BusinessMirror December 01, 2024

OUR MAN IN LONDON

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

IT’S impossible to sit down for an interview with Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. without guffawing every so often. He is always animated, that he can lighten up any topic of serious importance. But it’s not about ridiculing the gravity of a discussion; his intention, mostly I think, is to get people comfortable in his perspicacious presence.

OUR MAN IN LONDON

“Teddyboy” to his friends, Locsin is the consummate conversationalist. He is someone you would always want gracing your dinner table to liven things up, or as our Filipino expats in the UK have been doing, inviting him to attend their numerous parties for their respective organizations and charitable causes.

Si Amba is very approachable, even Ma’am Louie [Locsin’s spouse],” shares one expat who has lived in London for over 20 years and has met all the Philippine Ambassadors to the UK in that time frame. “So Mrs. Locsin has to wait for him for a long time, because he’s always doing selfies,” the expat adds, amused. And what is a selfie if not a Pinoy’s most precious proof that he is atmosphere-adjacent to the powers that be?

Locsin acknowledges that he revels in these photo opportunities. “I like taking pictures [with them]. In the street, [I ask] ‘Pinoy? [When he answers] ‘Oo’. [I say] ‘I’m your ambassador.’ Then do a selfie. They like it!” Facebook, in fact, is littered with these selfies of Filipino expats with the jovial ambassador. The expat parties and selfies aside, Locsin stresses that a large chunk of his time involves “doing a lot of outreach. We go out.” As per UK’s most recent census—there are about 165,000 people of Filipino descent living there. The Philippine Embassy, however, places the

population at 203,541, although some Filipino community leaders estimate it at 300,000.

The largest Filipino communities are in London, Bristol and Jersey, and most of our expats are professionals like engineers, nurses, software engineers, bankers, professors/teachers, and scientists/doctors. There are also highly skilled (lab technicians, cooks, construction) and semiskilled workers (electric/machine assistants, glass cutters), as well as valued laborers like cleaners and guards, along with househelp and nannies.

In his outreach, Locsin pays particular attention to the concerns of our kababayan, talks about how the Philippine Embassy can help them, and meets with the local officials like mayors or council members under whose jurisdiction these expats reside.

When we sat down for this interview, for instance, he had just returned from Blackpool, a seaside town some 365 kilometers from London. At a town hall meeting, Locsin drew a picture of the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), and hailed the expats’ successes. “Not just Filipinos back home, but countries abroad value and praise the dedication and hard work put in by you, our overseas Filipinos. You are our strength, our soft power, and the reason why our work here matters,” he tells them. With Locsin were representatives from the Migrant Workers Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to discuss the needs of the expat workers, clarify work documents, and visit issues they may have about their employers.

“‘Finally you’re an ambassador,’ my American friends told me. I said, ‘What do you mean? I was ambassador to the UN [United Nations].’ [They said], ‘At the UN, you’re the permanent representative; you’re responsible for nothing except shoot your mouth off at other people like you. [As ambassador] the primary responsibility is the protection and service of your nationals abroad.’”

Locsin also talks about the recent visit of Philippine economic managers led by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, where they briefed UK investors and other private sector leaders about the business opportunities

in the Philippines. “You know I’ve been in different Cabinets, etcetera. I’m sure their staff had all the information. Here, [with this Cabinet], they expressed themselves well. It’s scholarly, but there’s no looming presence. I give that to the President.”

Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed the UK was the Philippines’ top source of net foreign direct investments (FDI) from January to August 2024. It accounted for 45 percent, or $2.75 billion, of the $6.1-billion net FDI for that period. Locsin is confident it won’t be difficult to persuade more UK investors to bet on the Philippines, especially with our recent economic growth numbers. “We are the most dynamic economy in the world’s most dynamic and promising region,” he says, emphasizing the country’s proximity to China, “the world’s biggest economy.”

Citing separate information provided by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in London, Locsin says among the major UK equity investments in the Philippines include HSBC, B/E Aerospace, Global Business Power Corp., Cirtek Electronics Corp., Exlservices Philippines Inc., Telus International, Diageo, Glaxo Smith Kline, Unilever, Associated British Food Plc, Prudential, and Dyson. “British investments have a respected history in our country, dating back a century,” he notes. “Those that stayed kept the lead.”

Of course, a few Philippine enterprises have dipped their hands in the UK as well, adds Locsin, cit-

ing Emperador Inc.’s acquisition of liquor firm Whyte & Mackay (Dalmore, Jura) in 2014, and Monde Nissin’s purchase of alternative meat business Quorn Foods in 2015. So to Locsin, all these developments bode well for the country. We quickly wrap up our interview as Ma’am Louie informs her husband that “the band” was already downstairs to meet him and take a few photos in front of the embassy. Members of Filipino indie pop band December Avenue were paying Locsin a visit after a series of shows in Liverpool and London. They take the usual round of selfies, thereafter Locsin shoots out like an arrow, speedily navigating the quickest path to a restaurant in Chinatown, where lunch has been prepared.

In between bites of braised chicken feet, steamed dimsum, and roasted Peking duck in wraps, Locsin and the band members discuss the latest Korean telenovelas. Apparently, the ambassador is no stranger to pop culture, and regaled the young men with insights on his favorite Korean characters.

An hour into our Chinese lunch, an Embassy staff whispers in Locsin’s ear that he has yet another meeting, so he gets up but implores the band to stay and continue enjoying their sumptuous meal. Of course, the young men ask to take more selfies with him, which Locsin happily obliges. Then he’s out, disappearing again into the crowd of Chinatown tourists, as he rushes back to the Embassy. And that’s just half a day in the life of our man in London.

LOCSIN mixing it up and kicking his heels at the 31st anniversary of the Batangas Association-UK in October. CRYSTAL DIAS

LOCSIN poses with Filipino expats working in Blackpool on November 9 after a town hall meeting wherein he updated them of the initiatives and priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration under its Bagong Pilipinas program. PH EMBASSY LONDON

THE CITY OF BIÑAN OBSERVES THEATER ARTS YEAR SIGHT LINE

Curtains of Biñan City Center for Performing Arts set to rise next year

By Raymond R. Vergara

STATE-OF-THE-ART the-

Aater will be inaugurated next year in celebration of the 15th Cityhood Anniversary of the City of Life — Biñan, Laguna. This venue will feature 500 seats, a cinematheque, rehearsal space, and an exhibition-music-dance rooms. This development aims to breathe new life to Biñan City — the arts and culture haven of the Province of Laguna.

The Theater Arts Year and Biñan Youth Performance Council’s 20th Anniversary

The City of Biñan is currently celebrating Theater Arts Year that commenced on August 7th this year. This celebration was officially established through a resolution duly passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Biñan on July 30, 2024. The event coincides with the commemoration of the Biñan Youth Performance Council’s (YPC) 20th Founding Anniversary next year — YPC is the official performing arts group for theater of the city founded by cultural worker and UP theater arts alumnus BJ Borja in 2005.   As an advocate of artistic excellence, YPC is committed to introducing more young people to the performing arts. One of its key programs, Dulambayan: Biñan Theater Arts Festival, gathers talented individuals from across the country to showcase their theater productions on the Biñan stage, allowing everyone to experi-

ence and appreciate their work. In this engagement, YPC also invites theater icons to critique the performances, facilitate discussions, and engage with the community.

Another YPC's initiatives is Telon, a program dedicated solely to staging Filipino plays. Most participants are residents of Biñan, who engage in a deeper analysis of Filipino culture through theater and share their insights with audiences. Telon will celebrate its tenth anniversary this coming December. In honor of this milestone, YPC has promised a lineup of relevant plays that address themes such as Filipino identity, societal power struggles, the nation’s collective hopes, and the journey of healing.

Last year, YPC performed in Malolos, Bulacan, as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

(CCP) cultural exchange program Rigodon, which aimed to bring performing groups to various regions of the country to promote artistry and showcase local talent.

The theater works of YPC have significantly influenced the creative expressions and lifestyle of the citizens of Biñan. As a result, the local government declared a Theater Arts Year in Biñan, with YPC and the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) taking leading role in the celebrations.

Renaissance Gentlemen and Lady  Mayor Arman Dimaguila’s achievements and contributions to the arts

and culture of Biñan City are significant. His leadership has been crucial in inspiring the people of Biñan to recognize that excellence in various aspects of life can be attained through the embrace of arts and culture. Under his leadership, a number of programs aimed at cultural preservation and the creation of artistic spaces have been successfully implemented.

Notably, during his tenure, Mayor Arman has overseen several significant initiatives: he expropriated the Alberto Mansion, transforming it into a tourist attraction and a histo-cultural landmark; he established the Artista at Atletang Binañense scholarship program, providing tuition subsidy in college for performing artists and athletes; he renovated Plaza Rizal, creating a more open and safe space anchored by a heritage structure that resembles a welcoming embrace; he established BCHATO as the official tourism and cultural affairs department of the local government; and he transformed the Old Municipal Building into an art-culture hub, museum and library, today known as the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan.

