two other significant pieces of maritime governance legislation that have passed the House and are pending in the Senate: the designation of archipelagic sea lanes and the Blue Economy Bill, which mandates maritime spatial planning.

“We look forward to the signing by the President of this Maritime Zones bill, which he committed to do during his keynote speech,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chinese fishing ban in the South China Sea which partly covers the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea is taking its toll on Filipino fisherfolk, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) reported.

The group said that Filipino fishermen been losing around 60 percent of his income per fishing trip of five to six days since Beijing imposed its four-month-long fishing ban.

This was disclosed by Pamalakaya after holding a consultation with operators in Subic town in Zambales.

At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino promptly assured legal assistance to the family of a missing Filipino fisherman victim of hit-and-run on the waters off Subic, Zambales, on July 3 by a foreign cargo vessel at the West Phil -

ippine Sea (WPS).

Extending legal aid to the family of missing fisherman Jose Mondoniedo, Tolentino said: “it is a case of WPS hit-and-run,” adding that “the foreign ship responsible is being tracked down as charges will be filed.”

Tolentino personally visited and extended aid to the family of Mondoniedo.

Pamalakaya learned that the income of fishermen has decreased from P10,000 to less than P4,000 per fishing expedition near Panatag Shoal, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal.

China’s unilateral fishing moratorium started in May and is expected to last until September 16.

“The presence of Chinese vessels has intensified since our territorial waters have been placed under a fishing moratorium. While we don’t experience direct untoward incidents with these huge vessels, their overwhelming presence effectively impedes our regular fishing activities,” Joey Marabe, PamalakayaZambales provincial coordinator said in a statement.

The group said that it is also coordinating with other fishering operators and associations in Pangasinan and La Union provinces to look into their situation amid the fishing ban.

“We are continuously coordinating with other associations that sail to the West Philippine Sea to know more about their current predicament, especially now that China has increased its presence in the territory,” Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice chairman said.

Tolentino also spoke with Jose’s wife Delia, 43, and their children: Kayla Marie, 21, Kyle Ryan, 17, and Kylyn Maine, 8 at the Mondoniedos’ ancestral home in barangay Cawag. Tolentino handed cash assistance for the education of the couple’s three children, and committed to find a scholarship program for them, apart from also giving a laptop and printer to Kayla Marie, an education major at Kolehiyo ng Subic.

Jose’s older brother Robert, 47, recounted the July 3 incident before Tolentino and Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun. Robert also received cash assistance from the senator. Robert affirmed his earlier account that it was a cargo vessel with Chinese character markings and the words, ‘Yang Fu,’ which smashed against their fishing boat that was then tied to a payao, while they were having lunch at 12:30 noon of July 3. In addition, Robert also said that he saw his younger brother being swept under the cargo ship, adding that Jose’s body emerged from the water minutes later off the ship’s propeller, unconscious and facing down. Tolentino in turn also shared with the Mondoniedos that the Coast Guard is already looking into two ships of interest that are currently docked in Indonesia.

Asked by reporters for updates about the actions of the government, Tolentino said he already coordinated with the Department of Justice in order to gather facts and file charges against the ship that would be found responsible. With Butch Fernandez and Jonathan L. Mayuga

MMDA to deploy more than 1,300 personnel for Sona

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

ATOTAL of 1,329 personnel will be deployed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos July 22 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said that the agency’s personnel are tasked to manage both vehicular and pedestrian traffic; assist in emergency response; conduct road and sidewalk clearing operations as well as assist in crowd control and traffic monitoring.

“The MMDA is 100 percent ready for the President’s Sona. We are in close coordination with the Task Force Sona 2024, Quezon City Police District, Presidential Security Group, House of Representatives, and Quezon City government to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly Sona,” said Artes.

He added that the agency will implement a “no day off, no absent” policy among the assigned personnel to ensure the effective delegation of functions during the conduct of Sona.

As part of its traffic management plan, the MMDA shall implement a zipper lane or counterflow on the southbound portions of Commonwealth Avenue to give way to vehicles of government officials and guests going to the Batasang Pambansa Complex. Batasan-IBP Road, meanwhile, will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8 a.m. onwards as part of security measures.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid the anticipated heavy traffic on Commonwealth Avenue and in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex, especially at about 3 p.m. when dignitaries start arriving.

Alternate routes:

Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview)

n Vehicles from Elliptical Road should take North Avenue, right turn at Mindanao Avenue, then right turn to Sauyo Road or take Quirino Highway to reach the point of destination.

Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle)

n Vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue should take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, turn left at Mindanao Avenue, then turn left at North Avenue to reach the point of destination.

For light vehicles

n Light vehicles from C5 Road may turn left at Magiting St., turn right at Maginhawa St., turn left at Mayaman St. to Kalayaan Avenue to reach the point of destination.

For trucks

n All trucks coming from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue should take Luzon

Flyover then turn left at Congressional Avenue to reach the point of destination.

An MMDA Mobile Command Center, equipped with CCTV monitors, will be deployed at Batasan corner Commonwealth area.

Moreover, Sona protest actions will be monitored at the newly enhanced MMDA Communications and Command Center located in Pasig City. Ambulances, tow trucks, mobile patrol units, motorcycle units, and flood mitigation equipment, among others, will also be dispatched at designated routes and staging areas.

Traffic advisory signage will be installed along alternate routes to serve as a guide for motorists. Plastic barriers and traffic cones will also be put up along zipper lanes and affected roads. Traffic flow is expected to ease within the vicinity of Batasang Pambansa after the President has delivered his Sona.

Jinggoy seeks donation of excess edible food to charitable institutions

SENATE President Pro Tempore

Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a bill that once enacted into law will require food manufacturers and establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, diners, fast food chains, hotels, supermarkets, and culinary schools, to donate their excess edible food for charitable purposes.

Nakakalungkot malaman napakaraming pagkain ang nasasayang habang marami rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nagugutom,” Estrada bemoaned, citing recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showing an increase in the number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger—14.2 percent in March 2024 compared to 12.6 percent in December last year.

He noted that “involuntary hunger,” according to SWS, refers to “experiencing hunger and not having access to food at least once in the past three months.”

At the same time, Estrada recalled

that figures reported by the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) under the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), show 88 kilograms of food is wasted by an average Filipino every year, and more than 35 percent of food waste comes not from households but from the food service and retail sector.

Senate Bill 1644, the proposed Food Surplus Reduction Act that Estrada filed, aims to adopt a system to promote, facilitate, and ensure the reduction of food surplus through redistribution and recycling.

As filed, SB 1644, provides that owners of covered establishments must segregate their edible from inedible food surplus.

It also provides that a duly trained sanitary inspector from the local government unit will check and assess before approving if the edible food is fit for consumption before donating

it to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-accredited food banks. The DSWD-accredited food banks will distribute the edible food surplus to those in need, in coordination with the local governments. Moreover, the DSWD shall provide the guidelines and standards for the collection, storage, and distribution of edible food donated to food banks.

Estrada’s bill includes a provision creating a self-sufficiency program for the intended beneficiaries to have skills training in managing food banks and livelihood programs to avoid dependency on donations. Also, a liability protection clause is included to protect food donors from possible abuses and encourage donations.

Food-related business owners are liable only while the the food surplus is still in their possession. Once the donation reaches accredited food banks, they are exempt from any liability or injury related to it. The reselling of donated food is strictly prohibited, Estrada said, adding that those caught will face a penalty of prision mayor and those who would cause edible food surplus unfit for

“The reduction of food waste will not only address

A4 Thursday, July 18, 2024

Pagcor income from Pogos seen to hit ₧7B in ’24

ABy Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

S the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) acknowledged before Congress that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators’ (Pogos) revenue contribution is expected to hit P7 billion this year, the chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means said on Wednesday that President Marcos can address the issue of Pogos in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.

Albay Rep. Jose Clemente “Joey” Sarte Salceda believes that Marcos can effectively address the issue of these internet gaming licensees in his Sona by emphasizing the importance of adhering to the country’s laws.

“It’s simple: Implement the law. Follow the law. Enforce the law. If you enforce

the law, naturally you will catch violators,” Salceda said in a statement. Pogos are expected to be a focal point in Marcos’s third Sona on July 22 at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, especially given the industry’s recent notoriety oing to alleged links to syndicated crime. Salceda pointed out the distinction between compliant Pogos and those operating illegally.

“If you hear news of violations, that’s because Pagcor and law enforcement are catching them. Let the law work,” said Salceda, who had been consistent in his backing of legitimate Pogos.

He has previously opposed a total ban on Pogos solely to target those involved in criminal activities. As chairman of the House tax panel, Salceda highlighted Pagcor’s improved vetting process for Internet Gaming Licensees

Group: Cadmium, lead present in common school materials

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition on Wednesday called the attention of consumers and concerned government agencies about the presence of hazardous chemicals like cadmium and lead in some common school materials.

The group said it is unacceptable to find toxic cadmium and lead, which are linked to decreased cognitive abilities, learning difficulties, and other adverse health effects, in things that parents buy for their children’s schooling, adding that children are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to chemical exposure.

As such, EcoWaste Coalition is pushing

for a full ban on hazardous chemicals in school supplies and other children’s products that may affect them upon exposure.

“Our latest market investigation shows that toxic school supplies remain a public health issue that our society, consumers, regulators, and educators in particular, should be concerned about,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

“To protect our children’s health, we must impose a full ban on hazardous chemicals in school supplies and other children’s products. And we need to make it mandatory for the chemical ingredients of a product to be marked on the packaging, starting with products marketed for children’s use such as school supplies and toys.”

(IGLs), the new designation for Pogos.

In a hearing on Wednesday, Pagcor Chairman Al Tengco told lawmakers the number of licensed operators and service providers has been drastically reduced following a comprehensive review and new regulations implemented in July 2023.

“Upon review, we found that many of the 298 licensed operators did not meet the standards set,” Tengco explained. “After revising our policies and regulations, we initiated a thorough purge of non-compliant licensees.”

As of Tuesday, Tengco said three more operators have been suspended pending further investigation.

Citing revenue impact, Jessa Mariz Fernandez, Pagcor assistant vice president, who heads the agency’s Gaming Licensing Department, said in 2023, Pagcor generated P5.17 billion from 87 licensees and providers. This is a huge

According to Geminn Louis Apostol, environmental health specialist, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health— Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI): “Children are most vulnerable to environmental toxicants because they breathe more air, drink more water and consume more food in proportion to their body weight and because their bodily systems and defenses are still developing. Children’s hand-mouth and hand-object behavior further contributes to increased exposures to these toxicants, which may affect a child’s development and even her or his health later in life.”

To generate science-based data for its continuing advocacy towards chemical safety and zero waste, the EcoWaste Coalition from July 5 to 13 procured a total of 110 assorted schools supplies—from backpacks to paper clips—from retail stores in Caloocan, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Pasay, Taguig and Quezon cities, and a few online sellers.

contrast to the P2.99 billion from the year before, which came from 158 licensees.

For 2024, despite the reduced number of licensees, which is now at 78, Fernandez said Pagcor estimates revenue to reach P7 billion, barring unforeseen circumstances.

“Pagcor’s efforts have ensured that legitimate operators can thrive while contributing significantly to the economy,” Fernandez said.

The group examined the product labeling information and then screened the items for heavy metals using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device, which can identify and measure elements like heavy metals in a sample.

Based on its examination of the product labels, the EcoWaste Coalition revealed that:

a. 60 of the products had zero labeling information, while the rest are inadequately labeled (for example, no manufacturer’s or distributor’s markings);

b. none of the samples had chemicals in products (CiP) information depriving consumers of their right to know and make sound purchasing decisions; and

c. 11 crayons do not have the “nontoxic” mark, indicating conformity to government-set toxicity limits.

Based on the XRF chemical screening it conducted, the EcoWaste Coalition found:

a. 18 backpacks and lunch bags, mostly decorated with cartoon characters, were

Moreover, Fernandez also noted a shift in the Pogo industry, with a growing number of direct and indirect hires being Filipino rather than Chinese.

As of June 2024, there are 31,369 Filipino employees and 35,465 foreign employees in the POGO industry, said Pagcor.

Compliance monitoring has also resulted in substantial fines and penalties. In 2023, Pagcor collected $2.43 million in fines. As of June 2024, $570,000 has already been collected, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enforce regulations strictly.

The House Committee on Public Order and Safety and the House Committee on Games and Amusement have been directed by Speaker Martin Romualdez to conduct the investigation.

This move, Romualdez said, underscored the government’s commitment to curbing

found to contain 168 to 2,224 ppm of lead, with three items laden with both lead and cadmium;

b. One pouch bag had 28,230 ppm lead detected on the yellow paint of its zipper;

c. Four of the stainless steel water bottles were coated with paints with lead ranging from 3,220 ppm to over 100,000 ppm, way above the 90 ppm limit for lead in paints and similar surface coatings;

d. Seven plastic envelopes, folders, and notebook covers contained cadmium from 130 ppm to 330 ppm, exceeding the European Union’s limit of 100 ppm for cadmium in all plastics;

e. Three kiddie raincoats contained 282 ppm to 317 ppm of cadmium, higher than the EU’s 100 limit for cadmium in plastics;

f. Seven brands of vinyl-coated paper clips contained 6,740 ppm to 30,710 ppm of lead, surpassing the EU limit of 1,000 ppm for lead in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic; and

g. Seven erasers were labeled PVC or qualified as PVC by the XRF screening (soft PVC-based products may contain toxic plasticizers called “phthalates,” which are restricted in toys, but not yet in school supplies).

EcoWaste Coalition explained that the detection of lead in some of the analyzed

illegal activities and ensuring that existing regulations are effectively enforced.

The House leader expressed his deep concern over the persistence of these unlawful operators, which continue to operate despite stringent regulations.

In the same hearing, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty reiterated the DOJ’s support for the proposals banning POGOs, citing persistent criminal activities associated with the industry.

“We cannot deny that criminal activities occur in Pogos,” Ty said, adding, “We likewise cannot deny that the licenses of Pogos or IGLs have often been used as a veneer of legality for their illegal activities.”

The DOJ position comes amid growing concerns over the adverse impacts of Pogos, including money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit operations.

school supplies may indicate the use of lead in paints or surface coatings, as well as its use as plastic colorants and stabilizers, while the detection of cadmium in PVC products may indicate its use as plastic stabilizers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said lead “is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems, including the neurologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems.” The WHO also warned, “children are particularly vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of lead, and even relatively low levels of exposure can cause serious and in some cases irreversible neurological damage.”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (Iarc) categorizes cadmium (Iarc) as “carcinogenic to humans.” It is also recognized as a reproductive and developmental toxicant associated with reduced birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and birth defects in humans, as well as behavioral and learning disabilities.

Both cadmium and lead are included in the Priority Chemicals List of the Philippines, and the WHO’s list of 10 chemicals of groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

ALBAY Rep. Jose Clemente Sarte Salceda

15. SHI, LULU Shift Leader

Brief Job Description: Handling deposit/fund transfer transactions.

16. RAJAPPAN, RAJEEV Assistant General Manager - Client Relationship

Brief Job Description: Responsible for heading the overall HR Client Relationship division in the company’s Manila office.

BORING BUSINESS CULTURE INC.

5/f Herco Center, 114 Benavidez St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

18. SHENG, TIANZI Chinese Speaking Data Analyst

Brief Job Description: Manage master data, including creation, updates, and deletion, manage users and user roles, provide quality assurance of imported data, working with quality assurance analysts, if necessary, process confidential data and information according to guidelines.

19. LI, QING Chinese Speaking Social Media Coordinator

Brief Job Description: Researching audience preferences and discover current trends, creating engaging text, image and video content, designing posts to sustain readers’ curiosity and creating buzz around new products.

20. PAN, TAO Database Administrator

Brief Job Description: Employ specialized software to organize and keep track of data and manage access to systems that store company information.

Must be native Indonesian/ Vietnamese/Singaporean/ Korean/Japanese/ Malaysian/Taiwanese/ Indian/Cambodian/Thai/ Chinese and fluent in English and respective native language. With at least a year experience in similar field.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, with experience in business management, product and research development, computer/software training, marketing/sales, or related field and fluent in both written and verbal English and Chinese/ Mandarin languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BRIGHTLEISURE MANAGEMENT INC. 10/f Newport Entertainment & C Bldg. Newport City, Manlunas, Barangay 183, Pasay City

21. HAWKE, LAURENCE JAMES Chief Financial Officer

Brief Job Description: Senior/executive finance management.

Basic Qualification: Completed professional exams on tax. 10 yrs. of experience in accounting firm.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

CAPGEMINI PHILIPPINES CORP. 12f, Ten West Campus Bldg., Le Grand Avenue, Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig 22. SENGUPTA, SANJOY Senior Director

CMEC

47.

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Accounts Officer (Mandarin Speaking)

Brief Job Description: To create and maintain extensive financial and process payment.

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Accounts Officer (Mandarin Speaking)

Brief Job Description:

To create and maintain extensive financial and process payment.

INFOSYS BPM LIMITED - PHILIPPINE BRANCH 19th-23rd Flr., Bgc Corporate Center, 11th Ave. Corner 30th Sts., City Of Taguig

86. BERIWAL, VINAY KUMAR Senior Transition Program Manager

Brief Job Description: Lead all Transition Programs for the center and implement the defined internal and external governance strategies (Risks, Issues, Communication, Compliance, People and Reporting) to create a “zero surprise” environment. Work with

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD.

Levels 6-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

89. CRUZ, MARTINHO ANTONIO DA Senior Collector Specialist - Portuguese

Brief Job Description:

Reviews open invoices to understand why they are not yet paid and do necessary steps in order to be settle at the earliest possible.

Salary Range:

MAHINDER AND FRIENDS INT’L. LENDING AND TRADING CORP.

J Nakpil St., 1052, Barangay 688, Malate, City Of Manila

90. KHATTRA, AMANDEEP SINGH Marketing Manager

Brief Job Description: Develop, conduct research, and market plans.

MOL ENTERPRISE (PHILIPPINES) INC.

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OPTICTIMES TECHNOLOGY (PHILIPPINES) LTD. CO. INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

125. LIANG, XUEJIANG Sales Representative

Brief Job Description: Presenting sales proposals to potential customers, maintaining client records and build relationships with existing customers.

PACIFIC SEA BPO SERVICES, INC. 16/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

126. CARLOS, BENVINDO EUCLIDES GUENGA Data Analyst Officer

Bilingual

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Israeli airstrikes kill more than 60 Palestinians, including strikes on ‘safe zone’ and UN school

By Wafaa Shurafa The Associated Press

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza

Strip—Israeli airstrikes killed more than 60 Palestinians in southern and central Gaza overnight and into Tuesday, including one that struck an Israeli-declared “safe zone” crowded with thousands of displaced people.

Airstrikes in recent days have brought a constant drumbeat of deaths of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, even as Israel has pulled back or scaled down major ground offensives in the north and south. Almost daily strikes have hit the “safe zone” covering some 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) along the Mediterranean coast, where Israel told fleeing Palestinians to take refuge to escape ground assaults. Israel has said it is pursuing Hamas militants who are hiding among civilians after offensives uprooted underground tunnel networks. Tuesday’s deadliest strike hit a main street lined with market stalls outside the southern city of Khan Younis in Muwasi, at the heart of the zone that is packed with tent camps. Officials at Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital said 17

people were killed. Apparently referring to the strike, the Israeli military said in a statement that it targeted a commander in Islamic Jihad’s naval unit west of Khan Younis. It said it was looking into reports that civilians were killed. The attack hit about a kilometer (0.6 miles) from a compound that Israel struck on Saturday, saying it was targeting Hamas’ top military commander, Mohammed Deif. That blast, in an area also surrounded by tents, killed more than 90 Palestinians, including children, according to Gaza health officials. It is still not known if Deif was killed in the strike. The new airstrikes came as Israel and Hamas continued to weigh the latest cease-fire proposal. Hamas has said talks meant to wind down the nine-month-long

Authorities urge universities in Bangladesh to close after 6 die in protests over government job allocation

By Julhas Alam The Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh—Authorities in Bangladesh urged all universities to close on Wednesday, after at least six people died in violent protests over the allocation of government jobs.

Some universities quickly moved to comply, but others, including Dhaka University at the center of the violence, were still deciding how to respond.

The University Grants Commission asked all public and private universities to suspend classes and empty their dormitories until further notice, in order to protect students. The country’s universities are run autonomously and the request did not have legal force.

Authorities said that at least six people were killed on Tuesday in violence across the country as student protesters clashed with progovernment student activists and with police, and violence was reported around the capital, Dhaka, the southeastern city of Chattogram and the northern city of Rangpur.

The protests began late last month, demanding an end to a quota that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence in 1971, but turned violent on Monday as protesters clashed with counterprotests and police at Dhaka University, leaving 100 people injured.

Violence spread overnight to Jahangir

Nagar University in Savar, outside Dhaka, and was reported elsewhere around the country on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, stray protests took place at Dhaka University and elsewhere in the country.

Police were deployed on the campus, while paramilitary border forces patrolled the streets in Dhaka and other big cities.

The quota system was temporarily halted in 2018, following a court order that followed an earlier wave of mass student protests in 2018. But last month, Bangladesh’s High Court nullified that decision, angering students and triggering renewed protests.

The quota system also reserves government jobs for women, disabled people and members of ethnic minorities, but protesters have only sought to end the quota for families of veterans.

Protesters argue the veterans’ families quota is discriminatory, and argue it benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement. Ruling party leaders accuse the opposition of backing the protests.

Protesters have said they are apolitical.

Hasina defended the quota system Tuesday, saying that the veterans deserve the highest respect for their sacrifice in 1971 regardless of their current political affiliation.

