BusinessMirror April 20, 2024

Imminent hotel room shortage—and resulting higher room rates—could derail PHL’s ambition to lure more visitors

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

DOMESTIC tourists, destination management companies, even lawmakers, have long been complaining about the high cost of going on vacation here in the country, so much so that many now prefer traveling abroad where P20,000 can buy them airfare, a three-day/twonight stay and tours. Not only is domestic airfare expensive, but many hotels, especially those in Metro Manila, have raised their room rates considerably, even exceeding prepandemic levels.

Well, don’t look now, but the average daily rates (ADR) of these hospitality establishments are projected to rise further in the medium term, and likely imperil government’s ability to attract 12 million international arrivals by 2028.

In a recent news briefing, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) Director for Hotel, Tourism, and Leisure Alfred Lay forecast an impending hotel shortage with only 87 properties in the pipeline from 2025 to 2028, adding just 25,000 keys to the country’s hotel room supply. As such, by LPC’s projection, there will only be 308,000 hotel rooms available by 2028.

For government to attract 12 million inbound tourists by 2028, from its 7.7-million target this year, arrivals need to grow annually by some 10 percent per year.

“[In contrast], we’re going to see less than one-percent growth in hotel keys between 2025 and 2028,” he noted. “That is a significant factor because it may, in fact, limit our ability as a country to reach 12 million arrivals. As a result of this, room rates and occupancy rates will undoubtedly start increasing. And it will become a more expensive pastime for us to travel locally and for foreigners to come here,” he stressed.

Based on LPC research, a large chunk of these new hotels, at 40 percent, are located in Metro Manila (9,668 keys), 16 percent in Cebu (3,880), and the rest distributed among Boracay, Davao, Palawan, and other destinations.

Inflationary risks

LAY could not say exactly by how much the hotels’ ADR will rise, but

in Singapore, which also has a hotel shortage, their ADR has risen about 25 percent. The Philippines may not follow exactly the same path, with hotels here usually adjusting their rates seasonally, i.e., they jack up their room rates during long weekends and holidays, while these are kept mostly steady for the remainder of the year.

What may further stymie the construction of more hotels in the country, he noted, is “a high inflation environment that is stubborn for the coming two to four years. [This] will certainly make for some significant challenges to hotel development, in that the cost of funding will continue to stay high and make it very, very difficult, because interest rates and borrowing is the grease that makes the real-estate market churn,” he underscored.

The Philippine Statistics Authority recently reported a headline inflation rate of 3.7 percent in March, quickening from 3.4 percent in February, as food prices, specifically that of rice, surged. This led to the policymaking Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep its key policy rate at 6.5 percent, which is used by banks to price their loans. BSP Gov. Eli Remolona, in a news briefing after the MB policy meeting on April 8, warned of continuing inflationary risks due to rising food prices, an increase in crude prices, geopolitical concerns, and a possible wage adjustment. As such, he said, it will be unlikely for the MB to cut BSP’s policy rate by October this year, unless the next months’ inflation data show a slowdown in the rise of consumer pric-

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‘KEYS MUNA’

Climate change to cause $38 trillion a year in damages by 2049, says PIK

By Laura Millan Bloomberg

Climate change will inflict losses to the global economy worth an annual $38 trillion by 2049, as extreme weather ravages agricultural yields, harms labor productivity and destroys infrastructure, according to researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

OIL ERASES ADVANCE AFTER IRANIAN MEDIA DOWNPLAYS ISRAEL’S ATTACK

Oil wiped out an earlier sharp jump as Iranian media appeared to downplay the impact of Israeli strikes that followed last weekend’s unprecedented bombardment by Tehran. Story on A4.

es, and economic growth weakens. (See, “Inflation may prompt rate cuts delay to 2025,” in the BusinessMirror, April 9, 2024.)

Pandemic delays constructions

LCP’s data showed the hotel industry was building enough rooms from 2017 to 2019, and was therefore “in lockstep” with rising inbound tourists during the period. But the pandemic caused a lot of hotels to stop their construction midway. The properties that did open two years after the pandemic “have been from the integrated resorts and casinos sector,” said Lay, with more, like Solaire Resort North, launching this year.

The “current cost of funding” is also contributing to the impending hotel shortage. BSP data showed lending rates of universal and commercial banks were running between 7.18 percent and 12.26 percent per annum in 2023.

Still, by the end of December last year, loans to real-estate activities widened by some 11 percent, which helped drive the 7-percent increase in the loan portfolios of many banks.

Meanwhile, hotel ADR is projected to continue outpacing occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) this year due to inflationary pressures. “While ADR typically lags occupancy growth, hotels have reported increased focus on margins and increasing ADR to offset inflation-driven higher operating costs,” said Lay. In some luxury hotels in Metro Manila, he

said, “they’ve got eight to 10 restaurants that are operating. And that cost base has really skyrocketed just like your supermarket bills. So there is a little bit of margin protection going on by hotels,” he stressed.

In 2023, the ADR growth of luxury hotels in Metro Manila outpaced all hotel segments, hitting P10,264 from P8,429 per night in prepandemic 2019, even though their average occupancy dipped slightly to 69 percent from 71 percent in 2019. Last year, upper upscale hotels—those charging about P6,945 a night—surpassed both their ADR and occupancy in 2019.

Back to black in 2025

“ECONOMY and mid-scale hotels rebounded strongly post-pandemic, spurred on by domestic demand and aggressive pricing from lowcost airlines,” said Lay. However, “upscale hotels located in major CBDs [central business districts] still await further recovery of business travelers and associated patronage for meeting spaces,” he added. Still, LCP projects the full recovery of the hotel industry by 2025, with more properties seeing their bottom lines return to black.

A number of hotels both in Metro Manila and in major destinations like Cebu and Boracay have confirmed to the BusinessMirror that while their revenues last year have surpassed pandemic levels, they have yet to eke any profit due to the slow return of international travelers and rising cost of operations, a large portion traced to higher food and power prices.

Under the baseline scenario of its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, the Department of Tourism (DOT) projects inbound arrivals to reach 11.5 million, and 137.5 million in domestic trips by 2028. Unlike its

first iteration, however, the current administration’s NTDP fails to identify the number of hotels needed to be able to accommodate the projected number of local and foreign travelers in the Philippines.

As

Planetary warming will result in an income reduction of 19% globally by mid-century, compared to a global economy without climate change, according to research published in Nature on Wednesday. The paper uses data from more than 1,600 regions worldwide over the past 40 years to assess future impacts of a warmer planet on economic growth.

“Climate change will cause massive economic damages within the next 25 years in almost all countries,” Leonie Wenz, the scientist at PIK who led the study, said in a statement. “We have to cut down our emissions drastically and immediately—if not, economic losses will become even bigger in the second half of the century, amounting to up to 60 percent on global average by 2100.”

Human-made greenhouse gas emissions have warmed the world about 1.1°C on average since pre-in-

dustrial times, leading to extreme weather events that cost about $7 trillion over the past 30 years, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

Climate damages keep rising, averaging $500 billion a year—or 2 percent of the US GDP—since 2016. Developing nations that contributed less to global warming are bearing the brunt of losses and damages.

The researchers said cutting emissions and limiting global warming to 2°C by the end of the century would be the most cost effective way to reduce further climate damages. “Protecting our climate is much cheaper than not doing so, and that is without even considering non-economic impacts such as loss of life or biodiversity,” Wenz said. “We will need more adaptation efforts if we want to avoid at least some of them.”

Countries least responsible for climate change are predicted to suffer an income loss 60 percent greater than the higher-income

countries, and 40 percent greater than higher-emission countries, according to the report. They also have the least resources to adapt to current impacts.

But the economic losses of the warming will be felt everywhere and “also in highly-developed ones such as Germany, France and the United States,” Wenz said. Only regions at very high latitudes will benefit from hotter temperatures.

The magnitude of the economic damages exceeds previous estimates because it takes into account not just temperature increases, but also additional climate variables like extreme rainfall and impacts of extreme weather events on agriculture and labor productivity, as well as human health.

“Structural change towards a renewable energy system is needed for our security and will save us money,” said Anders Levermann, a co-author of the study. “Staying on the path we are currently on will lead to catastrophic consequences.”