His efforts have also garnered recognitions for city from various award-giving bodies and organizations, including the Galing Pook Foundation, National Library of the Philippines, Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism.

Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, the presiding officer of the City Council, is

actively working to revitalize Biñan. He believes that the soon-to-open Biñan City Center for Performing Arts will attract thousands of residents and tourists, as it is designed to nurture the creative endeavors of both local and visiting artists. Vice Mayor Gel is also committed to sustainability, particularly in the field of eco-tourism. He supports local tourism projects such as cultural mapping, which aims to identify and recognize locations that have yet to be designated as heritage and protected sites. This effort demonstrates the local government’s genuine commitment to the “Experience Biñan” spirit, showcasing the city’s natural treasures.   Congresswoman Len Alonte is essential for promoting creative and cultural pursuits through her legislative capacity. She was among the first lawmakers to support the passage of The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which aims to protect the legal rights of artists across the nation. This law recognizes all forms of artwork as legitimate contributors to nation-building, ultimately shaping society through creative undertakings. She recently filed a house bill to declare the Biñan Heritage District as a National HistoricalCultural Heritage Zone.

A Sight to Behold

A sight line is a term used in theater to describe an imaginary line that guides the audience’s gaze to focal points on stage, ensuring that the actions are visible without any interruptions or obstructions. Like a big global stage, everyone is focused on Biñan today, and the city promises to pave the way for achieving new and remarkable artistic heights.

With Biñan City Center for Performing Arts situated at the heart of the city, the residents and citizens of this country are guaranteed a bastion of human creation, a sacred place, a site to behold.

Biñan is fortunate to have leaders who always keep their vision focused—Mayor Arman, Vice Mayor Gel, Congressman Len, and BCHATO. Together, they champion the creative and cultural landscape of the city, positively impacting the lives of many especially artists and cultural workers who desire to be seen and acknowledged.  Happy Theater Arts Year, Biñan!!!

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR:

The construction of the Biñan City Center for Performing Arts that started in 2023 is about to be completed next year. This Dimaguila-Alonte Administration major infrastructure project promises to uphold and promote the very best of

Biñan's Big Three: Dimaguila, Alonte-Naguiat and Alonte shall finish 9 fruitful years of governance. Their legacy include safe and free spaces for artistic work, exploration and collaboration.

Dulambayan: Biñan Theater Arts Festival is committed to staging plays produced by students. In its 6th year next year, Dulambayan will feature World and Filipino classics.

Gathering of Biñan-based theater organizations to iron out plans for the Theater Arts Year celebrations.

AP probe finds flaws in Pentagon-funded study on extremism in military that relied on old data

By Michelle R. Smith & Jason Dearen

The Associated Press

ETE HEGSETH , Donald

PTrump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, sat in front of a screen with the headline: “Study Disproves Military Extremism Problem.”

It was January 4 of this year and Hegseth told a Fox News audience the new study proved that the number of military service members and veterans involved in the January 6, 2021 insurrection did not indicate a wider problem in the armed forces. The Pentagon-funded report to which Hegseth referred said there was no evidence the number of violent extremists in the military was “disproportionate to extremists in the general population.”

“They knew this was a sham,” Hegseth said, referring to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other military leaders. “Then they do the study, which confirms what we all know.” Hegseth, who was working for Fox News at the time and had no involvement in the report, wasn’t alone. The Wall Street Journal’s opinion page highlighted the same report as evidence that extrem -

ists in military communities were “phantoms” created by a “false media narrative.” The X account for Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee posted that the study showed the focus on extremism in the military was a “witch hunt.”

But The Associated Press has found that the study, “Prohibited Extremist Activities in the US Department of Defense” conducted by the Institute for Defense Analyses, relied on old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence that pointed to the opposite conclusion. In fact, the AP found that the IDA report’s authors did not use newer data that was offered to it, and instead based one of its foundational conclusions on January 6 arrest figures that were more than two years out of date by the time of the report’s public release.

As a result, the report grossly undercounted the number of military and veterans arrested for the January 6 attack and provided a misleading picture of the severity of the growing problem, the AP has found.

Spike in military extremism THE number of service members and veterans who radicalize make up a

tiny fraction of a percentage point of the millions and millions who have honorably served their country. Yet their impact can be large.

Ordered by Austin after the January 6 insurrection, the IDA research was published quietly just before Christmas 2023— nearly 18 months late and with no announcement. Its key recommendation: the DOD should “not overreact and draw too large of a target” in its anti-extremism efforts, despite Austin’s promise to attack the problem head-on in the wake of January 6.

But IDA’s researchers based a key finding on an undercount of military service members and veterans who participated in the January 6 insurrection. The IDA—a longtime partner to the Pentagon that has received more than a billion dollars in contracts over the past decade to provide research and strategic consulting to the nation’s military—based this conclusion on arrests made as of January 1, 2022, the year immediately following the attack. As of that date, 82 of the 704 people arrested had military backgrounds, or 11.6 percent of the total arrests, IDA reported.

But in the months and years that followed, the number of arrestees with a military background nearly tripled.

IDA’s report states that its research was conducted from June 2021 through June 2022. By June 2022, the number of active or former military members arrested had grown by nearly 50 percent, according to the same dataset IDA cited from the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. When IDA’s report was published a year and a half later, in December 2023, 209 people with military backgrounds who attended the insurrection had been arrested, or 15.2 percent of all arrests.

That has since grown to 18 percent, according to data collected by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, or START, at the University of Maryland. It represents a significant statistical increase, and rises above the general population estimates IDA cited among its reasoning for recommending the Pentagon not overreact. START’s research was also funded by DOD, and other federal agencies.

More broadly, as the AP reported in an investigation published last month, more than 480 people with a military background were accused of ideologically driven extremist crimes from 2017 through 2023, including the more than 230 arrested in connection with the January 6 insurrection, according to data collected and analyzed by START. Though those numbers reflect a small fraction of those who have served in the military—and Austin, the current defense secretary, has said that extremism is not widespread in the US military—AP’s investigation found that plots involving people with military backgrounds were more likely to involve mass casualties.

The IDA’s 199-page report conceded that there was “some indication” that the radicalization numbers in the veterans community could be “slightly higher and may be growing” but said its review found “no evidence” that was the case among active duty troops.

In fact, data show that since 2017 both service members and veterans are radicalizing at a faster rate than

people without military training.

Less than 1 percent of the adult population is currently serving in the US military, but active duty military members make up a disproportionate 3.2 percent of the extremist cases START researchers found between 2017 and 2022.

Even that number is thought to be an undercount, according to Michael Jensen, START’s lead researcher. He noted that the military uses administrative discharges to quietly remove extremists from the ranks—such cases do not show up in START’s data because the military does not release information about them.

Jensen, who was consulted by IDA for its report and is cited in it 24 times, said using the January 6 arrest data alone, even if calculated correctly, was not a valid approach to measuring extremism among active duty military.

“J6 is an absolutely terrible event to use to try to estimate the scope of extremism in the active service population since most active services members would not have had the opportunity to participate in that event even if they wanted to,” Jensen said.

Jensen’s observation is underscored by records obtained by AP.

One complaint filed to the DOD Inspector General’s whistleblower hotline on March 17, 2021, and obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, said an active duty service member in Germany expressed an interest in heading to Washington for January 6, but said he wasn’t able to go because of his military service.

Screenshots from Facebook provided with the complaint show he told his cousin, “I would join you but my current tour is in Germany,” and said in another post on January 3, 2021, he was considering buying a plane ticket. The complaint said the servicemember’s cousin was later arrested.

An IDA spokesman defended the report, for which he said the company was paid $900,000, saying it remains confident that its findings were “solidly based on the best data available at the time the work was conducted.”

The AP reached out by e-mail and LinkedIn messages to several people listed as authors of the report. None provided comment. A defense official said the department “is committed to maintaining high standards for its data collection and transparency” and referred specific questions on the methodology and analysis of the report to IDA.

Hegseth and Trump’s transition team did not respond to e-mails seeking comment.

Bad data, false assertions

IDA’s researchers were offered START’s data, Jensen said, which is widely considered the most comprehensive look at the issue. IDA’s report even called it “perhaps the best effort to date” in collecting data on extremists in the military. But IDA never followed up to get it, he said.

“We showed them data from over 30 years when they visited with us, so they knew the data were out there to look at a longer timespan,” Jensen said. “We offered it, and offered to help in any other way we could, but we never heard from them again after our one and only meeting.”

The IDA spokesperson said its researchers relied on reports START published that summarized parts of their data through 2021. Those reports and the data that underlie them all found “a significant uptick” in such cases,

but IDA failed to note those findings in its conclusions.

And in some parts of the report, IDA cited START’s numbers from 2018, which were by then years out of date, and which did not fully reflect a significant increase that began the previous year. A footnote says there is more recent data, but fails to mention Jensen’s offer to provide access.

AP also found several instances where IDA made assertions that were factually inaccurate or incomplete, leading to questions about the rigor of its work, and about whether the Pentagon provided adequate access to information.