“Abandoning the dream of their own life, leaving behind their families, parents and everything, they joined the war with whatever they had,” she said during an event at her office in Dhaka.

war would continue, even after Israel targeted Deif. International mediators are working to push Israel and Hamas toward a deal that would halt the fighting and free about 120 hostages held by the militant group in Gaza.

Israeli forces have repeatedly had to launch new offensives to combat Hamas fighters they say have been regrouping in parts of Gaza that the military has previously invaded. Still, the military has sounded increasingly confident that it has severely damaged the militants’ organization and infrastructure in its 9-month-old campaign.

The military said Tuesday that it has eliminated half of the leadership of Hamas’ military wing and that some 14,000 militants have

been killed or detained. It said it killed six brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and approximately 150 company commanders from Hamas’ ranks, and that over the course of the war, it has hit 37,000 targets from the air within the Gaza Strip, including more than 25,000 terrorist infrastructure and launch sites.

The figures could not be independently confirmed.

Israel’s ground campaigns have focused on northern Gaza and the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, where it says it has destroyed extensive Hamas tunnel networks. The offensives have left entire neighborhoods flattened. While ground operations continue in Rafah, airstrikes now appear to be hitting heavily in the areas

untouched by previous offensives in the center and the coastal “safe zone.”

Strikes late Monday and on Tuesday hit the Nuseirat and Zawaida refugee camps in central Gaza. Strikes on four houses killed at least 24 people, including 10 women and four children, according to officials at Al Aqsa hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah.

Another hit a UN school in Nuseirat where families were sheltering, killing at least nine people. AP footage showed the school’s yard covered in rubble and twisted metal from a struc

ture that was hit. Workers carried bodies wrapped in blankets, as women and children watched from the classrooms where they have been living.

Israel’s military said Hamas militants were operating from the school to plan attacks. Its claim could not be independently confirmed.

Other strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah killed 12 people, according to medical officials and AP journalists. An AP journalist counted the bodies at the hospital before a funeral was held at its gates.

The military said air force planes struck some 40 targets in Gaza over the past day, among them observation posts, Hamas military structures and explosives-rigged buildings. Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties because the militants operate

in densely populated areas.

The Israeli military said Tuesday that it would begin sending draft notices to Jewish ultra-Orthodox men next week—a step that could destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and trigger more large protests in the community. Under long-standing political arrangements, ultra-Orthodox men had been exempt from the draft, which is compulsory for most Jewish men—an exemption that created resentment among the general public in Israel.

The war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, has killed more than 38,600 people, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The war has created a humanitarian catastrophe in the coastal Palestinian territory, displaced most of its 2.3 million population and triggered widespread hunger.

Hamas’ October attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and militants took about 250 hostage. About 120 remain in captivity, with about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities. Violence has also surged in the West Bank. On Tuesday a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli policeman, wounding him lightly, before another officer opened fire, killing the assailant who was identified as a 19-year-old from Gaza.

Upcoming climate talks prioritize urgent financial aid for disaster-struck nations

By Seth Borenstein Ap Science Writer

THE head of upcoming climate negotiations told world leaders Wednesday that a new financial aid package for poor and disaster-struck nations is the urgent, make-or-break goal of United Nations talks this fall.

“Time lost is lives, livelihoods and the planet lost,” said Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijan ecology minister and president-designate of November climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan.

At the same time, Simon Stiell, the United Nations’ top climate official, made an emotional plea for a stepped-up fight against “the growing cost of unchecked climate carnage “ from his hurricane-demolished hometown of Carriacou, Grenada, in some of the first video from the devastated island.

“Beryl is yet more painful proof,” Stiell, executive secretary of the UN’s climate agency, said from the remnants of a neighbor’s house that had lost its roof and walls. “Every year fossil fuel-driv -

en climate costs are an economic wrecking ball hitting billions of households and small businesses.

If governments everywhere don’t step up, every economy and 8 billion people will face this bluntforce trauma head-on on a continuous basis.”

Beryl, a record-breaking storm that rapidly intensified, destroyed or severely damaged 98 percent of the island’s homes with “devastation that has become all too familiar to hundreds of millions of people all around the world,” Stiell said.

He noted this year’s four-figure death toll from heat in India, more than 1,000 dead from heat in Saudi Arabia during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and millions of people left without power during a brutal heat wave in Texas in calling global warming a national security threat to every country.

Stiell cited a scientific study saying the world is locked in to a yearly $38 trillion economic hit from climate change, saying it puts poorer countries into a spiral of debt that prevents them from providing education or health care

or digging out of the financial hole from disasters.

That’s at the heart of two key issues to be discussed in November in climate negotiations in Azerbaijan. In his letter to world leaders, negotiations president-designate Babayev said a new international goal for climate financial aid from rich to poor countries is the “centerpiece” and most pressing issue.

Governments have to agree on a new goal to improve upon the annual $100 billion that rich countries once pledged to give to poorer nations to help them move to less carbon polluting economies.

Countries promised in 2009 they’d hit that $100 billion a year mark by 2020. They finally reached it earlier this year.

Meetings in Germany in June to lay the groundwork for some kind of new money agreement didn’t get the “necessary progress’’ needed, Babayev wrote.

In a statement, Babayev said his country can help build a bridge between rich and poor “but we all need to walk across it. In fact, we need to start running.”

So Babayev is asking the head climate negotiators from many countries to come to Azerbaijan later this month for an informal retreat to push things along. He’s also asked veteran negotiators from Denmark and Egypt to chart the path toward a new agreed-upon financial aid goal.

On top of financial aid for decarbonization, there’s a fund agreed to in 2022 and enacted in 2023 called loss and damage. It is a version of reparations from wealthy nations that burn more heat-trapping fossil fuels than less developed nations, like Grenada, that not only don’t use as much carbon but get hit with a disproportionate share of climaterelated disasters.

Babayev said another goal is to get the loss-and-damage fund moving so it can pay out “much needed and long-awaited funds as soon as possible.”

“The only way out of this is together,” Stiell said from Carriacou. “What the climate crisis did to my grandmother’s house must not become humanity’s new normal. We can still prevent that.”

Traces of cyanide found in blood of six Vietnamese and Americans found dead in Bangkok luxury hotel

BBy Jintamas Saksornchai & Napat Kongsawad

The Associated Press

ANGKOK—Initial autopsy results showed traces of cyanide in the blood of six Vietnamese and American guests at a central Bangkok luxury hotel and one of them is believed to have poisoned the others over a bad investment, Thai authorities said Wednesday. The bodies were found Tuesday in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, a landmark at a central intersection in the capital busy with malls, government buildings and public transit.

Thai police force’s forensic division, said there were traces of cyanide in the cups and thermoses that police found in the room.

The six had last been seen alive when food was delivered to the room Monday afternoon. The staff saw one woman receive the food, and security footage showed the rest arriving one by one shortly after. There were no other visitors, no one was seen leaving and the door was locked. A maid found them Tuesday afternoon when they failed to check out of the room. Lt. Gen. Trairong Piwpan, chief of the

This was later confirmed by the initial autopsy results of the six bodies that was performed at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital. Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin, head of the forensic medicine department at Chulalongkorn University’s medical school, said at a news conference that there was cyanide found in the blood of all six bodies, and a CAT scan showed no signs of blunt force trauma, reinforcing the hypothesis

that they had been poisoned. Chulalongkorn’s dean of medicine, Chanchai Sittipunt, said the team knows enough from the cyanide to determine it’s likely the cause of death. Bangkok police chief Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang identified the dead as two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, and said they were three men and three women. Their ages ranged from 37 to 56, according to Noppasin Punsawat, Bangkok deputy police chief. He said the case appeared to be personal and would

not impact the safety of tourists.

A husband and wife among the dead had invested about 10 million baht ($278,000) with two of the others, and that could be a motive, said Noppasin, citing information obtained from relatives. The investment was meant to build a hospital in Japan and the group might have been meeting to settle the matter. The police say one killed the rest, but did not say which of the six is the suspect.

Bangkok police chief Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang said Tuesday that four bodies were in the living room and two in the bedroom. He said two of them appeared to try to reach for the door but collapsed before they could. Noppasin said Wednesday that a seventh person whose name was part of the hotel booking was a sibling of one of the six and left Thailand on July 10. Police believe the seventh person had no involvement in the deaths. The Vietnamese and

and the

PALESTINIANS mourn over the bodies of their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, at a hospital morgue in Deir al-Balah on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA

Ukraine faces twin challenges of fighting Russia and shifting political sands in US

By Barry Hatton & Illia Novikov The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—After almost 30 months of war with Russia, Ukraine’s difficulties on the battlefield are mounting even as its vital support from the United States is increasingly at the mercy of changing political winds.

A six-month delay in military assistance from the US, the biggest single contributor to Ukraine, opened the door for the Kremlin’s forces to push on the front line. Ukrainian troops are now fighting to check the slow but gradual gains by Russia’s bigger and betterequipped army.

“The next two or three months are going to be probably the hardest this year for Ukraine,” military analyst Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment said in a recent podcast.

Lurking in the background is another nagging worry for Ukraine: how long will Western political and military support critical for its fight last?

On Monday, former President Donald Trump chose Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate for the Republican ticket in November’s US election, and Vance wants the United States to attend to its own problems—not necessarily a war thousands of miles away on a different continent, even though he has said Putin was wrong to invade.

Stepped-up

That view dovetails with Trump’s own stance. Trump has claimed that if elected, he would end the conflict before Inauguration Day in January. He has declined to say how.

Meanwhile, Hungary’s proRussian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—whose country holds the European Union’s rotating presidency—recently infuriated other EU leaders by holding rogue meetings with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Europe’s biggest war since World War II has already cost tens of thousands of lives on both sides, including thousands of civilians. There is no sign of it ending any time soon.

And Putin wants to draw out the war in the hope of sapping Western willingness to send billions more dollars to Kyiv.

Here’s a look at Ukraine’s major challenges:

The battlefield RUSSIA holds 18 percent of Ukrainian territory, after defensive

forces pushed it out of half of the area it seized following its fullscale invasion in February 2022, the Council on Foreign Relations, a US think tank said in May. In 2014, Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea. Russia hasn’t accomplished a major battlefield victory since taking the eastern stronghold of Avdiivka in February. But its forces are now pushing in border regions: Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, Donetsk in the east and Zaporizhzhia in the south.

To buy time, Ukraine has employed an elastic defense strategy by ceding some territory to wear down Russian troops until Western supplies reach brigades. But, analysts warn, Russia will undoubtedly win a lengthy war of attrition, unless Ukraine can strike using an element of surprise. Russia claimed Sunday its

forces had taken control of the Donetsk village of Urozhaine, but Ukrainian officials said there was still fighting there. Moscow’s army is aiming to take the nearby strategic hilltop city of Chasiv Yar, which could allow it to drive deeper into Donetsk.

Ukraine’s forces are largely holding back the Russian push around northeastern Kharkiv city, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank. The Kremlin’s troops have been trying to get within artillery range of the city and create a buffer zone in the region to prevent Ukrainian cross-border attacks.

Meanwhile, Russia is firing missiles into rear areas, hitting civilian infrastructure. Last week it conducted a massive aerial attack that killed 31 civil -

security around Trump apparent, with agents walling him off from RNC crowds

By Jill Colvin The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE—On the floor of the Republican National Convention Tuesday evening, vice presidential candidate JD Vance greeted and shook hands with excited delegates as he walked toward his seat.

It was a marked contrast from former President Donald Trump, who entered the hall a few minutes later and was separated from supporters by a column of Secret Service agents. His ear still bandaged after an attempted assassination, Trump closely hugged the wall. Instead of handshakes or hellos for those gathered, he offered fist pumps to the cameras.

The contrast underscores the new reality facing Trump after a gunman opened fire at his rally in Pennsylvania Saturday, raising serious questions about the agency that is tasked with protecting the president, former presidents and major-party candidates. Trump’s campaign must also adjust to a new reality after he came millimeters from death or serious injury—and as law enforcement warns of the potential for more political violence.

Trump campaign officials declined to comment on the stepped-up security and how it might impact his interactions going forward.

“We do not comment on President Trump’s security detail. All questions should be directed to the United States Secret Service,”

said Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose agency oversees the Secret Service, said Monday that he could not discuss “specifics of the protection or the enhancements made, as they involve sensitive tactics and procedures. I can say, however, that personnel and other protective resources, technology, and capabilities have been added.”

The Secret Service had already stepped up Trump’s protection in the days before the attack following an unrelated threat from Iran, two U.S. officials said Tuesday. But that extra security didn’t stop the gunman, who fired from an adjacent roof, from killing one audience member and injuring two others along with Trump.

The FBI and Homeland Security officials remain “concerned about the potential for follow-on or retaliatory acts of violence following this attack,” according to a joint intelligence bulletin by Homeland Security and the FBI and obtained by The Associated Press. The bulletin warned that lone actors and small groups will “continue to see rallies and campaign events as attractive targets.”

Underscoring the security risks, a man armed with an AK47 pistol, wearing a ski mask and carrying a tactical backpack was taken into custody Monday near the Fiserv Forum, where the convention is being held.

The attack has led to stepped-up

security not only for Trump. President Joe Biden’s security has also been bolstered, with more agents surrounding him as he boarded Air Force One to Las Vegas on Monday night. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also received Secret Service protection in the shooting’s wake.

Trump’s campaign has also responded in other ways, including placing armed security at all hours outside their offices in Florida and Washington, D.C.

Trump has already scheduled his next rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday. That’s where he will appear with Vance for their first event as a presidential ticket.

But the new posture complicates, at least for now, the interactions Trump regularly has with supporters as he signs autographs, shakes hands and poses for selfies at events and on airplane tarmacs.

In many cities he visits, the campaign assembles enthusiastic supporters in public spaces like restaurants and fast food joints. Sometimes Trump stops by unannounced. The images and video of his reception and interactions—circulated online by his campaign staffers and conservative media—have been fundamental to his 2024 campaign. During the GOP primaries, in particular, his easy interactions served as a contrast to his more awkward top rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

But those events can get rowdy and chaotic. While he was in New

York during his criminal hush money trial, Trump aides arranged a series of visits to a local bodega, a local firehouse and a construction site.

Before his arrival at the bodega in Harlem, thousands of supporters and onlookers gathered behind metal barricades for blocks to watch his motorcade arrive and cheer. But others in the neighborhood were frustrated by the visit, including people being dropped off at a bus stop just in front of the store, and others trying to enter their apartments after work.

At one point, an individual who lived in the building started shouting from a window that was just above the entrance where Trump would eventually stand and give remarks to the cameras and answer reporters’ questions.

Long before the shooting, convention organizers had clashed with the Secret Service over the location of protest zones at the convention. RNC leaders repeatedly asked officials to keep protesters farther back than had been originally planned, arguing that an existing plan “creates an elevated and untenable safety risk to the attending public.”

One person familiar with the dispute said that the original plan would have put protesters “a softball throw away” from delegates and close enough to throw projectiles over the fence.

The Associated Press writer Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report.

ians and struck Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital in Kyiv.

The power grid

CRIPPLING Ukraine’s electricity supply has been a key goal of Russia’s relentless long-range missile and drone attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the bombardment has destroyed 80 percent of Ukraine’s thermal power and onethird of its hydroelectric power.

A hard winter likely lies ahead for Ukraine, analysts say.

Ukraine is such a large country that massive air defenses would be needed to protect it all. The country needs 25 Patriot air defense systems to fully defend its airspace, Zelenskyy said Monday.

Ammunition

NEW deliveries of ammunition to Ukraine are trickling to units along the line of contact, shrinking Kyiv’s heavy disadvantage in artillery shells and allowing it to start stabilizing the front line.

But it will take time for Kyiv’s army to fully replenish its depleted stocks. Ukraine won’t be able to assemble a counteroffensive until late this year at the earliest, military analysts estimate. Russia, meanwhile, is spending record amounts of money on defense to finance its grinding war of attrition.

Fortifications

The Russian army has made creeping progress at eastern and southern points along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line but has not recently made any significant breakthrough and its advances have been costly, Ukrainian officials say.

Expanded military conscription

UKRAINE in April adopted an expanded military conscription law that aimed to replenish its depleted and exhausted forces.

Zelenskyy said Monday the drive is going well, though the country doesn’t have enough training grounds for the new troops. Also, 14 brigades haven’t yet received their promised Western weapons.

Weaponry

NATO countries have taken steps this month to ensure that Ukraine keeps receiving long-term security aid and military training.

Alliance leaders attending a summit in Washington last week signed a deal to send more Stinger missiles, a portable surface-to-air defense system. Ukraine is also preparing to receive the first F-16 warplanes donated by European countries. Even so, Zelenskyy is frustrated. He says Ukraine cannot win the war unless the US scraps its limits on the use of its weapons to attack military targets on Russian soil.

Hatton reported from Lisbon, Portugal.

RUSSIA’S go-to tactic is to smash towns and villages to pieces, rendering them unlivable and denying Ukrainians defensive cover. Powerful glide bombs flatten buildings. Then the Russian infantry moves in. Ukraine was late to build defensive lines but its fortifications have improved in recent months, according to analyst reports.

Biden says cooling political rhetoric doesn’t mean he will ‘stop telling truth’ about

By Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller & Will Weissert The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS—President Joe Biden returned to the campaign trail on Tuesday for the first time since the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, continuing his calls to calm the divisive rhetoric on both sides but also arguing that doing so “doesn’t mean we should stop telling the truth” about his Republican rival.

Addressing the NAACP convention in Las Vegas, Biden said curbing political violence in the country should mean combating all kinds of bloodshed—including reducing police brutality and banning weapons like the AR-style rifle used in the weekend attack on the former president.

“Our politics have become too heated,” Biden said.

That didn’t stop him from tearing into Trump, though, listing why the former president’s administration was “hell” for Black Americans, including his mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, skyrocketing unemployment amid early lockdowns and attempts to, as Biden put it, erase Black history.

“Just because we must lower the temperature in our politics as it relates to violence doesn’t mean we should stop telling the truth,” Biden told the crowd that often broke into chants of “Four more years!”

The president is aiming to showcase his administration’s support for Black voters who are a tentpole of the Democratic coalition and of his personal political support. As part of his swing in Nevada, he did an interview with BET and was set to address on Wednesday the Hispanic advocacy group UnidosUS, another crucial Democratic-leaning bloc.

Asked during the BET interview about waning enthusiasm for his reelection among Black Americans, Biden said such voters should turn out for him “because

Trump

they know where my heart is. They know where my head is.” He added that many Americans, especially young voters, weren’t watching the election closely until recently and “we’re just getting down to gametime now.” For the NAACP crowd, Biden seized on Trump recently referencing “Black jobs,” drawing big applause by joking, “I love the phrase.”

“I know what a Black job is. It’s the vice president of the United States,” Biden said of Vice President Kamala Harris, who he added “could be president.” He also referenced Barack Obama as the nation’s first Black president, and his own appointment to the Supreme Court of its first Black and female justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Biden’s trip comes as Democrats have been engaged in a weeks-long crisis of confidence over his candidacy after his devastating debate with Trump last month. The president’s shaky performance inflamed voter concerns about his age, fitness for office and capacity to defeat Trump once again.

Republicans, for their part, are demonstrating that they are more coalesced than ever around Trump amid their national convention in Milwaukee. The 81-year-old Biden has rejected a flurry of calls from within his party to step aside, restating his belief that he is the best-positioned Democrat to beat Trump. He has relied heavily on his support among Black and Latino elected officials. The president made indirect reference to unrest in his own party on Tuesday, recalling President Harry S. Truman famously saying, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”

Miller and Weissert reported from Washington.

and

in Washington contributed to this report.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Fake accounts imperil banking system—Garcia

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

OMMISSION on Elections

CChairman George M. Garcia

said the four fake bank accounts being linked to him are also threatening the country’s banking system.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the poll chief said the bogus accounts can cast doub not only on Comelec’s integrity, but also that of local banks.

“This is a danger for the banking system. Why? Because their [bank] accounts are being faked. So who will trust the banks?” Garcia said.

He urged the Bankers Association of the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the involved banks to look into apparent attempts to take advantage of their system.

“The banking system is very important for the economy. It should not be toyed with,” Garcia said.

He made the remark after getting certifications that four of the six bank accounts included in the unverified materials submitted by former Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar R. Erice to Comelec are fake. The four banks involved are the Land Bank of the Philippines, Metro Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands and UnionBank. Garcia is awaiting the certification from the two other banks.

Documents submitted by Erice supposedly contained 14 offshore accounts and six local accounts of a Comelec official, who received US$15 million worth of deposits from Miru Systems Ltd.

The Miru-led joint venture won the P18-billion Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) contract from Comelec.

Garcia said he is the official being referred to by Erice’s documents, but he denied owning any of the accounts nor being bribed. Meanwhile, Garcia announced he will not resign or take a leave of absence as he vowed to continue leading preparations for 2025, dubbed a “Super Election Year.”

“It is impossible for one of the members of the Commission to take a leave or courtesy resignation.... Will we stoop down to their level and then go on leave? Up yours,” the poll chief said partly in Filipino in a press conference. There are calls in social media for Garcia’s resignation amid the expose of Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta and Erice of a poll official who received bribes in 49 offshore bank accounts and six local bank accounts.

Strong case

FOLLOWING the disclosure from Marcoleta and Erice, Garcia immediately issued a waiver to allow the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to look into the supposed accounts.

Garcia said he is now just waiting for NBI to conclude its investigation on the matter, which includes the “white paper” he obtained on the supposed demolition job against Comelec, before he files a case of falsification of documents against Erice.

He reiterated that Erice can be held liable for the spurious accounts since he submitted those documents to Comelec.