BOP surplus hits 14-mo high in March–BSP

By Cai U. Ordinario

THE country’s balance of payments (BOP) surplus posted a 14-month high in March 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The data showed the country posted a BOP surplus of $1.173 billion in March, the highest since the $3.081-billion surplus posted in January 2023.

The BOP posted a deficit of $196 million in February 2024 and $740 million in January 2024.

“The BOP surplus in March 2024 reflected inflows arising mainly from the National Government’s [NG] net foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas [BSP] and net income from the BSP’s investments abroad,” BSP said.

Rhian Ramos, 30 other Filipinos stranded in Dubai

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

AT least 30 Filipino tourists and workers were stranded in Dubai as chaos marred the Dubai International Airport two days after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was hit with severe flooding.

One of those stranded is GMA actress Rhian Ramos.

“Is there anyone from Emirates in Dubai that can help us? We need to rebook please,” Ramos posted in X. Her post came with two photos of people crowding the Emirates counter and a short blanket with rolled up towels apparently showing she and her travel mates were sleeping at the floor of the Dubai airport.

Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the world.

The airport experienced flooding and many flights were cancelled or delayed due to the two days of unprecedented rainfall in the UAE.

However, due to the high volume

of affected passengers, many ended up being stranded, or their baggage getting lost.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippine Consulate in Dubai has so far received requests for assistance from at least 30 Filipinos.

“The Consulate will extend help to our stranded kababayans,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega told B USINESS M IRROR

Some of these stranded passengers were told that the next available flight for them would be in the next few days.

Agency videos showed large crowds of passengers at the airport, which was recently named as the second busiest worldwide.

Hours after her post on X, the Kapuso actress announced that she will be flying home to the Philippines.

“Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!!! “Grabe, super miracle ‘yung nangyari, so happy to be coming home. So excited to shower, too,” she tweeted.

In the first quarter, BSP said the BOP surplus reached $238 million. This was lower than the $3.5-billion surplus recorded in January-March 2023.

“This cumulative BOP surplus reflected mainly the improvement in the balance of trade alongside the net inflows from personal remittances, net foreign borrowings by the NG, foreign direct in-

vestments, and foreign portfolio investments,” BSP said.

The BSP said the country’s BOP position reflected an increase in the final gross international reserves (GIR) level to $104.1 billion as of end-March 2024 from $102 billion as of end-February 2024.

Moreover, it is also about 5.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.7 times based on residual maturity.

The BSP noted that the country’s trade deficit for JanuaryFebruary 2024 reached $8 billion,

The latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

down from the $9.4 billion deficit posted in January-February 2023.

The central bank also explained that the external liquidity buffer ensures availability of foreign exchange to meet balance of payments financing needs, such as for payment of imports and debt service, in extreme conditions when there are no export earnings or foreign loans.

‘Manila, Washington must bolster defense interoperability’

By Rex Anthony Naval

DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said there is a need to bolster the interoperability of the defenses of the Philippines and the United States.

Teodoro issued the statement during the inaugural 3+3 Ministerial Meeting held between foreign/state and defense secretaries as well as the national security advisers of the Philippines and the US last week.

“During the 3+3 Ministerial

Meeting, Secretary Teodoro emphasized the importance of strengthening Philippine-US defense interoperability, particularly in maritime and cyber domains. This aligns with the ongoing transformation of the DND. The meeting also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to a rules-based international order and in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement on Thursday.

This meeting took place during the sidelines of the historic Philippines-Japan-United States

Trilateral Leaders’ Summit held on April 12.

The DND spokesperson said the Philippine-US 3+3 Ministerial Meeting is envisioned as a regular forum, complementing the annual Philippine-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue and Philippine-US Maritime Dialogue.

Andolong said this offers another avenue for ongoing discussions regarding the Mutual Defense Treaty.

As this developed, the Philippine Air Force and Pacific Air Forces held a civil-military engagement as part of the Cope

Thunder PH 2024-1 at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga, also on Thursday.

Pilots from the 5th Fighter Wing, PAF; and the Pacific Air Forces engaged with air traffic controllers from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in a discussion focused on the characteristics of the FA-50PH and F-16 jet fighters.

This engagement seeks to provide members of the CAAP with a deeper understanding of these aircraft, thereby fostering improved coordination and safety in air traffic control management.

City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor starts the ball rolling for NJLA-LGU English Proficiency through Literature project

STO. TOMAS, BATANGAS—

The City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the first local government partner of the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA)Local Government Unit (LGU) Advocacy for English Proficiency through Literature project.

The NJLA-LGU project is the brainchild of Philippines Graphic, initiator of the NJLA and the Philippines Graphic Reader, the only monthly magazine completely devoted to publishing the short stories and poems written in English by budding and veteran Filipino writers and poets.

At the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement here between City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan and Philippines Graphic Executive Vice President-General Manager Loida S. Virtudazo, city officials said that the project will benefit Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in the city’s five public high schools.

“Introducing to Grades 9 and 10 students the short stories and poems written in English by Filipino writers and poets can be a highly enriching experience,” Mayor Marasigan said.

He added that “reading the works of Filipino fictionists and poets can inspire Tomasino students to explore their own creativity and express themselves through writing. It can spark their imagination, encourage them to experiment with different writing styles, and instill a love for literature and the arts.”

story writers and poets, while learning good English.

“This is the beginning of a long-range NJLA-LGU-public high schools project to promote English proficiency and Literature Appreciation through the Philippines Graphic Reader. And it starts with popularizing the works of Filipino poets and writers in the hearts and minds of young readers,” she said.

Named after the late

FOLLOWING his visit to Muntinlupa City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, along with Mayor Imelda “Emi” Gallardo Calixto-Rubiano and other city officials, personally gave additional assistance to recovering fire victims in Pasay City on Wednesday, April 17.

Attending to the needs of 106 households previously impacted by the fire, Go reiterated his ongoing support for distressed communities, assisting them with rebuilding efforts to aid their recovery.

“Sa mga nasunugan, ‘wag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang importante buhay tayo, ang importante magtulungan tayo. Ang gamit, atin ‘yang nabibili… ang damit ay malalabhan. Ang pera ay ating kikitain muli. Pero ang perang kikitain ay hindi mabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Magpasalamat

tayo sa Panginoon na nandito tayo. Pangalagaan natin ang buhay na ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos,” Go encouraged.

Held at the Jose Rizal Elementary School, Go and his Malasakit Team handed out snacks, vitamins, masks, grocery packs, shirts, and balls for basketball or volleyball to the affected families. Meanwhile, they gave away shoes, bicycles, mobile phones, and watches to select recipients. Through Go’s initiative, the National Housing Authority then provided support to the fire victims through their Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). The senator has advocated for and maintains his support for the NHA’s EHAP, which assists families displaced by fires, earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural calamities in rebuilding their homes.

Go then highlighted that homelessness in the country stems from various factors such as natural disasters, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of affordable housing. For this reason, the lawmaker continues to advocate for his filed Senate Bill No. 192, aimed at establishing the Rental Housing Subsidy Program.

This proposed legislation would create a housing and social protection program to offer disaster victims improved and more affordable access to the formal housing market by providing governmentfunded rental subsidies if enacted into law.

“Kapag laging may nasusunugan sa Pasay, tiyak na andiyan ang tanggapan ni Senator Bong Go upang tayong lahat ay tulungan. Hindi lang po tuwing sunog andito si Senator Bong Go. Kahit po sa kasiyahan, sa mga pageants nakakasama rin po natin

Vice Mayor Catherine JauriguePerez said that the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas has five public high schools and 24 private high schools. “There are a total of 3,189 Grade 9 students and 3,103 Grade 10 students,” she added.

For her part, Virtudazo said that through the Student’s Corner section of the Philippines Graphic Reader, students will be able to study and appreciate the published works of Filipino short

Bong Go visits recovering fire victims in Pasay City to support their rebuilding efforts

siya at kahit ang mga kanyang staff na talagang nakikiisa dito sa lungsod ng Pasay,” Mayor Calixto-Rubiano expressed.

