BusinessMirror July 29, 2024 by BusinessMirror

BusinessMirror

‘STORM FARM DAMAGE COULD FUEL INFLATION’

DAMAGE caused by Typhoon Carina and the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) could cause a temporary uptick in inflation, according to local economists.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo Lanzona and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort told the BusinessMirror inflation may accelerate temporarily from July to August this year.

La nzona said if production remains the same or declines, which is more likely, then inflation may increase temporarily and normalcy can be restored within months.

“Realistically, there may be some temporary pickup in prices in hard-hit areas until logistics normalize, also in view of some damage on agriculture that could lead to some temporary spike in produce prices,” Ricafort said.

However, Ricafort said the price freeze on basic goods implemented in Metro Manila after the declaration of the state of calamity would help temper inflation, which has been a consistent pattern seen during storm season.

Asked whether the temporary uptick in inflation could breach the government’s target of 2 to 4 percent, Lanzona said, “that would be the case,” while Ricafort said inflation will stay within target.

Inflation slowed to 3.7 percent in June 2024 due to lower energy prices, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

However, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said “it’s not yet time to declare victory” as there is still a 50-50 chance that inflation could breach 4 percent in July.

‘Rate cut to aggravate inflation’ LANZONA said inflation can be aggravated if the prospective reduction of key policy rates this coming August is implemented.

AYALA SPENDING P7.1B TO ADD ROOMS, RENOVATE HOTELS

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

AYALA Land Inc. (ALI) is allocating

P7.1 billion in capital expenditures to reinvent its hotels and resorts over the next five years, covering four El Nido resorts and 10 hotels.

This will expand the room inventory of its hotels and resorts to 8,000 nationwide, by 2028, said the company in a recent news statement announcing the appointment of veteran hotelier George Aquino as president and chief executive officer of Ayala Land Hospitality, formerly Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp.

The company said Aquino is currently overseeing the renovation of the 51-room Lagen Resort, under the El Nido Resorts Group, in Palawan.

“The renovation of Lagen Resort is part of Ayala Land Hospitality’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the hospitality sector and provide guests

with exceptional experiences that cater to evolving preferences and expectations. In addition, Aquino will also lead the renovation of existing properties to ensure they meet current global standards,” said ALI.

Lagen Resort temporarily closed last June 1, for a major upgrade of its facilities and amenities, “aimed at transforming the property into a brand-new luxury resort” that will reopen in 2025, said ALI.

Ayala Land Hospitality owns and manages popular resorts in Pangulasian and Miniloc islands, which with Lagen, form a trio of eco-sanctuary resorts in Bacuit Bay, recognized for their commitment to sustainability “and their ability to provide guests with unforgettable experiences amid the natural beauty of the region,” ALI added.

Ayala Land Hospitality also owns and manages Huni Resort in El Nido and Sicogon Island; and Seda Hotels, which currently has 12 properties around the Philippines. In addition, the firm has under

TBy Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court has reminded the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to observe due process in exercising its mandate to safeguard consumers from exorbitant charges of telecommunications companies.

“Due process applies just as well in the administrative setting, albeit less stringent and often applied liberally. Basic procedural rights, such as the opportunity to explain one's side or seek reconsideration, are so fundamental that they cannot be set aside to implement supposedly fair and reasonable rates,” the SC said in a 28-page decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. Th e SC upheld the Court of Appeals’ ruling of 2010 enjoining the NTC from its orders issued against telco companies in connection with Memorandum Circular No. 05-072009 or the Guidelines on Unit of Billing of Mobile Voice Service issued on July 23, 2009. The NTC circular imposes a sixsecond-per-pulse unit as the default billing method for voice calls. Before the NTC memorandum circular, telcos adopted the one-minute minimum billing scheme. On December 9, 2009, the NTC issued show cause orders against telco companies Globe and lnnove Communications, Smart Communications, Connectivity Unlimited Resource

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

PHL gets US raw sugar quota despite 3-yr non-compliance

By Ada Pelonia

THE Philippines again secured a raw sugar quota for the fiscal year 2025 from Washington despite its failure to fill its allocation for more than three years.

The US Trade Representative (USTR) announced the allocation of 145,235 metric tons raw value (MTRV) of raw cane sugar under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system for fiscal year 2025, which will start on Oct. 1, 2024. The Philippines got the third largest allocation after the Dominican Republic at 189,343 MTRV and Brazil at 155,993 MTRV.

million metric tons (MMT), which allowed the Philippines to fulfill its US quota allocation.

The agency noted that the intention of the voluntary US export of 25,300 MT of raw sugar is to allow the Philippines to fulfill its obligations under the TRQ World Trade allocation after a “non-compliance of more than three years.”

of a specified amount of sugar in a warehouse or sugar central. A negotiable instrument, it is a primary trading document in the Philippine sugar industry.

Continued from A1

its wings hotels managed by international hospitality management chains such as Raffles Makati, Fairmont Makati, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Mandarin Oriental Makati, which will open in 2026. Earlier, an ALI official told the BusinessMirror that the surge in revenge travel after the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions has encouraged its hotel and resorts arm to increase the room inventory of its Seda-branded hotels and reopening of its Sicogon Island resort properties. (See, “ALI hotel unit to add more rooms this year,” in the BusinessMirror , May 8, 2023.)

Under the TRQ, countries are allowed to export specified quantities of a product to the US at a relatively low tariff.

Budget…

Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order (SO) 3 which allowed the exportation of 25,300 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the US. The SRA said the production of locally produced sugar for the crop year 2023-2024 has exceeded 1.92

Continued from A12

“ We need to be innovative in our approach to sustaining government revenues. Ensuring compliance and leveraging private sector investment can provide substantial boosts to our funds,” he said. On economic growth assumptions pegged at 6.5-7.5 percent for 2025, Salceda stressed the need for a budget that stimulates economic growth.

The SRA said the export program would be open to qualified participants of SO 2, Series of 20232024, whose sugar quedans are dated Jan. 28, 2024 or earlier, and have been reclassified from “B” (domestic sugar) to “C” (reserve sugar).

However, this is provided that the participant remains to be an SRAlicensed international sugar trader in good standing at the time of availment of the privilege under SO 3.

A quedan is the equivalent of a warehouse receipt. It shows ownership

“ We need to ensure that the budget supports key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. These are critical areas that can drive long-term growth and development,” he said.

H e noted the importance of investing in technology and innovation to keep the Philippine economy competitive globally.

The SRA said eligible participants under SO 3 who complied with the stipulated conditions along with the requirements of the memorandum circular (MC) issued pursuant to this order would be given priority in future sugar import programs.

This is on the basis of the volume of locally produced raw sugar actually exported to the US in fulfillment of the 2024 US Quota, at a ratio of 1 (locally produced raw sugar actually exported to the US):2.5 (imported sugar).

The last time the Philippines exported raw sugar to the United States was during crop year 2020-2021. The country exported 112,008 metric tons commercial weight (MTCW) of raw sugar out of its total quota of 138,154 MTCW.

Storm…

“A rate decrease will cause aggregate demand to go higher, thus aggravating the inflation caused by the storm,” Lanzona emphasized.

A rate cut is not advisable since inflation induced by the typhoon will further worsen if interest rates are reduced, Lanzona explained.

L anzona said increasing interest rates would lower aggregate demand among consumers and businesses and ensure that prices will not increase further, bringing down inflation.

The policy of raising interest rates should logically continue,” Lanzona said, explaining that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) main reason for raising interest rates is the inflation caused by higher food prices.

M eanwhile, Ricafort said any 0.25-basis-points reduction as early as August will have no impact on inflation, which will be largely determined by lower imported rice prices.

R icafort said the cut in rice import tariff rate to 15 percent from 35 percent could partly reduce local rice prices, which accounts for about 9

SC…

In ALI’s first quarter 2024 report to investors, where it announced the P7.1-billion capex, CEO Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy said, “We are positioned to grow our hospitality portfolio—we are strengthening our capabilities and repositioning our assets.”

T he amount will cover the “phased renovation” of 2,056 rooms until 2029. The company will also add 4,000 more rooms for its Seda hotels. “We will bolster our hospitality business by strengthening our Seda brand, optimizing asset returns, expanding our brand and product portfolio, and leveraging our hospitality expertise in our other business lines,” she added.

T he company predicts the growth in

Continued from A1

percent of the inflation basket.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the Monetary Board, the highest policy-making body of the BSP, is on track to reduce interest rates this year to support consumer and investment growth.

However, Recto, a member of the Monetary Board, said he is a “little more conservative,” signaling the possibility of postponing a rate cut this coming Monetary Board policy meeting on August 15 to be followed on October 17.

L anzona said the BSP should still try to reduce interest rates once inflation has stabilized.

Infra, remittances to pull growth

RICAFORT said remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and conversion to Philippine peso could also increase at the time of calamity.

T his could spur additional business and overall economic activities to offset the disruptions caused by the typhoon, Ricafort added.

Increased government spending on infrastructure repair could

Continued from A1

Enterprises Inc., and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., directing them to explain why their Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) should not be suspended, revoked, or canceled.

On the same day, the NTC issued individual cease and desist orders preventing these telcos from charging their subscribers using the old billing system.

It directed the telco companies to refund subscribers for the difference in the new six-second pulse billing regime and the previous billing system by means of a rebate/credit until the same has been fully settled.

The NTC issued the orders after learning that the telcos failed to comply with its circular.

The telco firms filed separate petitions before the CA, seeking to set aside implementation of NTC’s show-cause orders and CDOs.

They anchored their petition on the ground of violation of their right to due process as they were not given the opportunity to air their side on the matter.

In its December 28, 2010 decision, the CA set aside the showcause and CDOs issued by NTC.

I t also made permanent the writ of preliminary injunction it issued, enjoining the NTC from enforcing the said orders.

The CA held that although the NTC has the power to regulate the rates of cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) providers under Section 17 of

leisure tourism in the country, especially with the improved arrivals of foreign guests, “[who] are staying longer with higher lodging and food and beverage spend,” as well as the coming rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which will increase terminal capacities to 60 million per annum from the current 32 million. Around 82 percent of Ayala Hospitality’s guests are leisure tourists, with 8 percent accounted for by business travelers, and 10 percent “others.” It earned P2.36 billion in revenues in the first quarter, up 8 percent from the same period in 2023. Average occupancy in its hotels was 65 percent versus 69 percent in 1Q 2023, and 56 percent in its resorts versus 47 percent in 1Q 2023. M eanwhile, ALI said Aquino brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of Ayala Hospitality, having previously served as Vice President and Managing Director of AHC Hospitality, a prominent hotel and resorts management company in Michigan. He graduated from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, and built an extensive career in the hospitality industry in North America and Caribbean, holding various leadership roles over 36 years.

also compensate for economic losses as well as household consumption, such as purchasing appliances, furniture and fixtures, cars and motorcycles, among others, to fix storm damage, could also pull economic growth, Ricafort added.

Consumption accounts for 70 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

With the typhoon, more infrastructure can be expected. As such, the original budget may be expanded in order just to cope with the damages caused by the typhoon,” Lanzona said.

L anzona said the P5.767-billion national budget for 2024 may be expanded for the government to cope with the damage since more infrastructure can be expected after the onslaught of the typhoon.

The government needs to be more strategic and plan better in terms of infrastructure to ensure that productivity is once again restored or even be increased with well-placed investments,” Lanzona said.

The government should not also be contented with the expected temporary uptick in inflation returning to normalcy.

The typhoon can offer certain opportunities for rebuilding that can raise growth in the medium term,” Lanzona added.

Republic Act No. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act, “due process must still be observed.”

The CA ruled that NTC violated the telcos’ rights in imposing the fixed rates in its December 5, 2009 order without considering the evidence they submitted and for not basing its orders on substantial evidence.

The CA found that NTC violated the administrative due process of the telcos in not giving them time to file a motion for reconsideration of the December 5, 2009; order and instead issuing the show-cause and cease and desist orders on December 9, 2009 for their alleged noncompliance.

The CA, however, did not rule on the constitutionality of the Memorandum Circular No. 05-07-2009, noting that the telcos merely sought the reversal of the December 5 and December 9, 2009 NTC orders.

In upholding CA’s ruling, the SC made permanent the writ of preliminary injunction that the CA issued against the NTC.

The SC held that NTC violated the telcos’ right to due process when it did not give them a chance to assail the contents of the December 5, 2009 orders.

“In view of the foregoing, the December 5, 2009 and December 9, 2009 Orders of the Commission must be stricken down,” the SC said.

“Basic procedural rights, such as the opportunity to explain one’s side or seek reconsideration, are so fundamental that they cannot be set aside to implement supposedly fair and reasonable rates,” it added.

However, the SC acknowledged the numerous developments in the telco industry while the case was pending before it, which may have rendered the six-second-per-pulse regulation no longer enticing for both the NTC and consumers.

The Court cited various promotions on mobile calls and short messaging services, such as unlimited calls and texts, which render the pulse billing system almost obsolete. It also noted the downward trend of mobile service fees in neighboring nations that has also resulted in a consistent decline of mobile service fees in the country.

A t present, the Court said, voice service interconnection fees are at a rate of P0.50 per minute as stipulated by NTC Memorandum Circular No. 05-07-2018.

“Indeed, the Commission, in collaboration with telecommunications providers, reduced the cost of telecommunications services for the benefit of the public. Nonetheless, the process must always adhere to the principles of due process and fairness.”

“By directing immediate implementation of the new rates as early as December 6, 2009, the Commission robbed the telecommunications companies a chance to seek a reconsideration of its decision. Clearly, their right to due process was violated the moment the December 5, 2009 Orders was issued,” the SC explained. The SC also noted that the CDOs were served on the parties without prior notice or hearing.

NDRRMC: More than 3.6 million affected by floods

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

MORE than 3.6 million people in 3,000 barangays have been affected by the southwest monsoon or habagat, which was aggravated by two successive tropical cyclones—Butchoy and Carina, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Sunday.

In its final report on the combined effects of Butchoy, Carina and habagat, the NDRRMC said a total of 971,667 families or 3,628,500 persons were affected.

Of those affected, the NDRRMC said 42,673 families or 168,933 persons were provided with help and support in 1,025 different evacuation centers. Meanwhile,

the NDRRMC also reported that 217,389 families or 900,421 persons were served outside the evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC said a total of P145,325,654 worth of assistance has been provided so far.

The southwest monsoon began bringing in heavy rains on July 12. This was aggravated by the entry of Tropical Cyclone Butchoy and later Carina, which subsequently became a Super Typhoon a day before finally exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The intense rainfall that brought in 100 to 200 mm of rainfall turned streets of Metro Manila and other low-lying areas all over Luzon into raging rivers.

The NDRRMC reported a total of 28 people killed, but 18 of these are still being verified.

In contrast, the National Police reported that the death toll

of Typhoon Carina stood at 34 as of Friday afternoon.

Aside from widespread flooding, the intense rain triggered 22 landslides in various parts of the country. A total of 260 areas remain flooded, according to the NDRRMC.

The Department of Public Works and Highways on the other hand reported that a total of 343 road sections and 24 bridges were affected.

The NDRRMC also said damage to infrastructure was placed at P171.66 million while damage to agriculture was placed at P212 million.

It said a total of 12,456 farmers and fishermen mostly in Calabarzon and Central Luzon were affected.

The National Irrigation Administration also logged P6.5 million worth of damage in Mimaropa and Soccsksargen.

Comelec notes slow pace of reactivation of voters

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ONLY around 8 percent of the more than 5.1 million deactivated voters may be able to cast their votes in the 2025 polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Chairman George M. Garcia told reporters over the weekend that currently the poll body has received only 409,329 applications for reactivation of voter records.

Most of the applications or 251,590 were for reactivation, followed by reactivation with correction (76,503), transfer with reactivation (59,490), and transfer for reactivation with correction (21,746).

As of April 15, 2024, Comelec’s Election Registration Board (ERB) was able to record a total of 248,972 deleted voters—those who died or found to have multiple registration—and 5,105,191 deactivated voters. A voter will be deactivated by

Comelec if he or she fails to vote in at least two previous elections; have been sentenced to a prison term of not less than one year; found to have caused or committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government, such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the anti-subversion and firearms laws.

Other reasons for deactivation include failure to validate records, and losing one’s Filipino citizenship.

Garcia urged them to apply for

the reactivation of their status so they can vote next year.

“Consider this an appeal to conscience and patriotism: Have your registration reactivated,” he said.

Garcia said poll body will intensify its voter education campaign and tap local governments and stakeholders to encourage more voters to apply for reactivation. Comelec will only process reactivation applications during its ongoing voter registration period, which ends on September 30.

BuCor eyes special school for prison officials, guards

since 2020.

TTyphoons, floods prevent start of classes in 979 public schools

AT least 979 public schools will not start classes on Monday owing to the damage wrought by the recent typhoons and floods.

The Department of Education said that these schools are still conducting clean-up and rehabilitation activities.

In Metro Manila, a total of 225 were affected while 452 are in Central Luzon, 231 in the Ilocos Region, 67 in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and four in Central Mindanao.

school as school year 2024-2025 opens on Monday.

Data provided by the DepEd as of 9:00 a.m. on Sunday indicate that the total enrollment in public and private schools nationwide has reached 19,268,747. These include those enrolled in the alternative learning system (ALS).

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has formed a technical working group to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of the Philippines Corrections Academy (PCA) in a bid to enhance the knowledge and technical capabilities of prison officers in handling prisoners or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the agency is also eyeing to activate the Directorate for Personnel Education and Training Service (DPETS) as well as the creation of a Master’s Education and Training Program for junior and senior custodial supervisors and separate basic and advanced courses for custodial officers.

Catapang made the announcement after the arrest of Corrections Officers 1 Pio Jonathan Eulalio for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of Christian Ortega, 40, and his 70-year-old businesswoman-mother, Gloria Ortega, both of barangay Baesa, Quezon City, last month.

Eulalio, who was assigned to the Escorting Unit of the National Bilibid Prison, had been on leave since the killings. He was arrested in a rented safehouse in Kensington Lancaster on F. Manalo Road, barangay Navarro, General Trias, Cavite, on July 12, a day after the arrest of his cohort, Raymond Reyes, a former prisoner.

“Although what happened was an isolated case, I will also push for the strengthening of the monitoring system of released PDLs from correction facilities and

work closely with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority [Tesda] as well as the Departments of Labor and Employment and of the Interior Local Government for the employment of released prisoners,” Catapang said.