As one example, IDA states that “IDA found no evidence of participation in violent extremist events by DOD civilians or defense contractor employees.”

But AP obtained records showing multiple allegations about January 6 alone against contractors and a civilian employee.

One, made to the Inspector General’s office on Jan 8, 2021, nearly three years before the report was published, said a contractor at the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center called in to meetings from the protest on January 6, and had spread conspiracy theories including QAnon as well as others involving artificial intelligence and the DOD. This complaint resulted in the contractor’s termination. In addition, there were widely publicized cases of defense contractors who were accused of participating in January 6, including a Navy contractor who was a Nazi sympathizer and a former Special Forces soldier who was a military contractor.

And in one of the most notable violent extremist events in the years prior to January 6, a defense contractor with a security clearance participated in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. Michael Miselis, a member of the violent white supremacist group Rise Above Movement, pleaded guilty to federal rioting charges. The cases together raise questions about the rigor of the IDA’s report and why it would make such assertions. IDA did not explain why it missed those widely reported cases.

Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, said the AP’s review showed the IDA report was “a mess,” with “bad data, unsubstantiated conclusions, and false assertions.”

That Hegseth, a former National Guardsman who himself had been flagged as a potential insider threat for a tattoo on his bicep that has been linked to extremist groups, doesn’t see the importance of rooting out extremism in the ranks is a disaster, she said.

“It’s a shame that a shoddy report by the Pentagon gives an opening to views like Hegseth’s and will perpetuate a head-in-thesand approach to a serious national security issue,” said Beirich, an expert in extremist movements who has testified before Congress about extremism in the military.

“Too many terrorist attacks have been perpetrated by activeduty military and veterans, and ignoring this problem just makes the American people less safe,” she said. “Making light of the problem is ultimately a threat to the security of the American people, and politicizing the problem, which Republicans have done over recent years, means more violence.”

Aaron Kessler contributed reporting from Washington.

PETE HEGSETH, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, on November 21, 2024, in Washington. AP/ROD LAMKEY, JR.

NSTW 2024 promotes resilient, poverty-free, secure society

By John Eiron R. Francisco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—

This year’s National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) focused on advancements to promote a green and sustainable circular economy through science, technology, and innovation (STI) as it opened in this city on November 27.

With the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan” with the sub-theme “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy,” it showcased over 100 technology exhibits, 30 technical fora, pitching sessions, and career talks.

“This year’s event is a bold declaration that [STI] are not just centered in the nation’s capital. We are here in Cagayan de Oro City, proving that regional growth is fueled by the dynamic force of STI,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. in his keynote speech.

The five-day event highlighted the innovative contributions of Filipino scientists, engineers, and researchers to the growth of science and technology in the country.

The Science chief emphasized the need to involve local government units (LGUs) in STI initiatives, noting that scientific community partners would welcome the chance to highlight and showcase their innovations in the regions, rather than just in the National Capital Region (NCR).

‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign; AmBisyon Nation 2040’ Solidum pointed out the critical role of STI as catalysts for advancing national development and enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos.

He said that this aligns with the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign and the long-term goals

outlined in “AmBisyon Natin 2040.”

“Our future depends on how effectively we harness the power of STI to create a nation where every Filipino experiences progress, prosperity, and security,” he said.

The Science chief illustrated how each of the values—Matatag, Maginhawa and Panatag—are realized through investments in STI.

A Matatag society is where families thrive, communities are resilient, and trust in governance is strong. Through DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program, STI interventions uplift marginalized sectors

At the same time, Maginhawa, where there is a comfortable life for all, free from poverty, the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is turning this vision into reality by supporting over 9,000 MSMEs, creating 316,000 jobs, and injecting P8.7 billion into the economy.

In a country highly vulnerable to natural hazards, Panatag—secure and protected from disasters—is a top priority. Its agencies— Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology—play a vital role in safeguarding communities with cutting-edge technologies. The state-of-the-art Doppler radars and seismic stations to the innovative GeoRisk Philippines app provide real-time data that enhance

Bamboo expert, ISO Excellence awardee appointed as DOST-FPRDI

THE Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) announced the appointment of Dr. Rico J. Cabangon as its new director. Cabangon took his oath of office before Science Secretary Rene U. Solidum, Jr. on October 31 at the DOST Central Office in Taguig City. Cabangon has served as officerin-charge since January 2024 and deputy director of DOST-FPRDI since August 2021. His leadership in the development and promotion of bamboo technologies has been instrumental in advancing research initiatives focused on bamboo and other forest-based products, positioning him as a leading expert in the field. He is also the first Filipino expert to receive the ISO Excellence Award from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for his work as the Convener and Project Leader of the ISO TC 296 Working Group on Bamboo for Furniture.

disaster preparedness, mitigate risks, and save lives, Solidum said.

He also outlined eight major R&D programs for 2025 to address critical challenges in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. These include the AI Virtual Hub, Geospatial Analytics Solutions, Quantum Computing, and Industry 4.0.

The programs also prioritize fostering circular economy, promoting smart agriculture, advancing smart technologies, and innovating biologics in the pharmaceutical sector to drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and bolster the country›s competitiveness in the global market.

Addressing challenges, empowering communities

FOR her part, DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, for Scientific and Technical Services said: ”We reaffirm our commitment to bringing [STI] closer to this region to address various challenges, tap into growth potentials, and empower communities, all while pursuing a green and circular economy.”

Sahagun said the five-day event highlighted the DOST’s efforts in four key areas: promoting human well-being, fostering wealth creation, ensuring wealth protection, and advancing

sustainability.

The featured technologies and activities address critical challenges in areas such as climate change, agriculture, and environmental conservation, offering timely and appropriate solutions to pave the way for sustainable development.

Sahagun, also the chairman of the 2024 NSTW-Steering Committee, emphasized the cutting-edge technologies and S&T products at the center stage during the five-day event.

The Human Well-Being Technologies initiative delved on critical challenges in health, education, and accessibility included groundbreaking innovations.

They are the Immersive Gamification Technology System (ImGTS) for dementia care, Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing (i-Sulat) for early childhood assessment, Ensayo for empowering visually impaired individuals, and nutrition-focused solutions like the Enhanced Nutribun.

The Wealth Creation Technologies aim to boost industries and livelihoods through initiatives like Advanced Manufacturing Center for advanced 3D printing; sustainable Silk and Natural Dyes Hubs; SAFEWATRS for mobile water purification;

and commercialization programs like Galing and Technicom that support Filipino innovators.

Meanwhile, Wealth Protection Technologies enhance disaster resilience with tools like Impact-Based Forecasting, SatREx, and AI-powered systems, such as SkAI-Pinas; while education-focused projects like Resilient Education Information Infrastructure for the New Normal (REIINN) bridge digital divides to strengthen community preparedness.

Sustainability efforts led by DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development include innovative solutions such as the Remote Online Surveilance for Banana (Rosanna) app for banana disease monitoring; ACTICon biopesticide for sustainable pest control; and the eco-friendly Pest to Feed technology, complemented by biodiversity education tools for environmental stewardship.

‘Need to change the way we do things’

SOLIDUM added that, with support from national government agencies and LGUs, the Science department will persist in deploying technological solutions on the ground and imple -

menting innovative, tailored interventions, as sticking to the status quo is no longer an option.

“We need to change the way we do things, and we need to start sooner,” the Science secretary said, adding that current data suggests an unstable global trajectory. He pointed out that while technology and innovation are essential in driving production, wealth creation, and job opportunities, they also come with a shared responsibility—with conscious, intentional, and accountable management of both production and consumption.

Endless pursuit of growth, he noted, has consequences. The development and progress achieved over recent years have come at the cost of the environment that the society continues to pay.

He recalled that in recent weeks, the country, particularly Luzon, has faced an unprecedented surge of four typhoons within a span of 10 days, marking a record-breaking intensification of the Pacific typhoon season, according to the science secretary.

“The impacts have been devastating,” he added, with the agriculture sector, which supports millions of Filipino families, hit hard.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveal that the combined agricultural losses from six typhoons in the third quarter of 2024, along with Severe Typhoon Kristine, amounted to P15.8 billion, while damage to infrastructure, homes, and other assets is estimated at P9.6 billion.

“These repeated losses threaten not only our farmers’ livelihoods but also our nation’s food security and economic stability,” Solidum said.

“Filipinos are often portrayed as victims of disasters, but through science, technology, innovation, and collaboration, we can rewrite this narrative,” Solidum said.

“Let us redefine disaster resilience not only as surviving but also as building economic strength and prosperity in the face of adversity,” he said.

The 2024 NSTW was attended by various stakeholders, including LGUs’ representatives, startups, enterprises, legislators, executives, students, and the general public.

National Scientist: Textile sector in resurgence amid ecological deficit

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio

THE Philippines, a biodiversity hotspot, has grappled with an ecological deficit for over six decades, worsening the country’s environmental and sustainability challenges, according to National Scientist Lourdes Cruz.