“At sa pagbibigay ng tulong, hindi lang sa mga nasunugan, kahit anong assistance , andiyan lagi ang ating butihing Senator Bong Go. Kaya naman we share with you the joy and the happiness. Dahil sa ating pagkakapit bisig at pagtutulungan , we are now able to give another assistance,” she added.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also extended support to residents facing health issues, recommending they seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Pasay City General Hospital for medical assistance.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops providing convenient access to medical assistance programs from various agencies placed un-

der one room to help poor and indigent patients. These include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, and there are currently 163 Malasakit Centers nationwide. According to DOH, these centers have helped over ten million Filipinos.

Earlier that day, Go spearheaded the launch of the 163rd Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Muntinlupa.

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go supported several forms of support to Pasay including lighting projects along Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue.

“Alam n’yo, tao lang din po ako na napapagod. Ngunit kapag nakikita ko kayong masaya ay masaya na rin po ako na uuwi ngayong araw na ito. Makatulong sa mga proyekto, makatulong sa mga pasyente, at makapag-iwan ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” expressed Go.

“Tandaan po natin mga kababayan ko, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Iyan po ang totoo. Ako po ang inyong Senator kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.

After visiting Pasay City, Go headed to assist more fire victims in Tondo, Manila City.

Marcos: Govt to save money from fiber backbone project

By Samuel P. Medenilla

Ferdinand R. Mar-

RESIDENT

PManila Water unit to acquire EHI shares

M“It will empower 346 national and local government offices connected to GovNet, boosting their overall operational efficiency and generating more than 145 million pesos in potential savings annually,” Marcos said in his speech during the event.

He noted that the project will allow the government to provide Free Wi-Fi Sites and benefit 750,000 people in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and the National Capital Region.

cos Jr. said the government is expected to save over P145 million annually by rolling out the first phase of the National Fiber Backbone Project (NFBP-P1), which will provide national and local government agencies access to high-speed internet. Launched last Friday in Pasay City, the 1,245-kilometer NFBP-P1 is composed of 26 nodes from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, down to Roces, Quezon City. The project is expected to initially provide 600 gigabit per second (Gbps) optical spectrum capacity to at least 14 provinces in Luzon, two National Government Data Centers, and four ecozones of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

The initiative, Marcos said, is expected to boost the country’s business competitiveness, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“One of the most important aspects that we have always focused upon are–is an effort and it is why connectivity has been very important is that it is a very big push to bring MSMEs into the digital space,” the President said.

“So that we get to the point where the sari-sari store doesn’t sell only to the village. The sari-sari store can sell anywhere and that brings us into the digital space,” he added.

Once the NFBP is completed by

2026, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) estimated it will raise internet penetration in the country to 65 percent from the current 33 percent and benefit 70 million people.

“Nationally, this is the infrastructure that will open employment opportunities, improve market efficiency, attract foreign investments, and stimulate livelihood across the different sectors of our economy and our society,” Marcos said.

“It will close the digital divide and bring to our people the transformative power of free and fast access to information,” he added.

MMDA to conduct info campaign on e-bike, e-trike ban

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said it will use the one-month grace period to inform the public about its regulation which prohibits e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, push carts, and kuligligs from traversing national roads in Metro Manila.

MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said the agency received the President’s directive on Thursday morning to partially suspend the implementation of the MMDA Regulation 24-002 Series of 2024.

“Our president is a compassionate leader, and he is sensitive to the sentiments of the public, as some of the violators claimed that they were not aware of the regulation, do not know

the alternative routes, and have not yet adjusted their routine in the use of their electric bikes,” said Artes.

Artes said the agency will study how to go about the cancellation of citation tickets issued to 290 violators and the return of 69 impounded vehicles from April 17 until the suspension of the issuance of tickets yesterday morning.

“We will find a way to make the directive of the president retroactive,” he said.

Under the grace period, the MMDA will continue flagging down violators of the ban but will not issue tickets and the vehicles will not be impounded. Instead, they will be informed of the regulation and advised about alternate roads they can use.

“We will strengthen the widest dissemination of information through the media, social media platforms, and

all other mediums of the local government units,” said Artes, citing that consultations and conferences have been conducted while announcements and advisories have been issued to the public prior to enforcement of the ban.

The MMDA and Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) will focus on informing the public on the alternative routes that users of the vehicles covered by the regulation can traverse.

“We will meet with the LGUs’ traffic officials for the identification of alternate routes in Metro Manila,” said Artes.

Before the grace period ends, he said they will submit a report and make necessary recommendations to the President.

According to Artes, the P2,500 penalty for violators will also remain once they resume the issuance of tick-

Palawan-based Wescom to host ‘Balikatan’ drills

By Rex Anthony Naval

TWO important external defense exercises will be held at the area-of-jurisdiction of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in this year’s “Balikatan” which will be held from April 22 to May 10.

Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said in a Facebook post Thursday that these two events are the so-called “Combined Joint All Domain Operations (CJADO)” training of this year’s exercise.

These drills are the “Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations” and the “High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion.” “Notably, US allied forces have already begun establishing logistics infrastructure in Wescom’s joint operational area for the BK39-2024 training events,” he said. “Participants will engage in simulations, live-fire drills, and tactical exercises, aimed at enhancing cooperation and boosting the capabilities of the AFP and the US military. Likewise, these training events will increase the allied forces’ ability to work together in response to crises across

ets, explaining that such a penalty is really “punitive” because repetitive violations of the law occur when the penalty is minimal.

He also brushed off criticisms about the strict implementation of the regulation, saying, “ang batas ay mahigpit, mabigat; pero ang batas ay dapat sundin. Just like any regulation on traffic rules and policies, we will strictly enforce them, without partiality.”

Artes said the Land Transportation Office has released guidelines on the registration of light electric vehicles, which users should all follow.

Under the Metro Manila Council-approved MMDA Regulation No. 24-002, e-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles, pedicabs, push carts, and kuligligs are banned from traversing national roads, circumferential roads, and radial roads in Metro Manila.

the military spectrum to accomplish the mission while also supporting the local population,” he added. AFP also said several humanitarian civic assistance projects, such as the ongoing construction of a health care center in Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, and the upcoming civil-military engagements in the area will provide immediate and direct benefit to the local communities of Palawan.

Around 16,000 American and Filipino troops are expected to take part in this year’s “Balikatan” exercise.

ANILA Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) has signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) with EquiParco Holdings Corp. (EPHC), Metropac Water Investments Corp. (MWIC), and TwinPeak Hydro Resources Corp. (THRC) for the sale and purchase of 70 percent shares in Equipacific HoldCo Inc. (EHI).

Equipacific HoldCo Inc. is an investment company which holds 90 percent of the outstanding shares of Laguna Water District Aquatech Resources Corp. (LARC), a joint-venture company formed for the rehabilitation, improvement, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the water supply system of the Laguna Water District (LWD) in the municipalities of Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria and Nagcarlan in the province of Laguna.

With the acquisition, the service coverage of the subsidiary of Manila Water Co. Inc. in Laguna is expected to increase from 21 percent to 27 percent.

Currently, Laguna Water, a joint venture between MWPV and the Provincial Government of Laguna, provides water, wastewater, and environmental services to municipalities of Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Binan, Pagsanjan, and several areas in Sta. Cruz, Pakil, Victoria and Calauan.

Laguna Water also provides water and wastewater services in various real estate developments in Laguna, which includes BellaVita (in Pila, Alaminos and San Pablo), Amaia (in Calamba and San Pablo) and Ayala Greenfield Estates-Calamba.

“The acquisition will provide MWPV with the opportunity to optimize operational synergies with Laguna Water for the benefit of the

customers in the province of Laguna,” said Barny Kim, Manila Water New Business Development Head.

Last month, Manila Water reported that its income fell 4 percent to P5.87 billion in 2023 from the previous year’s P6.14 billion on higher expenses and losses incurred by its international business.

The East Zone concessionaire said its revenues rose 34 percent to P30.7 billion from the previous year’s P22.79 billion, driven by the continued recovery of customer demand with the resumption of economic activities, as well as implementation of tariff adjustments and several non-East zone businesses in the country.