BuCor’s records showed Reyes was released through an issued Certificate of Discharge from Prison signed by the then Acting Superintendent of Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, Chief Insp. Angelito Lapitan, on April 24, 2024, after serving his maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment for the crime of homicide.

Prior to his transfer to BuCor on June 11, 2019, Reyes had been detained at the Quezon City Jail since August 25, 2012.

Eulalio, on the other hand, has been in the service as CO1

Bataan oil spill worries Cavite fishermen

CAVITE fishermen on Sunday expressed alarm over t h e possibility that the oil spill from the sunken Terra Nova off Limay, Bataan, will eventually reach their fishing grounds. C a vite and Bataan are located on both ends of Manila Bay. Related story in A12, “Terranova oil spill affects Bulacan, Cavite, Bataan–map.”

In a statement, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) in Cavite said that while their local members have yet to observe any trace of oi l i n their municipal waters, they are worried that the oil spill could adversely affect their fishing activities.

Pamalakaya-Cavite said Cavite’s fishermen have yet to recover from the devastation wrought by Typhoon Carina and the inclement w e ather forced many fishermen

not to go out fishing for almost two months now.

“We won’t be able to survive this new threat brought about by the oil spill, We are appealing to authorities to immediate ac t to prevent the spread of the oil spill,” says,” Richard Catenza, Pamalakaya-Cavite president, said in a statement. On Sunday, Pamalakaya, along with Amihan Peasant Women and youth advocates, distributed rice packs and relief goods to coastal communities in Manila Bay.

The group earlier reported that some 28,000 fishermen and coastal residents were affected by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat across Manila Bay. The affected c o astal areas include Navotas City, and several towns in Cavite province including Tanza, Rosario, and B a coor City.

The relief drive was initiated to assist the fishermen who halted their fishing activities for more than two months owing to the rough seas. The group also said that it will lead grassroots campaigns demanding the national g o vernment an appropriate and timely humanitarian action, that includes people-centered disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation initiatives.

“We have experienced oil spills in the past. The government should have learned by now how to prevent it from spreading and affecting other areas to prevent disaster for fishing communities.

While it was caused by accident, it will be criminal negligence on the part of the government if it fails to prevent the spread of oil,”

Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice chairman said.

The militant group said that

Catapang said the BuCor has been in full and close coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after it was established that one of the suspects in the crime was a corrections officer.

“We have provided the NBI with the information needed in their investigation, which subsequently led to the arrest of Corrections Officers 1 Pio Jonathan Eulalio,” he said.

Catapang has dismissed Eulalio from the service as part of his mandate to cleanse the bureau of scalawags.

From 2022 to this date, 23 Bucor personnel have been dismissed from the prison service, 53 were suspended, 21 were reprimanded 21 and 179 were formally charged for various offenses, Catapang added.

it is closely monitoring several coastal towns in Cavite that might be affected by the oil spill. These include the municipal waters of Tanza and Rosario, where more than 10,000 fishermen will be affected in case the spill reaches the area.

To recall, the MT Terra Nova departed Bataan for Iloilo but it capsized owing to the strong wind a n d ocean current some 3.6 nautical miles east off Limay, Bataan a r ound 10 a.m. Thursday. One of the 17 crew members died in the accident.

The past two days, combined efforts of the Coast Guard, the Maritime Group of the National Police, and other concerned agencies deployed an oil boom to prevent the oil from spilling.

So f ar, authorities said the oil spill was coming from the working fuel of the motor tanker and n o t from the 1.4 million liters of stored industrial oil.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

The DepEd said that its regional offices will continue validating the number of schools that will not open on Monday. More than 19 million learners are expected to troop back to

Elementary has the most number of enrollees at 10,487,481 followed by Junior High School with 5,851,382, and Senior High School with 2,724,052. Regions with the most number of enrollees are: Mimaropa with 2,811,458; Central Luzon with 2,194,185; Metro Manila with 2,068,568; Central Visayas with 1,302,540 and Western Visayas with 1,292,683.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Legislator calls on colleagues to pass learning recovery plan for SY 24-25

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS the new school year opens, a senior lawmaker called on the Congress on Sunday to pass laws to boost the National Learning Recovery Plan for 2024–2025.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said Congress should support President Marcos and newly-appointed Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara in implementing the national learning recovery program by enacting laws to uplift teachers and enhance student proficiency.

“As School Year 2024-2025 opens this week, the 19th Congress can, on its third and final session, write education reforms to help put the government’s national learning recovery on the fast lane by passing new legislation to reverse the low proficiency levels of students, improve the living standards of their tutors, and provide them with well-grounded career paths either as teachers or school administrators,” Villafuerte said.

Some 16.5 million students enrolled in the K-12 or expanded basic education program are expected to troop to public schools as the SY 2024-25 opens on Monday. However, the opening of classes will be postponed in more than 1,000 public schools in Metro Manila and four other regions that were hardest hit by the typhoon-enhanced habagat or southwest monsoon rains.

Villafuerte noted that following former senator Angara’s recent appointment as Education Secretary, the President directed him to swiftly implement the national learning recovery program. This program aims to improve Filipino students’ proficiency in information technology or computer literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

With the signing into law last June of a measure—Republic Act 11997—that doubled the annual allowance of about 800,000 teachers for their school supplies, Villafuerte

said that the 19th Congress can complement this by passing in its third regular session a new law raising their salaries.

A co-author of RA 11997, Villafuerte noted that Marcos himself had assured teachers in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of additional benefits that will make their lives easier while they are doing their teaching tasks.

“Despite their heavy workload and essential role as agents of constructive intellectual, social, cultural, political, and moral change in our society, our public school teachers are among the most underpaid workers in the country,” Villafuerte said.

Thus, he said, “increasing their take home pay will hopefully goad them to strive for excellence in their field and make teaching a more attractive profession for our students.” Villafuerte has authored House Bill 1851, mandating a significant increase in the salary grade level of public elementary and high school teachers from Grade 11 to Grade 12. In addition, Villafuerte, along with fellow Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata, plus the nominee to the House of the Bicol Saro partylist group, Rep. Bryan Yamsuan, filed HB 1798 to amend RA 7743 that mandates the putting up of public libraries in all provinces, cities, and towns, as well as reading centers in all barangays throughout the country that still do not have such book rooms.

In HB 3687, meanwhile, lawmakers

RESIDENTS of a depressed community along Eulogio Rodriguez Sr. Avenue in Quezon City reel from the effects of the massives flooding on Wednesday. Almost a week after the flood, garbage remain uncollected in many parts of the city. Nearly the entire Metro Manila was inundated

Vandals hack, deface govt energy-conservation website

TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

HE Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) website of the Department of Energy (DOE) was hacked and defaced over the weekend, the agency said on Sunday.

The incident occurred at around 6:00 pm on July 27, 2024.

“We immediately took the system offline and began closely coordinating with the Philippine

National Computer Emergency Response Team [NCERT] and the system’s developer to address the possible vulnerabilities of the website,” the DOE said.

The DOE said government agency data such as the monthly electricity and fuel consumption, vehicle and appliance inventory can be found on the website.

“We assure you that the DOE is committed to keeping its systems secure and will continue to upgrade these systems. While we are exerting all efforts to restore

the website to full operation at the soonest possible time, we are also implementing our strategies to make our systems more resilient,” added the DOE.

GEMP is a government-wide program aimed at reducing the government’s monthly consumption of electricity and petroleum products through efficient use and conservation of energy and fuel. It aims to reduce government-wide electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent through strategic energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Earlier, the DOE reported that the government saved around 31 gigawatt hours (Gwh) in electricity usage equivalent to nearly P365 million in cost savings while over half a billion liters of fuel have been conserved, resulting in almost P35 million in savings for the first quarter of the year.

The hacking incident happened a few days after the first regional GEMP summit for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) professionals took place in Mandaue City, Cebu last July 23.

Epira amendment to lower power rates–senator

ABy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SENATOR said that any amendment to the Elec -

tric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) should result in lower electricity prices for the benefit of consumers who continue to endure high electricity prices.

“We need to be able to provide not just a steady and sufficient

supply but also affordable energy for our consumers,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said. At the outset, Gatchalian reminded that any amendment to the Epira should be geared towards reducing the price of electricity, noting that power rates in the country remain at high levels. He made the statement following President Marcos’s call for a review of Epira in his recent State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Gatchalian said he supports the President’s call to amend Epira to address issues hounding the energy sector including high prices. Epira, Gatchalian said, should be amended to give the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) more teeth in enforcing accountability among industry players who fail to deliver their mandate. “ERC plays a critical role in the industry and we want strong provisions in EPIRA that would

empower ERC to regulate industry players effectively,” he said. Gatchalian stressed that the ERC should have enough power to enforce its mandate of protecting the interest of consumers and its charter should foster independence, transparency, and accountability. “Dapat maging malinaw ang accountability ng mga industry players at magkaroon ng penalty na mararamdaman talaga ng mga violators,” he said.

New dam in Rizal cited for reducing flood caused by Carina

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

OVERNMENT officials said on Sunday

Ga new dam in Rizal eased the effect of the floods caused by the southwest monsoon or habaga t tha t was enhanced by Typhoon Carina.

The heavy-rains caused widespead flooding in Metro Manila and at least four other regions in Luzon.

The dam was built by Prime Infra-led WawaJVCo Inc., the developer and operator of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project as part of Phase 2 of the infrastructure project.

The Upper Wawa Dam built by the company, began impounding operations on it reservoir on July 10.

Upper Wawa Dam is located in Rizal and iswithin the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape.

During heavy rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) monitors the water level of various dams and orders the release of excess water only when the level reaches the spilling level.

Large water reservoirs such as Angat Dam are utilized for domestic water supply and irrigation.

While designed as a water supply dam, the Upper Wawa Dam can also help mitigate flooding in downstream communities, particularly low-lying areas in Rizal province and the eastern district of Metro Manila.

During the situation briefing on the impact of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon in Rizal province on Friday Gov. Nina Ynares informed President

Marcos that without the Upper Wawa Dam, flooding in certain areas of the province could have been significantly worse.

In a statement, Ynares noted that the Upper Wawa Dam’s reservoir needed six months to fully impound water. However, owing to the heavy rainfall from Typhoon Carina, the reservoir was nearly filled in just two days.

“Mr. President, sometime this month, we were together during the inauguration of [Upper] Wawa Dam. We saw it was empty and [they said] it would take six months for them to fill it up...without it, I feel that, most likely, San Mateo and Montalban would be down; and definitely, Marikina and parts

of Quezon City and even Pasig would be affected,” said Ynares.

Marcos, who led the Impounding Process Ceremony of the Upper Wawa Dam on July 10, nodded in agreement, as he saw photograph of floodwater entering the reservoir.

“In three days, ganoon[karami]angtubig na bumagsak,” noted the President.

“The Upper Wawa Dam project by WawaJVCo has significantly reduced the effects of flooding in comparison to previous occurrences,” the provincial government highlighted in its presentation to the President.

The Upper Wawa Dam features a reservoir of about 450 hectares, approximately twice

the size of Bonifacio Global City, and can store up to 120 million cubic meters of water.

It is the largest dam to be built in over 50 years, with the critical objective of addressing water supply security in Metro Manila and the province of Rizal.

Based on measurements conducted throughout July 24, Wednesday, the floodwater entering the dam’s reservoir peaked at approximately 2,100 cubic meters per second (m3/s).

The Upper Wawa Dam reservoir accumulated over 90 million cubic meters of water during the typhoon. This helped to mitigate downstream flooding.

Zambales governor orders review of developments in hazard zones

By Henry Empeño

IBA,

Zambales—Ongoing construction and other development projects located in coastal areas and identified hazard zones will be monitored and reviewed by the provincial government of Zambales to ensure the safety of residents and local communities in disaster-prone locations, Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said over the weekend.

Ebdane made this announcement after the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC), which he chairs, assessed coastal hazards in the province, particularly incidents of coastal erosion during heavy monsoon rains induced by Typhoon Carina.

“We have deemed it best not to allow further developments—whether for residential or recreational purposes—in areas that are hazard-prone. This is in consideration of public safety, which should be our paramount concern,” Ebdane said.

Ebdane said developments will be discouraged in area like sitio Tektek at barangay Sindol in San Felipe, Zambales, where a storm surge destroyed a large portion of the coastal road and protective dike at the height of Typhoon Carina.

The post-Carina report by the IAC-Technical Working Group (TWG) identified Tektek, as well as sitio Laoag in nearby barangay Maloma, to have “moderate vulnerability” to coastal hazards like flooding.

The IAC-TWG made a coastal hazards vulnerability assessment in San Felipe with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), and local barangay officials.

IAC-TWG head Domingo L. Mariano said both Tektek and Laoag have experienced coastal accretion in the last 14 years, from 2006 to 2020, with a maximum width ranging from 250 meters to 350 meters.

He said accretion was primarily observed south of Maloma River, with a maximum increase of 114 meters at an average rate of 18.8 meters per year, while erosion was more evident north of Maloma River, with a maximum rate of 16.5 meters per year and a 100-meter eroded width.

Coastal accretion is the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers of materials. In the case of Tektek and Laoag, accretion consisted of Mount Pinatubo debris that washed down the nearby Maloma River.

“This coastal zone [along Tektek and Laoag] is dynamic, experiencing cycles of coastal erosion and accretion. Hence, MGB recommended that these areas be designated as a ‘No Habitation Zone’ in its monitoring report on shoreline shift in Maloma River in October 2021,” Mariano said. In its July 26 report to Ebdane, the IAC-TWG recommended the following: (1) To discourage further development of residential and recreational areas along the coast; (2) To designate potential evacuation sites that are situated on higher ground and safe from maximum storm surges and tsunamis; (3) To increase the level of awareness and preparedness of the residents; (4) To follow storm surge and tsunami alerts; and (5) To conduct continuous shoreline monitoring to detect and address signs of erosion, particularly in residential areas. Residents of Tektek and Laoag are mostly engaged in marginal fishing for their livelihood.

While the erosion of the coastal road was among the major damage to infrastructures recorded in Zambales during Typhoon Carina, the PDRRMO reported only two families composed of eight individuals from Maloma as having evacuated at the height of the recent weather disturbance. In all, the evacuees throughout Zambales during Typhoon Carina consisted of 2,139 families composed of 6,128 individuals, the PDRRMO said.

Think tank urges govt to hike funds for digital infrastructure

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

THE top official of an international think tank on Sunday urged the national government to give a greater allocation in the 2025 budget and succeeding cycles to plug the gaps in digital infrastructure raised by President Marcos during his State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Manhit said that aside from economic development and inclusive growth, connectivity is most crucial in post-disaster efforts as is being seen in the aftermath of typhoon Carina, and in preventing similar damage and destruction through information sharing and dissemination.

“The President said some P3 trillion in total investments in various sectors have already been green lane certified,” Manhit said.

“This is well and good, but our legislators should already be looking ahead and prioritize the funding of Phases 2 and 3 of the national fiber backbone as soon as possible,” Manhit added.

During the Sona, Marcos reported that Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone has been operationalized, with the next two phases expected to be completed by 2026.

The backbone intends to improve the number of households in the Philippines connected to the internet, which in 2022 stood at just 77 percent of 20.6 million households.

“It is heartening that the President acknowledged the initiative and participation of private sector partners in accomplishing our nation’s connectivity goals,” Manhit said, as Marcos committed that reforms in policies and streamlining processes will have full government support.

In his speech, the President mentioned the nearly 10 million unique user devices benefiting from free internet in over 13,000 locations in the country.

“But while much has been done, a lot more needs to be accomplished so that our economy can truly become digitally empowered, and our people truly digitally capable,” Manhit added.

Meanwhile, the Telecom Review recently ranked the Philippines the 41st in the world in terms of internet speed.

“This is compounded by the great disparity among regions in terms of consistency and quality of the connectivity,” Manhit said.

“It is here where IT infrastructure is crucial. Without sufficient investments in digital infrastructure, the plan will unfortunately remain in the critical wish list and will again be nagging problem in the next Sona.”

Moreover, the President said he wants to ensure that the speed and quality of the country’s information technology development always mirrors the pace and trajectory of our economic aspirations. Manhit also underscored that the digital gap in the Philippine education system remains glaring, with thousands of schools across the country still lacking access to the internet as well as to computers, smart TVs, essential programs, and digital books.

“In the digital age, education can no longer exist offline because so much material and potential sources of knowledge are already available online. All students must be able to gain access to this knowledge,” Manhit said, adding that this will nurture the youth’s creativity and innovation that opens their minds to a borderless world of ideas and opportunities.

“All in all, the President and the entire administration appear to be aware of the urgency of digital transformation in the advancement of our nation in practically all aspects,” said Manhit.

“As Congress begins to start deliberations on the 2025 national government budget, I hope that legislators ensure that the National Fiber Backbone Project will have adequate allocation to accelerate completion and operationalization, “ Manhit added.

Before Typhoon Cariña - Downsteam

Before Typhoon Cariña - Reservoir

After Typhoon Cariña - Downsteam

After Typhoon Cariña - Reservoir

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Ports see lower fish unloading volume in June

RBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

EGIONAL ports recorded lower fish unloading volume in June due to bad weather and Davao Gulf’s closed fishing season, according to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).

PFDA said the fish unloading volume in June fell by 11 percent to 59,259.88 metric tons (MT) from the previous month’s 66,587.86 MT.

“Despite some setbacks due to weather and closed fishing season, the PFDA and its RFPs [regional fish ports] are consistently doing their best to provide sufficient and affordable fishery products to its clients and stakeholders,” the agency said in a statement.

PFDA said the General Santos Fish Port Complex experienced a “slight setback” in its monthly fish unloading volume which reached 29,635.67 MT. This was 14.71 percent lower than the 34,747.19 MT recorded in May.

The Navotas Fish Port Complex trailed behind as it unloaded 21,792.80 MT of fish. This was lower than the 23,312.20 MT of fish products delivered to consumers in the capital region and nearby provinces last month.

The PFDA noted that the sole port in the Visayas--Iloilo Fish Port Complex--registered a slight decrease in fish delivery last month at 2,505.30 MT because of the onset of the “habagat” season.

For its Luzon ports, the agency said the Bulan Fish Port Complex unloaded 2,308.75 MT of fish while the Lucena Fish Port Complex delivered 1,794.20 MT. Despite the implementation of the closed fishing season in Davao Gulf which started on June 1 and will run until August 31, the PFDA said the

Davao Fish Port Complex unloaded a “much-needed” 1,794.20 MT of fish.