“They [NBI] are already looking at several leads, especially the supposed accounts spread on social media,” Garcia said.

He said he does not want to preempt NBI’s investigation so it can focus on pinpointing other people involved in the “conspiracy” to destroy the integrity of Comelec.

Full support

COMELEC’S other commissioners, directors, field officers and employees gave their full support to Garcia and called the allegations against him “baseless and defamatory attacks.”

“We condemn those who spread falsehoods to weaken our institutions and erode public trust to serve the interest of a few,” the joint statement said.

“Amidst these fabricated accusations, we remain resolute, undeterred, and focused in our preparations for the upcoming elections. The Commission on Elections stands united, always for the good of the Filipino nation that deserves nothing less,” it added.

Comelec Commissioner Soccoro B. Inting called Garcia’s accusers, who are both lawyers, to bring their case to the courts rather than resorting to trial by publicity.

Comelec Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino said the “sweeping” allegation against Garcia is affecting the morale of officials and employees of the poll body.

Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda, Jr. hopes the issue will finally be resolved soon so they can focus on their preparations for the 2025 National and Local Elections, first even Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections, and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections next year.

“We are itching to return to work since those will continue to pile up if we do not address them. So the soonest this thing is resolved, the happier we are going to be,” Maceda said.

P7.8-B SBMA infra projects set for completion in 2028

Continued from A16

“This will provide shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth while its main and auxiliary engines are shut down. Shore power cuts air pollution from ships at berth by 95 percent,” he said.

Phase 1 of the project will be at the New Container Terminal in 2025 at the cost of P100 million, while Phase 2 will cover both the Naval Supply Depot and Ship Repair Facility from 2026 to 2027 at P150 million.

The second project, Aliño said, will be the Logistics Facility for Trucking Services, a state-of-the-art truck holding facility at the Tipo area near the Subic end of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

The project, which includes automated gates, optical plate scanners and amenities for truck drivers and clients, provides for a holding area that can accommodate 100 trucks and vehicles to prevent road congestion and sustain growth in cargo and logistics industry here.

Aliño also identified a socialized housing program under President Marcos’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, to be built in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, as well as dormitory buildings for Freeport workers, as among the infrastructure initiatives of the Subic agency.

He said the housing project will be located at Subic’s central business district, while the dormitories will be constructed

in areas close to industrial centers and techno parks.

Both projects will provide access to decent and safe housing units that are conveniently located near major employment hubs, thus saving expenses for both companies and workers, and reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, Aliño said.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Smart City project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 at a cost of P224 million. This will involve the installation of additional closed-circuit television surveillance and traffic cameras around the Subic Freeport.

The Subic agency also plans to build the SBMA Center for Excellence that will boost the skills of the Freeport workers and ensure sustainability of industries here.

Aliño said the P21-million training facility is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the 154,000-strong workforce through technical education and skills development offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

In his presentation, Aliño also cited a P4.3-billion hotel project envisioned to generate more arrivals at the Subic airport and further develop the local tourism industry. Funding for this project will be sourced from the national government, he said.

In May, Aliño also announced plans for port expansion projects worth a total of P39.36 billion to make Subic the go-to port for traders and export-import businesses in Central and Northern Luzon.

Safeguarding the sanctity of birth certificates: A call for congressional inquiry

The recent revelation of a large-scale operation producing fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in Davao del Sur has sparked outrage and concerns among lawmakers in the house of Representatives. The discovery of close to 200 falsified birth certificates, issued by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, has raised serious questions about the integrity of the civil registration system and its potential impact on national security. This prompted a group of legislators, the “Young Guns”, to call for a congressional inquiry to address this issue. (Read the BusinessMirror report: “Young Guns’ bloc in House seeks probe into ‘birth certificate mill,” July 15, 2024).

A birth certificate holds significant importance as it represents the foundation of citizenship. The fabrication, sale, or acquisition of fake birth certificates undermines the sanctity of this document and compromises the very fabric of our nation.

The “Young Guns” rightly emphasize the need to strengthen the legislative framework surrounding the issuance of birth certificates. Rigorous verification processes must be put in place, bolstering the capabilities of local civil registries and implementing robust checks and balances. Severe penalties should be imposed on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud. By fortifying the procurement of valid birth certificates, we can prevent the exploitation of our civil registration system by foreign infiltrators.

The possibility of Chinese nationals with fraudulent birth certificates having links to criminal and drug syndicates raises concerns about national security. These individuals may exploit their fabricated identity to engage in activities detrimental to our country, such as espionage, economic sabotage, and other criminal enterprises. The ramifications of such actions extend far beyond immediate threats, potentially compromising our national defense, economy, public safety, and international reputation.

The issuance of falsified birth certificates not only endangers the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnishes our international reputation. It facilitates a range of criminal activities, including identity theft, human trafficking, and smuggling. Stricter oversight, accountability measures, and enhanced cooperation between relevant authorities are necessary to prevent such breaches from recurring. Authorities must act decisively to address this issue and protect the sanctity of our civil registration system.

The discovery of a “mill” producing fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in Davao del Sur demands immediate and resolute action. The proposed congressional inquiry, in aid of legislation, will play a vital role in investigating this matter thoroughly and proposing effective measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.

The sale of fake birth certificates is an outright affront to our sovereignty. The House of Representatives must launch a thorough investigation and summon the local civil registry officials responsible. Strong and decisive action is needed to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring and safeguard the integrity of Philippine citizenship.

This is not just about protecting the integrity of our civil registration system; it is about safeguarding the very essence of Filipino identity and our national sovereignty. We must ensure that our birthright, our connection to our nation, is not for sale.

Trade the emotions

BJohn Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

eInG a relatively early-born “Boomer”, I have witnessed how people have managed financially with boom times and doom times. Post-WW2 people in wealthier nations tended to hoard cash when economic conditions were less favorable and look for wealth building opportunities only when the sun shone brightly. There was much more economic stability back then.

One way to measure this stability is to look at the Misery Index, created by economist Arthur Okun in the 1970s. This is an index calculated by adding the unemployment rate to the annual inflation rate. For example, a five-percent unemployment rate plus a five-percent inflation rate gave a Misery Index of 10.

During the Eisenhower administration, the index ranged from 3.74 to 9.57 with a yearly average 6.27. After the US dropped the gold standard, combined with the effects of oil prices tripling, the index went through the roof with an annual average of 14.0 during the period 1974 through 1988. By 1993 the Misery Index fell consistently below 10 and during the time of Obama, the range was from 12.10 to 5.40 with an average of 8.8. Currently the index is below 8.00.

IPrinted by brown madonna Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila

As governments and central banks have more often and more strongly, tried to manipulate the economy through fiscal and monetary policy —spending and interest rates—economic stability and conditions have been more difficult to predict, and volatility has increased. In 2011 the index was 12.10 and by 2019 dropped by half to 5.44.

Interestingly and in spite of all the whining and complaining, inflation in the US has been relatively stable. Even with the global financial crisis and Covid, since 2000 US inflation has averaged a relatively meager 2.56 percent annually. Remove the 2021 and 2022 Covid period, and inflation goes to 2.2 percent. However, the unemployment rate has averaged above the ‘full-employment’ target of

By Shruti Srivastava

nDIA S government is finalizing rules to cut down visa delays for Chinese technicians, responding to complaints from businesses who say the restrictions are hurting the country’s ability to become a manufacturing hub.

The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is working with the ministries of home and external affairs to put in place a framework that will fast-track visas for engineers and technicians needed to install Chinese-made machines in Indian factories, people familiar with the matter said. The aim is to cut down the visa processing time to within 30 days from the 4-5 months it currently takes, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government imposed strict rules on China following a deadly 2020 border clash between the two nations that led to a downward spiral in relations. Hundreds of Chinese apps were banned, approvals for Chinese investments and visas slowed and direct flights between the two countries were cut. Local media estimated that India issued just 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024 from

about 200,000 before the pandemic in 2019.

There are on-going talks to resolve the border crisis but ties remain strained, with New Delhi insisting relations can’t return to normal until the dispute is settled.

The government is planning to streamline the visa process by allowing all companies in targeted sectors that receive government subsidies to apply for business visas for Chinese workers, people familiar with the matter said. Under current rules, only manufacturing businesses that have won approval under the incentive program can apply for business visas for Chinese workers, with the rest forced to apply for cumbersome employment permits, which require extensive paperwork.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade didn’t immediately respond to requests for information.

four percent during this century at 5.77 percent. Even taking out the 2021/2022 Covid lockdown period, unemployment is still 5.68 percent. Here is my analysis of the past 50 years. The 1970s and 1980s were years of stress and difficulty. But the 21st century has been relatively quiet and particularly—even with Covid—during the last 10 years. Therefore, if nominal economic data is not “moving the markets,” what is making prices go up and down?

We are told by the analysts that everyone is waiting for the Federal Reserve to lower its interest rates because “lower rates make borrowing money cheaper. This encourages consumer and business spending and investment and can boost stock prices.” Fair enough. The next Federal Open Market Committee decision on interest rates will be announced on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Since the middle of June, various financial assets have risen in value by a significant percentage. From June 10, the US 2-year yield has dropped —as the price went up—by 10 percent while the Dow Jones Index is 4 percent higher since June 14. From the last week in June, the US 10-year bond yield is 5 percent lower as spot gold has also moved 5 percent higher. Even the Philippine Stock Exchange Index is up almost nine percent since June 21st. Bitcoin is the big mover, as it should be with its high speculative

India remains heavily reliant on imports from China, especially machinery needed in manufacturing.

The Chinese engineers are typically needed to install the equipment, conduct repair work and train Indian workers on their use.

Businesses say the government’s hard line on Beijing appears to be undermining India’s manufacturing push and the billions of dollars in subsidies paid to electronics, cars and pharmaceuticals makers.

Modi has sought to make India an alternative manufacturing hub to China, especially in electronics, with companies like Apple Inc. setting up production facilities in the country in recent years.

While the government has streamlined the visa process for businesses under the incentives programs, executives say there are still significant challenges.

A top executive of an electronics manufacturing company based in Noida, close to the capital New Delhi, said the visa restrictions are leading to escalating costs, investments being blocked and a loss of credibility of Indian firms as reliable suppliers. The person asked not to be identified in order to speak freely on the matter.

nature, up about 12 percent. Nothing fundamentally has changed in the geopolitical outlook or domestic politics anyway. But there is a sense of optimism. Or is it delusion?

As we move each day closer to the US election, and regardless of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, there may be something besides the hope for a Fed rate decrease at the next meeting. We may be witnessing “The Trump Trade.” This consists of going long Bitcoin and equities and short both the short and the long term US treasuries on expectation of exploding US debt with tax cuts, higher spending and growth supportive Trump policies.

Here again, while Fed rate policy and government fiscal policy—and any potential positive effect on the economy—might be an illusion, are investors becoming more optimistic for the future in general? That may be the case.

We are told we must put aside all emotion when investing. But both optimism and pessimism are emotions. Remember the old saying: “My mind is made up. Don’t confuse me with the facts.” Trade with the flow even if it is all emotions.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets.

The India Cellular & Electronics Association estimates the border standoff with China has cut production in the sector by about $15 billion from 2020-2023 and led to a loss of 100,000 job opportunities. The association counts Apple and its suppliers as well as Chinese smartphone firms such as Oppo and Vivo among its members.

“The industry is very cognizant about the nation’s security requirements but at the same time, transfer of skills, investments, technology transfer, absorption of technology etc., are critical for achieving” India’s economic goals, said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the association. Mohindroo said government action against Chinese firms have also impacted the industry as not many Chinese nationals are willing to travel to India to explore business opportunities. The Modi government widened its probes against firms such as Xiaomi Corp. and Vivo for alleged tax evasion and money laundering since the border dispute.

“We are cautiously optimistic that this matter will be resolved in the best interest of the industry and the nation in a timely manner,” Mohindroo said. bloomberg

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

2005

Taiwan defends actions after Trump demands it pay for defense

By Yian Lee

Taiwan’s premier touted his island’s moves to better defend itself, after Donald Trump declared the chip hub “should pay” for Us protection against Chinese military aggression.

Taiwan has increased defense spending and extended military conscription from four months to one year, Premier Cho Jung-tai said in response to a question on the former US president’s comments to Bloomberg Businessweek.

“It’s our shared responsibility and goal to maintain the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region,” Cho added at a briefing in Taipei on Wednesday. Taiwan-US ties had been “solid” in recent years, he said.

The Republican presidential candidate’s latest remarks cast doubt over the US commitment to defend Taiwan from Beijing, which views the self-ruled democracy as a breakaway province. “I don’t think we’re any different from an insurance policy,” Trump said. “Why are we doing this?”

“I think Taiwan should pay us for defense,” he added.

The Taiwanese equity benchmark fell as much as 1 percent during early trading. The index’s heaviest-weighted member Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. declined 2.4 percent ahead of its scheduled secondquarter earnings release Thursday. That’s after adding more than 9 percent this month through yesterday.

“Given that Trump’s chance to win the US election is pretty high now, many of his policies and stances could be implemented,” said Huang Wen-ching, vice president at Taishin Securities Investment Advisory Co. “There is some level of concern priced in, though I won’t say there’s a panic.” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the remarks of a presidential candidate during a US election campaign.

Trump has galvanized supporters since dodging an assassin’s bullet at a campaign rally last weekend, giving him a lift in a tight November rematch with President Joe Biden. Both candidates are jockeying to be seen as tough on China, whose leader Xi Jinping has vowed to claim Taiwan at some point, by force if necessary. Biden has repeatedly pledged US

military forces would defend Taiwan from any Chinese attack, adding uncertainty to Washington’s longstanding policy of “strategic ambiguity” toward the island.

While Trump’s latest comments contrast with the widespread bipartisan support Taiwan enjoys in Washington, they also reflect his transactional approach to diplomacy.

When asked last July if he’d defend Taiwan as president, Trump told Fox News that answering would put him in a “very bad negotiating position” with Taipei, which he criticized for “taking” America’s chip business —a claim he repeated.

“Taiwan took our chip business from us,” he told Bloomberg Businessweek. “I mean, how stupid are we? They took all of our chip business. They’re immensely wealthy.”

Despite his hawkish tone on the campaign trial, Trump’s last administration brought the island closer to America. Trump normalized Washington’s arms sales to the democratically ruled archipelago. His administration approved more than $18 billion worth of arms sales to Taipei, bolstering its self-defense capabilities with fighter jets and missile systems.

Trump also signed into law an act that would allow high-level officials from the US to visit Taiwan, and leaders from the island to meet their counterparts in America. Taiwanese factories were a winner of his trade war with China, as companies shifted production back to the island economy.

Such policies likely came from officials around Trump, rather than the president, said Chen Fang-yu, assistant professor of the department of political science at Soochow University.

“Trump still sees the island as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China, or something affiliated to China affairs,” Chen added. “He himself does not care about Taiwan at all.” With assistance from Charlotte Yang, Betty Hou, Cindy Wang and Chua Baizhen /Bloomberg

Trump security tightened on Iran plot intel; no link to shooting

By Jenny Leonard & Stephanie Lai

The Us secret service boosted security around former President Donald Trump after picking up intelligence in recent weeks of an iranian plot to assassinate him, people familiar with the matter said, adding that the threat was separate from the attempt on his life last weekend.

There’s no indication of any link between the Iranian plot and Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-yearold man accused of shooting at and wounding Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Sniper teams killed Crooks seconds after he opened fire.

The Iranian threat appeared to be linked to a broader pattern of threats against former Trump administration officials that stemmed from the US killing of Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps in January 2020, the Biden administration said. Soleimani was assassinated in a drone strike ordered by Trump.

“We have been tracking Iranian

threats against former Trump administration officials for years, dating back to the last administration,” National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement Tuesday. “These threats arise from Iran’s desire to seek revenge” for killing Soleimani, she said.

Before Saturday’s incident, the White House contacted the Secret Service about the recent Iranian threat, which then shared that information with the Trump campaign, according to one of the people.

The Secret Service subsequently increased resources and assets for Trump’s protection, the person said. But a person familiar with the Trump campaign’s conversations

with the Secret Service said the agency’s leaders informed campaign officials in passing of a general increase in threats against the former president without making them aware of any specific threats tied to Iranian individuals or groups.

Iran said in a social media posting on X that the reports of its involvement in a plot against Trump are baseless.

CNN, which earlier reported the Iranian plot, said that the intelligence on the plan came from a human source. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment.

The Secret Service and its chief, Kimberly Cheatle, have come under intense scrutiny since Trump’s extremely close call in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Cheatle said in an interview Monday on ABC News that the agency’s failure was “unacceptable” but that she doesn’t plan to resign. President Joe Biden called for an independent review of the shooting, which killed one person.

The US has maintained security details for several one-time Trump administration officials, including former Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and John Bolton, who served as national security adviser. In 2022, the Justice Department charged a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate Bolton. That same year, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned that Iran was threatening “to carry out terror operations inside the United States and elsewhere around the world.” He said Iran would face “severe consequences” if anyone was attacked.

“The investigation of Saturday’s attempted assassination of former President Trump is active and ongoing,” the NSC’s Watson said in the statement. “At this time, law enforcement has reported that their investigation has not identified ties between the shooter and any accomplice or co-conspirator, foreign or domestic.” With assistance from Peter Martin /Bloomberg

Classic hedge fund trade is a winner in China’s two-speed market

By Henry Ren & Charlotte Yang

CHINESE stocks have been among the world’s worst performers over the past year, but they are beating their major peers based on one hedge-fund strategy.

Investing in Chinese equities using the classic long-short trade returned more than 10 percent through late June this year, according to data compiled by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. That compares with gains of about 7 percent in the US, and less than 6 percent in Europe, the data show.

Among the reasons for the trade’s success in China is the wide divergence in the performance of nation’s shares as state policies favor boosting industrial capacity, while consumer and property stocks struggle amid the stuttering economy. The structure of the mainland’s equity markets also creates fertile ground for the strategy.

“A market where you have reasonably high retail participation, combined with low institutional participation, and also low analyst research coverage, naturally lends itself to creating more structural inefficiencies,” said Bernard Ahkong, CIO for global multi-strategy alpha at UBS O’Connor in London. “China

ticks all those boxes.”

Although Beijing’s new curbs on short selling have made it harder for onshore quantitative funds to execute the long-short strategy, analysts say fundamental stock pickers based offshore haven’t so far been affected. They can choose to short American depositary receipts or Hong Konglisted shares, or use derivatives to bet against mainland equities through trades with global banks.

While the long-short strategy has been successful in China, there are still a relatively small number of practitioners as global interest in the country’s stocks has waned due to the lasting bear market. Among the roughly 600 equity long-short funds globally with assets of at least $50 million and a minimum track record of 18 months, only 35 focus exclusively on China, according to hedgefund research firm PivotalPath.

Superior returns

Among examples of divergence in Chinese stocks this year, the energy sector of the MSCI China Index jumped 27 percent through July 15, while the health-care sector slid 27 percent. In contrast, the best sector in the S&P 500 Index is technology, which has risen 34 percent, while even the worst—real estate—has

Labour to flesh out planned new laws in King’s speech

By Ailbhe Rea

Prime minister Keir starmer will flesh out Labour’s plans from border control to smoking as he sets out the new UK government’s legislative agenda for the coming Parliamentary session in a King’s speech on wednesday.

While the dry legalistic description of Labour’s planned bills will be delivered by King Charles III in a centuries-old tradition replete with pomp and circumstance in the House of Lords, the program and words are the government’s, and mark the priorities for Starmer as he seeks to deliver on his promise to change the way the country is run after 14 years of Conservative rule.

Starmer has said that his government’s priority is to boost economic growth, and toward that aim, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has already outlined planning reforms and the creation of a new National Wealth Fund to leverage private investment.

“Now is the time to take the brakes off Britain,” Starmer said in an emailed statement from 10 Downing Street ahead of the King’s Speech.

“Today’s new laws will take back control and lay the foundations of real change that this country is crying out for, creating wealth in every community and making people better off - supporting their ambitions, hopes and dreams.”

The King’s Speech, delivered at the State Opening of Parliament fol-

lowing the July 4 general election will include further proposals, including legislation to underpin the creation of a state-owned energy company and measures on workers’ rights, immigration and the nationalization of the railways. Some unfinished legislation from the tenure of Starmer’s Conservative predecessor, Rishi Sunak, including a progressive smoking ban, will also be included, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity discussing plans that aren’t yet public. Here are some of the key legislation expected to be detailed in the King’s Speech:

1. Budget scrutiny Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has stressed that economic growth under Labour will be founded on “a bedrock of economic stability.” In a nod to the economic chaos wrought by the massive unfunded package of tax cuts unveiled by Tory premier Liz Truss during her disastrous 7-week premiership in 2022, Labour will enshrine in law a commitment for future budgets to always be accompanied by an official forecast and scrutiny by the govern-

ment’s fiscal adviser, the Office for Budget Responsibility.

2. Public energy company

A centerpiece of Labour’s election manifesto was to establish a publicly owned clean power company, Great British Energy, capitalized with £8.3 billion ($10.8 billion) of public money and empowered to co-invest in key projects alongside industry. This will be set up in law as quickly as possible, in order to do deals with the private sector, people familiar with the matter said.

3. Planning

The government will introduce a bill to speed up and streamline the planning process to build more housing and infrastructure, No 10 said in a statement. Labour sees planning reform as one of the key levers it can pull to boost economic growth.

4. Employment rights

There will be a bill to enshrine in law the sweeping set of reforms to workers’ rights long-promised by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner—though in a sign of potential tensions in cabinet, it’ll be steered through by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The reforms have been the subject of a tug-of-war between unions, who are close to Rayner and responsible for a large chunk of Labour Party funding, and businesses, who Reynolds and Reeves have tried to woo in re-

cent months. As part of its passage through Parliament, there will be a consultation with business about the implementation of the package. Labour has publicly committed to “introducing” the legislation in its first 100 days of government.