“In our East Zone business, the implementation of the first set of tariff adjustments has allowed us to continue our projects in compliance with our service obligations. Similarly, we see good results from our non-East Zone subsidiaries, such as Boracay, South Luzon and Calbayog which have posted turnarounds in operations,” Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios, the company’s president and CEO, said.

“For our international businesses, the deliberate view we take on our legacy investments is evidence of our disciplined portfolio management. We will further streamline our investments and look for better growth opportunities. We are hopeful that our hard work will continue to yield positive results for the rest of the year,” he added.

At Manila Water’s East Zone Concession, net income improved by 60 percent to P8.8 billion as higher revenues and effective cost management drove the significant growth in earnings, the company said.

on renewed concerns over the potential for a wider conflict that could endanger oil supplies. Israel launched a strike on Iran, according to two US officials, but the Islamic Republic’s semi-official Tasnim news agency denied the reports, and said the Isfahan nuclear facility was

“The markets are in for a morning of reactionary headline watching,” said John Evans, an analyst at brokerage PVM.

Crude has rallied this year, with gains driven by the worsening hostilities in the Middle East, as well as OPEC+ supply cuts that have tightened the market. Higher energy prices, if sustained, would boosts risks for the global economy and pose a challenge for central bankers as they seek to tame inflation.

Iranian military official was quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency as saying Tehran doesn’t feel compelled to react to the blasts. Traders had been girding for an Israeli response to last weekend’s missile and drone attack, with the rhetoric escalating as Tehran warned against striking its nuclear facilities. The Middle East accounts for about a third of crude supply.

The supply curbs orchestrated by OPEC+, which include cutbacks in Saudi Arabia as well as Russia, mean that the producer group has a buffer of unused capacity of several million barrels a day. At present, the output restrictions are set to last through the first half of this year.

“We continue to highlight the heightened risk that this war will move up the escalation ladder,” RBC Capital Markets LLC analysts including Helima Croft said in a note before crude’s spike. “Oil supplies could be caught in the cross-hairs of this metastasizing conflict.” Bloomberg News

Bulacan graduates thank Cayetanos for their successful Tesda training

MORE than 100 students from Bulacan expressed their appreciation for the support of senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano in helping them reach educational success.

On April 11 at the Richwell Colleges Events Center in Plaridel, Bulacan, the siblings-lawmakers provided the graduates with aprons, shirts, and tool kits, which marked the culmination of their journey after completing their Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) training.

Youth org demands prosecution of school-predators, not victims

YTWSP focuses on providing courses for skilled workers in priority sectors, which include Hilot (therapeutic massage), Housekeeping, and Cookery. On the other hand, STEP equips students with skills for entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities, which enhances their employability and productivity within local communities, with courses like Shielded Metal

A graduate of Cookery under National Certification (NC) Level II, Josefino C. Franzuela conveyed his appreciation to the senators. He said in Filipino that he wholeheartedly thanks the senators who helped them reach their dreams, as the students were able to add to their knowledge in cooking, which was previously just their leisure activity. The students enrolled in two courses: the “Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP)” and “Special Training for Employment Program (STEP).”

Arc Welding, Cookery, as well as Bread and Pastry Production.

Second District Representative Ditse Pancho of Bulacan, Tesda Bulacan provincial director Melanie Grace Romero, as well as Richwell Colleges Inc. president Romeo de la Rosa and Vocational Department head Richel Kalaw, graced the ceremony.

Romero expressed her profound gratitude for the Cayetanos’ support, as it was proof that the

Public health gathering to explore university-community collaboration

DGhimire and Ambika Thapa Pachya of Tribhuvan University from Nepal; as well as Professors

national government is at work round-the-clock. She said that the senators push to have scholarships and provide several free training sessions. The lawmakers have long advocated their linkage with Tesda, which aims to communicate to the public the value of certification, and how it can lead the way for success—particularly for those who are aspiring for non-traditional career tracks.

OUTH group Enough is Enough Ph (EIE) is pressing for the immediate resolution of cases filed against a certain student under the alias of “Robert,” who is a victim-survivor of campus-based sexual harassment from Bacoor National High School (BNHS), and his release following his imprisonment since April 5 for four counts of cyber libel. EIE denounced the indictment of victims rather than predators by letting cyber libel suits to be used in retribution against students seeking accountability from teacher-predators, as well as the supposedly “lax effort” of the Department of Education (DepEd) to bring them to justice.

The group argued that their founding member is a victim of “triple jeopardy :” First, the BNHS management failed to ensure safe spaces and denied him any means to seek justice and accountability, according to EIE’s lead convenor Sophie Reyes: “[That’s] the very reason…he resorted to social media to report the abuse.”

Second, the DepEd allowed such crimes and failed to hasten the investigation—although it promised the victims and their parents a swift and fair resolution, she noted.

Third, she cited that the justice system empowered the offenders to retaliate against the victim.

“The incarceration of ‘Robert’ is

a threat issued to all victims who seek justice; that any attempts to call out predators and enablers alike will put [one] behind bars,” the lead convenor said.

For the group, the suit against the victim sends a chilling effect to the victims that could prevent them from coming out and seeking justice.

“This is not the time to cower into submission. All the more, victims and advocates alike must overcome odds—including the weaponization of the ‘Cybercrime Law,’ in the pursuit of justice and safer campuses,” said Reyes.

The organization was established in 2022 at the height of the sexual harassment issue involving BNHS students.

The advocates campaign for five demands: the filing of administrative and criminal against violators; their teaching licenses revoked and perpetually banned from employment that involve vulnerable sectors; the establishment of a national registry of offenders; the provision of legal, psychosocial and financial support to student-victims by their academic institutions; and the establishment of an anti-retaliatory policy to protect them from retaliation by perpetrators.

Members of EIE are now raising financial support for alias “Robert’s” bail. Roderick L. Abad

INSTITUTO Cervantes de Ma-

nila, the Embassy of Spain, Ayala Land and “Make it Makati” invite visitors to the Ayala Triangle Gardens today, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., to “Día del Libro:” an exciting, jam-packed event filled with activities that promote the joy of reading, coinciding with World Book Day 2024.

From fiction to nonfiction and poetry to prose, thousands of books will be up for grabs around Instituto Cervantes’ premises in Ayala Triangle Gardens. Día del Libro will feature Manila’s top bookstores and publishing houses that will be selling a wide array of books at 20-percent discount. Following the tradition in Spain, each book purchase will come with a free rose.

Apart from the book market, visitors will get to join poetry recitals, free Spanish classes, book presentations, street art, games, exhibits, storytelling sessions, Spanish food, as well as fun activities for the children.

First introduced in Manila by Instituto Cervantes in 2006, the tradition of Día del Libro began in Barcelona, Spain. At present, the tradition is commemorated on St. George’s Day (April 23), during which Spanish people exchange roses and books.

and Design Studio, Ayala Land, and Instituto Cervantes, this library will revive a successful cultural project at the Ayala Triangle Gardens : a space where books are exchanged altruistically.

Another highlight that will enrich the Ayala Triangle Gardens will be the “ Paseo de la Poesía :” a street adorned with Filipino, Spanish, and Latin American poems. More than 100 authors will share verses that will weave a tapestry of literary expression.

For those who want to develop their artistic skills, Instituto Cervantes has prepared the drawing workshop “ Dibujo Makati,” which will be conducted by the Spanish leading illustrator Enrique Flores, with free registration on a first come, first served basis via : https:// forms.gle/BLpf6NTgwtHRAZSk8.

publishing houses, visitors will have the chance to meet authors who will be signing their works. Book lovers will also get to attend book presentations organized by some publishers. They may check the program schedule on Instituto’s web site.

As a perk of Día del Libro, Instituto Cervantes will offer free Spanish classes and free access to the self-learning platform “Ave” for those enrolling on April 20.

Día del Libro 2024 will close with a live concert by two leading Filipino rock bands which will start at 8 p.m. Whether one is a lifelong reader or just discovering the joy of books, World Book Day 2024 is a day to celebrate the power of words to connect everyone. Join and experience a jam-packed evening of excitement. For this year’s celebration, Instituto Cervantes will be giving out hundreds of books for free!