Meanwhile, the Sual Fish Port delivered 105.85 MT of fish in June, while the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex showed a “positive performance” with 925.995 MT.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the country’s fisheries production in January to March reached 987,190 MT. The figure is 0.5 percent lower than the 992,330 MT recorded last year.

“The decrease in production was

noted in marine municipal fisheries, while commercial, inland municipal fisheries, and aquaculture reported increments in production during the period.”

Production in the first quarter was buoyed by commercial fisheries, which recorded an output of 188,920 MT. The figure is 10.7 percent higher than the previous year’s 170,600 MT. The subsector accounted for 19.1 percent of the total fisheries production.

In contrast, the output of marine municipal fisheries during the period declined. PSA said marine municipal fisheries produced 211,330 MT, 12.4 percent lower than the previous year’s 241,370 MT.

“Aquaculture production was registered at 546.40 thousand metric tons in the first quarter of 2024. This was 0.1 percent higher than 545.88 thousand metric tons output in the same period of 2023.”

Of the 20 major species, PSA output reductions were primarily noted in bali sardinella (tamban), milkfish, threadfin bream ( bisugo), blue crab (alimasag ), and seaweed.

“On the other hand, increments were mainly reported in skipjack, tilapia, frigate tuna (tulingan), fimbriated sardines (tunsoy), and yellowfin tuna (tambakol/bariles).”

FAO: Disease, logistics issues cut PHL banana exports

THE spread of Fusarim Wilt

Tropical Race 4 disease across local plantations and logistics challenges limited the Philippines’s banana shipments last year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

“Available monthly export data show that these difficulties hampered shipments from the Philippines particularly during the first nine months of the year, notably to Japan and China, the two key destinations for bananas from the Philippines,” FAO said in its latest report.

The report showed that net imports by China declined by 2.3 per -

cent to just below 1.8 million metric tons (MMT) in 2023 due to lower global supplies.

FAO added that imports into China were hindered by supply shortages experienced in the Philippines and Cambodia, from where China procured some 50 percent of banana imports combined in recent years.

“Monthly trade data show that Chinese imports of Filipino bananas dropped by 9 percent year-on-year over the first ten months of 2023, which could not be offset by higher shipments during the remainder of the year.”

The report also noted that net im -

ports by Japan fell by 2 percent last year to about 1 MMT.

“While demand for bananas in the country remained relatively stable, import quantities were reduced by the production shortages experienced in the Philippines, from where Japan typically sources some 75 to 80 percent of its banana imports.”

Despite this, FAO said the Philippines remained the main exporter from Asia as it supplied some 60 percent of the region’s banana shipments on average.

Banana shipments from the Philippines rose by 3.4 percent in 2023 to 2.3 MMT, according to FAO. The

hurdles it encountered did not stop the Philippines from developing other markets outside of East Asia.

“[The country also exported] to emerging destinations like the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia respectively expanding by 60 percent and 12 percent in quantity terms.”

FAO said full-year estimates indicate that global exports of bananas, excluding plantain, experienced moderate growth of 0.3 percent in quantity terms in 2023, marking a more positive performance than the 6 percent decrease experienced in 2022. Total export quantities reached some 19.3 MMT in 2023. Ada Pelonia

DA aims to build more greenhouses to raise crop yields

high-value crops.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to build more greenhouses that will enable farmers to raise crop yields.

Agriculture Undersecretary Jerome Oliveros said Manila is banking on its partnership with South Korea to expand the number of greenhouses in the country.

“We wanted to bring in more greenhouses like what we have seen here in the projects of KOPIA [Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture],” Oliveros told reporters on the sidelines of a recent symposium in Makati.

“It really inspires our farmers and the yields are very high—more than about 30 percent compared to open field farming.”

‘Adding value to organic cacao, durian will hike farmers income’

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

DAVAO City—A new study indicated that farmers will reap more benefits from adding value to organic durian and cacao, according to a Korean-backed Filipino organization.

Ronita P. Buenaventura, project coordinator for the Korean organization Camp Asia, said the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, North Cotabato and in the barangays of Manuel Guianga and Sirib in Tubok are currently testing the viability of organic cacao and durian production.

Durian was planted in a 100-hectare plot by 80 farmers in USM. Meanwhile, some 15 hectares of land in USM and Sirib were planted with cacao.

Buenaventura told the BusinessMirror that the project aims to produce and sell frozen durian, which fetches a higher price.

She said Camp Asia and Unorka, a local farmers’ organization, have been in talks with the Department of Science and Technology for possible government support for the production of frozen durian.

Buenaventura also said the project is targeting to produce cocoa liquor, locally known as tablea.

For the organic durian, she said the project will run for nine years. The first three years, she said, would focus on the transition from the old practice of using inorganic fertilizer to organic farming.

“This is a necessary transition considering that these

durian trees are already at least 25 years old and used to having chemical fertilizers.”

During the first phase, farmers would be encouraged to form and consolidate their cooperative for Camp Asia and other organizations, including government to train and equip them on the necessary skills and knowledge in farm and cooperative management.

“We will graduate from being producers only of raw materials. We will not be exporting the fruits only but we will apply value adding. We will sell the frozen durian as a processing and production practice at the cooperative level,” Buenaventura said. “We will begin to industrialize at the barangay level.”

As for cacao, she said Camp Asia would focus on the smaller planters to raise their production while their reducing their cost.

“We will show them how organic cacao planting can help them,” she said.

“At the end of the three-year project for cacao, there will be knowledge-sharing with the rest of cacao growers in the Calinan and Tugbok areas of northern Davao City.”

Davao City was also selected for the trial planting because the city has its own organic agriculture ordinance.

She said Camp Asia is a South Korean organization that agreed to help the local farmers’ federation, Unorka, to practice organic durian and cacao production. The group assured farmers that South Korea will buy the organic durian and cacao.

This is part of the “Pilot Village Project on Protective Cultivation and Postharvest Management of Vegetables” project, which aims to increase famers’ income, according to the DA.

Through the project, facilities such as greenhouses with drip irrigation systems and postharvest buildings were established at the pilot sites. Production inputs, farm machinery, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and postharvest technologies were also provided.

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said that since the pilot project on greenhouse farming saw success, they plan to expand it further. He added that the project would cultivate mostly

The KOPIA, an ODA program of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), which is Korea’s largest agricultural research and development organization, has constructed greenhouses in Lucban, Quezon, Siniloan, Laguna, and Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.

The BPI director said the project would also be established in five other areas either by next year or in 2026.

He noted that the department will try to finance it internally, but the DA is hopeful that other partners, donors, and private sectors would bet on the project given its potential to raise farmers’ income.

Meanwhile, Panganiban said the government plans to export other farm products to South Korea.

“After avocado, I think we want to try mangosteen. Durian is also on the way,” he said.

“The Philippines has not fully taken advantage of the opportunities presented by frozen products. The risk of exporting these products is lower since they no longer carry pests and diseases.” Ada Pelonia

Wheat supplies set to expand with record North Dakota yields

RECORD-HIGH wheat yields in North Dakota are set to further expand American grain supplies and should help to quell inflation for foods like bagels, where prices had recently started rising again.

Dozens of wheat traders, millers and bakers fanned out across the state in an annual crop tour this week. They found lush wheat fields—thick with tall, green plants. Farmers enjoyed a speedy spring sowing season and ample rainfall in May and June, before a recent turn to hot and dry weather.

The primary variety grown in the state of hard red spring wheat should yield 54.5 bushels per acre, according to the tour’s final data Thursday. That’s up 15 percent from last year and just below the US Department of Agriculture’s projection earlier this month of 56 bushels per acre—the highest ever. The tour estimate would also mean the state’s highest yield ever.

“This is as good as we’ve had for the number,” said

Dave Green, executive vice president of the Wheat Quality Council, which hosts the crop tour.

American farmers have been reaping bumper grain crops, helping to buffer global supplies. Top exporter Russia will see a smaller harvest than last year, while brutal heat in the European Union will hit yields for wheat and corn.

North Dakota vies with Kansas as the top US grower. Kansas’ just-harvested crop of wheat planted in the winter that also was bigger than last year. North Dakota should gather even more wheat, both the high-gluten spring wheat variety used to make stretchy dough for foods like bagels and pizza, as well as durum wheat prized by pasta makers.

Plentiful US supplies have benchmark Chicago futures trading near the lowest levels since 2020. Bigger stockpiles and cheaper grain are welcomed by food manufacturers who had been struggling with years of reduced US plantings and the recordhigh prices that followed Russia’s invasion of

Ukraine in 2022. Just a year ago, wheat was coming to the US from Poland to make up for a shortfall. Benchmark Chicago wheat futures for September delivery traded near $5.30 per bushel as of 8:39 a.m. in Chicago, down more than 25 perceny from a year ago. Still prices for foods made from the staple grain are still relatively expensive. Earlier in July, the US Labor Department said its food index climbed amid gains in the baked-goods category even as broader inflation pressures were easing. Wheat growers are also facing lower farm-gate prices even as costs for seeds, chemicals and equipment have stayed high.

Nor th Dakota wheat grower Jim Pellman said he’s currently underwater on his fields, with potential crop revenue of about $300 per acre right now, compared with the roughly $450 he needs to break even. That means he’ll wait for prices to improve before selling his crop. Bloomberg News

July 29, 2024

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s. NO. ESTABLISHMENT NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

1 AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION (A.P.C.) B.V.

Lot 1, Block 5, Phase 2, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

VU THI HUYEN TRAN

Senior Manager - Performance Management

Brief Job Description:

Oversee cluster methods function driving the manufacturing process, industrial productivity with adaptation of SPS guidelines.

2 DIGITAL JENIUS, INC.

Bldg. 6, Covelandia Rd., Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

3 DO FIRST MS PHILS. CORP

Lot 2, Block 14, Phase III South Avenue, 7th St., Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

4 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

DONG, XINKUI

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

CHOI, JIN YOUNG

Administrative Adviser

Brief Job Description:

Develop system and process to track and optimize productivity and standard, metrics and performance target

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite GUAN, WEILIN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

5 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

6 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

WANG, LEILEI

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LIU, CUNYAN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

7 GLARION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to understand and explain technical information; ability to solve customer problems via telephone, chat, and email; fluent to good in English communication;

Salary Range:

Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification:

College Graduate, preferably 1year experience in the similar field, Speaks and write fluently (Native Language)

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Knowledge to latest production management

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range:

Covelandia

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

GIA NGUYEN

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite NGUYEN DUC KHOA Vietnamese

16 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

17 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

18 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

NGUYEN, THI KIM OANH Vietnamese

NONG THI HA GIANG Vietnamese

NONG VAN QUYNH Vietnamese

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite PHAM CONG LAM Vietnamese

PHAM VAN MINH

Vietnamese

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

24 HUADING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION

Block 7, Lot 3, Suntrust Ecotown, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

ZHAO, FEIYUN

Logistic Manager

Brief Job Description: Direct, optimize

SB Hain Compound, NIA Road, Niugan, City of Cabuyao, Laguna LEE, SEOUKMIN

26 JH PRECISION

PHILIPPINES INC.

Block 4, Lot 6, Filinvest Technology ParkCalamba, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna

27 JH PRECISION PHILIPPINES INC.

Construction Manager

Brief Job Description: Manage, implement and coordinate schedule and activities

YANG, HAIYU

Technical Engineering Manager

Brief Job Description:

Develop detailed plans for new designs and products

Block 4, Lot 6, Filinvest Technology ParkCalamba, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna WANG, GUANGSHUN

Technical Project Management Director

Brief Job Description: Lead and mentor project managers and teams to enhance performance and professional growth

28 MEC ELECTRONICS

PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

Block 8A, Lot 1, Phase 1, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite YANG, HSIANG-CHENG a.k.a. YANG, CHING-CHUNG

Injection Molding Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee and train production staff, familiarizing them with SOP including machine startup, operation of machine, minor processing adjustments, handling and quality assurance of product, shut down, to all with an emphasis on safety.

29 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite HUANG, ZIQIANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite YAN, KANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of 10 years of experience in railway constructions

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

Vocational course in related field required and able to speak English and Mandarin

Salary Range:

Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: with Vocational course/ training in related field required, able to speak English and Mandarin

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin; Can read & write Chinese character; With at least 5 years’ experience in managing plastics molding department(s) and/or tool room, setting up and running injection molds

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and Write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite NANG PHWAY HOM Myanmari

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite ARR ZE Myanmari Customer Service Representative Brief

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic

Representative Brief

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary

Covelandia

Vietnamese

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite DUONG THANH QUYNH

56 MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC.

Room 302, MMS Bldg., Old NIA Road, Bayanan, City of Bacoor, Cavite

57 PHILSTAR HOSIERY, INC.

Road J, Block 19, Lot 4, 6 & 8, Phase 3, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

58 PORTAL STEELS INC.

9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

SHARMA, SIDDHARTHA

Chief Operating Officer

Brief Job Description: To ensure that ship owner’s requirements are determined and are met with the aim of enhancing ship owner satisfaction.

KIM, HANGYU Production Manager

Brief Job Description: Manage the whole production are (packing & sewing)

LIU, YUANQIONG Accounting Analyst

Salary

Representative

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

50 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

THI HANG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

59 SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC.

Lot 15, Road 3, Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

60 TIME CERAMICS PHILIPPINES INC.

Purok 1, Gelerang Kawayan, San Pascual, Batangas

61 TIME CERAMICS

PHILIPPINES INC.

Purok 1, Gelerang Kawayan, San Pascual, Batangas

Brief Job Description: Prepares and examines financial reports with an eye of accuracy and compliance

SHEN, SHIBAO Repair Technician Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Generate SMT and AOI programs utilizing offline software able to create reflow profiles ensuring integrity of solder joints within internal quality guidelines

WANG, XINLONG Machine Specialist

Brief Job Description:

Perform, repair, maintenance and install mechanical, electrical and hydraulic components

YANG, JIAQIANG Machine Specialist

Brief Job Description: Perform, repair, maintenance & install mechanical, electrical, all hydraulic components of the machine

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

By authority of the Regional Director:

ATTY. MARION S. SEVILLA, LL.M. Assistant Regional Director

Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Southeast Asian diplomats condemn Myanmar violence and address South China Sea tensions in regional talks

By Jintamas Saksornchai The Associated Press

VIENTIANE, Laos—Southeast Asian top diplomats on Saturday condemned violence in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and urged for “practical” means to defuse rising tensions in the South China Sea during the last of the three-day regional talks with allies including the US, Russia and China.

Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), hailed dialogue partners for “frank, candid and constructive exchanges” on key issues revolving around regional security.

The weekend talks in the Laotian capital were dominated by the increasingly violent and destabilizing civil war in Asean-member Myanmar as well as maritime disputes of some of the bloc members with China, which have led to direct confrontations that many worry could lead to broader conflict

In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks, the bloc said there’s an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and called for “all relevant parties in Myanmar to ensure the safe and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance, to the people in Myanmar without discrimination.

“We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence against civilians and

public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence,” it said.

The army in Myanmar ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule, leading to increasing violence and a humanitarian crisis.

Thailand, which shares long borders with Myanmar, said it was given Asean backing to play a wider role there, including in providing humanitarian assistance in which it’s already heavily involved. It also said more peace talks have been proposed to include additional stakeholders, especially Myanmar’s neighbors Thailand, China and India.

More than 5,400 people have been killed in the fighting in Myanmar and the military government has arrested more than 27,000 since the coup, according to the Assistance

Association for Political Prisoners. There are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmar’s multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called people’s defense forces of military opponents.

Asean has been pushing a “five-point consensus” for peace, but the military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, raising questions about the bloc’s efficiency and credibility. The peace plan calls for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an Asean special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through Asean channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties.

The meetings also served to highlight

Gaza school sheltering displaced Palestinians hit by Israeli airstrike, killing 30 including children

dBy Wafaa Shurafa & Sam Metz

The Associated Press

EI r A L- b ALA h , Ga za Strip — Israeli airstrikes hit a school used by displaced Palestinians in central Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 30 people including several children, as the country’s negotiators prepared to meet international mediators about a proposed cease-fire.

Seven children and seven women were among the dead taken from the girls’ school in d ei r al- b al ah to Al Aqsa h osp ital. Israel’s military said it targeted a h ama s command center used to direct attacks against Israeli troops and store “large quantities of weapons.” h ama s called the military’s claim false.

c iv il defense workers in Gaza said thousands had been sheltering in the school, which also contained a medical site. Associated Press journalists saw a dead toddler in an ambulance and bodies covered with blankets. Shattered walls gaped and classrooms were in ruins. People searched the rubble strewn with pillows and other signs of habitation. Gaza’s h ea lth m in istry said at least 12 people were killed in other strikes on Saturday.

o ff icials from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy on Sunday to discuss cease-fire negotiations.

c IA d ir ector b il b ur ns is expected to meet with Qatari Prime m in ister m oham -

m ed b in A bdul r ahm an al-t hani m os sad director

d a vid b ar nea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel, according to officials from the US and Egypt who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not

authorized to discuss the plans.

US officials on Friday said Israel and h am as agree on the basic framework of the three-phase deal. b ut Israeli Prime m in ister b en jamin Netanyahu in his speech to the US c on gress vowed to press ahead with the war until “total victory.”

After the Israeli strike on the school, Nabil Abu r ud eineh, spokesperson for Palestinian Authority

President m ahm oud Abbas, said Netanyahu’s reception from supporters in the US constituted a “green light” to continue Israel’s offensive.

A deadly new exchange of fire between Israel’s military and h ez bollah militants in Lebanon renewed concerns about the war in Gaza inspiring a wider regional conflict.

New evacuation order for part of humanitarian zone

Israel’s military on Saturday ordered a new evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis in the south. t he o rder was in response to rocket fire that Israel said came from the area.

t he military said it planned an operation against h ama s militants, including in parts of m uw asi, the crowded tent camp in a zone where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge. It’s the second evacuation order issued in a week.

t he 60-square-kilometer (roughly 20-squaremile) zone is blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid. Israel expanded the zone in m ay t o

bBy Dake Kang The Associated Press

EIJING— c hinese diplomats are pressuring l awmakers from at least six countries not to attend a c hi na-focused summit in taiw an, participants told t he A ssociated Press. Politicians in b ol ivia, c ol ombia, Slovakia, North m ac edonia, b osn ia and h er zegovina, and one other Asian country that declined to be named, say they are getting texts, calls and urgent requests for meetings that would conflict with their plans to travel to taiw an, in what they describe as efforts to isolate the self-governed island.

t he s ummit begins m on day and is being held by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on c hi na, a group of hundreds of lawmakers from 35 countries concerned about how democracies approach b ei jing. t he A s -

sociated Press spoke to the organizers and three lawmakers, and reviewed texts and emails sent by c hine se diplomats to the lawmakers asking whether they were planning to participate in the summit. “I’m Wu, from c hi nese Embassy,” read a message sent to Antonio m il oshoski, a member of parliament in North m ac edonia. “We heard that you got an invitation from IPA c , wi ll you attend the c on ference which will be held next week in taiw an?”