Cruz linked the rising ecological deficit to increasing problems, such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss, which have profound implications for sustainable development.

director

This recognition highlighted his significant contributions to international standards in the bamboo industry.

He recently received the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UPLB- College of Forestry and Natural Resources (Public Sector) for his visionary leadership and work in the field of sustainable and innovative forest products processing and R&D. A leading figure in both national and international forestry circles, Cabangon chairs the Bureau of Philippine Standards Technical Committee on Bamboo and Rattan (TC 76) that led to the development of the first Philippine National Standard for Bamboo. The standard became the foundation for creating international standards for laminated bamboo for furniture. Looking ahead, Cabangon is committed to advancing DOST-FPRDI’s mission to support its stakeholders through science, technology and innovation. He aims to continue fostering innovation and developing technologies that will help propel the forest industry forward.

In her keynote lecture at the recent 2024 Philippine Textile Congress at a Makati City hotel that had the theme “Fostering Transdisciplinary Textile Knowledge Generation and Translation,” the National Scientist highlighting the importance of integrating sustainable practices into various industries, especially in the textile sector.

She noted that the Philippine textile industry, which has faced significant challenges in the past, is now experiencing a resurgence with a focus on natural fibers and sustainable materials.

She further pointed out the potential of local industries, such as those producing fabrics from natural fibers like “kapok,” to contribute to both economic growth and environmental preservation.

“I am happy to see the rise in the philippine textile industry. With this focus on natural fibers and the trend in looking for more sustainable materials,” she said.

The ecological deficit, Cruz explained, occurs when a country’s demand for ecological resources exceeds

the environment’s ability to regenerate those resources, leading to a depletion of natural capital.

“Our biocapacity is still going down. The data is up to 2016 and the ecological footprint is rising. It was last balanced in the year 1963 and then the deficit has been continuously growing,” Cruz said.

PHL struggling in SDG

IN the global Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippines ranked 92nd out of 166 nations, with many of the SDGs in a stagnating state.

The country only excels in SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. But in other areas, such as biodiversity and poverty alleviation, the nation is struggling to make sufficient progress.

According to the World Population Review, the Philippines faces a severe ecological deficit of negative 210 percent, with its ecological footprint at 142 million global hectares—more than triple its total biocapacity of

45.9 million hectares.

This indicates that each person uses an average of 1.3 hectares while only 0.4 hectares per capita is available.

From knowledge to action

CRUZ pointed out the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions, particularly in the field of sustainability.

“Many of the works done in universities are just inbound theses filed in libraries and never used again,” she said. “We want to ensure that this knowledge is put into action for the benefit of the people.”

As part of her commitment to sustainability, Cruz co-founded the Future Earth Philippines Program, launched in 2018, and is an affiliate of the Future Earth Global Program, which brings together scientists and researchers to address issues related to environmental sustainability and resilience.

“Our urgent mission is to advocate and work for the participation of all sectors in a national effort to balance the ecological deficit of the Philippines. The vision is a progressive and resilient Philippines sustained by inclusive science and technology innovation and culture of integrity, equity, and Filipino values,” she explained.

Sust(AI)nability

CRUZ also highlighted the role of new technologies in advancing sustainability efforts, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing resource management and production processes.  However, she cautioned that AI’s potential benefits must be carefully balanced with ethical considerations and the risk of reinforcing existing inequalities.

“There’s a risk of reinforcing existing inequalities with respect to AI because of lack of or very limited use of AI in developing countries and there are environmental concerns and then ethical concerns particularly surrounding privacy and surveillance that arise with respect to AI,” Cruz warned. To address these challenges, Cruz called for a more collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the need for both natural scientists and social scientists to work together.

“So from the productions to the end, to the consumption of materials that we need to be concerned with,” she said. “We have all the

The initiative aims to engage all sectors of society in a collective effort to reverse the ecological deficit and build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Philippines.

SCIENCE Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. (center) leads the opening ceremonies of the five-day National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Cagayan de Oro City on November 27, together with DOST officials and staff members, scientists, LGUs’ representatives, startups, enterprises, legislators, executives, students, and the general public. JOHN EIRON R. FRANCISCO

A6 Sunday, December 1, 2024

Editor: Lyn Resurreccion • www.businessmirror.com.ph

AI Jesus’ avatar tests man’s faith in machines and the divine

LUCERNE,

Switzerland—Would you trust an “AI Jesus” with your innermost thoughts and troubles?

Researchers and religious leaders on Wednesday released findings from a two-month experiment through art in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland, where an avatar of “Jesus” on a computer screen—tucked into a confessional—took questions by visitors on faith, morality and modern-day woes, and offered responses based on Scripture.

The idea, said the chapel’s theological assistant, was to recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in human lives, even when it comes to religion, and explore the limits of human trust in a machine.

After the two-month run of the “Deus in Machina” exhibit at St. Peter’s Chapel starting in late August, some 900 conversations from visitors—some came more than once—were transcribed anonymously.

Those behind the project said it was largely a success: Visitors often came out moved or deep in thought, and found it easy to use.

A small sign invited visitors to enter a confessional—chosen for its intimacy—and below a lattice screen across which penitent believers would usually speak with a priest, a green light signaled the visitor’s turn to speak, and a red one came on when “AI Jesus” on a computer screen on the other side was responding.

Often, a lag time was needed to wait for the response—a testament to the technical complexities.

After exiting, nearly 300 visitors filled out questionnaires that informed the report released Wednesday.

Of love, war, suffering and solitude

PHILIPP HASLBAUER , an IT specialist at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts who pulled together the technical side of the project, said the AI responsible for taking the role of “AI Jesus” and generating responses was GPT-4o by OpenAI, and an open-source version of the company’s Whisper was used for speech comprehension.

An AI video generator from Heygen was used to produce voice and video from a real person, he said.

Haslbauer said no specific safeguards were used “because we observed GPT-4o to respond fairly well to controversial topics.”

Visitors broached many topics, including true love, the afterlife, feelings of solitude, war and suffering in the world, the existence of God, plus issues like sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church or its position on homosexuality.

Most visitors described them -

selves as Christians, though agnostics, atheists, Muslims, Buddhists and Taoists took part too, according to a recap of the project released by the Catholic parish of Lucerne.

About one-third were German speakers, but “AI Jesus”—which is conversant in about 100 languages—also had conversations in languages like Chinese, English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Russian and Spanish.

‘Work of the Devil’?

WHAT was really interesting [was] to see that the people really talked with him in a serious way. They didn’t come to make jokes,” said chapel theologian Marco Schmid, who spearheaded the project.

Most visitors were aged 40 to 70, and more Catholics respondents found the experience

Palawan bishops seek mining moratorium

THE Catholic bishops of Palawan have called for a 25-year moratorium on mining in the island province, citing serious concerns over environmental degradation and the impact on local communities.

In a pastoral letter, Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay and his predecessor, retired Bishop Edgardo Juanich, urged an immediate halt to the expansion of mining activities in the nation’s “Last Ecological Frontier”.

“We are calling for a 25-year moratorium or suspension on the approval of any mining applications and mining expansions,” the bishops said.

The prelates emphasized the need for further studies and careful planning before approving any new mining projects in Palawan.

They also called for the designation of “no-go zones” for mining, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, such as old-growth forests and watersheds.

The bishops raised alarm over the increasing number of mining exploration permits in the province, which now include over 67 applications covering over 200,000 hectares across Puerto Princesa and 13 other towns.

There are currently 11 active mining operations

in Palawan, occupying approximately 29,430 hectares of land.

The letter also highlighted permits granted by the environment department for tree-cutting operations, including one that allows the destruction of over 52,000 trees for nickel mining.

The letter also claims that the Environment department granted permits for tree-cutting operations in mining areas, including one that allows the destruction of more than 52,000 trees for nickel mining.

“How unfortunate for Palawan! If our environment is destroyed, the world will forget about us,” the prelates said, stressing that the island is known today because of its lush forests, pristine beaches, thriving coral reefs, and vast mangrove forests.

The church leaders urged Palawan’s residents to sign their petition for a mining moratorium, which they say is vital to protecting the province’s remaining natural resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its ecosystems.

“This is the cry of Mother Nature; this is the cry of the farmers, fishermen, and indigenous peoples affected by the destruction brought by mining,” they said. CBCP News

stimulating than did Protestants, the report showed.

Schmid was quick to point out that the “AI Jesus”—billed as a “Jesus-like” persona—was an artistic experiment to get people thinking about the intersection between the digital and the divine, not substitute for human interaction or sacramental confessions with a priest, nor was it intended to save pastoral resources.

“For the people it was clear that it was a computer...It was clear it was not a confession,” Schmid said. “He wasn’t programmed to give absolutions or prayers. At the end, it was more summary of the conversation.”

The Catholic Church from the Vatican on down has been wrestling with the challenges—and possible opportunities—presented by the explosion in public interest in AI since generative artificial

intelligence captured the world’s attention two years ago when OpenAI’s ChatGPT made its debut.

