BusinessMirror April 13, 2024

Trilaterals test ties

President Joe Biden hosts Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for the historic trilateral summit of leaders, which focused on “deepening relations” that will lead to a “peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” Biden said the Philippines is set to receive fresh investments in critical sectors as it becomes the beneficiary of a new “economic corridor” under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Initiative (PGIII) of the Group of 7 (G-7). Meanwhile, America’s defense commitment to Pacific allies was “ironclad,” said Biden. Related stories on pages A2 and A3 News, and A11 World

US-China competition to field military drone swarms could fuel global arms race

Awith artificial intelligence work together like a swarm of bees to overwhelm an enemy.

The planners envision a scenario in which hundreds, even thousands of the machines engage in coordinated battle. A single controller might oversee dozens of drones. Some would scout, others attack. Some would be able to pivot to new objectives in the middle of a mission based on prior programming rather than a direct order.

IN

The Pentagon is pushing urgent development of inexpensive, expendable drones as a deterrent against China acting on its territorial claim on Taiwan. Washington says it has no choice but to keep pace with Beijing. Chinese officials say AI-enabled weapons are inevitable so they, too, must have them.

The unchecked spread of swarm technology “could lead to more instability and conflict around the world,” said Margarita Konaev, an analyst with Georgetown University’s Center for Secu-

The world’s only AI superpowers are engaged in an arms race for swarming drones that is reminiscent of the Cold War, except drone technology will be far more difficult to contain than nuclear weapons. Because software drives the drones’ swarming abilities, it could be relatively easy and cheap for rogue nations and militants to acquire their own fleets of killer robots.

and Emerging Technology. might

As the undisputed leaders in the field, Washington and Beijing are best equipped to set an example by putting limits on military uses of drone swarms. But their intense competition, China’s military aggression in the South China Sea and persistent tensions over Taiwan make the prospect of cooperation look dim.

The idea is not new. The United Nations has tried for more than a decade to advance drone nonproliferation efforts that could include limits such as forbidding the targeting of civilians or banning the use of swarms for ethnic cleansing. Drones have been a priority for both powers for years, and each side has kept its advances secret, so it’s unclear which country

ALL PHOTOS BY TROI SANTOS/BUSINESSMIRROR

DOF, DTI, DOE chiefs meet nuclear tech investor with eye on energy collab

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

TO secure $100 million worth of investments from the PhilippinesJapan-US trilateral meeting, the Philippines met with a US-based vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services for a potential collaboration in the energy sector.

On Friday, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a meeting with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) top executives led by Dr. Francesco Venneri, its founder and chief executive officer.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), USNC affirmed its commitment to investing in micro modular reactors and power generation projects in the Philippines.

The US-based firm also envisions making the country its first nuclear energy facility in Southeast Asia and expressed its support for current efforts to provide a sufficient supply of energy throughout the country while utilizing clean and renewable energy sources in the future.

“This initiative ensures greater energy security, reduced reliance

on fossil fuels, and holds the promise of substantial economic gains for the Filipino people,” Marcos said in the meeting.

Accompanying Dr. Francesco Venneri in the meeting were USNC Senior Vice President for Commercial and Structured Financing for Microreactor Deployment Waqar Zaide, President for Equinet Architectural and Engineering Support Antonio Habana, and Ramon Cruz.

From the Philippine side, the attendees were House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Ro -

mualdez were also present. The meeting was part of Marcos’s working visit to Washington, D.C., from April 10 to 14. US President Joe Biden hosted a trilateral meeting attended by Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio

Kishida on Thursday to talk about economic and defense cooperation.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Romualdez said the government is eyeing to secure $100 million worth of investments from the trilateral meeting based on investment packages covering digital infrastructure, physical infrastructure, and energy, prepared by economic managers

(See: https://businessmirror.com.

UP NEXT: THE ‘SWARMS’ RACE

pressive countries, analysts say. Or it could be stolen. Other countries developing the tech, such as Russia, Israel, Iran and Turkey, could also spread the know-how.

umentary

regrouped, switched

and

pleted

mission unaided, detonating explosive-laden drones on a target.

A year ago, CIA Director William Burns said Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping had instructed his military to “be ready by 2027” to invade Taiwan. But that doesn’t mean an invasion is likely.

Just before he died last year, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger urged Beijing and Washington to work together to discourage AI arms proliferation. They have “a narrow window of opportunity,” he said.

Xi and President Joe Biden made a verbal agreement in November to set up working groups on AI safety, but that effort has so far taken a back seat to the arms race for autonomous drones.

The competition is not apt to build trust or reduce the risk of conflict, said William Hartung, a senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

If the US is “going full speed ahead, it’s most likely China will accelerate whatever it’s doing,” Hartung said. There’s a risk China could offer swarm technology to US foes or re -

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in January that US-China talks set to begin sometime this spring will address AI safety. Neither the defense secretary’s office nor the National Security Council would comment on whether the military use of drone swarms might be on the agenda.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Military analysts, drone makers and AI researchers don’t expect fully capable, combat-ready swarms to be fielded for five years or so, though big breakthroughs could happen sooner.

“The Chinese have an edge in hardware right now. I think we have an edge in software,” said CEO Adam Bry of US drone maker Skydio, which supplies the Army, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the State Department, among other agencies. Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping said the US has “stronger basic scientific and technological capabilities,” but added that the American advantage is not “impossible to surpass.”

Paul Scharre, an AI expert at the Center for a New American Security think tank, believes the rivals are at rough parity. “The bigger question for each country is about

how do you use a drone swarm effectively?” he said.

That’s one reason attention is fixed on the war in Ukraine, where drones work as eyes in the sky to make undetected front-line maneuvers all but impossible. They also dispatch death from the sky and serve as sea-skimming ship killers.

Drones in Ukraine are often lost to jamming. Electronic interference is just one of multiple challenges for drone swarm development.

Researchers are also focused on the difficult logistics of marshaling hundreds of air and sea drones over vast expanses of the western Pacific for a potential war over Taiwan.

Julie Adams, an Oregon State University robotics professor, has collaborated with the US military on drone-swarm research including the 2021 exercise at Fort Campbell.

She said she was particularly impressed with a swarm commander in an exercise last year at Fort Moore, Georgia, who singlehandedly managed a 45-drone swarm over 2.5 hours with just 20 minutes of training.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” she said.

A reporter had to ask: Was he a video game player?

Yes, she said. “And he had a VR headset at home.” Associated

in

contributed

PHL manufacturing output growth posts 5-month high at 8.9% in Feb

By Cai U. Ordinario

THE growth of the country’s manufacturing output posted a five-month high in February 2024, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Based on the Production Index and Net Sales Index, PSA said the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) grew 8.9 percent in February 2024, the fastest since the 9.5-percent growth posted in September 2023.

In January 2024, the VoPI posted a growth of 6.2 percent while in February 2023, manu -

facturing output grew 2.6 percent.

“This brings the average growth rate of VoPI from January to February 2024 to 7.5 percent. In February 2023, VoPI recorded an annual increase of 2.6 percent,” the PSA said. Data from PSA showed the VoPI for manufacturing in February 2024 was due to the double-digit annual increase in the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products at 13.4 percent in February 2024, from an annual decline of 1.4 percent in the previous month.

The manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products contributed

Duterte on talk with China’s Xi: I

only remember

DBy Manuel T.  Cayon

AVAO CITY—Former

President Rodrigo

Duterte clarified that that his talk with China’s President Xi Jinping ended in a status quo in the West Philippine Sea.

“Aside from the fact of having a handshake with President Xi Jinping, the only thing I remember was a status quo,” he told a night briefing with reporters here at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Thursday.

“That’s the word. Walang galawan, no movement, no armed patrols, As is where is, para walang magkagulo [to avoid trouble],” he said

He said that one item in the discussion was the non-bringing of materials to repair the rusty and ageing BRP Sierra Madre moored at the Ayungin shoal.

But he said, “there was no written agreement on that. It’s verbal,” he said.

“I do not decide on my own when there is a critical issue on hand. I call on the National Security Council,” he said

“Yes, it’s an act of the President. But I will educate you, Not all of them are mine,” he said “I cannot make a move relative to the security of the country without asking the military and the NSC.”

He said he would not keep secret anything that has become a real agreement “when we are talking about national security”.

He said he was always with his national security adviser, former Armed Forces chief, retired Gen. Eduardo Año, and who is also the current national security adviser of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Ask him if there was a gentleman’s agreement”.

“I assure you that if it was a gentleman’s agreement, it would always have been an agreement to keep the peace in the South China Sea,” he said.

He that what transpired in the meeting with China’s President was that he presented the government assertion of some part of the Spratlys and the Scarborough Shoal that, he said, Xi had flatly rejected.

With 2-M volunteers, Philippine Red Cross marks

77 years of transformative humanitarian service

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is marking on April 15 its 77 years of transformative humanitarian service to the country, offering an opportunity for PRC’s 102 chapters nationwide to amplify their common agenda and reaffirm their purposes and commitment to PRC’s mission and vision that have guided the organization for the past decades.

For over seven decades, the PRC evolved beyond its original conception as a blood collection agency and has now become a powerful instrument of change, dignity, and progress to the lives of millions of Filipinos during all kinds of disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes, armed conflicts, and disease outbreaks.

To provide the life-saving services it is recognized for, the PRC increased the quantity and quality of its logistics, assets, and facilities over the years. It strengthened the capacity of its Operations Center, a stateof-the-art command center connected to all the chapters across the country. The center ensures that the organization can promptly respond to any emergency, providing a coordinated response that maximizes the impact of the organization’s volunteers and logistics.

The organization also now boasts a

45.2 percent to the higher annual increment of VoPI for the manufacturing section in February 2024.

Other main contributors to the higher year-on-year growth of VoPI in February 2024 were the higher annual increment in the manufacture of food products at 9.2 percent during the period, from 5.2 percent annual growth in the previous month.

The list includes the double-digit annual increase observed in the manufacture of chemical and chemical products at 25.9 percent, from an annual increment of 8.1 percent in the previous month.

status quo deal

“His [Xi] response was, ‘Please do not do that because there would be trouble,” he said. Duterte admitted he balked at further insisting on the issue, saying the Philippines was not prepared for openly confronting the war posturing of China. He said the standoff in the meeting with Xi on the West Philippine Sea untimately ended in an “as is, where is” understanding, or, “that there should be no movement from either side”. He admitted that the non-bringing of construction materials to repair the rusty and ageing BRP Sierra Madre was part of the understanding.

“There was no written agreement on that. It’s verbal,” he said.

In clarifying why he opted to negotiate and talked with, rather than confronting, China on the Philippine territorial rights, he said that “this is what we Presidents do, from [Benigno] Aquino III, we talk because we have the solemn duty to protect the Filipino people”.

When asked if the “as is, where is” understanding binds even the current administration, he said “well, if they’re brave enough, they can send in the Navy, with our flag, and see what will happen”. He dared Marcos Jr. and other prominent detractors in the sea claim issue to push with their agenda on insisting with confronting China. He said that If they insist on their agenda, the Marcos administration and his detractors may also call on the US Navy to occupy the other islands and drive the Chinese away.

Duterte said he has also told President Marcos “to do what he thinks must be done, repair the Sierra Madre now, send the Navy’s grey ships to patrol the islands and let us see what happens”.

He said the Marcos administration appears to be a “cry baby” when it was treading on the path of confrontation with China, saying that Marcos was doing it behind the “common notion” that the US “would hurry up” in defense of the Philippines.

He said “why would not the US send its Seventh Fleet and go there?” “Why wait for war before it helps the Philippines?”

“Of the remaining 19 industry divisions, 10 registered year-on-year increases in February 2024. In contrast, nine industry divisions posted annual declines during the period,” the PSA said.

“The highest annual drop was observed in other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment at 23.7 percent,” it added.

Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector was at 75 percent in February 2024.

This was slower than the 75.2 percent in January 2024, but faster than the average

capacity utilization rate recorded at 72.7 percent in February 2023.

All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month. The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate was led by manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical, at 84.6 percent.

This was followed by the manufacture of rubber and plastic products with an average capacity utilization rate of 80 percent, and manufacture of transport equipment at 80 percent.

“The proportion of establishments that

operated at full capacity [90 percent to 100 percent] was 28.3 percent of the total number of responding establishments. Meanwhile, 39.2 percent operated at 70 to 89 percent capacity, and 32.5 percent operated below 70 percent capacity,” the PSA said.

