BusinessMirror September 26, 2024 by BusinessMirror

@caiordinario

THE last two meetings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could see 25-basispoint reductions in key policy rates following expectations that inﬂation could be lower than the August inﬂation print.

Sale of gold part of portfolio strat–BSP

SELLING gold is no simple matter and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said this is being done relative to various factors such as economic growth and other portfolio investments.

On the sidelines of a seminar on deepening ﬁ nancial markets at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the sale of gold is part of a “whole portfolio strategy.”

Remolona also said gold is estimated to account for 9 percent of the country’s Gross International Reserves (GIR). In 2023, the BSP Annual report showed gold reserves account for 10.2 percent of

the asset component of the country’s reserves.

“It should be in relative terms, relative to the portfolio, relative to GDP, [that should be the case]. But it’s part of the investment strategy. ere is a strategy [and] it’s part of a whole portfolio strategy,” Remolona told reporters.

e BSP said it sold gold in the ﬁ rst half of the year as part of its active management strategy of the country’s gold reserves, which form part of the country’s GIR. “ e BSP took advantage of the higher prices of gold in the market and generated additional income without compromising the pri-

QUALIFIED geothermal power developers will be entitled to ﬁ nancial assistance that may cover almost half of their drilling and exploration expenses, according to Energy Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol.

“ e de-risking facility, it’s like $250 million, and whoever is eligible, they are entitled up to 50 percent” of the drilling and exploration costs, which are the most expensive and riskiest part of geothermal development, Capongcol said during the 5th Philippine International Geothermal Conference held in Makati City.

e Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Department of Finance (DOF) are helping the DOE craft the mechanics and review the applications of interested geothermal ﬁ rms.

e possible lenders may include the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Guarantee Corporation.

“ ey will be the facilitators,” said Capongcol.

“Actually, the concept paper and framework are already done but of course we are still looking for someone to implement and of course the fund manager. We are just ﬁ nalizing,” added the DOE of-

VOTING 285-3-0, the House of Representatives approved on third and ﬁ nal reading late Wednesday HB 10800 or the proposed General Appropriations Bill.

e lower chamber gave the approval after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. certiﬁed as urgent House Bill (HB) 10800, also known as the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which details the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025.

is certiﬁcation, received by the Oﬃce of the Speaker late Tuesday, allowed the House of Representatives to fast-track the approv-

al of the 2025 national budget by passing it on both second and ﬁ nal readings within the same day. e national budget bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for its own deliberations.

e Senate and House are on recess from September 26 until November 4.

Once both chambers of Congress approve their respective versions of the budget, a bicameral conference committee will convene to reconcile any diﬀerences between the two versions. After the bicameral meeting, the reconciled budget will be subject to ratiﬁcation by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before

resilience in three major river basins in the country.

e region is forecast to grow by 5 percent this year, compared with a projection of 4.9 percent in April, according to Asian Development Outlook (ADO) September 2024, released on Wednesday. e forecast for next year is maintained at 4.9 percent. Inﬂ ation in developing Asia and the Paciﬁc is expected to ease further to 2.8 percent in 2024, compared with a previous forecast of 3.2 percent.

Ignoring ‘Young Guns’ call, VP Sara shuns call to resign

FOR the sake of the 32 million Filipinos who voted for her, Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed calls of some members of the House of Representatives for her to step down from her post.

of 99.6 percent and a total weight of 293,915.2 ozt tr. oz. (292,827.5 ﬁ ne tr. oz.).

Meanwhile, BSP explained that the GIR level provides adequate external liquidity buﬀer and is equivalent to 7.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It also represents about 6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.8 times based on residual maturity. Cai U. Ordinario

In a press conference on Wednesday, Duterte said that she will not respond to the bloc calling itself “Young Guns,” as she was placed at her post by people who believe that she will “work for the country.”

Hindi naman kasi ako sasagot sa Young Guns dahil kailangan ko sumagot sa 32 million na bumoto sa akin. Hindi sa isa o dalawang tao. Hindi ako aalis dito [I won’t reply to the Young Guns because I need to respond to the 32 million who voted for me. Not one or two people. I won’t budge from here],” Duterte said. e lawmakers’ call stemmed from her refusal to attend the proceedings for the Oﬃce of the Vice

President’s (OVP) proposed 2025 budget.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon, in a press conference on Tuesday, said that if Duterte is no longer interested in her duties and functions as vice president, then they can ask her to step down.

Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez choed this: “ is is not about her, this is about the Office of the Vice President, the second highest position of the land. And you have to show respect and due courtesy to that office and to simply show up and do your work. I think it’s the least that she can do for the Office of the Vice President.”

ernment and Public Accountability over the alleged misuse of her ofﬁce’s funds.

In a letter dated September 23 and addressed to Rep. Joel Chua, panel chairman, Duterte said that she will not attend a succeeding inquiry into the issue.

Duterte said the inquiry should be terminated “immediately.”

“Inquiries should not be adversarial nor prosecutorial and should recognize the right of persons to refuse to participate in the crafting of laws. e HOR [House of Representatives] cannot compel people to participate in the legislative pro-

tions Committee reduced the proposed P2-billion 2025 budget of the OVP to about P700 million.

Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the appropriations committee, said that they view the assistance programs of the OVP as “redundant,” resulting in the budget cut.

But Duterte is unbothered.

“Of the P700 million, we will see whatever will be left, and then we will work around that budget of the Office of the Vice President; but defi nitely, our work will go on regardless of the budget of the Office of the Vice President,” she said.

tober and another one in December so 25-25 [basis point], that’s possible, in principle,” Remolona said, partly in Filipino.

Remolona also clarified that deciding on key policy rates does not depend on the previous month’s infl ation rate but the infl ation rate a year from now. He said this is crucial given the lag time of monetary policy.

“ e last number that we get, say the September number that will be released next week, that feeds into our projections. So what we care about is the projection from one year from now. e eﬀect of monetary policy is slow,” Remolona told reporters.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the expected decline in commodity prices could prompt the BSP to implement an additional 50-basis-point (bps) reduction in key policy rates in the last quarter of the year.

In a press brieﬁ ng in Malacañang on Tuesday, Recto, the administration representative in the Monetary Board (MB), said he is optimistic there will be a rate cut because of the continuous decline in prices of basic goods and services.

is is also consistent with the expectation of analysts who believe the recent decision of the United States Federal Reserve to reduce policy rates by 50 bps is also a factor that the BSP will consider in the succeeding policy rate settings of the Monetary Board.

Recto said inﬂ ation is expected to ease to 2.5 percent this month from 3.3 percent last August. However, some uptick is expected in the

run up to the Christmas season. Inﬂ ation is expected to average around 3.1 percent to 3.9 percent due to robust consumption spending during the holidays. Inﬂ ation is also forecasted to trend lower to around 2.9 percent to 3.1 percent next year.

An initial investment of P1.5 billion up to P2 billion is needed to drill the ﬁ rst two wells, said

“ e risk in geothermal comes during exploration stage. We drill well and about 20 percent do not produce commercially. at is expected because we are looking for resources. You

“Maybe you would need about P1.5 billion to P2 billion for the ﬁ rst two wells. First, you do a surface study, 3D seismic, and then the drilling where the big investment comes. You put a rig, you have to build roads, paths where the rig will come in. You have to drill three to ﬁve wells,” ere are more than 400 attendees in this year’s conference, double from last year. is year’s theme, “Gaining Greener Global Geothermal Generation,” intends to showcase the latest technological advancements in the geothermal sector.

“ e Philippines as a top three global leader in geothermal energy production presents both an opportunity and challenge. Our collective eﬀorts can advance the Philippine geothermal industry to the next level of growth,” said Jaime Jemuel C. Austria Jr., President of the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP).

“As we gather here, geothermal companies in the Philippines continue to test and commission new geothermal power plants which include the 28.9 MW Palayan Bayan Binary Plant and the 17MW Tiwi Binary Plant both in Bicol, the 5.645MW Bago Binary Geothermal Power Plant in Negros Occidental, and the 2MW Biliran power plant,” he added.

NGAP, he said, is taking bold steps to unlock the potential of geothermal energy via the derisking geothermal roadmap, particularly on establishing the exploration risk mitigation facil-

“ is de-risking facility will surely boost interest in undertaking exploration drilling in the years to come, and eventually lead to the development of more geothermal projects,” said

that’s at,” he added. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed export earnings from electronic products reached $23.88 billion in the January to July 2024 period. is is a 2.5-percent increase from the $23.30 billion recorded in the seven-month period in 2023. ﬁcial. During the event, Energy Development Corp. (EDC) Vice President and Head of Business Development Group Marvin Bailon said geothermal industry stakeholders are “clamoring for the government to take the risk out of geothermal” by putting up a so-called “de-risking mitiga-

e RTL also removed the NFA’s mandate to intervene in the market for price stabilization or import rice to increase the country’s buﬀer stock.

e grains agency said it procured 224,252 50-kg bags or 11,212.6 MT of unmilled rice in July, an 11.62-percent increase from its procurement target of 200,900 bags or 10,045 MT despite the onset of the lean season.

“ is success is largely attributed to the ongoing PRICERS program, which has eﬀectively encouraged more farmers to deliver and sell their palay harvests to the NFA, particularly in regions experiencing sporadic harvests,” the agency said in its latest accomplishment report.

e NFA also said that it distributed 53,730 bags or 2,686.5 MT of milled rice in the previous month.

“Sales were calibrated due to low inventory level of rice stocks, hence low distribution accomplishment.” Ada Pelonia

DOJ prepares string of criminal cases vs Tony Yang

TBy Joel San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Jus -

tice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it would coordinate with other government agencies to determine the string of criminal cases that may be filed against Chinese businessman Tony Yang.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters that while the government has an option to immediately deport Yang to China

for violation of immigration laws, the filing of criminal charges against the latter has become the government’s priority.

“We have a choice between immediate deportation and filing of criminal cases, I think the filing of criminal cases takes precedence now… He is actually a national security problem. We cannot treat this as just an isolated case,” Remulla said.

“He should be charged so we can get to the bottom of this,” Remulla added.

Yang is the brother of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic adviser Michael Yang.

He was arrested on September 19 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 by agents of the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission (Paocc) and Bureau of Immigration for being an undesirable alien.

Yang is said to be a Chinese national pretending to be a Filipino. Tang appeared before the Senate investigation on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo)

activities on Tuesday.

He denied being involved in any illegal Pogo operations.

The DOJ said it would coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Paocc and BI in digging deeper into Yang businesses and activities as well as his land acquisitions using fake Philippine citizenship documents.

Yang admitted at the Senate investigation that he was able to acquire Philippine citizenship documents.

Anti-mining group condemns killing of barangay chief

TBy Jonathan L. Mayga @butchfBM

HE Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) condemned on Wednesday the killing of an anti-mining advocate in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, and urged authorities, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a thorough investigation.

Barangay Chairman Al Cuartero of the village of Puyat was shot

Teodoro: What arms race?

By Rex Anthony Naval

ATIONAL Defense

NSecretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday debunked claims that the country is engaged in an arms race and clarified that ongoing efforts to modernize its military is only being done to improve its “credible defense posture.”

“It seems to me that before other countries interfere with our...the creation of our credible defense posture, they should first stop their illegal activities, get out of the West Philippine Sea, take away their ballistic [missile] capabilities, destroy their nuclear arsenal... before they interfere with our creating a credible deterrent,” he said in reaction to Chinese claims on the matter.

Teodoro also said the Philippines will do what needs to be done in improving up its defensive capabilities and that this does not pose any threat to a particular country.

“You know China is saying that they are alarmed, but that is interference into our internal affairs. They are using reverse psychology in order to deter us from building up our defensive capabilities,” he added.

And if it is really concerned about any arms race, Teodoro said that China should take the first step and cut down on their stocks of weapons, especially their nuclear-armed ones.

“So as I said, before they start talking, why don’t they lead by example? Destroy their nuclear arsenal. Remove all their ballistic missile capabilities. Get out of the WPS and get out of Mischief Reef. I mean, don’t throw stones when you live in a glass house. and goes for other countries also that are worried about our defensive capability enhancement. Don’t throw stones if you live in glass houses,” he added.

and killed together with another victim, Ronde Arpilleda Asis on September 22 by a still unidentified assailant. ATM in a statement said that Cuartero has firmly and consistently opposed mining in Carmen town. Cuartero was one of the witnesses who testified in court and exposed the falsified exploration permit of Tribu Manobo Mining Corporation (TMMC), ATM said.

“We are enraged that another environmental and human-rights defender has been felled and now joins the ranks of hundreds of activists killed in the country,” the ATM said in a statement.

The international watchdog Global Witness recently reported that the Philippines remains the “most dangerous country” in Asia for environmental activists. From 2012 to 2023, the country had the highest number of advocates killed

Senators in near fistfight

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SENATE President Francis Escudero issued a separate apology on Wednesday after two colleagues nearly came to blows on the Senate floor over the legal limbo involving the voters in the “Embo” districts that were transferred to Taguig from Makati City.

Sens. Juan Miguel Zubiri and Alan Peter Cayetano were debating the points raised by Cayetano, who hails from Taguig, when the exchange became heated and the two approached each other menacingly, each one apparently ready to throw a punch.

Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, who was presiding, quickly put himself between the two men, and Sen. Pia Cayetano, Alan’s sister, rushed and embraced him, and tried to push him away from where Zubiri stood. Other colleagues

tried to pacify Zubiri as well.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Escudero sought to play down the incident, saying in Filipino, “this isn’t the first time that lawmakers have debated hotly and nearly came to blows. We are just humans, after all.”

“Lawmakers are passionate about their advocacies,” Escudero added, and this could lead to heated exchanges.

Sumama na nga ako sa paghingi ng tawad. Gabi na, pagod na ang karamihan [That’s why I joined in making an apology, too. It was quite late and everyone was tired],” he said, by way of explaining why the senators were impatient.

Escudero said he was glad that in the end, “Nanaig pa rin ang interes ng institusyonatngtaongbayannapinaninilbihan namin [The interest of the institution and the people we serve have prevailed].”

On Tuesday night, Cayetano and Zu -

in the region.

“We call on government authorities to conduct a serious investigation on the murder of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. We demand that police officials undertake all efforts to resolve this killing,” the group said.

“We further call on the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the matter.”

apologize

biri later shook hands and embraced as they ended the plenary session on good terms—united for the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 23.

The resolution aimed to recommend to the Commission on Elections the inclusion of the 10 Enlistedmen’s barrios (Embo) in the two existing districts of the City of Taguig so they can vote for a tepresentative in Congress in May 2025.

Although the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision clearly stated that the Embo barangays are under Taguig’s jurisdiction, it did not specify which district they should belong to. “The issue here is very basic: It is representation, it is suffrage,” said Cayetano in his manifestation in the plenary. “With a few weeks left until voting, the people of Embo will be very grateful that we gave them the choice sino’ng gustong tumakbo at sino’ng gusto nilang iboto,” he added.

Binmaley seminary alumni reunion set

IT’S all system go for the Mary Help of Christians Seminary (MHCS) “Kabalens” International Reunion at Lake Tahoe on September 27-28 with close to 100 alumni attendees.

This was announced by Jose Sibal, MCHS Kabalens International president, who is optimistic that the three-day biennial KIR event will be an opportunity to interact with former alumni of the high school seminary in Binmaley, endearingly called “Kabalens,” as it is now gearing up for the Binmaley seminary centennial year in 2028. Among the highlights of this year’s three-day KIR include: Meet and Greet at Doc Sibal’s Cabin at 1421 South Vanderhoof Road, South Lake Tahoe, on September 27; Gala Night at the Harvey’s Tallac Room at 18 Hwy, Stateline Nevada on September 28; and, Concelebrated Mass to be officiated by Kabalens Bishop Anthony Celine at Our Lady of Tahoe at 1 Elks Point Rd., Zephyr Cove, NV

on September 29.

Veteran author, publisher, and environmentalist Melandrew T. Velasco will serve as guest of honor and speaker in the gala event scheduled on September 28 at Harvey’s Hotel. Better known as the family biographer of former President Fidel V. Ramos, Velasco was instrumental in forming the MHCS Kabalens Foundation, Inc. in the Philippines and the birth of Kabalens International when he spearheaded the MHCS Grand Alumni Homecoming in 2000. During the grand event preparations, Velasco traveled to the US to network with MHCS alumni that led to the appointment of then LA-based Allan Credo as official representative of the Kabalens International.

According to Kabalen Nic Ramos, it was in February 2001, eight kabalens from San Diego and Los Angeles counties convened in Mira Mesa, San Diego, California to discuss reunion with global reach in mind.

Go visits Tondo fire victims

SEN. Christopher Go has personally assisted 2,006 families affected by a recent fire incident in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila City, on Tuesday, September 24. Go acknowledged the efforts of his fellow public officials, particularly his fellow senator, Francis Tolentino, who also gave additional assistance to the affected residents by the recent fire before Go’s arrival. He also recognized the dedication of Mayor Honey Lacuna, Vice Mayor

Yul Nieto, and the barangay officials for their support being the bridge of the government to connect with the people at the grassroots level.

Go and his Malasakit Team, in collaboration with 105 Barangay Chairman Elenita Reyes, gave grocery packs, water containers, snacks, vitamins, masks, shirts, and basketballs and volleyballs. There were also select recipients of shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, and a watch.

Feeling the struggle of the affect-

Apologize for absence in budget deliberations, legislators tell Sara

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

WHILE impeachment is off the table, lawmakers want Vice President Sara Duterte to issue a public apology for “deceiving the Filipino people” after reports surfaced confirming that she was still on Calaguas Island on Monday morning, the same day her office’s budget deliberation was scheduled in the House of Representatives.

House Assistant Majority Leaders Paolo Ortega of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales expressed their dismay, accusing the Vice President of “dishonesty,” which they deemed unbecoming of a public official, particularly someone holding the second-highest office in the country.

“The Vice President owes the Filipino people an explanation and an apology. This is not the kind of leadership we deserve— where the truth is hidden and lies are told to cover it up,” Ortega said.

Khonghun said honesty and transparency are essential traits for public officials.

“This is conduct unbecoming of any public official, especially the Vice President of the Philippines. Honesty should be a non-negotiable trait for anyone who holds office,” Khonghun stated.

He expressed disappointment in Duterte for disregarding her duties at a time when critical budget deliberations were ongoing

A public apology, Khonghun said, is not just expected; it is necessary for public trust.

Honesty not an issue

ORTEGA also expressed outrage, noting that Duterte’s “dishonesty” is particularly alarming given her earlier controversial statement in 2019 saying honesty should not be an issue during elections when she defended her candidates under the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) accused of dishonesty and corruption.

Also, House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro criticized Duterte for allegedly misleading the public about her beach trip during crucial budget deliberations for her office.

Castro pointed to a police security report that confirmed Duterte’s presence on Calaguas Island, contradicting the Vice President’s denial and labeling of the news as “fake.”

As expected, Credo was designated first president as other esteemed Kabalens like Nic Ramos, Vic Paragas, Henry Juguilon, Roel Fernandez and other San Diego kabalens worked together for the first ever Kabalens International Reunion in Las Vegas 2002 at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.

Next KIRs would be held once every two years when children are not in school and clergy members are relatively free.

Past KIRs were held as follows: 2004 in Binmaley, Pangasinan for the 75th MHCS founding anniversary; 2005 in Seattle; 2007 in San Diego, CA; 2009 in San Jose; 2011 in Carson; 2011 in Queens; 2013 in Las Vegas; 2015 in San Diego; 2017 in Fairfield/Hayward CA 2017,; 2019 in Chicago; 2022 in New Jersey/New. York; and, 2024 in Lake Tahoe.

As an organization, it is a duly-registered entity in the United States made possible by lawyer Felix Vinluan during his term as KI president in 2011.

ed victims upon seeing the situation firsthand, the Senator also gave the shoes he was wearing to one of the victims during the relief initiative.

The lawmaker also highlighted that the Bureau of Fire Protection is currently undergoing a modernization program aimed at enhancing its capabilities and readiness in responding to fire-related incidents.

On the same day, the Senator personally attended the Liga ng mga Barangay National Congress Cluster 4 in Pasay City and was represented by Philip Salvador at the LNB Bulacan Chapter Provincial Congress in Cebu.

“The truth has a way of coming to light,” Castro, ACT Teachers nominee, said, referring to the police spot report that documented Vice President Duterte’s presence on Calaguas Island from September 21 to 23. “It is alarming that the Vice President chooses to dismiss verified reports as fake news when there is clear documentation of her whereabouts.”

According to the National Police report, Vice President Duterte, accompanied by her entourage, arrived in Vinzons, Camarines Norte, early on September 21 and traveled to Mahabang Buhangin Beach. Duterte reportedly stayed at the I Love Calaguas Resort and engaged with local officials before departing the island on September 23. Castro expressed concern over the Vice President’s apparent disregard for transparency and accountability. “While public officials have the right to personal time, it is unacceptable to do so during important budget deliberations, especially when denying the trip outright.”

No impeachment

1-RIDER Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez agreed that Duterte’s refusal to attend the plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) could be seen as a betrayal of public trust.

While betrayal of public trust is a recognized ground for impeachment, Gutierrez clarified that the House of Representatives is not currently considering any impeachment proceedings against her. Gutierrez explained the concept of public trust, citing the responsibility that comes with holding a high office, especially when it involves defending the budget before Congress.

“So when an official who is supposed to appear before the House and defend his or her budget fails to do so, to an extent, betrayal of public trust ‘yan. That is true. It is the betrayal of the duty, the constitutional duty for his or her part in the budget process,” he said.

Gutierrez supported Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, who had earlier manifested in plenary that Duterte’s absence was a “clear betrayal of public trust,” as all elected officials are accountable to the public and must address concerns of public interest.

Akbayan returns to House after five-year absence

THE Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) en banc on Wednesday proclaimed Akbayan Action Party as a winning party-list group in the May 2022 elections, marking the end of the group’s more than five years of absence in the House of Representatives.

Akbayan’s first nominee, Percival Cendaña, a former commissioner of the National Youth Commission, will represent the group in the 19th Congress.

Despite falling short by 2,000 votes in the last elections, Akbayan now holds the 56th and final House seat. This comes after one House seat was vacated last week when the registration of An-Waray party-list group was canceled owing to its violation of the Party-List System Act.

In a statement, Akbayan president Rafaela David expressed gratitude for Comelec’s decision to award the party the 56th, final House seat.

“We would like to thank [Comelec] for their swift action in issuing the Certificate of Proclamation to Akbayan acting on Congress’ request to fill in a vacancy in the party-list seats as part of the constitutional mandate to fill in all seats allotted for party-list

organizations,” she said. Akbayan first entered the party-list race in 1998 and enjoyed consistent representation in the lower House until its loss in the 2019 elections.

For David, Akbayan’s return to the lower House is a “big win” for various progressive groups.

“The next and final step now is for the House of Representatives to officially swear in our first nominee as a member of the Lower House. We are hoping that the House Leadership will also act on this swiftly as there are no longer any legal impediments that exist,” David added. In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that Cendaña can take his oath before the Speaker “anytime” now.

“At least they made it in before the break, and when Congress resumes in November, they will be considered a member of the House of Representatives,” Garcia added. Akbayan is currently represented in the Senate by Anna Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, one of its most prominent members. The party has also recently welcomed human-rights lawyer Chel Diokno as the newest addition to the party, strengthening its roster ahead of the midterm elections next year. Justine Xyrah Garcia

Thursday, September 26, 2024

DOE unveils nuclear energy road map

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Department of Energy (DOE) reported on Wednesday that it unveiled its Nuclear Energy Roadmap at the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference (GC) in Vienna, Austria, last week.

Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin, who was present during the four-day conference, said the nuclear roadmap outlines the country’s path forward utilizing the IAEA’s Milestones Approach to develop a

nuclear program.

“We aim to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) initially entering the power mix, gradually increasing to 4,800 MW by 2050,” said Garin.

The roadmap also seeks to establish an independent nuclear regulatory authority, which will oversee the safe and secure development of the country’s nuclear energy program (NEP).

At the heart of the country’s nuclear efforts is the Nuclear Energy Program-InterAgency Committee (NEP-IAC), led by the

DOE, which adopts a whole-of-government approach in integrating nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. The NEP-IAC has formed six sub-committees to divide and tackle the 19 infrastructures issues outlined by the IAEA. Garin also reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong support for the peaceful uses of atomic energy, emphasizing nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. Additionally, she highlighted the country’s non-power nuclear projects in fields such as food and agriculture; health and medicine, especially cancer care; plastics recycling;

education, and women empowerment.

“The beneficial uses of nuclear technology have been extensive across sectors, leading to improved quality of life. These uses span the fields of health and medical, agriculture, industrial and energy,” Garin added.

Executive Order 164, which adopts a national position for the NEP, articulated the Philippines’ decision to begin the process of considering the nuclear power in its energy mix and directed the NEP-IAC to perform functions to carry out the NEP in accordance with international standards set by the IAEA.

Lemon Law not sole recourse of aggrieved car buyers, SC rules

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court (SC) has declared that buyers of defective brand-new motor vehicles may avail of other legal remedies under any other law aside from Republic Act 10642, An Act Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Purchase of Brand New Motor Vehicles, or the Lemon Law.

In a 15-page ruling written by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., the Court’s Second Division held that aside from RA 10642, a consumer may enforce his or her rights under Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act or any other available law.

The Lemon Law covers brand-new motor vehicles purchased in the Philippines reported by a consumer to be defective within 12 months from the date of original delivery or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation, whichever comes first.

On the other hand, under the Consumer Act, consumers have the option to request either a replacement unit or an immediate refund if a defect cannot be corrected within 30 days.

The SC ruled that there is no “irreconcil -

able conflict” between the two laws since their provisions are “clear and unambiguous.”

“[T]here is nothing that prevents a consumer from availing of the remedies under RA 7394 [Consumer Act] or any other law for that matter even if the subject of the complaint is a brand new vehicle,” the SC said.

“As such, the Court agrees with the position taken by the DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] Secretary, wherein RA 10642 [Lemon Law] is an alternative remedy granted to the consumer and the consumer is free to choose to enforce his or her rights under RA 7394 or any other law,” it added.

The Court’s ruling stemmed from the petition filed by the DTI on behalf of Marilou Tan, who bought a Toyota Fortuner from Toyota Balintawak Inc. (TBI) on May 17, 2016 in the amount of P1.47 million.

When Marilou’s husband, George, was driving the vehicle home after it was released, they noticed that there was a “jerky movement” whenever there was a change of gear in the transmission.

After a mechanical inspection, TBI informed Marilou that the transmission assembly needed to be replaced and/or the Engine Control Unit (ECU) reprogrammed at

no extra cost.

But Marilou refused, demanding instead that the vehicle be replaced, or she be refunded.

TBI, however, argued that under Republic Act 10642 or the Lemon Law, TBI was allowed to make up to four repair attempts before replacing the vehicle.

Marilou noted TBI’s final decision not to replace the subject vehicle or refund the money she paid and informed TBI that she will go to the proper venue to exercise her right as a consumer.

She then filed a complaint with the DTI, on the basis of RA 7394, instead of the Lemon Law.

In a decision issued on October 12, 2016, the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (Arbitration Office) ruled in favor of Marilou, and ordered respondents TBI and Toyota Motor Phils. Corp. to either replace the product with another of the same kind or reimburse the amount paid and pay the administrative fine of P240,000.

The DTI secretary affirmed the ruling of the Arbitration Office on August 17, 2017, prompting the respondents to elevate the case before the CA, which in turn ruled in

favor of TBI.

It held that the Consumer Act and the Lemon Law are conflicting because the first law gives the supplier 30 days to correct the defect, while the second law allows the manufacturer, distributor, or dealer at least four separate repair attempts.

Since the controversy involved a brandnew motor vehicle, the CA stressed that the Lemon Law, and not the Consumer Act, was applicable.

It pointed out that the Lemon Law specifically applies to brand-new vehicles, while the Consumer Act covers durable and non-durable consumer products in general.

As a rule, according to the CA, a special law prevails over a general law.

The DTI then assailed the CA’s decision before the SC, which held that the case is already moot due to the repair of the vehicle.

But, the Court still decided to rule on the merit of the case to guide future disputes.

It held that the Lemon Law is not an exclusive remedy for buyers of defective brand new motor vehicles.

Concurring with the ruling were Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Mario Lopez and Jhosep Lopez.

Adopt critical measures to address floods, digital connectivity, council asks Marcos

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Private Sector Advisory Council (Psac) has urged President Marcos to adopt critical measures aimed at addressing the flood-control problem and improving digital connectivity all over the country, particularly in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (Gida).

Representing the Infrastructure and Digital Sectors, Psac presented a set of recommendations to “enhance public safety, bolster environmental resilience, and expand access to critical digital infrastructure, ultimately building a safer and more connected Philippines.”

In its flood mitigation strategy, Psac recommended constructing retarding basins and dams along major waterways and enforcing ordinances requiring property developers to install rainwater detention systems.