The Vatican has appointed a friar from a medieval Franciscan order as its top expert on AI, and a Lutheran church in Bavaria served up sermons delivered by a chatbot last year.

Pope Francis, in his annual peace message for this year, pushed for an international treaty to ensure the ethical use of AI technology.

Chatbots like ChatGPT are powered by algorithmic models trained on vast pools of text and other data to mimic speech and generate seemingly unique and human-like responses.

Haslbauer is sensitive to public reaction and has noted chatter on social media saying the project is “blasphemous” or the “work of the devil.”

“If you read comments on the internet about it, some are very negative—which is scary,” Haslbauer, whose long-haired look featured as a basis for the image of the virtual Jesus.

In a demonstration of the technology in the chapel, Haslbauer queried “AI Jesus” about its message for a troubled world, and about whether AI could be helpful as a way for people to find God.

“All knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God,” the chatbot said in a soothing voice, after a pause to respond, and the image briefly crackled. “If used wisely, AI can indeed be a tool to explore the wonders of creation, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and

foster connections among people.”

“Yet it remains essential to seek God with all your heart and soul beyond any technology,” it added.

Good side, and downsides Kenneth Cukier, a journalist, author and expert with the USbased nonprofit group called “AI and Faith,” said if “AI Jesus” helps people connect deeper to themselves and the world, it “has to be a good thing.”

“It will lead to better individuals and a better world,” he said. “However—and there’s a big however—this does feel a little bit infantile, and pardon my pun, machine-like.”

“The risk is that it pulls people, ultimately, farther away from that which is more meaningful, deeper and authentic in spirituality,” said Cukier, co-author of “Big Data: A Revolution that Will Transform How We Work, Live and Think.” For Schmid, the exhibit was a pilot project—and he doesn’t foresee a second coming of “AI Jesus” anytime soon.

“For us, it was also clear it was just a limited time that we will expose this Jesus,” he said, adding that any return would need to be done after deeper thought.

“We are discussing ... how we could revive him again,” he said, noting interest from parishes, schoolteachers, researchers and others as the project got media attention in Switzerland and beyond. “They all are interested and would like to have this ‘AI Jesus’. So we have now a little bit to reflect on how we want to continue.”

Jamey Keaten/ Associated Press

On Bodhi Day, Buddhists commemorate Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment

DECEMBER 8 marks the celebration of Bodhi Day in Japanese Buddhism. Bodhi means enlightenment or awakening in Sanskrit. It commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. Buddhists throughout the world celebrate Bodhi Day, but they do not all celebrate Siddhartha’s enlightenment on December 8. In China, South Korea and Vietnam, his enlightenment is observed on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month. In 2025, this falls on January 7.

In the Theravada form of Buddhism followed in Southeast Asia, Gautama’s enlightenment is commemorated along with his birth and death during the Vesak festival celebrated in April or May. This is similar to Tibetan Buddhism, which also combines the observation of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death in the springtime Saka Dawa festival.

As a scholar of Buddhism in East Asia, I study how people adapt Buddhism to their own cultural contexts. Bodhi Day is a good example of how Buddhists in different parts of Asia developed their own versions of important Buddhist holidays.

The story of Bodhi Day NO matter when Buddhists celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment, the story behind the holiday is consistent. Biographies of the Buddha describe how young Prince Siddhartha became disillusioned with the fleeting luxuries of palace life. He eventually left home to find a cure for the inevitable suffering caused by old age, sickness and death. Siddhartha sought guidance from various religious masters, including one who taught his students to practice extreme self-denial, such as eating only a spoonful of gruel per day.

Following this method, Siddhartha wasted away until he was just skin and bones, but he got no closer to resolving the problem of suffering. It was at just this time that a young woman named

Sujata came by with milk porridge, which she offered to the skeletal Siddhartha.

This meal gave Siddhartha the energy he needed to resolve the problem of suffering once and for all. He realized that no external teacher could give him the answers he sought, and he would have to solve this problem on his own.

Siddhartha decided to meditate under a pipal tree, also known as a sacred fig tree, until he reached enlightenment. Over the next seven days he meditated, deepening his insights into the true nature of existence.

On the seventh day, Siddhartha attained complete awakening to become a buddha. Buddhas are people who reach full enlightenment on their own, like Siddhartha, without direct guidance from a teacher.

Monks and nuns in Japanese and Korean Zen Buddhism follow this model by meditating intensively for the seven days leading up to Bodhi Day.

As a buddha, Siddhartha began sharing his insights with other spiritual seekers, attracting a group of followers who were the first Buddhists. Buddhist monks and merchants spread the religion to the north, east and south, and by the fourth century C.E. it was well established in China.

The Laba Festival and congee CHINA already had its own religious and philosophical systems, along with its own calendar of holidays, when Buddhism came onto the scene. Buddhists in China adapted their religion to Chinese language and culture, including some existing holidays.

The 12th and final month of the Chinese lunar calendar was already a time for making sacrifices for ancestors in advance of the new year.

In fact, the 12th month is called La, which originally referred to the cured meat that people offered to their ancestors at this time of year. “Ba” means the number eight, so Laba

translates to “the eighth day of the La month” or “eighth day of the 12th month.” Buddhism entered China in the first century C.E. By the third century, Chinese Buddhists identified the eighth day of the 12th month as the date of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Celebrating the Buddha’s enlightenment— or Bodhi Day—at the same time as the Laba Festival required adaptation.

The Laba Festival involved meat offerings and hunting, both of which violate Buddhist rules against killing animals.

Over time, a compromise emerged, and rice porridge, or congee, became this holiday’s signature food for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Rice has been used in Chinese religious offerings since at least the eighth century B.C.E., and rice congee also recalls the offering of milk porridge that helped Siddhartha on his journey to Buddhahood.

Light in the darkness

ANOTHER aspect of the Laba Festival, or Bodhi Day, is that it falls around the winter solstice, the darkest part of the year. Like other holidays at this time of year, Bodhi Day involves lighting lamps to combat the darkness. For East Asian Buddhists, these lamps symbolize the Buddha’s enlightenment, which lights the path for others to follow. Bodhi Day is celebrated in Japan and throughout the Japanese diaspora on December 8 because Japan switched from the lunar to solar calendar in 1873.

Buddhists in other East Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam and South Korea, will observe Bodhi Day on January 7, 2025. East Asian Buddhists will celebrate the holiday in different ways—some by lighting lamps, some by eating congee, some others by meditating for a full week straight. But for all Buddhists, Bodhi Day represents hope and the potential to overcome suffering. Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee/The Conversation (CC) via AP

Editor: Lyn Resurreccion

Group revives call to pass Rights of Nature bill

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

AMID the escalating environmental crises and the urgent need for climate action, Rights of Nature PH has launched the “Rescue Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans” as it revived the call to pass the Rights of Nature Bill.

The initiative, held via Zoom on November 26, was supported by over 28 organizations composed of individual organizations, and coalitions spanning nongovernmental organizations, youth advocates and faith-based groups, emerged from a recent general assembly to advocate for the protection and restoration of the country’s critical water ecosystems and resources.

Leading the campaign are notable organizations, including the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), Caritas Philippines, Diocesan Social Action Center Calapan, Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre, Silang Sagip Kalikasan, and Renacimiento Manila.

Together, they called for the ur -

gent passage of the Rights of Nature Bill, a proposed law that seeks to recognize ecosystems’ intrinsic rights, ensuring their protection for future generations.

Water bodies under siege RETIRED Maj. Gen. Arnold Mancita of Silang Sagip Kalikasan expressed alarm over large-scale Department of Public Works and Highways projects threatening the Silang River system.

“Protecting nature is inseparable from providing sustainable shelter and livelihoods for families along riverbanks,” he emphasized. Bea Dolores of Renacimiento Manila highlighted the importance of opposing destructive projects in Pasig and Manila Bay.

Indigenous youth advocate, Kristel C. Quierrez, of Katutubo Kabataang Umuugat sa Kabundukan ng Sierra Madre condemned the alleged development aggression in indigenous territories with the construction of the Kaliwa Dam.

Protect Verde Island BESIDES rivers, lakes, and other

inland water bodies, Fr. Edu Gariguez, chairman of PMPI and representative of the Diocesan Social Action Center of Calapan, pointed out the importance of protecting the Verde Island Passage-dubbed the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity.

“The sinking of the gas tanker in Oriental Mindoro [in 2023] caused damage valued at P41.2 billion, 97 percent of which is environmental. We urge the government to halt gas proliferation in this biodiverse hotspot and prioritize renewable energy targets,” the priest said.

Unified action and accountability

DURING the general assembly, PMPI National Coordinator Yolanda Esguerra unveiled plans to file legal cases recognizing the rights of the Sierra Madre and Verde Island Passage.

She called for an investigation into environmental regulation violations by government officials, as she called for the adoption of local legislation to protect nature.

“Rights of Nature Philippines is committed to fostering a future where nature’s rights are respected and upheld,” she stated.