The Production Index and Net Sales Index used to be the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (Missi).

It continues to monitor the production, net sales, inventories, and capacity utilization of selected manufacturing establishments to provide flash indicators on the performance of the manufacturing sector.

G7’s infra partnership program PGII to fund 1st Asia-Pacific ‘economic corridor’ in PHL

TBy

Samuel P. Medenilla

HE Philippines is set to receive fresh investments in critical sectors as it becomes the beneficiary of a new “economic corridor” under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Initiative (PGII) of the Group of 7 (G7).

US President Joe Biden made the announcement during the landmark Philippine-Japan-United States trilateral meeting, which focused on “deepening relations” that will lead to a “peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

“I’m proud to announce we’re launching an economic corridor in the Philippines as part of the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. This is the first corridor in the Indo-Pacific,” Biden said in his opening statement for the trilateral meeting held in the White House in Washington D.C. on Thursday.

“It means more jobs for people across the entire region. It means more investment in sectors critical to our future, clean energy, ports, railroads, agriculture, and much more,” he added.

A senior US administration official earlier announced the PGII corridor in Luzon will connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas and facilitate investments on ports, rail, clean energy, semiconductors, supply chains, and other forms of connectivity.

The International Development Finance Corporation of the US will establish its first regional office in the Philippines to help set up the corridor.

The US and Japan will also allocate US$8 million for the Open Radio Access Network (RAN) field trials and the Asia Open RAN Academy based in Manila to enable future commercial deployment and create a reliable information communication technology ecosystem in the Philippines.

These initiatives will be complimented with the conduct of the first trilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue later this year.

Both countries also committed to

provide world-class semiconductor training to Filipino students through American and Japanese universities and to help Philippine transition to clean energy by providing it capacity-building in developing its civil nuclear energy program.

Just the beginning PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the meeting, which will pave the way to more trilateral maritime exercises and joint development cooperation among the three participating countries.

During the meeting hosted by Biden and attended by Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, they discussed how to make economies more resilient, climateproofing cities and societies, sustaining development progress, and forging a peaceful world.

Marcos stressed that the closer ties

of the participants was “borne not out of convenience nor of expediency, but as a natural progression of a deepening relations and robust cooperation.”

“But this meeting can be just a beginning,” Marcos said.

“Facing the complex challenges of our time requires concerted efforts on everyone’s part, a dedication to a common purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order,” he added.

The trilateral meeting was held amid China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea (SCS).

Kishida agreed with Marcos that the “multilayered cooperation between allies and like-minded countries” will help address such a “compound global crisis.”

“In order to secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region, I hope to reaffirm our intention to further strengthen our trilateral

cooperation and to present specific ways forward in today’s meeting,” Kishida said.

International prosperity

BIDEN affirmed that the US defense commitment not only to Japan, but also to the Philippines, remains ironclad.

“As I said before, any attack on the Philippine aircraft, vessels, or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty,” Marcos said.

He concluded that the security cooperation will be strengthened by the trilateral meeting and ensure international prosperity and security.

“When we stand as one, we’re able to forge a better future for all. And that’s what this new trilateral is all about in my view. Building a better future for people crossing the Pacific, and quite frankly beyond around the world,” Biden said.

M3 growth slowest in 2 years; high rates, excess liquidity mop-up cited

By Cai U. Ordinario

HIGH interest rates and efforts to siphon off excess liquidity in the market led to the slowest increase in domestic liquidity growth in over two years, according to the latest data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Domestic liquidity or M3 grew 5 percent to P16.9 trillion in February 2024 from 6 percent in January 2024. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said this is the slowest since May 2021.

Ricafort added that this growth is also the slowest in 11.5 percent years since August 2012. On a month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 decreased by about 0.2 percent.

“Slower M3 growth recently is still fundamentally consistent with the relatively tight/restrictive monetary policy measures in recent months as local monetary authorities siphon off some of the excess

liquidity in the financial system,” Ricafort said.

He explained that these efforts to siphon off excess liquidity are done through the weekly BSP securities auction every Friday and the BSP Term Deposit Facility (TDF) auctions every Wednesday.

These, Ricafort said, are the main liquidity management tools used by the BSP since 2016. These, along with tight monetary policy, are part of the efforts to bring down inflation to 2 to 4 percent.

The BSP said domestic claims grew 9.5 percent year-on-year in February from 9.9 percent (revised) in the previous month.

The data also showed claims on the private sector grew by 10.1 percent from 8.9 (revised) in January with the sustained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

“Net claims on the central government expanded by 12.1 percent from 15.8 percent [revised] due in part to

the sustained borrowings of the National Government,” BSP also said.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 3.6 percent year-onyear in February from 4.4 percent in January. The BSP’s NFA grew by 5.9 percent.

Meanwhile, BSP said the NFA of banks contracted on account of lower interbank loans receivables.

Bank lending

THE BSP also reported that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, expanded by 8.6 percent yearon-year in February from 7.8 percent in January.

On a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of RRPs, rose by 0.7 percent.

“The pick up in bank loans growth in recent months could be attributed to improved business and economic conditions, especially in terms im -

proved data on employment to among the best in nearly 20 years or since revised data started on 2005, easing inflation trend to the slowest in about 2 years,” Ricafort said.

The BSP said outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, increased by 8.7 percent in February from 7.8 percent in the previous month, while outstanding loans to non-residents expanded by 6.5 percent in February after growing by 9.8 percent in January.

Outstanding loans for production activities went up by 6.8 percent in February from 5.9 percent in the previous month, largely driven by the increase in lending to key sector such as real estate activities which posted a growth of 11.6 percent.

The data showed this was also driven by loans for electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply which grew 11.2 percent; wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 7.1 percent; transportation and storage, 21.1 percent); and manufacturing, 5.9 percent).

Consumer loans to residents grew by 25.2 percent in February, the same rate as in January, on the sustained increase in credit card and motor vehicle loans.

BSP consumer poll: Pinoys less optimistic of Q2, next 12 mos on inflation fears

FILIPINOS are less optimistic about the second quarter and the next 12 months given expectations that inflation would remain high, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The latest Consumer Expectation Survey (CES) showed that consumer sentiment was less optimistic for the second quarter of 2024 and the next 12 months as the confidence index declined to 2.7 percent and 13.4 percent from 5.6 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

The data also showed that apart from high commodity prices, Filipinos are less optimistic because they expect that fewer jobs will be available for them, as well as lower incomes in the next quarter and in

PRC. . .

Continued from A3

the next 12 months.

“Consumers were less pessimistic with respect to the country’s economic condition and the family’s financial situation in the first quarter 2024 while their pessimistic outlook for family income was little changed. For the second 2024 and the next 12 months, consumer outlook was less favorable across all three component indicators,” BSP said in a statement. As a result, consumers were less keen on buying big-ticket items in the next 12 months and were more inclined to save their money.

However, the data showed 24.9 percent of households availed themselves of a loan in the last 12 months, higher than

the 22.9 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Consumers also expected interest rates to increase and the peso to depreciate against the US dollar for the first and second quarters of 2024 and in the next 12 months.

Households, BSP said, expect that the unemployment rate may rise, albeit at a slower pace in the first and second quarters of 2024 but may decline in the next 12 months.

Households also expect that the inflation rate may rise for all reference periods.

Specifically, consumers expect the inflation rate to average 5.3 percent for the next 12 months, or above the upper end of the National Government’s inflation target range of 2 to 4 percent for 2024-2025.

Last Monday, BSP said it could delay any rate cuts to the first quarter of 2025, pending improvements in the country’s economic performance, including cooler inflation.

The Monetary Board decided to retain the BSP’s Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate at 6.5 percent. With this, interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities also remain at 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively.

BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chairman Eli M. Remolona Jr. said they are more hawkish than before given the 3.7-percent inflation print in March 2024. This prompted the MB to raise its riskadjusted inflation forecast to 4 percent this year from the initial 3.9 percent in January 2024. Cai U. Ordinario

Quiboloy can no longer be extradited with new non-bailable case–police

DBy Manuel T. Cayon

AVAO CITY—The police here said the fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy may now be rest assured of his condition be to be protected from a feared US move to abduct or assassinate him.

“Pastor, here is now your warrant which is nonbailable, of which when you surrender or get arrested, other countries will not interfere anymore because our judge here already took cognizance of the case,” said Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo, Davao regional police chief, addressing the fugitive pastor publicly.

The second warrant against the founder of the Davao City-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ was about the offense on “qualified human trafficking” which Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 Judge Rainelda EstacioMontesa issued on Thursday.

Delvo confirmed his office received the warrant through its e-warrant system, where court warrants from all over the country are sent electronically to police offices where the persons or properties named are in their jurisdiction.

Quiboloy remained in hiding but described his decision to hide as “protecting himself from US rendition” to force him to face his cases in the US, or to be assassinated.

Delvo said he has already sent his intelligence agents and directed them to intensify their work to arrest the pastor, who earlier gave a set of 17 conditions to government for him to come out of hiding.

Among the conditions he publicly stated in an audio message through social media were a written assurance from President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the head of such offices as the National Bureau of Investigation, National Police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, that they will not allow US agents to intervene in the country’s judicial process in litigating the child and women sexual abuse and trafficking cases.

Delvo said he believed the pastor was in hiding here “because Davao is his safe refuge.”

He told an online news interview that he has also warned politicians against coddling him.

The Pasig court warrant also named as co-accused Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemanes. They earier posted bail after the first warrant of arrest was issued last week by an RTC judge here for sexual abuse of a minor.

On Thursday night, former President Rodrigo Duterte, a known ally, said he would advise the pastor to go to court and post bail. “That’s the best option I can give him.”

Duterte previously urged him to surrender “or get arrested.”

Duterte said Quiboloy “is in Tamayong” but it was uncertain if he said it in jest. He said Tamayong is a big place that, aside from his Prayer Mountain facility, has several houses.

Tamayong is an interior tribal village where his posh Prayer Mountain haven sits. It the venue for large gatherings of Quiboloy followers and occasionally hosts Filipino political dignitaries. Quiboloy also maintains a residential rest house in Samal Island as well as the campus of Jose Maria College, which he established beside the Davao airport.

We’re close to hitting single-digit poverty goal–DOF chief Recto

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto expressed confidence that the Philippines is close to reaching a single-digit poverty goal as the country’s jobless rate eased.

the employment rate to increase to 96.5 percent from 95.2 percent in February 2023.

fleet of 178 ambulances, food trucks, rescue trucks, fire trucks, humvees, amphibians, rescue boats, Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles, water tankers with water bladders, and payloaders to clear debris in case of disasters. The MV Amazing Grace, a humanitarian ship, is another vital asset that provides rescue and relief items to various islands in the Philippines. To operate these assets and logistics, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon invested heavily in recruiting volunteers and developing an extensive network of trained emergency medical services personnel. Under his leadership, the PRC now has over 2 million volunteers across the country who can operate humanitarian assets, perform first aid, or respond to emergencies in their communities.

number of volunteers, and Operations Center fulfills the equation “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = A Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There”—a mantra that guides PRC in its responses to vulnerable communities. Its focus on these three areas has enabled it to provide critical assistance to millions of Filipinos affected by natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies.

The PRC’s enhanced logistics, increased

Over the years, Chairman Gordon, along with PRC Secretary-General Dr.

Gwen Pang, also crystallized the need for immediate collective action to address climate change, advance gender equality, augment the country’s blood requirement, and improve the grassroot healthcare provision. These endeavors significantly enhanced the organization’s efforts to secure peace, sustainable development, and humanitarian aid. Chairman Gordon’s legacy will endure for years, as the PRC remains to inspire hope and aid for Filipinos in need.

In a statement by the Department of Finance (DOF) on Friday, Recto said the “continued improvements” in the country’s jobs market and quality of jobs for Filipinos signal progress towards achieving the government’s target of reducing the poverty rate to single-digit or by 9 percent by 2028.

This is based on the recent Macro Poverty Outlook for the Philippines released by the World Bank, which projected that the country could cut its poverty incidence to 9.3 percent in 2026, two years ahead of the 9-percent target by 2028.

“I am optimistic that through this continued progress in our labor market, which leads to increased opportunities and incomes for more Filipinos, we will be able to reach our single-digit poverty goal sooner than expected,” Recto said.

The latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the country’s unemployment rate went down to 3.5 percent in February 2024 from 4.8 percent in the same month last year, translating to 1.8 million unemployed individuals.