5. Renting reforms

The new government plans to resuscitate a bill from the outgoing Tory administration to reform the home rentals market, including ending “no-fault evictions,” which allow landlords to repossess a property without having to establish fault on the tenant’s part.

6. Devolution

Starmer has promised a radical devolution of power from the central administration to the nations, regions and cities. A new bill will hand new powers to mayors on transport, skills, energy, and planning, giving them crucial responsibility for economic growth in their regions.

7. Crime

A bill is planned to deliver on Labour’s pledges to increase neighborhood policing and crack down on anti-social behavior, including tougher sentences for assaults on shop workers.

8. Border security

The new administration doesn’t see the need to repeal the Conservative government’s legislation de-

gained 0.1 percent.

UBS O’Connor’s China long-short fund returned 15 percent this year through July 12, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The performance was boosted by gains in PetroChina Co. and China Shenhua Energy Co. as Beijing urged state-owned-enterprises to improve shareholder returns, according to a fact sheet from the firm published at the end of May.

The clear signals of intention provided by the authorities also helped underpin gains, UBS O’Connor’s Ahkong said.

Contrary to the widely held belief that Chinese policy making is unpredictable, the government actually tends to map out key initiatives such as SOE reform on a multi-year basis, which makes it easier for long-short investors to bet on sectors likely to win government support, he said.

“It’s almost like you get told ahead of time, and actually in the US and other developed countries, you don’t even have that level of certainty and visibility,” Ahkong said.

Stricter regulations

CHINA last week beefed up efforts to combat short selling with some of its strictest measures yet. The China Securities Regulatory Commission

signed to implement plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, even though it’s scrapped the policy. But it does plan new legislation to give its new Border Security Command counter-terror powers.

9. Counter terrorism

Starmer’s government plans to pass “Martyn’s Law”—Legislation to strengthen the security of public venues and events spaces against the threat of terrorism. It’s named for Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of a terrorist attack on a concert arena in Manchester in 2017.

10. Railways

Labour has pledged to re-nationalize railway franchises by bringing them back into public ownership under the umbrella of a unified body, Great British Railways, as and when contracts with existing operators expire.

11. Smoking ban

approved an increase in margin requirements for short selling starting July 22, while the country’s biggest stock-lending provider suspended its business of lending securities to brokerages from July 11.

Analysts say the latest curbs will hurt quantitative long-short funds that undertake high-frequency trading, but will have less impact on those that hold their positions for longer. Hedge funds that trade on company fundamentals can still short A-shares via over-the-counter derivative contracts with offshore brokers, or bet against futures tied to mainland equity indexes. They can also short ADRs or Hong Kong shares.

“I don’t see any impact on offshore managers running long-short equity strategies” unless there are rules that specifically target short selling in offshore markets, said Benjamin Low, Singapore-based senior investment director at Cambridge Associates, an industry consultant.

Another challenge facing Chinafocused long-short funds is how to raise assets from new investors amid dwindling foreign interest in Chinese markets. Despite superior performance this year, many are still struggling to expand, said Gwyn Roberts, head of manager relations at PivotalPath. Bloomberg

Legislation to gradually phase out the sale of cigarettes was promised by the outgoing Tories, but hadn’t completed its legislative passage when Parliament was dissolved for the election. The bill also sought to crack down on youth vaping with rules to reduce the appeal and availability of the products to children. Labour will bring it back, according to people familiar with the matter, meaning children born after Jan. 1, 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes in the UK.

12. Mental health Labour said in its manifesto that mental health legislation is “woefully out of date,” with poor provision for people with autism and learning difficulties. It pledged reforms to give patients more rights and choice. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also said too many people are written off work for mental health reasons, and his party has promised to reform employment support so that those who are able to work do so.

13. Education bill In an effort to stem absenteeism in schools, the government plans to create a register of children who persistently do not attend school, a growing problem since the Covid pandemic.

14. Artificial Intelligence Legislation designed to protect the UK from the risks of the most powerful AI models is also expected to feature for the first time in the King’s Speech. Sunak had established the AI Safety Institute earlier this year, but was reluctant to place it into law. Inclusion of an AI bill signals that Starmer’s administration wants to go further in developing governance and protections around the emerging technology. With assistance from Joe Mayes, Ellen Milligan and Isabella Ward /Bloomberg

Thursday, July 18, 2024

8 biz groups back total ban on Pogos, urge re-skilling

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

HILIPPINE business

Pgroups said the government should help re-skill and ensure opportunities for Filipino workers who may lose their jobs amid the call of government officials to impose a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

“We, the undersigned business groups, fully support the recommendation of Department of Finance [DOF] Secretary Ralph Recto and National Economic and Development Authority [Neda] Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for a total ban on Pogos,” the eight groups said in a statement released by the Makati Business Club (MBC) on Wednesday.

The signatories of this statement are Alyansa Agrikultura, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines and the UP School of Economics Alumni Association.

With this, these groups urged the government to also help, reskill, and ensure opportunities for Filipino workers who may lose their jobs due to the ban, and allow industries affected by Pogos to find alternative uses for their assets.

The business groups who signed the statement underscored that the contribution of Pogo investments to the Philippine economy is “minimal” at 0.2 percent of GDP in 2023, according to former Neda Undersecretary Sarah Dacanay.

Against such minimal gains, the concerned groups noted the “social costs” which have direct effects on economic growth.

For instance, they emphasized that recent Senate hearings and statements by Neda have illustrated that POGOs have been linked to “negative externalities,” particularly involvement in crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering, among others.

Citing Philippine National Police (PNP) data, the business groups said that as of 2022, at least 55 percent of the 31 cases of kidnappings were Pogo-related.

“The crimes related to Pogo investments can hinder growth, affect

investor perception, and potentially affect our bilateral and multilateral relations,” they pointed out.

The undersigned business groups said they agree with Neda Secretary Balisacan who has said, “We want investment inflows that will promote not only the economic but also the social aspects of our development.”

“We support foreign investments that are legitimate and will facilitate knowledge and skills transfer as well as provide quality jobs for Filipinos,” the business groups wrote.

Crackdown on 402 colorums

MEANWHILE , a joint committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday called for an immediate and decisive crackdown on 402 illegal Pogos across the country.

The call was made during the joint meeting of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusements, which began, on instructions of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, a motu proprio inquiry into the criminal activities associated with illegal Pogos.

Santa Rosa City Lone District

Rep. Dan Fernandez, chair of the public order and safety panel, underscored the need for interagency cooperation to address the growing problem involving Pogos, highlighting the role of local government units (LGUs) in the effort.

“We invite the mayors, BPLO [Business Permits and Licensing Offices] heads to at least help us to close these 402 even if the national government and the PNP [Philippine National Police] share it together. That’s the reason...we need the interagency action on this. And that’s the reason...we invited the mayors,” he said.

It was revealed during the hearing that while there are 78 legal Pogo operations supervised by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), a significant number of illegal operators continue to function.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) provided intelligence on the locations and operations of 402 illegal POGOs across the country.

Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, the PAOCC executive director, said the 402 include canceled Pogos, as well as identified scam farms.

With Jovee

Marie N. Dela Cruz

P7.8-B SBMA INFRA PROJECTS SET FOR COMPLETION IN 2028

SBy Henry Empeño

UBIC BAY FREEPORT—At least seven big-ticket infrastructure projects are scheduled by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for completion here by 2028 under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This was announced by SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño at the recent “Build Better More” Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a statement from the SBMA said.

The plans include a Carbon Neutral Port project which will

cost P250 million; a truck logistics facility project at P100 million; a socialized housing project at P2 billion; a workers’ dormitory project at P960 million; the Subic Bay Smart City Project at P224 million; the SBMA Center for Excellence at P21 million; and the Subic Bay International Airport Hotel at P4.3 billion, for a total of P7.8 billion. Topping the list, Aliño said, is the Shore Power Connection for Carbon Neutral Ports project, which will make Subic the first Philippine port with shore power connection for ships.

See “SBMA,” A13

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño presents the agency’s infrastructure development program during the “Build Better More” Infrastructure Forum at the New Clark City. SBMA PHOTO

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1 Thursday, July 18, 2024

Cebu Pacific operator seeks to bolster financial position via restructuring plan

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

Cebu Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, said on Wednesday its board of directors has approved a restructuring plan aimed at strengthening the company’s financial position.

The plan, according to a stock exchange filing, focuses on eliminating the company’s retained earnings deficit by utilizing its additional paid-in capital.

dum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of as much as 152 Airbus A321

The MOU encompasses firm orders for up to 102 A321neo aircraft, with an option to pur

chase an additional 50 A320neo

It reported an operating income of P8.6 billion and a net income of P7.9 billion in 2023, with revenues reaching P90.6 billion, a 60-percent growth driven by strong passenger demand.

Cebu Air will use P20.66 billion of its additional paid-in capital, as indicated in the audited financial statements as of December 31, to address the retained earnings deficit of P16.27 billion. Post restructuring, Cebu Air’s additional paid-in capital will be adjusted to P4.39 billion, reflecting the application of a significant portion of its reserves to stabilize its balance sheet. In 2023, Cebu Air swung to a profit, after recording a surge in revenues due to stronger passenger demand.

Cebu Pacific operates a diversified commercial fleet that includes eight Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, and 21 Airbus 321s, and 15 turboprops.

The Gokongwei-led carrier is beefing up its operations in anticipation of more planes in the future. It has signed a memoran -

Metro Global faces PSE delisting

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

Th E Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) said it will delist shares of Sobrepeñaled Metro Global holdings Corp. by next month if it will not adhere to the minimum public float of 10 percent.

In its notice, the PSE said its rules provide that MG h will be automatically delisted from the Official Registry of the exchange if the company will remain noncompliant with the minimum public ownership requirement after the lapse of the six-month period reckoned from February 5, 2024. To date, MGh ’s public float was at 8.67 percent. Its shares were last traded on February 27, 2007 and closed at P1 apiece.

“The trading of company’s shares of stock at the PSE has been voluntarily suspended since March 20, 2007 to allow the company to re-align its business and explore new strategic directions,” the company said.

In February, MGh ’s public float fell below the required amount after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved its application for an increase in its authorized capital stock and 750 million MGh shares were deemed issued to FilEstate Management Inc. Fil-Estate now owns 91.26 percent of the company.

The company was incorporated as San Jose Oil Co. Inc. on September 17, 1954 and was listed on the PSE on May 4, 1964 as an oil exploration company. It was reorganized in 1996 into a corporate vehicle that will pursue infrastructure-related investments and was renamed FilEstate Corp.

On September 9, 2004, regulators approved the extension of the company’s corporate life for another 50 years or until 2054.

On May 30, 2014, the SEC approved the amendment of the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the company, changing its name to Metro Global.

“The amendments were intended to identify the group of companies under the ‘Metro Group’ and establish the affiliation of the company with its affiliate infrastructure companies,” it said.

Banking&Finance

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) encouraged Filipinos to invest in the tax-free Personal Equity and Retirement Account (Pera) to complement statemandated pension schemes to maximize their savings.

BSP Deputy Governor of the Financial Supervision Chuchi G. Fonacier said in the Pera forum on Wednesday that Filipinos who will invest in Pera will enjoy tax benefits, which makes it a “superior retirement saving option” among the Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

“All income earned from the investments and re-investments of qualified Pera contributions are exempted from final withholding tax, capital gains tax and regular income tax,” Fonacier said.

Pera is a voluntary retirement savings program supplementing the existing retirement benefits from SSS, GSIS and employers.

“This is a powerful tool for ensuring financial security upon retirement and promoting a comfortable life during sunset years,” the BSP said.

Among the advantages of Pera is a 5 percent income tax credit on the actual Pera contribution which can be used to pay income tax liabilities as well as the exemption from taxes on all income earned from the investments and reinvestments.

Deputy Governor Eduardo G. Bobier, delivering the speech of BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, said Pera can bridge the gap between the current and ideal level of retirement savings among Filipinos. By 2055, Filipinos aged 60 years will triple to 19.6 percent or more than 27 million from the 8.5 percent, or 9.2 million, Filipino senior

citizens.

“Unfortunately, only 16 percent of Filipino adults aged 18 to 59 years old actively contribute to a pension scheme. If we don’t change that, it will be a huge hardship for the elderly or a huge burden to their children and the state,” Bobier emphasized.

On a macro level, savings kept in Pera can foster investment and capital market development driving economic growth, Bobier added.

Despite the benefits seen in Pera, Bobier admitted that take-up has been slow with even just a small increase after its digitalization in 2020 to make it easier for Filipinos to sign up.

Pera’s digitalization facilitates a marketplace for contributor investors and a one-stop shop for investor education, client onboarding, settlement of transactions and monitoring of retirement savings.

“With its digitalization, Filipinos can now invest in Pera any time of the day and anywhere in the world. Retirement savings is now made easy for everyone,” Fonacier said. The maximum aggregate annual contribution is P100,000 except for overseas Filipinos who can contribute up to P200,000 annually. For married individuals, each spouse can contribute up to P100,000.

Investment products available for Pera are a unit of Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF), shares of stock of mutual funds, annuity contract, insurance pension product, share of stock or other security listed and traded in a local exchange, government securities, among others. The choice of investment is up to the contributor. However, they may hire an Investment Manager if they are unsure of which investment products to invest in. Reine Juvierre Alberto

SEC, BIR data exchange deal to boost tax admin

By VG Cabuag @villygc

HE Securities and Exchange Com-

Tmission (SEC) has launched five new digital services, including its data exchange deal with the Bureau of Internal Revenue for enhanced tax administration.

The launch of the service form the third wave of the SEC’s digitalization efforts, which build on the agency’s zero-contact policy and paperless transactions.

“We are harnessing digital technologies not only to improve the ease of doing business,” SEC Chairman Emilio B. Aquino said in his opening remarks during the launch of the new services. “Ultimately, the SEC is harnessing digital technologies to champion sustainability and help accelerate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The new services launched include: the SEC Zuper Easy Registration Online (Zero); the Electronic Submission Authentication Portal (eSAP); the SEC Foreign Investments Registration Station Green Lane Unit; the Electronic Application for Modification of Entity Name and Data; and, the Swift Corporate and Other Records Exchange (Score) Protocol.

The SEC also signed a memorandum of agreement with the BIR to officially commence their partnership on the “Score Protocol.”

The Score Protocol will handle requests of partner regulatory and enforcement agencies for company information such as their articles of incorporation, general information sheet and audited financial statements.

Under the partnership, the SEC will provide the BIR access to documents needed to support its mandate to make tax assessments and collect national internal revenue taxes, fees and charges, and enforcement activities.

The BIR, meanwhile, shall provide the SEC with tax identification number verification for the agency’s online digital services.

The SEC said it is targeting to expand the partnership with other government agencies. It is currently in talks with the Bureau of Customs to leverage corporate

BIR to close sellers evading tax rule on online business

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) warned it will shut down businesses of online sellers leaving electronic marketplaces (e-marketplace) to evade the newlyimposed withholding taxes.

In an interview with reporters last Wednesday, Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said the BIR will continuously monitor unregistered online sellers who will attempt tax evasion after the imposition of withholding taxes starting July 15.

“Mas madali sa amin na ipa- shut down ang lahat ng mga makikita natin kasi nire -require din natin na ipaskil ang Certificate of Registration [It will be easier for the BIR to shut down those online businesses because we require them to show

their Certificate of Registration,]” Lumagui told .

Some online sellers have closed their online shops in e-marketplaces due to BIR Revenue Regulation 162023. That order imposes a withholding tax on the annual income of sellers and merchants imposed by e-marketplace operators and digital financial services providers.

Local online sellers who fail to submit to a BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) a sworn declaration of gross remittances face deductions. Sellers must declare that their to -

tal income exceeds P500,000 in the previous or current year. Failing to report this to a BIR RDO mandates the online selling platform where they are listed to automatically deduct the amount from the 1-percent creditable withholding tax.

Meanwhile, online sellers and merchants with an annual income equal to or below P500,000 are exempted from the imposed 1-percent withholding tax. However, they are required to submit a sworn declaration stamped and verified by a BIR RDO.

Online sellers who left the e-marketplaces to set up their own website to sell their products will also be shut down by the BIR, Lumagui said.

Madali lang naman na rin ang remedyo dyan. Meron po tayong pamamaraan na i-shut down ang inyong platform, website, o kung ano man yan [The remedy for that is easy. We have a way to shutdown your platform, website, or what],” Lumagui warned.

E-marketplaces are also told by Lumagui to strictly monitor unregistered online selllers still using the platform and make sure to remove them immediately.

Kapag hindi pa rin nila tanggalin ang lahat ng mga online sellers na hindi rehistrado at pati sila ay pwedeng ma -shut down para mapatigil ’yung kanilang platform [If they are still not able to remove all unregistered online sellers, even e-marketplaces will be shutdown to stop their operations],” Lumagui warned e-marketplaces.

The BIR chief believes consumers will benefit from the tax ruling. Lumagui added the rule assures consumers that the businesses they are buying products or services from are registered and legitimate.

Dapat hindi tayo mangamba dyan dahil hindi dapat mag-resulta yan ng pagtaas ng presyo ng mga produkto online [We must not be worried that this will result in the increased prices of the products we buy online],” the BIR

Shifting consumer habits grow Asia’s e-commerce

THE shifting of consumer habits, particularly using mobile payment solutions, such as e-wallets, drives the growth of the e-commerce sector in Developing Asia, according to a unit of Fitch Solutions Ltd.

In a commentary, BMI Research Pty Ltd. said the “rapidly evolving” e-commerce landscape in Developing Asia is driven by technological advancement and shifting consumer behavior.

data to improve the collection of customs duties, excise and other taxes.

The SEC is also looking at partnering with the Bureau of Immigration to help monitor foreign nationals doing business in the country, as well as the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System to ensure the legitimacy of corporations participating in the government procurement process.

The SEC Zero is a service under the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (eSPARC), which allows applicants to digitally authenticate system-generated forms through the eSAP platform.

The eSAP, meanwhile, is integrated with the SEC Zero for the digital authentication of documents, removing the need to affix wet signatures and submit hard copies of registration requirements. It uses one-time passwords to proceed with the electronic authentication of the documents.

Digitally-authenticated forms have the same validity as the original certificate, eliminating the need for physical signing and notarization of the registration documents.

With digital authentication, the SEC Zero and eSAP enable Filipino applicants to register their companies anytime and from anywhere, even abroad, Aquino said.

The Regulator also created the SEC’s Green Lane Unit, which will cater to entities under the Foreign Investment Act, as well as foreign and multinational companies. It will process registration, licensing and amendment of covered entities, among others.

Foreign-owned applications will no longer have to be queued together with all other applications in the online registry, as they will be redirected to a special lane to of the SEC FIRST unit, making the processing time more efficient.

Meanwhile, eAMEND will serve as the online portal that will facilitate the acceptance, processing and approval of payment for amendment applications of corporations. The platform facilitates the issuance of the digital copy of the Certificate of Amendment of Domestic Stock and Non-stock Corporation almost instantly for certain transactions.

“Frontier and Developing Asia” refers to Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Despite various issues surrounding different markets in Emerging Asia, including unbanked or underbanked populations and transaction security, BMI Research said

briefs

e-wallets allow consumers access to alternative and viable financial services.

The IMF said that “Emerging Asia” refers to China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Consumers need not present documents, such as a passport or national identification card, to open a bank account and a debit card. An e-wallet enables them to pay transactions instead.

Moreover, traditional credit institutions such as banks may be reluctant to issue credit cards to consumers who do not have fixed or regular salaries, which is a common trait in informal economies.

Some consumers, however, are still able to purchase items on credit using “buy-now-pay-later” services.

“The trend has been aided by the global adoption of smart -

➜ Lumagui receives ‘Exemplary Integrity Award’

BUREAU of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. was awarded by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants-Cebu with the “Exemplary Integrity Award” during the 11th PICPA-Cebu Summit held last July 11. In a statement, the BIR said PICPA-Cebu gave the award to Lumagui “in recognition of his unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency, prioritizing excellent taxpayer service reforms by initiating digital transformation and ISO Certification at the BIR, and issuing breakthrough regulations that directly benefit the taxpaying public.” This award marks BIR’s undeniable change towards integrity and professionalism, Lumagui was quoted in the statement as saying. Since last year, BIR officials acted on its errant employees: filing criminal cases, terminating and suspending 29 in total as of January this year.

➜ BDO shortens offer period for bond issue

BDO Unibank Inc. disclosed that it has shortened the offer period for its third Peso-denominated Asean Sustainability Bond issue. Originally set to run from July 8 to 19, 2024, the bank decided to close the offer period early, on July 16, “following strong demand from both retail and institutional investors.” The latest Asean Sustainability Bonds have a tenor of 1.5 years and bear a coupon rate of 6.325 percent per annum. The issue, settlement, and listing date will be on July 24. The net proceeds of the issuance are intended to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework and diversify the bank’s funding sources.

➜ Proptech completes funding, led by IFC

LHOOPA Inc., the innovative proptech company revolutionizing affordable housing in emerging markets, announced recently the successful completion of its $80-million funding round. This is one of the biggest funding rounds by a startup in the Philippines to date, and one of the biggest raises in Southeast Asia in 2024, according to CB Insights data. Of the amount, $20 million was in the form of equity, which was co-led by the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corp. (IFC) and Wavemaker Partners. The equity round facilitated the commitment of $60-million worth of debt facilities for Lhoopa from development finance institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United States International Development Finance Corp. Achieving a 3:1 debt-to-equity ratio from these respected institutions is also notable.

phones, which has introduced players that sell models specifically targeting the mass-market demographic in developing economies,” BMI said.