Green packaging pushed using alternative materials

AS the product innovation progresses in the Philippines, the generation of plastic waste in packaging and manufacturing sectors also grows.

This heightened the need for sustainable packaging solutions, which continues to be unmet due to lack of standard criteria for sustainable packaging materials.

Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Science and Technology, through the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), is driving innovative approaches to eco-friendly packaging that reduces environmental impact and promotes resource efficiency.

These initiatives were discussed at a conference dubbed as “Initiatives of DOST-ITDI on Green and Sustainable Packaging” during the Regional Science and Technology Week organized by the DOST Region XI at a mall in Davao City on November 12.

Mary Joy Paico, from DOST-ITDI’s Packaging Technology Division (PTD), underscored in her message the importance of packaging in all products.

She noted that it is essential for containment, protection and preservation, communication, and convenience.

“Packaging is not only intended for food, it is also used for furniture and other products,” she said.

Types of plastic

PAICO identified the different types of plastic packaging that are commonly used in the market. They are marked with numbers indicating their types.

The Resin Identification Code (RIC) from numbers 1 to 7 are used to label different types of plastic packaging to help consumers and recyclers for proper waste identification and management.

She also distinguished bio-based plastics, made from renewable sources, from petroleum-based ones, emphasizing bio-based plastics’ potential for lower emis -

sions, although their recyclability varies.

Sustainable Packaging and Health

PAICO said partly in Filipino: “Sustainable packaging protects not only the environment but also the people’s health.”

Moreover, she differentiated compostable and biodegradable plastics, noting that while all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Widely recyclable and reusable items like textile fibers and plastic lumber are marked with No. 1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), including water and soda bottles, and No. 2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), such as milk jugs and detergent bottles.

Pipes and food wraps marked with No. 3 PolyVinyl Chloride present recycling issues because of their high chlorine content and potentially harmful additions that can emit poisonous chemicals.

However, because of their low-quality and low cost, products branded No. 4 LowDensity Polyethylene (LDPE), like bread bags and plastic wraps, have few recycling possibilities.

Furthermore, polypropylene (PP) products—like yogurt containers and straws with the No. 5 label—are durable and recyclable but lose their strength through the recycling process.

Owing to their poor scrap value, No. 6 PolyStyrene (PS) goods, such as coffee cups and takeout containers, frequently wind up in landfills. Plastics used in No. 7 items differ in their capacity to be recycled.

Waste management is aided by these codes, which promote sustainability and efficient recycling.

On photodegradable and oxodegradable plastics and their varying degradation mechanisms, Paico said their efficient waste management is highlighted by the fact that photodegradable plastics decompose in the

EAST Zone concessionaire Manila Water recently honored its partners, or “Kasangga,”and barangay achievers for desludging and environmental stewardship in an event dubbed “ToKasangga 2024: Bayanihan para sa Malinis na Tubig at Sanitasyon,” in Pasig City. Organized by the East Zone Business Operations Group and Advocacy and Research Department, the ToKasangga event aims to build stronger relationships with stakeholders and recognize their efforts in contributing to the company’s advocacy of achieving water access and sanitation for all and protecting the environment through sustainable ways.

presence of sunshine using UV light, while oxodegradable polymers fragment using heat and oxygen.

Green packaging lab

TO address the demand for sustainable solutions, DOST-ITDI established the Green Packaging Laboratory, focusing on developing alternative packaging materials.

The initiative involves farmers as key suppliers of agricultural/aquacultural waste as raw materials.

Among DOST-ITDI’s sustainable projects with prototypes are pineapple leaf fiberbased partition boards and cushion pads, chitosan-based antioxidant biodegradable packaging, and anti-insect biodegradable packaging made with PVA, chitosan, and essential oils.

Pectin-based biodegradable packaging from calamansi and mango peels showcases the valorization of agricultural waste, although it faces cost challenges due to the lack of locally available producers. For example, chitosan powder is usually imported.

Testing and safety

THE DOST-ITDI PTD’s specialized laboratories conduct tests to assess the overall migration of packaging materials to ensure safety.

Through these initiatives, DOST-ITDI continues to push for innovations that make packaging more sustainable while considering economic and practical factors.

Through advanced materials and sustainable design, these initiatives aim to minimize waste, improve recyclability, and support a circular economy for a greener future.

The 2024 Regional Science Technology and Innovation Week is among the regional celebrations leading to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week held in Cagayan de Oro from November 27 to December 1.

“To our Kasanggas, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to Manila Water’s programs, especially the Toka Toka program which now marks its 12th year. [You are all] instrumental [and part of our program] in addressing waste management and promoting the rehabilitation of our waterways. [It was not] possible without your collaboration and dedication. [All of us here are] Kasangga, Katoka at Katubig,” said Arnold Jether Mortera, Manila Water COO for East Zone.

Manila Water honored 12 desludging achievers who reached the target number of septic tanks to be siphoned in their respective barangays in 2023: Barangay

The assembly’s panelists emphasized the need for sustained dialogue with government agencies and the pursuit of accountability for environmental destruction by both corporate entities and public officials.

They also called out Environment Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga for her refusal to engage directly with ecological advocates, underscoring the need for transparent leadership, They also called the attention of relevant committees of Congress to prioritize the Rights of Nature Bill as an important and necessary

response to the climate emergency.

Call to action THE “Rescue Lakes, Rivers and Oceans” campaign is more than just a movement; it is a collective call to protect the environment for the survival and well-being of all communities.

The Rights of Nature PH urges policy-makers to prioritize environmental legislation and calls on every Filipino to join the fight for ecological justice.

In addition to continued awareness raising, researcher and intersectoral collaboration, the following environmental decrees are pivotal to the movement:

n Local and national declarations of “State of Climate Emergency;”

n Urgent passage of the Rights of Nature Bill at both House of Representatives and Senate;

n Systemic protection of environmental human rights defenders through local and national legislation; and

n Signing and ratification of the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights.

WEST Zone utility concessionaire

Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) was hailed as one of 28 “climate smart utilities” worldwide during the 2024 International Water Association (IWA) Climate Smart Utilities Recognition held in Toronto, Canada, recently.

Maynilad was recognized for its innovative strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, particularly in its approaches to reducing water losses, expanding wastewater services, boosting water production for more reliable service, and pursuing sustainability programs in line with its “climate neutral by 2037” goal.

The water utility is one of 28 utilities from 19 different countries that were recognized as “climate smart” following a robust review of 92 total applications worldwide by expert, independent jury members.

“Being recognized by IWA as a ‘climate smart’ utility affirms our commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change. This is a testament to the hard work of our team and our continuous efforts to imple -

E. Rodriguez, Krus na Ligas, Tandang Sora and West Kamias in Quezon City; Barangay 764, 767 and 790 in the City of Manila; Barangay Mambugan, Inarawan and San Juan in Antipolo City; Barangay Namayan in Mandaluyong City; and Barangay Poblacion Itaas in the municipality of Angono. Also recognized also recognized were 15 cities and municipalities as “Katoka for Desludging” for their unwavering support to the company’s efforts in providing regular desludging services to barangays.

Manila

ment sustainable practices that ensure water security for future generations,” said Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu.

IWA is a global network of water professionals who collaborate to promote the development and implementation of innovative and effective approaches to water management.

Its Climate Smart Recognition Program highlights utilities that are “leading the way toward a low carbon water and sanitation sector, embracing the shift needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change.”

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in the Philippines in terms of customer base.

Its service area includes the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City, Makati Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; and the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, in Cavite.

MARY JOY PAICO of DOST-ITDI’s Packaging Technology Division discusses the importance of packaging in all products.

Sports is life, globally!

Women’s pro soccer thriving in Mexico

competing alongside men.

MEXICO CITY—Mexican striker Charlyn Corral packed up for Spain in 2015 because her home country didn’t have a professional league.

Women’s soccer in Mexico has transformed since then, however.

More than 50,000 fans attended the women’s league final on Monday and watched Monterrey beat Tigres in a penalty shootout.

The Liga MX Femenil launched in 2017 and features two competitions each year—the Clausura tournament from January to May and the Apertura tournament from late summer to late autumn.

“The growth has been exponential, I can tell it was very fast,” says the 33-year-old Corral, who returned to Mexico three years ago to sign for Pachuca, which lost to Monterrey in the semifinals.

“It’s nice to see that every day more people know who you are.

“In the past, you were known in women’s soccer circles, but a lot of people know who the players on the national team are,” adds Corral, who won a scoring title with Levante in the 2017-18 season. “It was not like that in the past.” Monterrey, in Mexico’s north, averaged 11,428 fans in their home games for the Apertura championship.

A FIFA report showed in the 202122 season that Liga MX Femenil had the second highest average attendance (3,100) behind the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States (7,930). The Women’s Super League in England was third that year but increased its average to 7,363 last season.

The Mexican Football Federation says of the 34 million soccer fans in the country, 26 million are interested in the women’s league.