In February 2024, the underemployment rate inched down to 12.4 percent from 12.9 percent year-on-year as more people are engaged in more quality jobs.

In terms of employment, a total of 49 million employed individuals were recorded in February, higher than the 48.8 million in the same month last year. This caused

Wage and salary workers continued to contribute the largest share at 62.9 percent with 30.8 million of the total employed individuals in February 2024, of which 24.4 million were from private establishments. More than half of the jobs in February were provided by services at 60.6 percent; agriculture at 21.3 percent, and less than a fifth from industry, at 18.1 percent.

Recto said that the DOF will push more strategies that further enhance labor and improve employment conditions while keeping inflation under control through the implementation of economic liberalization laws.

This, Recto said, will spur more employment-generating investments and improve the country’s business climate particularly the recent signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code.

The government is steadfast, he said, in its support for reforms, such as the Enterprise Productivity Act, the Apprenticeship Bill, and the Lifelong Learning Bill to enhance the preparedness and employability of Filipinos for quality job opportunities.

“All of our development efforts are directed towards harnessing the talents of our young workforce and building an economy where every Filipino can thrive, secure decent jobs, and create better lives for themselves and their families. All these provide pathways out of poverty and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future for our people,” Recto said.

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Time BusinessMirror Our

8,898 North Cotabato seniors get pension

By

PNA

DBM releases ₧49.807B for social pension of indigent senior citizens

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released a total of P49.807 billion to fund the social pension of over 4 million indigent senior citizens nationwide.

In a statement on Friday, the DBM said the fund, which was allocated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in January this year, is chargeable against the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

The released budget is almost double last year’s appropriation of P25.30 billion.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the immediate release of the budget for the monthly stipend of senior citizens was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to take care of the elderly.

“We recognize the challenges faced by the elderly and understand the importance of providing

timely assistance to alleviate their hardships. The prompt release of this budget allows us to make a tangible difference in their lives,” she said.

The DSWD Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) Program aims to improve the wellbeing of indigent senior citizens by supplementing their daily living and medical requirements, alleviating hunger, and protecting them from deprivation, neglect, or abuse. Under Republic Act (RA) 11916 enacted in July 2022, beneficiaries of the SPISC Program are entitled to receive an enhanced monthly stipend of P1,000 this year.

The world’s oldest man says the secret to his longevity is luck, plus regular fish and chips

ONDON—The

Lworld’s oldest man says the secret to his long life is luck, moderation—and fish and chips every Friday.

Englishman John Alfred Tinniswood, 111, has been confirmed as the new holder of the title by Guinness World Records. It follows the death of the Venezuelan record-holder, Juan Vicente Pérez, this month at the age of 114. Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan, who was next longest-lived, died March 31 at 112.

Tinniswood was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records on Thursday at the care home where he lives in Southport, northwest England.

Born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, a few months after the sinking of the Titanic, Tinniswood

BBy Ken Moritsugu The Associated Press

EIJING—At 53, Guan Junling is too old to get hired at factories anymore. But for migrant workers like her, not working is not an option.

For decades, they have come from farming villages to find work in the cities. Toiling in sweatshops and building apartment complexes they could never afford to live in, they played a vital role in China’s transformation into an economic powerhouse.

As they grow older, the first generation of migrant workers is struggling to find jobs in a slowing economy. Many are financially strapped, so they have to keep looking.

“There is no such thing as a ‘retirement’ or ‘pensions’ for rural people. You can only rely on yourself and work,” Guan said. “When can you stop working? It’s really not until you have to lie in bed and you can’t do anything.” She now relies on housecleaning gigs, working long days to squirrel away a little money in case of a health emergency. Migrant workers can get subsidized health care in their hometowns, but they have little or no coverage elsewhere. If Guan needs to

lived through two world wars, serving in the British Army Pay Corps in World War II. The retired accountant and great-grandfather said moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smokes, rarely drinks and follows no special diet, apart from a fish and chip supper once a week.

“If you drink too much or you eat too much or you walk too much— if you do too much of anything— you’re going to suffer eventually,” Tinniswood told Guinness World Records.

But ultimately, he said, “it’s pure luck. You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”

The world’s oldest woman, and oldest living person, is 117-yearold Maria Branyas Morera of Spain. AP

go to hospital in Beijing, she has to pay out of pocket. As China’s population ages, so are its migrant workers. About 85 million were over 50 in 2022, the latest year for which data is available, accounting for 29 percent of all migrant workers and up from 15 percent a decade earlier. With limited or no pensions and health insurance, they need to keep working. About 75 percent said they would work beyond the age of 60 in a questionnaire distributed to 2,500 firstgeneration migrant workers between 2018 to 2022, according to Qiu Fengxian, a scholar on rural sociology who described her research in a talk last year. The first-generation refers to those born in the 1970s or earlier.

Older workers are being hit by a double whammy. Jobs have dried up in construction due to a downturn in the real estate market and in factories because of automation and the slowing economy. Age discrimination is common, so jobs tend to go to younger people.

“For young people, of course, you can still find a job, positions are available, though the wage is not high enough,” said Zhang Chenggang of Beijing’s Capital University of Economics and Business, where he directs a center researching new

RA 11916 doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens from P500 to P1,000.

forms of employment.

“But for older migrant workers, there simply are no positions,” said Zhang, who conducted field studies at four labor markets across China late last year. “Now, the problem is that no matter how low the wage is, as long as someone pays, you will take the job.”

Some job recruiters contacted by AP said older workers don’t work well or have underlying illnesses. Others declined to answer and hung up.

Many are turning to temporary work. Zhang Zixing was looking for gigs on a cold winter day late last year at a sprawling outdoor labor market on the outskirts of Beijing.

He said he was fired from a job delivering packages because of his age about three years ago, when he reached 55. In December, he was earning 260 yuan (about $35) a day installing cables at construction sites.

Zhang Quanshou, a village official in Henan province and a delegate to China’s National People’s Congress, said some older migrant workers are just looking for work near their hometowns, while others still head to larger cities.

“Some older migrant workers are finding temporary jobs, so it is important to build the temporary job market and provide a

better platform for such services,” Zhang, the Communist Party secretary of the village, said in an emailed response to questions during a recent annual meeting of the Congress.

Guan, who comes from a ricefarming region in the north, worked on a clothing factory assembly line until she was laid off when she was in her 40s. She then worked various jobs in different cities, winding up in Beijing in 2018.

She works seven days a week, partly because she’s afraid labor agencies won’t call again if she turns an offer down.

Over February’s Lunar New Year holiday, when migrant workers traditionally go home to visit their families, she stayed in Beijing as a caretaker for an elderly woman, because the woman needed help and she needed the money.

“People either want someone who’s educated or young, and I don’t meet either of those requirements,” said Guan, who dropped out after middle school because her parents had only enough money to educate their son. “But then I think, regardless of how other people look at me, I have to survive.”

Guan worries jobs will be even harder to find when she reaches 55. The retirement age for women

Eligible recipients must be 60 years old and above, frail and sickly, and without pensions from other government sources such as the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Social Security System, and private insurance companies. They should also not have a regular source of income or support from family or relatives to cover their basic needs.

BBy Alexander Lopez

UTUAN CITY—At least

36,847 indigent senior citizens in Caraga Region were given financial assistance in the first quarter of this year under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program, the region’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-13) said Thursday.

In a statement, DSWD-13 also said P221 million worth of stipends were disbursed to the beneficiaries during the period.

“As the payouts continue, schedules for the remaining municipalities and cities in the Caraga Region are coordinated through the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices [LSWDOs] so they can further disseminate information to the beneficiaries,” the agency said.

in China is 50 or 55, depending on the company and type of work. For men, it is 60.

Lu Guoquan, a trade union official, has proposed relaxing age limits for jobs, judging workers by their physical condition instead of their age and making it easier for older people to find work through labor markets and online platforms.

“A large number of farmers have entered cities, making an important contribution to the modernization of our country,” said his proposal, made to an advisory body during the recent national congress and seen by the AP.

As workers grow older, “they are gradually becoming a relatively vulnerable group in the labor market and face a number of thresholds and problems in continuing to work,” it said.

Lu, director of the general office of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, declined an interview request.

Duan Shuangzhu has spent 25 years collecting trash in one Beijing neighborhood after giving up a life of raising sheep and cows in north China’s Shanxi province when he was in his 40s. He gets up at 3:30 a.m. seven days a week to make his rounds. For that, he earns 3,300 yuan ($460) a month and has a basement

The SPISC Program is among the many initiatives implemented to achieve the current administration’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas” or New Philippines. PNA

It added that the validation and revalidation of beneficiaries at the level of local government units are ongoing to ensure the accurate allocation of slots.

Most of the beneficiaries who received their stipends from January to March this year were from the provinces of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.

“The Caraga Regional Social Pension Unit [RSPU] of the DSWD-13 also requested the beneficiaries to stay at home and remain accessible to claim stipends to avoid delisting and for proper identification during validation,” the DSWD-13 said.

The RSPU also reminded program beneficiaries to adhere only to official announcements from the DSWD-13, the LSWDOs, and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective LGUs. PNA

room to live in.

Duan’s wife stayed on the farm, where she looks after their grandchildren. Duan has managed to save money for himself, his children and his grandchildren, but never paid into a pension system, directing what little he earns to his family.

That fits the pattern Qiu found in her research, which she published in a book last year. Older migrant workers moved to the cities to improve the lives of their children and other relatives, not themselves, she found. Most have limited or no savings, and few have climbed the economic ladder. They hoped their children would, but most ended up as migrant workers, too.

Most migrant workers’ earnings were spent on their children’s marriages, homes and education, Qiu said in her talk. “Basically, they did not begin working for themselves and planning for their own late years until the age of 55.”

Duan, at 68, has no plans to quit.

“As long as I can work every day, it’s enough to survive,” he said, standing next to a set of community rubbish bins, color-coded for recycling.

“I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family —just filling my stomach each day is enough for me.”

DepEd-Ozamiz leads launch of school-based teen centers

THE Department of Education’s (DepEd) Ozamiz City Division led a unified launch of school-based teen centers that will address the holistic needs of the region’s youth.

The event, hosted at the Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trades (OCSAT) on March 22, not only inaugurated these vital centers, but also celebrated their accreditation by the Department of Health, which highlighted their commitment to providing comprehensive services to the youngsters.

The newly established teen centers in OCSAT, as well as in Pulot National High School, Montol National High School, and Marcelino C. Regis Integrated School, will stand as pillars of support and empowerment for adolescents

navigating complexities of their growth. Ozamiz City National High School also led this initiative last year, serving as the city’s inaugural teen center. Each of these facilities received Level-1 certifications during the unified launch, which showcased their dedication. With a diverse array of services, they aim to foster informed decision-making, promote well-being, and offer a nurturing environment for growth and development. The event featured a comprehensive program, including a

welcome address, statements of purpose, intermission numbers, and insightful messages from esteemed individuals committed to adolescent health and development or AHD.

Expressing support for the endeavor, Regional Director Neil Aldrin Omega of the Commission on Population and DevelopmentRegion X remarked that “the launch of these teen centers represents a significant milestone in our commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our students. We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where adolescents can thrive.”

DepEd-Ozamiz City Division’s senior Education Program specialist Arlene Via added that “the [creation of these teen centers signifies a crucial step of promoting the health and well-being of our adolescents. We commend the joint] efforts of stakeholders involved in this endeavor, and pledge our continued support.”

Sexual Health and Empower -

ment (SHE) project regional coordinator for Northern Mindanao Coleen Anugon echoed these sentiments: “As advocates for youth empowerment, we recognize the importance of providing comprehensive support systems for adolescents. The launch of these teen centers reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the potential of our young citizens.”

The establishment of the teen hubs was made possible through the support of Jhpiego under SHE, funded by Global Affairs Canada and led by Oxfam. Jhpiego’s technical leadership in training health service providers and managers, strengthening youth-friendly and genderresponsive sexual and reproductive health outreach services, as well as promoting coordination of SRH and GBV services, have been instrumental in realizing this initiative.

Beyond the launch, DepEdOzamiz City Division eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of these teen centers in empowering adolescents, fostering healthy behaviors, and shaping a brighter future for the city’s youth.

Services by the teen centers include information education through educational videos and lectures, counseling sessions facilitated by registered guidance counselors and guidance advocates, personality and genderdevelopment workshops, recreational activities, as well as crucial referral services for cases involving pregnant and sexually abused learners to relevant government agencies such as the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Health Office, Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center, plus the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Desk.