‘Quixotic’ challenge

The “hyflex” (onsite and online) event will carry the theme: “Empowering Communities through University Partnerships in Public Health.” GALACST 3 comes as the world continues to move on from the Covid-19 health concern.

Professors Anna Robinson-Pant and Laura Burke of the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom; Senior Health Specialist Najibullah Habib of the Asian Development Bank;

Professors Sushan Acharya, Kamal Raj Devkota and Surendra Giri of the Research Centre for Educational Innovation and Development (CERID), along with Bishnu Prasad Choulagai of the Institute of Medicine; Poojan Sharma, Sudha

ETERMINING collaborative steps to address inequalities in health will form the subject of a forthcoming researchand-policy conference at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), as its Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED) will organize the “Third International Conference on Gender, Adult Literacy, and Active Citizenship for Social Transformation (GALACST 3)” on April 25 and 26. To be staged both at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) auditorium and on Zoom, GALACST 3 (https://www.ust.edu. ph/galacst2024/) will explore ways partnerships between universitybased health workers, public-health stakeholders, and local communities can help confront health-related challenges.

UST-RCSSED is jointly organizing the free event with the UST Graduate School and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, as well as the University of East Anglia, the University of Sussex, Tribhuvan University, and CERID.

Dr. Ma. Teresa Tricia Bautista, as conference chair, says GALACST 3 will offer continuing professional development or CPD units for medicine (nine units) and nursing (12). The event is also recognized by the Civil Service Commission.

Interested parties—whether health or non-health professionals—can register through https:// www.ust.edu.ph/galacst2024/reg-

organizers via galacst2024@ gmail.com.

This date also honors history’s two greatest writers Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who coincidentally died on the very same day April 23, 1616.

These significant incidents prompted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or Unesco to declare the date as “World Book and Copyright Day” to instill the love of reading among the youth, and to promote respect for the rights of authors over their works.

April also happens to be the birth month of the classical Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas and to honor him, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts declared the 30-day period as “National Literature Month.”

The WTA Open Library’s inauguration stands out among Día del Libro 2024’s activities. Thanks to tie-ups with the WTA Architecture

IN this edition, to commemorate the Day of Miguel de Cervantes, “Instituto” will challenge visitors to join a “Quixotic” attempt : to handwrite

Don Quixote de La Mancha . The final hand-written book will be deposited in the Library of Instituto Cervantes. Those interested to take part can join on the same day with no prior registration. Participants in the handwriting chain will receive a rose.

Through the third Recital of Fil-Hispanic Poetry, Instituto Cervantes is inviting poetry lovers to recite verses written in Spanish by Filipino poets. All recorded recitations will be compiled in a video that will be posted in “Instituto’s” YouTube channel by month’s end. Poetry aficionados can enlist via https:// forms.gle/2GDuK9o1TLE7zfMU7

Thanks to the collaboration of

Día del Libro 2024 is organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines; AECID; Ayala Land; Make it Makati; the embassies of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela; Harper Collins Ibérica; WTA Architecture and Design Studio; and the Spanish Chamber

Ma. Teresa Tricia Bautista, Camilla Vizconde, and Elizabeth Arenas of UST will be the resource persons.

MAYOYAO BEYOND ITS RICE TERRACES

The Ifugao district is rich in culture, history, traditional arts and delicacies

WALKING thousands of steps in the midst of a sunny afternoon would be taxing under normal city conditions. Well, up in the highlands of Ifugao and in the middle of Mayoyao’s rice terraces, this kind of undertaking looks like something out of a well-shot film.

The scenic paddy fields under a bright blue sky make for an idyllic setting, and as we made our way to pockets of small communities, we passed by many fascinating characters such as farmers sowing crops, village mothers weaving a Ginallit, an Ifugao stripped wrap-around skirt, and residents tending to other farm animals.

In between being awestruck by Mayoyao’s rice terraces, which is one of five clusters in the Cordillera region inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, and Nagacadan, I immediately discovered that Mayoyao is more than just its iconic rice terraces. Over the next five days of exploring this part of Ifugao, we would discover the rich culture, beautiful nature spots, wit-

ness performances of traditional arts, learn about its history, and even taste some local delicacies, all of which shape the unique character of Mayoyao and its residents.

Trekking through Mayoyao’s stone-walled terraces and into small villages

MAYOYAO’S rice terraces are so huge that they are divided into clusters, stretching to more than half of the municipality. These are Chaya, Chumang, Bongan, Magulon, and Banhal, the ones we explored by foot.  Hiking to the village of Banhal reminded me of the Open Air Museum in Kiangan, also in Ifugao. Similar elements, such as traditional dwellings and other aspects of Ifugao culture, can be witnessed during the hike.

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After a kilometer of brisk walking, we stopped by and observed a brief session on loom weaving and handicrafts with members of the Mayoyao Women’s Organization. A short distance away, we paused our hike once again to mingle with the owners of a small farmhouse and shared with them servings of sweet potatoes, banana cue, and brewed coffee while sitting on the lawn and taking in the breathtaking view of the surrounding Banhal rice terraces.

On the fourth day, we would embark on another rice terrace trek in a different town. This time, we were escorted by Leandro Elahe, a local tour guide who could easily pass as a historian. We began our walk in Bongan at the same location where a UNESCO marker stands. Along the journey, we stopped at a few abodes to meet villagers who demonstrated customary rice pounding and rice terrace farming practices.

Chasing waterfalls

THE first waterfalls we visited only requires half an hour of hiking as the jump-off trail is reachable by vehicles. Tenogtog Falls, as it’s called, takes its name from a native word for “chopped” or “sliced.” It is said that during the olden days, following an arduous hunt,

hunters would assemble near these multi-tiered waterfalls to distribute the rewards of their kill.

Despite the frigid water, I surrendered to the urge of taking a dip on the crystal-clear stream as a form of therapeutic relief for my body after the lengthy land travel to Ifugao and the afternoon trek the day before. The following day, we visited another waterfall, the A’pfaw Mahencha Falls. The hundreds of steps leading down to the waterfalls from the picturesque viewpoint now called Khohang Garden and back, can be taxing in a mountain environment where air becomes thinner. Nevertheless, the sight of A’pfaw waterfalls will immediately put you in a state of deep contemplation, where you can let yourself be embraced by the breathtaking beauty of nature. While others in our group jumped and splashed about in the chilly waters, I opted to relax and stare at the waterfalls this time.

More #CultureTrip learnings

OUTSIDE of our rice terraces and waterfalls exploration, we also went to a number of historical and cultural sites around Mayoyao, accompanied not only by the local tourism staff but also by the town’s cultural bearer and historian, Bobby Bongayon, and

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in one instance at the Mt. Nagchajan Historical Site, the town mayor himself, Jimmy Padchanan Jr. They both delighted us with anecdotes about the rich history and intriguing customs of Mayoyao.

At Khohang Garden, Bobby Bongayon led a storytelling session where he narrated a few legends handed down from their ancestors as well as having us listen to a Hudhud chant performed by a young lady, Jhomaica Panangon, a member of Mayoyao’s Tourism Office.

Stories chanted by the Ifugao people as far back as the seventh century make up the Hudhud, an art form recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are hundreds of chants that cover topics such as history, customary law, religious beliefs of the ancestors, and epic tales of warriors.

Usually sang or recited in the old days by an elderly person who holds a prominent role in the community, either as a historian or preacher, to complete a comprehensive recitation of the Hudhod may take several days.

In Mt. Nagchajan, we visited the place where the last band of Japanese soldiers made their last stand during World War II. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, we were joined by Mayor

Padchanan Jr. as he further shared with us more about their local customs and culture. Following a sumptuous lunch, the locals serenaded us with folk songs and treated us to an amusing presentation of ceremonial and courtship dances, in which some of us even took part in.

In the process of being both visually amazed and intellectually stimulated, our journey to Mayoyao evolved into much more than a simple sightseeing tour. On any given day, most of the people we met in Mayoyao would be going on with their daily lives. But when visited by guest travelers, they easily open up to share their proud history, culture, and traditions.