Reasonable smartphone features and capabilities at an affordable price have propelled the smartphone penetration rates of Emerging Asia economies and reduced the barriers to entry in the adoption of mobile payment solutions.

“Mobile payment solutions, specifically e-wallets, have been the key catalyst for the explosive growth in the number of e-commerce users,” BMI Research said.

Citing data from the World Bank’s Global Findex Database, BMI Research noted e-wallet adoption rates in Emerging Asia are among the highest in the world.

Around 59 percent of those aged older than 15 years had a mobile

money account in markets in Thailand while Mongolia posted 60 percent in e-wallet users.

“This is significantly higher than the global average, which was around 10 percent in the same year,” BMI Research added. Furthermore, Alipay+-in-China program in partnership with 10 leading e-wallets in Asia was launched by Mainland China-based digital payment group Ant Group to allow users to use their domestic e-wallets in Mainland China.

“The A+China agreement not only allows consumers to use their preferred e-wallet when in China, but removes the last barrier for seamless mobile payment solutions in the market for most visitors, providing further tailwinds to the expanding international tourism sector in China,” BMI Research added. Reine Juvierre Alberto

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

WHILE she respected the adherence of Finance officials to the mandate of the budget law on the return to the Treasury of excess funds from national government (NG) subsidies, Senator Pia Cayetano said she was also “very concerned” about the impact of returning excess PhilHealth funds.

Cayetano said last Wednesday she “will be studying this matter very carefully.” Citing the Universal Healthcare Law, the Senator said that if there are “excess revenues of PhilHealth, it should be used to augment” the programs of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., “and possibly reduce member contributions.”

However, she noted that the Department of Finance (DOF) recently said funds that the national government gave as part of subsidies to PhilHealth, but which the latter did not use, will revert to the Treasury.

Part of such reverted funds will be used to pay what the government owed healthcare workers as allowances during the pandemic, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said earlier. He explained said the DOF was simply following the budget law, which mandates the return of such unused funds, so they can be utilized for national development programs and projects.

Recto stressed that only excess unutilized funds from NG subsidies are to be returned, and these are not monies from member contributions.

However, Cayetano, who chaired for the past four years the panel going through the budgets for both health and education, said she felt compelled to revisit the issues as she studies the budget of PhilHealth. She noted

the protest of health advocates who insist that PhilHealth funds should not be returned to the Treasury, since the agency has not yet reached the adequate level of health coverage to the majority as mandated by the UHC. “Health advocates, ask, why remove the funds [from PhilHealth]? The DOF says these are not revenues of PhilHealth, these did not come from contribution of members, it’s a government subsidy. So we’re familiar with that as Chairperson of the budget for the past four years. I’m studying the figures being presented by DOF now,” Cayetano added in an interview in Pampanga.

It is important, she stressed, to determine “which is the [national] government contribution, and what came from the members? ...Because we need to just be transparent and responsible to the public that if it’s their contribution, we follow the law that this is only for the use of PhilHealth to augment its programs and services.

The matter of government subsidy, she stressed, is “an interesting question.”

“The GAA, the law, the Appropriations Act every year states there are unprogrammed funds. So, can we take what’s been put into PhilHealth? Since it wasn’t used, PhilHealth being a GOCC, is the agency covered?” She noted that it may have been “mingled” with “contributions” of members. She concluded: “So I don’t have the answer but like the health advocates, I’m very concerned. Of course I don’t want to cut the funding for healthcare.”

As author of several health measures, including, as co-author of Universal Healthcare, and the law creating the Food and Drug Authority, she said she owed it to the public to study this issue.

Health& Fitness

PHL faces challenges in malnutrition, obesity, says National Nutrition Council

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes Contributor

Malnutrition remains a gargantuan challenge for the country as only 1.8 percent of Filipinos have access to proper nutrition.

Kristian Jebsen Bandong, Nutrition Officer II from the Nutrition Policy and Planning Division at the National Nutrition Council, said the Bangsamoro Autonomous r egion Muslim Mindanao (BA r MM), r egion 7 and r egion 8 have the highest rate of malnutrition in the country.

“We have to develop and protect the capabilities of individuals and families, especially those who are coming from the marginalized sector,” said Bandong during the recently concluded educational session, “ r esponsible Marketing to Children” held in Armstrong Center, Makati City.

The problem has been exacerbated by the availability of cheaper, unhealthy foods and snacks. He stressed there is an urgent need to address the vulnerabilities and protect the purchasing power of Filipino families to ensure that they avail of a healthy and affordable diet.

Growing obesity rate

B ANDONG expressed concern on the growing obesity rate among Filipino children across all social classes. “Obesity is no longer a disease of the affluent,“ he emphasized.

He acknowledged that the government cannot do it alone as it needs the expertise, resources and capabilities of the private sector to combat malnutrition among children.

“We need concerted action, government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture to work together with the private sector for a comprehensive roadmap to tackle malnutrition,” he said. Bandong also shared the government’s initiatives on regulating advertising and marketing, including developing the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model which they plan to use for several purposes such as regulating treats

and alcoholic beverage marketing and implementing front-of-pack nutrientspecific warning labels.

“We should all be advocates for our children, then we can be advocates for the products we are trying to sell,” said Center for Peace Education’s Dr. Gail r eyes Galang. She also suggested seeking insights from parents or child experts to ensure ethical marketing practices aimed at children.

Ethical imperatives

M EANWHILE , Mondelēz International explored the ethical imperatives in today’s market, emphasizing the delicate balance between business objectives and safeguarding family and children’s well-being. Aleli Arcilla, Mondelēz International’s Managing Director in the Philippines also revealed the company’s industry-leading efforts and advocacy for well-being, Mindful Snacking.

“We believe it is the gatekeepers, the parents or the guardians, who should make the decision on what food their children should consume,” Arcilla emphasized. “To grow our business means growing it the right way by being responsible in our marketing and encouraging other companies to do the same,” she emphasized.

At the same time, Miko David, President of David & Golyat and Vice President of External Affairs at the

Ad Standards Council, discussed how the organization regulates marketing to children through its regulatory guidelines.

Responsible advertising

T HE esteemed experts also opened up to the possibility of reviving and improving the Philippines r esponsible Advertising to Children pledge, which was signed in 2014. This pledge aims to formalize the minimum standards for advertising to children, to protect their wellbeing. Mondelēz International is one of the companies that signed this pledge.

“Through this discussion, we are advancing significantly toward our goal. By fostering collaboration in designing marketing strategies for families, we envision a world where businesses thrive alongside the well-being of our consumers,” said Arcilla.

Hosted by adobo Magazine and joined by the National Nutrition Council, Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the Ad Standards Council (ASC), Center for Peace Education, and KMC Solutions, the session sought to spark discourse on ethical marketing to children and explore strategies for crafting age-appropriate and responsible marketing campaigns that resonate with families while safeguarding their best interests and wellbeing.

Expertise, equipment, environment drive St. Luke’s international success

NBy Candy Dalizon Contributor

amed the lead facility in the country for medical tourism, St. Luke’s m edical Center (SL m C) attributes its success to the expertise of its doctors and staff, cutting-edge equipment, and its welcoming environment.

SL m C’s latest recognition from the d epartment of Tourism ( d OT) underscores the hospital’s commitment to provide worldclass medical services and to establish the Philippines as a premier destination for medical travelers.

“We are proud to be recognized by the d OT for our efforts in providing quality healthcare to all patients, regardless of where they come from,” said d r. d ennis P. Serrano, President and C e O of SL m C, during the launch of SL m C as the Lead m edical Tourism Facility in the Philippines last July 15, 2024.

“The credo or the formula for which we have tried to deliver this kind of service to our international partners is expertise, equipment, and environment. SL m C’s hospitals in Quezon City and Global City are staffed by locally and internationally acclaimed medical experts and are equipped with the latest and state-of-the-art healthcare technology, thus providing optimal patient outcomes through cost-competitive treatments and services,” added d r. Serrano.

Top-notch professionals

He explained that expertise refers to SL m C’s top-notch medical and allied health professionals.

“We are proud to say that we are probably harnessing the best of the best in the medical industry in the country today.”

d r. Serrano said many of their experts are internationally trained in top-tier institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, m ayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, and other

leading e uropean hospitals and they bring this world-class expertise back to contribute to SL m C’s exceptional care.

In terms of equipment, d r. Serrano emphasized their commitment to acquiring cutting-edge medical equipment first in the Philippines. e very acquisition is carefully selected based on data and research to ensure it benefits patients.

“a nd finally, the environment. St. Luke’s has tried to foster as far as possible the best culture of care and the best culture of healing. a nd this belongs to not just our facilities but also to our people,” shared d r. Serrano.

He acknowledged that medical tourism in the country can be improved further. Out of the gross revenues of both hospitals in Quezon City and Global City, the revenue from foreign or international patients is around seven to 10 percent.

“We also have to understand that as we grow this market, we do not only grow it for St. Luke’s. We grow it for the country. We grow it for the other hospitals. St. Luke’s is in m anila and our tourists are everywhere,” said d r. Serrano.

By showcasing the high-quality medical care available in the Philippines, d r. Serrano said they can inspire and motivate other healthcare institutions to further improve their services. This will indirectly elevate the overall standard of care in the country within the next few years.

Value for money

d r. Serrano said the healthcare industry is a very competitive industry, not just locally but globally.

“When we say that we are competitive, it is not just being sensitive to what the Filipino people need in terms of getting costs down, but also we have to be competitive internationally. Let me give you an example, a very niche service, robotic surgery. The kind of robotic surgery that you will get here will be at par

with hospitals in Singapore, or Hong Kong.”

The machine is the same. The experts have been trained in the internationally renowned and certified training centers. d r. Serrano however pointed out that the cost of SL m C’s robotic surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgery, is just one third or two thirds of that of Singapore and Hong Kong.

The d OT recognition might lead to higher costs as SL m C invests in advanced technology and acquires more sophisticated equipment.

“But it is all based on rational expenditure. e ven if it goes up, it’s not something that Filipino patients will feel but when international patients compare, they will also say it’s cheaper,” said d r. Serrano.

Facing international competition

S O u TH ea ST a sia has become a global medical tourism hub in recent years. Countries like Thailand, Singapore, and m alaysia have led the way, attracting patients with their competitive prices, advanced medical care, and expertise. These a S ea N countries rose to prominence as the most preferred medical tourism spots in the region over the past decade.

d r. Serrano agreed that addressing international competition in medical tourism is more challenging.

“How do you compete with the likes of Bumrungrad [International Hospital] in Thailand? How do you compete with the likes of Parkway in Singapore? These are decadesestablished international deliverers. a nd they are backed by very rich financing institutions.”

He elaborated that SL m C is a non-stock, non-profit hospital, adding “we are not owned by anybody. St. Luke’s owns St. Luke’s.”

d r. Serrano said the good thing about this is, whatever SL m C earns, they funnel back into the hospital to improve facilities, manpower, and services.

a nd that’s the formula for us, being able to build a new hospital while at the same time

DOH advises Pinoys to raise guard vs dengue

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

de NG ue cases are rising as expected due to the frequent rain, which allows more water to pool and be stagnant, the d epartment of Health ( d OH) said. The agency added that if left unchecked, a edes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading d engue will breed in these stagnant pools of water.

The d OH on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, reported an increase of 30 percent in the num -

ber of dengue cases as of June 29, 2024.

“With rain comes the rise of d engue. We know what works, and that is to kill mosquitoes. Protect loved ones too through clothing and mosquito repellants. d o not selfmedicate; ask your doctor or nearby clinic if you have d engue,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

Growing in numbers

d OH data showed that from 6,323 cases reported last m ay 19 to June 1 (start of the

rainy season), 8,246 cases were reported nationwide last June 2 to June 15.

“The d OH is cautious about interpreting case counts especially with regards to the most recent tally [8,213 cases from June 16 to 29] as there may be incoming late reports,” the d OH said. a total of 90,119 dengue cases have been reported from the start of 2024 until June 29, the d OH said. a s of June 29, 2024, there are 233 deaths already reported since the start of the year.

renovating the building of an old hospital [SL m C Q.C.]. Sound financial management is one,” said d r. Serrano.

Consistently providing exceptional patient care is another effective strategy for competing internationally.

“There’s a lot of work. We’ve started it, we’re working on it, we’ll continue working on it,” he shared.

Partnership with DOT T O ur IS m Secretary Christina Frasco said premier medical institutions like St. Luke’s m edical Center are indispensable to their mission to develop the Philippines into a medical tourism hub. These hospitals set the benchmark for medical excellence and patient care that are sought after by international patients.

“St. Luke’s accolades form a very, very long list and include patients from destinations such as Guam, the u .S., Papua New Guinea, the m arshall Islands, Northern m ariana Islands, Palau, a ustralia, m icronesia, Canada, and China, and the list goes on and on.”

“a s the first in the country and second in a sia to receive JCI accreditation, St. Luke’s m edical Center exemplifies our standards for world-class healthcare. a nd so we welcome this partnership with St. Luke’s, knowing the many strengths that you’ve had, the global recognition that you have enjoyed from wellrenowned institutions, as well as the many opportunities for the further expansion of medical tourism in the Philippines with partners such as your institution,” said Frasco.

The tourism secretary likewise commended SL m C for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient care, which will be fundamental to a successful partnership.

“Together, we can thrive on building a medical tourism industry that brings economic benefits to our nation, and most importantly, opportunities for livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos,” said Frasco.

For the same period in 2023, the number is 291. The number of cases this year is 19 percent higher than the previous year’s tally of 75,968 over the same time period. Based on the epidemic curve, the d OH notes that cases on a weekly basis in 2024 went above what was observed in 2023 from January 1 to m ay 11.

Weekly cases Fr O m m ay 12 to June 29, the weekly case numbers have returned to either below or just slightly above what was recorded in 2023. This may be attributed to ongoing intensified efforts of local governments to kill

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Mega Prime Food’s initiative targets childhood malnutrition across PHL

By John Eiron R. Francisco

SANTO TOMAS, BATANGAS—Canned sardines

manufacturer Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI) revealed through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation that it has served over 370,000 meals and supported more than 1,700 children through its sustainable food program for nearly five years in various communities across the country.

“That’s a small fraction of the total population of people who’ve been stunted. But we want to use this as an example, as a platform, as an initiative to bring awareness to people,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer at MPFI, emphasizing that they cannot tackle the issue alone.

“We’re a private company, and we’re encouraging other private companies to join us,” he said.

Increase in global hunger A CCO r DING to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2023 report noted a significant increase in global hunger, with between 691 and 783 million people affected in 2022, an increase of 122 million compared to prepandemic levels in 2019.

The report also highlighted ongoing challenges, including malnutrition affecting millions of children under five. In 2022, 148 million children (22.3 percent) were stunted, 45 million (6.8 percent) were wasted, and 37 million (5.6 percent) were overweight.

In the local context, the national Social Weather Survey revealed that 14.2 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the first quarter of 2024, up from 12.6 percent in December 2023.

Lim said that solving world hunger is indeed challenging and may seem never-ending. He said that the success of their initiative lies in its continuity and ongoing educational efforts.

“It will not resolve world hunger, it will not resolve stunting, but the success is really seeing the kids, seeing the statistics, seeing the parents, and the impact that we’re making in their lives,” he related.

Importance of discipline

L IM emphasized the importance of discipline when it comes to children’s dietary habits, noting the temptation to give in to their demands. He stressed that parents should adhere to a proper diet plan to provide their children with a chance at a healthier life.

“There are many things that we can do to help it get better. But within this small niche of what we’re trying to do, we feel very passionate about it, because in our own small way, I think we can help in that aspect,” he said.

mosquitoes by searching and destroying their breeding water.

Seven regions have shown an increase in cases over the past six weeks before June 29: m I mar OPa , Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos r egion, Central Luzon, C a L a B ar ZON, and the National Capital r egion.

Meanwhile, Dawn Marie Cabigon, Founder of r each Out Feed Philippines ( r OFP), highlighted their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that addressing hunger is paramount.

She emphasized that even at the global level, the United Nations recognizes that unresolved nutrition issues can significantly impact educational outcomes.

“You cannot educate a hungry child, basically,” she said.

Positive results

L AST July 9, at Mega Manufacturing Plant’s newly opened facility in Batangas, the company’s third, with the first two situated in barangays Ayala and Talisayan in Zamboanga City, concluded a 120-day feeding program under the “Mega Bigay Sustansya” (MBS) for 500 students identified by the Department of Education (DepEd) as wasted and severely wasted, in partnership with r OFP.

Based on baseline data and ongoing assessments, Cabigon disclosed that initially, 44.8 percent of the children were categorized as wasted. After four weeks, this percentage decreased to 39.31 percent, reducing the number of wasted children from 224 to 193. r egarding underweight children, the initial percentage was 1.4 percent, which decreased to 1.22 percent after four weeks. Among the children assessed, only four were initially classified as normal, this percentage increased to 0.8 percent, representing nearly a 10 percent rise.

“We taught the parents on how to be creative with the dishes,” Cabigon said.

She said that during feeding programs, they noticed food wastage, primarily vegetables left uneaten on plates. This prompted them to analyze and adjust their approach to include essential dietary components, such as fiberrich vegetables, alongside accessible foods like sardines.

“Sardines are very basic. It’s the most basic food that Filipinos have. It’s very affordable and it can feed a family of five together with rice,” Lim said while acknowledging that canned foods can sometimes be high in sodium, yet he emphasized the importance of a balanced diet.

“But then, when you pick canned food, just make sure you pick canned food that’s nutritious,” he said.

“We wanted to really make sure that we provide Filipinos with value for money products and nutritious, functional products that really help them. And that’s why we’re doing this MBS,” Lim concluded.

The MBS program has engaged multiple communities, including Valenzuela, Navotas, Batangas, Quezon, Samar, Leyte, Surigao, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga.

The d OH clarified that it does not release specific names of local governments to allow for their coordinated risk communication, community engagement, and response on localized d engue outbreaks, as provided for under Section 7 of r epublic a ct No. 11332. The d OH continues to reiterate the importance of sustained mea

and

ing grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers; Self-protection measures like insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; Seek

DA: Program to shield PHL from salmonella

VBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

ARIOUS government agencies, the academe and the private sector are currently crafting a program that aims to prevent outbreaks of salmonella linked to poultry.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Special Order (SO) 1023 which mandated the creation of a technical working group (TWG) that will come up with a national poultry salmonella prevention and control program.

The DA took its cue from Republic Act (RA) 10611 or the “Food Safety Act of 2013” and RA 8485 or the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998” as amended by RA 10631.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed SO

1023 which indicated that the TWG will be composed of DA agencies, professional organizations, state university and colleges (SUCs), poultry stakeholders, local government units (LGUs) and development partners.

“The TWG shall discuss relevant issues and concerns on the SPCP [salmonella prevention and control program] and Salmonella in the poultry sector as it relates to food safety and animal health and recommend measures to address this,” SO 1023 read.

‘Meat imports still competitive due to costly local products’

THE Philippines purchased more imported meat products in the first five months of the year to meet rising demand for cheaper alternatives, according to the Meat Importers and Traders Association (Mita).

Data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed that the country’s meat imports grew by nearly 10 percent to year-on-year to 524,675 metric tons (MT) as of May 31, driven by more purchases of imported pork and chicken.

Pork imports jumped by 10.62 percent to 253,548 MT from 229,201 MT while chicken meat imports also grew by 4.98 percent to 181,232 MT from 172,627 MT, based on BAI data.

The country’s imports of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) accounted for the bulk of chicken imports at 99,122 MT. This was followed by the purchases of chicken leg quarters at 49,125 MT.

“This suggests that the high price of local pork and poultry continue to make imported meat competitive and attractive,” MITA President Emeritus Jesus Cham said via Viber.

“The high price locally could be attributed to decreased production and higher cost due to the El Niño phenomenon.”

He also noted that the high prices of pork and poultry have prompted consumers to shift to beef. The country’s

beef imports during the period jumped by nearly 29 percent to 68,527 MT from 53,211 MT last year.

“Looking ahead, the weak peso [and] strong dollar coupled with higher prices abroad is increasing the landed cost of imported meat,” Cham said.

“The recent issuance of EO [Executive Order] 62 will lend stability and predictably for the remaining years of [Marcos] unless the producers manage to overturn it.”

Meanwhile, Brazil was the top supplier of chicken at 98,318 MT with the United States trailing behind at 58,389 MT, based on BAI data.

Spain was the Philippines’s top supplier of pork at 64,719 MT, followed by Brazil at 58,354 MT and Canada at 36,514 MT. In terms of beef imports, BAI data showed that Brazil was also the country’s biggest supplier at 23,959 MT followed by Australia which accounted for 20,440 MT.

Cham said his group expects the government to finalize the quota for meat products this monthly. “While we expect the quota to be finalized this month, only a few months remain to fully utilize (it).”

Under EO 62, pork imports have an in-quota tariff of 15 percent and an outquota tariff of 25 percent, while poultry MDM has a 5-percent tariff rate. Ada Pelonia

Google-backed AI startup Cropin wants to predict future of food

FOOD and agriculture AI startup Cropin Technology Solutions has unveiled a realtime intelligence solution to forecast future yields for 13 vital crops as artificial intelligence helps overcome bottlenecks in the farming industry.

The Bangalore-headquartered company unveiled Sage, powered by Alphabet Inc.’s Google Gemini AI model, which converts the world’s agricultural landscape into a proprietary grid-based map and then delivers precise predictive intelligence based on historical data. Decision-makers can ask questions about crop performance and life cycle in their native language and get information on productivity, climate, farm practices and soil for the 13 crops that account for 80 percent of global food demand.