The council also called for the enforcement of easement laws to clear floodways of obstructions, including informal settlements, and proposed the installation of coconut-based garbage traps to prevent drainage blockages at the barangay level.

Further recommendations include comprehensive planning for critical waterways and bridges, particularly those affecting major roads like Edsa and Roxas Boulevard.

PSAC likewise encouraged local governments to adopt a “unified approach” to waste management and consider public-private partnerships (PPPs) for waste-to-energy projects. In addition, dredging the Napindan River was proposed to enhance the outflow of Laguna de Bay, with the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) overseeing the project in collaboration with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

For a more sustainable, long-term flood control strategy, Psac suggested implementing a river basin master plan, widening the Manggahan Floodway, and launching a nationwide watershed restoration program, particularly in areas such as Marikina.

Reforestation was also emphasized, and the council recommended revisiting the Parañaque Spillway project and constructing a flood diversion tunnel from the Upper Marikina River to the Pacific Ocean. They also suggested consolidating water and drainage management under the proposed Department of Water Resources.

Recognizing the lack of digital infrastructure in Gida, where over 25 million Filipinos remain disconnected, Psac said it is spearheading efforts to bridge the gap.

By July 2025, the council aims to build 100 new mobile towers, extending network coverage to 100 barangays and public schools, benefiting around 500,000 Filipinos with free internet access. However, to accelerate this rollout, Psac recommended simplifying the permitting process through the adoption of unified local government forms. The council also urged legislative reforms to institutionalize the Center for AI Research (CAIR) and establish an open, secure API ecosystem, fostering innovation in digital connectivity. Additionally, Psac emphasized the importance of recognizing digital connectivity as a basic human right, suggesting that telco facilities should be exempt from lease fees and that buildings should be equipped with internet connectivity prior to occupancy.

“For us, it’s not just about solving today’s issues—it’s about creating longterm, sustainable solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all Filipinos. Our recommendations are a result of close collaboration between the private sector and the government, with the goal of bringing positive, lasting change,” said Sabin Aboitiz, Psac lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer.

Govt selling ₧145-M share in SMPC to boost revenues

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

THE government is selling its entire share from the Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) amounting to P145 million in its bid to boost non-tax revenue collections.

During the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) general membership meeting on Wednesday, Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary and Chief Economist Domini SD. Velasquez laid the government’s idle assets ripe for investments in the next few years.

“These idle assets not only will generate revenues for the government but will also increase the value of these assets that have been lying around,” Velasquez said.

SMPC, a subsidiary of Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc., is the largest coal producer in the Philippines that owns and mines its own fuel source.

Velasquez said discussions are under way, with the disposal expected to take place within 2025, depending on market conditions.

The economist added the SMPC is being studied at the moment, particularly on the valuation of the shares as well as scouting for potential investors.

Amusement park Star City, Mile Long property in Makati City, shares of stock in United Coconut Chemicals Inc., sports

AMDev

Tcomplex Elorde Sports and Tourism Development Corporation and condominium units in Atrium in Makati City are also put up on sale.

Velasquez said some of the titles of these assets have to be fixed first and be officially named under the Republic of the Philippines before they could be privatization.

Non-tax revenues from privatization reached P3.114 billion as of the end of August 2024, consisting of sales, lease rental and interest income This accounts for 7.39 percent of the P42.12-billion full-year revenue target from privatization.

DOF-attached agency Privatization and Management Office (PMO) is responsible for disposing of government assets and other properties.

For 2025, the government targets to dispose of 19 government assets, including Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI); Financial Center Area; Ecology Villages (I, II and III); NHA-Caloocan Property; Fil-Eastern Woods Industries, Inc.; Pioneer Glass Manufacturing Corp.; Mindanao Progress Corporation; Central Bank-Board of Liquidators; TRC; Office of the Ombudsman; Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines; AMLC; Sta. Clara Lumber Co., Inc.; and Peninsula Development Bank (PenBank).

The government aims to raise P101 billion in 2025 from privatization proceeds.

House OKs ₧6.35-T budget for ’25; OVP gets ₧733M

Continued from A1

it is forwarded to the President for final approval.

One of the amendments is on the budget of the office of Vice President Sara Duterte for 2025, which is expected to be reduced by over half, from P2.037 billion to P733 million, due to redundant social programs and overextended offices.

The chamber said the cuts will mainly affect financial assistance, consultant services, utilities, supplies, and rentals, but salaries will remain unchanged. The entire P947 million for financial assistance from the OVP will be transferred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) for their assistance programs.

A small committee has been created to handle additional amendments to the budget.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez noted that the budget is designed to advance President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s Agenda for Prosperity and the Bagong Pilipinas programs. He said the budget would allocate funds for various medical, financial assistance, and social protection programs, as well as initiatives to stabilize food prices across the country.

“This budget will serve as our

tool for sustaining economic growth, which we hope to keep at six percent or higher in line with forecasts from international lending institutions,” he added.

Key focus

KEY focus areas in the budget include human and social development, job creation, and improving the country’s infrastructure and governance.

The government has set key economic assumptions for the formulation of the 2025 national budget, emphasizing targets that will promote fiscal sustainability and economic stability.

One of the primary drivers behind the 2025 budget formulation is the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, which is targeted to range between 6.5 percent and 7.5 percent.

The government also expects inflation to remain manageable, projecting a rate between 2.0 percent and 4.0 percent in 2025.

The total budget is P6.352 trillion, or 22.1 percent of GDP, with P4.247 trillion for new appropriations and P2.105 trillion for automatic appropriations.

For sectoral allocations, social services receive P2.121 trillion (33.38 percent of the budget) for health and education; economic services get P1.853 trillion (29.16 percent) for food security, natural resources, and

readies 5K workers for Industry 4.0

HE Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev), a five-year program aimed at developing a “highly skilled and adaptive” workforce, has already equipped 5,278 individuals with Industry 4.0 skills in the Philippines.

“To date, we have successfully equipped 5,278 individuals with Industry 4.0 skills, 566 of whom are senior high school students,” AmDev Chief-of-Party Danilo C. Lachica said at the Advanced Manufacturing Stakeholder Forum.

Lachica said this has exceeded the program’s target for year 2 by around 306 percent.

“The program’s goal really was to train 300 for year one and another, I guess, 1,000 in year two. But since we expand our network, we were able to grow another training base because as a function of the training partners and their commitment,” said Lachica, who also heads the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Seipi).

The AmDev program targets to train 11,000 individuals over the five-year timeframe or by 2027.

Lachica explained how the program is training individuals both in the workforce and senior high school students.

He said they surveyed 240 companies and identified what kinds of skills these companies are lacking among their workforce such as operators and technicians.

“We classified them into two: enabling skills and functional skills. Enabling skills, for example, critical thinking, functional skills troubleshooting,” said the chief of party for the training program for advanced manufacturing.

Lachica said the program “capitalized” on the portfolio of available courses among its partners, put it together and offered as “AMDev training.”

He said members of AMDev’s “alliance” companies have agreed to provide training not only for their employees but also for the public for free for

the initial run of the courses.

For instance, Lachica said, “For education institutes we are causing the development of a course, for example, in Ateneo, Strategic HR. The first run, we fund its development, so first class that’s free, but the subsequent runs, they have to ensure the program is attractive for the second or third run pwede na sila maningil. But the thing is, available ‘yung program.”

With La Salle, AMDev developed for executive management, “Mga C-level for IR 4.0 technologies. Kasi mahirap naman kung minamanage mo ‘yung workforce mo on AI, [Internet of Things] IOT, cybersecurity, so we’ve structured that overview ng mga courses na ‘yun para at least they can talk the walk.”

“We also funded the development of that course and then now they’re gonna run it publicly, they can start charging for it, but at least those courses are available,” he added.

Lachica also underscored that AMDev is suggesting to Education Secretary Sonny Angara

‘Disgruntled former employee’:

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

WHY did Vice President Sara Duterte provide monthly envelopes containing P50,000 each to a procurement official at the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure at the agency?

Lawmakers raised this question on Wednesday after retired DepEd Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado testified before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, chaired by Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua. “Between February 2023 and September 2023, I received a total of nine envelopes labeled “HoPE,” my concurrent position in DepEd during that time. These envelopes were handed to me monthly by Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda (“Sunshine”), which she says came directly from the office

of Vice President Sara Duterte,” Mercado, former head of Procuring Entity (HoPE), said in her affidavit.

“Galing kay VP, is what she would typically say as she hands the envelopes. It would appear that I received these envelopes by virtue of my office as HopE. Atty. Sunshine Fajarda is the wife of Edward D. Fajarda (“Fajarda”) who is the Special Disbursement Officer,” she said. Mercado shared that a staff member informed her of an inquiry made by one of their officers regarding Fajarda’s request for bank account details of several individuals. Her office later confirmed that this request was authorized by the Office of the Secretary, implying that other DepEd officials in the field might have been recipients of similar payments.

Mercado, a veteran of over 40 years in government service, claimed she never

opened the envelopes to verify their contents, although each was marked with the amount. She expressed discomfort about receiving such envelopes from the Vice President, who also served as the head of DepEd.

When Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro asked if she felt the envelopes were intended to “influence” her, Mercado replied, “It could be.”

Mercado also accused lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Vice President Duterte’s chief of staff and undersecretary at the Office of the Vice President (OVP), of pressuring her to resign after she opposed a negotiated procurement for the DepEd Computerization Program.

“I was informed that I should tender my resignation effective that day. I refused to resign and insisted on departing from the service through voluntary retirement,” Mercado said.

infrastructure; general public services are allocated P1.083 trillion (17.05 percent), and defense receives P419.3 billion (6.60 percent).

Under the GAB, P876.73 billion (13.8 percent of the budget) is allocated for debt payments.

The GAB shows that education receives the largest share at P977.6 billion, the Department of Public Works and Highways follows with P900 billion for infrastructure projects, the Department of Health is allocated P297.6 billion for healthcare programs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government with P278.4 billion, the Department of National Defense with P256.1 billion, the Department of Social Welfare and Development with P230 billion, the agriculture sector with P211.3 billion, transportation with P180 billion, the judiciary with P63.6 billion, and justice with P40.6 billion are also prioritized.

OVP budget

HOUSE leaders have thrown their support behind Romualdez’s appeal to retain the P733-million budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), as recommended by the Committee on Appropriations.

This decision comes amid calls from some lawmakers to further reduce the OVP’s budget, with

and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs committee enhancing the senior high school courses to improve the students’ “employability.”

For individuals 18 years old by the year they graduate and are interested to work after high school, he said AMDev is proposing two tracks which are operator and technician.

“Sa operator ang i-encourage namin is to embed the TESDA NC [national certificate] II training in addition to, for example in electronics, we will work with the curricula to enhance the course and to provide some training for the teachers,” said Lachica.

As to the track for technicians, he said, “Aside from TEDA NC III or SoupedUp training, we are proposing an apprenticeship.”

“So ’yun yung pinopropose naming: enhancement sa senior high school program to help them be able to…as TESDA DG Kiko Benitez said earlier, to enhance their employability,” added Lachica. Andrea E. San Juan

‘Disgruntled former employee’ CALLING her a “disgruntled former employee,” Vice President Duterte denied allegations made by Mercado and urged her to present documents to prove her claims.

“Pag ako, inaakusahan ako, sinasagot ko binibigay ko ang papel [If I’m accused of something I respond and provide the documents]. Gloria Mercado is a disgruntled former employee of the Department of Education. She was let go because of lack of of trust and confidence by the Office of the Secretary. I can’t recal what her first misdeed was, but she had made ‘strike two’ already,” Duterte said in a press conference.

Duterte recalled that Mercado solicited P16 million from private companies using her name on paper “without any authorization from the Department of Education.”

“I think hindiniyamatanggapbakitsiya

some pushing to cut it to zero following Vice President Sara Duterte’s repeated absences from budget hearings.

“As Speaker, I understand the sentiments of some of my colleagues in Congress regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s failure to attend the plenary deliberations on her office’s budget,” Romualdez said.

But Romualdez emphasized the importance of keeping the OVP funded to ensure that services provided by the office continue uninterrupted and to safeguard the jobs of its employees.

“Following our consultations with political party leaders from the Nacionalista Party (NP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), National Unity Party (NUP), Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc., and others, we adhered to the Appropriations Committee’s recommendation after their thorough review,” Romualdez said.

The House Appropriations Committee previously approved the P733-million allocation, which closely mirrors the budget allocated to former Vice President Leni Robredo. The budget includes P30 million to account for inflation.

However, a portion of the budget initially intended for the OVP’s satellite offices and certain social services will be redirected to the DSWD and the DOH. Despite Duterte’s absences during the hearings, Romualdez insisted that the OVP’s continued operation is critical, such as in endorsing requests for assistance to relevant agencies like DSWD and DOH to ensure transparency and prevent any misuse of funds.

Release of health workers’

THE Department of Finance (DOF) is banking on the allowances of public health workers released by the government to drive economic growth.

On the sidelines of the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) general membership meeting on Wednesday, DOF Undersecretary and Chief Economist Domini SD. Velasquez told reporters the funding will add up to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Velasquez said the P27.5 billion in health emergency allowance (HEA) of healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs released in July will contribute 0.1 percent to the GDP.

“That should help the economy immediately,” Velasquez said.

The economist added that unlike the government’s spending on infrastructure, which takes time, it adds more value in growth potential but releasing money for public consumption is faster.

This comes after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its economic growth outlook for the Philippines at 6

percent for 2024 and 6.2 percent for 2025.

“That’s good. I think that’s in line with the government’s target,” Velasquez said.

The government’s GDP target ranges from 6 percent to 7 percent for 2024 and 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for 2025. In the second quarter of 2024, the Philippines’ GDP stood at 6.3 percent driven by construction and investments.

To recall, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P27.5 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) last July 30, 2024.

The allowance will cover 4,283 Covid-19 Sickness and Death Compensation claims for eligible HCWs and non-HCWs as well as 5,039,926 validated but unpaid HEA. The funding for the HEA came from the P89.9 billion fund balance of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), of which P30 billion has been remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

pinalayas sa DepEd [she cannot live with the reason why she was dismissed from DepEd],” the Vice President said.

Show-cause

MEANWHILE , in response to the absence of five key OVP officials at Wednesday’s congressional inquiry into Vice President Duterte’s alleged misuse of public funds, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability issued a show-cause order demanding their explanation. The officials named in the order are Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio, Administrative and Financial Services Director Rosalynne Sanchez, Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, and Chief Accountant Julieta Villadelrey.

The committee said failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or insufficient

responses may lead to contempt orders, potentially resulting in arrest and detention. The directive was issued following a motion by Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, with committee chair Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua lead -

14.

Brief

15.

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16. KUMAR, PARMOD General Business Specialist

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17. PARMINDER General Business Specialist

Brief Job Description: Providing training for new employees on company policies and procedures, including safety guidelines.

18. SHENG, CHONG General Business Specialist

Brief Job Description: Identifying profitable business, negotiating and closing business deals.

Salary

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business, or a related field. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With 3-5 years of related experience, strong familiarity with project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices.

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Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin

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20. WU, ZUNJIANG General Business Specialist

Brief Job Description:

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50. CHEN, LIANG Foreign Software Developer

Brief Job Description: Web programming.

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Unit 2716 The Stiles Enterprise, West Tower Circuit Makati A.p Reyes Ave, Carmona, City Of Makati

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SEAGULL-WORLD INC. 24/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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SHOPEE PHILIPPINES INC. Levels 43-49 West Tower, The Podium, Adb Avenue Cor. Ortigas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

54. CHEN, XINYING Senior Analyst, Scommerce (SCS - Buyer And Acquisition)

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THE TECHRISE STANDARD SERVICES INC. L13 B33 Orange Suites Bldg., Jasmin St., Ts Cruz Subd., Almanza Dos, City Of Las Piñas

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STO. TOMAS

A CITY ON THE RISE CELEBRATES ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY

By John Eiron R. Francisco

STO. TOMAS, BATANGAS – As this city, located south of Metro Manila, celebrated its fifth anniversary of cityhood, local officials are championing a vision “where everyone, regardless of their background, stands on equal ground,” in a bid to foster a more united community.

“The city’s administration believes that diversity enriches the community, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity,” Mayor Atty. Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan told the BusinessMirror.

To realize this vision, a series of initiatives and programs have been launched across various sectors, including education, employment, and community services, focused on uplifting all residents, including those who have recently made Sto. Tomas their home. With health as the top priority for this administration, the Local Government Unit (LGU) is committed to enhancing access to quality healthcare and educational services. Marasigan believes this ensures that all residents have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives while benefiting from lifelong learning opportunities.

Local officials, including Marasigan, underscored the importance of collaborating with various organizations to amplify marginalized voices. By connecting with local barangays, community leaders are able to articulate the concerns and aspirations of their constituents, fostering an approach that reveals specific needs and priorities from the ground up.

According to Marasigan, the local government ensures transparen-

cy by keeping communication channels open through social media and public announcements. He believes this openness builds trust and encourages residents to engage in civic discussions. To facilitate community involvement, committee meetings are conducted as needed to discuss proposed projects and policies.

“As we continue to develop and grow, the City of Sto. Tomas will remain a sanctuary for all,” he stated,

emphasizing that inclusivity nurtures a sense of belonging and community spirit.

In addition, Marasigan outlined a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes the needs of all stakeholders, focusing on large and small businesses particularly local entrepreneurs. Targeted programs aim to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through initiatives like microfinancing access, training workshops, and

designated spaces at SM City.

“We offer training programs designed to enhance the skills of local entrepreneurs, covering essential topics such as business management, marketing, and financial literacy,” he explained.

“These workshops empower them to thrive in a competitive environment,” he said.

Additionally, the LGU is said to be committed to creating platforms

Ngiting Tomasino Icon Contest

AJAM Breakfast Ride for a cause

Taxpayer’s Night ZumbAJAM

Kulayaan: Gabi ng Kulay at Kalayaan Mobile Clinic

Mutya ng Sto Tomas Coronation Night

Mutya ng Sto Tomas Pre-pageant

JobFair

AJAM Breakfast Ride for a Cause

DIVERSITY DRIVES GROWTH: Sto. Tomas champions inclusivity in city development and

that promote and showcase local products. Events like the “Kadiwa ni AJAM” provide farmers and local entrepreneurs with valuable visibility and a chance to connect directly with consumers that foster a vibrant local economy.

These initiatives by the city government embody the spirit of “Mahal kami ng Lungsod ng Sto. Tomas.” Marasigan believes this phrase captures their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every resident can flourish.

“Our city is a place where differences are celebrated, and all voices are heard,” he said.

FIVE YEARS OF CITYHOOD DRIVING GROWTH AND COMMUNITY PROSPERITY

Sto. Tomas, located on the western slope of the iconic Mount Makiling, recently held a two-week celebration filled with activities honoring its community members. This followed its designation as a component city of Batangas under Republic Act No. 11086 on September 7, 2019.

The events catered to various sectors, including students, working professionals, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Notable activities included the Ngiting Tomasino Icon Contest, Zumba Jam, AJAM Breakfast Ride for a Cause, Mutya ng Sto. Tomas, Taxpayers' Night, Job Fair & Kwentong Tomasino Book Signing, Mobile Clinic, Thanksgiving Mass, AJAM Natin ‘To (Amazing Jam and Music 2.0), Farmers WeekKadiwa, Kulayaan: Gabi ng Kulay at Kalayaan, September Fest, Healthy Sto. Tomas, Motorcade: Float Parade, Siglahan Street and Festival Dance Competition: Kultura, Barangay at Turismo, and Fireworks display.

“These activities not only celebrate local culture but also promote unity and inclusivity among resi-

dents,” Marasigan said. In tandem with these celebrations, city officials highlighted the rapid industrialization of Sto. Tomas, positioning the city as a strategic business hub in Batangas.

Marasigan emphasized that this transformation has attracted significant investments, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

“This transformation has spurred job creation, with opportunities expanding not just in manufacturing but also in retail, and services,” he said.

With its strategic location, the establishment of key industrial parks—First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Light Industry Science Park 3, and First Philippine Industrial Township— is attracting both local and foreign investments, which are believed to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

The local government has also implemented policies to foster a more business-friendly environment, improving infrastructure, transportation, and accessibility, and solidifying Sto. Tomas's competitive position in the CALABARZON regional economy.

Based on the Commission on Audit (COA), the financial situation in the City of Sto. Tomas has experienced impressive growth between Calendar Year (CY) 2019 and CY 2022. In 2019, the city generated total revenue of approximately P937.26 million, sourced from various avenues, including local taxes and government allotments. By 2022, a three-year gap later, the city's revenue nearly doubled, reaching about P1.84 billion. This figure represents a significant increase, with 2022's revenue showing a 26.22 percent rise compared to the previous year, which had already experienced growth.

In recognition of these achievements, the Department of Finance (DOF), through its Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), acknowledged Sto. Tomas was one of the Top 2 National Performing Local Government Units for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 in the collection of Locally Sourced Revenues, achieving an impressive ratio of 58.67 percent, up from 2.06 percent in 2021 to 2022.

According to a statement from the city government, this recognition highlighted the efficient and effective management of local revenues despite the economic challenges faced. The city has successfully grown its local income, which serves as funding for various essential projects and public services.

“The increase in business activities has positively impacted public services, education, and health facilities, as more resources are generated from local taxes,” Marasigan said.

He also noted that the city's success in attracting investments and creating jobs has improved the standard of living for its residents, signifying a substantial advancement in economic development since the city attained its cityhood.

To address the growing demand for skilled labor in response to this investment influx, the local government has initiated several programs aimed at upskilling the workforce, particularly in competitive industries.

Through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the city collaborates with academic institutions and training organizations like TESDA to develop curricula and training programs tailored to industry needs. These initiatives cover technical courses and certifications in fields such as electronics product assembly, computer system servicing, shielded metal arc welding,

events management, hilot wellness, motorcycle engine, bread and pastry production, and driving courses.

Marasigan emphasized that these efforts not only improve job prospects for residents but also enhance the overall quality of life in Sto. Tomas.

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Marasigan, in line with the administration’s thrust, “Maningning na bukas natin mga Tomasino [A bright future for us, Tomasinos]," expressed his gratitude to all sectors, particularly senior citizens, whom he recognized as one of his key inspirations.

He also praised the dedication of local government employees and the collective efforts of Tomasinos, emphasizing that their unity and collaboration are the driving forces behind the city’s progress and success.

Moreover, the city chief executive highlighted the administration’s strides in infrastructure and urban development, noting that these projects are not only improving public services but also fostering an environment conducive to business growth and community well-being.

Central to these developments is the construction of the new City Hall, which aims to enhance public service delivery and streamline local government operations, thereby supporting business activities throughout the city.

Equally important is the establishment of the Ospital ng Lungsod ng Sto. Tomas. This new hospital will significantly elevate healthcare services in the city, providing Tomasinos with accessible, affordable, and quality medical care.

“A robust healthcare system is vital for any thriving community, as it directly impacts the workforce's health and productivity,”

Marasigan said.

In addition, the new City Health Office (RHU2) in Barangay Sta. Clara is already open and expanding healthcare services, particularly for residents in rural areas. This facility offers essential medical services, consultations, and vital health programs to ensure comprehensive community well-being.

Furthermore, the construction of 4PH housing units is a critical initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for local residents. In partnership with national agencies, this project seeks to address the housing needs of Sto. Tomas’ growing population, especially for vulnerable groups, including those residents who have been relocated due to the effects of the PNR trains.

Meanwhile, in an ambitious move to boost its appeal as a tourist destination, Sto. Tomas is set to develop and invest in crucial infrastructure projects. Local officials are prioritizing improvements to roads, public transport systems, and facilities that will enhance the overall visitor experience. By focusing on these enhancements, the city aims to attract both local and international tourists, positioning itself as a must-visit location in the region.

In tandem with these infrastructure initiatives, the local government plans to establish a training center dedicated to continuous skills training and education programs. This center will equip the workforce with the skills necessary for emerging industries, ensuring that residents are well-prepared to thrive in a competitive job market. Through these strategic investments, Sto. Tomas not only seeks to elevate its tourism profile but also to empower its community, fostering a vibrant economy that benefits all residents.

Kwentong Tomasino Book Signing

AJAM Natin To

Siglahan Street and Festival Dance Competition

Motorcade: Float Parade

Farmers’ Week cum Kadiwa ni AJAM

SeptemberFest

Thanksgiving Mass

Healthy Sto Tomas

The World Hezbollah launches missile at Tel Aviv in further escalation after heavy Israeli strikes on Lebanon

By Abby Sewell & Melanie Lidman The Associated Press

BEIRUT—Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv early Wednesday, in a further escalation after Israel carried out strikes on Lebanon that killed hundreds of people and the militants fired rockets across wider areas of northern Israel.

The Israeli military said it intercepted the surface-to-surface missile, which set off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and across central Israel, and there were no reports of casualties or damage. The military said it struck the site in southern Lebanon from which the projectile was launched.

Hezbollah said it fired a Qader 1 ballistic missile targeting the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, which it blames for a recent string of targeted killings of its top commanders and for an attack last week in which bombs hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies killed dozens of people and wounded thousands, including many Hezbollah members.

The Israeli military said it was the first time a projectile fired from Lebanon had reached central Israel. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted an intelligence base near Tel Aviv last month in an aerial attack, but there was no confirmation. The Palestinian Hamas militant group in Gaza repeatedly targeted Tel Aviv in the opening months of the war.

The launch ratcheted up tensions as the region appears to be teetering toward another all-out war, even as Israel continues to battle Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A wave of Israeli strikes on Monday and Tuesday killed at least 560 people in Lebanon and forced thousands to seek refuge.

Families have fled southern Lebanon, flocking to Beirut and the coastal city of Sidon, sleeping in schools turned into shelters, as well as in cars, parks and along the beach. Some sought to leave the country, causing traffic jam at the border with Syria.

Israel said late Tuesday that fighter jets carried out “extensive strikes” on Hezbollah weapons and rocket launchers across southern Lebanon and in the Bekaa region to the north. The military has said it has no immediate plans for a ground invasion but has declined to give a timetable for the air campaign.

Tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group have steadily escalated over the last 11 months. Hezbollah has been fir -

ing rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and its ally Hamas, a fellow Iran-backed militant group.

Israel has responded with increasingly heavy airstrikes and the targeted killing of Hezbollah commanders while threatening a wider operation.

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on Lebanon for Wednesday at the request of France.

Nearly a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel had already displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border before this week’s escalation. Israel has vowed to do

whatever it takes to ensure its citizens can return to their homes in the north, while Hezbollah has said it will keep up its rocket attacks until there is a cease-fire in Gaza, something which appears increasingly remote.

Israel has moved thousands of troops who had been serving in Gaza to the northern border. It says Hezbollah has some 150,000 rockets and missiles, including some capable of striking anywhere in Israel, and that the group has fired some 9,000 rockets and drones since last October.

Cross-border exchanges began ramping up on Sunday in the wake of the pager and walkie-talkie bombings, which killed 39 people

China conducts ICBM test in Pacific Ocean amid rising regional tension

By Christopher Bodeen The Associated Press

TAIPEI—China test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. The ICBM carried a dummy warhead and fell into a designated area of the sea, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The launch by the People’s Liberation Army was part of routine annual training. It said the launch complied

with international law and was not directed against any country or target.

It is unclear how often China conducts tests over such a distance. In 1980, China launched an ICBM into the South Pacific. A map published in Chinese newspapers at the time showed the target area as roughly a circle in the center of a ring formed by the Solomon Islands, Nauru, the Gilbert Islands, Tuvalu, Western Samoa, Fiji and the New Hebrides.

The US and non-governmental organizations have said China has been building up its missile silos, but it’s unclear how many missiles and nuclear warheads it has added to its arsenal.

The People’s Liberation Army, which functions as the ruling Communist Party’s military wing, runs China’s space program, which has established an orbital station and has ambitions to set up a Moon base and land a spacecraft on Mars.

Rocketry has long been part of

China’s development into a major global power, spurring nationalism and growth that has made China the world’s second-largest economy.

The US remains China’s main global rival, although Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and others have territorial disputes with Beijing that occasionally threaten to develop into military clashes.

China maintains a “no first use” of nuclear weapons policy, even as its desire for regional predominance grows.

Iran’s president tells UN his country wants to play a ‘constructive role’ in world affairs

By Jennifer Peltz & Michael Weissenstein The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—Iran’s new president signaled to world leaders Tuesday that he wants to open a “constructive” chapter in his country’s international relations—but he made clear that everyone else, including the United States, needs to do their part.

In his first speech at the UN General Assembly’s annual gathering of world leaders, Masoud Pezeshkian struck a somewhat more measured tone than his predecessors often have in recent years.

“I aim to lay a strong foundation for my country’s entry into a new era, positioning it to play

an effective and constructive role in the evolving global order,” said Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon who ran as a reformer. He took office in July. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, opened the door last month to renewed negotiations with the United States over his country’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, telling Iran’s civilian government there was “no harm” in engaging with its “enemy.” The United States, under former President Donald Trump, withdrew in 2018 from Iran’s deal with several Western nations to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for getting sanctions lifted.