In a nation like ours, where many ethnic treasures are sometimes overlooked in favor of picture-perfect attractions, this is how I envision traveling. Instead of just popping in and out, taking pictures, and then going away, an immersive experience like what he experienced in Mayoyao should be replicated everywhere. By including locals in tourism activities, we provide them with a voice and a platform to preserve and pass on their unique intangible heritage.

Because of that, our trip to Mayoyao, Ifugao became one for the books.

ON top of one of A’pfaw Mahencha’s first cascade

VIEW of the UNESCO-inscribed rice terraces of Mayoyao THE sunrise as seen from our homestay THE town proper of Mayoyao

THE best time to see the rice terraces is from April to July when the fields are covered with green rice crops

of the locals while wearing their traditional Ifugao clothes

‘YOLO’

is the story of a woman’s triumph

MICROSOFT INVESTS $1.5 BILLION IN AI FIRM G42, OVERSEEN BY UAE’S NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

REDMOND, Washington—Microsoft is investing $1.5 billion in a technology firm based in the United Arab Emirates and overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser.

Microsoft and the technology holding company G42 announced the deal on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, will join G42’s board of directors.

The deal “was developed in close consultation with both the UAE and US governments,” Microsoft said.

Based in Abu Dhabi, G42 runs data centers in the Middle East and elsewhere and has increasingly identified itself as an AI firm. It has built what’s considered the world’s leading Arabic-language AI model, known as Jais.

Microsoft said G42 will run its AI applications and services on the US tech giant’s cloud computing platform, and the two companies will work to bring digital infrastructure to countries where G42 has established a presence in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.

G42 has previously said it would cut ties to Chinese hardware suppliers over American concerns it was too close to the Chinese government.

The company has faced spying allegations for its ties to a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It has also faced claims it could have gathered genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, is chairman of the company’s board.

The US Commerce Department on Tuesday described the UAE as a “global player in cutting edge technology” and said it is working with it and other countries toward “verifiable commitments” for the safe development and deployment of such technologies.

“When responsibly managed, investments like the one announced today have the potential to further innovation in digital technologies around the world,” spokesman Brittany Caplin said in a written statement. AP

DEBUNKING COMMON DIGITAL GAMBLING MYTHS

AS with any popular form of entertainment, myths amd misconceptions about gambling abound, some of which are spun by gambling patrons themselves. After all, gambling mainly involves games of chance, where little more than pure luck comes into play. However, some players are out there to make a fortune from gambling and some simply engage in it for fun and excitement. Whatever their reasons are, players must know what they’re getting into. This is why leading gaming company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is resolute about banishing falsehoods or otherwise misleading concepts about digital gaming. Through full disclosure, DigiPlus hopes to create a customer base of enthusiastic gamers just out to have a good time.

MYTH #1: ALL DIGITAL GAMING SITES ARE A SCAM.

The truth: Frustration can lead customers to think that gaming apps are rigged. This couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, DigiPlus’ gaming apps such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and PeryaGames all strictly follow the regulations and guidelines put forth by PAGCOR. This ensures a fair and equal gaming experience for all users across the apps.

MYTH #2: GAMING APPS DO NOT PAY OUT WINNERS.

The truth: DigiPlus has a standardized procedure for paying out winners across their various apps. Winning gamers must present proof of their win, together with the required documentation and personal details, to company officials.

Once all vital information are validated by officials, gamers will receive their winnings and will be required to officially acknowledge these.

MYTH #3: YOU NEED THOUSANDS OF PESOS TO WIN BIG IN THE GAMES. The truth: The amount of gambling

money that a gamer starts with has nothing to do with their potential to win in the games. Each new game has players dealing with the same odds that they began their session with. And bigger capital does not necessarily boost your chances for winning in any game.

MYTH #4: YOU CAN BE VERY GOOD AT GAMBLING.

The truth: Players must be aware that the games offered on DigiPlus apps come in two categories: games of skill and games of chance. It’s important to know which is which before playing their bets on these apps.

Games like Tong-its or Poker, for example, are games of skill that require an understanding of strategy and probability, which can be learned and studied. The sooner one knows the ins and outs of these games, the more proficient they can be. However, a large number of the games on these apps are strictly games of chance. There is no such thing as a “winning strategy.” In these games, one’s odds reset at each instance of play. Understanding the difference between games of skill and games of chance will allow one to develop a more responsible gaming habit.

MYTH #5: DIGITAL GAMING ISN’T ADDICTIVE. The truth: Irresponsible gaming can lead to addiction that has severe psychological and financial effects on players. This is why DigiPlus encourages all gamers to practice a few basic tenets of responsible gaming.

The first and most important thing to remember is that there is never any guarantee of a win or financial gain from digital gaming. This should never be considered as a source of income, but rather as a source of fun and entertainment.

Users should only bet money that they can afford to lose.

Furthermore, it would be best for all users to consider money spent on digital gaming as lost; money gained from wins may therefore be deemed as just a bonus.

AS the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic’s onset, Filipino families faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a strange new normal. The lockdown blurred the lines between work, school and personal life, transforming homes into multifunctional spaces o ices, classrooms, and pla grounds combined.

For man mothers, this crisis intensi ied the comple it of their roles, merging personal and professional boundaries and escalating the demands of household management and caregiving. The found themselves juggling telecommuting, virtual schooling and dail chores, orchestrating ever minute of the da without reprieve amid these unprecedented challenges.

Moreover, budgeting became a critical skill as man families e perienced reduced incomes or job losses. Mothers became central igures in stretching budgets to cover essentials, turning dail inancial decisions into major economic considerations. M partner ou, who thrives on social interactions and attending events, found the initial lockdowns particularl di icult. eing con ined at home and unable to visit her children during this period caused her signi icant stress. The onl thing that helped her cope and kept her bus was this Facebook group called Madiskarte Moms PH, which became her refuge.

THE MADISKARTE MOVEMENT

MA IS A T Moms PH (MMPH) was established in 2020, amid the economic and social upheavals caused b the pandemic. The communit was born out of the necessit to support mothers facing the dual pressure of managing their homes and seeking inancial stabilit . This online communit was founded during a period when man mothers were desperatel seeking wa s to earn while still being able to look a ter their children and homes.

Thanks to its active members, Madiskarte Moms PH uickl became a sanctuar for moms feeling isolated and overwhelmed b the sudden shi t to fulltime home management and remote work. The platform o fered not onl emotional support but also economic opportunities, connecting mothers with resources and networks to initiate and grow home-based businesses. This supportive network proved invaluable for mothers navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship while managing famil life.

The communit also underscored the o ten

O usiness seeks to forge a path for women to break barriers, upli t others, and achieve their business goals.

Toda , women are faced with numerous challenges including limited access to resources and mentorship, while balancing their professional and personal lives. lobe usiness helps women hurdle these challenges b providing innovative solutions and upskilling opportunities to unlock their full business potential.

collaborating with ke women business organizations and through our innovative solutions, we want to reassure women leaders that the are not alone on this journe providing inspiration, upskilling, and innovation, we do not onl honor their achievements but also provide them with the tools the need to grow and succeed, said D Dizon, head of lobe usiness.

For the second ear, lobe usiness

overlooked versatilit and resilience of mothers, proving essential in helping them navigate pandemic life while fostering a strong sense of communit and mutual support.

To initiate conversations and encourage shared experiences, MMPH involved a group of momm bloggers that included ou entigan of emon reenTeaPh Michelle Hill of ockstarmomma ath ivera of ath ivera.com a cee nerva of The Macho Mom arina amos of igital Filipina aimie Felix of The Mermaid In Stilletos rica u onifacio of rica ub.com en Maslang of Shop irl en and Iris Acosta of Pina Ads.com. uiding the group were Cher l Maxine Parangan- o ola, aphne ripal, and Marist Nagera Marquez. ith the support of P T Home and its momm bloggers, MMPH has evolved be ond a mere communit this safe online space has become a haven for entrepreneurial growth and emotional support. With its robust network of over 172,000 members and 15,000 trained entrepreneurs, MMPH continues to build partnerships with local and international brands to broaden its impact. It provides workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship, all aimed at empowering moms to start and scale their businesses. The importance of digital tools and online platforms was emphasized, equipping members to thrive in a digital econom uilding on its remarkable journe of empowering Filipino mothers through entrepreneurship, the group has garnered several prestigious awards that underscored its signi icant impact on communit development and business innovation.