“To predict the future of a particular crop is a major leap, and we see entire industries go into turbulence on account of shortfall in say, cocoa or orange crop,” said Krishna Kumar, Cropin’s founder and chief executive officer.

The TWG would be headed by Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Director Arlene Asteria Vytiaco, with respective chiefs from BAI Animal Health and Welfare Division and BAI National Veterinary Quarantine Services Division as vice-chairs.

Among the tasks of the TWG

are drafting and designing a poultry salmonella control program, reviewing the current issuances concerning salmonella, and conducting lectures and seminars on salmonella. SO 1023 said members should meet on a monthly basis.

“The NPSPCP-TWG is responsible for the development, implementation and sustainability of

the program.”

The DA said expenses relative to the performance of duties and responsibilities of the TWG members should be charged against available funds of BAI, subject to usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

The Philippine News Agency reported in March that salmonella cases in the country rose to 13,000 in 2023, from 9,000 in 2022. The figures were provided by a scientist from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Homer Pantua said in a televised briefing that officials need to quickly address the public health concern.

“There are 83 million cases globally. In the Philippines, salmonella cases were 9,000 in 2022 and increased to 42 percent from January to August 2023.”

The salmonella bacteria are passed from feces of people or animals. “The foodborne salmonellosis causes gastro intestinal

disorders, fever and abdominal cramps in people. In animals, the livestock salmonella result in decreased productivity.”

Pantua said the bacteria could come from raw and undercooked foods such as eggs and meat. Meats that are not properly processed or have been contaminated could also produce the bacteria.

In May, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started an investigation into a salmonella outbreak that is linked to backyard poultry.

“Backyard poultry, such as chickens and ducks, can carry salmonella germs even if they look healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to anything in the areas where the poultry live and roam,” CDC said.

As of June 27, CDC said salmonella from backyard poultry have sickened 195 people, including 50 who were hospitalized, in 38 states.

Average farmgate price of unmilled rice jumps in June

LOCAL traders bought dry unhusked rice at a higher price in June, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

A month before the start of the lean season for rice, PSA data showed that the average quotation for dry palay jumped by nearly 28 percent to P24.59 per kilo in June, from P19.23 per kilo a year ago. The lean season for rice is from July to September.

“Farmgate prices refer to the prices received by farmers for the sale of their produce at the first point of sale net of the total marketing cost paid by the farmers,” the PSA said.

“These prices are determined at the farmgate or first point of sale transactions and are also known as ‘producer prices.’”

On a monthly basis, the average farmgate price of palay in June slid by 0.8 percent from P24.79 per kilo recorded in May.

PSA data showed that the highest increase was observed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the average prices registered a year-on-year growth of 42.8 percent.

The average palay farmgate price in BARMM reached P26.66

ammonia or ammonia produced via carbon capture and storage by 2030. PepsiCo—which sells snacks including Lay’s potato chips—said efforts will focus on potatoes to begin with, before expanding to other crops.

per kilo in June, higher than the previous year’s P18.67 per kilo.

The slowest year-on-year growth in farmgate prices was recorded in Eastern Visayas at 13.3 percent. The average palay price went up to P19.97 per kilo in June from P17.62 per kilo in the same period last year.

On a month-on-month basis, the highest increase was recorded in Ilocos Region at 4.4 percent. The same region also recorded the highest average palay farmgate price which averaged P28.37 per kilo in June, higher than last year’s P20.23 per kilo.

This was followed by Western Visayas at P28.30 per kilo; Central Visayas, P27.65; BARMM, P26.66; and Northern Mindanao, P26.11.

The lowest average palay farmgate price was registered in the Eastern Visayas where it reached P19.97 per kilo followed by Caraga where it hit P21.24 and the Bicol Region.

The PSA said the monthly data on the farmgate prices of palay are obtained from the results of the Farm Price Survey for Palay conducted on the last five days of the reference month.

Based on the agency’s survey of standing crops, the country’s

paddy rice output likely dropped by 8.6 percent to 3.88 million metric tons (MMT) in the second quarter from the actual output of 4.25 MMT a year ago. The latest figure is also 0.6 percent lower than the PSA’s initial estimate of 3.91 MMT.

‘Game changer’ HOUSE Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co said Wednesday that he supports the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) latest initiative aimed at “revolutionizing irrigation” in rain-fed areas, thereby transforming them into productive lands year-round.

Co said the NIA Solar Irrigation project, which covers 71 sites across the Bicol Region, targets an area of 1,810 hectares and is set to benefit 4,560 farmers across the region.

With a total project cost of P1.5 billion, Co said the initiative promises significant advancements in agricultural productivity and income for the farmerbeneficiaries.

“This initiative by the National Irrigation Administration is a game-changer for our farmers,” said Co.

“It meets the crucial needs of farmers on the river. It will increase the harvest, the ability of farmers to cultivate their lands, and their income. With the availability of water during the dry season, we can expect an estimated additional income of P140 million every year for our farmers.”

According to Co, the priority areas for this project are currently rain-fed zones that rely solely on rainfall for irrigation, limiting their planting seasons to only once a year.

With the project’s completion, these areas will have access to a steady water supply even during the dry months, and this development will enable farmers to plant rice during the rainy season and cultivate corn or other crops during the dry months, thus ensuring continuous agricultural activity throughout the year, the lawmaker added.

“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. It is important to give them the equipment and resources they need to develop and strengthen their food production. This project not only boosts agricultural productivity but also uplifts the socio-economic status of our farmers.” Ada Pelonia and Jovee

Marie N. Dela Cruz

Govt opens marine hatchery in Zamboanga del Norte

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

so that the income potential will be maximized by us.”

The world’s agricultural land spans 4.8 billion hectares, according to Cropin.

The company’s technology fuses generative AI with four decades of climate data, earth data and knowledge graphs to decode each crop country-by-country and predict how a certain crop will behave this season, next year or over the next five years.

“We have the technology to predict, for example, which variety of potato will yield optimally in certain grids in Idaho or in Kenya, helping a prominent chipmaker customer to plan their supply chain,” Kumar said over a video call.

Fertilizer deal

PEPSICO Inc. struck an agreement with fertilizer giant Yara International ASA to secure lower-emission crop nutrients for farmers it buys from in Europe, as food and beverage companies push to become greener.

Yara will initially mostly supply PepsiCo farmers with traditional products made using natural gas, but plans to boost volumes of fertilizer manufactured with either renewable

As the world’s population explodes and food security concerns increase, generative AI and large language models have the potential to transform modern agriculture in a climateimpacted world. That can help a whole range of customers from consumer packaged goods makers and seed manufacturers to financial institutions and governments plan crop production and make informed decisions on cultivation.

It’s the latest sign that food producers are paying more attention to the impact of fertilizer usage in their supply chain.

Multinationals are coming under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint—and for foods like wheat and potatoes, a big chunk of emissions can come from nutrients used to grow them.

Gas is used as a feedstock and source of energy to make nitrogen fertilizer. Socalled green ammonia is energy intensive, produced by combining hydrogen from water electrolysis using renewable energy with nitrogen. While companies including Yara are starting to manufacture green ammonia, so far not enough has been made to sell commercially at scale.

PepsiCo will buy as much as 165,000 tons of fertilizers per year from Yara by 2030, according to a statement on Tuesday. Those volumes will eventually come from Yara’s new renewable hydrogen plant in Norway, and some from a Dutch plant which will use carbon capture and storage.

“Fertilizers represent one of the biggest opportunities for PepsiCo to reduce emissions, as they significantly impact the company’s average potato carbon footprint in Europe,” according to the statement.

Bloomberg News

DAVAO City—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) said the government recently opened a multispecies marine hatchery in Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

Bfar, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the hatchery is “the first of its kind” and is expected to drive the region’s aquaculture development.

For the first few years, the Jose Dalman Marine Fish Hatchery will focus on milkfish fry production, which is expected to produce 12.5 million milkfish fry annually at a 50-percent survival rate, the agency said in a statement last Tuesday.

During the inauguration ceremony in the town, DA-BFAR Officer-in-Charge Isidro M. Velayo Jr. said the hatchery “is important to reinforce the province’s milkfish production.”

“Why bangus? Because the technology is already available. We have lots of fishponds, we have more areas for development that is why our primary commodity for this hatchery is bangus,” Velayo said.

“Hopefully we can add more species

The hatchery’s production aims to provide the seed requirement for growout facilities like ponds and cages in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, including the more than 200 milkfish cages operating in the different mariculture parks in the region, he said.

He said the hatchery is the government’s “first-ever” multispecies hatchery in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the region known for its sardine production.

Bfar said the hatchery was established by virtue of Republic Act 10859, which the agency described as “another significant legislative and technological investment under the Legislated Hatcheries Program of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.”

It said that of the 57 multi-species hatcheries and other aquaculture facilities to be constructed nationwide under 41 laws passed during the 16th, 17th and 18th Congresses, “the Bureau, to date, has completed a total of 26, while 21 are now under construction and 10 undergoing preliminary preparations including feasibility studies and procurement procedures.”

“With this new facility, local fish

farmers would soon no longer need to source their supplies of fry and fingerlings from local wild fry gatherers, private hatcheries from other regions like the Soccssksargen, or even from traders selling imported fry from Indonesia.” The agency said this would cut fry costs, “which mean lower operating capital, emergence of more grow-out areas, additional revenue for the local government unit, and more employment opportunities for the community.”

The Jose Dalman Marine Fish Hatchery was designed by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and built in partnership with the municipal government, which provided the 3,000-square meter lot for the project.

The municipality of Jose Dalman is 260 kilometers northeast of Zamboanga City, and 65 kilometers southwest of Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte. During the first two years, Bfar said its Regional Fishery Office will manage the hatchery while providing technical skills through training and capacity building to local government personnel in preparation for the turnover of the hatchery to the local government of Jose Dalman.

DTI’s 2024 National Food Fair Nets P57.83 million for MSMEs

THE recent 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, a vibrant celebration of Filipino culinary heritage and entrepreneurship, concluded with resounding success, generating an impressive P57.83 million in preliminary cash sales, booked orders, and orders under negotiation sales for 233 participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall from July 3 to 7, 2024, the fair attracted 50,000 enthusiastic visitors, underscoring the growing national interest in local food products and the thriving MSME sector.

Under the leadership of the Department of Trade and Industry – MSME Development Group (DTI-MDG), the event showcased a tantalizing array of hundreds of food products from all regions of the Philippines, including fresh agricultural produce, processed and bottled food, healthy snacks, traditional regional delicacies, wines and beverages, and so much more.

In her inspirational talk,

DTI MSME Development Group

Undersecretary Maria Cristina Roque encouraged the MSMEs to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the DTI saying, “When opportunities like this arise, seize them with confidence. You never know, you could be the next big success story.”

In addition to the bustling marketplace, the fair also featured a series of engaging activities aimed at empowering both consumers and food entrepreneurs. Renowned chefs shared their culinary expertise in live cooking demonstrations, while industry experts led informative business talks. Adding a festive touch to the daily program were musical performances and even a magic show.

This year’s event is significant as it marks a decade of the National Food

Fair, organized by the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices. According to BMDPO Director Marievic Bonoan, “Over the past ten years, this fair has become a premier platform for our MSMEs in the food and beverage industry.”

More national trade fairs are in the pipeline for the rest of the year. Aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to participate in DTI-BMDPO events should call or visit their local DTI Office. They may also email Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

To stay updated, follow their social media channels on Facebook (@BDTP), Twitter (@DTI_BDTP), Instagram (@ dti.bdtp), YouTube (@DTI.BDTP), and TikTok (@dti.bdtp).

Foundever™ Awarded for Boosting Regional Growth, Empowering Communities in PHL

OUNDEVER™, a global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry, was recently conferred the Company for Regional Development of the Year Award by IBPAP (Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines), the country’s enabling association for the IT and business processing industry. The event, dubbed “Solaia: The IT-BPM Awards 2024”, was held at the ShangriLa the Fort Grand Ballroom.

Foundever was recognized for boosting socio-economic progress in Cebu, Palawan, Baguio, and Tarlac, and for running educational programs that confer literacy, skills trainingand increased employability to Filipinos in local communities. The company was also cited for establishing Disability at Foundever, an ERG (employee resource group) that takes care of the needs and develops the potential of PWD employees in the company.

Experience Serenity with Belmont Hotel Manila’s Sleep Stay Room Package

IN today’s fast-paced world, quality sleep is more important than ever.

Recognizing this, Belmont Hotel Manila has curated the Sleep Stay Room Package to provide guests with an enhanced sleep experience. In a world where restful sleep is a luxury, this sets the standard for a blissful night’s rest. Whether you’re in the city for business or leisure, indulge in an experience designed to refresh your mind and body.

Escape the hustle and bustle with this special offer! Priced at just P10,500, treat yourself and a loved one in an unforgettable night. Enjoy an overnight stay for two in a Tranquility room, a delightful buffet breakfast to kickstart your day, fluffy socks and a soothing sleep mask for ultimate comfort, cozy silk pajamas, argan body lotion for pampering, and rich drip coffee to awaken your senses in the morning. Valid for stays until December 2024, this package ensures every detail is crafted for your utmost relaxation and enjoyment.

Don’t wait any longer to experience

Caption: Escape the hustle and bustle with the Sleep Stay Room Package. pure bliss. This promises to elevate your stay with unparalleled comfort and relaxation, ideal for romantic getaways, solo retreats, or weekend escapes with friends alike. Your journey to tranquility awaits. For reservations, visit www.belmonthotelmanila. com. You may also contact (02) 5318 8863 / 0917 817 9281 or email stay@ belmontmanila.com.

NutraHealthyGut offers Effective Solutions for a Healthy Digestive System

“We are grateful for this recognition from our peers in the industry. Rest assured, this will only motivate us further to keep on boosting regional growth through jobs creation, and to further empower local communities by reducing poverty through education and skills training for employability,” said Chie Fortuna, Foundever Vice President for Operations.

Also present at the awards ceremonies were Lena Madrid, Foundever Senior Manager for Marketing & Communications, and Juicy Oliver, Foundever HR Shared Services Director.

Foundever employs more than 16,000 associates or more than 40 percent of its Philippine headcount at its sites in Cebu, Palawan, Baguio, and Tarlac, making the company a major driver of job creation at a regional level.

Aside from this, the company’s educational program, Learn2Employ, partners with universities and communities and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide training in language skills, drafting effective resumes, creating compelling personal narratives, and acing job interviews.

Foundever also has a partnership with the Philippine Business for Education that trains individuals for greater eligibility and employability in digital jobs through authentic workplace experiences.

Meanwhile, the Disability at Foundever ERG supports PWD associates by helping create a workplace culture and environment that allows them to thrive and reach their full potential. The ERG also empowers PWDs and enables them to overcome cultural and social barriers that keep them from functioning and living their professional and personal lives to the fullest.

GUT health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, impacting everything from digestion and immunity to mental health. Recognizing the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, NutraHealthyGut introduces its range of probiotic and prebiotic supplements designed to enhance digestive health and promote a healthy lifestyle for everyone in the family.

A healthy gut microbiome aids in efficient food digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining a robust immune system. Conversely, poor gut health can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, the gut-brain connection means that a healthy gut can positively influence mood and cognitive function. Prioritizing gut health is essential for a healthier and happier life.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain, balance, or increase the good bacteria in the gut. They can be found in some fermented foods, though not all foods act as effective probiotics since some do not survive digestion. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that support the activity of good bacteria in the gut. They are found in fiber-rich foods, providing nourishment for probiotics.

NutraHealthyGut offers an effective supplement range designed to support and enhance gut health. The products combine the power of probiotics and prebiotics to restore intestinal ecology and balance, reducing constipation, infectious diarrhea, and antibiotic-related diarrhea. They also improve

digestion, alleviate bloating, and help reduce symptoms of lactose intolerance. Additionally, NutraHealthyGut supplements aid in preventing UTIs, managing symptoms of IBD & IBS, and addressing pediatric atopic dermatitis and eczema in children.

Product Range include:

NUTRAHEALTHYGUT Everyday: A potent combination of prebiotics and probiotics forming a powerful synbiotic blend. With 40 billion colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, NutraHealthyGut Everyday addresses various gastrointestinal issues, restores intestinal balance, reduces diarrhea and constipation, enhances digestion, improves nutrient absorption, alleviates lactose malabsorption, and boosts natural resistance to infections.

NutraHealthyGut Advance: Elevates gut health with 80 billion CFU from at least 11 probiotic strains, effective against moderate to severe GI disorders like IBS and IBD. It also contains lutein-a type of vitamin called a carotenoid which is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A to support good eyesight.

NutraHealthyGut Kids: Specifically formulated for children, this product combines prebiotics and probiotics in a convenient powder form, offering 6 billion CFU from at least 10 probiotic strains. It treats diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and indigestion while maintaining healthy gut flora and preventing allergies and eczema.

“We are proud to introduce NutraHealthyGut, a product range that embodies our commitment to enhancing health and well-being,” said Poala Sarfati, General Manager of ProMedica, the visionary behind NutraHealthyGut. “Our innovative formulations, backed by scientific research, ensure that individuals of all ages can enjoy the numerous benefits of a healthy gut. Binoy Zapanta, VP for Marketing believes that NutraHealthyGut is more than just a supplement; it’s a step towards a healthier, happier life.” NutraHealthyGut is accredited and certified by the FDA, WHO, ISO, CEDRES, GMP, and the National Institutes of Health, UP Manila.

NutraHealthyGut is committed to enhancing gut health for all ages. Available in leading drugstores nationwide such as Mercury drug, Watsons, Medexpress, Southstar, Mediscount, and leading hospitals or purchase online at https://www.lazada. com.ph/tag/nutrahealthygut/.

For wholesale orders, contact

THE opening ceremony of the 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair held last July 3 was well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps, regional and provincial directors of DTI, public and private agency partners, as well as journalists and influencers. In the front row are, from left, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP Marievic Bonoan; Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, DTI MSME Development Group Undersecretary Maria Cristina Roque, and celebrity host Issa Litton.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE. BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) won multiple awards at the Corporate Governance 14th Asian Excellence Award 2024 in Hong Kong. The BDO team, led by Atty. Federico Tancongco (4th from left), Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Unibank, and Sharlene Soo (6th from left),

IN the photo, from left to right: Lena Madrid, Foundever Senior Manager for Marketing & Communications; Chie Fortuna, Foundever Vice President for Operations; and Juicy Oliver, Foundever HR Shared Services Director.

Why being extra with our lives deserves the sweetest of rewards

FOR all of us leading multi-layered lives, finding comfort in our bubble of routines and habits feels like an earned reward.

Take, for example, celebrity moms Candy Pangilinan and Jennica Garcia. When not gracing the screen with their acting chops, they are dedicated mothers to their children. This doesn’t mean that being a full-time mom dampens the way they add flavor to their bonding moments with their kids. Dressing up while doing house chores? Why not? How about giving in to good temptations now and then enjoying a good scoop or two of ice cream during a picnic sesh? Yes, please. Rain or shine, these moms know how to make the most out of motherhood by not only taking care of their kids but also giving themselves time to enjoy and have fun with them.

Momfluencer Prax Yap rides the same boat. She shares, “Na-realize ko, hindi naman pala dapat boring ang life natin as mommies. Pwedeng maging colorful by being extra. Kaya kahit nasa bahay lang buong araw lahat nang gagawin, I take all that to the next level. Make each ordinary day special by rewarding yourself and your family with a good temptation.”

Her favorite activity is to prepare a snack board for her hubby and son where all of them can bond over some sweets and Nestlé Temptations Ice Cream.

The Nestlé Temptations Extra Creamy Mocha and Cashew is the perfect example of how a mocha-flavored ice cream should be with its perfect blend of flavor that hits the sweet spot between bitter and sweet.

Aside from its improved taste, the roasted cashew nuts add an extra crunch to this sweet treat with every bite.

Looking for a flavor that you and your kids can both enjoy? The Nestlé Temptations Extra Creamy Cheese is going to be your new favorite. Now with more chunks of grated creamy cheese, this sweet treat is something that you can dig into to bring summer to your table regardless of the season. Get your Nestlé Temptations Extra Creamy Mocha and Cashew and Extra Creamy Cheese from leading supermarkets nationwide and at www.icecreamparty.ph.

Bambi’s heartfelt legacy of family love

LAST week, I shared how Bambi was a light of love to her siblings. This week, let me share how even more inspiring she was as a wife and mother. I hope after reading through these excerpts from the eulogies of her husband Jay and daughter Tasha below, all of us can self-reflect on the most important treasure in our lives—genuine family love.

JAY SY

“BAMBI loved the color pink and she loved fresh summer flowers, which is why I asked everyone to wear pink, white or paster colors—to celebrate her life. To remember her as how she lived.

“Do you believe in fate? Let me start by telling you a story. One day I asked a friend for a date, so she showed me a photograph of her and her friends and asked who among them I would like to go out with. I was attracted to one girl in particular. As fate would have it, that was Bambi.

I met the love of my life on October 1, 1988. It was a triple date with Maita, Gyla, two of our friends Stewie and Ronnie, and Bambi and myself...I fell in love. And I told myself that I would marry this girl some day. On November 28, 1998, we got married and so started the best 25 years of my life.

“Bambi and I were yin and yang—we’re different but we fit like a glove together. She’s loud, I’m quiet. She’s athletic, I’m a homebody. She’s so, so messy and I’m anal retentive. And I guess by now you know who the joker in the family was. Although she hated some of the activities that I do, she still supported them in a way. “She made everyone around her a better person, most especially me. I won’t be who I am now if not for her. She had impeccable insights on things and the depth of her knowledge was astounding. Her instincts were second to none.