It remains unclear just how much room Pezeshkian will have to maneuver, particularly

as tensions remain high in the wider Middle East over the Israel-Hamas war and as the US prepares for a presidential election in November.

Pezeshkian, like Iranian presidents before him, had sharp words Tuesday for Israel. He accused the nation of “atrocities,” “colonialism,” “crimes against humanity” and “desperate barbarism” as it fights Hamas in Gaza and exchanges fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran backs both militant groups.

Israel’s heavy bombardment of Lebanon in recent days “cannot go unanswered,” he said. He added that consequences would be borne by governments he described as thwarting efforts to end the “catastrophe” in the Middle East while calling themselves champi -

ons of human rights, an apparent reference to the United States and allied Western powers.

Washington has been attempting, with Egypt and Qatar, to get Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal. But it has been elusive, and now the developments in Lebanon stand to complicate the efforts further.

Directly addressing the American people, Pezeshkian listed a number of Iranian grievances— from sanctions to the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a Trump-era US drone strike—and then urged “all states pursuing a counterproductive strategy towards Iran” to “learn from history.”

The Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer contributed.

and wounded nearly 3,000, many of them civilians. Lebanon blamed Israel, but Israel did not confirm or deny responsibility.

On Sunday, Hezbollah launched around 150 rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel.

The next day, Israel said its warplanes struck 1,600 Hezbollah targets, destroying cruise missiles, long- and short-range rockets and attack drones, including weapons concealed in private homes. The strikes racked up the highest one-day death toll in Lebanon since Israel and Hezbollah fought a bruising monthlong war in 2006.

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday killed Ibrahim Kobei -

si, who Israel described as a top Hezbollah commander with the group’s rocket and missile unit. Military officials said Kobeisi was responsible for launches towards Israel and planned a 2000 attack in which three Israeli soldiers were kidnapped and killed. Hezbollah later confirmed his death. It was the latest in a string of assassinations and other setbacks for Hezbollah, which is Lebanon’s strongest political and military actor and is widely considered the top paramilitary force in the Arab world.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said six people were killed and 15 were wounded in the strike in a southern Beirut suburb, an area where Hezbollah has a strong presence. The country’s National News Agency said the attack destroyed three floors of a six-story apartment building.

The UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon said one of its staffers and her young son were among those killed Monday in the Bekaa region, while a cleaner under contract was killed in a strike in the south.

Hezbollah fired 300 rockets on Tuesday, injuring six Israeli soldiers and civilians, most of them lightly, according to the Israeli military.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 564 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Monday, including 50 children and 94 women, and that more than 1,800 have been wounded, a staggering toll for a country still reeling from the deadly pager and walkie-talkie bombings last week.

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.

By Lolita C. Baldor & Matthew Lee The Associated Press

because the aid has not yet been publicly announced.

The latest package of weapons, provided through presidential drawdown authority, is one of the largest approved recently and will take stocks from Pentagon shelves to deliver the weapons more quickly to Ukraine. It comes as nearly $6 billion in funding for aid to Ukraine could expire at the end of the month unless Congress acts to extend the Pentagon’s authority to send weapons from its stockpile to Kyiv. Congressional leaders announced they reached an agreement Sunday on a short-term spending bill, but it’s unclear if any language extending the Pentagon authority to

ISRAELI Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon, in northern Israel on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. AP/OHAD ZWIGENBERG

UN chief warns of ‘powder keg’ world situation amid rising impunity, inequality, and uncertainty

By Edith M. Lederer & Jennifer Peltz The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS —The head of the United Nations warned gathered leaders Tuesday that impunity, inequality and uncertainty are driving modern civilization toward “a powder keg that risks engulfing the world”—the latest clarion call from Antonio Guterres that the global situation is becoming intolerable and unsustainable.

“We can’t go on like this,” the secretary-general said in an alarming stateof-the-world address as he opened the annual high-level gathering of the UN’s 193 member nations.

He said the world is in “an era of epic transformation” and facing challenges never seen before, with geopolitical divisions deepening, the planet heating and wars raging in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere with no clue how they will end.

“We are edging towards the unimaginable —a powder keg that risks engulfing the world,” Guterres told presidents, prime ministers and ministers in the vast General Assembly hall.

But he stopped short of saying hope was gone. “The challenges we face,” he said, “are solvable.”

It’s not an easy time in the world

GUTERRES wasn’t the only one worried about the state of the world.

“I cannot recall a time of greater peril than this,” said King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Guterres called the situation in Gaza “a nonstop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.” He said escalating air attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border have put Lebanon “at the brink.” In Ukraine, he said,

there is no sign of an end to the war that followed Russia’s February 2022 invasion. In Sudan, he said, “a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence,” including widespread rape, and a “humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads.”

The UN chief also pointed to “appalling levels of violence and human suffering” from Myanmar and Congo to Haiti, Yemen and beyond, and the expanding terrorist threat in Africa’s Sahel region. He said the Summit of the Future that preceded Tuesday’s start of the assembly’s nearly weeklong “General Debate,” was a first step. “But we have a long way to go.”

At the two-day summit, the world’s nations adopted a “Pact for the Future.” It’s a blueprint for starting to address challenges from tackling climate change and poverty to putting guardrails on artificial intelligence. It also speaks to reforming the United Nations, and other global institutions established after World War II, to suit the needs and threats in the 21st-century world.

The UN leader blames ‘impunity’ GUTERRES said meeting the challenges of a world “in a whirlwind” requires confronting the three drivers of “unsustainability”—the uncertainty of

unmanaged risks, the inequality that underlies injustices and grievances and the impunity that undermines international law and the UN’s founding principles.

“A growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” he said—a reference to the classic board game Monopoly.

In his final speech before fellow leaders, President Joe Biden said he recognized the challenges of Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and other global hotspots, but he remains hopeful.

“There will always be forces that pull our countries apart...a desire to retreat from the world and go it alone,” he said. “Our task is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than the forces pulling us apart.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose country speaks first in a tradition dating to the early years of the UN, criticized Israel’s attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.

“The right to self-defense became a right for vengeance, which prevents a deal for the release of hostages and delays a cease-fire,” he said.

Lula decried the growth in global

military spending for a ninth consecutive year to more than $2.4 trillion. “Those resources could have been used to fight hunger and deal with climate changes,” he said.

Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian —who had accused Israel on Monday of seeking a wider war in the Middle East —laid into Israel in his speech to the assembly Tuesday. He said its attacks in Lebanon in recent days “cannot go unanswered.”

Leaders embroiled in conflicts will speak

AT last year’s UN global gathering, Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, took center stage. But as the first anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attack in southern Israel approaches on October 7, the spotlight is certain to be on the ensuing war in Gaza and escalating violence across the Israeli-Lebanon border, which is now threatening to spread to the wider Middle East.

Zelenskky was in the spotlight Tuesday afternoon at a Security Council meeting on Ukraine on the sidelines of the gathering, and he will be center stage again when he addresses world

Biden in farewell UN address says peace still possible in conflicts in Mideast and Ukraine

By Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee & Zeke Miller The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—President Joe Biden declared in his final address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that the US must not retreat from the world, as Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon edged toward all-out war and Israel’s bloody operation against Hamas in Gaza neared the one-year mark.

Biden used his wide-ranging address to speak to a need to end the Middle East conflict and the 17-month-old civil war in Sudan and to highlight US and Western allies’ support for Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He also raised concern over artificial intelligence and its potential to be used for repression.

His appearance before the international body offered Biden one of his last high-profile opportunities as president to make the case to keep up robust support for Ukraine, which could be in doubt if former President Donald Trump defeats Vice President Kamala Harris in November. Biden insisted that despite global conflicts, he remains hopeful for the future.

“I’ve seen a remarkable sweep of history,” Biden said. “I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair but I do not.”

“We are stronger than we think” when the world acts together, he added.

Biden came to office promising to rejuvenate US relations around the world and to extract the US from “forever wars” in Afghanistan and Iraq that consumed American foreign policy over the last 20 years.

“I was determined to end it, and I did,” Biden said of the Afghanistan exit, calling it a “hard decision but the right decision.” He acknowledged that it was “accompanied by tragedy” with the deaths of 13 American troops and hundreds of Afghans in a

suicide bombing during the chaotic withdrawal.

But his foreign policy legacy may ultimately be shaped by his administration’s response to two of the biggest conflicts in Europe and the Middle East since World War II.

“There will always be forces that pull our countries apart,” Biden said, rejecting “a desire to retreat from the world and go it alone.” He said, “Our task, our test, is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than the forces pulling us apart.”

The Pentagon announced Monday that it was sending a small number of additional US troops to the Middle East to supplement the roughly 40,000 already in the region. All the while, the White House insists Israel and Hezbollah still have time to step back and de-escalate.

“Full scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” Biden said, and despite escalating violence, a diplomatic solution is the only path to peace.

Biden had a hopeful outlook for the Middle East when he addressed the UN just a year ago. In that speech, Biden spoke of a “sustainable, integrated Middle East” coming into view.

At the time, economic relations between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors were improving with implementation of the Abraham Accords that Israel signed with Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates during the Trump administration.

Biden’s team helped resolve a long-running Israel-Lebanon maritime dispute that had held back gas exploration in the region. And IsraelSaudi normalization talks were progressing, a game-changing alignment for the region if a deal could be landed.

“I suffer from an oxymoron: Irish optimism,”

Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when they met on the sidelines of last year’s UN gathering. He added, “If you and I, 10 years ago, were talking about normalization with Saudi Arabia ... I think we’d look at each other like,

‘Who’s been drinking what?’”

Eighteen days later, Biden’s Middle East hopes came crashing down. Hamas militants stormed into Israel killing 1,200, taking some 250 hostage, and spurring a bloody war that has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza and led the region into a complicated downward spiral.

Now, the conflict is threatening to metastasize into a multi-front war and leave a lasting scar on Biden’s presidential legacy.

Israel and Hezbollah traded strikes again Tuesday as the death toll from a massive Israeli bombardment climbed to nearly 560 people and thousands fled from southern Lebanon. It’s the deadliest barrage since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

Israel has urged residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate from homes and other buildings where it claimed Hezbollah has stored weapons, saying the military would conduct “extensive strikes” against the militant group.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, has launched dozens of rockets, missiles and drones into northern Israel in retaliation for strikes last week that killed a top commander and dozens of fighters. Dozens were also killed last week and hundreds more wounded after hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah militants exploded, a sophisticated attack that was widely believed to have been carried out by Israel.

Israel’s leadership launched its counterattacks at a time of growing impatience with the Iranianbacked Hezbollah’s persistent launching of missiles and drones across the Israel-Lebanon border after Hamas started the war with its brazen attack on October 7.

Biden reiterated his call on the parties to agree to a cease-fire and hostage release deal, saying it’s time to “end this war”—even as hopes for such a deal are fading as the conflict drags on. Biden, in his address, called for the sustainment of Western support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Biden helped galvanize an international coalition to back Ukraine with weapons and economic aid in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s February 2022 assault on Ukraine.

“We cannot grow weary,” Biden said. “We cannot look away.”

Biden has managed to keep up American support in the face of rising skepticism from some Republican lawmakers—and Trump—about the cost of the conflict.

At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing Biden to loosen restrictions on the use of Western-supplied longrange missiles so that Ukrainian forces can hit deeper in Russia.

So far Zelenskyy has not persuaded the Pentagon or White House to loosen those restrictions. The Defense Department has emphasized that Ukraine can already hit Moscow with Ukrainian-produced drones, and there is hesitation on the strategic implications of a US-made missile potentially striking the Russian capital.

Putin has warned that Russia would be “at war” with the United States and its NATO allies if they allow Ukraine to use the long-range weapons.

Biden and Harris are scheduled to hold separate meetings with Zelenskyy in Washington on Thursday. Ukrainian officials were also trying to arrange a meeting for Zelenskyy with Trump this week, though a Trump campaign official said it wasn’t going to materialize.

The president also sounded an alarm about the rapid advances in artificial intelligence development, particularly around disinformation, respect for human life and the potential exploitation by totalitarian powers. He told the world leaders, “There may well be no greater test of our leadership than how we deal with A.I.”

Miller reported from Washington. AP writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

leaders in the assembly hall on Wednesday morning.

At the high-level council meeting, the Ukrainian leader dismissed the notion of peace talks with Moscow, calling instead for unspecified global “action” to force Russia into peace for invading his country and to comply with the UN Charter’s requirement that every country respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all other nations. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Slovenia, which holds the council’s rotating presidency this month, of giving Zelenskyy a platform “to malign the Russian Federation.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to speak Thursday morning and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.

On another hot spot, the Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting late Wednesday on the escalating violence in Lebanon at the request of France.

Edith M. Lederer, chief UN correspondent for The Associated Press, has been covering global affairs for more than 50 years.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. AP/RICHARD DREW

Cambodia’s $1.7 billion canal project risks harming Mekong River that feeds millions

By Aniruddha Ghosal The Associated Press

PREK TAKEO, Cambodia—The Mekong River is a lifeline for millions in the six countries it traverses on its way from its headwaters to the sea, sustaining the world’s largest inland fishery and abundant rice paddies on Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.

Cambodia’s plan to build a massive canal linking the Mekong to a port on its own coast on the Gulf of Thailand is raising alarm that the project could devastate the river’s natural flood systems, worsening droughts and depriving farmers on the delta of the nutrient-rich silt that has made Vietnam the world’s thirdlargest rice exporter.

Cambodia hopes that the $1.7 billion Funan Techo canal, being built with Chinese help, will support its ambition to export directly from factories along the Mekong without relying on Vietnam, connecting the capital Phnom Penh with Kep province on Cambodia’s southern coast.

At an August 5 groundbreaking ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the canal will be built “no matter what the cost.” By reducing costs of shipping to Cambodia’s only deep-sea port, at Sihanoukville, the canal will promote, “national prestige, the territorial integrity and the development of Cambodia,” he said. Along with those promises

comes peril. Here is a closer look.

The threat to the Mekong THE Mekong River flows from China through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It supports a fishery that accounts for 15 percent of the global inland catch, worth over $11 billion annually, according to the nonprofit World Wildlife Fund. Flooding during the wet season makes the Mekong Delta one of the world’s most productive farm regions. The river already has been disrupted by dams built upstream in Laos and China that restrict the amount of water flowing downstream, while rising seas are gnawing away at the southern edges of the climate-vulnerable Mekong Delta.

Brian Eyler, director of the Washington-based Stimson Center’s Southeast Asia Program, warns that high embankments along the 100-meter (328 feet)wide, 5.4-meter (17.7 feet)-deep canal will prevent silt-laden floodwater from flowing downstream to Vietnam. That could

worsen drought in Vietnam’s rice bowl and Cambodia’s floodplains, an area stretching over roughly 1,300-square kilometers (501 square miles).

The view from Vietnam’s rice bowl A DRIER Mekong Delta is a concern for Vietnam’s agricultural sector, which powers 12 percent of its economy. The southwestern provinces of An Giang and Kien Giang would likely be most impacted. The delta’s latticework of rivers crisscrossing green fields is vital for Vietnam’s own plans of growing “high quality, low emission rice” on 1 million hectares of farmland by 2030. The aim is to cut earth-warming greenhouse gases, lower production costs and increase farmers’ profits.

Water from the river is “essential” not just for Vietnam’s more than 100 million people but also for global food security, said Nguyen Van Nhut, director of rice export company Hoang Minh Nhat.

Sri Lanka’s new president dissolves Parliament, calls for snap election

By Bharatha Mallawarachi The Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake dissolved Parliament late Tuesday and called for a parliamentary election in less than two months in an effort to consolidate power after his weekend election victory.

A government notification said that Parliament was dissolved effective midnight Tuesday, and that the parliamentary election was set for Nov. 14, in an expected move that Dissanayake had vowed to take during his election campaign.

Dissanayake, in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Monday, September 23, 2024. SRI LANKA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION DEPARTMENT VIA AP

Dissanayake’s party holds only three seats in the 225-member Parliament and the snap election could help him take control of the chamber while his approval ratings remain intact following his win in Saturday’s polling.

The dissolution came hours after Dissanayake swore in a female lawmaker in his coalition as his prime minister, making her the country’s first woman to head the government in 24 years.

Harini Amarasuriya, 54, a university lecturer and activist, comes from a similar background as Dissanayake and both are members of the Marxist-leaning National People’s Power coalition, which remains in the opposition in Parliament.

His victory in Saturday’s election over ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa came as Sri Lankans rejected the old political guard

Vietnam’s exports of 8.3 million metric tons (9.1 US tons) of rice in 2023 accounted for 15 percent of global exports. Most was grown in the Mekong Delta. The amount of silt being deposited by the river has already dropped and further disruptions will worsen salinity in the area, hurting farming, Nhat said.

“This will be a major concern for the agriculture sector of the Mekong delta,” he said.

Cambodia’s view CAMBODIA says the canal is a “tributary project” that will connect to the Bassac River near Phnom Penh. President Hun Sen claimed on social media platform X that this means there would be “no impact on the flow of the Mekong River.”

But blueprints show the canal will connect to the Mekong’s mainstream and in any case the Bassac consists entirely of water from the Mekong, Eyler said.

Cambodian authorities are

whom they blamed for pushing the country into an unprecedented economic crisis.

The last woman to serve as prime minister, the second mostpowerful position after the president, was Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She was also the world’s first female head of government when she took up the post in 1960, and served three terms until 2000.

Dissanayake’s lack of a majority makes it difficult for him to appoint a fully-fledged Cabinet, and he had vowed during the campaign to dissolve Parliament and call a snap election. The present Parliament’s five-year term ends next August.

Amarasuriya also assumed duties of four other ministries covering justice, health, women, trade and industries. Another lawmaker from Dissanayake’s party, Vijitha Herath, was appointed minister in charge of six departments including foreign affairs, transport, public security, environment, port and civil aviation.

Dissanayake’s first major challenge will be to act on his campaign promise to ease the crushing austerity measures imposed by his predecessor Wickremesinghe under a relief agreement with the International Monetary Fund, after Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt.

Wickremesinghe has warned that any move to alter the basics of the bailout agreement could delay the release of a fourth tranche of nearly $3 billion.

Sri Lanka’s crisis was largely the result of staggering economic mismanagement combined with fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, which along with 2019 terrorism attacks devastated its important tourism industry.

downplaying the potential environmental impacts of the project.

“This is their logic-defying basis for justifying no impact to the Mekong River,” he said.

A document submitted in August 2023 to the Mekong River Commission—an organization formed for cooperation on issues regarding the Mekong—does not mention using water from the canal for irrigation, though Cambodia has since said it plans to do so. The Stimson Center added it was “logical” that irrigation would be needed during dry months, but that would require negotiating an agreement with the other Mekong countries.

The Mekong River Commission told The Associated Press all major projects on the Mekong River “should be assessed for their potential transboundary impacts.” It said it was providing technical support to “increase transparency and cooperation among concerned countries.”

Sun Chanthol, the Cambodian deputy prime minister who oversees the project, didn’t respond to a request for comments.

Nationalistic rhetoric and tense neighbors CAMBODIA has rejected criticism of the canal, which is widely seen as an effort by the country’s ruling elite to curry support for Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen, who led Cambodia for 38 years.

The canal is to be built jointly by Chinese state-owned construction giant China Road and Bridge Corporation and Cambodian companies. But it is enveloped in nationalistic rhetoric. The canal

would provide Cambodia a “nose to breathe through” by reducing its dependence on Vietnam, Hun Sen has said.

Vietnam has avoided openly criticizing its neighbor, instead communicating its concerns quietly. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a press conference in May that Hanoi had asked Cambodia to share information and assess the environmental impacts of the project to “ensure the harmony of interests” of Mekong countries.

Many Cambodians remain suspicious of Vietnam’s intentions, believing it may want to annex Cambodian territory. Given the contentious past between the two countries, bigger and richer Vietnam is taking care not to appear to be impinging on Cambodian sovereignty, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

“Although in Vietnam, there are big concerns,” he said. Lost in Cambodia’s nationalistic rhetoric are the concerns of people like Sok Koeun, 57, who may lose her home.

The tin-roofed cottage where she has lived with her family since 1980 is right where the canal is due to be built. The river provides her with fish to feed her family when she struggles to get by selling sugarcane juice and recycling plastic cans.

No one has been in touch, she says, to answer her mounting questions: Will she get compensated? Will she get land? Or cash? Where will they go?

“I only learned about it (the canal) just now,” she said.

Thailand officially legalizes same-sex marriage, marking historic step for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia

BANGKOK—Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was officially written into law Tuesday, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed.

The law was published in the Royal Gazette after endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and will come into effect in 120 days. This means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year, making Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage.

The bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through both the House of Representatives and the Senate in April and June respectively.

“Congratulations to everyone’s love,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote on X, adding the hashtag #Love Wins. Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity but struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society largely holds conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life.

The government and state agencies are also historically conservative, and advocates for gender equality had a hard time pushing lawmakers and civil servants to accept change.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said last week that the city officials will be ready to register same-sex marriages as soon as the law gets enacted. The legislation amended the country’s Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific words such as “men and women” with gender-neutral words such as “individual.”

The government led by the Pheu Thai party has made marriage equality one of its main goals. It made a major effort to identify itself with the annual Bangkok Pride parade in June, in which thousands of people celebrated in one of Bangkok’s busiest commercial districts. The organizers of Bangkok Pride announced on Facebook that it will organize a wedding for couples who wish to register their marriage on the very first day that the law becomes effective.

People’s power lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya, 54, left, takes oath for the post of Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister in front of President Anura Kumara

PARTICIPANTS hold posters celebrating equality in marriage during the Pride Parade in Bangkok, Thailand on June 1, 2024. AP/SAKCHAI LALIT

Senate probe reveals multiple Secret Service failures led to Trump assassination attempt

By Mary Clare Jalonick & Rebecca Santana

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Multi -

ple Secret Service fail -

ures ahead of the July rally for former President Donald Trump where a gunman opened fire were “foreseeable, preventable, and directly related to the events resulting in the assassination attempt that day,” according to a bipartisan Senate investigation released Wednesday.

Similar to the agency’s own internal investigation and an ongoing bipartisan House probe, the interim report from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee found multiple failures on almost every level ahead of the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting, including in planning, communications, security and allocation of resources.

“The consequences of those failures were dire,” said Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the Democratic chairman of the Homeland panel.

Investigators found that there was no clear chain of command among the Secret Service and other security agencies and no plan for coverage of the building where the shooter climbed up to fire the shots. Officials were operating on multiple, separate radio channels, leading to missed communications, and an inexperienced drone operator was stuck on a help line after his equipment wasn’t working correctly.

Communications among security officials were a “multi-step game of telephone,” Peters said.

The report found the Secret Service was notified about an individual on the roof of the building approximately two minutes before shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, firing eight rounds in Trump’s direction less than 150 yards from where the former president was speaking. Trump, the 2024 Republican

presidential nominee, was struck in the ear by a bullet or a bullet fragment in the assassination attempt, one rallygoer was killed and two others were injured before the gunman was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.

Approximately 22 seconds before Crooks fired, the report found, a local officer sent a radio alert that there was an armed individual on the building. But that information was not relayed to key Secret Service personnel who were interviewed by Senate investigators.

The panel also interviewed a Secret Service counter-sniper who said that they saw officers with their guns drawn running toward the building where the shooter was perched, but the person said they did not think to notify anyone to get Trump off the stage.

The Senate report comes just days after the Secret Service released a five-page document summarizing the key conclusions of a yet-to-be finalized Secret Service report on what went wrong, and ahead of a Thursday hearing that will be held by a bipartisan House task force investigating the shooting. The House panel is also investigating a second as -

sassination attempt on Trump earlier this month when Secret Service agents arrested a man with a rifle hiding on the golf course at Trump’s Florida club.

Each investigation has found new details that reflect a massive breakdown in the former president’s security, and lawmakers say there is much more they want to find out as they try to prevent it from happening again.

“This was the result of multiple human failures of the Secret Service,” said Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, the top Republican on the panel.

The senators recommended that the Secret Service better define roles and responsibilities before any protective event, including by designating a single individual in charge of approving all the security plans. Investigators found that many of the people in charge denied that they had responsibility for planning or security failures, and deflected blame.

Advance agents interviewed by the committee said “that planning and security decisions were made jointly, with no specific individual responsible for approval,” the report said.

Communication with local authorities was also poor. Lo -

cal law enforcement had raised concern two days earlier about security coverage of the building where the shooter perched, telling Secret Service agents during a walk through that they did not have the manpower to lock it down. Secret Service agents then gave investigators conflicting accounts about who was responsible for that security coverage, the report said.

The internal review released last week by the Secret Service also detailed multiple communications breakdowns, including an absence of clear guidance to local law enforcement and the failure to fix line-of-sight vulnerabilities at the rally grounds that left Trump open to sniper fire and “complacency” among some agents.

“This was a failure on the part of the United States Secret Service. It’s important that we hold ourselves to account for the failures of July 13th and that we use the lessons learned to make sure that we do not have another failure like this again,” said Ronald Rowe Jr., the agency’s acting director, after the report was released.

In addition to better defining responsibility for events, the senators recommended that the agency completely overhaul its communications operations at protective events and improve intelligence sharing. They also recommended that Congress evaluate whether more resources are needed.

Democrats and Republicans have disagreed on whether to give the Secret Service more money in the wake of its failures. A spending bill on track to pass before the end of the month includes an additional $231 million for the agency, but many Republicans have said that an internal overhaul is needed first.

“This is a management problem plain and simple,” said Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the top Republican on the Homeland panel’s investigations subcommittee.

Survey reveals JD Vance lags behind rival Tim Walz in voter popularity ahead of vice-presidential debate

By Linley Sanders The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—

WOhio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, is less popular among voters than his Democratic rival, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Both Vance and Walz entered the spotlight this summer as relative political unknowns. As both running mates prepare to address a huge audience in next week’s vice-presidential debate, Democrats are more positive about Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris than Republicans are about Vance and former President Donald Trump.

The findings of the new survey reinforce the challenge for the Republican presidential ticket as voting begins in more and more states.

Vance is less well-liked than Walz THE poll shows that negative

feelings about Vance are considerably more widespread than positive opinions. About half of registered voters have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of Vance, up from about 4 in 10 in late July, while around one-quarter have a somewhat or very favorable view of him, and a similar share don’t know enough to say.

Walz, by contrast, is better liked. About 3 in 10 voters have a negative view of Walz, while about 4 in 10 have a positive opinion and about 3 in 10 don’t know enough to say. That difference in favorability extends to the candidates’ bases. About 7 in 10 Democratic voters have a positive opinion of Walz, compared to about 6 in 10 Republican voters who have a favorable view of Vance.

Walz is stronger than Vance among men and women Democratic candidates tend to receive more support from women, while Republicans perform better among men. That gap is clear in Trump and Harris’

favorability numbers—but Walz is better liked than Vance among both men and women.

About 4 in 10 male and female voters have a positive view of Walz, while about 3 in 10 men and about one-quarter of women have a positive view of Vance.

Walz also has a popularity advantage over Vance among voters over the age of 60. Half of voters in this group view Walz somewhat or very favorably, while about 3 in 10 have a similar opinion of Vance.

Walz is a little weaker than Harris among Black voters and women

DESPITE his strength over Vance in some areas, there are also some key Democratic groups where Walz still has work to do. About threequarters of Black adults have a favorable view of Harris, while roughly half say the same about Walz. She is also viewed more positively by women; about 3 in 10 women don’t know enough about Walz to

have an opinion.

In general, though, neither of the vice-presidential candidates outshine Harris or Trump among major demographic groups, and they remain less wellknown than the presidential nominees, even among groups that are traditionally part of each party’s base. For example, about one-quarter of white voters without a college degree don’t know enough to say about Vance, and around 4 in 10 voters between the ages of 18 and 29 don’t have an opinion on Walz.

This means their popularity could continue to shift as their national profiles rise.

The poll of 1,771 registered voters was conducted September 12-16, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probabilitybased AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the US population. The margin of sampling error for registered voters is plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

Zelenskyy’s

victory plan sets Ukraine’s terms in desperate war against Russia

By Samya Kullab & Lorne Cook The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—The victory plan that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will present to the White House this week asks the Biden administration to do something it has not achieved in the two and a half years since Russia invaded Ukraine: act quickly to support Kyiv’s campaign.

While Western dawdling has amplified Ukraine’s losses, some Ukrainian officials, diplomats and analysts fear Kyiv’s aim to have the plan implemented before a new US president takes office in January may be out of reach.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, reportedly briefed on the plan, said it “can work” but many privately question how.

The specifics of Zelenskyy’s blueprint have been kept under wraps until it can be formally presented to President Joe Biden, but contours of the plan have emerged, including the need for fast action on decisions Western allies have been mulling since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

It includes the security guarantee of NATO membership, according to Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andrii Yermak—a principal demand of Kyiv and Moscow’s key point of contention. Western allies, including the US, have been skeptical about this option.

Zelenskyy has said he will also seek permission to use long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory, another red line for some of Ukraine’s supporters.