“The interest in women’s soccer is growing, we are in the conversation now and changing narratives, and that allows us to talk about how much the game has been developing in the country,” league president Mariana Gutierrez tells The Associated Press.

In the Mexican league, the women’s teams are affiliated to the men’s top flight teams, and they play in the same stadiums—which can boost attendance.

The fans are also watching from home. In the 10th round of the Apertura, 5.75 million fans tuned in to watch the games, setting a league record. The previous mark was 4.61 million set in the 2024 Clausura.

Women are thriving not just in soccer.

“It’s been incredible all the support, not just here but in the whole country—of course there are places with less fans, but in Monterrey it has been incredible,” says Monterrey goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar, who played for Barcelona during a stint in Spain.

Mexicans elected Claudia Sheinbaum to be the country›s first female president. But there are still many parts of the country, especially rural Indigenous areas where men hold all the power

Many of the women playing in the top league started their careers

AP

MADRID—The number of people who play tennis has surpassed 100 million worldwide, according to the International Tennis Federation.

A global report released by the federation on Thursday said that nearly 106 million people around the world played at least one game of tennis in the last year, an increase of 25 percent compared to 2019.

The federation said it was on track to add 30 million players to the game since that report in 2019.

The total number of women who play tennis grew by 8 percent, but the proportion of female players decreased from 47 percent in 2019 to 40 percent now. The federation said there are 13 percent more coaches in general, and 24 percent are women, compared to 20 percent in 2019.

ITF tennis development director Luca Santilli said there was no “specific reason” for the decrease in the percentage of women players, but he expected that the increase in the number of female coaches was going to help make a “difference” in getting more women playing the game.

Yannick Noah, the 1983 French Open champion, meanwhile, was appointed as the head of France’s para tennis on Thursday. From next year, Noah will be in

“I started playing with my cousins, and from five to 12 years old I played just with boys,” says Stephany Mayor, who has played in two Women’s World Cups for Mexico. “People used to tell me, ‘Don’t play soccer, focus on your career and get to work.’ But I wanted to be a soccer player, and I said I’m going to make it and live out this profession.”

The growth in women and girls playing organized soccer has zoomed from 50,000 in 2019 to 1.5 million last year, according to FIFA.

The national team, once overlooked, has begun to develop better players and achieve better results in

international competitions.

Last year, Mexico won the gold medal at the Central American Games, then won its first ever gold medal at a Pan American Games. This year, Mexico beat the United States 2-0 in the Gold Cup.

Sports

“For the national team it’s important to have strong and committed clubs because then you can have great players and a solid national team,” says Andrea Rodebaugh, the director of national teams in Mexico.

The 58-year-old Rodebaugh, the team captain at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, was appointed in December 2022.

“I would have never imagined that the results would arrive so quickly,” she says. “It just shows that we are on the right track. It was so much faster that I could have imagined.”

Mexico did not qualify for the last Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and missed qualifying for the Paris Olympics. The next Women’s World Cup is in Brazil in 2027. AP

charge of coordinating wheelchair, visually impaired, deaf and hardof-hearing tennis activities, the French Tennis Federation said in a statement.

Noah had a first experience with disability tennis over the summer when he led the France men’s wheelchair team at the Paris Paralympic Games.

“His main role will be to continue structuring the para tennis department by steering the training and ‘high level’ strategy and supporting the development of all para tennis activities across the country,” the federation said. Noah, a celebrity in his home country, is the last man from France to win a Grand Slam singles title. He also captained the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams to championships.

He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.

Noah said he was “delighted” by his appointment to lead a “new mission, which is particularly close to my heart.”

“I had an incredible human experience working alongside the players in the French wheelchair tennis team at the Paralympic Games in Paris and I didn’t want this great story to end there,” he added. AP

Why did Iga Swiatek get one-month doping ban?

IGA SWIATEK is the second high-profile tennis player to test positive for a banned substance this year, joining Jannik Sinner

While Sinner, currently the No. 1 ranked man, was fully cleared, Swiatek, who slid from No. 1 to No. 2 last month,  accepted a one-month suspension  that was announced Thursday.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency said it determined that Swiatek’s tainted urine sample was because of a contaminated medicine she took and so she bore a low level of responsibility.

“These are not cases of intentional doping. These are cases—in Sinner’s case...no fault or negligence. In [Swiatek’s] case,

tennis fans and the like.”

Here is a look at the details of the two cases:

Who is Iga Swiatek?

IGA SWIATEK is a 23-year-old from Poland with five Grand Slam titles who has been the best player in women’s tennis over the past 2 1/2 seasons, particularly on clay courts. She won four of the past five French Open titles, including the last three in a row, plus one US Open championship, and has been ranked No. 1 nearly every week since April 2022. Swiatek also collected a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in early August.

When did she fail a test?

IGA SWIATEK’S urine showed low amounts of trimetazidine, a banned heart medication commonly referred to as TMZ, in an out-ofcompetition test on Aug. 12, 10 days after her last match at the Summer Games and shortly before the start of the Cincinnati Open. She was told she was being provisionally suspended on September 12, eight days after losing to Jessica Pegula in the US Open quarterfinals. It was found that the TMZ had contaminated a sleep aid, melatonin, that Swiatek’s psychologist bought for her at a pharmacy in Poland, where it is sold as a medicine. According to the ITIA report, Swiatek listed 14 medications or supplements she was using, although not melatonin.

What is trimetazidine (TMZ)?

Trimetazidine is a metabolic agent that can help prevent angina attacks if used as an “addon treatment,” according to the European Medicines Agency. It can increase blood flow efficiency and improve endurance—both crucial to high-end athletic performance. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list in the category of “hormone and metabolic modulators.” The substance was involved in past Olympic athletes’ cases involving Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva and 23 Chinese swimmers

When was Swiatek suspended?

IGA SWIATEK was given a provisional ban that began in September, after the US Open, but that was lifted because she quickly offered a believable explanation for the contamination—one that was backed up by tests, the ITIA said. She missed three tournaments during the Asian swing after the US Open, although at the time, she didn’t give the real reason for being sidelined. Eventually, the ITIA and Swiatek agreed she would serve a one-month suspension; because she was credited for the time she already missed, there were eight days remaining in a “one-month” penalty, so she is “serving” those now, even though the season is over. Swiatek was able to play in the WTA Finals and the Billie Jean King Cup. “The worst part of it was the uncertainty,” she said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen with my career, how things would end or if I would be allowed to play tennis at all.”

What is happening with Sinner’s case?

JANNICK SINNER tested positive for banned anabolic steroid twice in March, but nothing came to light until August, just before the US Open, which he went on to win for his second Grand Slam title of 2024. As with Swiatek, the cases were kept quiet until they were resolved because both players offered what ITIA found to be plausible explanations. He blamed it on a cream his trainer used before giving Sinner a massage and so was cleared completely— although  WADA has appealed that ruling —while Swiatek was found to have been “at the lowest end of the range for no significant fault or negligence,” and so was given a light punishment. Asked whether there are specific guidelines that determine the lengths of bans in such instances, Moorhouse said: “No, there isn’t. This is not where you put these things into machine and it spits you out a number at the end of it. It’s a case of considering everything in the round, take into account all the circumstances and facts in the case to come to the right outcome.” AP

TIGRES

Jump! Ferencvaros Barnabas Varga (left) and Kristoffer Zachariassen jump during

group stage match at the Groupama Arena in Budapest. AP

THE International Tennis Integrity Agency says Iga Swiatek bears a low level of responsibility. AP

Gathering with relatives whose politics are different?

Here are some tips for the holidays

DECEMBER 1, 2024 | soundstrip.businessmirror@gmail.com

SMALL GIRL, BIG WORLD

Publisher :

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Editor-In-Chief :

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Aldwin M. Tolosa

Concept :

Y2Z Editor :

SoundStrip Editor : Group Creative Director : Graphic Designers :

Jt Nisay

Edwin P. Sallan

Eduardo A. Davad

Niggel Figueroa

Anabelle O. Flores

Contributing Writers :

Tony M. Maghirang

Rick Olivares

Jill Tan Radovan

Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

John Eiron R. Francisco

Pocholo Concepcion

Francine Y. Medina

Justine Xyrah Garcia

Bea Rollo

Trixzy Leigh Bonotan

Bless Aubrey Ogerio

Photographers :

Bernard P. Testa Nonie Reyes

Y2Z & SOUNDSTRIP are published and distributed free every Sunday by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing Inc. as a project of the

The Philippine Business Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd Floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025

Advertising Sales: 893-2019; 817-1351,817-2807. Circulation: 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. www.businessmirror.com.ph

ABy Justine Xyrah Garcia

How Juliet Ivy finds comfort, connection in her music

MID the chaos of New York City, Juliet Ivy often feels like just another face in the crowd, another thread in the fabric of a world that moves faster than anyone can truly process.

But rather than being overwhelmed, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter draws inspiration from this vastness, turning it into music that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.

“I’m really inspired by the hustle and bustle of human life, people-watching, and thinking about my place in the world,” she said in a recent interview with SoundStrip.