“Our dearest Bambi has left a huge mark on each one of us. I ask you not to mourn her death but to celebrate her life. Try to channel your inner Bambi when faced with challenges. How do you do that? Be kind. Be kind to others as you don’t know the challenges they may be facing, and be kind to yourself.

Simple acts of kindness go a long way.

“I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve this kind of person. She truly was one of a kind.

“My Bambi, it was an honor and privilege that you allowed me to share my life with you. And like you, if given a choice to relive this life with the same ending, in a heartbeat, babes, it’s a huge yes in a heartbeat.

TASHA SY

“I DO not understand why she was taken from us, why she had to leave so soon and I don’t think I ever

will. Her keenness toward learning everything about parenting and eagerness to share it with me really strengthened our bond like no other as it allowed me to see the wisdom behind all of her decisions, especially those that I might not have agreed with. She explained things to me rather than just berating me for bad behavior, which I will admit I wasn’t always open to hearing being the headstrong child I was and I would say still am. However after many years of fighting her on pretty much everything, I realized that she was almost always right. I’m glad I realized that before she passed. She was... is the absolute best mom in the whole world. So thoughtful, so nurturing, so selfless. I wish she was still here. I still have so much to learn from her.

“Almost every night, even if I had school the next day, we would stay up for hours talking about everything going on in our lives, catching up with each other on the latest chismis. We would always kick my dad out of the room to have some “girl talk” (sorry, dad) since his reactions weren’t very potted plant-ish and I wasn’t the most patient. My mom, however, was and I knew that she always told my dad everything we spoke about afterwards when she went back to their room. Do any of you know the show Gilmore Girls and are familiar the dynamic of Lorelai and Rory? That is us. She is my best friend, my dad’s soulmate, and our everything. My mom was always there for my dad and I, somehow managing to comfort us even in ICU when she couldn’t verbally

communicate with us anymore.

“The day she died, a whole chunk of me died with her. She was and will continue to be a massive part of my life, my guidepost for everything. Mama, I hope you can hear me because I want you know that Papa and I love and miss you so incredibly much. It feels empty without you here.

“However a speck of light and gratitude in all this darkness is that I’ve learned so many wonderful things about my mom from everyone who loves her. The most special thing that I learned, however, was that everyone saw how much my parents loved one another. I mean, I always saw and felt their love when I when I was a kid but I didn’t realize how truly extraordinary it was. The constant compliments, the unprompted gifts and flowers, the way they spoke about each other, even just the way they looked at each other. It really pushed the bar for what I want to find for myself through the roof.

“Mama, while I hate that cancer took you away from my dad and I, I’m glad you aren’t in pain anymore. I saw how hard you fought to stay for dad and I, even with all the machines you had attached to you to keep you alive, even with how much suffering you had to endure, you chose to fight. You wanted to stay. Even if you couldn’t verbally communicate with us, your actions spoke volumes and was a testament to just how much you loved...how much you love us. We truly felt it and will keep that memory with us until we see you again. I love you, Mama.” n

Stricter monitoring of tween and teen internet use may not always be better

By Linda Charmaraman Wellesley College

A NATIONAL conversation about potential links between smartphones and digital media and the ongoing teen mental health crisis has reached a fever pitch. Research does not definitively show that excessive screen time causes teen anxiety or depression, though research is ongoing. Still, in June 2024, the US surgeon general called for warning labels to be placed on social media, stating that “the mental health crisis among young people is an emergency—and social media has emerged as an important contributor.”

But some researchers are expressing concerns that these warnings are too broad. Still, it’s no wonder that parents feel pressured to do something— anything—to reduce the risks. Setting strict limits on how preteen and teen children use the internet is a popular strategy. But our research suggests that achieving a healthy media environment at home may require a more complex and nuanced approach.

We are a group of research scientists who have backgrounds in psychology,

human development, social ecology, pediatrics and community psychology and education.

Recently we collaborated on a mixedmethod study of how parents monitor their middle school-aged kids’ internet use. We found that more restrictive parental monitoring was significantly associated with problematic internet use, while some forms of less restrictive monitoring were not.

DEFINING ACCEPTABLE VERSUS PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE

THERE are no hard and fast rules about the maximum number of screen hours before it’s deemed unhealthy. But many parents understandably seek guidance on what should be socially acceptable and healthy use.

Developmentally appropriate use entails any use—including content consumed and for a certain amount of time—that does not interfere with daily functioning such as completing homework, having social relationships in real life, eating meals and getting enough sleep.

“Problematic internet use,” on the other hand, is a catch-all phrase for use

that is excessive or risky, such as engaging in secretive behaviors or impulsive ones, like spending a lot of money. Among tweens and teens, it is associated with negative effects on physical, social or emotional well-being, such as depression, loneliness and spending less time with family and friends. This is the kind of internet use that parents want to avoid.

The word “associated” is important here; when two things are associated, that doesn’t mean that one necessarily causes

the other. In this situation, researchers like us don’t know which is the chicken and which is the egg. It may be that parents of middle schoolers who struggle with problematic internet use are more likely to implement restrictions. Or it may be that implementing restrictions leads to problematic internet use. Our study simply shows that the two are associated with each other. Much more research is needed to show whether one causes the other.

SO WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? AGAIN, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing a child’s internet use.

However, our study and others suggest that there are multiple ways to be successful, and that families are often able to find what works best for them.

Parents can encourage their children to find social support, online companionship and emotional intimacy online while avoiding problematic content, particularly around harmfully unrealistic beauty ideals and hate messaging.

They can agree on limits that ensure social media doesn’t interfere with sleep or physical activity. To better understand what’s happening with preteen and teen internet use, there will need to be more studies that follow a group of diverse families over time. We believe that such studies are key to improving the quality of evidencebased suggestions to parents, lawmakers, educators, public health communicators, pediatricians and other health care providers, and youth development programs on what they can do to protect their children’s health. THE CONVERSATION

PHOTOS of Bambi Santos Sy with her loving husband Jay Sy and daughterbest friend Tasha Sy

PHOTO

jersey—crashed near the finish on Tuesday.

There was no major change in the general classification with two-time champion Tadej Pogacar keeping the overall lead. Philipsen was perfectly led out by his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates in the last kilometer of the 16th stage

stage win at cycling’s marquee event.

Girmay, whose lead at the top of classification for the green jersey was cut to 32 points, hit the tarmac within the last two kilometers but got back on his bike and reached the finish line.

With two weeks of intense racing in the legs and a tough final week looming, the peloton was back on the bike following a rest day and took it easy.

In the summer heat of southern France, the pack stayed together on long stretches of flat roads for the 189-kilometer stage.

The race livened up after the intermediate sprint, some 97 kilometers after the start, when Frenchman Thomas Gachignard tried to break away with a solo attack and built a lead of more than two minutes before the sprinters’ teams took care of the chase and reined him in with 25 kilometers left.

Pogacar, who stamped his authority on the race last weekend in the Pyrenees mountains, kept the yellow jersey with a lead of three minutes and nine seconds over two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard.

Third-place Remco Evenepoel is lagging 5:19 off the pace.

Riders head to the Alps on Wednesday with a stage to the ski resort of Superdevoluy, featuring three tough climbs in the final 40 kilometers.

Chris Harper of Australia did not start Tuesday›s stage as the Jayco Alula team said that Harper “is suffering from Covid symptoms and following medical advice he will return home to rest and recover properly for the next goals.” Harper’s withdrawal marked the latest case of coronavirus at the three-week race, following those of Juan Ayuso—a teammate of race leader Tadej Pogacar—Tom Pidcock and Maxim Van Gils. Tour de France organizers have reintroduced protective measures against the virus, including mandatory mask-wearing for all those who might get in contact with riders and team staff on the race. AP

Belgian’s turn to complete hat trick in Tour de France

JASPER PHILIPSEN is just too fast and too powerful for his fellow sprinters. AP

Astrolabio fit, ready for title fight

ASTROLABIO prefers to train in seclusion.

TBy Josef Ramos

OKYO—Vincent Astrolabio pulled off a surprise days ahead of his title fight against reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani of Japan—he looks fit and ready to rumble.

“Mr. Honda was surprised when he saw Vincent’s condition heading to this weekend’s fight,” his chief trainer Nonoy Neri told BusinessMirror during Wednesday’s media workout at the Teikken Gym here. “He’s very fit and there’s no problem with his weight.” Astrolabio’s no believer in hype and instead of showing off how he trains for his fight on Saturday at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena, he prepared

in seclusion at the MP Boxing Gym in Davao City under Neri’s close watch. “Social media and other stuffs have no place in the gym,” Neri said. “We just focused on boxing and how we’ll be ready for fight night,” Neri said. “Vincent is really determined and prepared to win his first ever world title.”

The 27-year-old General Santos City pride Astrolabio brings to the ring a 19-4 win-loss record with 14 knockouts—one of his victories was over former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux of Cuba via unanimous decision in February 2022 in Dubai. Nakatani, 26, on the other hand, is 27-0 with 20 knockouts—he won the title against Mexican Alexandro Santiago last February via sixth round technical knockout also here in Tokyo. Astrolabio bounced back from a frustrating world title setback—a majority decision loss to Australia’s Jason Maloney in May 2023 in Stockton, California—by scoring an 11th-round technical knockout win last August over Navapon Khaikanha in his home turf in Bangkok. He secretly trained after that and shunned social media all the way until the huge break to challenge Honda came in February.

Sports

B8 | Thursday, July 18, 2024

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Bad weather, lightning

threat halt 2nd round action in Splendido Taal

ADVERSE weather conditions forced the suspension of the second round of both the Philippine Golf Tour and the Ladies PGT with only a handful of players completing 36-hole play in the men’s side Wednesday in Laurel, Batangas.

The organizing body, Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. (PGTI) announced that the completion of the unfinished second round would start at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday with the third round set to resume before 10 a.m.

After a two-hour stoppage due to a lightning threat, the PGTI decided to suspend the round altogether as heavy rains continued to batter the Splendido Taal Golf Club and nearby areas.

When play was halted, Keanu Jahns and Daiya Suzuki shared the clubhouse

JORDAN (second from right) holds his trophy as he poses with (from left) Chad Borja, Pramod Kumar, vice president and head of Business–APAC Newgen Software, and Group CEO and ABP founder Sumit Dutta.

lead with completed 36-hole totals of five-under 139 after rounds of 69 and 72, respectively.

“I have a good chance, but I’m not really thinking about it. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself,” said Jahns, who hit two birdies on the back nine and added two more in the last four holes on the front to offset a lone miscue on No. 3.

“You need a lot of patience playing this course. I could’ve converted more birdies if it weren’t for the strong wind, but 69 is a good score, so I’ll take it,” added the Fil-German shotmaker.

Suzuki, who tied Clyde Mondilla and Kim Min Seong with 67s Tuesday, took solo control with a stirring eagle-birdie start from No. 10. However, he dropped strokes on Nos. 13 and 14, which he regained with birdies on Nos. 16 and 2.

NU Lady Bulldogs almost flawless in invitational tilt

Chino

EVERY

ATIONAL University’s (NU) conquest of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals speaks volumes about the school’s successful volleyball program.

Despite missing some key players and fielding a young lineup, the Lady Bulldogs relied on their grit, composure and iron will to prevail over an equally talented Far Eastern University (FEU) side in a grueling finals series and complete another perfect title run.

The reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines champions booked a come-from-behind 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10 win in Game 2 of the best-of-three series Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“I must say that the NU volleyball program established the right formula

But the 25-year-old Japanese faltered at the finish, holing out with a wet double-bogey on the par-three No. 8 and a bogey on the last.

“Bad finish,” said Suzuki. “I try to shoot five-under tomorrow [Thursday].”

However, Tony Lascuña, who shot a 69 in the first round, posted a running six-under aggregate after carding four birdies and one bogey through 12 holes.

Early morning starters Kim Tae Soo and Angelo Que completed their second round with matching 72s, resulting in 140 totals. Rupert Zaragosa also impressed in the morning wave, posting an eagle-spiked five-under card through 12 holes, matching Aidric Chan, Kim Min Seong, and Mondilla’s running four-under totals before play was stopped.

Afrom high school to college,” Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel said.

“Though it’s not always perfect, we get the results we wanted.”

NU displayed the true heart of a champion by fighting its way back from the same situation it had in a five-set escape in the series opener last Monday for an amazing six-game romp in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa.

Most Valuable Player Bella Belen’s leadership and scoring prowess carried the Lady Bulldogs to their first-ever National Invitationals crown after skipping the inaugural edition ruled by De La Salle University, which took a leave of absence this year.

which he described as “Nat Geo meets History Channel tungkol sa Pilipino.”

But those are now just dreams unless someone picks up the torch that Chino had lit. His brave and blazing heart was stopped by a massive attack ten days before his birthday (July 23).

Chino started his sports career in radio at DZRH, but it was at Vintage Enterprises—the media company that provided TV coverage to the Philippine Basketball Association from 1982 to 1999—where Chino earned his chops.

Colleague Hazel Dacanay Ancheta who still works with the PBA till today says Chino started out as courtside reporter then eventually moved up into the coverage team. He quickly distinguished himself by speaking in a language and style that related to the “masa.”

“The entry of Chino and his style of Tagalog game broadcasting endeared Vintage to the masses without the elitist image suffering. Pinag-abot ni Chino ang pagka-elite ng Vintage at ang masa,” Hazel said, suggesting how much Chino helped make the Vintage coverage relatable to fans.

“He was both very emotional and very sensitive about others and he never failed to relate to everyone, especially the “small ones” in production. He always expressed gratitude for whatever small thing you did for him. He could also be very blunt with his observations because he cares and only wants what he feels and thinks is right. I never

Chan had an even-par round through 12 holes, Kim had a one-over card with three holes to play, and Mondilla struggled after an eagle-birdie start from No. 10, fumbling with two bogeys and a triple-bogey on No. 16 against one more birdie for a one-over card with six holes to play. Forty players and ties will advance to the final 36 holes of the P2 million championship sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services Inc., with the projected cutoff score at six-over 149. In the Ladies PGT, Florence Bisera bounced back from a bogey start on No. 1 with birdies on the second and seventh holes, grabbing the clubhouse lead from first-round leader Jiwon Lee with a oneover aggregate after nine holes.

once doubted his capacity,” Hazel said. Debbie Tolentino, Vintage boss Bobong Velez’s trusted Director for Broadcast Operations said “Chino [was] very passionate with his craft. When he sits in production meetings his infectious smile inspires everyone, along with his creative ideas which are sometimes uncanny. Time and again he will prove that nothing is impossible if we work as

VINCENT

THE Lady Bulldogs underscore their billing as the top collegiate team in the country.

The Israeli envoy to PHL: A true-blue ‘balikbayan’

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

SEVERAL diplomats who were once assigned to Manila would often say they enjoyed their time here, but oftentimes fail to come back when promoted as ambassadors.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss of the State of Israel is an exception. “I’m a balikbayan!” he proudly stated in a recent exclusive interview with BusinessMirror’s Envoys&Expats.

his predecessor retired and Tel-Aviv had yet to send a successor.

As Fluss was navigating this exciting episode of his career, he was blessed with a second son.

“He was born at the Makati Medical Center,” the diplomat shared. “So, it was really exciting to arrive here as a young couple with my child; we left Israel with two children already.”

When it was time to pack up and move back to Tel-Aviv, “we left a piece of our hearts in the Philippines.”

Between 2018 and 2021, he was the deputy head of the economic division of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When he saw a window of opportunity for a reposting in the Philippines as ambassador, he immediately applied.

“Actually, I can tell you, there was a lot of competition. I requested to come back here,” he revealed. “But many… wanted to [also be in your country].”

would not do; let’s say, in a European country, right?”

Conducting business in his nation has a stark difference compared with that in the Philippines. Apart from the geographical distance, handling cultural diversity and building trust take a lot of work, which begs for the role of the embassy and the ambassador; thus, his vision to build bridges of innovation and technology between Israel and the Philippines.

2018, at the time when his nation and Bahrain had zero diplomatic relations. The ambassador will not share the details of his assignment there, but it is quite known in diplomatic circles that the Bahraini king and Israel’s Mossad have been in contact since the mid-2000s.

Two years after Fluss’ assignment in Bahrain, Tel-Aviv and Manama officially established diplomatic relations.

Upon assumption of his role as Israeli envoy in October 2021, Fluss was already a familiar face to many Philippine government officials, business leaders, nongovernment organizations, members of the media, and the local Jewish community.

For the next 20 years, Fluss was assigned to the Netherlands, South Africa, as well as at the permanent mission of Israel in the United Nations in New York.

That was because, way back in 1995, he was assigned in Manila as deputy chief of mission, or the “No. 2 man” of the Israeli representation. Two years later, he was the “chargé d’affaires” or acting ambassador, as

In between those overseas postings, he served in Tel-Aviv as policy planning head, then later as deputy head of Mashav: the Israeli agency for international development.

Fluss didn’t hide the fact that he has a personal attachment to the Philippines: “I like the country. But also, [there’s a lot of work to be done for the economy, development challenges to be addressed, including issues of food security, and] water.”

The ambassador expressed his firm belief that “Israeli technologies can really make a big difference here. Investing most of my time in development initiatives…is something [one]

The Oct. 7 attacks ALMOST all Israeli adults are reservists, and they are conscripted to serve for two years in active military service. Fluss happens to be more than a reservist: He was a Navy officer prior to joining the foreign service. He was also assigned to a “special operation” in Bahrain in 2016 until

The year 2020 was pivotal for Israel, as they re-established mutual ties with four Arab countries aside from Bahrain: the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco under the historic “Abraham Accords.” This series of diplomatic triumphs raised hopes that peace would come back to the Middle East.

Newest batch of 48 US Peace Corps volunteers to serve in various fronts

AFRESH batch of United States Peace Corps Volunteers has arrived in Manila to start their two-year service, as they will support local efforts in education, youth development, and environmental protection.

Starting this September, the 48 volunteers will be assigned to fulfill a range of roles requested by host communities in Aklan, Antique, Batangas, Benguet, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Tarlac.

These include co-teaching English in public elementary and secondary schools as youth-development enablers in Department of Social Welfare and Development-listed groups and residential shelters, as well as aiding local governments in establishing marine-protected areas and rolling out coastal-resource management plans.

“US Peace Corps Volunteers come from all over the US and represent the diversity of the American people. They come with a variety of skills and experience to contribute during their service in the Philippines,” Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said. “[Their] goal is to promote world peace and friendship—what better way to do this than to serve with cultural humility and mutual respect to our Filipino friends and partners.”

The new volunteers represent the 281st batch of US Peace Corps Volunteers deployed to the Philippines. They bring the total number currently serving in the country to 126, and surpassing the prepandemic number assigned to the country.

“[We warmly welcome this new] batch of US Peace Corps Volunteers,” Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency executive director Donald James Gawe said, as he expressed his hope that they will “continue to serve

as builders of hope and catalysts of change. Together, let us sustain the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and create a sustainable future for the generations to come.”

Before their local deployment, the volunteers will undergo an intensive 11-week preservice training that includes technical, language, and cultural studies to prepare them for their service. Those newly arrived, aged 22 to 67, bring diverse experience, technical skills, and spirited enthusiasm to learn about the Philippines and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects that build relationships, promote knowledge exchange, and make a lasting and measurable impact.

‘Citizen science’ MEANWHILE, a previous group of volunteers, in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development, conducted a fourday training workshop in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro on enhancing marine-protected area (MPA) management. MPAs are established to conserve and protect diminishing coastal resources. To address such, the workshop gathered 60 participants, including 20 peace corps volunteers, 20 local government representatives from Luzon and Visayas, and 20 fisherfolk leaders, to build their skills in environmental conservation and protection.

During the workshop, national and local frameworks for MPAs were discussed to enhance the participants’ understanding of

the legal foundations of the areas. They explored the ecosystem approach to fisheries management as a holistic method for managing MPAs. They were also introduced to biodiversity assessment tools, including underwater photogrammetry.

The workshop also highlighted “citizen science,” where local communities share valuable, scientific information in biodiversity conservation. Participants explored various funding strategies for MPA management. It included the establishment of livelihoods in and around MPAs, and other financing activities such as local-government funding and impact loans.

The program closed as the peace corps volunteers collaborated with their local-government partners in drafting work plans for effective MPA management.

“The main thing is bringing this out of the training room and into the communities, to the spaces where all our participants could share their stories, share their strengths, and ultimately work

Australia, Unilab Foundation, PBEd

forge

ties for future of Phil. work force

THE Australian government recently partnered with the Unilab Foundation and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) in gathering more than 120 health experts, leaders, advocates, and students from the public and private sectors as well as international organizations who tackled fresh initiatives that will help shape the future of local health care in the areas of public health, policy, and business.

on our main goal as peace corps, which is partnering together and walking alongside communities as they identify, magnify, connect, and mobilize their strengths for positive change,” Peace Corps Philippines director for Programming and Training Matthew Tully said. For a more practical approach, participants visited marine- and mangrove-conservation areas, as they enhanced their knowledge and appreciation of habitats and communities working within MPAs. The province of Oriental Mindoro and municipality of Puerto Galera also shared best practices from years of experience in establishing and managing MPAs.

Volunteers assigned to the Coastal Resource Management sector work with local governments to implement integrated coastal-resource management plans and assist coastal communities.

More than 9,300 have worked alongside Filipinos since 1961. The Philippines hosts the secondoldest US Peace Corps program.

Switzerland, Spark! promote hygenic practices among Zamboanga del Sur’s women and girls

THE Embassy of Switzerland, SPARK! Philippines and the local government of Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur recently launched the project: “#PeriodTowardsEmpowerment.”