“Partners often say, ‘We will be with Ukraine until its victory.’

Now we clearly show how Ukraine can win and what is needed for this. Very specific things,” Zelenskyy told reporters ahead of the trip. “Let’s do all this today, while all the officials who want victory for Ukraine are still in official positions.”

Meanwhile, outnumbered Ukrainian forces face grinding battles against one of the world’s most powerful armies in the east.

As Zelenskyy pitches his plan to Biden on Thursday, Ukrainian servicemen will be grappling to hold defensive lines in the key logistics point of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region. For some of them, it is essential that Biden buys into Zelenskyy’s plan.

“I hope that allies will provide us with what we need,” said Kyanin, a soldier fighting in the Donetsk region. “Not 10 or 31 tanks, but a thousand tanks, thousands of weapons and ammunition.”

Kyiv sets the terms

THE victory plan is Kyiv’s response to rising pressure from Western allies and war-weary Ukrainians to negotiate a ceasefire. A deal with Russia would almost certainly be unfavorable for Ukraine, which has lost a fifth of its territory and tens of thousands of lives in the conflict.

Unless, Kyiv calculates, its western partners act quickly. Ukraine’s allies have routinely mulled over requests for weapons and capabilities, granting them often after their strategic value is diminished. Under the plan, from October to December, they must dramatically strengthen Kyiv’s hand. The plan comprises military, political, diplomatic and economic elements.

Aside from the demand for NATO membership, it seeks to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, including air defense capabilities, enough to

force Moscow to negotiate. A request to ramp up sanctions to weaken Russia’s economy and defense industry is also expected.

Zelenskyy has said without elaborating that Kyiv’s military incursion into Kursk, in Russia, is part of the victory plan. That offensive, which embarrassed President Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin scrambled to counterattack, has not yielded any strategic gains. But it has shown the Russian public and doubtful Western allies that Russian is not invincible and Kyiv still has offensive capabilities despite being battered on the eastern front.

The cost of inaction ZELENSKYY has described his proposal as “a bridge to the Peace Summit” that he has proposed for November but that Russia says it will not attend. No international players capable of swaying Moscow agreed to his earlier 10-point peace plan, which calls for the full withdrawal of Russian forces.

Ukrainian presidential advisors and lawmakers have told The Associated Press that Kyiv will only agree to a cease-fire with Russia if Putin’s ability to invade the country again is crippled. Any other arrangement would not benefit Ukraine’s future or honor the sacrifices of its people.

Ukrainian officials have rejected competing proposals from China and Brazil, believing they would merely pause the war and give Moscow time to consolidate its battered army and defense industry.

“It will lead to a freezing of the conflict, nothing more: Occupied territories are considered occupied. Sanctions against Russia remain. The intensity of war drops significantly but it continues,” said one presidential advisor, who requested anonymity to speak freely. He predicted that Moscow would recalibrate and attack again, likely from Mykolaiv and Odesa in the south, “within two, three, four years, or maybe even earlier, depending on the state of Russia. That’s the scenario.”

Russia’s conditions for ending the war are spelled out in a 17page draft agreement penned in April 2022.

The time element

PROLONGING the status quo will only play into Russia’s hands in the long-term, analysts said.

“Ukraine will lose more than 1,000 square kilometers (600 miles) by the end of the year,” if current conditions continue, said Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military analyst for Information Resistance, a Kyiv-based think tank.

“We need to understand that if (allies) don’t defend Ukraine, it will make this war last for many more years, and finally, make it possible for us to lose the war,” he said. Time will also allow Russian forces to build up its weapons industry, as it did at a frightening pace in the last year, said Kovalenko.

“We lack every kind of weapon, and Russia produces their weapons 24 hours a day,” Kovalenko said. Russia has updated its aerial glide bombs, for which Ukraine has no effective countermeasure. They now weigh 3,000 pounds, which is six times bigger than when they were first used in the battle for Bakhmut in 2022, he said.

The Associated Press journalists Tony Hicks and Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report.

The Magna Carta for Seafarers and its impact on our maritime workers

Our seafarers are the backbone of the country’s maritime industry, making up a significant portion of the 1.6 million seafarers worldwide. They are responsible for manning the world’s merchant fleets, transporting goods and people across the globe. The country is one of the top suppliers of sailors worldwide, with over 578,000 seafarers deployed abroad in 2023, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

The signing of Republic Act 12021, the Magna Carta for Seafarers, marks a significant step forward in ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipino sailors. President Marcos aptly described the law as a testament to the nation’s appreciation for their invaluable service. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “After detours, Magna Carta for Seafarers finally a law,” September 24, 2024).

For too long, Filipino seafarers have been the unsung heroes of the maritime industry, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the global supply chain moving. They have faced numerous challenges, from unfair wages to unsafe working conditions, and have often been vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers. The Magna Carta for Seafarers gives hope to these brave men and women, promising to provide them with the protection they deserve. At the heart of this landmark law are provisions that address long-standing concerns of our seafarers. The establishment of fair wage standards, safe working conditions, and robust certification processes aligned with international STCW guidelines are crucial steps in upholding the fundamental rights of our overseas sailors. Designating the Maritime Industry Authority to oversee maritime education and streamline the appeals process for disability claims are also welcome moves that can help prevent exploitation and ensure speedy, equitable resolutions.

As global demand for skilled seafarers continues to surge, the Magna Carta’s focus on strengthening maritime education, training, and certification systems is particularly timely. Recent agreements, such as the one between Marina and the Norwegian Maritime Authority, highlight the increasing recognition of Filipino sailors’ capabilities and the opportunities that lie ahead. Provisions for legal assistance and employer support in cases of death or disability further demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting our seafarers, both during and after their employment.

While the law is widely lauded, the inclusion of a controversial “bond” provision, requiring seafarers to win appeals against their employers before disability claims become final, has drawn criticism for potentially violating the constitutional guarantee of equal protection. This provision, while intended to prevent frivolous claims, raises concerns about its potential to disproportionately burden seafarers seeking compensation for injuries.

Despite this controversy, the Magna Carta enjoys widespread support from key stakeholders. The Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (Amosup) hailed the law as a “gift and a wonderful tribute” to the hardworking seafarers. The Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (Alma) believes it will help Filipino sailors maintain their competitive edge in the global market.

The House of Representatives, recognizing the significance of the law, expressed optimism about its impact on the industry. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez highlighted the timeliness of the law, especially in light of the surging global demand for Filipino seafarers.

The Magna Carta for Seafarers signifies a crucial advancement in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Filipino sailors, simultaneously enhancing the competitive edge of the Philippine maritime sector. However, the implementation of the law, particularly the controversial bond provision, will require careful monitoring and evaluation to ensure it truly serves the best interests of the seafarers it aims to protect.

Bottom fishing

TOUTSIDE THE BOX

here is nothing more satisfying for a stock market investor than finding an issue at its recent—or historic—price bottom and then it moves higher.

A recent example of that was

MRC Allied, From P0.46 on July 25, the price rose to a closing high on August 8th at P0.89 for a gain of 94 percent. You might not have gotten the absolute low or high, but there was ample opportunity for buying at P0.60 and selling at P0.80, for a clean 30 percent profit.

How do you find these?

The first question usually is “What is the news?” Most of the time I have no idea what the background is for a particular price movement, nor do I care initially. There does not seem to have been any particular reason why the price went up.

Opportunities for bottom fishing do not happen every day and even when you do find an issue that meets the parameters I am sharing,

I814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

they are not always successful. But more are winners than losers, you can manage cutting losers with reasonable loss and your profits should be greater than your losses. It is not that difficult.

MRC was a textbook example of successful bottom fishing, but it is not the only one. Nickel Asia turned another one last week, as did Megawide. Belle tried but seems to have failed but with a “break-even” trade. D&L Industries also seems to have fizzled after an eight percent gain. You can never predict the outcome but that should not prevent you from taking a well-thought-out calculated risk.

By “calculated risk” I mean buying in when the likelihood of a rising price is in your favor, a clear loss

By Golnar Motevalli

ran’S new president, making his global debut before the united nations General assembly, managed to dominate the day Tuesday by warning Israel’s attacks on Lebanon “cannot go unanswered,” while also urging Western nations to come back to a nuclear accord and lift sanctions against the Islamic republic.

President Masoud Pezeshkian drew more attention for his dual messages of threat and cooperation than the day’s other star speakers, including Joe Biden, making his farewell appearance as US president at the UN rostrum with a plea for collective action to address current and emerging global challenges.

Hanging over the day was Israel’s promise to press ahead with its military campaign in Lebanon, escalating concern that an all-out war in the Mideast may be close at hand.

Pezeshkian, a relative moderate within Iran’s constrained political spectrum, worked to balance two different mandates: easing the Islamic

Republic’s economic isolation while also responding to Israel’s escalating war with Iran-backed Hezbollah to its north and Hamas to the south.

“We are ready to engage with nuclear deal parties if the nuclear deal’s commitments are implemented fully and in good faith,” Pezeshkian said, referring to a 2015 agreement placing limits on Iran’s nuclear program.

Former President Donald Trump quit the pact in 2018 and reimposed a crippling sanctions regime.

Pezeshkian called on the US and its partners to remove sanctions on Iran in order to “lay the foundations for further agreement.”

The substance of Pezeshkian’s ad-

Opportunities for bottom fishing do not happen every day and even when you do find an issue that meets the parameters I am sharing, they are not always successful. But more are winners than losers, you can manage cutting losers with reasonable loss and your profits should be greater than your losses. It is not that difficult.

point, and a clear target price, both based on support and resistance areas.

Back to MRC.

Buyers move prices higher, and I will never be able to fully know why buyers are buying. But I can find if there is the buying pressure that I am looking for in anticipation of an upward trend.

It is important to note that heavier volume at or near the bottom without the price moving higher is usually accumulation. At the top it is usually distribution. Therefore, be cautious of “high volume, no movement at the top” and get a little excited about “high volume; no movement” at the price bottom.

I am the last person that gets super-secret news. When someone

More than 500 people, including 50 children, have been killed by Israel’s bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon so far. The escalation by the key US ally increases the likelihood of all-out war with the Islamist group, the most powerful of Iran’s allied militant forces across the Middle East.

dress to the UN General Assembly didn’t differ much from that of his predecessors, but his tone was far more understated.

Macron’s interested T He likelihood of successful nuclear talks appeared dim, especially given Iran’s backing of the militias at war with Israel. But he had one potential taker for talks: Pezeshkian told Bloomberg News that plans are underway to discuss a revival of the nuclear deal after a “positive” meet-

tells me a secret about an issue, he wants me to buy so that he can take his profit. But what cannot be hidden is the buying and the buying volume. There is a pattern to look for. The first is a “selling climax” as it often is a single day where the price falls, sometimes dramatically, at or near a bottom on heavier volume. MRC had this on July 11th. The volume was not huge but a little better than the previous four weeks. Then came what I call the “Smart Money” on July 19 with the price up a little but on higher volume.

Four days later came buying from the “Friends of the Smart Money” on big volume followed by two more days of even bigger volume and a significant price increase. That was the “Breakout” at P0.60.

Understand that buying/selling climaxes are not confirmed until the price stops going up or down. The one or two-day “climax” is only a warning light that something big might be ready to happen. Also understand that “Volume precedes price,” both going up and down and with volume going higher or lower.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

ing with French President emmanuel Macron. Macron’s office said his country is willing to solve differences with Iran under clear parameters.

Still, calling Israel’s bombardment of Gaza “desperate barbarism,” Pezeshkian made clear in his UN remarks that Iran won’t ease its support of its allied forces in the face of stepped-up Israeli attacks. More than 500 people, including 50 children, have been killed by Israel’s bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon so far. The escalation by the key US ally increases the likelihood of all-out war with the Islamist group, the most powerful of Iran’s allied militant forces across the Middle east.

“A diplomatic move is always better than a confrontation,” Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon wrote on X. even so, he said, “we are determined to restore security to our citizens in any possible way.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin See “Iran,” A15

Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

Since 2005

John Mangun

Visa sued by US in antitrust case over debit card markets

By Leah Nylen & Paige Smith

The US Justice Department sued Visa Inc., alleging the global payments giant illegally monopolized the debit card market, in the Biden administration’s first major antitrust case in the financial services industry.

Antitrust enforcers alleged in a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court Tuesday that Visa, which handles more than 60 percent of the more than $4 trillion in US debit transactions each year, entered into a series of agreements penalizing merchants who sought to use alternatives and paid potential rivals to stay out of the market.

“Visa’s unlawful conduct affects not just the price of one thing but the price of everything,” Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters in Washington in announcing the lawsuit. “Visa is charging a hidden toll on each of trillions of transactions.”

Visa is the largest of the payment networks in the US and collects some $7 billion in yearly fees on both debit transactions and so-called “card not present” transactions where customers use their debit card number online or in apps, according to the complaint.

In its agreements with merchants, the Justice Department said, Visa imposed an anticompetitive pricing structure that essentially forced them to route all debit transactions through its network or face stiff penalties. Visa also entered into agreements with technology companies including PayPal Holdings Inc., Apple Inc. and Block Inc., which were developing products that would have challenged its stranglehold over payment networks, paying them hundreds of millions of dollars to stay out of the market, the agency said. Visa shares were down 5.4 percent to $273.09 at 3:55 p.m. in New York.

“Anyone who has bought something online, or checked out at a store, knows there is an ever-expanding universe of companies offering new ways to pay for goods and services,” Julie Rottenberg, Visa’s general counsel, said in an e-mailed statement. “Today’s lawsuit ignores the reality that Visa is just one of many competitors in a debit space that is growing, with entrants who are thriving.”

The case opens up a new front in the Biden administration’s antitrust crackdown after actions focused on Big Tech, airlines and retail, among other industries, with mixed results. After Visa, the most prominent US debit networks are run by Mastercard Inc. and Discover Financial Services, though others include Fidelity National Information Services Inc.’s NYCE, Fiserv Inc.’s STAR and Accel.

Dodd-Frank Act

THE Justice Department’s complaint alleges that Visa’s illegal conduct began in 2012 as a response to the Dodd-Frank Act that Congress passed in the wake of the financial crisis. The law required card issuers—which are often banks— to offer at least two independent debit networks to increase competition and to give merchants more of a choice. It also set limits on the fees that banks require retailers pay to accept debit cards, though the law didn’t cap the fees that debit networks themselves charge for processing transactions.

Concerned that the law would generate competition and harm its dominant position in the debit market, Visa began to require merchants to enter into agreements with onerous terms. The Justice Department alleged the company used “cliff pricing,” charging merchants significant fees on transactions unless they routed the vast majority of them to Visa, at which point they would get a discount.

Fight over names highlights split in Japan’s leadership race

AThe fee structure forced merchants to send most transactions to the payments giant, effectively shutting out smaller debit networks, the complaint alleges. Visa also sought to blunt the development of new technologies that might allow consumers to bypass its network when shopping online. The most public fight occurred with PayPal, which initially encouraged users to link their bank account to pay for items online. In a 2016 agreement, PayPal vowed to no longer encourage Visa card users to link their bank accounts to its wallets and promised to offer use of the debit cards “as a clear and equal payment option during enrollment and subsequent payments.” In exchange, Visa said it would cut some of the fees it charges PayPal. The agreement with PayPal, which was renewed in 2022 for 10 years, requires the company to route 100 percent of its debit transactions through Visa’s network, the complaint says.

‘Existential threat’ V ISA reached similar settlements regarding Apple Pay, the digital wallet it introduced on iPhones in 2014 that allows use of debit and credit cards for mobile payments.

It had a similar agreement with Block, the fintech company formerly known as Square, which also runs consumer-payments platform Cash App.

Visa viewed Apple Pay as an “existential threat” and entered an agreement in 2012 that bars the company from developing technology that would rival Visa’s debit capabilities, according to the Justice Department. In exchange, the complaint alleges, Visa pays Apple hundreds of millions of dollar each year. The payments firm was concerned when Block launched its Cash App product that consumers might begin to use it in lieu of debit cards, so the companies entered an agreement in 2014 with a debit routing commitment, the US alleged. When Block introduced a new feature in Cash App in 2016 that would allow consumers to store money within their account, Visa threatened to terminate its agreement and the company removed the feature, the complaint said. Last year, the companies signed a new deal that would see Block send 97 percent of its transactions through Visa.

Yearslong probe

THE Justice Department lawsuit is the culmination of a yearslong probe of Visa’s business practices born out of the firm’s failed acquisition of the financial-technology infrastructure firm Plaid Inc. in 2021. It is also the latest in which antitrust enforcers allege a dominant firm used restrictive contracts to stifle innovation. Representatives from Block and Apple didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Plaid and PayPal declined to comment. Last month, a Washington federal judge found that Alphabet Inc.’s Google violated antitrust laws by paying $26 billion to companies to ensure its search engine was the default option on smartphones and web browsers. The Justice Department alleged those exclusive deals kept rival search offerings from gaining the users and data needed to grow. Likewise, the Justice Department in May sued Live Nation Entertainment Inc., alleging that its ticketing arm Ticketmaster used long-term exclusive contracts to lock venues into using its technology. Bloomberg

By Erica Yokoyama

DecADeS-old battle over whether married couples should be allowed to have different surnames has surfaced as one of the most contentious issues in the race for Japan’s top job.

Japan is the only country in the world that requires couples to have the same surname according to the Justice Ministry, meaning around 95 percent of married women end up changing their names. Some of those vying for leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have joined the big business lobby and the UN human rights watchdog in calling for change.

The law frustrates working women, who often end up juggling aliases that can scupper anything from hotel reservations to business contracts. The problem has also become a litmus test for how far candidates may be willing to accept a more diverse Japan, potentially indicating a new prime minister’s stance on other issues, including those affecting sexual minorities and foreigners.

“There’s a clear divide between the more liberal members of the ruling party, and the committed conservatives,” said Yuichiro Sakai, associate professor at Keio University.

to allow the change.

The only woman of the trio, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, has opposed it, arguing that separate surnames could undermine family unity. The burden of changing surnames could be alleviated by allowing broader use of pre-marriage names as aliases, she said.

The winner of the LDP vote this Friday is almost certain to be the next prime minister, given the party’s dominance in parliament.

Takaichi took her husband’s name when they married. The couple are since reported to have divorced and remarried one another, this time under her name, but her election committee office declined to comment on her current marital status or legal surname. Men are permitted to take their wives’ names, although in the vast majority of cases in a country that has fallen behind its peers on gender equality, women switch upon marriage.

The system requiring married couples to have the same surname began in the late 19th century, but present day efforts to change the relevant law have faced resistance so far.

Forcing people to change their names is a human rights issue, according to Kaori Oguni. She was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit

Among the three frontrunners in Friday’s vote, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has pledged to submit bills to permit separate surnames by the end of the year. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has also said he wants to allow the change. The only woman of the trio, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, has opposed it, arguing that separate surnames could undermine family unity.

challenging the constitutionality of the legal requirement for married couples to share a surname, which was rejected by the Supreme Court in 2015. A similar case was knocked back by the top court in 2021, while another case has been ongoing since March.

“Compared to western countries, surnames are used far more in Japan,” she said. “For the Japanese, the surname represents the individual, not just the family.”

A United Nations human rights watchdog has also advised Japan to change the law three times, as the rule discriminates against women. Shocked when she first learned as a child that women were compelled to change their names on marriage, Oguni faced a dilemma as she prepared for her own wedding years later. Ultimately, she chose to take her husband’s name, rather than opt for a common-law mar -

Severe obesity is on the rise in the US

By Jonel Aleccia | AP Health Writer

OBeSITy is high and holding steady in the US, but the proportion of those with severe obesity—especially women—has climbed since a decade ago, according to new government research.

The US obesity rate is about 40 percent, according to a 2021-2023 survey of about 6,000 people. Nearly 1 in 10 of those surveyed reported severe obesity, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. Women were nearly twice as likely as men to report severe obesity.

The overall obesity rate appeared to tick down vs. the 2017-2020 survey, but the change wasn’t considered statistically significant; the numbers are small enough that there’s mathematical chance they didn’t truly decline.

That means it’s too soon to know whether new treatments for obesity, including blockbuster weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound, can help ease the epidemic of the chronic disease linked to a host of health problems, according to Dr. Samuel Emmerich, the CDC public health officer who led the latest study. “We simply can’t see down to that detailed level to prescription medication use and compare that to changes in obesity prevalence,” Emmerich

Netanyahu was set to arrive in New York later in the week and address the General Assembly on Friday. Earlier Tuesday, he said air strikes would continue, and a top Israeli general said the country is destroying military infrastructure Hezbollah has built over 20 years.

The conflict hung over the first day of the General Assembly debate in New York, with several leaders who took to the podium criticizing Israel’s attacks. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for “coercive measures” against Israel while others repeated demands for a cease-fire.

In a speech earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aimed a thinly veiled accusation at Israel—as well as others such as Russia for its action in Ukraine—saying

said. “Hopefully that is something we can see in the future.”

Most telling though, the results that show that the overall obesity rate in the US has not changed significantly in a decade, even as the rate of severe obesity climbed from nearly 8 percent in the 2013-2014 survey to nearly 10 percent in the most recent one. Before that, obesity had increased rapidly in the US since the 1990s, federal surveys showed.

Measures of obesity and severe obesity are determined according to body mass index, a calculation based on height and weight. People with a BMI of 30 are considered to have obesity; those with a BMI of 40 or higher have severe obesity. BMI is regarded as a flawed tool but remains widely used by doctors to screen for obesity.

“Seeing increases in severe obesity is even more alarming because that’s the level of obesity that’s most highly associated with some of the highest levels of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and lower quality of life,” said Solveig Cunningham, an Emory

the “level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.”

Others, such as Biden, were milder. Urging de-escalation in the Middle East, he said full-scale war “is not in anyone’s interest.”

The danger of escalation was set to be a major theme on Wednesday as well. The UN Security Council was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the situation in Lebanon in a bid to push for both sides to back down.

The violence flared last week with a series of explosions that targeted pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah. Israel didn’t take credit for sabotaging the devices but officials including Pezeshkian condemned the strike, which killed more than 25 people and wounded hundreds. Worse for Iran, the country’s ambassador to Lebanon was among the wounded.

riage, which would cause problems with legal custody of children and inheritance rights.

Pressure from businesses and workers is growing, according to experts including Keio’s Sakai. Earlier this year, the head of Japan’s largest business lobby Keidanren expressed support for a system allowing separate surnames. The head of Japan’s largest labor union confederation also made similar comments last week.

“A lot of people are struggling because their work name and their name on official documents are different,” said Sakai. “People are increasingly wondering why Japan is the only one not allowing choice, when there’s this much globalization, including in the economy.”

Public opinion is also shifting. A survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research found that 61 percent of respondents supported the idea in 2022, up from 41.5 percent in 2013. Media polls have found even higher support.

The lack of progress so far is due to the outsize voice of the LDP’s conservative base, according to Kiyoteru Tsutsui, a professor of sociology at Stanford University. But given recent developments over separate surnames, more progress could follow in other areas.

“Same-sex marriage could be next,” said Tsutsui. “It’s another issue in Japan that’s gone against the trend in developed economies.” With assistance from Yuki Hagiwara /Bloomberg

University global health professor who specializes in obesity.

Cunningham, who was not involved in the new study, said it’s not clear why rates of severe obesity are going up, or why they were higher among women. Factors could include the effects of hormones, the impact of childbearing or other causes that require further study, she said.

The new study also found that obesity rates varied by education. Almost 32 percent of people with a bachelor’s degree or higher reported having obesity, compared with about 45 percent of those with some college or a high school diploma or less.

The new report follows the release earlier this month of data from US states and territories that showed that in 2023, the rate of obesity ranged widely by place, from a high of more than 41 percent of adults in West Virginia to a low of less than

Pezeshkian’s appeal to come back to talks faces a cold reception from the US, which says Iran’s funding of Hamas, Hezbollah and other proxies makes talks of rapprochement impossible. He’ll also have to attend to the priorities of hardline institutions back home.

Those include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, both of which will be weighing how to respond to Israel’s worsening attacks on a critical ally.

“Some of Iran’s competing objectives are in clear conflict now,” said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group. “It’s hard to get an economic reprieve from the West when Iran is on the opposite side of two conflicts the West cares about: Ukraine and Gaza-Lebanon.”

Vaez was referring to another alliance that has angered the US and

24 percent of adults in Washington, D.C. Rates were highest in the Midwest and the South.

All US states and territories posted obesity rates higher than 20 percent. In 23 states, more than 1 in 3 adults had obesity, the data showed. Before 2013, no state had a rate that high, said Dr. Alyson Goodman, who leads a CDC team focused on population health. Color-coded US maps tracking the change have gradually shifted from green and yellow, the hues associated with lower obesity rates, to orange and dark red, linked to higher prevalence.

“Sometimes, when you look at all that red, it’s really discouraging,” Goodman said.

But, she added, recent emphasis on understanding obesity as a metabolic disease and new interventions, such as the new class of weight-loss drugs, gives her hope. The key is preventing obesity in the first place, starting in early childhood, Cunningham said. Even when people develop obesity, preventing additional weight gain should be the goal.

“It’s really hard to get obesity to reverse at the individual level and at the population level,” Cunningham said. “I guess it’s not surprising that we’re not seeing downward shifts in the prevalence of obesity.”

its allies—the strengthening military ties between Iran and Russia. US and UK officials have accused Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, a charge Pezeshkian denied in a meeting with reporters in New York on Monday. He said he doesn’t approve of Russia’s war on Ukraine. According to Tehran-based economist Saeed Laylaz, Iran hasn’t responded to Israel with force in part because of its desire for sanctions relief. That’s a critical step toward attracting desperately needed foreign investment, and time may be running out with Trump seeking to return to the White House. “I don’t believe that Iran will make a big move that will bring it directly into this conflict,” Laylaz said. That “will work in favor of Netanyahu and Trump, and that’s what the Islamic Republic will avoid.” With assistance from Jon Herskovitz/Bloomberg

2nd Front Page

ADB keeps GDP forecast for PHL, but warns of risks

THEPhilippine economy may post a GDP growth of 6 percent or better this year and next year but risks still loom on the horizon, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In its latest Asian Development Outlook, ADB said the country’s GDP may reach 6 percent this year and 6.2 percent next year, forecasts that were maintained from its previous report.

ADB also said its inﬂ ation forecast is seen to be lower than initially expected at 3.6 percent in 2024 and 3.2 percent in 2025. ese are lower than the initial estimates of 3.8 percent for 2024 and 3.4 percent in 2025.

“Risk factors include a sharper slowdown in major advanced economies and the People’s Republic of China, and ﬁ nancial volatility arising from US monetary policy decisions,” ADB said in its report.

“Heightened geopolitical tensions and higher global commod-

ity prices also pose risks. Severe weather events could elevate inﬂ ationary pressures,” the Manilabased multilateral development bank said.

Mideast risks

THESE were the same risks highlighted by other analysts in the past weeks. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto also said tensions in the Middle East is another risk being closely monitored by the national government. e Associated Press reported earlier that the European Union’s top diplomat said every day that passes without a cease-ﬁ re in the Israel-Hamas war risks the lives of the hostages held by the militants and of those in the Gaza Strip as

PBBM to solons: Pass bills on Dept of Water, WTE, other priorities

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Mar-

cos called on Congress for the swift passage of his remaining priority bills including new environment-related laws, which will create the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and convert garbage into energy.

e chief executive made the remark during the 6th LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Marcos is pushing for the passage of the DWR bill to help ensure the country’s water supply amid the prolonged droughts brought about by climate change.

“It’s a department because we are going to reorganize everything. But the original idea was that we will reorganize the entire water management process in the Philippines. But because of the exigencies of climate change, we really have to direct our eﬀorts, our attention to [water],” he explained.

well as a regional war breaking out.

e report stated that Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, came before journalists just after news broke from Lebanon of at least eight people killed and 2,750 others wounded by exploding pagers across the country, including members of the militant group Hezbollah. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/09/18/eus-top-diplomat-says-escalating-tensions-in-middle-east-threaten-regional-stability/)

Nonetheless, ADB said GDP growth will be driven by broadbased domestic demand, supported by lower inﬂ ation and interest rates.

“Most of the ingredients for the Philippines’ sustained economic growth are in place—rising government revenues are boosting public expenditures on infrastructure and social services, increasing employment is driving consumption, and reforms to open the economy to more investments are underway. With inﬂ ation slowing, the country is in a strong position to lead growth in Southeast Asia,”

Power Industry Reform Act, and the DWR bill.

ere are currently 64 priority legislation under the Ledac Common Legislative Agenda (CLA). Of which, 28 is expected to be passed during the 19th Congress.

As for the waste-to-energy (WTE) bill, he said it will help address the country’s worsening ﬂood control problems, which he blamed on poor garbage disposal. He said the implementation of waste-to-energy initiatives can help reduce ﬂooding by 40 percent.

“I think waste-to-energy now has taken on a new role. It is no longer just for garbage, or waste disposal or waste management. It is also now very much part of the ﬂood control eﬀort,” Marcos said.