Mapúa Univ. paves way in AI-integrated learning

WITH the rapidly changing way people live, work, and interact with technology, is there room for artificial intelligence (AI) to positively impact the field of education?

To equip students with the tools and global perspectives needed to navigate today’s working environment, Mapúa University aims to set the standard for AI-integrated education in the country.

Mapúa president Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo discussed the future of AI within Mapúa institutions in a recent event, where he shared the university’s initiative in offering courses to faculty and staff that allow them to seamlessly integrate AI into their curricula.

Modules such as “Basic Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT: An Introduction” demystify the world of large language models or LLMs such as ChatGPT, and empower learners to effectively harness their capabilities.

On the other hand, courses such as “AI Foundations: Scripting ChatGPT with Python” enable learners to use the general-purpose programming language of Python scripting to create human-like text-generation models. These make it possible for learners to develop the foundations needed to create intelligent algorithms, machine learning models, and to automate intricate tasks.

Following a groundbreaking tie-up with Arizona State University (ASU)—considered the most innovative university in the United States for nine consecutive years by the US News & World Report 2016-

2024 , the introduction of these courses and modules falls under the university’s mission of innovating and providing state-of-theart solutions to community and industry issues. More AI-related courses and modules will soon be made available for Mapúa University students.

With the development of techdriven degree programs like “Financial Technology” and “Business Intelligence and Analytics,” these efforts help ensure futurereadiness of the next generation of Filipino professionals who will begin their careers in a working landscape with more automation and data utilization.

“We are nearing a future where the use of AI will be rampant. As early as now, we must empower future generations of professionals to use these tools responsibly in ways that [aid] and complement human intelligence and capabilities,” said Dr. Maestrecampo, who is also the president of Malayan

Colleges-Laguna and Mindanao. “These efforts are in-step with our mission to form future-ready, tech-oriented learners and to set the [norms] for AI-integrated education in the country.”

Integrating AI EDUCATORS are progressively seeing the possibilities for the further integration of AI in higher education. At the event, Rick Shangraw Ph.D, who is the president of Cintana Education and former senior vice president for research and innovation at ASU, highlighted the manner AI tools will be an enduring part of the innovation landscape for the foreseeable future.

Recognizing AI’s potential to support human intelligence and boost potential, Shangraw also shared that ASU became the first higher education institution to link-up with OpenAI—the research and development firm behind ChatGPT.

‘Lola Basyang’ kin asks for cooperation to foster love for reading among kids

The collaboration between ASU and OpenAI brings the advanced capabilities of ChatGPT to higher education, setting a new precedent for how universities enhance learning, creativity, and student outcomes. The groundbreaking partnership between ASU and OpenAI was designed to enhance student success, to streamline organizational processes, and to forge new avenues for research.

“[These are exciting times for innovation, as we look forward to exploring and expanding AI’s] impact in higher education with Mapúa,” said Shangraw.

Beyond the discussion of how AI can be integrated into higher learning, the event also delved into the technology’s implications in today’s professional landscape. As AI, data science, and machine learning sweep through various sectors, the fields of business and health sciences are undergoing digital transformations that require future professionals to be adept in the usage of these tools in unlocking more opportunities for personal and professional development.

By seeing opportunities for AI in education and making worldclass top-ranked education more accessible, the university further builds on a rich legacy of academic excellence. With its collaboration with ASU now in its third year, Mapúa innovates in the present to help create a future where Filipino learners can take on the world together, according to the university in a statement.

pino director and

Severino Reyes—more popularly known as “Lola Basyang”—called for cooperation to encourage the “Gen As,” or today’s young generation, to read books. “What we are asking now is: How [can we] entice young readers to read books, because we are already overrun by gadgets?” Cecilia Medina rhetorically asked during the awarding event of the first “Severino Reyes Medal”—the highlight activity of the inaugural celebration of the International Children’s Book Day in the country—held at the National Library of the Philippines in Manila last April 2. According to Medina, kids nowadays, more often than not, turn to digital tools like mobile phones and tablets to read books or some other educational materials, instead of their printed versions. Also, they seek the Internet or mobile applications to gain information, rather than going to the library, she added. “I love the smell of minted books and the feel of the printed page which, unfortunately, they do not appreciate anymore. Once they ask for something, they don’t go researching in books: They just ask Siri or Google to get the data that they want,” then she asked: “How can we entice them to read books? Why do they spend thousands of pesos to buy manga and anime books which do not represent any of our culture?” To help address the situation, Medina urged educators, librarians, parents, and bookworms to help promote the good habit of reading among the youth. She expects that local publishing firms will continue presenting more enticing illustrations of children’s stories pioneered by writer and academician Christine BelenAng, in collaboration with her uncle Louie Reyes, who was also a publisher.

“I hope we can continue that starting point, and we can entice the young generation to love books again,” said the grandchild of Lola Basyang’s son Pedrito.

Exhibit and adaptation

APART from offering e-books and eresources to keep up with the digital era, Director Cesar Gilbert Adriano of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) said that exhibiting the works of recognized and beloved Filipino authors like Reyes, as well as using his books in storytelling activities will not only attract youngsters to go to the library, but also introduce the country’s great but

forgotten writers who are worth emulating by the youth.

In agreement, NLP Reference Division chief Dr. Dolores Carungi pointed out that the constant embrace of his stories could also contribute a lot in instilling the value of reading among children.

“There are a lot of platforms now that our social-media generation have, which I think could be of help for the continuous adaptation of his works so we can reach out to a wider audience, since many of today’s generation are more into videos,” Dr. Carungi said in a mix of Filipino and English. “I think that would help the youth to have more appreciation and knowledge if they read, hear and watch the works of Severino Reyes.”

The latter’s body of works comprises 22 dramas, 26 zarzuelas, and 500 children’s stories that make up the famed “Ang Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang.” In his honor, the Severino Reyes Medal is an award that recognizes the outstanding achievements of different Filipino authors and illustrators—the unsung heroes of local children’s literature. From almost 200 entries submitted, the inaugural winners were “ Kalambing ” written by Augie Rivera which topped the “Best Picture Book” category, I Like Wearing Rainbows by Agay Llanera as “Best Story Book,” and “ Moymoy Lulumboy ” by Segundo Matias Jr. for “Best Young Adult Book.”

“The awardees help in shaping the social, emotional, and intellectual aptitude of the Filipino youth. They provide an interesting insight in every turn of pages, and they create fantastic experiences in every ending of a story,” Adriano said. “Similarly, the awardees brought inspiration, hope and encouragement in every book they made and produced. Ultimately, they enrich the perspective, knowledge and creativity of the readers, especially the youngsters, by connecting and exposing them to their [works].”

PART

of their efforts in helping improve basic education, BDO Foundation, Knowledge Channel Foundation and Huawei Phils. have once again forged a partnership to continue an initiative designed to make the study of Mathematics more engaging for young learners.

In an event witnessed by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), the partners signed a memorandum of agreement formalizing the commitment of BDO Foundation and Huawei Phils. to jointly fund the development of a new batch of 10 curriculum-based video lessons on early numeracy, which can be used

in teaching Mathematics to Grade 1 learners.

Like the first set of five “MathDali” videos produced last year, the new ones will be developed by Knowledge Channel in consultation with DepEd.

The new MathDali episodes will help learners develop skills in number sense, number order, patterns, and simple math operations, according to the foundation.

The learning resources will be distributed via Knowledge Channel’s on-air, online, and offline platforms, as well as the DepEd online learning portal, so that teachers can access them.

BEYOND THE COASTLINE A DAY Of DISCOvErY IN CEBu CITY

Among the myriad of destinations in the Philippines, Cebu City has always thrived as a beacon of tourism, culture, and economic prosperity.

Fondly known as the “Queen City of the South” due to its pivotal role in trade and commerce along with its array of tourist attractions from its world-class beach resorts to its renowned lechon and historical landmarks, Cebu offers a wealth of experiences that can sometimes be challenging to decide where to begin with.

Upon my arrival at Mactan Cebu International Airport and flying with Philippine Airlines, I received a warm welcome from the staff of Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City and Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. Their hospitality heightened the excitement of my first day and made me appreciative of their impressive service extending from room accommodations to dining options.

it provides insight into its defensive layout. Cannon placements adorn the sides overlooking the sea, while a robust wooden barrier safeguards the entrance.

loved ones.

Exploring Fort San Pedro

Beg I nn I ng with e l Fuerte de San Pedro, also known as Fort San Pedro, located on A. Pigafetta Street stands as the oldest and smallest fort in the country, and a source of pride for the city and holds a wealth of historical significance from the Spanish colonial era.

This locale resembles a miniature version of Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. However, Fort San Pedro’s construction dates back to 1565 under the supervision of Miguel López de Legazpi. The current stone structure, erected in 1738, solidifies its status as the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines.

Strategically positioned with two sides facing the sea and one facing the land—where the entrance is located—

As I strolled through the streets of Cebu City, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement as I went on to experience the historical sites that were once just pictures in my grade school textbooks, such as Magellan’s Cross and the picturesque bridges linking the city to other islands. During the tour, we also visited five nearby destinations in the area that provided an in-depth understanding of this city’s history and attractions.

A DIFFERENT ISTANBUL More than meets the eye

IIt is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, the familiar and the exotic, and the historical with the avant-garde. a s a bustling metropolis of 16 million situated between Europe and a sia, Istanbul, both as a city and as a locality, is considered to be a bridge between the past and the future, the East and the West, and the glory of empire and the vibrancy of a modern age. Given that three bridges connect both the European and a sian ( a natolian) parts of the city, it is easy to see why it is considered to be a gateway across continents.

However, most Filipinos, regardless of whether they actually went to the city or not, imagine Istanbul as a one-day stopover with little much to offer other than un E s CO-cited Historic a reas of Istanbul (also known as the Historical Peninsula).

Indeed, posts about the city on social media travel groups would show that they focused mostly on the city’s historical quarter, with the rare picture of Filipinos taking selfies and pictures with the iconic and photogenic b osphorus b ridge as their backdrop.

Without further ado, here are some easy suggestions on how to expand your Istanbul experience (take note that Em -

inönü is just a 15-minute walk from places like the b lue Mosque, topkapı Palace, and Hagia s ophia as well as nearby accommodation choices):

Ortaköy: Waffles, stuffed potatoes, and the sea

W HI l E it takes 20 to 30 minutes by bus from Eminönü, going to Ortaköy is an obligatory rite of passage for those who come to Istanbul. One can enjoy waffles on a plate (served with toppings of your choice) and kumpir ( turkish-style baked stuffed potatoes) to satisfy your sweet and salty tooth’s, respectively. Once you are done, walk around the neighborhood, visit the architectural marvel that is the Ortaköy Mosque, savor the air, and pose for a picture or two on the b osphorus coastline with the iconic eponymous bridge as your backdrop.

Üsküdar: An underrated gem

Üsk Ü dar , found on the a sian side of Istanbul, is basically a short ferry ride away from Eminönü on the Historical Peninsula. It boasts endless blocks of cozy cafes, pastry shops, restaurants, and food hubs that fit all tastes and budgets. t here are also multiple mosques, architectural icons, and historical sites in the area, most notable of which is the Mihrimah s ultan Mosque (you could

For those curious about its interior, notable features include paintings depicting the Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Magellan, along with portraits of these figures by e mmanuel F. Pañares, a Cebuano artist and other preserved Spanish artifacts such as paintings, sculptures, vintage photographs, documents, and various relics.

Today, Fort San Pedro operates as a historical park under the management of the Cebu City government and visitors can explore the area for a nominal entrance fee of 30 pesos.

National Museum-Cebu

n ex T on the list is the n ational Museum of the Philippines ( n MP) - Cebu, just a short 2-3 minute walk from Fort San Pedro. Inaugurated in July 2023, it became the 16th component museum of the n MP. n MP-Cebu showcases exhibitions that encapsulate the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Cebu. These include displays on the island’s diverse biodiversity, geological formations, archaeological wonders, artistic creations, as well as ethnographic and maritime traditions.