In some cases, lawmakers described vague inquiries about their plans to travel to taiw an. In other cases, the contact was more menacing: o ne l awmaker told AP that c hi nese diplomats messaged the head of her party with a demand to stop her from going.

t he y sent a direct message to the President of my party, to stop me from traveling to taiw an,” said Sanela Klarić, a member of parliament in b osn ia and h er zegovina. “ h e sho wed me the message from them.

take in people fleeing the southernmost city of r afah , where more than half of Gaza’s population at the time had crowded.

“ t hi s is my ninth or eighth displacement,” said m oham mad Jaber, who was originally displaced from r af ah. “Every time they tell us to go to an area, and it is unsafe. t hi s time, we do not know where to go.”

h e wi ped the sweat from his face as children piled neat bundles of belongings on the sand, ready for transport by vehicle or donkey cart.

Gaza h ea lth m in istry officials said the evacuation orders had forced at least three health centers to stop providing care. Israel estimates that about 1.8 million Palestinians shelter in the zone. In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was “not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other” in Gaza.

t he U N agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UN r WA , said it was difficult to know how many people would be affected by the latest order. “ t he se are forced displacement orders,” said Juliette toum a, the agency’s director of communications, adding that Palestinians have “very little time to move.”

Farther north, Palestinians mourned seven people killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida in central Gaza. Parents and their two children and a mother and her two children were wrapped in white burial shrouds as friends and neighbors wept. Al Aqsa h osp ital confirmed the count and AP journalists saw the bodies. Metz reported from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.

h e said, ‘I will advise you not to go, but I cannot stop y ou, it’s something you have to make a decision.’” c hi na routinely threatens retaliation against politicians and countries that show support for taiwan , which has only informal relations with most countries due to c hi nese diplomatic pressure. Klarić said the pressure was unpleasant but only steeled her determination to go on the trip.

“I really am fighting against countries or societies where the tool to manipulate and control peoples is fear,” said Klarić, adding that it reminded her of threats and intimidation she faced while suffering through the b al kans war in the 1990s. “I really hate the feeling when somebody is frightening you.”

c hi na vehemently defends its claim to taiw an, a self-governed island that b ei jing views as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. Last week, b ei jing criticized taiw an for its annual h an Kuan g military drills, saying that taiw an’s ruling d em ocratic Progressive Party was “carrying out provocations to seek independence.” Associated Press video journalist Johnson Lai contributed to this report from Taipei, Taiwan.

rivalries in the region as the US and China look to expand their influence there. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vientiane on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held direct talks with Wang on Thursday. Washington’s two biggest rivals, Moscow and Beijing, have grown closer over the past two years, prompting deep concerns about their combined global influence. Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, Asean said it maintains its position on the freedom of navigation over the sea and urged a full implementation of a South China Sea code of conduct, which the bloc has been working on with China for some time.

Asean members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have conflicts with China over its claim of sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea, one of the world’s most crucial waterways for shipping. Indonesia has also expressed concern about what it sees as Beijing’s encroachment on its exclusive economic zone.

Asean foreign ministers also welcomed “practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation,” in an apparent reference to a rare deal between the Philippines and China that aims to end their confrontations, establish a mutually acceptable arrangement for the disputed area without conceding each other’s territorial claims.

Prior to the deal, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated for months, with China’s coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

On Saturday, the Philippines said it was able to make a supply trip to the disputed area without having to confront Beijing’s forces, the first such trip since the deal was reached a week ago. Blinken applauded it as a success in his opening remarks at the meeting with Asean foreign ministers, while calling China’s past actions against the Philippines—a US treaty partner—“escalatory and unlawful.” Associated Press journalist Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, right, attend during the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos on Saturday, July 27, 2024. AP Photo/Achm

Innovative approach to safeguarding education amid natural disasters editorial

The Philippines, ranked highest on the World Risk Index 2023 due to its high frequency of natural disasters, is taking crucial steps to protect its educational infrastructure. Visited by 20 typhoons annually, the country has long faced the devastating consequences these natural disasters have on public schools. This, in turn, has a profound impact on the education of millions of Filipino children.

The alarming statistics that 78 percent of public schools and 96 percent of our students are exposed to multiple hazards paint a stark picture of the vulnerabilities plaguing our education infrastructure. The fact that 4,000 schools have been damaged in the past three years, disrupting the education of two million children, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

The government’s decision to insure public school buildings under the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP) is a laudable step in ensuring the nation’s financial and infrastructural resilience against natural disasters. This forward-thinking approach not only protects a vital part of the country’s public assets but also safeguards the educational foundation of future generations.

The recent devastation caused by Typhoon Carina, which resulted in the destruction of 45 public schools across eight regions, serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive risk management strategies. Fortunately, the payout of P308.5 million under NIIP for repairs and reconstruction of typhoon-damaged schools will help ensure that students can return to their classrooms without further delay. This will not only minimize disruptions to their learning but also prevent the loss of valuable educational resources.

(Read the BusinessMirror story: “With P308-M damage, public schools to get insurance,” July 25, 2024).

By filing insurance claims under the NIIP, the government has demonstrated its commitment to shielding taxpayers from the heavy burden of reconstruction costs, allowing these critical funds to be redirected towards more productive endeavors that benefit the Filipino people.

The active coordination between the Bureau of the Treasury, the Department of Education, and the Government Service Insurance System to ensure the timely assessment and payout of insurance claims further underscores the government’s dedication to this initiative. This multilateral approach not only streamlines the process but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the NIIP.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto’s remarks on the importance of protecting national assets to ensure the economic security of the people strike a profound chord. Damaged school buildings pose a significant threat to the country’s human capital development, economic productivity, and efforts to alleviate poverty. By investing in the resilience of these vital educational institutions, the government is taking a crucial step towards safeguarding the future of the nation.

The NIIP’s broader strategy, which includes instruments such as the Quick Response Fund, the Local and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, and the Disaster Stand-by Loan facilities, further solidifies the government’s comprehensive approach to disaster risk finance. This holistic framework ensures that the country is well-equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to the challenges posed by natural calamities, thereby minimizing the impact on the most vulnerable sectors of society.

As the country continues to grapple with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters brought about by climate change, the government’s foresight in implementing the NIIP serves as a shining example of proactive disaster risk management. This initiative not only protects the physical infrastructure of public schools but also safeguards the educational opportunities and overall well-being of millions of students.

BusinessMirror

Climate change, waste, and governance

TRISING SUN

he flooding in Metro Manila that happened on July 24 due to Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) can be attributed to several factors. Aside from the intense precipitation and prolonged downpours, the drainage system in many areas was problematic (read: blocked) and inadequate.

Climate change and environmental degradation are most definitely a part of the list of causes. Another big factor is improper waste disposal practices that lead to the clogging of drains and waterways.

As I see it, unless we change our ways and little habits, it will only get worse. Climate scientists have been saying it for years—there will be more intense and frequent storms, heavier rainfall, and a higher risk of flooding. This is made worse by

rising sea levels, especially in lowlying coastal areas. All of us know this already.

It’s a wonder then why we—from the government to the family unit— act as if it’s a surprise, and why we are not doing our very best to minimize the extreme effects of weather events. The public and private sectors have crucial roles in mitigating future flooding risks.

In terms of policy and governance, we need to adopt a holistic approach

As I see it, unless we change our ways and little habits, it will only get worse. Climate scientists have been saying it for years— there will be more intense and frequent storms, heavier rainfall, and a higher risk of flooding. This is made worse by rising sea levels, especially in low-lying coastal areas. All of us know this already.

to water management that takes into consideration the welfare of various stakeholders and sectors. Strict enforcement of environmental regulations is needed to ensure compliance with flood prevention measures. This is easier said than done, and it takes a healthy dose of political will to enforce.

Huge benefits will come from increasing green spaces in every community and enforcing zoning laws that prevent construction in floodprone areas. There are also permeable materials that may be used for pavements and roads to allow water

to seep into the ground. Adequate funding must be sourced so communities will be able to afford it. The people can start by practicing proper waste disposal and participating in local flood control initiatives, like disaster preparedness drills and emergency response sessions. Reforestation is another activity that we can all take part in. Preserving our natural forests will improve water absorption and reduce runoff. There’s a lot more that we can do; these are just a few ideas. At the moment, everyone is being encouraged to take part in donation drives and community outreach programs to benefit the victims of the recent flooding. Donating cash or non-cash items to organizations, helping out in soup kitchens, and spreading the word are just a few of the easy steps we can take immediately as part of the community. One can find the details on this on the Internet. Just make sure you are donating to legitimate organizations that have a proven track record of helping the needy.

A battle royale looms on power supply bidding

AhIGh-sTAkes battle royale has erupted over the energy Regulatory Commission’s mandate for the competitive selection process (CsP) of power supply, a crucial issue that has taken center stage amidst the frequent red alerts.

And the sooner this issue is resolved, the better for business and the households for the continued humming of power plants.

The controversy surrounding the CSP was recently addressed in a Senate hearing convened by the Energy Committee, where several concerns were raised regarding the recent power supply awarding process conducted by Meralco.

Chief among the complaints was that the CSP that was conducted was discriminatory. Aside from this, there was the contentious issue on the alleged outsized authority that the distribution utility exercised.

The outcry on the supposed discriminatory conduct of the CSP arose from the exclusion of power plants powered by indigenous gas or that of the Malampaya find. This led to the award of contracts for power plants that will run on imported liquefied natural gas or LNG.

The allegations on the integrity of

the CSP that Meralco conducted for its power supply is centered on the so-called Terms of Reference (ToR), a key document in the bidding process where qualifications of bidders are spelled out.

And in this ToR, what was spelled out was that power plants that have been operating for 10 years are disqualified and that greenfield or newer plants are given the first crack.

That ToR, for Meralco, meant that it can have bidders that will provide the least cost that it would later pass on to electricity consumers in its franchise area. But this is being contested by those who were disqualified, citing that they provide the least cost aside from nudging the economy’s growth.

The issue on the CSP has to be resolved immediately with the projected bidding again for 600 megawatts (MW) that Meralco is seeking for its energy supply on August 2.

One senator has sought for the postponement of the said bidding

For Meralco, questions raised against its ToR is a non-issue precisely because it went through the process of seeking approvals from the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission before it conducted the bidding.

until the issues on CSP are resolved.

Also, there is the new government procurement process that was recently signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a sense, there is an impasse over the issue on CSP and the raging battle has to be addressed immediately as it puts to doubt the energy requirements for a distribution utility as it will have to schedule the power plants it will use for the next five years.

“CSP ensures that only power suppliers that offer the least cost supply will be undertaken by a distribution utility to protect consumers against high power rates,” Meralco Vice President and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

He also said that the CSP, which went through the approval routes of DoE and ERC, is an open and trans-

parent bid where consumers of electricity are allowed to observe. The bidding was in fact even streamed live, Zaldarriaga added.

“In the case of our 1,800 megawatts [MW] and 1,200 MW CSPs, the ToR also considered the suggestions of the Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson [Monalisa Dimalanta] before they were published,” Zaldarriaga explained.

There is a need for the government to resolve the battle royale as it assures that complaints were adequately addressed and issues are ventilated well, lest it degenerates into an epic battle that will prove worrisome for businesses and households.

Currently, peripheral concerns are arising, such as the push to expose the ownership structures of companies involved in bids. This could potentially cause additional delays in meeting the power supply requirements of distribution utilities like Meralco, impacting their service delivery.

After all, it has to come up with a matrix whereby it can accurately schedule for the next five years the power plants it can access given several scenarios, such as plants under maintenance, so that it can charge the least cost to consumers. And while this battle royale is being addressed, perhaps it is high time for the government to craft a strategy for the construction of more baseload power plants, the big problem that the country’s push for energy security faces.

Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

US, Japan, South Korea look to cement security ties before America votes

TBy Yoshiaki Nohara, Daniel Flatley & Alastair Gale

he uS pledged to bring the full force of its military to defend a llies Japan and South Korea as it signed a deal with the two to cement gains on security cooperation before america elects its next president in November.

The agreement was reached s un day at talks in Tokyo among the defense chiefs from the three countries. It formalized plans for regular military training, which in the past year has included drills to shoot down missiles and hunt for submarines. The us a nd its two a si an allies are also looking to enhance senior-level security talks and build on a deal to share realtime data on n or th Korea’s missile launches.

us D efense s ec retary l lo yd a us tin said the agreement laid out “unprecedented steps for our trilateral security partnership.”

The us a lso held separate discussions with Japan that a us tin said were aimed at raising their decades-old military alliance to a new level by changing command and control structures to better align Japan’s s el f-Defense Force with the us m ilitary.

Concerns over n or th Korea’s missiles and China’s military expansion have pushed Japan, s outh Korea and the us c loser together. The defense chiefs’ meeting in Tokyo follows a major summit hosted by p re sident Joe Biden at Camp David about a year ago. With the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, the three nations are working to bind the trilateral relationship so tightly that it would be hard to unravel.

a us tin, who was joined by s ec retary of s ta te a nt ony Blinken in talks with their counterparts from Japan, told reporters there was continued concern about Chinese coercive behavior in the region.

a s a follow on to the discussion, Japan will host a meeting m on day of foreign ministers of the so-called Quad group, which includes a us tralia, India and the us a nd is seen as a means of countering Beijing’s assertiveness. China has lambasted the Quad as a mechanism to contain its global rise.

The us a nd Japan talks featured their first minister-level discussions on “extended deterrence,” officials said. The term refers to Washington’s longstanding commitment to use its full military power, including nuclear weapons if necessary, to defend Japan. a document on extended deterrence is expected to be produced from the talks, and could outline possible scenarios in which the us would need to intervene to protect Japan, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.

“We are at a critical juncture and our decisions today will determine our future,” Japanese Foreign m in ister Yoko Kami-

Closer military ties between North Korea and Russia amid the war in Ukraine have given fresh impetus to security cooperation among the US and its two allies. It has also spurred the warming of ties between South Korea and Japan, as they try to put aside long-standing diplomatic issues.

kawa said after the discussions.

“We must continually strengthen our alliances and enhance our deterrence capabilities to protect the existing international order.”

Military overhaul a s part of its upgraded strategy f or Japan and the Indo- p ac ific region, the us i s overhauling its military forces in Japan to boost capabilities and improve coordination with the Japanese military, which recently undertook a restructuring of its own. The command will feature a Joint Forces HQ led by a threestar general. In s outh Korea, us g enerals command local troops under a similar framework, but that won’t be the case in Japan, according to a senior defense official.

s outh Korea also sent its defense minister to Japan for the first official visit in 15 years. The talks between the top diplomats and military officials from s eo ul, Tokyo and Washington are aimed at taking advantage of an alignment in views of the three countries on countering threats posed by n or th Korea and China.

Closer military ties between n or th Korea and r us sia amid the war in u kr aine have given fresh impetus to security cooperation among the us a nd its two allies. It has also spurred the warming of ties between s outh Korea and Japan, as they try to put aside long-standing diplomatic issues.

o ve rall, cooperation among the us a nd its two key allies has reached some of the strongest levels after facing troubles during Trump’s presidency. His demands for hefty spending increases for hosting us t roops caused friction with Tokyo and s eo ul.

Trump also scaled back or halted major joint training drills while he held talks with n or th Korean leader Kim Jong u n. Kim modernized his missile arsenal, advanced his new nuclear warheads and increased his stockpile of fissile material during Trump’s tenure. With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi and Jasmine Ng /Bloomberg

Cleansing exercise

SSiegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE PATRIOT

uper Typhoon Carina came and left the philippines with at least 34 people killed and 600,000 physically displaced. While “Carina” did not make landfall, weather reporters said that the southwest monsoon rains (“habagat”) that were pulled in by “Carina” poured in more than 471 millimeters of rain in the Manila region and neighboring areas. In some parts of the country, floodwaters reached levels higher than that of Typhoon Ondoy, which dumped 455 millimeters of rain in 2009.

one environmental science professor said that both the overall amount of rainfall and how fast it falls matters when it comes to floodwaters. professor and meteorologist Gerry Bagtasa said that, to a certain extent, the government was caught off-guard since even the most sophisticated weather prediction tools could not have forecasted the amount of rainfall in met ro manila last week. according to prof. Bagtasa, “limitation of weather science” prevents any government to fully prepare and respond accordingly to these natural disasters. Yet, undersecretary a riel nep omuceno of the o ff ice of the Civil Defense wrote in an article a month ago that for effective flood control, this country needs “big dams for flood control, veers, levy systems, irrigation canals, catch basins, relocation of vulnerable communities, respect for no-build zones, landslide preventions, alarm systems and safety protocols, reforestation,” among other systems. I agree with the head of oCD when he said that “no nonsense management of all these must be in place” and that this government needs “at least a 10-year uninterrupted, corruption-free and apolitical implementation of long-term solutions” to appropriately respond to natural disasters—whether too much rain (floods) or too little rain (drought),

the extent of which can be predicted every year. a fter all, the effects of climate change are upon us. Government needs the help of every law-abiding citizen to temper the effects of these acts of God. Comparing Carina and ondoy, some colleagues started speculating whether this recent flood, which prompted a declaration of a state of calamity in the nat ional Capital reg ion, is a prologue to the “ends of times” when taken together with other global events. one pastor friend told me that some Bible prophecies about “the last days” include war on a large scale ( u kraine-russia and Israel-Hamas), famine (hunger in parts of Gaza and sud an), great earthquakes, diseases (Covid-19), increasing lawlessness (parts of the united states), and ruining of the earth (corruption in certain governments, phi lippines included). When I asked him when exactly the “end of times” will come, pastor Gary reminded me of the Bible verse in Matthew 24:36 which says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father.”

sim ilar to super Typhoon Carina, where human science can predict its impact only to a limited extent, the “end of times” can never be determined by anyone, except by our Divine Father. a side from the physical manifestations of the signs of the “ends of times,” deteriorat-

ing mental attitudes are signs as well— “people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). The increasingly twisted woke culture in a merica plus the controversial opening ceremony in the par is oly mpics

2024 where Catholic leaders in France and most believers all over the world saw the apparent depiction of the l ast supper as a mockery of Christianity are previews to the extremes that this generation shall face in the coming years. a d iminished love of God and religious hypocrisy of mankind bring us back to the story of noa h and his ark.