Among its accolades, Madiskarte Moms PH proudl received the Silver Award from the Asia Paci ic Stevie Awards, which recognized its innovative approach to communit relations and public service communications. This international accolade underscored the platform’s e fectiveness in leveraging communit power to drive economic and

social change.

Further cementing its reputation for excellence in public relations, MMPH was honored with the rand Anvil Award, the highest P award in the Philippines, presented b the Public elations Societ of the Philippines. This was complemented b a old Anvil Award for its specialized public relations program during the awad Madiskarte event, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipino mothers.

Additionall , MMPH’s dedication to sustainable development and prosperit earned it the S Award for Prosperit from the lobal Compact Network Philippines, part of the United Nations lobal Compact. This recognition came during the rd S Awards in November 202 , celebrating the communit ’s e forts in promoting sustainable business practices among its members.

The communit also received the old Award for est P Program in Southeast Asia from the AS AN P Network at the th AS AN P xcellence Awards in September 2023. This award highlighted Madiskarte Moms PH’s exceptional abilit to foster a supportive network that not onl encourages economic growth but also builds strong social connections among mothers across the region.

GAWAD MADISKARTE 2024

AS part of P T Home’s support for Madiskarte Moms PH, the brand has organized the awad Madiskarte Awards, dedicated to its members who have stood out with their inspiring entrepreneurial stories.

This ear, the 202 awad Madiskarte Awards shines the spotlight on sustainabilit , honoring mompreneurs who not onl thrive in their businesses but also pioneer eco-friendl practices.

In a time when the Philippines is facing environmental and economic challenges, awad Madiskarte is looking for mompreneurs who are leading b example, demonstrating that sustainable

has partnered with Cosmopolitan Philippines in honoring women entrepreneurs. This ear, lobe usiness

shone the spotlight on exceptional Pina business leaders who have

e fectivel driven their companies’ digital transformation with the support of lobe’s business solutions.

lobe usiness and Cosmo honored orelie uiambao-Osial, president and

business practices are not onl possible but also pro itable. supporting and celebrating these visionar women, awad Madiskarte hopes to inspire other entrepreneurs and businesses to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

According to a report b www.earth.org, some of the pressing environmental issues in the Philippines in 202 are plastic pollution and marine pollution. The countr is highl dependent on single-use plastics that generate an annual 2.7 million tons of waste, a problem that the World ank calls staggering, coupled with an insu icient waste management s stem. The World ank also reports that an estimated 20 percent of this plastic waste ends up in Philippine waters, endangering marine biodiversit

This ear’s major awards are iskarteng coFriendl , for the mompreneur who is leading the charge in environmental responsibilit and pioneering green solutions with vision and progress Diskarteng Angat, for the mompreneur who achieves exceptional sales growth in her business while leading the wa in sustainabilit and Diskarteng Ma Puso, for the mompreneur who creates a positive change b ful illing her social responsibilit to her communities.

There will be two winners per major award. One winner will come from the Start-Up categor and the other one from the Scale-Up categor . For the Start-Up categor , the mompreneur’s business should be running for at least six months for the Scale-Up categor , it should be running for at least 13 months with supporting documents, such as a DTI and I permit. Owners must also have an online shop on an e-commerce platforms or social media accounts.

To join, ill out the oogle Form with our answers and requirements.

Mompreneurs ma access the awad Madiskarte application form b joining the communit

More information on MMPH and awad Madiskarte is available at www.madiskartemoms.ph.

C O of Pilipinas Shell, and athrina David, suppl chain management director at Shake ’s Pizza Asia entures Inc., at an awards dinner b Cosmopolitan Philippines. oth uiambao-Osial and David have successfull used technolog and innovative strategies in their respective industries. lobe usiness has also been a stead companion of Pina preneurs, supporting them through strategic partnerships with business organizations and engaging them in various activities.

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Nievarez fans Paris bid in Korea, Malabuyo’s fate teeters in Doha

CBy Josef Ramos

RIS NIEVAREZ stayed in contention for a secondstraight Olympic stint while Emma Malabuyo was on the brink of missing the bus to Paris on Friday.

Tokyo Olympian Nievarez managed to advance to the semifinal round of the men’s 2,000 meters single sculls at the World Rowing Asian and Oceania Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta and Asian Rowing Cup in Chungju, South Korea.

Nievarez, 24, was fourth in the opening heat but did well in the repechage where he placed third, enough to progress to the semifinals that are set Saturday at Tangeum Lake. He clocked seven minutes and 32.84 seconds—under a second slower than his time in the heats— to place third and progress to the semifinal round on Saturday at the Tangeum Lake International, according to coach Edgardo Macabitas Maerina, a 1988 Seoul Olympian. “Every rower here is competitive here that’s why he needs to paddle hard.” Nievarez finished behind Vietnam’s Hieu Nguyen Van (7:31.06) and Iran’s Hamidreza Rezvani (7:32.58) in the six-rower repechage.

Joanie Delgaco, meanwhile, competes in women’s 2000m singles sculls semifinal after placing second in the heats in the women’s qualifiers.

Unfortunately, the men’s doubles sculls of Rynjie Peñaredondo and Zuriel Sumintac were eliminated in the men’s double sculls heats.

The top five finishers in the finals of all rowing events will earn tickets to Paris. Malabuyo, meanwhile, finished 10th in preliminaries and failed

LA SALLE-ZOBEL and Canossa Academy-Lipa grabbed the last quarterfinal tickets with big wins at the close of eliminations of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championships on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

La Salle-Zobel earned a 25-20, 2225, 25-19 win over Maryhill College Lucena (1-4) while Canossa Academy grinded out a 25-21, 23-25, 25-20 victory over Parañaque City (0-5).

La Salle-Zobel finished at 2-3 wonlost for the No. 4 seed in Pool A and Canossa Academy clinched the last spot with a similar record in Pool B of the girls’ division. Canossa Academy got a lift from La Salle-Lipa, which eliminated Colegio de Los Baños (1-4) with a 25-5, 25-10 win to ensure no playoff complications for the last ticket in Pool B.

La Salle-Lipa secured the second seed in Pool B with a 4-1 card just behind unbeaten National University (5-0) with San Juan Institute of Technology-Batangas placing third

Tfastpaced event when it kicks off Sunday in Mactan with the rising stars of triathlon clashing in the Ironkids a day ahead on Saturday at The Reef Island Resort. The aquathlon event, which drew 254 kids aged 6 to 15, aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle

to advance to the 10-athlete women’s floor exercise finals at the International Gymnastics Federation Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at the Aspire Laides Sports Hall in Doha, Qatar. She scored 12.533 points to land as one of three reserves for the finals.

“She still has a chance to make it to Paris depending on how the finals of the floor exercise play out,” Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion told BusinessMirror via chat.

The 21-year-old Los Angelesbased Filipino-American, who was a reserve on the US team at the Tokyo Olympics, is also depending on the Olympic qualification points she earned from previous World Cup legs in Cottbus, Baku and Cairo.

She’s running second with 69 points—30 in Cairo in February where she won a silver medal in the floor exercise, 14 In Germany and 25 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Austria’s Charlize Moerz leads with 80 points for a guaranteed stint in Paris, while Spain’s Laura Casabuena was third with 45 points but threatens Malabuyo after she advanced to the finals of the floor exercise in Doha on Saturday.

Casabuena needs at least 25 points to dislodge Malabuyo and hasten her Olympic bid.

Former world champion and Paris qualifier Carlos Yulo, meanwhile, bounced back from a frustrating floor exercise performance by making the finals in the parallel bars and vault.

Another Filipino-American, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, also reached the uneven bars finals.

with a 3-2 record.

In Pool A, La Salle-Zobel joined fellow quarterfinalists University of Santo Tomas (5-0), Kings’ Montessori School (4-1) and Gracel Christian College (3-2), respectively.