Meanwhile, creating videos for reels or TikTok has become somewhat obligatory for some people when visiting new places, as they aim to capture aesthetic moments with friends and

However, it’s important to remember that museums have certain etiquettes that must be followed. For instance, the use of selfie sticks and tripods is not allowed, and items like wired headphones and headsets, as well as other objects that may disrupt the exploration of the museum and its displays, should be avoided.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy the lobby and reception hall filled with artworks by Cebuano artists that showcase the culture and history of the province. The museum also features a terrace, courtyard, and the n MP’s very first museum shop. The museum is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

Me A nw HIL e , step into the YapSandiego Ancestral House, where the echoes of Spanish and Chinese influence resonate through the corridors of time in the Philippines. Built from a blend of wood and coral stones, this historic structure is enveloped by lush potted plants that create an inviting atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

Inside, you’ll find a fountain of historical treasures, with antique furniture, chandeliers, and relics that whisper tales of days gone by. e ven the old radio cassette, a relic of the past, still plays music to this day, serving as a time capsule of bygone eras. w hat sets this ancestral house apart is its commitment to preserv -

ing history in a truly immersive way. Unlike many museums where artifacts are kept behind glass, visitors here are encouraged to fully engage with the relics.

Feel the weight of history as you sit on the antique chairs, run your fingers along the weathered surfaces, and immerse yourself in the stories of generations past.

Despite its age, the house stands as a testament to the enduring strength of its construction. As you wander through its halls, you can’t help but be transported back to the Spanish colonial era, feeling the whispers of history in every corner.

Magellan’s Cross

A S the sun began its descent, we found ourselves drawn to Magellan’s Cross, nestled just beside the Sto. n iño Church. w hat I once thought I’d only see in postcards was now standing right before me.

Located just beside the historic Sto. n iño Church, Magellan’s Cross is more than just a simple monument —it’s a symbol of faith, history, and culture all rolled into one.

Legend has it that this Christian cross was planted by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan upon their arrival in Cebu on March 15, 1521. It marked the birth of Christianity in the land and served as a tangible manifestation of their intention to spread their faith.

Approaching the gazebo that shelters Magellan’s Cross, I was struck

by the serene atmosphere that surrounded it. The shelter’s ceiling was painted with a breathtaking mural depicting the first mass ever held in the Philippines.

But what truly captivated me were the women gathered around the gazebo, selling colorful candles of all shapes and sizes. It was a tradition, they explained, for visitors to place candles around the base of the cross and offer prayers for their intentions.

And as I watched them dance and chant while praying, I couldn’t shake the feeling of deep reverence and admiration washing over me.

Sto. Niño Church

A FT e R a full day of exploring the city, it’s a must to make a stop at The Basilica Minore del Santo n iño de Cebu, affectionately known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child or Sto. n iño Church.

Inside, the church holds the revered image of the Sto. n iño, depicting Jesus as a black Holy Child, the beloved patron saint of the city. It’s a significant site for prayer and pilgrimage, drawing crowds of devotees year-round.

Around the premises, you’ll find a vibrant scene: families enjoying quality time together, devotees deep in prayer with flickering candles, and local vendors selling an array of souvenirs.

And as I lit my own candle and whispered a prayer, I felt a profound sense of connection to the history and spirituality of Cebu City.

venture beyond the confines of the Historical Peninsula.

t he only reason why Istanbul is not yet a well-worn destination for Filipinos is the fact that the visa regime isn’t yet optimized and that roundtrip plane tickets cost at least P35,000 per head. s till, I believe that people will agree with me when I line out the reasons why Istanbul is a must-place to visit, even once in one’s lifetime.

First, there are delicious, filling, and well-presented food choices that cater to a wide range of price points. Yes, even on a budget, it is possible to taste different dishes and have a five-course meal.

s econd, if you search a bit and go around, you will find that Istanbul is basically a shopper’s paradise. From clothes to coffee machines; from luscious candies and branded chocolates and everything in between, and things like turkish delights and baklava, there is something that. Heck, even the snacks and instant noodles would be of interest to Filipino foodies out there!

Most importantly, being in Istanbul allows one to live the European experience while reveling in the city’s thousands of years of history and without having to break the bank and get a s chengen visa.

t hen you’ll realize why people have always thought of Istanbul as the center of the world. K

diverse eating and drinking options, this place is something that you would want to come (even if it is just for the gram/feed!) It can be reached from Üsküdar via a 10 to 15-minute bus ride.

Reflections and realities a s someone who has been to turkey multiple times in my life, I definitely have a soft spot for Istanbul and its environs. Indeed, would say that in order to experience what the city truly offers, one should stay for a week and

t here’s so much to see in Istanbul that even professional travel guides struggle to fit it all! d on’t just take my word for it: t he best way is to experience it and see it for yourself.

Story & photos by Carlo Mandi

stanbul

AS someone who watches a lot of concerts, fancams (a recording of a celebrity or public figure taken and/or circulated by fans) are very important to me. I don’t take a lot of them, just a few for posterity and some still images for my column. I also post a few on my private stab Twitter account. Since 2023, I have been pretty happy with Samsung’s S23 Ultra but I recently got the chance to test the S24 Ultra. In this column, I will only talk about the phone’s camera.

I will be honest. The S24 Ultra has a learning curve.

The S24 Ultra’s main camera has a 200-megapixel f/1.7 with OIS, 3x telephoto with 10-megapixel f/2.4, OIS, 5x telephoto with 50-megapixel f/3.4, OIS, ultrawide with 12-megapixel f/2.2, and selfie with 12-megapixel f/2.2. The main difference between the cameras of the S24 Ultra and the S23 Ultra is that the former has a new 5x telephoto camera that replaces the 10x module of the latter. This means you get both 5x and 10x zoom shots.

During daytime, the S24 Ultra’s main camera takes amazing photos that are detailed and look more natural than the S23 Ultra. The saturation is also less vibrant and that’s a good thing.

The 50MP 5x zoom telephoto that replaces the 10MP 10x also delivers superior shots while maintaining a similar image quality to the S23 Ultra at 10x. The new version uses crop zoom to get to 10x and, for me, the image quality is good. Is it better than the 10x optical zoom on the previous version? In the beginning, the images I took on the S23 Ultra at 10x zoom seemed better than the ones I took on the S24 Ultra at 10x crop zoom. That is, until I started learning how to really use it properly.

Expert RAW now produces 24-megapixel images with data from 50- and 12-megapixel captures. According to Samsung, Expert RAW is an innovative camera app for Samsung Galaxy that provides RAW files that can be professionally filmed and edited later so that you can take high-quality HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos and edit them in more detail.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 phones are the first to be

able to upload HDR photos to Instagram. The HDR photos produced by the S24 Ultra are very vibrant.

photos using camera features like Nightography, Super HDR, and Video Stabilization from within their apps.

tones and enough, if not too much, detail. In the past, my issues with Android cameras included the beauty filter which turned you into a different person.

Well, the Samsung S24 Ultra has a very realistic selfie camera. You can still turn on the beauty filter if you want to but know that the more realistic option is available.

For concerts, assuming I am at the MOA Arena Suites which is on the third floor, I zoom in at 9.3 for best results. When taking close-up images, the S24 Ultra usually automatically switches to the Focus Enhancer, which removes any natural background blur, but you can turn that off if you wish.

Web3 will empower Filipinos

RIZAL RAOUL S.

as part of the effort to bring web3 closer to Filipino communities.

Mench Dizon, YGG Pilipinas country head, said YGG seeks to provide opportunities for its members to a web3 gaming through questing initiatives such as Superquests and the Guild Advancement Program (GAP). By networking with fellow gamers, she said these will enable members to build their onchain identity through its achievement-based reputation system. YGG is a Web3 Guild Protocol that enables players and gaming guilds to find their community, discover games and level-up together. Its mission is to become the leading community-based user acquisition platform in web3 gaming.

Six locations will be visited over four months, beginning in Batangas and followed by Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod and Manila. Attendees will be able to learn more about web3, play fun and exciting new web3 games, and meet other members of the community.

Each leg of the roadtrip will include meet-andgreets, game demos, show matches, and a live version of the Discord show Crypto Fiesta. Web3 Metaversity, the online learning platform led by YGG Pilipinas, will conduct sessions at the event to educate

“has sacrificed the fine details in images for better overall quality. It’s a good trade.” This is accurate. The S24 Ultra’s zoomed in images are superior to the S23 Ultra’s.

Make no mistake, the S23 Ultra still has a good camera but a better one is now here.

Earlier, I said the S24 Ultra’s camera has a learning curve, which means it takes some getting used to. For instance, I had some problems with stabilization and focus the first few times that I used it. But I eventually learned how to use the camera and I now enjoy it immensely. ■

attendees about cryptocurrency, blockchain and trading fundamentals. Attendees will receive a quest card to keep track of the booths they will visit in the Experience Zone.

Participating exhibitors include web3 games Arena of Faith (AOF) and Sipher, game developer Delabs Games, game asset manufacturer BreederDAO, crypto exchange Coins.ph, and web3 mobile infrastructure Jambo. The popular farming game Pixels will also be showcased in a stage demo during the Batangas and Baguio legs of the roadtrip. “Web3 gaming has opened many possibilities for people living with low income in the Philippines. Many of our kapwa Filipinos were able to bounce back after the pandemic because of web3 games, and it was a small barangay in Nueva Ecija that started this now global movement. “We want to ensure that every community in the Philippines has an opportunity to participate in this economy. The YGG Pilipinas Roadtrip is one of the ways we can teach new, future-oriented skills to the young, tech-savvy people in our provinces. Anyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, can access web3. Our kababayans from the provinces could be the next leaders, founders and creators in this emerging industry,” Dizon said.

Hitachi Home Appliances taps Beko PHL as local distributor, after-sales service provider

BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor

JAPANESE brand Hitachi has relaunched its home appliances business in the Philippines with a new agent and support provider. Beko Philippines announced that it will now be in charge of the distribution and after-sales services for Hitachibranded home appliances in the domestic market.

The company will directly coordinate with Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances, a joint venture (JV) that was established between Arçelik and Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc. in July 2021. The JV is responsible for manufacturing, selling and servicing Hitachi-branded home appliances worldwide (excluding Japan). The selection of Beko Philippines as Hitachi’s new local distributor is aimed at guaranteeing uninterrupted supply and improved services for customers.

Excited on the firm’s appointment, Beko Philippines country director Gurhan Gunal promised they will sustain the quality of their high-end offerings while making them more attainable to clients. “Our team is committed to upholding the high standards for our premium range, and to further enhancing the availability and accessibility of products to customers,” he said.

With a revitalized focus on enhancing the lives of Filipino consumers via cutting-edge technology and unmatched comfort, Hitachi encourages households across the nation to discover the “Art of Ease”—a philosophy that brings together comfort, convenience and quality, where each product is a piece in the mosaic of a comfortable, efficient and enjoyable lifestyle. The reintroduction of Hitachi Home Appliances in the Philippines marks an important milestone in the brand’s commitment to delivering outstanding quality and performance to its customers.

Each appliance item is a result of blending traditional Japanese attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence. By combining technology and lifestyle seamlessly, Hitachi offers products designed to meet diverse needs and bring practicality and harmony to every Filipino home.

At present, Hitachi Refrigerators are already available nationwide. New home appliance lineups are up for release in the coming months.

GET SINGLIFE PROTECTION WITH JUST 5 GLOBE REWARDS POINTS

TOP telecom Globe has partnered with leading life insurer Singlife to make protection virtually free for Filipino families, offering a health insurance plan for just 5 Globe Rewards points. Globe customers can get Singlife’s comprehensive 3-in-1 Protection Plan by redeeming just 5 Globe Rewards points until April 15, 2024. This insurance coverage provides up to P250,000 for Covid-19, dengue and accidental medical costs. The 3-in-1 plan covers the policyholder plus their immediate family with benefits such as hospital cash allowances, disability payouts, medical reimbursements, and more. This coverage is on top of a policyholder’s PhilHealth and existing HMO coverage.

“At Globe, we are committed to using our digital capabilities to create wonderful experiences that uplift the lives of Filipinos,” said

All the world’s your stage with the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go

AFEW years ago, I got myself one of those expensive and supposedly high-tech videoke machines. It had thousands of songs to choose from, a “fair” scoring system, and even an app. It was even marketed as a “singing coach” because of its “gamified” pitch system which analyzes if you hit the right notes. It was truly “grand,” (mostly because of the price), but the problem was that it came with a lot of old, useless songs. The preinstalled song library was also quite outdated and if you do want to get the latest songs, you have to pay for it—and it wasn’t cheap.

Nowadays, I think most people have moved over to YouTube for their videoke sessions. Not only does it have an almost endless song list that is always updated, but it is also faster to find a song you want to murder—I mean interpret.