Priority legislation

IN a press

briefi ng in Malacañang last Wednesday, Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero announced that the chamber is targeting to pass five priority pieces of legislation of the Marcos administration before the end of the year. Both chambers went on their annual recess starting ursday, and will resume sessions on November 4. Among the pending pieces of legislation, he said, is the DWR bill, which is yet to be fi nalized as

“We have 41 remaining session days until the 19th Congress ends. We hope to be able to maximize it by way of passing most of these laws including the advocacies of the local level of our friends and colleagues in the House as well as those members from the Senate,” Escudero said.

Five of the 28 bills were already passed into law, while seven are ready for signature of the President.

For his part, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the Lower House has already completed its version of the said bills except those concerning the FLTL and the Agrarian Law.

Aside from the 28 bills, Romualdez said they are also prioritizing the passage of the 2025 General Appropriation Act (GAA), which has been certiﬁed as urgent by President Marcos.

Escudero said they are targeting to pass the 2025 GAA within the year to give Marcos the time to review its provisions and veto its provisions, if necessary.

ing to range between 5 percent and 6 percent of GDP annually from 2024 to 2028, after hitting 5.8 percent of GDP in 2023.

e government’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program includes 66 ongoing projects and another 31 approved for implementation as of August 2024.

e infrastructure program aims to enhance physical connectivity through railways, bridges, and airports, or strengthen water management through irrigation, water supply, and ﬂood control.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation, digital connectivity, energy, and agriculture projects, are also prioritized under this program.

ADB is ﬁ nancing key infrastructure projects, such as the Malolos Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway Project which will link Metro Manila to northern and southern provinces in the Luzon region.

It is also supporting the BataanCavite Interlink Bridge Project, and the Integrated Flood Resilience and

THE government’s rice inventory can feed the nation for ﬁve days, according to the National Food Authority (NFA).

NFA Acting Administrator Larry Lacson said the grains agency’s stockpile reached 3.1 million 50-kilo bags or 157,000 metric tons (MT) of rice as of writing.

“ e entire Philippines can be fed for up to...almost 5 days,” Lacson said, partly in Filipino, in a radio interview on Wednesday.

In April, the NFA Council approved raising the buying price per kilo of palay through a PRICERS program where the agency can purchase as much as P30 per kilo for clean and dry palay; and as much as P23 per kilo for wet and fresh palay.

“In the previous harvest in summer, many beneﬁted from PRICERS. Even if our purchasing got delayed, we were able to buy a lot and help many farmers because of that price,” he said.

e NFA said its palay procurement reached nearly 3.37 million 50-kilo bags as of June 13, exceeding its target of 3.36 million bags. is translates to about 168,262 metric tons (MT) of palay

said.

According to the NFA chief, they started to purchase palay in time with the wet season harvest.

“Here in Luzon, we have started buying from those who planted earlier. In most parts of Region 3, Region 2, the clean and dry is at P30 pesos this week.”

Despite the increase in buying prices, the agency earlier said it still has around P12 billion to procure unmilled rice in the second half.

e NFA has a budget of P17 billion for its procurement this year, including rollover funds from the previous year.

‘Restore some functions’ MEANWHILE, Lacson hoped that the amendment of the Rice Tariﬃcation Law (RTL), which is currently pending in Congress, would allow the agency to restore some of its functions.

“We hope that in the amendments to RTL...we hope the function of releasing aﬀordable rice to the market will be given back to us.”

Under RTL, the NFA was stripped of its function of importing rice and selling it to the public, with its mandate reduced to keeping an emergency buﬀer

Seipi: Better demand may

HE Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (Seipi) is mulling over reducing the 10-percent contraction outlook for electronics exports for this year due to a slight improvement in demand.

Seipi President Danilo C. Lachica said demand is slowly resuming for the semiconductor and electronics exports.

“ e biggest reason that we’re seeing for that improvement...well, reduction in the contraction, we’re seeing progress in inventory correction. In other words, demand is coming back. But it’s still a challenge especially for the semicon-

ductor side,” Lachica told reporters on the sidelines of the Advanced Manufacturing Stakeholder Forum on Wednesday.

At its board meeting on October 8, Seipi will decide on the oﬃcial outlook for the electronics exports this year.

“ ere is a possibility I’m seeing kind of a glimpse of reducing that contraction,” the Seipi chief said.

In July 2024, Lachica told the BM that Seipi is seeing a 10-percent decline for electronics exports for 2024 due to inventory correction and the product mix in the Philippines. (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/04/ electronics-exports-seen-10-lowerin-2024/) Lahica explained that inventory

correction and the product mix in the Philippines are the two factors that could change the projection of 10-percent contraction in the country’s top export commodity for this year.

He said the country is at a disadvantage in terms of product mix “because there were several companies that were not as aggressive putting in new products here and new technologies because of the incentive rationalization of the previous government.” Meanwhile, asked if he’s elated about the recent developments in the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) bill, a measure which seeks

to lower taxes on domestic and foreign companies, among others, the Seipi chief hailed some of the key provisions.

“One thing investors are asking for is the reinstatement of 5 percent GIE. I don’t know if it’s there, but also reducing the bureaucracy in the FIRB [was cited]. I think there’s a provision there to improve upon that. So that’s good,” the Seipi chief said. Lachica also noted that the removal of the value-added tax (VAT) among constructive exports and imports, is, “I should say, I think it’s there, too. So I think that’s good.” “But the GIE, I don’t know where

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

NGCP seeks govt approval for Batangas-Mindoro link

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is asking the energy Regulatory Commission (eRC) to approve the implementation of the P90.7-billion Batangas-Mindoro 500 kilovolt (kV) interconnection backbone project, a vital component to the development of offshore wind (OSW) projects.

The grid operator said in its application that the interconnection of the Luzon grid to the Mindoro grid will address the increasing demand for Mindoro Island where the current source of power can no longer accommodate the future load requirements.

“When Mindoro Island’s power system is connected to the main grid that also serves as a 500 kV transmission backbone, the system reliability issues which result to frequent power interruptions experienced by the

customers will be addressed, while generation development will be encouraged due to available transmission capacity and a wider market for power generation companies,” NGCP said.

Mindoro has the highest concentration of OSW potential. With this, NGCP said the Batangas-Mindoro 500kV interconnection backbone project will encourage further generation development.

“The upgraded Batangas-Mindoro 500kV interconnection and backbone project is necessary in order to cater the OSW projects promoted by the national government with a potential of 28 gigawatts,” NGCP said.

It will also encourage the development of renewable energy in the two competitive renewable energy zones, with an aggregate capacity of around 343 MW for solar and 710MW for wind farms. “This will provide opportunity to power generation com-

panies due to a wider market brought about by completion of the project,” it added.

The proposed facility will be done in two phases.

The first stage will cost P45.59 billion. It involves the development of combination of overhead transmission lines and submarine cables from Pinamucan substation in Batangas to the proposed Calapan substation in Oriental Mindoro. The said line is designed at 500kV but to be initially energized at 230kV and includes the development of Calapan 500 kV substation.

The estimated cost for stage 2 is P45.06 billion It involves the energization of the lines and cables, and the full development of the substation. Moreover, the system will be extended to the southern part of Mindoro Island through the development of Calapan-Magsaysay 500 kV line and substation to serve loads in Occidental Mindoro.

Energy regulator OIC assumes office

FOr Mer Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres formally assumed office last Wednesday as the chairman, officer-in-charge (OIC), and chief executive officer of the energy regulatory Commission (erC).

On his first day in office, Andres met with the erC Commissioners— Alexis M. Lumbatan, Catherine P. Maceda, Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, and Marko romeo L. Fuentes—along with executive Director Nancy Aurora Q. Fajardo and General Counsel Heiddi V. Barrozo.

The commissioners informed him about the core mandates of the agency, as well as the urgent matters requiring immediate action by the

‘Real

estate portfolios facing huge climate hit’

FrOM intensifying storms to wildfires and droughts, physical risks from climate change could cost the real estate industry well over $500 billion by 2050, according to a new report co-authored by the sovereign wealth fund of Singapore. researchers at the fund, GIC Pte, and S&P Global analyzed the potential impact of climate hazards on more than 50,000 real estate assets held by companies in the S&P Global reIT Index. Those properties could face some $110 billion in excess costs by the end of the decade, without investments in adaptation infrastructure. By 2050, total costs could rise to $559 billion or 28% of the asset value of the index as of July 2024. And while actual costs of physical risks may not directly translate into valuation loss, “damages can spread across the broader economic system,” the report said.

Natural catastrophes have already caused about $62 billion of insured losses in the first half of 2024, roughly 70 percent above the 10-year average, according to data from Munich r e. As industries grapple with the rising costs of climate change, banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co. have been hiring specialists to help assess how physical risks could impact real estate and other portfolios. Bloomberg News

erC leadership to ensure the continued action on critical decisions. Andres also convened the management committee (ManComm) to emphasize the urgent need for expeditious action on all pending erC matters. The ManComm, in turn, committed to provide full and necessary support to Andres.

He has been a practicing lawyer for 34 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the Philippines (UP). He is a Career e xecutive Service Officer eligible since 2009 and completed his directorship training with the

Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Despite the temporary changes in the erC’s leadership, the operations of the Commission will remain functional and unhampered, the agency said.

“I will perform my functions as erC Officer-in-Charge Chairman with utmost fairness and independence. erC will act expeditiously on all pending matters with a view to foster competition and ultimately drive down the price of electricity and protect consumers,” Andres said. Lenie Lectura

NextGen raises ₧30M from golf tournament

By VG Cabuag @villygc

ADVOCAC y group Next Generation Advocate Foundation (NextGen) said it raised some P30 million from its golf tournament which will be used to support its various sustainable community development initiatives.

NextGen’s annual Play It Forward held recently at the Sta. elena Golf Club in Cabuyao, Laguna drew a record pool of 180 golfers in the charity tournament, which saw San Miguel Corp. and Acrocity as its major sponsors.

The pool of players gave over P30 million in donations, nearly double their 2023 total of P16 million.

“We’re grateful for the overwhelming support from our partners, especially those who took time off to play and support NextGen’s programs,” foundation president Nadia Uttamchandani said.

“The continued support of the business and philanthropic community helps NextGen attain its mission of building an inclusive future where every young Filipino is empowered to contribute to a sustainable and progressive nation.”

At the gala, NextGen’s board also turned over P5 million to the Intramuros Administration, which is spearheading the efforts on the

rejuvenation of the walled city into a thriving destination where visitors can discover and experience the country’s rich history and cultural legacy.

The foundation also gave P1 million to Life Project for youth, an international organization that provides education to young adults mired with extreme poverty.

Uttamchandani handed the checks to Intramuros Administration head Joan Padilla and LP4y ’s Amerie Babinet together with NextGen’s board of directors that include Paolo Martel of C! Magazine, Paolo del rosario of CBTL Holdings Inc., Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, Martin Ledesma, Bianca Zobel, Palace Social Secretary; Sammy young from the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development Undersecretary and Bea Vega-Cancio of the National Police Commission.

The tournament was also sponsored by the yanson Group of Bus Companies, Nationstar Development Corp and Bingo Plus.

Last year, NextGen and its partners were able to raise P16 million, which benefited more than 37,000 Filipinos. These donations were channeled towards disaster relief response that benefitted nearly 8,000 families, the Pasig r iver rehabilitation project, feeding programs for nearly 5,000 children, and health, wellness and charitable drives for about 2,500 women and children. VG Cabuag

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) has been awarded the prestigious 5 Golden Arrow Award by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the highest recognition given during the ASe AN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) 2024 Golden Arrow Awards.

Only five companies received the 5 Golden Arrow Award, four of which were SM companies. Also cited were BDO Unibank Inc., China Banking Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime).

“This recognition reflects the commitment and hard work of our entire organization,” SMIC Chairman Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said.

“From the board, management, our leaders and teammates—everyone consistently works to ensure we continue to adopt and uphold the highest standards in good corporate governance.”

SMIC said it practices the highest standards of good corporate governance in all its dealings with investors, business partners, creditors, customers, employees and all other stakeholders.

“SM Investments believes that

good corporate governance will provide the long-term growth and sustainability for the company,” it said.

“We recognize the rising global attention on corporate governance and sustainability as part of companies’ business strategies. Beyond compliance, SM’s operations are anchored on fairness, integrity, accountability, transparency and stakeholder engagement,” SMIC executive vice president and chief risk and compliance officer elizabeth Anne C. Uychaco said.

According to the ICD, the ACGS measures the performance of the companies in the areas of facilitating the rights and the equitable treatment of shareholders, how they relate to their different stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability through timely disclosure of material information, and how the board guides the company strategically, monitors the management, and ensures the board’s accountability to the company and the shareholders. The assessment is based on publicly available disclosures on the companies’ websites. VG Cabuag

EnErgy regulatory Commission OIC Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres

Deficit cuts NG budget gap by ₧697B–data

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

HE lower fiscal deficit record-

Ted in August 2024 further reduced the national government’s budget shortfall to P697 billion, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.

The government’s budget gap narrowed by 4.86 percent or P35.6 billion to P697 billion from January to August 2024 from the P732.5 billion deficit posted in the same period in 2023. For August 2024 alone, the budget deficit stood at P54.2 billion, lower by 59.24 percent or P78.8 billion than the P133 billion shortfall incurred in 2023.

“The lower deficit was brought about by the 24.40 percent growth in government receipts alongside a minimal 0.68 percent contraction in government expenditures,” the Treasury explained.

A budget deficit occurs when government spending is higher than the revenues it collected.

Revenue collections reached P2.993 trillion from January to August 2024, higher by 15.91 percent than the P2.582 trillion recorded a year ago. This accounts for 70.10 percent of the P4.3 trillion full-year revenue target.

Cumulative tax collections from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) improved by 12.55 percent and 5.66 percent, respectively, to P1.9 trillion and P614.4 billion from their January-August 2023 performance. Moreover, eight-month non-tax revenues reached P434.9 billion and are close to hitting the full-year program of P449.6 billion at 96.73 percent status.

The BTr also generated P200.3

billion in non-tax revenues from January to August 2024, up by 33.46 percent year-on-year from P150.1 billion.

Collections of other non-tax, such as privatization proceeds, fees and charges and grants improved the eight-month revenue collections to P234.6 billion, 89.16 percent higher than the P124 billion in 2023.

Meanwhile, government spending increased by 11.32 percent yearon-year to P3.690 trillion as of the end of August 2024 from P3.315 trillion. This makes up 64.13 percent of the P5.8 trillion full-year spending program. Total interest payments for the eight-month period expanded by 31.07 percent to P509.4 billion from the P388.7 billion recorded in the same time in 2023.

August deficit

EXPENDITURES in August inched down by 0.68 percent P440.5 billion from P443.6 billion in 2023.

The Treasury pointed to lower subsidy releases to government corporations and the sizeable outstanding checks recorded in the state’s public works and highways, social welfare and development and health departments.

Interest payments made in August also increased by 23.70 percent year-on-year to P52.8 billion from P42.7 billion due to additional issuances of debt securities at relatively higher coupon rates.

Total revenue collections jumped by 24.40 percent to P386.3 billion from P310.6 billion in 2023 on the back of strong non-tax collections.

Non-tax revenues surged by 251.22 percent to P66.1 billion from P18.8 billion in 2023. Tax collections from the BIR, BOC and other offices amounted to P320.2 billion, up by 9.76 percent from P291.7 in 2023.

Financial assets growing; insurance, pension low

DESPITE the growth in financial assets in the Philippines, insurance and pension remain low among Filipino households, according to a report by multinational financial services company Allianz SE.

In its “Allianz Global Wealth Report 2024” that analyzed households’ asset and debt situation in 57 countries, the Philippines recorded EUR 1,940 in net financial assets per capita in 2023.

However, Allianz noted that the Philippines is still among the poorer economies globally, ranking 49 among 57 countries analyzed. The United States recorded EUR 260,320 in net financial assets per capita, followed by Switzerland with EUR 255,440 per capita and Denmark with EUR 172,200 per capita.

Zooming into Filipino households, its gross financial assets rose by 13.2 percent year-on-year—the fastest increase in six years and in the region, except for Cambodia, and outpacing larger economies such as China and India.

The growth was mainly driven by security assets, up by 16 percent, and succeeded by bank deposits and insurance/pensions, which also increased by 9.1 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively.

Only 7 percent of household assets are allocated to insurance and pension plans, reflecting a significant underweighting in long-term financial security. In contrast, bank deposits dominate the landscape, comprising 57 percent of financial assets.

“In real terms, the picture is a little less rosier,” Allianz said.

The Philippine insurance industry was urged to boost its efforts to ensure

that every Filipino, especially those in low-income brackets, is protected and shielded from falling further below the poverty line by making insurance products simpler, affordable and customercentric.

Data from the Insurance Commission (IC) showed total lives insured reached 83.678 million in 2023, higher by 9.50 percent than the 76.419 million lives insured in 2022. Notably, about 44 million of these lives are covered by microinsurance.

Further, the growth in liabilities continued at a brisk pace, with an increase of 12.9 percent in 2023. Consequently, the country’s debt ratio rose to 27.1 percent, though this figure is still at a rather low level compared to other economies in the region.

In Asia, financial assets of households grew by 7.5 percent to EUR 63.8 trillion in 2023 driven by the increase in bank deposits and insurance/pensions.

However, Allianz said the growth in securities by 5.5 percent was “disappointing,” held back by the development in China, which dropped by 0.8 percent.

Moreover, liabilities rose by 6.8 percent, well above the average and outpacing financial assets in Asia.

“The gap amounted on average to 1.5 pp per year. In most advanced markets, it’s the other way round. In fact, the debt ratio in Asia (62.8%) surpassed that of Europe (59.5%) in 2023 for the first time,” said Michalea Grimm, co-author of the report.

“The increasing indebtedness of private households in Asia is a growing concern,” Grimm added. Reine Juvierre Alberto

BSP eyes ‘Greenspan spare tire’ to protect local banks

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) will be announcing capital market developments next week in line with efforts to deepen capital markets.

In his speech at the “Deepening Capital Markets Through Expanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Financing and Corporate Bonds for Small Issuers” event, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said part of central bank’s efforts is to create a “good yield curve” for the capital markets.

“(The) BSP and [the] BAP will announce on September 30, enhancements to short-term benchmarks via PHP interest rate swaps and GS (government security) repo,” Remolona said after his speech on Wednesday. This yield curve could help in the pricing of corporate bonds and pricing even of mortgages, bank instruments. Initially, there were plans to revive an interest rate swap market. Remolona Jr. told reporters he aims to revive the IRS market within his term. He said this could lead to the creation of a swaps curve. (See: https://businessmirror.com.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has decided to replace its rediscounting facility with the Discount Window Facility (DWF).

According to the BSP, this “enhancement” of its rediscounting facility will allow banks to directly offer government securities (GS) and BSP securities in exchange for advances.

The change, contained in BSP Circular 1202 released last Wednesday, will take effect two months after the circular is published.

“Adding advances against government and BSP securities (helps the central bank) align its credit operations with global best practices,” the central bank said. Currently, the BSP

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Securities and Exchange Commission released the guidelines for the accreditation of market participants offering Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) products. The agency issued Memorandum Circular 14 (series of 2024), providing for the “Guidelines on the Accreditation Requirements of Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) Market Participants,” which is pursuant to Republic Act 9505 (PERA Act of 2008).

The guidelines shall apply to entities regulated by the SEC seeking to register as a PERA market participant, such as a PERA administrator or investment manager. Securities brokers, investment houses, and investment company advisers or fund managers may register as PERA administrators. Investment company advisers or fund

ph/2024/03/11/bsp-revivinginterest-rate-swaps-to-deepenmarkets/)

“Right now, the best we have is the BVAL curve, which is useful, and it relies on data; but it’s still not good enough. It’s a choppy curve, and it’s not really ideal for pricing. So I think good things will come out on Monday and I’m very optimistic about that,” the BSP chief added.

Remolona earlier said there is a need to deepen the capital market to create a “spare tire” for the country. This is based on the recommendations of former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan in 1999 regarding the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis when he said a “spare tire” could have cushioned the impact of the crisis.

“We want some kind of a Greenspan spare tire when the banking system gets into trouble. We want the investments to have access to some

said it only rediscounts loans, accepting GS as additional collateral.

DWF lines approved under the new circular can be tapped by banks either by rediscounting loans or by offering their GS and BSP securities for advances.

The central bank said lenders can tap existing rediscounting lines until these lines expire a year after their effectivity, but only for rediscounting loans.

“This gives the BSP an additional mode to influence credit volume consistent with its objectives of maintaining price and financial stability,” the BSP said.

Based on the latest circular, the DWF refers to the credit opera -

managers may register as investment managers. Other entities or individuals as may be determined by the SEC as having the qualifications to be accredited as administrator or investment manager may also apply. Such SEC-regulated entities seeking to apply as PERA administrator or investment manager must file an application for the issuance of Qualification Certificate with the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department. To qualify as a PERA administrator, the applicant must maintain a net worth of at least P100 million at all times, adopt and fully comply with a “Manual of Corporate Governance” and provide a clear and sufficient organizational plan or structure of its personnel who will perform PERA administration functions.

The applicant must also possess adequate systems and technological capabilities, as well as the necessary technical expertise and personnel, to administer

other source of funds, and that would be the corporate bond market, the stock market,” Remolona said last Wednesday.

Deepening the capital market will also benefit the corporate bond market which he said is similar to the fictional Lake Wobegon where “all women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.”

Remolona said in the Philippine bond market almost all or 95.8 percent are rated as Triple A bonds while 4.1 percent are double-A bonds and 0.1 percent are A-rated bonds.

This is significantly different from Thailand where onlt 3.7 percent of bonds are rated triple A; 15.3 percent are double A; and 37.8 percent are A-rated. Thailand, he said, also had triple B bonds at 11.5 percent and below triple B bonds, 1.3 percent.

“Thailand makes us look bad; makes us look bad. In fact, I think in November, the Bank of Thailand is sending us a team that will explain to us how they were able to deepen their corporate bond market,” Remolona said.

“So I hope in this discussion today, we will get more, a better idea of actionable policies that we can do to help deepen our capital markets and I said, as I said, this will help us in our transmission mechanism,” he added.

Meanwhile, in her Keynote speech, ADB Director Charlotte Justine Sicat said the country’s market capitalization is low compared to the

tions that the Bangko Sentral in a normally and regularly provide to banking institutions operating in the Philippines. It is used to influence the volume of credit consistent with the objectives of maintaining price and financial stability. It will now cover the rediscounting of credit instruments of banks’ end-user borrowers and advances against securities issued by the National Government (NG) and the Bangko Sentral.

Banks applying for a DWF line shall submit their application in the prescribed form to the Department of Loans and Credit either in hard copy or electronic format.

This should be accompanied by

all types of PERA investment products.

The applicant must also submit proof that it has sufficient personnel who have undergone the training prescribed or approved by the SEC to educate PERA contributors on the nature of a PERA and the requirements, risks, and benefits of the investment product, among others.

In accordance with the PERA IRR, the SEC Guidelines also require registered PERA administrators to hold government securities equivalent to 1 percent of the book value of the total volume of PERA assets administered or such other amount as the SEC may impose, earmarked in favor of the Commission. Holding such assets will serve as security for the PERA administrator’s “faithful performance of its duties.” The amount shall be in addition to and shall be treated separately from the capital, surplus, and undivided profits of the administrator.

The SEC decided to temporarily re -

country’s regional and global peers. Sicat said the top 30 issuers are composed of large conglomerates and banks and account for 90 percent of the amount outstanding on the corporate board market.

She added that the country still lacked the liquid derivatives markets needed to hedge financial exposure in equity or fixed-income instruments.

“As a result, the country’s smaller enterprises and those with modest or low ratings are largely left out and reaping very limited benefits from one of the nation’s key financial sources,” Sicat said.

“In the words again of the Governor, it is only accessible to the guys who don’t need to go to the corporate bond market to borrow,” she added. Sicat said making funding more accessible will be crucial in helping the country’s MSMEs who comprise 99.59 percent of the firms operating in the country and provide two out of three jobs.

She added that banks repeatedly fail to meet the mandated quota of 10 percent of annual portfolios of lending to MSMEs due to “perceived risk.”

“The MSME market access challenge demands both a holistic reevaluation and response. The proper role of development agenda agents, the issues of market reach, the regulatory barriers to fundraising, and the role and behavior of investors and financiers in the MSME segment should all be looked at,” she said.

the Secretary’s Certificate or Board Resolution signed by the Board of Directors of the applicant bank and authorizes the bank to apply for a DWF line with the Bangko Sentral. The authorization should also designate at least two officers of the bank to sign and endorse documents together with their specimen signatures.

The approval and/or renewal of DWF line shall be subject to the bank’s full compliance with, among others, having officers and staff responsible for microcredit operations to complete a training course on microfinance and at least one year experience in micro-lending activities.

Cai U. Ordinario

duce the amount of the security deposit to zero of the book value of the total volume of PERA assets administered.

“This is to encourage market participants to apply as a PERA administrator,” the agency said. Meanwhile, regulated entities applying to be PERA investment managers must have written supervision and control procedures for the conduct of the investment management functions, with proof of at least five years’ experience in professional investment management. They must also provide certified true copies of educational, professional/technical, or other academic qualifications of its principal officers; Certification Requirement for Compliance Officer; copy of the form contract or agreement between the contributor and investment manager, and the

B4 Thursday, September 26, 2024

Lawmakers keen on hiking 2025 agri budget

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE budgets of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) hurdled plenary deliberations at the House of Representatives.

For 2025, the DA is set to receive a budget of P200.19 billion, a 19.5 percent increase from this year’s National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The NIA’s proposed budget stands at P42.57 billion, slightly higher than last year’s NEP of P41.7 billion.

The DA said several lawmakers pledged to further increase funding allocations to boost farm production and farm incomes.

Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco noted that agriculture plays

a critical role in providing food for Filipinos and for creating more jobs.

“However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges that confront our farmers. From low farm productivity and competitiveness to high production cost, bad weather and onslaught of pest and diseases,” he said.

“What we envision today, therefore, is a modernized, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector that prioritizes food security, access to safe

and quality food for consumers, and economic prosperity for all Filipinos.”

Tiangco said farmers and fishermen have always fought against the weather, pests and diseases, and the hardship of poverty.

“As servants of the people, our message to them today and all days

to follow is that: The government is willing and able to fight alongside them and will fully support them.”

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin, who co-sponsored the budgets for both agencies, acknowledged that even with the increase in NEP allocation, the outlays are not enough to cover the needs of agriculture

Escudero: New anti-smuggling law to make food

TBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

HE Anti-Agricultural Eco -

nomic Sabotage Act, a priority measure of the administration, will be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 26, boosting the government’s capacity to run after smugglers whose illegal activities hurt local farmers and fisherfolk, as well as consumers.

According to Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, the impending new measure meant to combat rampant smuggling, profiteering and hoarding of agricultural products will make food more affordable and accessible to many Filipinos and provide better income for local farmers.

“Isang malaking hakbang patungo sa pagpapatupad ng layunin ng pamahalaan na makapag-hatid ng murang pagkain sa bawat tahanan ang pagpasa ng [This passage is a big step toward fulfilling the goal of bringing cheaper food

to every house with the] AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act,” he said.

“Smugglers, hoarders and profiteers have long served as a monkey wrench to our efforts toward attaining food security. With this law, we are optimistic that more Filipinos will now have greater access to affordable and nutritious food.”

Under the new law, agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartel and financing of these crimes are classified as acts of economic sabotage and thus carry a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of three times the value of agricultural and fishery products subject of the crime.

Acts abetting the commission of agricultural economic sabotage such as the transport and storage of the smuggled goods, also face penalties--20 to 30 years’ jail term and a fine of twice the value of the agricultural and fishery products subject of the crime.

“Farmers, fisherfolk, livestock

and poultry raisers, and legitimate traders have long been suffering from the operations of smugglers and other individuals and groups engaged in the manipulation of the market. With the new law, we expect to see lower food prices and better incomes for our stakeholders in the agriculture sector,” Escudero said.

“The new law sends a strong message that the government will use all its resources to hold accountable individuals and groups who engage in smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and other uncompetitive and exploitative practices in the agriculture sector.”

With smugglers in check, Escudero said the public will be protected from the influx and proliferation of substandard goods or even goods not fit for human consumption.

Meanwhile, the Senate President said running after smugglers would also plug leakages in the revenue stream of government. “The

affordable

law will also result in improved collections by our revenue collecting agencies, which will translate to the delivery of more services to our people.”

An Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council would be created to oversee the implementation of the law.

The council will be chaired by the President or the designated permanent representative, with the following members: the heads of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, the AntiMoney Laundering Council, and the Philippine Competition Commission.

One representative each from the sector of sugar, rice, corn, livestock and poultry, vegetables and fruits, fisheries and other aquatic products, and tobacco would also be part of the council.

Unilab agri arm tapped to distribute Xanadu liquid fertilizers

and healthcare business.