When evil intensified back then, God sent the floodwaters to cleanse the wickedness of man. In the book of Genesis, flood was described as the “decreation” of the world, and thru noa h, God intended to have a master reset—a chance to have a different ending. some Bible scholars considered the flood during noa h’s time as an act of mercy to restrain humanity’s ever-increasing evil and an act of grief, not vengeance, as God took no pleasure in the flood but sorrow in how mankind turned His creation into a theater of sin to flourish. a fter the flood, God made a covenant with noa h, that promised that no flood will ever happen again. What happened instead was another flood, figuratively speaking, that wiped out and cleansed the earth of the sins of the world. But this time around, this “flood story” represented by Jesus’ death on the cross had a different ending.

In Genesis, there was cleansing where wicked mankind died and the righteous one ( noah) was spared in the flood. While others perished, noa h did not die by taking shelter in the ark. In the “flood story” in His death and resurrection, Jesus became a shelter for all mankind, despite its sinful nature. The world is crumbling, some say. others would say that the end is near. no one can predict when it will come.

one thing is certain, that the last days would be accompanied by the fulfillment of the prophesies in the Bible. In the same vein that there is a limitation of science where meteorologists cannot accurately predict the effects of flood, there is also that limitation that believers cannot comprehend the arrival and the extent of the “next great flood”. a ll we know is that it is coming. Just exactly what it is that is so fearful about the end times? For amidst the difficult prelude to that “ending,” it is precisely the uncertainty of the epilogue that appears most appalling for believers and non-believers alike. Teachings on condemnation and hell abound scare even the most timid of us all. Yet one need not “wait” for the “end times,” or take a school degree trying to “predict” it. What we must concern ourselves about is to get into a cleansing exercise, as overwhelming as the floods that inundated the most surprising of nooks and crannies in our areas, and that is: to accept and declare with our mouths that Jesus is our personal l ord and sav ior. Romans 8:1 tells us that, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” on the basis of that one verse alone—and of a myriad others— we are assured that while believers will be judged after death, we will not be condemned and consigned to hell. a s Jesus tells us in John 6:40, “Everyone who looks to the son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” This is a flawless statement of justification at the EnD for all who look to Christ in faith, irrespective of floods and other signs of the end times.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.

Benchmarking accountancy licensure examinations

TJoel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT

Oday, July 29, 2024, a total of 3,155 individuals will join the ranks of the over 200,000 Certified public accountants of the philippines. These jubilant Cpas will take their oath as professionals before the members of the professional regulatory Board of accountancy (BOa) in various venues, including the philippine International Convention Center. They are among the passers of the May 2024 Cpa Licensure examinations, where only 30.28 percent passed the tests.

The Cpa examinations have long been considered one of the toughest professional examinations in the phi lippines. These examinations, with six subjects for which separate tests are given, are ranked first in terms of the failing percentage, or conversely, ranked last in terms of passing percentage that ranges from 20% to 30% in recent years. The examinations given to other professionals, such as engineers, doctors,

teachers, and lawyers have better passing percentages for the takers of such tests.

Various reasons have been given to explain this phenomenon. These include the inherent difficulty of the six C pa s ubjects, the inadequate training or learning of the exam takers, the significant number of non-performing schools with sub-par records in passers of their accounting graduates, the complex

attempt to match industry requirements with the qualification of the C pa p assers, and a host of other reasons.

I will add to this discourse. my assessment shall consider the practices in other jurisdictions and countries that provide this Cpa qualification and competency examinations. I will discuss and benchmark the practices in the united states (with its a merican Institute of Certified public accountants (a ICpa) Evolution examination), the united Kingdom (with its a ssociate Chartered accountant (aC a) examination of the Institute of Chartered accountants in England and Wales (IC a EW ) and the a ssociation of Chartered Certified accountants (aCC a) examinations, australia (Cpa australia Examinations), and India (with its series of examinations administered by the Institute of Chartered accountants of India).

With this experience and exposure, I hope to provide a well-rounded and global perspective on the issue. suc h assessment may provide institutional and far-reaching solutions to the many complex issues and problems hounding our Cpa l icensure examination, in particular, and the entire accountancy ecosystem in general.

To be continued

Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held the various positions of Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He is now back to his tax and consultancy practice and can be contacted at joeltantorress@yahoo.com and his firm JL2T Consulting.

I hope to give insights based on my previous experience as a former regulator of the accountancy profession (chairman of the Boa), accounting and tax practitioner (partner of syCip Gorres Velayo & Co., and reyes Tacandong & Co.), academician and researcher (of various schools and the university of the phi lippines sc hool of Business), phi lippine representative to the global body of the International sta ndard of accounting reporting of the united nat ions, entrepreneur of various businesses, and board member of several corporations.

Trump hush money DA throws cold water on his presidential immunity claim

By Patricia Hurtado, Erik Larson & David Voreacos

DonalD Trump’s falsification of business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to a porn star before the 2016 election was purely personal conduct and isn’t protected by the us supreme Court’s landmark decision on presidential immunity, manhattan prosecutors told a judge. man hattan District attorney a lv in Bragg urged the judge to reject Trump’s argument that his felony conviction and indictment should be tossed after the high court’s decision granting presidents broad immunity from criminal charges.

The supreme Court’s decision “has no bearing on this prosecution,” the Da’s office said in a filing released Thursday.

“The supreme Court has long recognized that a president can act in an unofficial, personal capacity,” Bragg’s office wrote. “nothing in the court’s recent immunity decision changes that basic fact. This case involved evidence of defendant’s personal conduct, not his official acts.”

The clash over whether to uphold Trump’s guilty verdict comes as his likely opponent in the november election, Vice president Kamala Harris, seeks to frame the race as a choice between a prosecutor and a felon. a reversal of the verdict would instantly deprive her of a powerful line of attack and largely vindicate

the former president. Trump said earlier this month that the guilty verdict was tainted by testimony and other evidence that wouldn’t have been allowed under the supreme Court’s July 1 ruling. The sweeping decision, in addition to giving presidents immunity for many official actions, also said that evidence about their conduct or public statements couldn’t be used at trials.

‘Harmless’ errors

Bu T in their response, prosecutors said t he immunity didn’t extend to the hush money case because the conviction was supported by overwhelming evidence.

Even if Justice Juan merchan concludes that some evidence of presidential acts

was erroneously shown to jurors, the errors were “harmless” and wouldn’t have changed the outcome. Trump’s “arguments are meritless in any event, since the evidence at issue either concerned unofficial conduct that is not subject to any immunity, or is a matter of public record,” prosecutors said. a man hattan jury on may 30 found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star stormy Daniels. p ro secutors argued that the payment on the eve of the 2016 presidential election was intended to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with the former president a decade earlier.

The 78-year-old Trump was due to be sentenced July 11. merchan, who is presiding over the case, rescheduled it for september 18 to allow time to consider Trump’s request to toss the conviction in light of the supreme Court decision. Trump argued his conviction was tainted by testimony and other evidence from his time at the White House that he says should have been excluded from the trial. “The united states supreme Court’s immunity decision mandates that the sham m an hattan Da w itch hunt be summarily dismissed,” steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s campaign, said in a statement. “The entire case is irreparably tainted, leaving dismissal as

the only lawful option.” Bragg’s team also said that Trump’s lawyers failed to raise objections during the trial about most of the evidence they now say was wrongfully admitted. The former president’s lawyers had “no conceivable excuse” for failing to raise objections, prosecutors argued. Trump’s lawyers argued the verdict was called into question by extensive evidence related to his official duties, including social media posts and statements about the scandal he issued from the White House. They also argued jurors shouldn’t have heard testimony by former White House aides Hope Hicks and madeleine Westerhout about his alleged motive as the scandal was unfolding. Bloomberg

Monday, July 29, 2024

2025 budget to fund growth, social services, solons vow

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS it is set to receive today

(Monday) the P6.352trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2025 from the Executive Department, the leadership of the House of Representatives on Sunday vowed to ensure adequate funding for social services and economic growth programs while providing strategies to sustainably fund this budget.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman will present the proposed budget and accompanying documents, including the President’s budget message, to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and other House officials at 10 a.m. at the Batasang Pambansa complex.

“We will make sure that enough funds will be allocated for social services and for programs that will sustain our economic growth,” he said, while vowing a quick start to deliberations on the budget bill. Romualdez said the House would align its version of the 2025 budget with President Marcos’s spending priorities and his Agenda for Prosperity.

He reiterated his commitment to approving the proposed budget before

Congress’s first recess in October. Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said, “The NEP will undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure that every peso allocated is judiciously spent and aligned with our national priorities.”

He outlined the comprehensive hearings slated in Congress with various stakeholders, government agencies, and experts to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective fund utilization.

The President is presenting the budget to Congress exactly a week from the opening of the third and last regular session of the legislature, or three weeks ahead of his constitutional deadline.

The president’s proposal is known as the National Expenditure Program (NEP). The Congress’s version of the budget is called the General Appropriations Bill (GAB). When the President signs the bill into law, it becomes the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The DBM said the 2025 NEP is equivalent to 22 percent of GDP and is 10.1 percent higher than the FY 2024 budget of P5.768 trillion. For 2025, projected revenues are expected to increase by 8.7 percent, reaching P4.64 trillion, accord-

ing to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

Funding strategies

WITH the proposed 10-percent increase in the 2025 budget, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda raised strategies for how the government plans to sustainably fund this huge financial requirement without borrowing from multilateral institutions.

Sa lceda said the government is already taking proactive measures to generate additional revenue.

“We are implementing at least one new tax measure this year, the VAT on digital service providers, along with the Department of Finance [DOF] amendments on withholding taxes for percentage taxpayers,” he explained. This initiative aims to tap into the growing digital economy and ensure that all service providers contribute their fair share to the national treasury.

Sa lceda conceded the revenue pressure caused by the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “There’s some pressure to generate new sources due to the POGO ban. Sen. [Sherwin] Gatchalian, Sec. [Ralph] Recto, and

I have to discuss our steps forward in this regard,” he said. Another significant source of revenue, Salceda said, could come from the continuation of Manila Bay reclamation projects.

“I continue to be a strong advocate for allowing the validly permitted Manila Bay reclamation projects to continue. The one by Waterfront in Manila and the Bacoor City projects already have all the necessary permits and environmental clearances. There is no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to resume operations,” he stated.

Sa lceda stressed the importance of early implementation of the budget as a stimulus measure. “The budget is an economic stimulus measure when it can be implemented early. The earlier we can collect taxes and government revenues, the better.”

Despite Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s statement that no new taxes will be implemented until next year, Salceda suggested that government potentially source the proposed 2025 budget by improving tax collection efficiency and exploring public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects.

See “Budget,” A2

TERRANOVA OIL SPILL AFFECTS BULACAN, CAVITE, BATAAN–MAP

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

IL from the sunken tanker

OMT Terranova which sank off the waters of Limay, Bataan has reached the municipal waters of Hagonoy, Bulacan, and is threa tening to affect other areas, including the municipal waters of nearby Cavite Province.

The Philippine Space Agency released an oil spill extent map in Manila Bay from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The oil spill scope was extracted from the TerraSar-X satellite image captured Saturday, July 27, at 6:10 PM PhST, retrieved from the International Charter Space and Major Disasters or the Disasters Charter.

The NOAA oil spill extent map also showed possible oil in satellite imagery. (Related story in A3 Nation, “Bataan oil spill worries Cavite fishermen.”)

“The southernmost area of possible oil appeared connected to the location of the vessel and was 12.5 NM [23.15km] long and 5 NM [9.26km] at its widest. The patches to the north appeared to have drif ted further northeast from the last reported location captured by satellite imagery 25 July. The total extent was approximately 25 NM [46.3km] from north to south,” the

Philippine Space Agency said in its latest Facebook posts.

The Philippine Space Agency, however, said the map is still subject to field validation.

Mean while, environmental group Greenpeace reported that the municipal waters of Hagonoy and Cavite are now affected.

Greenpeace sent photos to members of the media showing a thick layer of oil has been seen across the water’s surface approximately 4 kilometers from the coastline.

The tanker capsized at the height of Super Typhoon Carina, which induced rain from the prevailing southwest monsoon on July 25 and 26.

Coastal communities are barely recovering from extreme floods due to Carina and are now bracing for an imminent environmental disaster from the oil spill.

Greenpeace is calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action to contain and mitigate the spill and protect affected ecosystems and communities. At the same time the group demanded that President Marcos Jr. hold the fossil fuel industry accountable and to make them pay for damage to ecosystems, community livelihood, and health.

Greenpeace is also calling on President Marcos Jr. to make oil and gas companies pay for polluting our waters and fueling the climate crisis.

Maritime trade bill to ease impact of high freight cost

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc.

(AISL), the leading voice of international container shipping industry in the Philippines, is calling on lawmakers to pass the measure aiming to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine maritime trade amid costlier freight rates due to the Red Sea situation, among others.

“It is very welcome for our industry for [Trade] Secretary [Alfredo] Pascual to say that the government is pushing for a legislative remedy. In the previous Congress, we, together with the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI], the Department of Transportation [DOTr] and port stakeholders, were pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 49333,” AISL President Patrick Ronas told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message over the weekend.

“We hope that this be given attention by the current congress. This will help not only the government address issues being raised by certain stakeholders but also levels the playing field when it comes to costs,” added Ronas.

The A ISL President explained that the cost of freight depends on how the freight payer negotiates the freight cost with the shipping lines.

Ju st last week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released a statement saying it is seeking a “legislative remedy” to the longstanding issue of “exorbitant” international shipping charges that have weighed down Filipino importers and exporters.

Pa scual said “These fees are not only burdensome for our businesses, but they also undermine our competitiveness in

the global market.” Pa scual was referring to the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act, which mandates the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to regulate the imposition of these local charges.

“Th is bill is a crucial step towards creating a level playing field for our businesses and ensuring that they can compete on a global scale,” said Pascual.

Meanwhile, Ronas explained that freight rates have risen due to what is happening in the Red Sea, where attacks on ships have disrupted ship schedules, resulting in congestion in major ports in Asia as these await ships to carry their exports.

Il lustrating the re-routing of ships which had prompted the increase in freight rates, the AISL president explained, “Prior to such [Red Sea situation], shipping vessels would go through the Suez Canal from the UK and Europe.”

“T his route, say from Rotterdam, a major transshipment port for European cargo, takes 25 days or roughly 10,000 nautical miles [18,250 kilometers] to China,” Ronas said. Because of the continuous attacks made by Houthi rebels on merchant ships, carriers must now go through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Th is translates to 13,500 nautical miles or 25,000 kilometers. “In terms of days it takes an additional of 10 days as to what it was before.”

Major ports in Asia wait longer for ships to carry their exports, causing congestion.

“Empty container supply is also affected as the ships carry empty containers to go back to the demand location where they are needed,” the AISL president told this paper. According to Ronas, container

shipping space is like a commodity and the pricing is based on demand and supply. “Demand is not only about volume but also of timing when it comes to the shipping trade.”

On t he share of shipping fees to the pie of transport cost, the AISL head explained that shipping will “definitely” have a higher share of the pie as the container was t ransported thousands of kilometers away while terminal charges are for the cost of handling the containers at the ports.

“Shipping fees is the cost of moving the cargo from point A to point B. Terminal fees are costs for uplifting the container from the vessel, moving it into the terminal and loading it again onto the trucks to be devliered to the beneficial cargo owner,” Ronas explained.

Early this year, Ronas recommended that Philippine exporters check their carriers or shipping lines on the expected arrival of their goods due to the disruption in the situation in the Red Sea, saying this will cause delays in arrival and therefore requires “reassessment on the availability of goods and raw materials coming from the countries affected.”

In June 2024, Japan-based think tank Nomura said, “With no immediate end in sight to the Red Sea disruptions, Nomura’s transportation analyst expects tight supply-demand conditions to persist throughout 2024.”

“R ising shipping costs add to import price inflation and feed through to PPI inflation with a lag. While firms could absorb some of the cost increase, this would squeeze their profit margins. This also suggests goods disinflation is coming to an end and is likely to become a source of upside inflation risk in coming months,” the think tank explained.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1 Monday, July 29, 2024

Tweak policies to improve connectivity, telcos tell govt

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

While noting the alreadyimproved telco space in the Philippines, telcos urged the government to implement changes that would enhance the operational environment for telecommunications companies in the Philippines.

pLDT Chairman Manuel V. pangilinan and Globe Telecom Inc. president Ernest L. Cu noted that while the industry has grown and adapted to the needs of consumers and telcos alike, policy improvements are necessary to further streamline the delivery of telco services.

pangilinan said telecommunications companies should get the same treatment as public utilities, such as Meralco, which are not subject to charges by malls or buildings for facilities that provide connectivity.

“The government can count on Globe to be its constant ally in advancing the country’s digitalization goals. We’re ready to work together on necessary policy reforms and collaborate more closely so that every Filipino experiences the life-changing benefits of reliable connectivity.”

Another critical reform proposed by pangilinan is for the national government to prohibit subdivisions or local government units (LGUs) from banning or imposing fees on telcos accessing subscribers within these areas.

pangilinan and Cu were one in saying that they support the president’s vision of providing connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

In his third State of the Nation Address last week, president Marcos Jr. urged the private sector to work with the government in providing connectivity to Filipinos in far-flung areas, to bridge the digital gap, and sustain economic growth through digital transformation in the education sector.

Similarly, Cu said Globe is advocating for the amendment of the National Building Code to classify the internet as a basic necessity, eliminate lease fees for inbuilding solutions, and mandate space for telco infrastructure in new developments. He said these reforms are seen as critical for reducing the cost of network deployments and improving service availability.

“This will allow telcos to use the savings for more infrastructure for connectivity,” he said in an e-mail response.

He also called for the repeal of Section 4 of the Department of p ub lic Works and Highways (D p WH ) Department o rd er 26 Series of 2011. Repealing this provision would require the government or project proponents to shoulder the costs of relocating p LD T facilities affected by road expansion or improvement works on national roads. This move would relieve telcos of significant financial burdens, enabling further investment in network expansion and infrastructure.