The inaugural session took place at the municipality’s Bukasyon Center, followed by a second session at Barangay Calinggayan. The project had a diverse group of more than 100 participants aged 10 and above, who included teenage mothers, studentleaders and out-of-school youth. This variety of participants contributed a wide range of perspectives and experiences that enriched the sessions’ discussions and outcomes.

The initiative aims to break the persistent taboos surrounding menstruation, raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual-hygiene management, and introduce locally manufactured reusable sanitary napkins that are seen to significantly reduce environmental waste. During the sessions, reusable sanitary napkins made by persons deprived of liberty in the Quezon City Female Jail Dormitory were distributed to all participants.

#PeriodTowardsEmpowerment

aimed to roll out a complete knowledge-building program that fosters

discussions about menstrual management regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Participants explored ways sociocultural norms and longheld beliefs contribute to gender insensitivity and perpetuate misconceptions about menstruation which can trigger various forms of gender-based violence. One of the project’s objectives

is to significantly reduce waste generated by disposable sanitary napkins. The items, typically made from non-renewable resources, involve cutting down trees, consuming large amounts of water, and generating greenhouse gas emissions during production. After a single use, they contribute to the growing problem of landfill waste. In contrast, reusable napkins made

from renewable materials require fewer resources and can be reused multiple times, leading to a substantial reduction in overall waste production.

Furthermore, the project will empower women in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental by training them to manufacture reusable sanitary napkins locally. These eco-friendly alternatives not only provide a costeffective option compared to disposables, but also help combat the stigma surrounding menstruation. Distributing the reusables to young schoolgirls in Dumalinao will complement the broader empowerment and awareness program, according to the stakeholders.

Additionally, the initiative will incorporate education on menstrual health and utilize technology with the introduction of the chatbot “Sophia” that will facilitate accessible reporting avenues for gender-based violence.

Through collaborative efforts, the #PeriodTowardsEmpowerment project seeks to create a lasting impact by promoting gender equality, fostering safer and healthier communities, while empowering women and girls with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

During the two-day “Horizons of Health care: Building a FutureReady Philippine Human Resources for Health Forum” event in April, the participants provided recommendations that can serve as inputs for future policies and programs of the Philippine health-care sector. Local health experts highlighted the need to upskill health-care workers, enhance policies that support upskilling, and increase access to upskilling opportunities. Meanwhile, speakers from Singapore and Australia shared the benefits of integrating social wellness in health, opportunities that can be harnessed from artificial intelligence, and other innovations and best practices in managing human resources in health care. The participants also learned the process in establishing labor skills councils for health in Australia, which became an essential avenue in increasing private-sector involvement.

The Israeli envoy to PHL: A true-blue ‘balikbayan’

Continued from C1

But then on October 7, 2023, members of Hamas and sympathizers attacked southern Israel.

All Israeli reservists were called to active duty for an unprecedented massive retaliatory assault in the Gaza Strip.

Fluss was actually itching to fly to Tel-Aviv, but just couldn’t.

“Being away, it is very difficult. In times of crisis, you go home, right?” he asked rhetorically. “But in my case, and [those of Israeli ambassadors…we need to help explain to the community and the citizens what is happening back home]; that we are fighting a terror organization, and an evil enemy who wants to simply destroy the State of Israel,” he added.

One of his sons was also called to active military duty, and has since served in the Israel Defense Force headquarters.

The war has also brought tragedy to some families in his closely knit community, who are his neighbors’ children.

“Unfortunately, [the young ones] were killed in the war as soldiers,” he narrated. “I suffered the loss of soldiers somewhere in service—one of them has a wife who is at the end of her pregnancy with their second child.”

It saddens him though that people “have short memories” of the atrocities of October 7 attacks: “The enemy is still there. And the other enemy on the northern border in Lebanon— Hezbollah—is increasing its attacks on Israel. And we have Iran.”

Silver lining DESPITE the pall of war in the Middle East, Flus sees a silver lining in his work.

“Filipinos are generally very sympathetic to Israel,” he said. “You also have your own challenges here, [but you understand the complexity of the situation. Plus. it’s about the very close affinity between our peoples, who are] both family-oriented.”

Because of the attitude of Filipinos toward Israelis, one Israeli entrepreneur confided to him that he would rather establish a business in the Philippines rather than in Europe or the Americas where there are rising sentiments of anti-Semitism.

“The environment is sometimes

hostile. And it’s very challenging for the Israelis and the Jewish people today,” the diplomat disclosed. “[The Israeli businessman told me that when he came here, he said he will consider the Philippines as one of the countries and] markets where he will try to do more, because he can do business here. It’s more difficult to do business in hostile environments.”

Thus, his vision of bridging Israeli innovation and technology in the Philippines may no longer just be helping the latter, but also aiding his country’s economy, which is now feeling the impacts of the war:

“When I bring Israeli companies, either for investments or for joint ventures, or for selling products, whatever it is, I’m helping these… businesses to survive, and hopefully to grow and to thrive.” he went on to say. “At the same time, I’m helping the Philippine economy [by introducing technologies that will help national development]...So, the war has had a great impact on my work.”

On a personal note, the Israeli envoy feels fortunate on his current assignment, as Israeli embassies and his diplomatic colleagues from other countries have become subjects of attacks.

“I feel that I’m a bit lucky that I’m in the Philippines, because there is no anti-Semitism here,” he imparted. “And also with Filipino journalists, I feel a lot of solidarity and support.”

PEACE Corps members with the new set of volunteers

STAFF members with 60 participants of the training workshop in Oriental Mindoro

DEPUTY Head of Mission Céline Fürst addresses young ladies of Zamboanga del Sur

HEALTH Sector Skills Council project director Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go (from left), Australian Embassy’s deputy head of mission Dr. Moya Collett, Unilab Foundation’s Lilibeth Aristorenas, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association executive director Dr. Rebecca Haddock, and Aspen Medical Australia’s vice president Guy Barnard

AMBASSADOR Ilan Fluss and wife Gila NONIE REYES

SFA welcomes Malaysian counterpart on official visit

UPON the invitation of Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA) Enrique A. Manalo, Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia embarked on an official visit to the Philippines on July 1.

While in the Philippines, the minister paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace. During their meeting, Marcos Jr. and Hasan affirmed their commitments to strengthen Malaysian-Philippine relations, as they also discussed regional-related matters.

The foreign minister met the SFA subsequently, where they affirmed the strength of their countries’ bilateral relations and discussed ways to further deepen their cooperation, including in the areas of trade and investments, halal industry, food security, connectivity, as well as Mindanao’s

socioeconomic development.

On both occasions, Hasan reaffirmed that as Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia will place great importance on Asean Centrality for the benefit of the region as a whole. The Malaysian government official also highlighted the need for greater cooperation among member-states, including in the economic front.

2024 is significant for Malaysia and the Philippines, as it is the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ bilateral ties. To commemorate this milestone, a gala dinner was hosted with the presence of the foreign minister as guest of honor.

In his remarks, Hasan said that the celebration is “not just about looking back at achievements, but also about renewing their commit -

ment to a shared future.”

The Malaysian official invited the Philippines to continue to work hand-in-hand in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The gala dinner was attended by more than 300 dignitaries who included Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, as well as senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Cynthia Villar. Other notable attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, heads of local government units and top local businessmen.

While in the Philippines, Hasan also took the opportunity to meet with the local Malaysian business community.

Japan FM engages Senate president, government officials on women, SCS/WPS peace and security

FOREIGN Minister Yoko Kamikawa of Japan paid a courtesy call on Senate President Francis Escudero and exchanged views with national government officials regarding the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea (SCS/WPS).

During their meeting on July 9, Escudero articulated to Kamikawa his desire to further strengthen friendly relations with Japan. In response, the minister congratulated him on his proclamation as the Senate president, and stated that the series of meetings held during her visit allowed her to confirm the strengthening of cooperation toward the maintenance and reinforcement of a free and open rules-based international order.

Looking ahead to the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines in 2026, Kamikawa expressed her wish to deepen bilateral ties in a wide range of fields with Escudero’s cooperation.

Likewise, she would like to further strengthen security and maritime cooperation, including through the Reciprocal Access Agreement, cooperation in the field of economic security and economic sector via infrastructure development, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In response, the Senate president said he would exert every effort to ensure steady progress in a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas, including the early ratification

of the RAA by the Senate. The two parties also exchanged views on various issues in the local and international fronts, then confirmed their continued collaboration.

Discussion on WPS ON July 9 Kamikawa met with Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who is the presidential advisor on peace, reconciliation and unity; Minister Raissa Jajurie of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Social Services and Development; as well as Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer of the University of the Philippines, as they exchanged views on the Mindanao peace process and the SCS/WPS situation. Kamikawa stated that peace in Mindanao is directly related to the peace and stability of the Philippines, and is also important to the IndoPacific Region. Further, the minister expressed her wish to continue supporting socioeconomic development from perspectives surrounding the SCS/WPS, toward the establishment of an autonomous Bangsamoro government next year. She also shared that she has been working on the promotion of gender equality for many years, while promoting the SCS/WPS situation as part of her major foreignpolicy initiatives.

Galvez, Jajurie, and Prof. Ferrer explained the efforts related to the SCS/ WPS in Mindanao, gender policy in the Philippines, and the current status of women’s participation in politics.

Future Filipino envoys explore social sustainable solutions in S’pore forum

ASPIRING Filipino diplomats and public servants recently gathered to discuss a wide range of timely and relevant issues on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in the prestigious Social Sustainability Leadership Forum (SSLF) 2024 in Singapore.

Organized by the Singapore University of Social Sciences, participants included more than 50 students from Asean countries, China, and India. They worked to address the global challenges on women empowerment, active aging, mental health and well-being, and developmental, physical, and sensory disabilities.

To foster camaraderie and collaboration, the delegates were immersed in curated workshops and activities to propel their socioeconomic growth and deepen their understanding of various cultures.

The Filipino contingent was composed of budding members of the diplomatic corps and government key players from the Diplomacy and International Affairs and

Governance and Public Affairs Programs of the De La-Salle College of Saint Benilde-School of Diplomacy and Governance (DLS-CSB SDG). The team was composed of Charllote Hillary Algere, Althea Arcillas, Lizbeth Balayanto, Daryl Akaiza Gabriella Calibag, Jaybie Gernale, and Jenina Camille Uadan. DLS-CSB SDG junior faculty member Josue Raphael Cortez mentored the learners during their preparations and accompanied them throughout the initiative. Cortez underscored that SSLF 2024 served as a significant avenue to apply and hone their networking and cross-cultural communication skills, which they have applied during their classes. “It allowed them to expand their horizons and connections as they engaged with like-minded individuals,” he shared. “Through imparting knowledge from their respective communities, they were able to formulate feasible resolutions in

DEFENSE Minister Kihara Minoru (from left), Kamikawa, Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. join hands as a symbol of solidarity during the “2+2 Meeting.” Teodoro

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan on July 1

HASAN signs the guest book at Malacañang Palace.

THE Foreign Minister signs the guest book of the Department of Foreign Affairs prior to his meeting with Secretary Enrique A. Manalo at the Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

MEETING between the foreign minister and the secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA)

TRADE Secretary Alfredo Pascual (from left), Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Philippine ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, the SFA, the Malaysian foreign minister, and Philippine government officials during the cake-cutting ceremony to launch the logo for the 60th year of Malaysian-Philippine diplomatic cooperation.

HASAN delivers his remarks during the gala dinner to mark the 60th anniversary of Malaysian-Philippine diplomatic relations.

HASAN (middle) with Castelino, Embassy of Malaysia officers and their families

MINISTER Yoko Kamikawa and Sen. Francis Escudero

PBBM cites strengthened ties with Finland, Ireland during ambassadors’ farewell calls

AMBASSADOR Juha Markus Pyykkö of Finland thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for reopening the Philippine embassy in Helsinki this year.

In his farewell call to the President in Malacañang on Monday, Pyykkö expressed elation over the reopening of the deputation in the Finnish capital.

“I’m extremely happy that the Philippines is reopening in Helsinki. So, thank you for that. It’s very, very interesting,” Pyykkö told the Chief Executive, as quoted in a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release.

For the president’s part, the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Helsinki is important, as it will further strengthen the relationship between the Philippines and Finland, which was established on July 14, 1955. It will be beneficial not only for the two countries but “for everyone else,” he said. “These relationships provide us a solid footing in terms of our relationships around them with, not only among ourselves, but [also] with other countries.”

The particular embassy in Helsinki was closed in October 2012. The Sen-

ate approved its reopening during a budget hearing in November 2022.

Irish envoy attached to PHL hospitality

SUBSEQUENTLY, Ambassador William John Carlos of Ireland also bid his farewell to the President on July 8. Carlos said it would be difficult for him to leave the country, as he is already attached to Filipinos’ hospitality and the country’s rich culture.

“[What] I like about here, as well, is the accessibility of the people. And the humor…it’s something that we connect with,” the diplomat said. “There’s a lot of connection between my country and your country. There’s a growing relationship between Ireland and the Philippines.”

For his part, Marcos said he is very pleased to learn that the Irish ambassador had a wonderful stay in the Philippines, and was able to visit various local destinations.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in July 1984.

Daryl John Esguerra/PNA

UNDP rep to public & private sectors: Tap enterprising youth to help PHL gain ‘UMIC’

By Roderick L. Abad

THE government and private sectors should harness the Filipino youth’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit to help the country attain upper-middle income economic (UMIC) status.

“If you look at the country, it’s aiming to become an upper-middle income economy. In the growth of upper-middle income countries, different sectors and people will play a role,” Dr. Selva Ramachandran, who is the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, told reporters on the sidelines of the regional Youth Co:Lab Summit 2024 held recently at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Mandaluyong City. “In that sense, the youth will play a very important role. And in any case, these countries have to be inclusive and carry along the youth with their growth.”

Since 1987, the Philippines has been classified by the World Bank as a lower-middle income economy, with the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita at $3,950 in 2022, which landed within the bracket of $1,136 to $4,465.

The government targets to reach

an upper-middle income country (UMIC) status by 2025. That means having a GNI per capita income between $4,466 and $13,845. Based on Ramachandran’s observations, as he travels often around the country, there are two common traits among the juvenile population: “One is, they are very resilient in different dynamics. [Second is, I see the entrepreneurship spirit is extremely high. Young Filipinos are always looking at innovation, even in difficult situations, to solve their own problems. In that context, I see the innovative spirit of the youth] is also very high from a practical perspective.”

For him, these attitudes could help in putting up their own businesses that are not only profitable, but also in addressing pressing issues like climate change.

Ramachandran recommended young entrepreneurs in the country to venture in the blue economy; green economy, particularly in renewable energy; circular economy; agriculture; and technology such as artificial intelligence.

On their other hand, he noted that both the public and private sectors need to support the enterprising Filipino youth by providing them access to finance.

“A lot of the youth have potential, but they [lack the capacity, or access to] finance,” he said. “I think that’s an area, as we move forward, [that the country has to look carefully at the higher or national-, and] localgovernment levels.”

For instance, he cited that the government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), provides support funds to help the youth-entrepreneurs.

“I think we need to advocate that more and more. Same thing with the private sector, including banks, on [ways they can help support young startups or social innovators who have good ideas and want to move forward. I think that’s what will bring up the youth into effective participation in nation-building],” he recommended.

The UNDP resident representative also pointed out the importance of educating and guiding young entrepreneurs in their business endeavors: “We [must also invest in training programs for capacity-building, so that they can also play an effective role not only in urban areas, but in remote ones too].”

Building the right ecosystem for startups is likewise key in establishing a venue or platform for networking

Sen. Padilla eyes bigger budget for Phil. embassy in Czechia

THE Philippine deputation in the Czech Republic may need bigger funds in 2025 to ensure the welfare of Filipino workers who will enter the Central European country.

Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla vowed on July 13 to push for the additional budget during his post-arrival orientation seminar and consular outreach for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Imperial Hotel Ostrava, where he also cited the “equal pay” policy of the Czech government.

He said in Filipino that when it comes to the particular allocation, he will not air any objection and may even ask for a bigger one.

Following the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to Czechia last March, an agreement was forged to allow the entry of some 10,000 Filipino workers every year.

At present, there are at least 7,000 skilled Filipino workers who may avail of “equal pay” in the Czech Republic.

Padilla said that he would talk to the embassy which might need more personnel to be able to attend to more incoming Filipinos into the European country, particularly in the Department of Foreign Affairs office there that should have additional personnel.

He hailed the strong and deep ties between the Philippines and Czech Republic, even as he is optimistic that the bond will continue to grow.

The senator, who visited the Czech Republic to observe its regulations on the use of medical cannabis, noted that while diplomatic ties between the two countries started on October 5, 1973, their relationship dates back to the 19th Century.

“The Philippines commits to further deepening its relationship by fostering economic cooperation, cultural

exchanges, and strategic partnerships with the Czech Republic,” the lawmaker said in a resolution that expressed the Senate’s goal to cite the strong bonds of both countries, which is scheduled to be filed this week.

According to Padilla, it was in Litoměřice—a town that was once part of Austria then Czechoslovakia—that Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal solidified a friendship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, who was a schoolmaster there.

He noted that Blumentritt played a significant role in the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonialism, as the latter was believed to have encouraged and even donated money for the publication of Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” which triggered the Filipinos’ movement for independence.

“For over 50 years, the relationship between the Filipinos and the Czechs has only grown stronger, and went beyond the recorded ties between two historical figures,” Padilla said. On the other hand, he said there are some 7,026 Filipinos now in the Czech Republic engaged in the sectors of processing, automotive, repair of appliances, manufacturing, information and communications technology, real estate, health and wellness, as well as household-service work.

In March, heads of both states witnessed their joint communique signing for a labor-consultation mechanism; and the signing of memoranda of understanding between Philippine and Czech business leaders to promote trade and investments. During the meeting, Padilla rendered classic hits that delighted OFWs at the meeting: “Kumusta Ka” by Freddie Aguilar, Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton, and Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley. Butch Fernandez

Gin event features UK, Phil. brands; fortifies trade ties of both countries

Aand collaboration among themselves, per the UNDP official.

During the three-day regional youth summit jointly organized by UNDP and Citi Foundation in partnership with the ADB and the DTI, Filipino youth entrepreneurs and their counterparts across Asia Pacific learned about their critical role in bringing services and products to underserved groups, thereby contributing to sustainable and equitable economic development.

The event also highlighted inclusivity in entrepreneurship and supported climate initiatives led by young entrepreneurs, leveraging on their digital skills, and advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“The interaction that I had—at least from [my capacity at] UNDP— with the Filipino youth, as we do this master training for entrepreneurs to train others, is I see the spirit and the level of their commitment are very high,” Ramachandran said. “It’s not something that they want to learn and keep with themselves; they want to share with others. That’s the reason…we invest [a little bit of our time and energy to train the trainers for entrepreneurial skills, so that they can also upskill] others.”

S a show of support to the strong trade and business ties between the United Kingdom (UK) and the Philippines, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) recently staged the 11th World Gin Day at the Dusit Thani-Manila.

The event showcased remarkable UK gin brands such as G&I Spirit Group Ltd., Skywave Gin, Spirit of Trent, and Roehill Springs Distillery. It also marked the “6th BCCP Bartending Competition” which saw participation from top-notch baristas from varied bartending and mixology backgrounds who were challenged to create the best UK-Philippine-themed cocktail using Ginebra San Miguel Inc.’s (GSMI) 1834 Gin.

Globally, consumers have a penchant for gin due to its highly versatile alcoholic spirit. Depending on how it is

distilled and processed, it can take on various strengths, tones and tastes. Given the wide acceptance for the said alcoholic drink, the group of British companies in the country is pushing it further to the domestic market, while keen on a mutual investment initiative for both countries on this product category.

“Gin is a growing market, and it’s one of those areas that we’ve looked at,” BCCP executive director and trustee Chris Nelson said in an interview.

“We have worked on this very much, and we are continuing this tradition [of holding such an annual event].” The UK maintains its position as the world’s most valuable gin market, based on the 2022 IWSR Drinks Market Analysis report. On the other hand, the Philippines is still a growing market, as it shares 1.4 percent of total market growth globally. Roderick L. Abad

Paris 2024: French Embassy installs Olympics Sports Hub

THE Embassy of France has partnered with SM SuperMalls, Decathlon and Society Lounge in opening the Olympics Sports Hub on July 13 and 14, in celebration of the start of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on July 26 and the French National Day on July 14. Participants were invited to take part in exciting multisport activities, and enjoy a food fair with French specialties. The Olympics Sports Hub was scheduled to have a special launch at the SM Mall of Asia on July 13 with a ribboncutting ceremony.

“Following the remarkable success of the torch relay in April, and the Goût de France gastronomic festival in June, this weekend is an opportunity to combine sports and gastronomy: two important facets of French culture that we are proud to share with you,” said Ambassador Marie Fontanel. The event marked the start of a series of sports activities organized by the Embassy of France and its partners SM SuperMalls and Decathlon, throughout the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

AMBASSADOR Juha Markus Pyykkö (left) pays his farewell call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

AMBASSADOR William John Carlos (left) with the Chief Executive

UNDP’s resident representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran (fourth from left) as well as Bangkok Regional Hub Regional Programme and Global Policy Network manager Gerd Trogemann (sixth from right), Citi’s International Community Programs head Elliot Harris (fourth from right), Citi Philippines Banking head and Citi country officer Paul Raymond Arnaldo Favila (third from left), and Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan—the supervising head of DTI’s Management Service Group (right).

GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL INC.’S Chey Mayuga (from left), BCCP’s chair William Bailey and Events Committee head Chris Ward, Dusit Thani-Manila’s Michael Kempf, BCCP vice chair Sarah McLeod, and PMFTC Inc.’s Jearick Burgos raise their glasses at the World Gin Day 2024 event.