Last weekend, I finally got the chance to unbox my JBL PartyBox On-The-Go speaker, and I immediately regretted not trying it out sooner.

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go seamlessly blends high-quality audio performance with versatile features to elevate any gathering, anywhere. But it’s more than just a speaker; it’s a portable karaoke machine, a light show, and a party starter all rolled into one.

Boasting a robust build with a padded rear and metal grille protecting its front, the JBL PartyBox OnThe-Go is designed to sit horizontally. It is bigger than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential, measuring 19.3 x 9.6 x 8.8 inches, and weighs about 7.5 kg, so it’s not the most backpack-friendly option. Thankfully, it does come with built-in hooks for the included shoulder strap, so it’s just like carrying a gym bag. There is also a slot where you can rest your tablet or phone.

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go delivers 100 watts of that trademark JBL Pro Sound we Pinoys love, ensuring that whether you’re hosting a party indoors or outdoors, the audio quality is nothing short of spectacular. The speaker’s dynamic frequency response range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz ensures a broad spectrum of sound, from deep bass to crisp highs, maintaining clarity and depth even at high volumes. In fact there is little distortion even at maximum volume. The Bass Boost functionality is also a standout, adding an extra layer of depth to the music, making every beat and bass line more palpable and engaging. This feature is particularly noticeable in genres that thrive on low-end frequencies, such as hip-hop, electronic, and dance music, providing a club-like experience. The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go also excels in creating an immersive soundstage, thanks in part to its design and the inclusion of a light show that syncs with the music. This visual element not only enhances the listening experience but also contributes to the overall atmosphere, making it a central piece for any gathering.

Connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB, AUX and TWS (True Wireless Stereo) provide flexibility in music playback, ensuring the PartyBox On-The-Go can accommodate various audio sources with ease. A single charge can last up to six hours and do note that you need to plug it to max out the volume. But the real magic begins when you discover its karaoke capabilities.

PORTABLE VIDEOKE MACHINE? ABSOLUTELY

GONE are the days of renting bulky karaoke machines with outdated song libraries. The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go seamlessly connects to any smart TV, monitor, tablet, or smartphone via Bluetooth, opening up endless possibilities for videoke tracks via YouTube or any online streaming platform. This feature is a game-changer for videoke enthusiasts and casual singers alike, offering access to an ever-updating library of songs from all genres or language from all over the world. Whether it’s the latest OPM hits, K-pop or timeless classics, your videoke night is no longer limited by a built-in song library. Setting up the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go for a videoke session is also pretty simple. Connect it to your device of choice (smart TV, monitor, or tablet) using Bluetooth or cable. Head over to YouTube, find your favorite karaoke tracks, and you’re ready to sing your heart out. The speaker comes with two wireless microphones, with a 10-meter range allowing clear, uninterrupted performance, showcasing the speaker’s versatility beyond just playing music. The microphone’s sound quality is commendable, ensuring that vocals are projected clearly over the music without any noticeable lag or distortion. Since it’s battery-operated you don’t even have to worry about charging as you can easily replace it. You can also plug in wired mics and even your guitar.

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go is a robust, versatile speaker that promises to be the life of any party, whether indoors or outdoors. Its powerful sound, portability features, and karaoke capabilities set it apart from other party speakers. The only problem is finding one as it usually is out of stock in offline stores

so you might want to go check out JBL’s online stores first.

‘RETRO-RIFFIC’ LOOK, FANTASTIC SOUND

ANOTHER JBL speaker I was able to unbox during the Holy Week break was the JBL Authentics 300. I was saving it up once the renovation of my small office was finished, but I just couldn’t wait anymore. I’ve already featured it during our Christmas guide, and was able to listen to the entire JBL Authentics lineup when it launched, but experiencing it firsthand in my own space was an even better experience. It looked and sounded fantastic.

The JBL Authentics 300 makes a “newstalgic” statement with its design, echoing the golden era of audio equipment and incorporating it with the latest tech features. Its exterior, wrapped in sophisticated black faux leather, is complemented by gold accents, pays homage to the iconic JBL L100 speakers. The distinctive Quadrex speaker grille, a hallmark of JBL’s vintage designs, is reimagined here to blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors. This choice of materials and design elements easily positions the JBL Authentics 300 not just as a speaker, but as a piece of art that fits perfectly into any modern living space.

While it is the only portable one in the JBL Authentics lineup, it’s still not as “portable” as the other speakers due to its considerable weight and the absence of any durability rating. This hints at its intended use as more of a stationary piece that commands attention in any room, rather than an allterrain, all-weather companion.

Turning to sound quality, as expected the JBL Authentics 300 shines with an auditory performance that lives up to the JBL legacy. The combination of a 5-inch woofer and twin 25-millimeter tweeters delivers a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. The bass is deep and rich, thanks to the downwardfiring passive radiator, which ensures that low frequencies are felt as much as they are heard, without overwhelming the mid and high ranges. This balance allows the JBL Authentics 300 to handle a wide variety of musical genres with ease, from the

FACEBOOK NEWS TAB WILL SOON BE UNAVAILABLE AS META SCALES BACK NEWS AND POLITICAL CONTENT

META will be sunsetting Facebook News in early April for users in the US and Australia as the platform further deemphasizes news and politics. The feature was shut down in the UK, France and Germany last year. Launched in 2019, the News tab curated headlines from national and international news organizations, as well as smaller, local publications.

Meta says users will still be able to view links to news articles, and news organizations will still be able to post and promote their stories and websites, as any other individual or organization can on Facebook.

The change comes as Meta tries to scale back news and political content on its platforms following years of criticism about how it handles misinformation and

whether it contributes to political polarization.

“This change does not impact posts from accounts people choose to follow; it impacts what the system recommends, and people can control if they want more,” said Dani Lever, a Meta spokesperson. “This announcement expands on years of work on how we approach and treat political content based on what people have told us they wanted.”

But misinformation remains a challenge for the company, especially as the US presidential election and other races get underway.

intricate details of classical music to the energetic beats of contemporary pop.

The clarity and warmth of the sound are particularly noteworthy, creating an enveloping audio experience that can fill a room without any hint of distortion, even at higher volumes. This speaker also manages to capture the subtle nuances of vocal performances and the complexity of orchestral compositions, delivering a listening experience that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

Connectivity is another strong suit, with options aplenty including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and physical inputs like USB-C and aux. This variety ensures the JBL Authentics 300 can easily become the central audio hub of your home, accommodating streaming from various sources with ease. The physical dials for volume, bass and treble are a nice touch, offering tactile control over audio output, a nod to vintage hi-fi systems.

The JBL Authentics 300 excels in delivering a rich, detailed sound housed within a beautifully crafted, retro-inspired design. Its performance and style make it a standout choice for those who value both audio quality and aesthetic appeal. While considerations around price, connectivity options and sound customization may affect its appeal to the most discerning audiophiles, its overall performance solidifies its position as a premium smart speaker that bridges the gap between the past and the present. ■

APPLE LAYS OFF MORE THAN 600 WORKERS IN CALIFORNIA IN ITS FIRST MAJOR ROUND OF POST-PANDEMIC CUTS

APPLE is laying off more than 600 workers in California, marking the company’s first big wave of post-pandemic job cuts amid a broader wave of tech industry consolidation. The iPhone maker notified 614 workers in multiple offices on March 28 that they were losing their jobs, with the layoffs becoming effective on May 27, according to reports to regional authorities.

The workers were cut from eight offices in Santa Clara, according to the filings under the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as WARN. But it’s not clear which departments or projects the employees were involved in. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Friday.

“Facebook didn’t envision itself as a political platform. It was run by tech people. And then suddenly it started scaling and they found themselves immersed in politics, and they themselves became the headline,” said Sarah Kreps, director of the Tech Policy Institute in the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy who studies tech policy and how new technologies evolve over time.

“I think with many big elections coming up this year, it’s not surprising that Facebook is taking yet another step away from politics so that they can just not, inadvertently, themselves become a political headline.”

Rick Edmonds, media analyst for Poynter, said the dissolution of the News tab is not surprising for news organizations that have been seeing diminishing Facebook traffic to their websites for several years, spurring organizations to focus on other ways to attract an audience, such as search and newsletters. AP

The Cupertino, California, company had been a notable exception as other tech companies slashed their workforces over the past two years. There was a massive surge in hiring during the Covid-19 pandemic, when people spent more time and money online, and big tech companies are still larger than they were before the pandemic. Still, as growth slows, companies are focusing on cutting costs. Amazon announced earlier this week a fresh round of layoffs, this time at its cloud computing business AWS. In recent months, video game maker Electronic Arts said it’s cutting about 5 percent of its workforce, Sony said its axing about 900 jobs in its PlayStation division, Cisco Systems revealed plans to lay off more than 4,000 workers, and social-media company Snap, owner of Snapchat, announced its slashing 10 percent of its global workforce. AP

THE JBL Authentics 300 (left) and the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go

PHL athletes to Paris Olympics: 13 and counting

THIRTEEN Filipinos are technically going to the Paris Olympics with 12 more hoping to qualify for Team Philippines that is celebrating its 100th year participation in the Games.

Also, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has formalized negotiations with a month-long training camp in a world-class facility at Les Arenas Metz in La Moselle ahead of the July 26 to August 11.

“We have as of now qualified 13 athletes for Paris,” POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino told the First POC Journey to Olympic Briefing at the Milky Way Restaurant in Makati City on Friday.

Ironman 70.3 lures world-class athletes in Lapu-Lapu City

THE upcoming Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu will not only commemorate its 10th anniversary with a dazzling return to Cebu on April 21 but also showcase a formidable assembly of global talents. The top-level event promises an intense competition featuring the return of Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo, who will be gunning for a second title after scoring a narrow victory last year in the 1.9-km swim/90-km/21-km run event in Davao. Azevedo, 31, is primed for an even more impressive showing, having refined his prowess in premier competitions over the past year.

Joining the elite roster is Chinese Taipei’s Tuan Chun Chang, who placed third in Davao, alongside a cadre of international contenders including Daniel Bakkegard from Denmark, South Africa’s Henri Schoeman, Thomas Bishop from England, American Ben Stern and Michael Tong from New Zealand.

The spotlight will also focus on the strong Australian contingent of Sam Osborne, Caleb Noble, Charlie Quin, Jarrod Osborne, Calvin Amos, Nick Carling and Nathan Dortmann. The event welcomes competitors in the 18-24 to 70-74 years old brackets, for both men and women, with registration currently open for the race organized by the Ironman Group and presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown. For details, visit ironman.com/im703-cebu-

philippines-register.

Augusto Benedicto and Ines Santiago clinched overall honors in the last staging in Mactan Newtown (Cebu).

Since its inception in 2012, the Ironman series in Cebu has attracted up to 3,000 athletes globally with this year’s course again featuring the iconic CCLEX or the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway bridge, a landmark structure in the Philippines.

Nine athletes are going to Paris by direct qualification—pole vaulter

Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, boxers

Eumir Felix Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Erleen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza, and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan. A fourth weightlifter, Rosegie Ramos, according to Tolentino, is technically qualified in women’s 49 kgs class despite winding up No. 11 in international federation, Rosegie’s technically qualified,” Tolentino said.

The 12th and 13th qualifiers, Tolentino said, are Kyla Sanchez and Jarrod Hatch, who are guaranteed berths in swimming under the universality rule, along with a female athlete in track and field, also by the same rule.

The potential qualifiers are Robyn Brown (athletics), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Joanie Delgaco (rowing), brothers Keisei and Shugen Nakano (judo), Yuta Watanabe (judo), Jericho

Additionally, the IM 70.3 LapuLapu will be integrated into The Ironman Group’s 2023-24 Season Pass and Flex90 offerings.

This inclusion offers athletes

unparalleled flexibility with benefits like entry savings and the ability to change race dates without penalty, enhancing the appeal of participating in full Ironman and 70.3 races across Oceania and Asia.

Francisco (skateboarding), Patrick Coo (BMX cycling), Shagne Yaoyao (MTB cycling), Emma Malabuyo (gymnastics), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf) and Carlo Paalam (boxing), Criz Laurente (boxing), Hergie Bacyadan (boxing) and Rogen Ladon (boxing).

Tolentino also announced Cignal as the official sponsor of the Les Arenas Metz training camp Peak as the official apparel also for the camp and pre-Olympic preparations, with Smart and Standard Insurance as major backers.