“We at pLDT support the president’s vision for a digitally empowered phi lippines, where technology uplifts Filipino lives, helps foster meaningful connections, enables livelihoods and businesses of all sizes, transforms Government service and ultimately drives economic progress,” pangilinan said.

Marcos also cited the utilization of common towers and policy reforms to hasten network expansion.

Cu noted that the president’s targets echo Globe’s initiatives, including optimizing the use of common towers to make network builds more capital-efficient.

More TNCs get govt accreditation

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has accredited 14 new Transport Network Companies (TNCs), which is expected to enhance competition in the domestic market.

The newly accredited TNCs include p ureRide Corp., UNLA LA Corp. Leggo Information Technology Solutions, Aztech Solution International Corp., Metrohills Transport Association Inc., Hail Transport Inc., and Angkas Technologies. GoCab Corp., Unified Transport o perations League Corp., peek Up philippines Corp., Get Express Global Corporation, para Xpress Technol-

ogy Services Inc., Taxsee phi lippines Inc., and RL Soft Corp. were also accredited. According to LTFRB Chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz III, the addition of these new TNCs aligns with the board’s mandate to advance transportation services for the benefit of the riding public.

“Aside from the accreditation of these new TNCs, the LTFRB has also released new Transport Network Vehicle Service [TNVS] slots to support the expanding ridehailing market. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a competitive environment that prioritizes commuter

STOCK-MARKET OUTLOOK

Last week

Light Fuels Express service stations in Cebu province and Metro Cebu. The Light Fuels Express stations are meant to serve the motorcycle riders and other lighter vehicles which occupy a large segment of vehicle type usage in Metro Cebu.

“We are hoping that when we open the other nine these could be a significant boost for us,” said Topline’s Chairman, president and CEo Erik Lim during the company’s 11th anniversary celebration. Two Light Fuels service stations are expected to open next month in Metro Cebu in line with the company’s target of having 10 operating service stations within the year. The company inaugurated its first service station in February 2023 in Mandaue City, Cebu. Lenie Lectura

ShareS prices tumbled after four consecutive weeks of increase as monsoon rains induced by typhoon Carina dampened investor appetite. The benchmark Philippine Stock exchange index fell 65.68 points to close at 6,726.01 points. It was a four-day trading week as trading was suspended due to inclement weather. It was a lackluster trading week as many investors stayed on the sidelines. average trading value reached only P4.15 billion. Foreign investors accounted for a little more than half of the trades and were net buyers at P1.32 billion. all other sub-indices were mostly in the red. The all Shares index rose 2.27 points to close at 3,630.10 points, the Financials index fell 20.54 to 2,076.45, the Industrial index declined 79.48 to 9,159.60, the holding Firms index was up 10.78 to 5,822.22, the Property index shed 43.59 to 2,664.47, the Services index decreased 42.44 to 2,007.18 and the Mining and Oil index plunged 345.41 to 8,351.84. For the week, losers edged gainers 143 to 64 and 38 shares were unchanged. Top gainers were Makati Finance Corp., Seafront resources Corp., Golden MV holdings Inc., Philweb Corp., Pryce Corp., Italpinas Development Corp. and Concepcion Industrial Corp. Top losers, meanwhile, were LFM Properties Corp., United Paragon Mining Corp., GeOGraCe resources Philippines Inc., Now Corp., The Philodrill Corp.,

welfare and accessibility.”

These additions bring the total number of accredited TNCs to 19, including previously renewed companies such as Joyride E-Commerce, Cloud panda pH Inc., E-pic k Me Up Inc., Hirna Mobility Solutions Inc., and Grab.

Earlier, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said there is a need for a “diversified and competitive” ride-hailing market to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for all Filipinos.

Echoing this sentiment, Guadiz said the agency “will continue to implement policies and programs that support the growth and improve-

acesite (Phils.) hotel Corp. and asiabest Group International Inc.

this week

Share prices may gain this week as the local market is seen to remain undervalued, which will push investors to go for bargain stocks.

Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said the local market has already exhibited a “golden cross” as its 50-day exponential moving average crossed above its 200-day counterpart.

“This signals a possible rally in the medium to long term for the bourse. Trading remains tepid however as many are still on the sidelines amid lingering uncertainties,” he said. “For the market to stage a strong rally however, catalysts are needed.”

“Investors are expected to watch out for the Federal reserve’s policy meeting. In particular, investors are expected to watch out for clues regarding the Fed’s policy outlook. If the Fed gives a dovish outlook, this may spur optimism in the local market. Investors may also watch out for the upcoming S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI for clues on the local economy.”

Broker 2Tradeasia said greater weight will be placed on any supportive comments for a September rate cut.

“The BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] is widely anticipated to mirror any moves from the Fed in this regard, although a potential upward kink in the inflation

ment of the ride-hailing industry.”

“The LTFRB remains committed to its mission of ensuring a safe, efficient, and accessible public transportation system.”

The accreditation of the TNCs, Guadiz said, is the “first step,” as he reiterated the importance of working with all the players to ensure that they comply with government rules and regulations that govern ride-hailing companies.

“We will continue to work closely with all accredited TNCs to monitor compliance with our regulations and to ensure that the riding public receives the highest quality of service.” Lorenz S. Marasigan

trend from weather related damages may be observed this month plus extend to rest of the quarter,” the broker said.

“The upcoming Ghost Month, officially beginning on the 4th of august, may increase friction in the short-term.”

Immediate support is seen at 6,6006,650 points and resistance is at 6,850 points.

stock picks

BrOker Unicapital gave a buy rating on property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. as the stock was de-rated for the past years due to the company’s focus on residential mass market, which is susceptible to an elevated interest rate environment.

“however, we are still optimistic on the stock as we believe that its residential portfolio should remain resilient given that majority of its customer mix comes from domestic end-users. Moreover, we think that the company is a beneficiary of a weaker peso environment as bulk of the company’s sales take-up originates from OFWs primarily from europe and Middle east.” It gave a target price of P1.80 apiece on the stock. Vista Land’s shares closed last week at P1.49 each.

Philstocks, meanwhile, advised to accumulate cautiously on the stock of aboitiz equity Ventures Inc. (aeV)

“Its target price (of P50.22 per share)

By VG Cabuag @villygc

SHoppING mall operator SM Supermalls said its establishments saw an increase in foot traffic, which reached more than 4 million daily in the first quarter.

The foot traffic in January to March was higher than last year’s 3.3 million. The company said this growth highlights SM’s commitment to “enriching” the mall experience with diverse and engaging activities that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

“The increase in foot traffic reflects our steadfast commitment to meeting the daily needs and wants of our customers. our malls serve as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail services with vibrant entrepreneurial environments,” SM Supermalls president Steven T. Tan said.

Through its integrated property developments, SM said it has transformed its malls into “destinations.”

Amid a shift towards discretionary spending, Filipino consumers visit malls for leisure and dining experiences. Food tenants now constitute 30 percent of mall spaces leased, up from 10 percent a decade ago while non-food tenants, including entertainment, now occupy half of its facilities. other service-related

tenants complement the offerings. Recent innovations include the Space and Time Cube+ at S Maison, an art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays, with SM’s commitment to blending art with entertainment.

SM also said it is “excited” to support communities, such as K-pop group, anime and artists and become the go-to place for these celebrations of fan gatherings of all ages and backgrounds.

Cosplay City at SM City Fairview in Quezon City, for instance, is now a hub for the community where they can be creative and be immersed in this multiple district spot filled with toy exhibits and anime themed zones wrapped with that Tokyo City vibe for Instagram-worthy posts. SM Mall of Asia’s flagship Game park in pasay was launched in November last year, and now offers a 1,947- square meter indoor entertainment complex with amenities like a bowling alley, basketball court, e-darts, and an indoor archery range, catering to diverse interests.

“SM continues to innovate and elevate customer experiences,” Tan said. “our goal is to create lasting memories through dynamic destinations that complement traditional shopping.”

BBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

ENGUET Corp. (BC) has filed w ith the Department of Energy (DoE) an application for the exploration of coal resources in Surigao del Sur under the agency’s philippine Conventional Energy Contracting program (pCEp).

BC is applying for 12 coal blocks— 38-L-161 to 166, 201 to 206 in the municipalities of San Miguel, Marihatag, and Tago.

BC must submit legal, technical, and financial document for evaluation by the review and evaluation committee. A non-refundable application fee of p 20 0,000 per area is also required from interested bidders.

In the notice of application for coal operating contract, the DoE said interested applications may challenge

the application of BC by submitting their application over the same areas.

The pCECp is a new and transparent petroleum service contract awarding mechanism that allows the government to develop and utilize indigenous petroleum resources under a service contract with qualified local and international exploration companies.

Awarding of service contracts is conducted either through the competitive selection process or via nomination. The nomination of an area for exploration is one of the two ways by which investors can participate in the DoE’s pCEp The other option is choosing an area from the 14 pre -Determined Areas (pDA s) offered by the DoE.

o nc e the D oE receives a bid nomination, the nominated area is subject to counter-challenge by other prospective bidders.

Photo from www.suPermalls.com

Lenders see steady demand for loans in Q3–BSP survey

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Arecent poll by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows that banks expect a steady demand for loans to households and enterprises in the third quarter of the year.

Citing the latest results of the Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey (SLOS), the BSP said most surveyed banks, or 66 percent, expect “broadly steady” loan demand for business loans.

Using the Diffusion Index (DI) method, the demand for loans could increase in the third quarter due to increased inventory and accounts receivable financing needs.

credit standards for loans to businesses and consumers remained unchanged by most respondent banks.

About 87 percent of surveyed banks retained credit standards for businesses while 84.2 percent maintained their credit standards for household loans in the second quarter of 2024.

The three options for the modal approach are either tightening, easing, or unchanged credit standards for loans to enterprises and loans to households.

Meanwhile, the DI approach indicates whether the proportion of respondent banks that have tightened their credit standards exceeded or not those that eased.

Shaping Cities of Value

CBased on modal results, 60.5 percent of respondent banks anticipate a steady demand for loans to households.

The DI results showed an expected net increase in household loan demand driven by rising household consumption and banks’ more attractive lending terms.

Based on the modal approach, the

“[The] DI method reflected a higher net increase in credit demand from businesses in Q2 [second quarter] 2024 relative to the previous quarter due to increased inventory and accounts receivable financing needs, as well as improvement in economic outlook,” the BSP said.

According to the BSP, the DI approach showed a sustained net tightening of credit standards in the second quarter of 2024 from the previous quarter due to the deterioration of borrowers’ profiles and the profitability of banks’ portfolios.

The central bank explained the survey consists of questions on loan officers’ perceptions relating to the overall credit standards of their respective banks, as well as to factors affecting the supply of and demand for loans to both enterprises and households.

The results of the survey are analyzed by looking at the option with the highest share of responses using the modal approach.

It provides that a positive DI indicates banks who tightened lending standards exceeded those who eased theirs. A negative DI, meanwhile, means fewer banks tightened lending standards than those who eased.

The analysis of the results of the SLOS focuses on the quarter-onquarter changes in the perception of respondent banks.

The responses for the second quarter of 2024 SLOS were gathered between May 29 and July 10, 2024, with a total of 55 respondent banks out of 60 surveyed banks. The BSP said this reflects a higher response rate of 91.7 percent compared to the previous quarter.

NG privatization efforts boost non-tax revenues

NON-tax revenues generated by the national government from privatization grew by nearly eightfold to P411.52 million as of end-June 2024, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Data from the Treasury showed revenues from privatization rose by 673.97 percent to P411.52 million from January to June 2024 from the P53.17 million recorded in the same period in 2023.

For the month of June, the privatization of government assets surged to P12.22 million. This was higher by 252.16 percent from the P3.47 million raised in June a year ago.

The Privatization and Management Office (PMO), an attached agency of the Department of Fi-

nance (DOF) responsible for disposing of government assets and other properties, generated a total of P411.52 million from sales, lease rental and interest income in the first half of the year.

Broken down, the PMO generated a total of P341.75 million in sales from January to June 2024.

The PMO reported it collected P3.11 million from Northern Cement Corp. (NCC); P25.62 million from state-owned Al Amanah Islamic Bank; P147.96 million from the mothballed Nonoc nickel mines; and, P165.06 million from the Metro Manila Development Authority as of end-June 2024.

Total sales of the PMO last June hit P3.24 million, with P2.10 million coming from the NCC and P1.14 million from the shuttered

State firms, GFIs received ₧67.206B in NG subsidies

STATE-run firms and financial institutions received subsidies amounting to P67.206 billion from the national government in the first half of the year, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). Subsidies extended to state-run firms and financial institutions rose by 5.51 percent year-on-year to P67.206 billion from January to June 2024 from P63.696 billion, latest data from the Treasury showed. In June 2024 alone, subsidies stood at P10.159 billion, plunging by 61 percent from the P26.055 billion recorded in June 2023. However, this was 4.30 percent higher than the P9.740 billion in subsidies extended in April 2024. During the first half of the year, the bulk of the subsidies worth P46.550 billion went to major nonfinancial government corporations. This was higher by 59.18 percent year-on-year than the P29.244 billion subsidies to state-run non-financial corporations.

About 78 percent of this, or P36.528 billion, went to the National Irrigation Authority (Nia). The National Housing Authority (NHA), National Electricity Authority (Nea) and National Food Authority (NFA) also obtained P3.749 billion, P2.088 billion and P2.250 billion, respectively. In June 2024, major non-financial

government corporations received subsidies amounting to P8.018 billion and the highest was the NIA with P7.516 billion.

Other government corporations also received P17.869 billion in subsidies in the first half of the year, lower by 47.60 percent than the P34.103 billion subsidies extended in the same period a year ago. The bulk, or 44.77 percent of the subsidies, was allocated to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (Psalm) Corp. amounting to P8 billion. For the month of June, subsidies to other government corporations reached P2.036 billion and the highest was allotted to the Philippine Rubber Research Institute worth P345 million. Meanwhile, subsidies to government financial corporations surged by 698.57 percent year-on-year to P2.787 billion from P349 million.

Only the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) received subsidies worth a total of P629 million among state-run financial corporations in 2023. This year, apart from the NHMFC, six other state-run financial corporations received subsidies from the government, namely the Small Business Corp. (SBC), Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) and the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC). Reine Juvierre Alberto

Nonoc nickel mine in Surigao del Norte.

The PMO also fetched P69.36 million from lease rental during the 6-month period, while raising P8.93 million for the month of June alone.

Interest income generated by the PMO amounted to P410,000 as of end-June and collected P50,000 in June 2024.

Only the PMO raised revenues from privatization. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, the Philippine Mining Development Corp. and others have not collected any as of end-June 2024.

Finance Undersecretary for Privatization and Corporate Affairs Catherine L. Fong said the PMO is in the process of achieving the privatization revenue target of P42.12 billion set by the Cabinet-

level Development Budget and Coordination Committee.

Fong cited assets for sale this year boost their confidence. These assets include the 2.2-hectare Mile Long Complex in Makati City, mining rights, government shares in toll roads (such as the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway), the amusement park Star City in Pasay City and the Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig City.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the DOF aims to double its non-tax revenue collections this year from privatizing idle state assets, dividend collection, Treasury income and fees and charges.

Tax and non-tax revenues generated by the state reached P2.13 trillion from January to June 2024. Reine Juvierre Alberto

ING Bank, Finex open nominations for best CFOs

By Rizal Raoul Reyes

UTCH financial services firm

DING Bank N.V. and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) announced last Friday is searching for this year’s outstanding chief financial officers (CFOs).

Through a statement, the two entities announced it has opened nominations for the 2024 ING-Finex “CFO of the Year Award.”

“We’ve seen a tremendous impact on the perception of financial leadership in the Philippines over the years, as the ING-Finex ‘CFO of the Year Award’ highlighted the CFO’s role as a strategic driver of change, not just a number cruncher,” ING Bank Manila N. V. Country manager Leoncio A. Palanca Jr. was quoted in the statement as saying. “The award has helped elevate the understanding that CFOs are instrumental in achieving long-term organizational growth. Today, CFOs are seen as strategic partners, shaping the overall direction of the company.”

Palanca said the search for this year focuses on “game-changing CFOs who perform a multi-faceted function, including being a strategist and catalyst to create value for the corporations, as well as a steward and operator.”

“These four qualities serve as the

guidelines for the search’s rigorous selection process, which utilizes clearly defined qualitative and quantitative criteria designed by the Finex Foundation and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business,” read the statement. “The search involves a thorough endorsement and nomination system to go with a stringent set of panel interviews.”

“The game-changing CFO leads the ‘Transformational Growth’ agenda for his or her company, incorporating sustainability, diversity and digitalization initiatives, and creating value for all stakeholders,” said Finex President Augusto D. Bengzon.

The search is open to CFOs of any company operating in the Philippines, whether local or foreignowned, privately held or publicly listed. Nominations for this year’s award are open until August 31, 2024.

The winner will be honored in an exclusive awarding ceremony in November and will receive a trophy. The awardee will also have the opportunity to share their insights and experiences during an event jointly organized by ING and Finex.

Previous winners of the 18-yearold ING-Finex CFO of the Year Award include Delfin Gonzalez Jr., who won the inaugural trophy when he was CFO of Globe Telecom Inc. Last year, the coveted award went to Maria Corazon G. Dizon of AC Energy Corp.

ITIES are potentially the most powerful driver of value for communities in the Asia Pacific region–but only if leaders continue to prioritize sustainable impact and citizen wellbeing.

In October 2023, KPMG was privileged to be a major partner of the 2023 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum: Shaping Cities for our Future. The Summit drew leaders from 171 cities who came together to explore and discuss how city innovation can deliver accelerated and lasting impact. The City Leaders’ Forum, facilitated by KPMG, was a highlight of the Summit and provided a powerful opportunity for attendees to share strategies and insights into the delivery of lasting value to citizens. Based on the outcomes of the Forum, KPMG developed a key framework to help city leaders unlock new and innovative forms of value for their citizens.

KPMG’s Cities of Value Framework CITIES have the power to create diverse forms of immense value, including social, economic, environmental, lifestyle, cultural and beyond. KPMG’s Cities of Value Framework has been designed to empower city leaders to unearth these layers through three strategic pillars:

1. Digital Increasing urbanization across emerging and developed cities is driving growth in demand for city services in the Asia Pacific region. City authorities must do more with less- finding ways to drive greater resilience and productivity from their organizations. Accessing and using technology is more prevalent in the urban context than rural areas and demand is not abating. This growing appetite for digital services and interactions, expedited through the Covid-19 pandemic, is leading to an increase in the volumes of data generated by citizens, business and visitors.