FERTILIZER supplier Xanadu Agri Products Inc. (XAPI) said Wednesday that it appointed Unilab Group’s agriculture arm UNAHCO as its national distributor of liquid fertilizer products.

XAPI said the Xanadu Maxpower Liquid fertilizers imported from Thailand is a range of standalone plant nutrition products “fit for all types of crops.”

“The past seven years were spent ensuring we can confidently introduce Xanadu Maxpower Liquid Fertilizers to the market, with data speaking for itself,” said XAPI Chairman and President Wellington C. Soong. “I am proud of this, and I enjoin our agriculture community to give it a try.”

given the lack of significant investments over the last three decades and the growing food requirements of the country. She said funds that would be allocated for agriculture are an “investment in the future of our country.”

Garin noted that additional

funding could be secured during the bicameral conference committee discussions to finalize the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Agriculture is a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”

Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado said modernizing the agriculture sector will require substantial resources.

“We really need to increase the budgetary allocation for the Department of Agriculture. How can you expect to modernize agriculture with this budget?”

Bordado said improving the lives of millions who depend on the farm sector and reducing dependence on food imports are crucial to achieve a food-secure nation.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the pledges of support for additional funding.

“Any additional budget that we could get from Congress will allow DA to step up efforts to ensure food security, modernize agriculture, and improve the lives of millions of farmers, fishermen, and their families.”

Brazil sugar losses make Thai and Indian supply more important

BRAZIL’S wildfires and drought that rattled the global sugar market have put the onus on Thailand and India to cover lost supplies. But both have offered recent reminders that they too face their own risks.

Futures spiked to the highest since February this week as fears mount over crop damage from blazes, heat and dryness in top grower and exporter Brazil. That’s threatening to raise costs for grocery goods from soft drinks to candy and shifting traders’ focus to how output fares in fellow major producers.

The good news is that the crop in No. 2 shipper Thailand is expected to rebound in the upcoming 2024-25 season. Yet September floods have provided a fresh warning of weather risks, with worries starting to surface that harvesting may be delayed if heavy rains continue. And in second-largest grower India, support for ethanol production means officials will likely prolong sugar-export curbs.

season that’s about to end. The tight supplies mean prices could climb even higher if there are more harvest setbacks. For now, Thailand’s 2024-25 sugar output is expected to reach 10.6 million tons, up from 8.8 million tons a year earlier, according to the average of eight analyst and trader estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

While there’s no sign of recent floods there affecting plantations, the market is keeping a close eye on conditions. If rain persists until November, that could delay crushing from the new harvest until January—about a month later than usual—Virit Viseshsindh, the secretary-general of the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board, said in an interview on Tuesday. Any delays would risk choking supplies into the world market at a time when Brazil’s shipments typically slow—something that Tropical Research Services’s Akamine said would “have severe consequences.”

Indian prospects

“Favorable results on these trials were released in 2019, giving credit to the high quality, non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients.”

The next five years saw XAPI testing Xanadu Maxpower on various crops across multiple farmlands and regions, always keeping in mind its objectives of lowering costs to farmers.

“To date, farmers from 36 provinces in 13 regions have started to use Xanadu Maxpower Liquid Fertilizers either commercially or thru field trials.”

Clint Escondo, UNAHCO’s Division Vice President (DVP) for Marketing, said the pharmaceutical giant’s subsidiary is one of the major players in the animal nutrition

Having been introduced to the product in 2017, XAPI commissioned the UPLB Research Foundation in 2018 to conduct the pilot trials to validate Xanadu Maxpower’s efficacy on rice and corn.

“We are very lucky to have this type of product. We hope that we can educate our farmers about this product.”

Escondo said UNAGRO, its primary distributor of agrochemical products and fertilizers, will handle the distribution of the Xanadu liquid fertilizers.

UNAGRO Operations and Marketing Lead Yuri Rubin said the company will help XAPI reach other parts of the country.

Xapi said its “ultimate goal” is to uplift the economic state of farmers via profitable practices.

So far, XAPI said Xanadu Maxpower’s trials around the country are “showing impressive results.” A corn farmer in Sultan Kudarat saw a 187 percent increase in his yield, resulting in a 276 percent increase

Polangui farm-to-market road nearing completion

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

tion of the Itaran-Sitio San Luis-Lourdes road concreting project led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Randy D. Frogosa and Engr. Jerry A. Pascua from DAR’s Project Management Service at the Central Office also in Polangui. The project costs P50 million.

sidered a final review.

“There are some issues that need to be rectified, but they’re only minor,” he said. In addition, the team conducted a pre-final inspection of the 7.5-kilometer Calsada-Malabnig-Mapaco-Mauraro FMR in Guinobatan, which is being concreted with a total budget of P50 million.

Frogosa provided the local government unit (LGU) of Guinobatan with a punch list of items that need to be addressed.

in his net earnings.

“In Mindoro, rice harvest increased by as much as 128 percent without the use of granular or traditional fertilizers. In Camarines Sur, a farmer saved as much as 76 percent in total fertilization costs coupled with an 18 percent increase in harvest.”

The country relies heavily on imports to meet its demand for various fertilizer grades.

Citing data from the Bureau of Customs, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department said imports accounted for almost 87 percent of the fertilizer used by the Philippines from 2021 to 2023.

Last year, the think tank said the country imported a total of 2.54 million metric tons of fertilizer products, mostly from China. Of the volume, more than half consisted of nitrogenous types like urea. Ada Pelonia

During an exit conference with the LGU representatives, Frogosa said they should submit the required documents, including the certificates of completion, acceptance, and turnover, by September 30. “A report will be prepared based on this final inspection. The punch list will detail the issues that need to be rectified.”

Meanwhile, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Maria Eugenia M. Alteza said they must immediately address the remaining concerns. She assured that every effort will be made to ensure the timely completion of these projects.

“The sugar market is sitting on a powder keg and we just need another light to set it on fire,” said Henrique Akamine, head of sugar and ethanol at Tropical Research Services.

The unexpected supply shock from recent weather in Brazil helped raw-sugar futures surge 19 percent so far this month in New York. The price jump has also been fueled by speculators turning bullish for the first time since July. The market has more room to rally as net-long positions are still far below historical peaks, according to John Stansfield, a senior analyst at DNEXT Intelligence.

“Sugar has one of the clearest bullish fundamental stories,” he said. “The funds can see the black hole in the raw-sugar balance sheet in the first and second quarter of 2025, and like the trade are struggling to see how Thai raws can fill the gap.”

The raw-sugar market should be in a global trade deficit of 2.2 million tons in the first quarter, according to Akamine, while independent analyst Claudiu Covrig pegs the amount at 1.3 million tons. The International Sugar Organization last month forecast sugar output to trail consumption by 3.6 million tons in 2024-25, a bigger shortage than the current

India’s output should total about 30 million tons after diversions to make ethanol, according to the average estimate of 11 traders and analysts surveyed. That would be roughly 2 million tons below a year earlier, though outlooks ranged partly due to different views on acreage.

It’s unclear whether any will go to other nations. The government last year extended export curbs to keep local prices in check ahead of elections. Last month, it lifted restrictions on mills and distilleries using cane juice to make ethanol, a move that will help meet a target of boosting the proportion of the fuel in gasoline blends while also probably prolonging sugar-export curbs. India in theory should have enough sugar to allow 1.8 million tons of shipments in 2024-25 and may ease export restrictions if there are ample domestic supplies, said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of Meir Commodities India Pvt., a Mumbai-based trading firm. However, many respondents in Bloomberg’s survey don’t think the government will allow exports. DNEXT Intelligence’s Stansfield also doesn’t expect much relief from India. Bloomberg News

PBBM welcomes new ambassadors to PHL

PRES. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the newly designated envoys of the European Union (EU), Finland, India, Ireland, and Italy, as he expressed optimism to foster stronger ties with other nations.

Marcos Jr. received the credentials of the five diplomats in separate ceremonies in Malacañang on Monday afternoon.

In welcoming Italy’s ambassadordesignate Davide Giglio, the president expects him to significantly contribute to the already dynamic links between the Philippines and the European nation, as he expressed hopes that the two nations could further work toward increasing and expanding their areas of cooperation.

Marcos Jr. told Giglio that the country is “very grateful to Italy for the show of support…and we consider it not just a show of support for the Philippines, but also to the rule of law, and to make it very clear on that we are like-minded states.”

(Read in the BusinessMirror Envoys&Expats: “Filipino

ambassador conveys PHL’s position on SCS/WPS before Italian parliament;” August 1, 2024.) The Philippines and Italy celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2022. The latter ranks as the country’s fourth-largest trading partner in the EU, with more than 500 companies in the country with Italian equity.

In 2023, total trade between both countries reached $1.2 billion.

India’s ambassador-designate Harsh Kumar Jain also presented his credentials to the president, who recognized the long-standing friendship between Manila and New Delhi.

Marcos Jr. wished to reaffirm the country’s commitment to pursuing stronger political, economic, and cultural ties with the South Asian country.

Last year, bilateral trade be -

tween the two states reached new heights, surpassing the $3-billion mark, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Philippine exports to India exceeded $1 billion, making the Asian superpower the country’s 13th-biggest export market in 2023.

India and the Philippines also foster strong defense ties.

In January 2022, the latter concluded a deal for three batteries of shore-based anti-ship variant of the

Australia and the Philippines: Forging robust economic ties

IN the rapidly evolving landscape of global economics, the relationship between Australia and the Philippines stands as a model of mutual growth and opportunity.

Ireland’s new ambassador-designate Emma Hickey, Finland’s ambassador Saija Nurminen, and the EU’s envoy Mariomassimo Santoro also presented their credentials to the Chief Executive.

Presenting credentials to the host nation’s head of state formalizes a diplomat’s deployment and representation to the country. Darryl John Esguerra/PNA

Envoy fetes Sen. Legarda with major award from French govt

THE government of France conferred on Sen. Loren Legarda the prestigious title of “Officier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” through Amb. Marie Fontanel.

Said distinction was presented in a ceremony at the French diplomat’s residence on September 19.

“You are the strongest advocate in raising awareness on climate change, and the protection of our planet,” Fontanel said to Legarda. “Your commitment is a longstanding one. You understood the importance of protecting our environment before many others—no doubt, because you know the consequences of climate change here in your own country.”

In 2016, the French government also bestowed upon Legarda the title of “Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight in the French National Order of the Legion of Honor).” According to the Embassy of France, the award further solidifies her invaluable contributions to fostering Philippine-French relations, cultural diplomacy, and climate action.

In her acceptance speech, the lawmaker expressed her deep gratitude and humility, as she emphasized that

the citation is not just a recognition of her past efforts, but a call to action: “This…is more than a recognition of past efforts; it is a call to action—a reminder that our partnership knows no bounds, and will persist in the face of shared global challenges.”

Legarda reflected on the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties: “I always consider cultural diplomacy as the Philippines’s ‘fourth pillar of foreign policy’—a key that opens doors to political and economic initiatives.”

Among notable contributions in this field is her support for the establishment of the Philippine Studies Program at Sciences Po, and the

2013 Philippine exhibit at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.

Beyond cultural diplomacy, Legarda highlighted the enduring partnership between the Philippines and France, underscored by shared values and a strong commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change. She recalled key milestones in this collaboration—including the 2015 “Manila Call to Action for Climate Change,” and her sponsorship of the Paris Agreement in the Philippine Senate in 2017.

The four-term senator also noted her support for the country’s participation in the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People—an interna-

tional effort aimed at protecting at least 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

The two countries further bolstered their cooperation on maritime and climate issues via the “Blue Nations” initiative prior to the 2025 United Nations (UN) Oceans Conference in Nice. The senator supports the high-level conference that advances Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, as well as marine resources.

As UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s “Global Champion for Resilience,” Legarda reaffirmed her dedication to climate resilience, sustainability, and deepening the Philippines’s ties with France. She concluded that both countries “are true climate allies, bound by a common purpose and a shared responsibility to protect our planet.”

The embassy confirmed that the “Ordre ” is France’s esteemed distinction, awarded for outstanding service to the European nation. Legarda’s conferment as “Officier” reflects her tireless efforts in advancing environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines.

2024 Korean film fest fosters friendship in every relations

THROUGH the universal language of film and in celebration of the milestone 75th anniversary of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center proudly presents the 2024 Korean Film Festival (KFF) entitled “Chingu Kita!” which translates to:

“You are my friend.”

This year’s festival showcases five compelling films exploring the many facets of friendship as its main theme. From September 27 to 29, the free screenings will be held at SM Mall of Asia, SM City Baguio, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Davao.

The lineup includes the 44th Blue Dragon Film Awards’ Best Film Smugglers (2023): an actionpacked tale of trust and survival; Love Reset (2023): a heartwarming comedy that redefines love and companionship; Picnic (2024): a touching short film about childhood friendship and adventure; Our Season (2023): a moving story about the bonds of friendship and family; as well as Inseparable Bros (2019): a film that portrays the unbreakable connection be -

tween two brothers. Each brings a unique perspective on the power of friendship.

This year’s KFF aims to expand its reach and accessibility among Filipinos and aspiring filmmakers with the launch of the pocket event: “Meet the Chingus,” where attendees will have the opportunity to engage with two prominent figures in Korean cinema.

Korea Culture and Tourism Institute’s Contents Research Bureau director Lee Yun-kyung and CEO Son Seung-hyun of WestWorld: a visual effects company known for its work on popular projects such as Queen of Tears (2024), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) and Smugglers will give talks and share insights into their careers, plus the Korean film industry.

The 2024 KFF is made possible through the support of the Korean Film Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, SM Cinema, and the University of the Philippines Film Institute. Visit https://bit.ly/KFFMeetTheChingus for details about the event and sign-up info.

Following the conclusion of a highly successful trade mission to this vibrant nation, I am convinced more than ever of the immense potential that lies in our “Strategic Partnership.”

This elevation of our bilateral relationship marks a significant milestone in our nations’ shared history. It reflects not just our current strong ties, but our mutual commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors.

Led by Shemara Wikramanayake, who is CEO of Macquarie Group, our delegation of 14 Australian businesses embarked on what I can only describe as a “supercharged” mission to strengthen our economic ties. Our focus spanned crucial sectors—including agriculture and infrastructure: areas where both our nations excel, and where collaboration can yield transformative results.

Agriculture is not just a sector—it is the backbone of the Filipino economy, employing millions and providing livelihood for families. Boosting agricultural productivity through technology and innovative practices not only benefits local farmers, but also presents an attractive opportunity for foreign investors looking to engage in agribusiness.

Infrastructure development is another critical area ripe for investment. The national government and private companies are committed to enhancing transportation systems, utilities and digital infrastructure. Through this, the Philippines is well positioned as a competitive player in the global market.

We are likewise looking to the future and the transformative opportunities available to support the clean energy transition in the Philippines, and the liberalization of the resources sector. These are areas in which Australia and Australian businesses have deep expertise, and this is why we are working closely with the Phil-

ippine government to develop a new P1.7-billion economic-development program. This will use new and innovative ways to support improving the local business and economic regulatory environment, and is a testament to Australia’s commitment to the Philippines toward achieving and sustaining upper middle-income economy status through inclusive economic growth.

But our vision extends beyond mere financial investment. We recognize that success in Asian markets demands more than capital—it requires deep local engagement and understanding. That’s why our discussions with senior government officials and local conglomerates were not just about business opportunities, but also fostering genuine partnerships and navigating regulatory frameworks together.

Our engagement with the Asian Development Bank further underscores the regional significance of our partnership. By exploring coinvestment opportunities, we are not just strengthening bilateral ties, but contributing to the economic resilience of the entire Southeast Asian Region.

As this mission comes to an end, I am filled with optimism about the future of Australia-Philippines relations. The enthusiasm and openness we encountered reflect the enduring friendship between our nations. But more than that, they signal the beginning of a new chapter in our economic partnership: one characterized by innovation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

The path ahead is clear: By combining Australian innovation and investment with Philippine dynamism and potential, we can create a partnership that serves as a model for international cooperation in the 21st Century. Together, we are not just observers of the changing global economic landscape: We are active shapers of a brighter, more prosperous future for both our nations.

(Follow Amb. HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust.) on X: @AusAmbPH.)

British Chamber supports further liberalization thru key legislation

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) is continuing to support key initiatives of the government and the private sector to further liberalize the Philippine economy and welcome more foreign investors in the country.

BCCP executive director-trustee Chris Nelson said “there [have been significant developments both from] the end of the Duterte administration, and continuing under the current administration of President Marcos [Jr.]…We are seeing further ways of boosting investor outlook and confidence…”

Nelson referenced the “Retail Trade Liberalization Act,” “Foreign Investment Act,” “Public Service Act” and the ratification of the “Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership” that will further enhance the position of the Philippines as an investment destination in the region. These will also be advantageous to United Kingdom-based firms through lowered tariffs, export opportunities, and improved access to markets.

The British Chamber also ex-

pressed support for the passage of the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act,” which aims to safeguard local farmers and consumers against smugglers, profiteers, cartels, and hoarders.

The recent enactment of the “AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act” will boost investor trust and confidence, particularly in the financial industry, and raise awareness on cybersecurity attacks that affect businesses. The chamber also supported other legislation on keeping the online domain safe, including the “Cybersecurity Act,” which pushes for establishing a coordinating arm on domestic, international, and transnational efforts pertaining to securing the online space.

Nelson further noted that “legislation is important. What I have to stress is [that,] the Philippines is competing with other markets in Southeast Asia and therefore, we need to keep on driving that liberalization, communicating it well, and highlighting those opportunities particularly, with a talented work force and a developing market.”

BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The first batch was delivered this April.

THE Chief Executive (right) receives the credentials of Italy’s new emissary to the Philippines Davide Giglio FACEBOOK: @BONGBONG MARCOS/PNA

AMB. Marie Fontanel (left) awards Sen. Loren Legarda for her strong advocacy in raising awareness on climate change. OFFICE OF SEN. LOREN LEGARDA/PNA

CREBA’s housing vision gets support from industry icons

THE long-term vision of “A Home for Every Filipino” being advocated by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA) gains ground and draws the support of government and industry icons.

That support can be gleaned from the participation of lawmakers, key shelter agency heads, government officials and industry experts in CREBA’s forthcoming national convention and its sponsorship by leading firms in various sectors.

According to CREBA national president Noel Toti M. Cariño, the three-day CREBA national convention slated from October 16 to 18, 2024 at the sprawling Hilton Hotel at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga is expected to draw the attendance of most of the major real estate industry players from all over the country as the group celebrates its 51st founding anniversary. CREBA is touted as the ‘oldest and largest’ umbrella advocacy group in the housing sector.

Alejandro S. Mañalac, vice-president for international affairs and chair of the organizing committee said that Day 1 of the convention will focus on CREBA’s education and global expansion initiatives featuring conferment rites for graduates and alumni of its Executive Diploma Program in Real

THE country’s leading paint manufacturer, Boysen Paint, manifests its all-out support as platinum sponsor of the 2024 national convention of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) slated from October 16-18 at the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort. In the photo seated from left are Jerry C. Cham, Boysen Vice-President for Marketing Engr. Ruben C. Cueto, CREBA national chairman Jerry M. Navarrete, CREBA national president Noel

Toti M. Cariño. Standing from left are 2024 CREBA National Convention chairman Alejandro S. Mañalac, VP-Finance Pablo A. Panlilio Jr. and executive vice-president Florante C. Ofrecio.

Estate Management (EDPREM) offered jointly with the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde for the past 20 years and a networking event for international members affiliated with the US-based National Association of Realtors®.

Day 2 of the convention will cover sessions on partnerships and collaboration for real estate development; balancing human settlements and food security; property trends including rental housing, leisure developments and green building strategies; and a CEO forum with the heads of the country’s top developer-corporations.

Day 3 will feature session on innovative funding models, community engagement and inclusivity for effective and sustainable mass housing, policy and

accomplishment updates on the 4PH, housing policy reforms and advocacy, and best practices and building design innovations.

CREBA’s long-time and perennial ally, Boysen Paint, the country’s leading paint manufacturer, is once again supporting the event as platinum sponsor.

“All roads lead to this national event involving government and private industry stakeholders from CREBA’s close to 30 chapters nationwide,” Cariño further said.

Citing real estate as encompassing all businesses, the CREBA leaders called on all its members, partners and allies across the industry to join the event and take part in this crucial phase of national development.

THE Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) is thrilled to announce the final days of its highly anticipated September Sale. This exclusive event offers travelers incredible discounts on hotel stays, dining experiences, spa treatments, and banquet packages across the Philippines.

A total of 85 hotels and resorts from all corners of the country are participating in the sale, providing a diverse range of options for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking a beachfront paradise, a city escape, or a cultural adventure, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs.

HSMA is the premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders in the country, with members representing hospitality properties in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

What started in 2020 as a way to boost the hotel and hospitality industry

during the pandemic has become the Philippines’ biggest online travel sale, an anticipated annual event known for great deals and exciting offers.

In 2023, approximately 3,700 vouchers were sold, totaling a revenue of P19M.

The top ten selling properties were Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay, El Nido Resort in Miniloc island, Palawan, Bai Hotel Cebu, Okada Manila, The Lind Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa in Bohol, Belmont Hotel Manila, Seda Nuvali Laguna, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, and Acuatico Beach Resort in Batangas.

In terms of area, member properties from Southern Luzon, Palawan, Leyte, Davao, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay had the biggest share of the revenue from total sales last year. Take advantage of discounted rates of up to 75% off on room rates, dining offers, spa treatments, and banquet packages. From luxurious five-star resorts to cozy

GOLF TOURNAMENT. The 17th Reggie Padua Cup Invitational Golf Tournament is open to UP Triskelion Alumni Association Inc. (UP TAAI) members and will take place on October 3, 2024, at Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course. Participate in the “Hole in One Challenge” for a chance to win exciting prizes such as brand new cars, a premium golf set plus other great prizes. SOCEX Consulting Corporation is organizing this event in partnership with UP TAAI and proceeds are intended for the benefit of the National Children’s Hospital. To register and purchase tickets, call 0927 582 0992.

Pueblo de Oro introduces new JAPANDI-inspired house models in San Fernando,

PUEBLO de Oro Development

Corporation (PDO), the residential developer of the ICCP Group, is proud to unveil its latest house models in the La Aldea Fernandina II subdivision, located in the heart of San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Answering the growing demand for more innovative and spacious homes, Pueblo de Oro has developed elegant two-storey Single-Attached and SingleDetached units. These new homes are designed with the JAPANDI aesthetic, a unique blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality.

This design concept creates a serene and calming atmosphere, incorporating layers of neutrals with striking black accents and natural greenery. The result is a harmonious living space that embodies simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty.

Pampanga

Dubbed “Unihomes,” the new units offer bigger floor areas of 52 square meters, set on minimum lot sizes of 70 square meters for Single-Attached and 85 square meters for Single-Detached models.

Each home is thoughtfully designed to provide ample living space, with dedicated carports and expansion areas for future growth. Buyers can choose between Classic (semi-finished) or Premium (finished) trims, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences and needs.

La Aldea Fernandina II is a 12-hectare exclusive community promising a floodfree environment and an enhanced lifestyle. This development is part of the expansive 30-hectare Pueblo de Oro master planned community in Barangay Del Carmen, San Fernando, Pampanga.

IVO, Ace Hardware step up sustainability efforts

ALEADING name in water purification and a popular retail brand are renewing their commitment to a sustainable future by rolling out more ecofriendly water filters nationwide.

IVO is expanding its availability to more than 100 Ace Hardware stores by the end of the year. This new partnership seeks to offer a simple and effective way to use less plastic.

Good things really do come in small packages, like a water filter. IVO may be tiny, but it is packed with benefits. Backed by Japanese technology, IVO ensures that the tap water you drink is safe and fresh. It uses advanced technology such as the hollow membrane, used in dialysis to purify blood, to catch even the smallest contaminants.

boutique hotels, there’s something for every budget.

Making a booking is easier than ever with HSMA’s convenient online platform. Simply visit www.hsma.org.ph/sos/ to browse the participating destinations, hotels and resorts, compare rates, and purchase your vouchers with a few simple clicks.

All buyers will have a chance to win an overnight stay at Twin Lakes Hotel, a luxurious retreat nestled in scenic Batangas!

The sale runs until September 30, 2024, via HSMA’s website hsma.org. ph/sos. Follow @hsmaph on Facebook and Instagram for a chance to win exciting prizes! HSMA is giving away gift certificates to some of the participating hotels, including Twin Lakes Hotel (Tagaytay); Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan Cebu; Savoy Hotel Manila; and Belmont Boracay. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB201389 Series of 2024.

In addition to its technology, IVO helps address plastic pollution, one of the largest contributors to climate change. According to Oceana, a marine protection group, two garbage trucks’ worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean every minute. This staggering amount highlights the urgent need for sustainable products like IVO.

Each IVO filter can purify up to 1,500 liters, equivalent to 79 large water jugs or 5,000 small plastic bottles. IVO simplifies life by removing the need to constantly purchase water stored in bulky containers.

Additionally, IVO is practical for everyday use. It eliminates the need to buy and carry bulky water containers. By simply attaching the filter to their faucet, users enjoy a continuous supply of clean water.

“The wider availability of our products is part of our ongoing commitment to provide alternaOve soluOons for a sustainable future,” said Donna Yan, President of IVO Philippines. “Through our partnership with Ace Hardware, we hope to empower more households and businesses to take steps in minimizing their plasOc footprint,” she added.

ACE Hardware shares IVO’s passion for sustainable practices, as shown by its

consistent support of green initiatives over the years.

Ace Hardware recently won two awards at the Retail Asia Awards 2024 for its best practices. The company was named ‘Retailer of the Year – Philippines’ and received ‘Customer Service Initiative of the Year.’

In 2022, the Retail Asia also recognized Ace Hardware for promoting sustainable products through the “Green Finds” program. The Retail Asia Awards recognize top innovations in the region’s retail industry. The collaboration goes beyond increased market visibility. Because of Ace Hardware’s wide reach, more Filipinos can benefit from high-quality, eco-friendly filter. The more Filipinos switch to sustainable solutions, the better it is for the Earth. The partnership is also a call to action – so that other businesses may follow suit and minimize their environmental footprint.

IN photo during the groundbreaking ceremony are, from left, Park Place homeowners’ association president Allan Florante, Horizon Residences homeowner Errol Isip, PDO vice president for sales and marketing Lemuel Branal, PDO president and chief operating officer Prim Nolido, PDO North Luzon real estate sales and marketing head BillyJoe Lozada, and contractor Reynaldo Evaristo.

Diary of a mom with no limits: Our stories of wisdom, love and play–Part I

IN my last article, as a tribute to Grandparents’ Month, I shared how my dad had been a great mentor and example to my kids. I also shared how he made my parenting life easier by being the person that he is. How we teach our children is deeply rooted in how we were taught as children. My dad’s greatest gift to me are his stories. My first memory of this was when I was 4. My dad and I stayed in Manila for Easter break. He took me to my favorite place, The Manila Hotel, like we were going on an excursion. With my usual boyish attire of shirt, jeans and Mighty Kid sneakers, we navigated to find nice spots in the hotel and did our photo shoot. It was moments like this or when we were waiting in between meals during our trips together, when my dad would share these stories of his childhood, of his exciting work life that started at age 17, and all the cherished and funny moments with family and his friends.

I have brought all his stories of wisdom, love and play with me in many a task, decision and challenge I face, whether I was in school then or in my endeavors today. I would like to share some of these stories and lessons from my dad both as a tribute and as a source of inspiration to others, especially to his grandchildren, Meagan and Marcus.

THERE IS SUCCESS IN BEING AGAINST THE TIDE DAD would share how he was always teased for not having a son. He would proudly tell me that he told his friends, “My daughters can do whatever your sons can...and even better.” Maybe that’s why I won against the biggest boy in kindergarten in arm wrestling. I learned to drive by 14. I was called Schumacher, after the F1 Champion Michael Schumacher, in college. And when I told my dad I was into basketball, he cleared our backyard garden and paved a half court for me to practice. My grandparents believed in the importance of education and pursuing a successful professional life. My dad went against the tide and gave up his University of the Philippines education to be a working student at Mapua after freshman year. He chose to work in Shoemart as a “kargador.”

DREAM BIGGER

WHEN I was a high school freshmen, I started to collect 1:18 metal miniature street cars with my guy friends. In any occasion, my dad and our relatives would always know to gift me with one. During my high graduation, my dad actually found a 1:12 giant sized collectible car in his business travels. It was his

By Laura Link

University of North Dakota

FOR decades, schools have allowed children to advance to the next grade even when they’re not reading at grade level. But more and more states are adopting policies to hold students back if they fail standardized tests in reading.

As of now, 26 states have such policies, compared with just 18 states five years ago. This month, Maryland lawmakers will consider their own policy to hold back third graders who struggle with reading, while allowing parents to opt out as long as they agree to get their child extra reading support.

The looming decision in Maryland, where 69 percent of students are not reading at grade level, has reignited a century-long debate about the consequences of “flunking” students. Based on what the research shows, we believe parents and guardians would be wise to explore their options to opt out of the retention policy. We say this because of what we know to be the negative effects associated with forcing a child to repeat a grade.