Tolentino said that the Les Arenas Metz training camp is a first in POC history.

“This is the first time that our Olympians are immersing themselves in the host city of the Olympics for a month,” he said.

Mondilla wins crown by 3 shots in Caliraya

By Aldrin Quinto AVINTI, Laguna—

Clyde Mondilla settled the nerves early and played calculating golf from there to cruise to a three-stroke victory over a hardcharging Angelo Que on Friday in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Caliraya Springs

Mondilla, the top player on the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) in 2017 and 2019 Philippine Open champion, earned his first title this year with a closing 70 for a 10-under 278, a huge boost in morale ahead of his stint later this month on the Abema Tour Japan’s Challenge Tour.

Nursing a slim lead over Keanu

JAMES BUYTRAGO and Rancel Varga pulled off a huge win for the Philippines in the FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures-Nuvali as they rose from a set down to beat the young Hungarian pair of Csanád Petik and Domonkos Doczi, 17-21, 21-17, 18-16, on Friday.

Buytrago and Varga leaned on the crowd ‘s support at center court of the Nuvali Sand Courts by Ayala Land in the City of Santa Rosa, turning back the duo that had played in the European Under-22 championships in 2023 and the FIVB Under-19 Beach

Jahns, Mondilla padded the lead right away with birdie on the parfour opening hole, earned another stroke on the sixth and went on cruise control to the bank with a P450,000 cheque.

“No. 1 was huge. After that, pars seemed enough since the first nine is actually tough,” said Mondilla, twice winner on the PGT last season.

“I knew that if I just played consistently on the back nine, I’d be able to hold on.”

On the par-five No. 4, Jahns got to move back within one stroke, hitting birdie for the second straight time on the hole where he also scored an eagle on opening day.

Bogeys on the sixth and eighth holes, however, pulled back the big-

World Championship in 2021. Hasan Huseyin Mermer and Kurt Sacit of Turkey defeated Banlue Nakprakhong and Wichaya Wisetkan of Thailand, 21-14, 21-19.

Tomas Semerad and Adam Miroslav Stocek, the Czech Republic indoor beach volleyball champions, overcame New Zealand’s James Sadlier and Juraj Krajci, 25-27, 21-18, 15-9.

Cainta National Tennis Championships which unfolded Friday at the Village East Tennis Club in Cainta, Rizal. Dagoon, who triumphed in the girls’ 14-and-under category and secured second place in the 16-andunder division at home in Olongapo last week, faces a formidable challenge from top seed Ave Maria Policarpio, along with tough competitors Izabelle Camcam and Ayl Gonzaga. Go, who dominated the boys’ 12-and-under class and finished as runner-up in the 14-and-under category, is prepared to fend off rivals like Joshua Stewart, Matthias Go and Matteo Calingasan in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Also vying for second titles in the country’s premier talent-search, spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis

Japan’s Ryuichi Adachi and Nassim Malki, who beat Abdilla-Pareja in the Nuvali Open, downed Batuhan Kuru and Yusuf Ozdemir of Turkey, 16-21, 21-19, 15-9.

Jen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda also started their campaign on a bright note after defeating Malaysia’s Mashitah Muhamad Nasir and Shamsulrizal Nur Auni Maisarah, 21-11, 23-21. The Air Force spikers sustained their fine form after a decent run in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Beach Tour Nuvali Open also in Nuvali last week.

They next face New Zealand’s Danielle Quigley and Olivia MacDonald,

THE Philippine tandem of Alexa Polidario and Jen Gaviola in action on Friday. NONIE REYES

hitting Jahns as two flights ahead, Que took on the role of pursuer behind Mondilla.

Thrice winner on the Asian Tour, Que got a huge lift with eagle on No. 4 and nailed four more birdies for a bogey-free 66, matching the week’s low, and a 281 total in the P2.5 million championship sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

As Mondilla watched Jahns struggle to convert his putts, he was certain Que was set for a final-round assault.

“It was just an unlucky day for Keanu, bad breaks for him,” Mondilla said. “But I was sure Angelo was going to make a big move.”

However, the seven-stroke thirdround gap was too much to overcome

who overcame a tough challenge from Japan’s Mayu Kikuchi and Harumi Sakai, 21-16, 16-21, 18-16.

German stars Chenoa Christ and Anna-Lena Grüne swept past the other Philippine women’s pair of Alexa Polidario and Jen Gaviola, 21-10, 21-5.

The 23-year-old Christ and Grune, 22, winners of the German Under-20 championship in 2019, next take on Japan’s Shion Tsubouchi and Maho Yabumi, who turned back Urte Andriukaityte and Marjia Karaliute of Lithuania, 21-19, 21-16.

The Philippines also suffered a tough loss in men’s play early, Ran Abdilla and AJ Pareja bowing to Robin Sowa and Lukas Pfretzschner, the backto-back German Beach Tour Hamburg champions and 2016 Under-18 European champions, 12-21, 18-21. Alaina Chacon and Mariah

on the final day for Que, who wound up with a P295,000 cheque. Jahns carded a 74 and ended up tied for third at 283 with 19-yearold Korean Kim Tae Soo, who shot a 70 marred by a double-bogey on No. 17—they split the pooled 3rd-4th prize of P302,500.

Last year’s champion Tony Lascuna had a 71 for joint fifth at 284 with Korea’s Gwon Minwook, who carded a two-under 70 in the tournament backed by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf. Aidric Chan faltered with a triplebogey 7 on No. 16 and submitted a 73 for a 286, which was matched by Eric Gallardo after a 73. Sean Ramos fired a 71 and Rupert Zaragosa scored a 72 to end up at oneunder 287.

Whalen of the US overpowered Rezija Puskundze and Loreta Cabule of Latvia, 21-11, 21-14.

Sweden’s Malin Bergholm and Louise Månesköld defeated New Zealand’s Katie Sadlier and Meile Rose Green, 21-16, 21-17, in the event backed by Smart Communications, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Asics, Senoh, Mikasa, Foton Motor Philippines Inc., and Seda Nuvali. Anita Dave and Ronni Rivka Lavie of Israel squeaked past Thailand’s Charanrutwadee Patcharamainaruebhorn and Woranatchayakorn Phirachayakrailert, silver medalists in the FIVB Beach Volley World Tour in Korea last year, 21-19, 21-19.

Japan’s Riko Tsujimura and Takemi Nishibori, who also saw action in the Nuvali Open last week, waylaid Canada’s Devon May and Kaitlin Lomas, 21-13, 21-11. The tournament features 38 teams from 16 countries.

Green Archers advance to D-League semis; Marcelo powers CEU Scorpions past St. Clare

M

ICHAEL PHILIPS scored

22 points and grabbed 12

Association, include Quezon City’s Chloe Mercado in the 18-and-under and Nueva Ecija’s Jayden Ballado in 16-and-under, both in girls’ division.

Focus will also be on Samuel Davila, a local talent, who upstaged fancied rivals to snare the boys’ 16-and-under trophy in the previous Group 1 event in Olongapo. Davila, buoyed by hometown support, is also set to compete in the challenging 18-and-U class of the tournament supported by Slazenger and Universal Tennis Ranking against the likes of Ariel Cabaral, Antonio Ng, Jr. and Rueben Otadoy. Alex Coyiuto, on the other hand, banners the boys’ 16-and-under cast that includes Marcus Go, Troan Vytiaco, Joshua Stewart and Aaron Coyiuto, while the competition in the 10-and-U unisex side is equally fierce with players like Juliana Coyiuto, Mira Plaza, Jacob Dizon and Kirk Gonzaga ready to showcase their skills.

rebounds as EcoOil-La Salle pummeled Keanzel Basketball, 144-75, on Thursday to secure a semifinals seat in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Centro Escolar University, meanwhile, turned to Daniel Marcelo in the fourth quarter to survive from a third quarter meltdown and beat Go Torakku-St. Clare, 73-69. The Green Archers dominated the game from the get-go and never gave their opponents any chance to make it interesting.

A tight battle is also anticipated in the girls’ 12-and-U category, headlined by Isabel Ataiza, Lilith Rufino, Ella Paglalunan and Carolina Fandido.

All 14 players fielded by the twotime defending champions scored with seven tallying double digits as the Green Archers stayed unbeaten in four games.

CJ Austria scored 17 points, Jonnel Policarpio had 16, Jake Gaspay tallied 13, EJ Gollena added 12, while

Vhoris Marasigan and Raven Cortez had 11 apiece for the EcoOil-La Salle, which could sweep the six-team, single round eliminations with another victory against Marinerong PilipinoSan Beda Thursday next week.  Only the top two teams after the eliminations will earn outright passage into the semifinals. “ We’re trying to learn every game,” La Salle assistant coach Caloy Garcia said. “Now we move on to San Beda. That’s our focus.”

Alfren Gayosa scored 16 points while Dominic Panlilio and Denzel Jensen Wong had 11 apiece for Keanzel which remains winless in four games.

Marcelo scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and the Scorpions (21) used a 12-2 run in the closing minutes to silence Go Torakku-St. Clare and stay in contention for a top two seeding.  CEU stormed to a 24-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 4130 advantage at halftime.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (center) with chef de mission to Paris, Governor Jonvic Remulla (left) and secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan. NONIE REYES

CLYDE MONDILLA strikes a championship pose.

The World

US, Japan and South Korea hold drills in disputed sea as Biden hosts leaders of Japan and Philippines

By Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press

ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT—A

US carrier strike group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt has held a three-day joint exercise with its allies Japan and South Korea as US President Joe Biden met for talks with leaders from Japan and the Philippines at the White House. The dueling military and diplomatic maneuvers are meant to strengthen the partners’ solidarity in the face of China’s aggressive military actions in the region.

A number of US and South Korean guided missile destroyers and a Japanese warship joined the April 10-12 drill in the disputed East China Sea, where worries about China’s territorial claims are rising. The Associated Press

was one of several news organizations allowed a front-row look at the drills.

Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine, said the three nations conducted undersea warfare exer -

cises, maritime interdiction operations, search and rescue drills and work focused on communication and data sharing. He told journalists Thursday on the Roosevelt that these drills would help improve communication among the United States and its allies and “better prepare us for a crisis in the region.”

F/A-18E Super Hornet combat jets took off from the carrier’s flight deck, which also had anti-

Chinese official holds high-level talks in North Korea to enhance cooperation

SEOUL, South Korea—A top Chinese official arrived in North Korea and held talks on how to boost their cooperation, North Korea’s state media reported Friday, in the countries’ highest-level meeting in about five years.

Zhao Leji, who is chairman of China’s National People’s Congress and considered the No. 3 official in the ruling Communist Party, arrived in North Korea on Thursday. China’s government earlier said he will stay in North Korea until Saturday.

submarine MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. Journalists were flown more than an hour from Kadena Air Base, the hub of US Pacific air power. Kadena is on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa, which is home to about half of the 50,000 American troops stationed in Japan. “It is a busy time; there is a lot going on in the world,” Alexander said. “The significance of this exercise is we have three like-minded

first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the coronavirus pandemic started. In 2019, the two countries held two summit meetings between Xi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Observers say North Korea and China are expected to hold a number of exchanges this year to mark the 75th year since they established diplomatic ties.

North Korea has been seeking to boost its cooperation with China and Russia in the face of a standoff with the United States and South Korea over the North’s advancing nuclear program.

China, North Korea’s biggest aid benefactor, is believed to have long provided clandestine assistance to North Korea in violation of international sanctions.

countries, three like-minded navies that believe in peace, security and stability in the western Pacific.”

The participation of Japan and South Korea was another sign of improving ties between the sometimes wary neighbors. The two US allies’ relationship has often been strained by the memory of Japan’s half-century colonization of the Korean Peninsula. Washington has been pressing them to cooperate so the three partners can better deal with threats from China and North Korea.

This week’s huge parliamentary election defeat of the governing party of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has sought better relations with Japan, could constrain his Japan-friendly efforts, but experts believe ties will remain stable.

The latest naval exercise is part of Biden’s work to deepen security and diplomatic engagement with Indo-Pacific nations. Biden invited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House for their first trilateral talks Thursday, and has declared that

the US defense commitment to the Pacific allies is “ironclad.” Tensions between China and the Philippines have risen over repeated clashes by the two nations’ coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanesecontrolled East China Sea islands near Taiwan.

Beijing has defended its operations in the South China Sea and blamed the United States for creating tensions. China’s President Xi Jinping had a series of talks this week with senior officials from Vietnam, Russia and Taiwan.