It was clear from discussions at the City Leaders’ Forum that citizens expect the same (or better) seamless, intuitive, personalized and multichannel services that they receive through the private sector - there is a strong intersection between the quality of citizen experience and the outcomes delivered by city services.’ Cities should listen to and understand what’s most impactful for their citizens and collaborate across organizational boundaries to reduce friction points. To achieve this, every city outcome needs to be technology enabled, data driven and digitally delivered, while placing citizen needs at the center.

2. Physical We heard from city leaders that they are under immense pressure to attract and retain residents, tourists, businesses, and capital. This coincides with work from home, public safety, housing affordability and other pressures that are transforming the way cities are planned, designed and built.

The physical urban environment has never been more important to the value of cities. With the pandemic ushering in new models of work, live and play, cities are facing unprecedented challenges in attracting residents, tourists and new business - and the economic benefits that come with them. This means the need for innovation has never been greater - think the development of exciting new places, convenient and rapid forms of mobility, compelling and accessible

events, diverse customer offerings, energetic workplaces, inclusive housing solutions and best practice public safety.

3. Sustainable Sustainability is imperative for Cities of Value. City leaders are striving to deliver on the multidimensional balancing act of economic growth and social equity, while preserving cultural heritage amidst rapid development. This includes the responsible stewardship of the environment in the face of urbanization trends.

Enabling sustainable value for citizens

ACROSS each of these pillars, we’ve identified three critical enabling characteristics that cities should foster and nurture. These enabling characteristics will help to drive longlasting value:

1. Citizen centricity

Understanding citizen needs and investing in the capabilities required to stay in tune as needs evolve; making these a central tenet of the decision-making framework when developing policies, designing solutions and delivering services.

2. Collaborations and partnerships

Forging partnerships among the city and other levels of government, education institutions, private industry, community groups and notfor-profits on programs, projects, services and solutions.

3. Funding and financing

Accessing sustainable funding and financing solutions - from private and public sources - that enable cities to deliver exciting new digital, physical and sustainable solutions. KPMG in the Philippines Vice Chairman, COO and Head of Advisory Emmanuel Bonoan who attended the summit emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it provided an opportunity for leaders in the Asia Pacific region to share strategies and insights into how their cities can rapidly and effectively transform communities. “The discussion underscored that fostering digital, physical, and sustainable aspects of cities, alongside citizencentric policies and strong partnerships, promises positive results for future generations,” Bonoan added. How KPMG is helping city leaders deliver citizen value

KPMG is passionate about supporting cities on the journey to a more sustainable and prosperous future. We have a strong track record of working with leaders from cities at all stages of their maturity to help drive lifestyle, economic, social and environmental value to their communities. We’re committed to collaborating with cities to identify and build on new forms of community value now and into the future. This excerpt was taken from the KPMG Thought Leadership publication: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/ insights/2024/05/shaping-cities-ofvalue.html.

© 2024 R.G. Manabat & Co., a Philippine partnership, is a member firm of a global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG Int’l Ltd. All rights reserved. This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror, KPMG International or KPMG in the Philippines.

Tech’s double-edged sword: The hidden risks of our digital dependency

By Michael Liedtke

The Associated Press

‘Move fast and break things,” a high-tech mantra popularized 20 years ago by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, was supposed to be a rallying cry for game-changing innovation. It now seems more like an elegy for a society perched on a digital foundation too fragile to withstand a defective software program that was supposed to help protect computers—not crash them.

‘Gum and shoelaces’ and the perils of a connected world The dependence—and extreme vulnerability—starts with the interconnections that bind our computers, phones and other devices. That usually makes life easier and more convenient, but it also means outages can have more far-reaching ripple effects, whether they are caused by a mistake like the one made by CrowdStrike or through the malicious intent of a hacker.

“It might be time to look at how the internet works and then question why the internet works this way. Because there is a lot of gum and shoelaces holding things together,” said Gregory Falco, an assistant professor of engineering at Cornell University.

The risks are being amplified by the tightening control of a corporate coterie popularly known as “Big Tech”: Microsoft, whose software runs most of the world’s computers;

Apple and Google, whose software powers virtually all of the world’s smartphones; Amazon, which oversees data centers responsible for keeping websites running (another key service provided by Microsoft and Google, too, in addition to its e-commerce bazaar); and Meta Platforms, the social networking hub that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

It’s a highly concentrated empire with a few corridors open to a network of smaller companies such as CrowdStrike—a company with $3 billion in annual revenue, a fraction of the nearly $250 billion in annual sales that Microsoft reels in. All of the key players still tend to put a higher priority on the pursuit of profit than a commitment to quality, said Isak Nti

Asar, co-director of the cybersecurity and global policy program at Indiana University.

“We have built a cult of innovation, a system that says. ‘Get technology into people’s hands as quick as possible and then fix it when you find out you have a problem,’” Nti Asar said. “We should be moving slower and demanding better technology instead of giving ourselves up to these feudal lords.” How on Earth did we get here? B UT is Big

juncture where some credit card companies charge their customers a fee if they prefer to have their monthly billing systems delivered to them through a US Postal Service that has become known as “snail mail” because it moves so slowly?

Remaining stuck in a different era worked out well for Southwest Airlines during the CrowdStrike snafu because its system is still running on Windows software from the 1990s. It’s such

antiquated technology that Southwest doesn’t rely on CrowdStrike for security. That sword has another, less appealing edge, though: Behaving like a Luddite hobbled Southwest during the 2022 holiday travel season when thousands of its flights were canceled because its technology was unable to properly adjust crew schedules. But it’s becoming increasingly untenable to toggle back to the analog and early digital era of 30 or 40 years ago when more tasks were done manually and more records were handled on pen and paper. If anything, technology appears destined to become even more pervasive now that artificial intelligence seems poised to automate more tasks, including potentially writing the code for software updates that will be checked by a computer—that will be overseen by another computer to make sure it’s not malfunctioning. That doesn’t mean individual households still can’t revert to some of their old tricks as a backup for when technology falters, said Matt Mittelsteadt, research fellow for Mercatus Center, a research institution at George Mason University. “There is this creeping realization that some of the things we once mocked, like putting a password on a Post-It note, isn’t necessarily the worst idea.”

At this juncture, experts believe both the government and the private sector need to devote more time mapping out the digital ecosystem to get a better understanding of the weaknesses in the system. Otherwise, society as a whole may find itself wandering through a field of digital land mines— while blindfolded. Says Mittelsteadt: “We have no intelligence about the environment we are operating in now other than that there is this mass of ticking time bombs out there.”

Style

Jericho Rosales and Donny Pangilinan talk trousers

Japanese fast-fashion brand Uniqlo enlisted heartthrobs from two generations for its Uniqlo Wide Pants Collection Style Talk held at Mall of asia’s Main Mall atrium Hall. They were also joined by celebrity stylists Cath sobrevega and John Lozano. Jericho, 44, will next be seen in the TV series Lavender Fields, opposite Janine Gutierrez and Jodi santa Maria. Donny, 26, was last seen in the toprating TV series Can’t Buy Me Love opposite Belle Mariano.

Here, the two good-looking stars share their unique sense of style as they incorporate Uniqlo into their existing wardrobe:

JERICHO ROSALES

n OOTD. “I’m wearing white crew neck T-shirt, an oversized over shirt, a bandanna, and the highlight and the bida of the season—wide pants from the Wide pants Collection. “I love it. actually, everything is super throwback. Because this is what we used to wear in the 2000s. Like, this is what the dancers would wear before, and we would like use this on [the TV show] asap and everything.”

n Style evolution. “I came from, like, the worstdressed to the best-dressed because I would wear hand-me-downs and they would give me clothes. whatever I received, that’s what I would wear.

“But then I learned about shapes—of course, through the help of my stylist and the people I hang out with. You learn about shapes and you understand if the shape is like this, or like that, then that’s how you create, you know, the silhouette.

“and then, you understand uniform. so fo an actor, I like to play roles. For example, oh, today, I’m feeling a little bit of a sailor, or, you know, I feel like I’m on the street, so I put this on. so, I have, you know, bandannas, white shoes.

“You should have a uniform. For the wide pants, it’s easy because you can go from, like, a standing rectangular, or a slimmer top, and then wider bottom. and then play around with the shoes and everything.” n Staples. “First, basics. You have to have, like, socks, underwear, and I have sandos all the time. I have to have board shorts because I always swim, and I always surf. and then I have to have hankies.

“I always have to have a jacket, at least one denim jacket. and then I have to have denim pants. Chinos and everything, because you can pair it with like a denim jacket, right? and a belt.

“I always have to have a belt. When I’m acting, I have to have a belt. It’s just my security blanket. I need to have a belt. so I’m kind of like a weird person. I have

MY favorite Filipino beauty brands are those that I feel a special affinity with and while these brands reach out to me and send me PR (internet speak for what we used to call samples), I make sure to spend my own money to buy their products to support their causes and advocacies. One of those Filipino brands is GRWM Cosmetics. Early this year, GRWM brought back the Milk Tint shade Pomelo, a fan favorite that was discontinued, to benefit animal rescue organization Pawssion Project. Pomelo’s rebirth came in a special packaging that reminded beauty enthusiasts why they were buying the multi-use tint.

In February, all online sales of the product were donated to Pawssion Project to help sustain the lives of the hundreds of rescued animals in its shelters in Bulacan and Bacolod City. The brand’s founder Mae Layug said she has always wanted to help rescue animals. I know that Mae has several cats and (if I remember it right) the GRWM headquarters is also home to several strays.

It was the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020 that intensified Mae’s wish to help more animal shelters.

“Ang saya ng animals sa shelters and naisip ko sana

“When I tried on the wide pants, I figured I’m more, it feels more loose, more comfortable, and I feel more confident. I don’t know, it’s just easier to move around. and it became the norm, I think.”

n Young style. “I think now, honestly, the younger generation is leaning toward a more laidback but sophisticated style. That’s what I like.

“You’re laidback, low key, but it looks okay. It still looks neat. proper. so, that’s why I said a while ago, my go-to is just a pair of jeans, a fitted shirt, and then any sneakers. so I think that’s one of the trends that I personally like. The laidback look, but still preppy, still sophisticated.” n

THE Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) commemorated its golden anniversary with a grand celebration held at the Okada Golden Ballroom. The momentous event gathered past CCIP presidents and esteemed members, including industry stalwarts: Silliman Sy of Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc., Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan Corp., and Willie Evangelista of Personal Collection. The celebration was further graced by the presence of Atty. Rowel Barba, director general of the Intellectual Property

Office of the Philippines, and Dr. Samuel Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines. Zacate, in his address to CCIP members, emphasized his vision for the Philippines to become a leading competitor and a prime destination for beauty products in the region.

CCIP president Christine Michelle Reyes echoed this goal during her speech, unveiling the chamber’s new tagline for the year: “Elevating Beauty, Accelerating Growth.” Reyes reiterated the CCIP’s unwavering

magkaroon din ako ng ganyan Pero for now, tutulong muna tayo [I see the animals in shelters and they are so happy. I wish I could have my own animal shelter someday but for now, I will help].” On July 25, in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina, GRWM Cosmetics donated 100 percent of online sales to various animal shelters and relief operations.

“Our commitment goes beyond beauty; we remain steadfast in our advocacy to engage in meaningful social causes,” said the brand in its Instagram.

HAIR FINDS AT WATSONS WATSONS Philippines recently launched the “Hair Finds for All Kinds” campaign to show that it has expanded its hair products selection, which addresses practically every hair concern from care to color.

“What’s fantastic about the hair category is that even the existing core brands, our bestsellers, they’re also innovating their formulation. Even the multinational brands are upgrading their products so we’re so happy that there is so much energy

commitment to championing the local cosmetics industry, serving its members, and acting as the industry’s voice in government affairs. The 50th anniversary celebration marks a significant milestone for the CCIP, recognizing its long-standing dedication to fostering the growth and development of the Philippine cosmetics industry.

As the Chamber looks toward the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to elevate Filipino beauty products and propel the country’s position in the global beauty market.

and newness with the category,” said Jared de Guzman, Watsons customer director.

There are the old reliables and then there are new brands. Of course, the lineup would not be complete without brands from Korea such as Mise-En-Scene and Jul7me, which are already cult favorites.

“It’s really one of our goals to really ‘premiumize’ the hair category by bringing in different products from Korea, even from Japan and Thailand,” said Aika Tacub, category manager for hair.

The campaign included a sale for hair color and a hair color challenge called “Dare to Be Hue,” which challenged random shoppers to try a new hair color.

Participants included Ting Joson, a 60-year-old fitness instructor seeking an exciting way to cover her grays; Poy Villamonte, a digital creator aiming to reinvent his hairstyle with a bold change; and Clarice Tonquin, a millennial corporate officer whose hair has never been colored. Their transformations highlighted how easy it is to use DIY hair colors available at Watsons.

After-care is, of course, very important and Watsons addresses that, too, with hydrating shampoos and conditioners, hair oils, and leave-on conditioners.

Watsons Club members are also in for a treat this August because tickets to the Watsons Playlist P-pop Concert are still up for grabs. Enjoy performances from SB19, Kaia, HORI7ON, Alamat, and G22 this August 18, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena. For more information, check out the Watsons

JERICHO ROSALES

CREBA announces annual confab to push PHL real estate to ‘revive and thrive’

THE country’s largest association of major real estate and housing industry stakeholders puts its all-out efforts in pursuing its vision of “a home for every Filipino” by gathering local and global experts, policy decision-makers and transformationalists for its annual national convention this year set from October 16 to 18, 2024 at the sprawling Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort in Pampanga as an expression of solidarity with the government in the observance of the “National Housing Month.”

The convention theme, “Revive & Thrive: Redefining the Future of Housing and Real Estate,” aligns with CREBA’s support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s flagship housing program, “Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino” (4PH) while promoting the industry’s overall robust growth and resilience amidst global and local challenges.

According to national president Noel Toti M. Cariño, the premier event will gather delegates from close to 30 CREBA chapters from all over the country to

share valuable insights that will shape the Philippine real estate and housing landscape in the years to come against the backdrop of about 6.5 million housing backlog.

Alejandro S. Mañalac, CREBA vicepresident for international affairs and chair of the convention organization committee said attendees can expect discussions on economic resilience, technology use in real estate, publicprivate collaboration and sustainable development. He said the three-day

program aims to equip individuals and organizations with insights and partnership opportunities with industry leaders, government officials, and peers.

Founded in 1973, CREBA is recognized as the Philippine umbrella organization of the real estate and housing sector composed of property developers, builders, contractors, suppliers and manufacturers of construction materials and other professionals and entities engaged in 70 allied fields with chapters in key cities and provinces nationwide.

For the past five decades, it has been at the forefront of major legislative and policy advocacy towards increased production of affordable housing all over the country.

The Chamber runs academic and scholarship programs in partnership with institutions such as the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde and is allied with major foreign groups being the exclusive local cooperating association of the USbased and one-million strong National Association of Realtors®

CREBA’s aspirations for the homeless sector are embodied in its five-point agenda for housing which has been drafted into various bills and policy proposals on shelter finance, land access and governance to either amend, rationalize, streamline

Marvin Mitchell conducts Thought Leadership Networking Event

towards a secure retirement. Specializing in areas like 401K rollovers and IRA (Individual Retirement Account) transfers, Mitchell’s focus is on ensuring clients achieve their desired retirement lifestyle.

In addition to his passion for finances, Mitchell is a speaker, coach, and trainer certified by the John Maxwell Company. He is a member of the National Ethics Bureau. He has served as a board member of United4Children and is Vice President of Leadership Development for Urban

League Young Professionals of St. Louis.

Founded by Mitchell, the company provides a comprehensive mentorship program focusing on financial literacy and wealth creation. He teaches an untraditional Wealth Creation Formula designed to help individuals achieve financial freedom by having their passive income exceed their expenses. The curriculum covers investment strategies, debt management, financial planning, and a holistic approach to wealth that includes relationships and community impact.

Mitchell works together with Compass Retirement Solutions, which is a financial advisory firm that is passionate about helping baby boomers, businesses, and families protect their assets and plan their income to avoid running out of money.

The process is a journey — from the first discovery of your goals to the ongoing design and delivery of your tailored financial strategy. Blending financial tools with timeless wisdom, Compass ensures enduring and effective solutions. Our dedicated wealth advisors bring unmatched knowledge and experience from forensic financial analysis to comprehensive wealth management and Medicare integration to help you on your journey.

Other speakers include Chinkee Tan, aka Mr. Chink Positive, is a motivational speaker on money, mindset, and success. Darbie Kim Estrebilla, on the other hand, is a video creator known for his vlogs on his “Real Talk Darbs” YouTube Channel.

He is also the founder of House Creatives, a

broadcasting and media production company.

Another speaker is Octavia Jackson who is your go-to for account-related customer service questions. She helps process client requests, account updates and any other critical day-to-day client servicing needs. Ria Cang is a talent and culture enabler with over a decade of experience in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry for Fortune 500 companies in financial institutions and technology sectors. Currently, Cang is the Global HR and Compliance Leader at Compass Retirement Solutions LLC, overseeing both onsite and virtual teams.

Rio Espinosa is a client servicing lead at Compass Retirement Solutions, dedicated to delivering exceptional and world-class service to their clients while building and maintaining strong relationships with them. John Chin is a financial advisor and chartered trust & estate planner based in Davao City. With a comprehensive background in supply chain, operations excellence, and knowledge management, he brings a pragmatic approach to leadership and corporate coaching.

Jab Guiapal is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Wealth Creators. Utilizing his more than eight years of experience in the field of operations management, digital transformation and process improvement, he has helped transform businesses and individuals globally, including e-commerce, Amazon FBAs, coaches, online course creators, real estate, agriculture, construction, heavy equipment rental, staffing outsourcing, finance consulting, manufacturing, and digital agencies.

Soup & Go® launched via the Ajinomoto Konbini Experience

BREAKFAST is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s 24 hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare. This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle-free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor. For the first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market Market Taguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, that mimics a real=life convenience store which sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls.