While giving struggling learners another year to master essential skills may seemingly make sense, evidence suggests that holding kids back often does more harm than good. Not only do these students have a higher risk of dropping out before graduating high school, but the practice also reinforces historical inequities in education.

As researchers who study grading and education policy, we offer five reasons why we don’t see holding students back as an effective educational strategy.

way of showing me to dream bigger. He has always known I wanted the simplest things in life and was easily contented. He told me you work hard to also be able to spend for better things in life, so he taught me to have “milestone” purchases. In one of our business trips in Hong Kong, maybe in my fifth year of working in the business, he brought me to a Rolex store. I liked the basic style of the stainless steel presidential watch, also because this is what my savings could afford. My dad said the two-tone with gold will be of better value than the one without gold. He said, “I will match your savings so you can feel how to have a watch with gold.” I paid him back the balance in monthly installments. He was right. It felt good to work hard, save and buy one valuable thing to selfreward yourself.

WORK IS A PRIVILEGE AND A PRICELESS

OPPORTUNITY

I STARTED to work in our warehouse at age 6. My dad would always say that my first job would be in the warehouse regardless of age, so better to start

1. Hinders academic progress. Students held back in the early elementary grades show lower academic achievement in year-end reading scores compared with their promoted peers both during and after the retention year, according to a multiyear study published in 2018. This lag in students’ performance persists through their middle school years. Even more concerning, any short-term academic gains from retention often disappear after the student is promoted the following year, another comprehensive study found. This is partly because students encounter the same teaching and grading methods that didn’t work for them the first time around.

2. Limits social and emotional development. Students held back in elementary school experience increased feelings of shame and alienation, research shows. These feelings linger into adolescence. These students also grapple with lower self-esteem and more anxiety compared with their promoted peers, which could limit their overall social and emotional development.

3. Increases dropout risk. Students held back in elementary grades were 60 percent less likely to graduate high school by age 20 compared with their similarly achieving peers who were not held back, one study found. A 2018 study corroborated these findings, even after controlling for prior achievement and socioeconomic status.

4. Costs more for school districts. The estimated cost of retention is $13,000 to $35,000 per student a year, depending on the school district. The total cost to

while I was young. I was never motivated through any allowance, because my dad said I should consider any work given to me as an opportunity. He even said, “How many people are given the opportunity to practice from real work?”

I remember the company closed a deal with a branded drink. Part of the deal was we had to put a logo sticker on each of the boxes. To avoid double handling, we did this sticker procedure in the customer’s warehouse. Luckily, it was summer so I was sent there every day to perform this task. I saw the amount of boxes and felt the impossibility of finishing this task. There were a lot of trial-and-errors but after a few days, I knew exactly which side of the master carton to open, so I could attach the sticker and need not take out each box anymore. My dad would always warn me not to be picky on tasks. This means that when a task is open, do it because every task is bound to teach you a lesson. So, if the warehouse floor was dusty, get a broom and clean it. If the person weighing the spools of thread needed a hand to pass the spools to him, then be that person.

He would always relate stories on how his multiple work experiences and the valuable people he worked with—from his work in SM in warehouse, to his sales work in Rubberworld—eventually led him to great business opportunities. His first business find was selling surplus yarns from factories. Later on, he was able to close big deals for Goodyear tires to industrial companies like the one owned by his lifelong friend and classmate from Mapua. Because of my dad’s go-to and amiable personality, his former colleague in Rubberworld introduced him to the Philippine plant manager of the Mattel factory then, which eventually landed us the Mattel distributorship. This story is to be continued... n

MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER HOLDS 4TH PHILIPPINE SPINE SOCIETY-ASIA PACIFIC SPINE OPERATIVE WORKSHOP MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph) welcomed surgeons from the country and overseas for the 4th Philippine Spine Society-Asia Pacific Spine Society (PSS-APSS) Spine Operative Course. MakatiMed’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Section of Spine Surgery, worked closely with the Philippine Spine Society (PSS) and the Asia Pacific Spine Society (APSS) to make the two-day event happen.

Some notable foreign guests who were at the two-day event took part in case discussions and lectures. Among these guests were Prof. Dato’ Kwan Mun-Keong, MD, president of Asia Pacific Spine Society, as part of the expert panel on Severe Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS); Professor Yat Wa Wong, MD, incoming president of Asia Pacific Spine Society, on Sacropelvic Fixation Techniques with Saw Bone Demonstration; Prof. Jason Cheung, MD, department chairman and clinical professor of the department of orthopaedics and traumatology, University of Hong Kong on Non-fusion Surgery; Prof. Chris Chan, MD of the department of orthopaedic surgery, University of Malaya on Surgical Treatment for Severe Deformities in the Adolescent Spine; and Prof. Tomohiko Hasegawa, MD from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine’s department of orthopaedic surgery on approach to treatment of symptomatic degenerative scoliosis. Live surgeries on patients with varying diagnoses were also viewed on both days of the event.

The 4th PSS-APSS Spine Operative Course introduced new surgical procedures that exposed MakatiMed surgeons to innovative techniques.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR FLOWE ON UNSPLASH

FROM left: Agripino Javier, MD, orthopedic surgeon and director of medical services; Bruce B. Canto MD; Angel C. Gozum, chairman, department of orthopedics; Saturnino P. Javier MD, medical director; Ronald Tangente MD, president, Philippine Spine Society; and Jason Cheung MD, AO Spine Asia Pacific chairman 2025-2027.

Sports

B8 Thursday, sepTemBer 26, 2024

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

proud coaches Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo and his staff—including Norman Black and active consultant Nenad Vucinic—pose with the Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year Trophy that was collectively bestowed on the Bolts’ bench by the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps headed by

Marcial holds clinics for kids in Zamboanga

By Josef Ramos

OKYO

TMarcial will hold a two-day clinic this weekend at the Plaza Pershing in Zamboanga City to start his own boxing monthly grassroots program in the region.

The 28-year-old Marcial, a Paris Olympian and undefeated pro boxer, said a 40 kids aged 17 and younger have registered for the clinic and would also compete in the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

House Majority Floor leader and Zamboanga City Decond district Rep. Mannix Dalipe is supporting the event set this Saturday and Sunday.

“This will kick off my monthly boxing clinic for kids in Zamboanga,” Marcial said. “And I am thnankful to Zamboanga Rep. Mannix Dalipe and Mayor John Dalipe for supporting my program.”

Marcial dubbed his endeavor the “Eumir Felix Marcial Boxing Grassroots Program.”

Marcial, a many-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, said it was in Plaza Pershing where he was discovered by coaches from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) in his boxing debut in 2022.

ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo will join Marcial in in the clinic that drew kids from Sibugay, Sibuco and Zamboanga City.

Cyclists on a sailboat: They’re fast, furious

David “Freddie” Carr is helping to keep Britain’s yacht flying over the Mediterranean waves at the 37th America’s Cup Carr is a member of the select tribe of cyclors, the “cycling sailors” almost hidden in the hulls of the powerful AC75 foiling yachts. These human workhorses use their strength and endurance to generate the hydraulic power needed to trim the sails and rotate the masts of their super-fast boats during the 20-minute-plus races. If the cyclors’ legs tire, the multimillion yachts can be left flailing as a rival cruises away.

“I honestly think it is probably one of the more extreme sporting environments that’s ever existed,” Carr tells The Associated Press after a recent race. “I’ve been racing America’s Cups for 20 years, so I’ve kind of been all the way through from early grinding into winches into this now. And it’s not just the physical effort that you have to do. You have to stay switched on cognitively to kind of help sail the boat.” The efforts of Carr and his crewmates have put INEOS Britannia into the challengers final against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli starting on

Thursday off Barcelona. The winner will get a shot at defending champion Team Emirates New Zealand for the biggest prize in sailing.

Archer Luisa San Juan makes 10-three pointers to break the league’s seven-yearold record.

Lof a sailboat to its current iteration that looks like a giant mechanical water-skimming insect—that, or a spaceship—with a mast and sails sticking out of the top. Carr is a native of the Isle of Wight, where the America’s Cup started in 1851. The Englishman started racing on relatively traditional monohulls that went 10 mph (16 kph). The AC75s now regularly hit 60 mph (100 kph).

UISA SAN JUAN scattered 10 three-pointers in De La Salle’s 86-65 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) to set the most number triples made in a University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball game on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As significantly, San Juan’s explosion helped the Green Archers notch their first victory in five games in Season 87.

“I got my confidence from my teammates and my coaches,” said the 22-year-old San Juan, whose 34 points in the game also tied the season-high set by Ateneo’s Kacey de la Rosa against University of the Philippines last September 8. “I didn’t know the record but I’m grateful. I didn’t expect that.”

EIGHTEEN collegiate and university squads are seeing action in the third Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Preseason Championship that kicks off on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle University are back after a year’s absence in the league whose roster features all eight teams from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and all 10 from the National Collegiate

IF you’ve been used to watching men’s collegiate basketball as afternoon delight in past seasons, we’re sure you were surprised with the new Season 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games schedule.

The UAAP has just invaded primetime TV with its late men’s games lasting almost as long as or longer than pro basketball’s battles royale.

In truth, UAAP basketball action starts as early as 8

Carr described what it is like to be mounted on a stationary bike inside a nearly airborne yacht: Your heart is pounding, you are hot and facing G-forces on the sharp maneuvers, you have to process data from a screen, all while “building a tactical picture in your head” because you are blind to the action.

But he has adapted to the changes in design that have also impacted the jobs of the crew, shifting from using his arms to his legs. Carr was there when cyclors were first introduced at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. And when they were dropped again in the 2021 edition in Auckland in favor of a return to the hand-powered grinders who spun winches. But with the 2024 organizers wanting to cut the weight of the boats, four cyclors are back as crews were reduced from 11 to eight members.

“It is bizarre, unlike any other sailing I’ve done previously,” Carr says. He knows how far the racing has evolved over the past two decades.

This is America’s Cup No. 6 for Carr.

At age 42, he has seen firsthand the incredible transformation of America’s Cup yachts from the typical mental image of what most people have

In constant search for improved aerodynamics, the crew are inside their own cockpits. And while the helmsmen peek out to steer, the cyclors are heads down out of the airstream.

And for Carr, that means the sport he loves has lost a little bit of the human element and physical camaraderie that he so much enjoyed. AP

Pre-season collegiate volleyball tournament draws full house

Athletic Association (NCAA).

“This is our flagship conference, our main event,” Dr. Ian Laurel, president of the organizing Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. told Wednesday’s press conference at Shakey’s Malate. “The goal was to get all 10 NCAA teams and eight UAAP schools.”

UAAP champion National University (NU) aims for a third straight crown and a sweep of the season after the Lady Bulldogs went unbeaten in the National Invitationals last July.

a.m. with two games of junior high school that last till 11 a.m. A double header of women’s basketball follows at 11:30 and ends at around 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the fouls and timeouts situation. (The women’s games are televised now, by the way.) The men’s games are set to start at 4:30 (but most of the time they don’t). The last game of the day is at 6:30 p.m., but they often tip off closer to 7 p.m.

The result? College ball is still running around your TV or livestream screen well into the night.

This has disconcerted many, for sure. “Collegiate basketball is supposed to be played early. These are school kids,” went one comment. “I’m not used to watching college teams playing this late. My afternoon viewing schedule is shot!” said another UAAP fan. “We used to just wait for the results of the PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] games to close the page. Now we have to wait for the UAAP game results as well. And sometimes, they take longer to finish than the PBA!” said a sports editor whose regular work rhythm has been rudely disrupted.

Yeah, right. The new schedule, just like anything else that is different and sudden raises howls of protest. Initially, it does seem strange and inconvenient. Eventually, we’ll get used to it. And if the reason behind

the change is given and the changes are explained, the slight discomfort will be tolerable. The big picture will be understood.

Why in the world has the UAAP included junior high school basketball in the same playing venue as the big boys and girls? That sure lengthens the schedule.

The answer is: why not?

Popular as the sport already is, basketball is still evolving, and growing. The FIBA has given a lot of importance to the U-16 basketball category by holding tournaments in this age group all over the world. With FIBA showing the way in basketball trends and must-dos, why shouldn’t we, a basketball-loving country, deprive our high school players from developing as well?

“I’m thrilled that the boys will have the chance to play in big venues from a young age. This experience is invaluable for their development as players. Now they have a taste of the big stage. It will prepare them for the next level,” said Marvin Bienvenida, UAAP deputy basketball commissioner focused on high school basketball.

The WBTs (womens basketball teams) deserve their day in the sun as well. They have languished long in the shadows and are eager for the world to watch them play and see what they’ve got to offer.

“I just do my role and I think it starts with what Coach Cholo [Villanueva] asked us to do,” the Filipino-British sophomore guard added.

San Juan broke the previous record of eight triples fellow Lady Archer Khate Castillo set in a 6760 loss to Adamson University on October 29, 2017.

She also tied the league record owned by National University’s Jeff Napa on August 22, 2002, and University of the East’s legendary shooter Allan Caidic in 1985. The win didn’t come easy though for De La Salle as San Juan, Tricia Mendoza and Kyla Sunga had to conspire for an 18-2 run to foil the Lady Archers who cut a 16-point deficit to only four in the fourth quarter.

“We’re breaking records with this program of the Lady Archers, but seriously, it’s a good win for us,” Villanueva said. “The grit that I wanted to see from the girls, they showed it today.” Mendoza had 16 points and 15 rebounds while Sunga made 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

MJ Manguiat paced the Lady Tamaraws with 19 points, while Shane Salvani chipped in 13 points.

Deputy Commissioner Atty. Mariana Lopa is happy about what’s happening with women’s basketball. In an earlier interview about The Courtyard by Nike at BGC, a court that gives girl hoopers equal chances as the boys, she told Complex magazine: “It’s actually super nostalgic when I look back at the time when I was playing in college. Women’s games then were played in the smallest of gyms, they were not televised.”

“The only people in the stands would be our families and friends. So when I see now that most of [women’s] games are televised, and they get covered on mainstream media, and have companies like Nike making sure that the progress continues, we have come a long way...I sometimes can’t believe it when you turn on the news and see news about the national women’s team. That’s unbelievable,” she added.

UAAP basketball commissioner Xavy Nunag explained everything in a nutshell. “All things told, our primary objective is to continue to raise the standards of amateur basketball,” he said.

Next semester, expect more high school basketball to fill your days. And nights? The senior high school boys and girls will start their tournaments in January 2025. The 3X3 tournament will be the piece de resistance

Vladi Eduarte of Abante during the organization’s 30th Awards Night at

ONLY the red helmets of the cyclors are seen aboard Ineos Britannia’s AC75 boat during a semifinal America’s Cup Regatta ahead of the 37th America’s Cup along Barcelona coast in Spain. AP

LADY

EUMIR FELIX MARCIAL (right) with Zamboanga City Second District Rep. Mannix Dalipe.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Generic drugs are safe, effective but need to undergo stringent tests–experts

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Ev Ery September, the Department of Health observes “Generics Awareness Month” to promote the use of generic medications and to commemorate the passage of republic Act 6675, also known as the “Generics Act of 1988.” rA 66754 ensures that inexpensive and effective drugs are made available to all Filipinos.

While it is ideal for doctors to prescribe generic medications to their patients, it is important that doctors verify that these medications have undergone the necessary tests.

“To safeguard public health, we recommend that doctors should verify if the generic products they prescribe have undergone testing by FDA-approved and ISO-accredited clinical research organizations, Bioavailability or Bioequivalence Testing Centers and Bioanalyitical Laboratories,” said Atty. Irineo M. Galicia, President of the Center of e xcellence in Drug Research and Studies Inc. or C eDR e S Inc. universal right to quality medicines

C e DR e S champions the universal right to safe, effective and quality medicines. It has been providing analytical services locally and internationally for the past 20 years. It is accredited and regularly audited by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Professional Board of Chemistry (PRC). Their clients are assured that all data and results are accurate and guaranteed by their chemists and Quality Department. According to Galicia, the verification process of generic drugs should include:

e MA ( e uropean Medicines Agency) or physically inspected and accredited by the Philippine FDA.

2. The local drug company should have their own laboratory or are utilizing the services of an FDA-accredited third party testing laboratory in the country

3. Bioequivalence (B e ) studies on the general drug is conducted by a Philippine-FDA accredited B e testing center.

1. The drug manufacturer should be CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) certified by strict regulatory authorities like the US FDA and

Bioequivalence testing is a measurement of how closely different drugs trigger the desired biochemical pathways and clinical outcomes. For a generic drug to be bioequivalent to a name-brand version, the drug manu -

facturer must get FDA’s stamp of approval. The drug company must prove the generic is pharmaceutically equal to the name brand version.

Different standards

The R e are also different bioequivalence standards depending on whether the drug is taken as a pill, injection, patch, inhaler or through another method. h owever, when a generic brand is not bioequivalent to the name-brand version, it might still be approved for another use but not as a substitute for the name-brand version.

“We also want to inform the public to carefully read drug product

labels, buy from reputable sources, store medicines properly and report adverse reactions promptly to the FDA,” Galicia said.

C e DR e S Academy conducted a seminar last September 5, 2024 to address the evolving regulatory landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.

The seminar had the theme “ e nsuring Quality Medicines: Bioequivalence Study, Monograph Testing, and PostMarketing Surveillance.”

“Through the seminar, we want to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety and efficacy (QS e ) of pharmaceutical products,” Galicia said.

“The seminar also addressed pressing challenges such as substandard products, unethical practices and the influx of imported pharmaceuticals which may or may not pass strict regulatory requirements,” he added. interchangeability

O N e of the speakers at the seminar was Dr. Benjamin G. Co, President of BioAnalytica Inc. and Chief Medical Officer at Metro Pacific h ealth, who spoke about “Interchangeability and the concept of Bioequivalence and Bioavailability conduct in the Philippines.”

See “Generic,” C2

Asian Hospital launches SPECT-CT, celebrates excellence in pulmonary medicine, pain management

The past few weeks were very busy for Asian h ospital and Medical Center

(A h MC) as it launched the SPe CTCT, a state-of-the-art machine that is set to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of patients with more precise imaging for improved outcomes.

Prior to that, the Asian Institute of Respirology had its fellowship night to celebrate excellence in pulmonary medicine. Last September 16, 2024, A h MC celebrated Pain Management Awareness Week which addressed sex and gender disparities in experiencing pain.

SPECT-CT launch

A h MC successfully launched the SPe CT-CT at the Conference Facility Unit last September 9, 2024. The event, titled “SPe CT-CT Because Clearer Imaging means Better Care,” was well attended by the leaders and healthcare professionals.

According to Mayo Clinic, SP e CT-CT or single-photon emission computerized tomography scan is a type of imaging that uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3D pictures. While many imaging tests show what the internal organs look like, a SP e CT scan can show how well the organs are working. For instance, a SP e CT scan can show how well blood is flowing to the heart; what areas of the brain are more active or less active; or what parts of the bone are affected by cancer. SP e CT helps to diagnose or monitor brain disorders, heart problems, and bone disorders. The launch program

on hand to introduce four speakers who spoke about the various applications of SP e CT-CT. The speakers were Nuclear Medicine Physicians Dr. Miguel Antonio C. Catangui, Dr. e melyn M. De Jesus and Dr. e ddie A. Lim. Molecular Imaging Business Leader Peter Peralta was also there to speak about the SP e CT-CT. The program was closed by Dr. Anna Purisima I. Peñalosa, Director, Strategic Business Unit and Commercial

hard work of A h MC’s pulmonary medicine specialists. The event coincided with the launch for the Asian Institute of Respirology Pain Management

The week of September 16, 2024 saw A h MC celebrate Pain Management Week at the main lobby. The theme of the week-long activity was “Ang Kirot ni Malakas at ang Kirot ni Maganda ” and was led by Dr. Dolma Santos, h ead of Pain Management Services. The theme highlighted the disparities in pain experience among genders and emphasized the biopsychosocial approach to pain assessment and management. It also emphasized the strength and resilience of individuals facing pain. Attendees included Dr. Tamesis, Dr. Acuin, students, healthcare professionals, special guests and the A h MC community. Their presence underscored the

Beaver Tamesis speaking at the launch of the SPECT-CT. D

n the photo are, from left, Brian Posadas, President of GiPDEX inc.; Willison John E. Luna, Food and Drug regulation Officer of the Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Benjamin Co, President of BioAnalytica and Chief Medical Officer of Metro Pacific Health; Dr. Bu Castro, past President of the Philippine Medical Association and Medical Director of CEDrES inc. and Atty. rineo Galicia, President, CEDrES inc.

i n the photo are, from left, Atty. i rineo Galicia, Dr. r aymond V. Oliva, Clinical Associate Professor at u P-PGH and Medical Affairs Director at u nilab i nc.; Salvador A. De Guzman, Bioanalytical Laboratory Manager at CED r ES nc.; Dr. Bu Castro and Brian Posadas.

BusinessMirror Thursday, September 26, 2024

DOH deploys 28 mobile clinics to meet healthcare needs of far-flung provinces

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

While there is a pressing need for accessible healthcare for the people with limited access to healthcare facilities, mobile health clinics can help bridge this gap by providing essential services to far-flung areas in the country.

Last September 20, 2024 a total of 28 Bagong Pilipinas Mobile Clinics will be distributed to 28 provinces, spanning the regions of Zamboanga peninsula, n orthern Mindanao, Davao, Soccskargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., alongside Department of Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, led the turnover ceremony of the mobile clinics at Manila n orth Harbor Port.

The mobile clinics are designed to serve as a modern solution for delivering essential primary healthcare, particularly in areas most in need.

These mobile clinics are equipped with advanced medical technology, including digital x-rays, portable ultrasound machines, hematology analyzers, chemistry analyzers, binocular microscopes, clinical centrifuges, and a generator set, among others.

Crucial advancement T HIS milestone represents a crucial advancement in enhancing access to healthcare services, particularly for underserved and remote areas across the country. At the event, President Marcos emphasized that health is a right, not a privilege, reaffirming the government’s commitment to health -

care under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

He urged local governments to support the initiative and ensure the long-term maintenance of the mobile clinics. Also during the ceremony, President Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos handed over the Deeds of Donation to representatives of 28 provinces, including the Ministry of Health BARMM, which will receive five mobile clinics to serve different provinces in the region.

“These mobile clinics are not just

InLife, mWell partner to promote wellness through preventive care

In SULAR Life (InLife), the first and largest Filipino life insurer, has partnered with mWell, the country’s first fully integrated and digital health and wellness platform for a range of services that will prioritize preventive care.

learning and sharing of experiences and expertise on various topics.

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

Mo ST of us probably know a von for their brochures containing good quality undergarments and colorful Tupperwares. n ow, the multi-level marketing company is on a mission to reach a new audience as it ventures into its own skincare line.

e arlier this month, a von launched the newest addition to their ane W Power line: the Skin r enewal Power c ream. Described for having a “revolutionary” and “gamechanging” formula, this new product aims to enhance Fiipinas’ skin quality to help them achieve their most confident selves. a s a von Philippines Head of Beauty Jamila r eyes said, releasing this new skincare product is more than just looking pretty; it’s more of helping women embrace their own skin.

“ i t’s not about being beautiful. i t’s about being free to express who we are and what we stand for. o ur face says everything so we need to give it the power to freely express who we are,” she said.

But what exactly makes this product worth adding to your skincare routine? Here are five reasons to consider:

1. Infused with protinol and niacinamide

Si M L ar to ane W Power Serum and the Power e ye c ream, the Skin r enewal Power

c ream is also formulated with avon’s awardwinning patented ingredient called protinol which helps in boosting collagen production.

Protinol works by stimulating two types of collagen in the skin: Type i for firmness and Type iii for keeping skin supple and smooth. i n simpler terms, this ingredient can restore women’s best skin.

a side from protinol, the power cream is also infused with niacinamide—another must-have ingredient for skin care enthusiasts.

n iacinamide, which is a type of vitamin B3, helps in treating dark spots, brightening skin, and reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines. i t also increases hydration by its enhancement of the skin’s lipid barrier. Together, these powerful ingredients work synergistically to not only combat visible signs of aging but also improve overall skin texture and tone.

2. Suitable for all skin types For those who are still confused with what protinol is all about, it basically works like retinol but without the irritation. a s some of you may know, retinol has skin clearing and anti-aging benefits, but it also often causes redness, dryness, and sensitivity.

Protinol, on the other hand, offers the same collagen-boosting benefits but in a much gentler way. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even for those who have sensitive skin.

biosimilar, hence the need for tests.

Well-established drugs

In his talk, Dr. Co pointed out that doctors are pressured to prescribe generic drugs. However, at the back of the minds of both the doctor and the patient is whether the generic drug is good.

“Before substituting a generic product, physicians and other decision makers should consider the potential clinical and pharmaeconomic consequences of overtreatment, undertreatment, adverse effects, additional expenses, and cost savings,” he said.

The current recommendation, though, is to not recommend substituting drugs that have not been determined to be bioequivalent or

In his presentation, Dr. Co defined generics as pharmaceutical products that contain well-established drugs that are intended to be interchangeable with the original product. These are usually manufactured without a license from the originator and are marketed after the expiry of patent or other exclusivity right. They are marketed under a non-proprietary name or other brand names.

Generics are considered therapeutic equivalents of the branded drug if they are pharmaceutical equivalents or alternatives; are bioequivalent; are approve as safe and effective, adequately labeled and manufactured in compliance with current good manufacturing practices.

Moreover, the Skin r enewal Power

c ream’s lightweight formula makes it incredibly easy to incorporate into your daily routine, even for those with busy schedules.

Whether you’re a working professional or a young adult with a packed day, this cream absorbs quickly and layers seamlessly with other products. i t allows you to maintain your skincare regimen without much hassle.

3. Works as fast as seven days Wi TH 10x of protinol concentration, a von’s clinical trials showed that skin improvements can be seen as early as seven days.

These skin benefits include achieving smooth skin, intense hydration, lesser fine lines and wrinkles, firm skin, increased radiance, stronger skin, and improved skin resilience.

a fter a week of using, a von’s 12 trial participants saw at least nine to 33 percent improvement to their skin texture.

a ccording to c esar Tadashi, e xecutive Director Global r esearch and Development for avon, this new Skin r enewal Power c ream is the company’s most potent skincare product as of the moment.

“The result is visibly stronger, healthierfeeling skin and an instantly brightened, blurred eye area, truly the pinnacle of skincare innovation,” she said.

4. Cruelty-free product a no TH er great reason to try a von’s new

Myths busted

To end his talk, Dr. Co busted the myths that generics are not safe, are not as potent, take longer to act in the body and are made in sub-standard manufacturing facilities.

“The proof of the pudding is in the manufacturer. If we try to escape regulations to prove safety, quality, efficacy, it adds costs to demonstrating that you have quality medicines. The industry needs to rise up and say let’s have these drugs tested because a lot of these pharmaceutical companies are just importers. But they only have papers to prove their potency.

We need to rise above it, the industry and of course the FDA should make sure that our patients deserve better because at the end of the day, all of us are patients,” Dr. Co said.

o ther speakers at the seminar ere Willison John E. Luna, Food and

vehicles, they are symbols of our commitment to making healthcare accessible for all, especially for those in the most remote areas. With these facilities, we aim to provide timely and quality care to Filipinos who have long been underserved dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” said Herbosa.

The ceremony also included the deployment of the first 14 mobile clinics, which were transported via Roll- o n/Roll- o ff (RoRo) vessel, with the remaining clinics to follow.

product is because it is cruelty-free. This means that it was developed without testing on animals. i ts formulation is more eco-conscious as well which helps in strengthening sustainability in the cosmetic industry.

c onscious beauty choices matter, especially now that our environment is deteriorating. By supporting products that are kinder to wildlife and natural habitats, we are directly helping the e arth.

a fter all, who does not want to look good while also doing something good?

5. Affordable luxury

Wi TH all its promising claims, one may surely think that this cream will be overly expensive like the other high-end skincare products in the market.

But, hold your wallets, its 50 grams jar actually retails for P1,099 only. i f you will do the girl math, this is just around P7 to P12 per day since one jar can last you from three to six months.

a nd the best part? i t’s currently on sale at an introductory price of just P694, making it even more accessible. This means you can indulge in high-quality skincare without breaking the bank.

Given these impressive details, it’s clear that a von is changing the beauty industry by making high-quality products more accessible to women.

i t reminds Filipinas that achieving your best self does not always have to come at a hefty cost.

The ane W Skin r enewal Power c ream is now available at avon’s official website, as well as in e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

Drug Regulation o fficer of the FDA, who spoke about “Regulatory Updates on Biowaiver and Bioequivalence Requirements;” Salvador A. De Guzman, Bioanalytical Laboratory Manager at CEDRES Inc., who tackled “Importance of Traceable and Reliable Reference Standards in Monograph Tests and Assays” and Dr. Raymond V. oliva, Clinical Associate Professor at UPPGH and Medical Affairs Director at Unilab, Inc., who looked into “Beyond Clinical Trials: Why Post-Marketing Surveillance Matters.”