“It’s a strange feeling to be small in such a big world, but also comforting in a way,” she added.

Growing up in New York City, she was surrounded by the constant rhythm of urban life.

The ever-changing landscape of the city— its people, its energy, its chaos—shaped her understanding of connection and individuality.

“Thinking about my place in the world and how I’m surrounded by all these people and just having thoughts about, yeah, just being small in a big world is really inspiring to me,” Juliet recalled.

She found inspiration in its contrasts: the tension between being a face in a crowd and finding one’s voice. For Juliet, the city was not just a backdrop but a formative element in her artistic journey.

Her experimentation with music began during her college years, where the influence of her friends and collaborators pushed her to explore genres she hadn’t initially considered.

Surrounded by hyperpop creators, Juliet’s early work leaned into electronic beats and quirky soundscapes.

These formative sessions taught her the

fundamentals of songwriting and production, lessons that still inform her work today.

“When I started to branch out and do my own sessions, I really fell in love with indie and folk… But I still carried over some of my favorite parts of hyperpop,” she explained.

This unique combination became the hallmark of her music, allowing her to capture life’s complexities through an engaging mix of lyrical depth and sonic whimsy.

Communicating through music FOR Juliet, songwriting isn’t just about selfexpression—it’s about connecting with others in ways words often can’t.

“I want my listeners to feel comfort and to feel understood… to like provide an outlet for those existential or introspective thoughts that we all have throughout our day,” she explained.

Breakfast Song grapples with existential questions about life’s uncertainty.

The song’s tone captures both wonder and unease, a combination that mirrors the 23-year-old’s own feelings about the world.

“It wasn’t about love or relationship or anything like that. it’s about how I feel nobody knows what’s happening on this earth because we don’t and how that’s a weird feeling to kind of just be floating on this rock and like figuring it out,” she shared.

The song’s existential themes marked a turning point for Juliet, helping her realize the kind of stories she wanted to tell.

“That’s when I realized this is what I want to write music about—those random, passing thoughts that you get,” the singer-songwriter added.

The themes in her music often revolve around those moments of introspection that happen during life’s quieter times: questions about existence, the odd contradictions, and how everything moves all at once.

“I love writing about things you don’t hear as much in music,” she said.

Staying true to her vision is a guiding principle for Juliet. She has made a conscious choice not to chase trends or commercial success at the expense of authenticity.

Instead, her focus remains on creating music that feels true to herself and resonates with her audience.

“The best art comes from when we listen to what is truly inside of us,” she said, explaining her commitment to authenticity over chasing commercial trends.

Changing and growing

AS Juliet navigates the transition into adulthood, her music reflects the shifts and challenges that come with this stage of life—with themes of growth, resilience, and self-reflection dominate her recent works.

For instance, her track Sweet Dreams examines how people reconcile their younger selves with who they are now and who they hope to become.

Her track Breakfast Song is a perfect example.

UNLIKE conventional pop songs that often revolve around love and heartbreak,

Her reflections aren’t limited to the past or future but also include the present. Juliet often talks about the importance of staying grounded, especially as someone navigating the pressures of the music industry.

While she admits it’s a challenge, she’s found that reconnecting with the things her younger self loved—like painting or feeling the sun on her face—helps her regain her sense of balance.

“I think the key is doing things your younger self loves. Think about what they [inner child] want to be doing right now,” she shared.

These moments of grounding aren’t just selfcare; they’re also a reminder of why she creates. Because for Juliet, music is not about perfection or performance—it’s more about being human.

“I’m just me, and I’m a human, and I can breathe and eat ice cream and just be happy to exist,” she said.

YACHT ROCK

‘Perfect sitting-down dance music’

IFIRST heard the term “yacht rock” from DJ Par Satellite, who’s always attuned to anything interesting in the music scene.

He mentioned Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, Little River Band, and Pablo Cruise as examples of what yacht rock sounded like.

First heard in 2005 in the online comedy video series Yacht Rock, the music was linked to the Southern Californian lifestyle which includes boating.

If what comes to mind are Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” Little River Band’s “Reminiscing,” all Steely Dan songs, as well as Doobie Brothers tracks when Michael McDonald joined the band, then we have an idea of what yacht rock is: music that’s technically proficient, refreshing to the ears, head-swaying beats, and lyrics we love to sing along with — because there are interesting, sometimes intriguing, if not mysterious, stories in them.

It’s also the subject of Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary, premiering Nov. 29 on HBO. In the trailer, the interviewees try to define the music:

“It rocks, but it doesn’t rock too hard.”

“The singers all seem to be saying, ‘Hey, it’s gonna be okay.’”

“It’s perfect sitting-down dancing music.”

Yacht rock, first referred to as the West Coast sound, is said to have taken off in Los Angeles in the 1970s, which one of the interviewees said was “an amazing time, these talented session guys who can play anything … white musicians who have been acculturated on black music styles…”

Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen turned down an invite to appear in the docu, even telling off the guy who called him to “f**k you.”

But the producers badly needed six Dan songs in the docu’s soundtrack, and fortunately Fagen

jazz artists like Larry Carlton, Wayne Shorter, and Steve Gadd, to name a few. And McDonald, before he moved on to join the Doobies.

In the docu, an interviewee referred to him as “Michael F**kin’ McDonald” to stress the latter’s importance in the yacht rock firmament.

McDonald, who appears in the docu, said, “A lot of the black stations picked up my first [solo] album. They made it a hit. It caused a buzz that we weren’t used to getting.”

gave his approval.

Steely Dan defined one essential ingredient of yacht rock — a mixture of rock and jazz, almost fusion but not quite, with excellent production values which the group’s key members, Fagen and Walter Becker, mapped out in meticulous detail in the studio.

To achieve their objectives, they hired the best LA session musicians, including the members of Toto, many

In a Rolling Stone article, the docu’s director said of yacht rock: “There are so many of these songs about expressing your feelings — the fool in love or the heartbreak of a fool. Questlove [in the movie] brought up that yacht rock is emo. It’s emotional music in this hard rock landscape of the Seventies.”

In the same article, writer Alex Pappademas (author of a book on Steely Dan) said yacht rock “tapped

into rising tide of male vulnerability in an era where men didn’t have to ‘put up a macho front.’”

J.D. Ryznar, who co-wrote the Yacht Rock web series, said that “while there’s always been music where men ‘talk about how sad they are,’ there’s something about yacht rock where men just embrace being the sad sack loser in a really big way.”

Price is said to have curated a Spotify playlist called “Fools in Love” which includes the Doobies’ “What a Fool Believes,” Larsen Feiten’s “Who’ll Be the Fool Tonight,” and Steely Dan’s “Only a Fool Would Say That.”

Speaking of Spotify, there’s a Yacht Rock playlist whose 153 tracks surprised me. It opens with The Beatles’ “No Reply” and the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” continues with Gerry and the Pacemakers’ “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying,” and even Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.”

Many others got me nodding in approval: Joni Mitchell’s “Coyote,” Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us,” Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do,” George Benson’s “Give Me the Night,” Player’s “Baby Come Back,” Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True,” Toto’s “Rosanna,” Robbie Dupree’s “Steal Away,” Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown,” Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen,” Ambrosia’s “How Much I Feel,” more Toto, more Steely Dan, you get the drift.

In other words, yacht rock moves you but not in a wild manner. And you don’t have to be in a boat to appreciate it, maybe a traffic-less road trip will do.

I cracked up when Par Satellite described Pablo Cruise and its yacht rock classic, “Place in the Sun”: “The original superstar cruise!”

TOM Johnston, Michael McDonald, John McFree and Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers AP

MICHAEL McDonald

DONALD Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan

Photos: AP

Gathering with relatives whose politics are different? Here are some tips for the holidays

by Deepti Hajela The Associated Press

NeW YOrK—

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing.

In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 U.S. presidential election, the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some—a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories.

That’s one scenario.

For others, that same period—particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign—is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large.

Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make, from things to do and things to avoid. Knowing which could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place.

DO assess honestly where you are with it all

For those who feel strongly about the U.S. election’s outcome (as well as the hullabaloo in the Philippines’ executive branch—Ed), and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you’re ready to spend time together in THIS moment when feelings are still running high.

The answer might be that you’re not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World

“You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.”

He emphasizes that it’s not about taking a permanent step back. “r ight now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.”

DON’T miss the bigger picture of what the holiday is all about

K EEp focused on why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in

“If [a political conversation offers] no possibility of changing anyone’s mind,” says Cornell University professor Karl Pillemer, “then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.”

age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time.

DO set boundaries

IF you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement.

“Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?” he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.”

DON’T take the bait

LET ’S be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it.

In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling

DO think about what will happen after the holiday

IF you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves

‘You don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to.’

program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia.

“Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to.

thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now—strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you’d want to have.

“Think about how you would like to

remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?”

DON’T feel you have to be there uninterrupted

THINgS getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn’t have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you—and the family—might need.

Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, ‘I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.’”

n Cover photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com