The US-Japan-South Korea naval exercises follow four-way drills held in the South China Sea, where Japan joined the United States, Australia and the Philippines. Participants carefully avoided mentioning China and said they were holding the exercises to safeguard a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific.

An area of long-simmering disputes, the South China Sea serves a key sea-lane for global trade. Concerned governments include Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Former chair of China Everbright Group indicted for embezzlement and bribery

BEIJING—A former chairman of the China Everbright Group and excentral bank executive has been indicted on suspicion of embezzlement and bribery, part of a wider wave of prosecutions of senior officials accused of financial crimes.

Tang Shuangning, who also had held senior posts at the People’s Bank of China and the China Banging Regulatory Commission, was indicted by a court in Tangshan, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Beijing, according to a statement issued by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Friday.

expelled from the party and removed from public office.

They are among many officials caught up in President Xi Jinping’s decade-long anti-corruption campaign, which critics say also is designed to remove his political rivals.

Liu Liange, former chairman of the Bank of China, was indicted in February on charges similar to those Tang is facing.

Others senior bankers targeted for alleged corruption include a former Chinese central bank senior official, Sun Guofeng, who was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for accepting bribes.

Zhao met his North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae later Thursday and discussed how to promote exchanges and cooperation on all areas such as politics, economy and culture, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported. The two also exchanged views on unspecified regional and international issues of mutual concerns, KCNA said.

Zhao is one of the seven members of the Politburo Standing

Committee, the Communist Party’s top leadership body headed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Zhao’s visit to North Korea marked the

Kim traveled to Russia in September for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US, South Korea and others accuse North Korea of supplying conventional weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine in return for advanced weapons technologies and other support.

Devastating floods submerge thousands of homes in Russian region, prompting state of emergency

MOSCOW—Nearly 12,000 houses have been flooded in a Russian region bordering Kazakhstan as water levels in the Ural River keep rising and threatening more deluge, authorities said Thursday.

The floods sparked evacuations of thousands in the Orenburg region, located some 1,200 kilometers (745 miles), southeast of the capital of Moscow after a dam on the river burst last week under the pressure of surging waters. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in the region.

In a televised videoconference with President Vladimir Putin, Orenburg governor Denis Pasler reported that a total of 11,972 houses are flooded, as well as 16 state medical facilities. Additionally, 3,600 houses—home to

20,000

Floods have also hit Kazakhstan, where authorities have declared a state of emergency in 10 out of 17 regions of the country, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass. As of Thursday, the state of emergency was still in place in eight regions, Tass reported. Since March, more than 98,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas there.

Footage from the flooded regions in Kazakhstan showed water gushing down streets, vast fields covered with water and dozens of houses partially submerged. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called the floods “a natural disaster...the likes of which have not been seen for many years.”

“This is, perhaps, the biggest disaster in terms of its scale and consequences in over 80 years,” he said last week. AP

Tang, 69, was arrested in January on suspicion of embezzlement and bribery. Prosecutors suspect Tang of taking advantage of his position at the stateowned bank in “seeking convenience for others” in jobs and loans in exchange for illegal payments that were “particularly huge,” the statement said.

Tang retired in 2017. He was expelled from the ruling Communist Party in January. His successor at Everbright, Li Xiaopeng, was also suspected of graft,

Sun Deshun, former president of stateowned China CITIC Bank, was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting more than $130 million in bribes during his career. Another finance executive, Zhang Hongli, a former senior executive of the state-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the country’s biggest bank, has been investigated for graft.

The former chairman of the stateowned Bank of Beijing, Yan Bingzhu, also is under investigation for corruption. AP

IN this photo provided on April 12, 2024 by the North Korean government, Choe Ryong Hae, right, vice-chairman of the central committee of the Workers’

The World

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Massive attack destroys one of Ukraine’s power plants, threatening energy supply

By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press

AMASSIVE missile and drone attack destroyed one of Ukraine’s largest power plants and damaged others, officials said Thursday, part of a renewed Russian campaign targeting energy infrastructure.

The Trypilska plant, which was the biggest energy supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, was struck numerous times, destroying the transformer, turbines and generators and leaving the plant ablaze. As the first drone approached, workers hid in a shelter, saving their lives, said Andrii Gota, chairman of the supervisory board of the state company that runs the plant, Centrenergo.

They watched the plant burn, surrounded by dense smoke and engulfed in flames. “It’s terrifying,” said Gota. Hours later, rescuers were still dismantling the rubble.

Speaking in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin cast the attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities as a response to Ukrainian strikes that targeted Russian oil refineries.

The Trypilska plant supplied electricity to 3 million customers—but none lost power because the grid was able to compensate since demands are low at this time of year. Still, the consequences of the strikes could be

felt in the coming months, as air conditioning use ramps up with summer.

At least 10 other strikes overnight damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said more than 200,000 people in the region, which has been struck repeatedly, were without power.

Ukraine’s largest private energy operator, DTEK, described the slew of strikes as one of the most powerful attacks this year, while Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko told reporters it was a “large scale, enormous, missile attack that affected our energy sector very badly.”

Russia has recently renewed strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, and attacks last month

blacked out large parts of the country—a level of darkness not seen since the first days of the fullscale invasion in 2022.

The volume and accuracy of the attacks have alarmed the country’s defenders and left officials scrambling for better ways to protect energy assets. The strikes have also tested Ukraine’s ability to make quick repairs.

Ukraine’s leaders have pleaded for more air defense systems to ward off such attacks, but those supplies have been slow in coming.

“Today’s situation demonstrates that there’s nothing left to shoot down” the missiles, Gota said.

The Associated Press writers Samya Kullab and Illia Novikov contributed to this report from Kyiv, Ukraine.

Putin mocks planned Ukraine conference; says Russia won’t accept any enforced peace plans

MOSCOW—Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked a scheduled round of Ukraine peace talks in Switzerland, warning that Moscow will not accept any enforced plans that ignore its interests.

Switzerland’s government said Wednesday it will host a high-level international conference in June to help chart a path toward peace in Ukraine after more than two years of fighting, and expressed hope that Russia might join in the peace process someday.

Putin charged that Russia hadn’t been invited to join June’s talks, while pointing at Swiss recognition that a peace process can’t happen without Russia.

“They aren’t inviting us there,” Putin said. “Moreover, they think there is nothing for us to do there, but at the same time they say that’s it’s impossible to decide anything without us. It would have been funny if it weren’t so sad.”

Russia has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula requiring Moscow to pull back its troops, pay compensation to Ukraine and face an international tribunal for its action.

Speaking during Thursday’s meeting with Belarusian President

Putin said that Russia is open for negotiations, but will never accept “any schemes that have nothing to do with reality.”

Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced Russia’s military campaign as an unprovoked act of aggression.

Putin has claimed that Russian

China’s exports tumble 7.5% in March and imports also fall as demand slows

By Zen Soo AP Business Writer

HONG KONG—China’s exports contracted in March after growing in the first two months of the year, underscoring the uneven nature of the country’s recovery from the

In the January-February period, exports rose 7.1 percent year-on-year while imports climbed 3.5 percent. China, the world’s second-largest economy, posted a trade surplus of $58.55 billion in March. The surplus in the first two months of the year was $125 billion.

forces have the upper hand after the failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive last year, arguing that Ukraine and the West will “sooner or later” have to accept a settlement on Moscow’s terms. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned last week that prospective negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine could be successful only if they take Moscow’s interests into account, dismissing a planned round of peace talks as a Western ruse to rally broader international support for Kyiv. AP

The decline in exports partly reflected a higher base of comparison with March 2023, when exports jumped 14.8 percent as the economy reopened after languishing under strict Covid-19 controls. The economy has slowed partly due to a crisis in the property industry brought on by a crackdown on excessive borrowing. Weakness in exports would be a further drag on growth.

“We think export volumes will rise more slowly this year, given that consumer spending in advanced economies is cooling and the tailwind from last years sharp drop in export prices is fading,” Zichun Huang, a China economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. But she said imports would probably gain momentum as higher government spending boosts demand.

Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow,

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on Thursday, April 11, 2024. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP

The World Manhattan court must find a dozen jurors to hear first-ever criminal case against a former president

By Jennifer Peltz The Associated Press

NEW YORK—Of the 1.4 million adults who live in Manhattan, a dozen are soon to become the first Americans to sit in judgment of a former president charged with a crime.

Jury selection is set to start Monday in ex-President Donald Trump’s hush-money case—the first trial among four criminal prosecutions of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The proceedings present a historic challenge for the court, the lawyers and the everyday citizens who find themselves in the jury pool.

“There is no question that picking a jury in a case involving someone as familiar to everyone as former President Trump poses unique problems,” one of the trial prosecutors, Joshua Steinglass, said during a hearing.

Those problems include finding people who can be impartial about one of the most polarizing figures in American life and detecting any bias among prospective jurors without invading the privacy of the ballot box.

There’s also the risk that people may try to game their way onto the jury to serve a personal agenda. Or they may be reluctant to decide a case against a politician who has used his social media megaphone to tear into court decisions that go against him and has tens of millions of fervent supporters.

Still, if jury selection will be tricky, it’s not impossible, says John Jay College of Criminal Justice psychology professor Margaret Bull Kovera.

“There are people who will look at the law, look at the evidence that’s shown and make a decision,” says Kovera, whose research includes the psychology of juries. “And the job of the judge and the attorneys right now is to figure out who those people are.”

Trump has pleaded not guilty to fudging his company’s books as part of an effort to conceal payments made to hide claims of extramarital sex during his 2016 campaign. He denies the encounters and contends the case is a legally bogus, politically engineered effort to sabotage his current run.

He will go on trial in a criminal court system where juries have decided cases against a roster of famous names, including mob boss John Gotti, disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein and Trump’s own company.

Over the last year, writer E. Jean Carroll’s sex assault and defamation civil suits against Trump went before juries in a nearby federal courthouse. New York state’s fraud lawsuit against the expresident and his company went to trial without a jury last fall in a state court next door.

But the hush-money case, which carries the possibility of up to four years in prison if he’s convicted, raises the stakes.

Trump lived for decades in Manhattan, where he first made his name as a swaggering real estate developer with a flair for publicity. As Steinglass put it, “There is no chance that we’re going to find a single juror that doesn’t have a view” of Trump.

But the question isn’t whether a prospective juror does or doesn’t like Trump or anyone else in the case, Judge Juan M. Merchan wrote in a filing Monday. Rather, he said, it’s whether the person can “set aside any personal feelings or biases and render a decision that is based on the evidence and the law.”

The process of choosing a jury begins when Merchan fills his New Deal-era courtroom with prospective jurors, giving them a brief description of the case and other basics. Then the judge will excuse any people who indicate by a show of hands that they can’t serve or can’t be fair and impartial, he wrote.

Those who remain will be called in groups into the jury box— by number, as their names won’t be made public—to answer 42 questions, some with multiple parts.

Some are standard inquiries about prospective jurors’ backgrounds. But the two sides have vigorously debated what, if anything, prospective jurors should be asked about their political activities and opinions.

Merchan emphasized that he won’t let the lawyers ask about jurors’ voting choices, political contributions or party registration.

But the approved questionnaire asks, for example, whether someone has “political, moral, intellectual or religious beliefs or opinions” that might “slant your approach to this case.” Another query probes whether prospective jurors support any of a halfdozen far-right or far-left groups, have attended Trump or antiTrump rallies, and have worked or volunteered for Trump or for organizations that criticize him.

Potential jurors also will be quizzed about any “strong opinions or firmly held beliefs” about Trump or his candidacy that would cloud their ability to be fair, any feelings about how Trump is being treated in the case and any “strong opinions” on whether ex-presidents can be charged in state courts.

The process of choosing 12 jurors and six alternates can be chesslike, as the opposing sides try to game out whom they want and whom their adversaries want. They must also weigh which prospective jurors they can challenge as unable to serve or be impartial and when it’s worth using one of their limited chances to rule someone out without giving a reason.

“A lot of times you make assumptions, and arguably stereotypes, about people that aren’t true, so it’s important to listen to what they say” in court and, if possible, online, says Thaddeus Hoffmeister, a University of Dayton law professor who studies juries.

In prominent cases, courts and attorneys watch out for “stealth jurors,” people trying to be chosen because they want to steer the verdict, profit off the experience or have other private motives.

The Associated Press journalists Joseph B. Frederick and Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.