“We have a history of conducting seminars on this topic and we aim to conduct these seminars annually to ensure ongoing relevance and compliance. o ur seminars keep participants informed about the latest regulatory developments, ensuring compliance and best practices within the industry,” said Galicia.

“We are excited to partner with mWell, a dynamic Filipino company, for a more holistic approach to health and wellness for our policyholders, agency force, employees and the general public. InLife is committed to providing a Lifetime for Good to our fellow Filipinos and one way to do this is by ensuring that financial security goes hand in hand with physical and mental wellness. o ur partnership with mWell allows us to fulfill this through integrated health services that promote preventive care and long-term wellness.” said InLife President and CE o Raoul Antonio E. Littaua.

mWell President and CE o and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability o fficer Chaye CabalRevilla shares this commitment. “As the digital healthcare arm of MPIC, mWell is the only health app that delivers holistic healthcare to Filipinos anytime, anywhere. Health is a basic right, which is the most important self-investment. o ur innovative digital solutions ensure good health for economic productivity, longevity, and nation-building. The partnership with InLife enables us to provide innovative digital health and wellness solutions to individuals, enterprises, local government units, and overseas Filipino workers. By working together, we can empower more Filipinos to take control of their health and lead healthier and happier lives.”

Through the partnership, InLife will be able to leverage the mWell app for its various health and wellness programs to improve the overall well-being of its policyholders, agency force and employees, starting with the Company’s daily steps for a cause challenge for its employees and InLife Convo members. InLife Convo is a growing online community for

Senka

The InLife Resilience x mWell Health Challenge, a new health-related campaign involving all InLife policyholders will also be launched. Using the mWellness Score feature, this will be a new fitness challenge aimed at promoting health awareness among Filipinos. The mWellness Score developed by data scientists measures physical health based on exercise, steps, sleep-- ideal for longterm health. Specialized fitness and nutrition programs are also available on the mWell app.

From health awareness to financial awareness, InLife and mWell will also reach out to the Sandwich Generation through the InLife Genfree Campaign.

The InLife GenFree Campaign aims to address and help Filipinos between their 20s through 50s, who are taking care of the older generation in their family while at the same time raising their own families. InLife will promote the GenFree campaign in partnership with mWell to help the sandwich generation “unsandwich” themselves and improve their overall well-being.

Available to Filipinos globally, the mWell app allows migrant workers to consult with Pinoy doctors wherever they may be in the world. Through mWell’s health and wellness activities for o verseas Filipino Workers (o FWs), InLife will provide free accident coverage amounting to P100,000 for a period of 100 days. This is currently being offered at the Seafarers’ Hub and soon at the o FW Airport Lounge.

Moreover, mWell will be able to provide InLife policyholders, agents and employees its wide range of services such as doctor consultations, mind health tools, pharmacy delivery, and its wearables—rings and smart watches, that may be paired with the mWell app to track exercise steps and other health metrics.

To know more about InLife, visit www.insularlife.com.ph. To know more about mWell, visit www.mwell.com.ph/.

announces partnership with health, wellness store Heyday

Skincare brand Senka recently announced its partnership with Heyday, a health and wellness store in Glorietta 4, Makati c ity. The fun-filled event was attended by media with beauty and lifestyle content creators, together with Fine Today Philippines and Heyday executives.

“This collaboration with Heyday celebrates both companies’ passion for selfcare and well-being,” shares Fine Today General Manager and c ountry Manager Mike n ucom. “While Fine Today is essentially known for Senka, we are excited to bring more exciting products for next year that Japan and a sia Pacific are known for.

This aligns with our mission of enriching everyone’s life today and the rest of the new generation with our fine, quality products, so watch out for that.”

a special skin care talk focusing on choosing the right facial wash for every skin care need was also discussed by guest dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Manuel of the c lub MD+. She emphasized that skin care involves three important factors, which are cleansing, moisturizing, and sunblock.

“The cleanser should not strip the important layers of the skin but is strong enough to remove the oil and dirt from the skin. Secondly, the skin should be properly moisturized to keep the skin young and supple. Lastly, there should be a sunblock to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays that prematurely age the skin,” she said.

Senka Philippines brand manager n icole Tan emphasized that the brand is committed to providing a complete range

of cleansing ranges for a perfect cleansing routine. “a facial wash brand specifically formulated for a sian skin, no wonder that Senka has reigned supreme in Japan for 15 consecutive years and as well in korea as a mass foam cleanser. Since the brand arrived in 2019, Senka Facial Wash patrons have massively enjoyed its accessibility not just in stores but also for its affordable price and wide range of facial wash options to address various skin issues.” Heyday offers the Senka Perfect Whip, the brand’s hero product that contains double hyaluronic acid and white

Inter I or and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Health Secretary teodoro Herbosa and President Ferdinand r . Marcos Jr. at the turnover ceremony of 28 mobile clinics.

& Fitness

Smoking and vaping cessation crucial for cancer prevention

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

SMOk I nG is a major risk factor for lung cancer and other cancers, including those of the throat, esophagus, bladder, and cervix. Despite growing prevention efforts, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and access to smoking cessation programs.

Dr. Maricar Limpin of non-governmental organization Action on Smoking and h ealth (AS h ) Philippines emphasized the vital role of prevention, particularly through smoking and vaping cessation, in reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents found in traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

“Unfortunately, many people, even medical professionals, are unaware of these cessation programs, which is why we focus on providing training and increasing awareness,” said Dr. Limpin. “That’s why we partner with local government units (LGUs) to ensure these programs are accessible.”

Dr. Limpin was one of the speakers at the health forum organized by the Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO) in partnership with the cancer advocacy campaign h ope From Within. The forum titled “Synergizing Strengths and Collaborative e fforts to Drive Progress and Innovation in Cancer Care” was held on September 20, 2024 at Luxent h otel in Quezon City.

The event brought together medical experts, health champions, local government units (LGUs), and healthcare providers to discuss strategies in addressing the gaps in cancer detection, treatment and prevention.

Healthy lifestyle

D R Limpin stated that AS h Philippines aims to reduce non-communicable diseases by promoting healthy lifestyle and advocating for supportive policies.

“One of the biggest non-communicable diseases that we have right now in the country is cancer,” said Dr. Limpin.

She emphasized that smoking is the primary cause not only of lung cancer but also of cancers in various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, stomach, esophagus, colon, bladder, and pancreas.

To help people quit smoking, AS h Philippines promotes smoking and vaping cessation programs.

“What we are promoting is not only smoking cessation, but smoking and vaping cessation because it was revealed that these vapes have a lot of cancer-causing agents. As long as there are a lot of cancer-causing agents, the potential to cause cancer is really high. e ven if the concentration is low, if you are often exposed to those chemicals, then it’s just a matter of time,” said Dr. Limpin.

Smoking cessation programs

She mentioned that many people, including smokers, mistakenly believe quitting smoking is easy and therefore avoid seeking help from smoking cessation programs. Another challenge is there are only a few smoking cessation programs being offered in the country. To address this, AS h Philippines go to LGUs to give training about smoking cessation programs.

“We have to face the fact that smoking is an addiction. And therefore, we can’t just be there to help them or give counseling. We need to have other interventions. And one of the biggest interventions that we have seen that can help people to stop smoking is giving medicines,” added Dr. Limpin.

There are also problems with regard to the accessibility and affordability of these medicines. Dr. Limpin said they are working with the LGUs and with doctors and other sectors that can help address these challenges.

To effectively combat smoking, Dr. Limpin said the government needs to promote the n ational Quitline, a valuable resource located at the Lung Center. Increased awareness of this service will encourage more smokers to seek help.

The

has settled around P14.5 million claims from health workers. In April of this year, DO h recorded around P23.4 billion worth of he A obligations for P4.3 million claims that could not be paid due to budget constraints. After DO h processed and granted appeals, this number rose to P27.3 billion. Last July, President Marcos instructed Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to no longer wait for the General Appropriations Act of 2025 to pay this amount and to process it this year. The surplus fund balance or excess payments which Phil h ealth returned to the national government provided the cash needed. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) thus immediately released a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to enable to DO h to fulfill the obligation. As of September 20, 2024, 64 percent of the additional P27.3 billion has already been disbursed.

Improving access to cancer care

A LSO present during the health forum as speakers were Dr. h ardee Luna, President of PSO; Dr. k armen Gemma See, h ead of the Quezon City Cancer Control Program; Dr. Mariano Jon Atacador, Medical Director of h i-Precision Diagnostics, and other representatives from Philhealth, Taguig City, and Muntinlupa City h ealth Offices.

e arly detection is critical in improving a patient’s chance of survival. One key initiative spearheaded by the PSO is the ACT n ow Prime Care for Breast Cancer program, which focuses on elevating awareness and access to screenings through community education, self-examinations, and cancer detection training.

“We must proactively seek every possible avenue of support in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. Luna. “Through these programs, our goal is to shorten the patient journey from detection to treatment. We aim to reduce the timeline to less than 60 days.”

In partnership with the Quezon City LGU, PSO also launched a mobile bus clinic dedicated to breast and cervical cancer screenings. This mobile clinic travels to underserved areas, offering free breast exams and acetic acid tests to help detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Plans to expand this program, increasing the number of mobile clinics, are already underway.

Localizing cancer programs

Q U e ZO n City has set a new benchmark by approving the Quezon City Integrated Cancer Control Ordinance (QCICCO), the first of its kind in the Philippines. This ordinance draws on the resources of various city departments to support cancer patients through the establishment of a local cancer registry, patient navigation systems, and designated cancer control coordinators. These efforts ensure that patients receive the necessary support, from diagnosis to treatment, without falling through the cracks.

“We have trained coordinators

and patient navigators in each district of Quezon City, fully equipped to guide cancer patients through every step of their journey,” said Dr. See. In addition to its existing breast and cervical cancer screening programs, the Quezon City h ealth Office is launching a new lung cancer screening program next month.

Dr. See also emphasized that other municipalities are welcome to adopt Quezon City’s cancer control program to improve their local cancer care system

Meanwhile, Taguig City has set the standard with programs like “Ating Dibdibin,” a communitybased breast cancer initiative offering free breast exams and mammograms to women. This initiative plays a crucial role in early detection, ensuring that patients are promptly referred to specialty hospitals in the municipality when needed, leading to improved survival rates.

In Muntinlupa City, the health office has successfully launched its own cancer care initiative. The initiative focuses on early detection and streamlined referral systems for breast and cervical cancer patients. The program ensures that patients receive timely diagnosis and are quickly referred for the appropriate treatment.

Call for strategic collaboration

The forum aims to unite all parties involved in cancer care, urging them to work together to combat cancer in the Philippines. Through concrete actions and partnerships, the Philippines can revolutionize cancer care, ensuring that no Filipino is left unsupported or untreated.

h ope from Within ( h FW) is a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy campaign led by MSD in the Philippines committed to renewing hope that cancer need not be an automatic death sentence. To counter the rising toll, it educates you about early testing, empowers patients to learn more about treatment options, and provides information about how to access different types of funding support.

Advocacy campaign to raise awareness of epilepsy launched

The Philippine League Against e pilepsy, in collaboration with Zydus P h , recently announced the launch of #ST e PS: Stop

The e pilepsy Stigma, a groundbreaking advocacy campaign dedicated to raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and promoting a deeper understanding of epilepsy.

e pilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, yet the stigma surrounding this neurological condition continues to persist. This stigma can lead to discrimination, social isolation, and a significant impact on the quality of life for those living with epilepsy.

The #ST e PS challenge seeks to combat these issues through the campaign of 100 million steps in the aim to reach more people and foster a culture of acceptance and empathy with every steps volunteer.

#ST e PS has three main objectives. First is to raise awareness through a series of events starting with the #ST e PS challenge, a collected goal of 100 million steps, educational materials, and social media outreach.

“We aim to increase public knowledge about epilepsy, its causes, and its effects. We believe that awareness is the first step toward breaking down the stigma,” the group said in a statement.

Second is to promote understanding where the campaign will feature personal stories from individuals living with epilepsy, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, highlighting the challenges they face and the strength they show. The goal is to humanize epilepsy and encourage empathy and understanding.

Third is to advocate for change where #ST e PS will work alongside healthcare providers and communities to advocate for better support systems, access to treatment, and the rights of people with epilepsy.

“At Zydus, we believe that no one should have to face the challenges of epilepsy alone. The #ST e PS campaign is our commitment to stopping the stigma and ensuring that everyone affected by epilepsy feels seen, supported and empowered,” said Manjul Mishra, SVP for SBU1 e merging Market, Zydus Lifesciences.

Vikas Jain, Country Manager of Zydus h ealthcare Philippines, Inc. added that one of the significant challenges that patients with epilepsy challenge is access to treatment due to cost.

“At Zydus P h , we are committed to addressing this issue through the #ST e PS campaign, ensuring that every Filipino affected by epilepsy not only fees supported and empowered but also has better access to the care they need,” Jain said. For his part, Dr. Adolfo Solis, President of the Philippine League of e pilepsy, said there are still many Filipinos with epilepsy who do not have adequate access to medical care and exercise their rights and privileges as persons with disability (PWDs).

A highlight of the was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between PLA e and Zydus Ph , a landmark initiative for both organizations as it is the first time for both organizations to have this kind of initiative. Plaques were exchanged to seal the partnership.

BingoPlus FounDATion CHAMPion inClusion, eMPoWeR PWDs WiTH Plus CenTeR FoR ADAPTiVe sPoRTs, PHysiCAl ReHAB

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of leading digital entertainment company, DigiPlus i nteractive, has laid ground to the soonto-rise P lus Center for Adaptive s ports and Physical Rehabilitation, together with the Philippine Accessible Disability s ervices i nc. (PAD s ), last August 30, 2024. The P2 million facility will be built in Pajara Park, a budding public sports and wellness hub in Mandaue City, Cebu. Targeted for turnover by n ovember 2024, access to the P lus Center’s facilities and services marks a significant step towards empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to thrive and pursue opportunities in sports, health, and employment.

Key players h e ALT h facilities have been key players to the final payment of he A to health workers themselves.

DO h has listed 2,853 such facilities; checks have been issued to 2,070 (73 percent) of them. In compliance with the Commission on Audit (COA) guidelines, the DO h is continually reminding 517 of them to finalize the Memorandum of Agreement or MOA and 649 of them to completely liquidate previous payments.

During the weekend of September 21, both health facilities and groups of health workers have publicly acknowledged receipt of their he A. In an online human resources

( h R) advisory, Cardinal Santos Medical Center expressed its gratitude to h ealth Secretary Teodoro h erbosa for facilitating the payment of their he A covering a 20-month period. h ealth workers form Gentri Medical Center in General Trias, Cavite also sent a video recording to the DO h where they thanked President Marcos and h erbosa for facilitating the he A payments.

“The excess payment that was not used and that was returned by Philh ealth became a fund for the he A of our health workers. It was transferred from the bank to them. On behalf of our Covid-19 frontliners, thank you very much,” h erbosa said.

“Today, we are here not just to break ground on the P lus Center for Adaptive s ports and Physical Rehabilitation. We are setting in motion a vision where PWDs can thrive, adapt, and pursue careers as athletes, coaches, and more,” said Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice President for i nvestor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation Coo, in the groundbreaking ceremony of the facility. “PAD s’ mission to empower PWDs as world-class athletes inspired us deeply at the BingoPlus Foundation. The P lus Center will fill a critical gap in PWD healthcare, offering accessible rehabilitation and a path to new opportunities through sports.”

The BingoPlus Foundation adopted a multi-sectoral approach to the project. The Foundation collaborated with key partners, including the City of Mandaue, the Department of Health, Cebu Doctors u niversity and various Colleges of Rehabilitative s ciences in Cebu, and the PWD Federation of Cebu. The P lus Center will provide free physical therapy to indigent PWDs and recovering patients affected by stroke, paralysis, and other mobilityimpacting conditions. t will also serve as a training ground for doctors and therapy specialists, ensuring high-quality care and skills development. The facility further provides recreational and competitive sports opportunities for PWDs. Empowering through sports

Jo H n P A ul M A unes, e xecutive Director of PAD s shared his optimism about the partnership: “This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together to support PWDs. We wanted to create a better world and achieve our vision of a disability-inclusive society—but we cannot do it alone. BingoPlus Foundation completed that missing piece in this advocacy. The P lus Center is not just a facility; it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for many who aspire to break barriers in sports and in life.” Jimmy l umapas, City Councilor and Chair for s ocial s ervices, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to the BingoPlus Foundation for their commitment to uplifting the lives of PWDs in Mandaue. The P lus Center will be a cornerstone of support, giving our community members the chance to thrive and succeed beyond their limitations.”

A commitment to community impact T H e launch of the P lus Center is one of many initiatives driven by the BingoPlus Foundation’s mission to “Multiply the g ood.” Apart from supporting PWDs and promoting sports and wellness for the general public, the Foundation also plays a critical role in technology education, disaster relief, and healthcare accessibility. DigiPlus, the parent company of BingoPlus, continues to drive innovation and economic growth while making a lasting impact through corporate social responsibility, empowering the next generation of leaders and athletes. Together with its partners, the BingoPlus Foundation continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for all Filipinos. For more information about the BingoPlus Foundation, please visit https://digiplus.com.ph/ bingoplus-foundation/.

Philippine Society of Oncologists President Herdee Luna together with other experts address media questions during the health forum titled “Synergizing Strengths and Collaborative Efforts to Drive Progress and Innovation in Cancer Care.”

Experts and health champions unite to emphasize that collaboration and innovation as key to drive progress in cancer care.

Health& Fitness

Philippine Rheumatology Association celebrates 60 years with programs for patients, doctors

By Rory Visco | Contributor

WHEN the issue of rheumatology is discussed among Filipinos, their most common perception is that it is a problem related to the body’s numerous joints, that there is a problem of mobility when one is afflicted by rheumatism.

Rheumatic diseases are health problems that affect the joints, muscles, bones and sometimes other internal organs such as kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, brain. Because these diseases are often complex, they benefit from the care of an expert. Only rheumatologists are experts in this field of medicine, according to the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA).

Rheumatism is so complex that there are more than 200 distinct rheumatic diseases associated with it, the most common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, fibromyalgia, rheumatic fever, and even Kawasaki Disease, among children. Some of the most important disorders dealt with by rheumatologists are those from the immune system, or what are called “auto-immune” diseases.

Not really a “sexy” medical practice

ADMITTEDLY, rheumatology is not really a popular medical specialty in the country and the PRA is exerting efforts to change that notion because arthritis and rheumatism are common conditions that can affect everyone, from the young to the very old individuals.

“However, we’ve been getting a lot of notice

recently because the case of a popular celebrity was well publicized because of an auto-immune condition, and not many people would relate this condition to our specialty. I believe this is the time to increase awareness, and this is just one of our ways of increasing awareness about rheumatology and the conditions that we treat,” Dr. Auxencio Lucero, President of the PRA, commented on the heels of the PRA’s 60th anniversary celebration. At present, there are around 285 practicing rheumatologists, 252 for adults and 33 are for pediatric patients.

Regarding this low number of practicing rheumatologists in terms of ratio with the population, Dr. Lucero said that the reason for that is the PRA started with only two training institutions way back several years ago, such as the Philippine General Hospital and University of Sto. Tomas Hospital. Decades later, this was followed by St. Luke’s Medical Center, then Makati Medical Center and recently added was East Avenue Medical Center. “These institutions only accept a few trainees but slowly but surely, we believe the number of trainees will soon increase the number of rheumatologists in the country.”

When asked by BusinessMirror why a few doctors are practicing rheumatology, Dr. Rosario Baes, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Rheumatology Association, said that from Internal Medicine training, many are afraid of rheumatology or immunology concept because it’s more molecular in nature. However, there are many patients out there who really need our help.

“Our practice may not be as glamorous as the other specialties but we encourage others to take up the practice because the rewards are really special. Helping a patient being able to walk and be functional again is really special to us, not only alleviating their pain but improving their lives, and to see that happen is really rewarding enough,” Dr. Baes said.

Game-changing programs

DR. E MMANUEL PEREZ Immediate Past President of the PRA, said that on the occasion of the PRA’s 60th anniversary, they will be launching two game-changing programs that are part of the association’s commitment to provide accessible patient care and continuing medical education.

One is the “SMART” program, or the Selfdirected Modules on Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases for IM Trainees. This is the PRA’s way, Dr. Perez said, of introducing rheumatology into the collective consciousness of young Internal Medicine or Internists today so that they will see the opportunities of becoming specialists in rheumatology. “They probably saw that even in the training institutions there are no rheumatologists. That’s why they’re not looking at being rheumatologists because of lack of exposure.”

At present, Dr. Perez said they are still in the

process of finalizing at least three of the modules and upload them into the Learning Management System of the mother organization of the PRA, which is the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) by the first quarter of 2025.

Another program by the PRA, Dr. Perez said, is the “STOP-GOUT,” or Stop TOPhaceous Gout through sustained Urate Lowering Therapy. The program aims to provide medication access to selected patients with chronic rheumatic disease conditions who may require long-term treatment and improve treatment adherence and compliance.

“The challenge with regard to gout and arthritis is to make sure that it does not reach the complicated aspect of those conditions. Once they reach the tophaceous gout phase, we now see renal complications, we now see preventive consultations to help us check if there are frequent arthritis attacks because of side effects due to the intake of anti-inflammatory medications,” he said.

When access is provided under the program, which will probably be launched later this year or early next year, Dr. Perez said patients will be enrolled by rheumatologists to the program, and there will be pledges coming from pharmaceutical companies to provide a year’s worth of uric-lowering therapy to these patients. “So far, there is a ‘soft’ commitment from the pharmaceutical companies to support around 150 to 200 patients under the program.”

A new genetic analysis of animals in the Wuhan market in 2019 may help find Covid-19’s origin

LONDON—Scientists searching for the origins of Covid-19 have zeroed in on a short list of animals that possibly helped spread it to people, an effort they hope could allow them to trace the outbreak back to its source.

Researchers analyzed genetic material gathered from the Chinese market where the first outbreak was detected and found that the most likely animals were racoon dogs, civet cats and bamboo rats. The scientists suspect infected animals were first brought to the Wuhan market in late November 2019, which then triggered the pandemic.

Michael Worobey, one of the new study’s authors, said they found which sub-populations of animals might have transmitted the coronavirus to humans. That may help researchers pinpoint where the virus commonly circulates in animals, known as its natural reservoir.

IN response to the growing concerns about seafarers’ mental health, Halcyon Health launched the BrainHealth™ Program, a new feature within the Halcyon Health app, a mobile health application created by the company. This initiative reinforces Halcyon Health’s dedication to continuity of care for maritime professionals by offering specialized tools to support psychological well-being during long voyages.

Data collected by Ship to Shore Medical Assist (SSMA), the repatriation clinic under the Halcyon Health Group, highlights the unique challenges faced by seafarers, including isolation, extended periods away from loved ones, and the pressures of life at sea.

These factors contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the urgent need for targeted mental health support.

The BrainHealth™ Program addresses these challenges by delivering resources tailored to seafarers’ specific needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their mental health effectively.

The BrainHealth™ Program introduces a suite of new resources within the Halcyon Health app. Key features include a Mood Tracker for daily emotional logging, the Wellbeing Atlas with nine courses designed to enhance resilience and mental strength, and access to Psychosocial Support Groups (PSSG) for peer connection and sharing. The program also offers counseling services through SSMA and monthly Mental Health Talks and Webinars to address concerns and provide ongoing education. These tools help seafarers proactively manage their mental health and access support whenever needed, promoting a healthier state of mind throughout their voyages. With nearly two decades of experience serving the maritime industry’s health needs, Halcyon Health has identified specific healthcare challenges faced by seafarers. This insight has driven Halcyon Health to launch various initiatives to ensure continuity of care, demonstrating its commitment to addressing the evolving health needs of seafarers. These initiatives include the expansion through sister companies—Ship to Shore Medical Assist (SSMA), Halcyon Fitness, and Halcyon Nutrition—and the launch of the Halcyon Health App, along with webinars on nutrition and mental health, culminating in the introduction of the BrainHealth™ Program. For more information about the BrainHealth™ Program and its benefits, please contact us at 0918-288-0818 (Viber), 0918-488-3812 (Smart), or email talktous@halcyon.health.

Scientists show how pregnancy changes the brain in innumerable ways

While the initial focus of the program is on gout, which is the easiest one among the arthritis conditions, Dr. Perez said they will eventually move to the other inflammatory arthritis conditions in the future. Halcyon Health Network Inc. launches BrainHealth™ Program for seafarers

NEUROSCIENTIST Liz Chrastil got the unique chance to see how her brain changed while she was pregnant and share what she learned in a new study that offers the first detailed map of a woman’s brain throughout gestation.

The transition to motherhood, researchers discovered, affects nearly every part of the brain.

Although the study looks at only one person, it kicks off a large, international research project that aims to scan the brains of hundreds of women and could one day provide clues about disorders like postpartum depression.

“It’s been a very long journey,” said Chrastil, co-author of the paper published Monday in Nature Neuroscience. “We did 26 scans before, during and after pregnancy” and found “some really remarkable things.”

Gray matter

M ORE than 80 percent of the regions studied had reductions in the volume of gray matter, where thinking takes place. This is an average of about four percent of the brain—nearly identical to a reduction that happens during puberty. While less gray matter may sound bad, researchers said it probably isn’t; it likely reflects the fine-tuning of networks of interconnected nerve cells called “neural circuits” to prepare for a new phase of life.

The team began following Chrastil, who works at the University of California, Irvine, and was 38

As children prepare to return to school, maintaining a strong immune system is crucial. NutraHealthyGut, a leader in gut health supplementstrusted by Gastroentrologists, offers expert advice to keep kids healthy and ready for the new school year. Here are five essential tips to boost your child’s immune system this “Balik Eskwela.”

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years old at the time, shortly before she became pregnant through in vitro fertilization.

During the pregnancy and for two years after she gave birth, they continued doing MRI brain scans and drawing blood to observe how her brain changed as sex hormones like estrogen ebbed and flowed. Some of the changes continued past pregnancy.

“Previous studies had taken snapshots of the brain before and after pregnancy, but we’ve never witnessed the brain in the midst of this metamorphosis,” said co-author Emily Jacobs of the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Inner regions of the brain

U NLIKE past studies, this one focused on many

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inner regions of the brain as well as the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer, said Joseph Lonstein, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at Michigan State University who was not involved in the research. It’s “a good first step to understanding much more about whole-brain changes that could be possible in a woman across pregnancy and postpartum,” he said.

Research in animals has linked some brain changes with qualities that could be helpful when caring for an infant. While the new study doesn’t address what the changes mean in terms of human behavior, Lonstein pointed out that it describes changes in brain areas involved in social cognition, or how people interact with others and understand their thoughts and feelings, for example.

The researchers have partners in Spain and are moving forward with the larger Maternal Brain Project, which is supported by the Ann S. Bowers Women’s Brain Health Initiative and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Eventually, they hope scientists can use data from a large number of women for things like predicting postpartum depression before it happens.

“There is so much about the neurobiology of pregnancy that we don’t understand yet, and it’s not because women are too complicated. It’s not because pregnancy is some Gordian knot,” Jacobs said. “It’s a byproduct of the fact that biomedical sciences have historically ignored women’s health.” Lara Ungar, AP

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“For example, with the racoon dogs, we can show that the racoon dogs that were (at the market) … were from a sub-species that circulates more in southern parts of China,” said Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona. Knowing that might help researchers understand where those animals came from and where they were sold. Scientists might then start sampling bats in the area, which are known to be the natural reservoirs of related coronaviruses like SARS.

While the research bolsters the case that Covid-19 emerged from animals, it does not resolve the polarized and political debate over whether the virus instead emerged from a research lab in China.

An expert group led by the World Health Organization concluded in 2021 that the virus probably spread to humans from animals and that a lab leak was “extremely unlikely.” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus later said it was “premature” to rule out a lab leak.

An AP investigation in April found the search for the Covid origins in China has gone dark after political infighting and missed opportunities by local and global health officials to narrow the possibilities.

Scientists say they may never know for sure where exactly the virus came from.

In the new study, published Thursday in the journal Cell, scientists from Europe, the U.S. and Australia analyzed data previously released by experts at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It included 800 samples of genetic material Chinese workers collected on Jan. 1, 2020 from the Huanan seafood market, the day after Wuhan municipal authorities first raised the alarm about an unknown respiratory virus.

Chinese scientists published the genetic sequences they found last year, but did not identify any of the animals possibly infected with the coronavirus. In the new analysis, researchers used a technique that can identify specific organisms from any mixture of genetic material collected in the environment.

Worobey said the information provides “a snapshot of what was (at the market) before the pandemic began” and that genetic analyses like theirs “helps to fill in the blanks of how the virus might have first started spreading.”

Woolhouse said the new study, while significant, left some critical issues unanswered.

“There is no question Covid was circulating at that market, which was full of animals,” he said. “The question that still remains is how it got there in the first place.” Maria Cheng, AP