Graced by APC President Koichi Ozaki, Koichi himself demonstrated how easy it is to prepare the tasty breakfast soup. All that is needed is to have your own cup, pour in the contents of the Soup & Go® sachet, add hot water and stir. After following these easy steps, all that’s left is to wait for one minute to finally have that first serving of

convenient, but will also equip them with the necessary nutrients and boost their mood by starting their day with a healthier and flavorful breakfast.” ends Mr. Koichi Ozaki.

or beef up existing laws and policies to help achieve a production rate of at least 500,000 units per year and address homelessness within two decades.

Among the notable measures recently passed into law under the auspices of CREBA are the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)

and the amendments to the Balanced Housing Act.

As a prelude to its national convention in October, CREBA organized regional housing conferences in various parts of the country to spur discussions and draw industry-wide support at the ground level for the 4PH initiative.

and Computer Engineering,

Live Well. Through our newest product, Soup & Go®, we are optimistic that it will not only make the mornings of our Filipino customers more

Soup & Go® is Ajinomoto’s first instant soup product introduced to the Philippine market. APC believes that through these easy-to-prepare meals, their customers are given wider options when it comes to choosing a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to sustain their nutritional needs for the morning without compromising their daily budget and quality of food. For APC, quality and taste has always been paramount when it comes to their products, and the Soup & Go® is testament to the continued innovation and commitment of the company to improving the quality of life of the Filipino people through nutrition and everyday ingredients that elevates every meal.

IN 1974, a legacy of meticulous craftsmanship began with the first stitches placed by Mike Pfotenhauer, the founder of Osprey. From a young age, Pfotenhauer was driven by a passion for creating the perfect backpack.

At just 16, he crafted his first backpack, setting the foundation for what would become a renowned brand in the outdoor gear industry. In the front of his rental house in Santa Cruz, California, Pfotenhauer opened a small retail shop where backpackers and travelers could get custom-fit, made-to-order packs, each meticulously constructed over several days.

Over the years, Osprey has evolved into a melting pot of diverse personalities, backgrounds, and abilities, united by a shared belief that adventure is accessible to everyone, anywhere.

The 50th anniversary celebration of Osprey Ph was held on June 21, 2024 at ROX Bonifacio High Street, a memorable event attended by media partners, guests, and members of the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI). The event offered a retrospective on Osprey’s remarkable journey over the past five decades.

Among the highlights was an inspiring talk by Anna Tolentino, the winner of the Osprey Adventure Contest. A dedicated Osprey user, Tolentino shared her experiences of traveling the world with her reliable Osprey gear. The celebration also featured the awarding of a limitededition 50th Anniversary Arcane Bag to Tolentino.

The festivities commenced with a warm welcome from Aiza Dagdagan, Senior Brand Executive of Osprey Philippines. “Osprey started with a dream to create innovative and high-quality gear that would support adventurers in their quests. From summit climbs to snowy adventures, trail rides to sunrise runs, Osprey has been there, helping you carry your legacy,” Dagdagan shared.

In honor of this milestone, Osprey Philippines organized a three-leg hike in partnership with ROX Peak Pursuit, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Luzon,

the majestic Mt. Holon in South Cotabato, the beautiful Mt. Talinis in Negros Occidental, and Mt. Makiling in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. A compiled AVP of these hikes was showcased during the event, highlighting the beauty and adventure that Osprey gear has supported throughout the years.

A significant highlight of the anniversary celebration was the formalization of Osprey’s partnership with the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI). The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Mr. Erwin Nava, VP Luzon of MFPI, and Dagdagan, representing Osprey Philippines. Since 1979, MFPI has been the umbrella organization for major mountaineering and outdoor clubs in the Philippines, promoting responsible mountaineering and outdoor activities.

As part of this partnership, Osprey handed over various products to MFPI, underscoring its commitment to supporting the organization and its members. This collaboration promises exciting opportunities and adventures, reinforcing Osprey’s dedication to fostering a vibrant outdoor community.

Half a century later, Osprey remains as passionate as ever about inspiring adventurers in their pursuits, whether it’s a summit scramble, a snow-capped thrill, a singletrack lap, or a sunrise run.

CREBA national president Noel Toti M. Cariño announces the holding of the Chamber’s national confab for the year

MORE ENGINEERS,TECHNICIANS The government and the private sector recently came together to support moves to help the country regain its market position by targeting the training and upskilling of 128,000 semiconductor engineers and technicians by 2028. At the press briefing were, from left, Engr. Robert James Y. Lomoton, Dean, Colegio de Muntinlupa; Dr. Alex Co Abad, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics

Dear Margie Quimpo Espino, before goodbye there was love—so much of it!

LAST July 2, 2024 would have been her 59th birthday and we, her friends and family, all believe that she celebrated it amid a joyous welcome in Heaven. Her earthly birthday was truly auspicious! It coincided with the traditional 40th day from her passing, which Catholics believe is when the soul of the newly departed comes face to face with God whom she loved and devoutly served during her lifetime.

A remarkable wealth of words and affirmations have already been written and spoken about journalist Margie Quimpo-Espino—more than enough to fill an entire book or even a film on her life. We even cheerfully granted her wish for a “Pretty in Pink” goodbye party where we all said our happy and tearful goodbyes, and our heartfelt tributes. Margie sat, smiling and beaming, as she listened to everything she said she wanted to hear before she left this world.

And so for our PR Matters column today, I’d like to round up a few friends’ final words and beautiful thoughts that we know Margie has brought with her to the After Life. I’m confident that our fellow IPRA members and other colleagues in the media and PR industry, who knew and worked with her, likewise feel the loss of our valued journalist friend.

Personally, I am beyond grateful for our more than 30 years of friendship, which bloomed at the same time my PR career flourished. Margie was then one of the younger journalists that I was drawn to because of her honest and straightforward nature, and her fine work ethic.

We had so many things in common. We both graduated from the UP college of Mass Communication (I was ahead by a few years); we first lived in BF Homes Paranaque; we sang in our church choirs; we had three children each; and we both had husbands who loved us more than we deserve.

I also shared her passion for beautiful things and good food so we easily went from being warm friends to neighborly “barkada,” especially when I thought of starting our “Southern belles” lunch group composed of colleagues from south of the metro like Emmie Velarde, Leah Salterio, and occasionally Zardo Austria and the late Butch Raquel.

When Margie fell ill during a trip in India, I made her healing and recovery my one desperate and most urgent request during that Christmas season’s nineday novena. And God granted my prayers—and those of many others, I’m sure.

Margie’s recovery became one reason for me to love and thank Him and Margie even more. She was a miracle, my personal mira -

cle! From that day when she came home with her partially regained health and moved on to start her outreach projects with her husband Chet, I have constantly thanked God for gifting her an extension of her meaningful life. It was borrowed time during which Chet devotedly took care of her, and which they both shared with us all.

I love you, Margie. You are my forever miracle and I will always hold you in my heart! Thank you for touching our lives with your warmth, kindness, and cherished friendship. We gratefully give you back to Him now.

Here, let me share what a few other friends said and wrote about Margie.

Emmie G. Velarde—Colleague and Friend

The following excerpts were taken from a three-part series she wrote for the Diarist.ph:

“A light that never goes out.”— the diarist.ph

1. “Final Fete,” organized by Chet and daughter Patricia with a little help from friends, took all of four hours and was studded with random miracles. That Margie had sat upright and attentive throughout Holy Mass was the first of them. She was smiling and calm, not the least emotional, when after the service the two officiating priests approached and thanked her for “allowing” them to witness “her brand of courage and acceptance.”

And then, stopping to thank the choir on her way to the reception hall, she burst into tears. “Bawled” was the word that Chet used to describe the moment. The significance was not lost on him and the immediate family. Margie had not been able to cry since her near-fatal brain aneurysm episode in India in November 2008.

2. As a young mother, Margie slipped notes into her children’s lunchboxes every school day. In separate messages during “Final Fete,” her farewell party, Mark, Patricia, and Catherine talked lengthily about those notes—what they said at the time, how the same words meant much more to them now as adults. The memories that they recounted during the farewell party went in three different directions from there, only to return to

a common ground: “And then India happened.”

All those years ago, they were no more than children for whom that mishap was unfathomable. “It was like only half of Mama returned to us.” Mark and Patricia are in their early 30s; Catherine just a little younger. They’re okay now. With every decision that Margie made to take control of her situation, she became whole again in their eyes.

3. Time to go home

Once, in prayer, Chet said he had this vision, like a dream. “I see Margie and myself as kids, playing. The Father comes and says it’s time to go home. ‘Not yet,’ we protest, ‘let us play some more.’ The Father, supremely loving and kind, replies, ‘All right, take just a little more time.’ After a while He says again, ‘Time to go.’ Again, we refuse. Margie and I, we’re really like those two kids. We have been given countless reprieves. And, as you know children, after being called enough times, they stop resisting.”

4. Food, jokes, music

The living room is sun-drenched; the high ceiling is often noticed only on the guests’ way out. That’s because, at this time, it feels like the front door is meant to lead straight to the brick-red dining room, where a myriad of ways to fulfill Margie’s dying (a word she has taken to dropping casually) wish happens: meals and long conversations, lots of joking around, carefully curated music of the times of her life played very softly. On particularly relaxed days, there is live singing, too. Chet plays the guitar like a pro. Until recently, Margie actively participated in every single chitchat, mischievously interrupting Chet as he told bits and pieces of their stunning story since that savage stroke in India just a few years before the first battle with cancer. He has faithfully chronicled that journey in a book but, to this day, it has not been diminished by that much retelling. Margie would usually be smiling almost the whole time that visitors stayed. When her face clouded over even for a fleeting moment, everyone around the table noticed and understood.

Tina Dumlao—Business Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer

I met Margie in 1996 when I moved to the Inquirer. But I al -

ready knew of her because we were both products of the UP Journalism Club. We have mutual and lifelong friends from there. And so that’s how we first bonded and that continued the entire time that she and I were together in the business section. We had great times there and challenging times as well. But each moment is like a thread woven into the great tapestry of life. Hers is indeed colorful, with pink and lace as the dominant color and fabric for sure. Enjoy the great beyond, Margie. Thank you for everything.

Leah Salterio—Former colleague at Philippine Daily Inquirer and contributing writer to ABS-CBN, Manila Times, and Philippine Star

What you need to hear from Margie—any comment, from the good and the no-so-good, you will get it from her. Without filters. She didn’t mind. So real and true. She may not have been aware of it, but that’s her.

We miss her off-the-cuff remarks, often said without thinking. But that’s her, only her. I miss that! Her endearing side was often manifested when anyone in our Messenger thread needed prayers and she was the first one who offered to do it. We will never forget her for that.

Susan de Guzman—Friend and Colleague

Having known Margie for decades since our UP Journalism Club days and later as colleagues at the Inquirer, there are many memories with her and of her. But perhaps, one of the most unforgettable for me was when she agreed to be part of an exhibit that I curated together with Giselle Kasilag—of love letters by contemporary Filipino writers. We asked Margie if we could feature letters she and husband Chet Espino wrote to each other, and she agreed, generously lending us a trove of correspondence from when she was on a year-long fellowship with the Washington Post in the US before they got married. There were handwritten letters on yellow paper, greeting cards, crossword puzzles, cartoon strips, news clippings and what-nots— conveying love and longing and their hopes for the future through that period of separation. “Pangga,” even then, was already Margie’s

favorite term of endearment for Chet and her letters were liberally sprinkled with it. We could not choose just one or two items that we decided to put the entire collection in a glass display case, for people to appreciate the indelible connection these two had together. Beyond that exhibit, the devotion they had for each other in over 30 years of marriage—in sickness and in health—became a source of deep inspiration for many as it was expressed not just in words but in deed. When I think of Margie (and Chet), I will always remember their story of remarkable love and faith. And I will always be grateful to have been a witness to it.

Arlene Yuvienco-Verayo—a schoolmate of Margie in high school; their husbands were classmates in elementary school I miss Margie deeply, not just as a friend but as my partner in helping the less fortunate. Together, we orchestrated events like “Dine for the Youth” and “Fab @50” to support various causes, from poor scholars to children battling cancer. Margie had a heart of gold; she handled fundraising effortlessly while I focused on organizing. Her spirit and dedication were unmatched. It was her heartfelt wish to establish a soup kitchen if she survived cancer. Now, as we completed the first soup kitchen in her name, which we did on her last birthday on July 2, 2024, I felt her presence guiding every step. Margie’s wish was for kindness to prevail, especially for the poor children, and I pledge to make it a reality. She was a true friend, forever inspiring and always remembered.

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (Ipra), the world’s premiere association for senior communications professionals around the world. Joy Lumawig-Buensalido is the President and CEO of Buensalido PR and Communications. She was past Chairman of the IPRA Philippine chapter for two terms.

PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@ gmail.com.

(Left) with Margie Espino

iends: (F rom left )

ina Dumlao, Ivy Lisa Mendoza, Joy Buensalido, Margie Espino, and Leah Salterio

Our “Southern Belles” lunch group (From left) Margie Espino, Joy Buensalido, Butch raquel, Emmie Velarde and Leah Salterio

Ar LENE

(L eft) with Margie Espino

Solid start for Yulo; Delgaco on track

POC’s Tolentino:

Strong, promising weekend kickoff

PARIS—Carlos Yulo competed

true to form and Joanie

Delgaco refused to be left out in her games debut as Team Philippines embarked on a potent start in the Paris Olympics, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“O ur athletes displayed strong performances two days into the Games,” said Tolentino as he again made the rounds of the venues where Filipino athletes were to compete Sunday. “We have to note that during the qualifying rounds all athletes are giving their best in order to secure their spots in the next round.”

“So it was a tough one for them but they still did an excellent job advancing,” he added.

Yulo made the finals of his signature events floor exercise and vault, plus the men’s all-around on Saturday.

De lgaco wasn’t in the thick of the fight in women’s singles sculls of rowing on Saturday but the first-time Olympian got herself into the top 24 after topping Repechage 1 on Sunday to go deeper into the competition.

Jun Lomibao

Senator Go calls for national unity in support of PHL campaign in Paris

By Josef Ramos

ENATE Committee on Sports

SSenator Christopher “Bong” Go encouraged Filipinos to support to the country’s athletes competing in the Paris Olympics amid the adversities wrought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon. Go highlighted the challenges faced by the Filipinos in recent days because of the calamity but remained hopeful about the Filipino Olympians’ campaign.

“I w ish every athlete and every coach of the entire Philippine delegation to the Paris Olympics good luck,” Go said in a statement. “This is one of the biggest reasons to unite for the country despite the challenges brought by calamities to the Filipinos.”

“Let’s

Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Felix Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas; gymnasts Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Ruivivar; weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, John Febuar Ceniza and Erleen Ann Ando; golfers Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina; swimmers Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez; pole vaulter EJ Obiena; athletics hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino; judoka Kiyomi Watanabe; rower Joanie Delgaco; and fencer Samantha Catantan to “achieve greater heights in the world famous and grandest and oldest multisporting competition.”

Thi s year’s 22-strong Olympic team is the largest since 1992 in Barcelona and Go maintained his commitment to supporting the athletes, reflecting his role in overseeing sports development and athlete support in the Philippines.

“A s the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I reaffirm my continued full support for our athletes competing on the international stage as well as those at the grassroots aspiring to become our future champions,” he said.

He told the athletes: “Let’s give our best in this once in a lifetime experience for our country, let’s fight for gold medal.” Go h as also continuously pushed for the budget increase for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Th is funding aims to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

By Jun Lomibao

PARIS—Carlos Yulo got himself into a strong position in men’s artistic gymnastics and Joanie Delgaco made history for Philippine rowing by advancing to the quarterfinals on Sunday when 10 of the 206 nations participating in the Games of the 33rd Olympiad partook of the 14 gold medals offered so far.

“T his is for the whole country,” said Yulo, who immediately underwent therapy after his session at Bercy Arena on Saturday evening from a team put together by renowned sports medicine expert Dr. Jose Raul Canlas for Team Philippines.

“He’s very relaxed,” said Gymnastic Association of the Philippines president Cynthina Carrion-Norton of Yulo, who’s in the finals of his pet events floor exercise and vault—where he won world championships gold medals on separate occasions—as well as in the men’s all-around on Saturday. De lgaco, after crashing out of her heat on Saturday at the Vaires-surMarne Nautical Stadium, came back strong on Sunday morning by topping her repechage to qualify for the quarterfinals set this Tuesday.

The 26-year-old from Iriga City who played beach volleyball at the Palarong Pambansa, clocked seven minutes and 55 seconds to top her repechage by almost six seconds over Vietnam’s Ph am Ti Hue, who also advanced deeper into the games.

Ph ilippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was satisfied with Yulo and Delgaco’s performance in the qualifiers of their respective events.

advancing,” he added.

Rowing association head Patrick Gregorio was as satisfied, if not ecstatic.

“For a first-time Olympian, Joanie made history again,” Gregorio said. “Qualifying in the quarterfinals means she is among the top 24 in the world.”

De lgaco has already made Philippine Olympic history by becoming the first Filipina to make the games with the national rowing association consecutively qualifying an athlete for Tokyo and Paris.

Ca rrion-Norton said that Yulo has a very strong chance to medal, even gold, in floor exercise and vault where he won world championships gold medals in Stuttgart 2019 and Kitakyushu 2021, respectively.

“He’s very good in floor and he does well in vault,” Carrion-Norton said. “His chances in the all-around? It would be difficult.”

St anding in Yulo’s way in the floor exercise is Jake Jarman, one of Britain’s top gymnasts whose mother hails from Cebu City. Ja rman topped the discipline with 14.966 points to Yulo’s 14.766, making the floor exercise one of the highlights of the finals

have a full day break on Sunday but will be back in the

on Monday. “We’ll relax on Sunday so he’ll recuperate. But starting

all the way to the finals, it will be

training, training in

force,” she said. Au stralia, meanwhile, was the provisional leader in the medals race with three gold medals, but with two silvers, put China at No. 2 with as many golds with one bronze and the United States ran third with 1-2-2 gold-silver-bronze, host France 1-2-1 and South Korea as the other Asian country in the top five with 1-1-1. Be lgium, Japan, Kazakhstan, Germany and Hong Kong-China were the other countries

Catantan accomplishes historic feat in Olympic fencing

PARIS—Samantha Catantan pulled the rug from under Brazil’s

CARLOS YULO is now in a position to achieve what he missed in Tokyo. AP

JOANIE DELGACO refuses to wilt against the mighty opposition. AP

MAXINE ISABEL ESTEBAN now competing for Ivory Coast, competes against France’s Pauline Ranvier in fencing’s women’s individual foil round of 32 compe at the Grand Palais on Sunday. AP