But with little to no break, La Salle-Zobel and Canossa Academy face a daunting task against the unbeaten squads in the quarterfinals Saturday in the same venue.

La Salle-Zobel will have its hands full against fellow University Athletic Association of the Philippines bet NU at 3 p.m. while Canossa Academy is drawn against another powerhouse University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m.

Other pairings feature Kings’ Montessori School against San Juan Institute of Technology Batangas at 12:30 p.m., and La Salle-Lipa versus Gracel Christian College at 5:30 p.m.

Final rankings in the boys’ play are still being determined at press time as a regular five-setter format will be implemented starting in the quarterfinals from a short three-set duel in the eliminations.

The quarterfinals will be played

By Tim Reynolds

GOLDEN STATE guard Stephen Curry knew he was running out of chances to play in what would be his first Olympics, so he and his wife Ayesha started planning many months ago about how to make the Paris Games work for their family. Their growing family, that is.

250-meter swim and a 2-km run race.

Relay events will also feature shorter distances suited to each age group. The event, sponsored by RLC Residences, also serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown.

Race officials are ensuring a test of physical endurance and personal triumph in the challenging 1.9-km

swim, 90-km bike and 21-km run race. Departing from previous setups, the swim leg will now feature colorcoded buoys for improved navigation— yellow for outbound, orange for inbound and red for key turns.

The bike route, including the 8.9km CCLEX or Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway bridge, guarantees a fast yet demanding course, reminiscent of the 2022 event. The closing run stage, on the other hand, offers a vibrant, festive atmosphere, boosting the spirits of the triathletes as they sprint towards the finish line.

The organizing Ironman Group continues to innovate, providing athletes with new challenges and exceptional racing experiences.

The premier endurance race will start and end at the Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, hosting 14 and 13 female professionals, alongside close to 1,400 participants across various age categories.

With the return of the elite pros and the new racecourse conditions, winning times are expected to surpass previous records.

The event also features

Curry: Right time for Olympic debut

fourth child and the baby is due in June. That’s not entirely by accident— the couple thought ahead with hopes of keeping the Olympic months of July and August clear—just in case. “We thought about it ahead of time, which was nice,” Curry said. “If the timing didn’t work at a certain month in the fall, we actually would have made a different decision knowing the Olympics were on the radar. So, thankfully, the Lord looked out for us and if everything goes to plan, I’ll be available this summer.”

That is, indeed, the plan. Curry was one of the 12 names formally announced by USA Basketball on Wednesday as the initial roster for this year’s Paris Olympics. It’s entirely possible that the roster gets tweaked between now and the first practice in early July—injuries or long playoff runs could spark changes—but Curry has been planning to make his Olympic debut this summer for some time.

“I wanted to play in the last two that I was eligible for,” Curry said, referring to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and the Tokyo Games that were delayed to 2021 because of the pandemic.

“Watching guys that I’ve been competing against the last 10 years all have that experience win gold medals, watching three of my teammates [Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green] win gold medals, I knew I wanted to do that.”

It would be logical to think that part of the recruitment pitch to Curry this time around was the fact that

the Olympic team is coached by Steve Kerr, his coach with the Warriors.

That wasn’t really the case. Curry had talks with Durant and LeBron James about teaming up—those talks sparked in part by the US taking a less star-studded team to the World Cup at Manila last summer and finishing fourth—but Kerr wasn’t pushing his best player to play this year.

“He wanted to do it,” Kerr said. “He’s excited. I think 2016 would have been the year that made the most sense. In 2020, there was the pandemic. But I’ve never had the discussion with him. Going to the Finals wears you down and we had gone in 2015 and 2016. Then 2021 comes around, there was the pandemic, but now, it makes perfect sense. It’s another box to check in his career.”

There aren’t too many of those boxes unchecked. And this might really be the last one of any significance left.

He’s the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) all-time threepoint recordholder, a four-time NBA champion, 10-time All-Star, nine-time (and probably soon to be 10-time) All-NBA selection, a two-time scoring champion, a two-time MVP, a Finals MVP, an All-Star MVP and a member of the league’s 75th anniversary team. He even helped put together one of the more memorable moments in All-Star history this year, when he faced off with Women’s NBA star Sabrina Ionescu—someone he simultaneously mentors and admires—in a three-point contest.

The legacy has long been secure. But a little extra gold wouldn’t hurt.

“That’s the goal,” Curry said.

Curry and the Warriors won 46 games this season but didn’t make the NBA playoffs, falling to Sacramento on Tuesday in an elimination game of the Western Conference play-in tournament, 118-94.

So, the next time he’s slated to play for real is now July, when the Americans convene for training camp in Las Vegas with the US opening Olympic play against Serbia on July 28.

Curry has played with “USA” across his chest plenty of times before, going back 17 years. He was on the under-19 team that won gold at the 2007 Global Games and won silver in that year’s U19 world championships—“that burned,” Curry said, “because you hate losing at anything.”

He hasn’t lost a game with the national team since—18 games, 18 wins. The Americans went 9-0 on their way to gold at the 2010 world championship (now called the World Cup), then went 9-0 on the way to another gold at the World Cup in 2014.

“I definitely wanted this experience,” Curry said of playing in an Olympics. “I think the timing is just right. I’m later in my career. This is probably the last opportunity I have to play. And that made it a much easier decision to say, ‘This makes sense.’ And then I was talking to some other guys who were interested in playing, so you knew this could be a great team.”

not NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association] champions for nothing and they’re coming off a tough loss against CEU

[Centro Escolar University] so we expected a physical battle.”

CEU became the biggest beneficiary of EcoOil-La Salle’s victory as it claimed the other outright semifinals seat up for grabs—the Scorpions beat CCIYengskivel,96-78, in the second game to finish the round with a 4-1 record.

It was a tough loss for the Red Lions, who absorbed their second defeat in a span of three days for a 3-2 record and were relegated to the quarterfinals but with  a twice-to-beat advantage against Keanzel Basketball, which lost to GoTorakku-St. Clare, 124-90, in the first match.

The other quarterfinal pairing pits Go Torakku-St. Clare (2-3) and CCIYengskivel (1-4).

The quarterfinals start Monday.

a true test of golf for the region’s elite players and emerging talents. Joining Chen in the 54-hole tournament sponsored by ICTSI and serving as the third leg of the TLPGA and fourth stop of the Ladies PGT are compatriots Jo Hua Hung, Y i-Tsen Chou, Chih Yun Wu, Tzu Chi Lin, Chin Yun Wu, Yu Shan Tai, Chen Tseng, Han Hsuna Yu, Chin Min Chen and Hsuan Chen.

The TLPGA contingent also includes top players from Thailand and Japan, while India’s Hitaashee Bakshi and Sneha Singh and Geradline Wong are playing under the AGLF banner.

The local aces are also aiming to make their mark with standout performers like Harmie Constantino, winner of the last two legs of this year’s LPGT, and Daniella Uy, last year’s LPGT Order of Merit winner, all psyched up for battle.

Other local talents tipped to contend for the championship in

event,

The World

Israel retaliates against Iran with strike in Isfahan, raising tensions in the region

By Arsalan Shahla, Peter Martin and Jennifer Jacobs

ISRAEL launched a retaliatory strike on Iran less than a week after Tehran’s rocket and drone barrage, according to two US officials, but Iranian media appeared to downplay the incident in the hours that followed the initial reports.

An explosion was heard early Friday in Iran’s central city of Isfahan, the country’s semi-official Fars news agency reported. Nuclear facilities in the city are completely safe, state television reported.  Flights were suspended in Isfahan and the Iranian cities of Tehran and Shiraz as well as airports across the country’s western borders, Iran’s Mehr news agency also reported.

The details of the blast in Isfahan are unknown, according to Fars, but the city—home to several military bases and facilities—is

believed to have been one of several launch sites for Iran’s April 13 attack.

The New York Times reported that two Israeli defense officials confirmed the nation was behind the strike. Israel had notified the US earlier Thursday that it planned to retaliate in the next 24-48 hours, according to two US officials who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations.

Spokespeople for the National Security Council and the Pentagon declined to comment.

Brent crude jumped above $90

US and UK issue new sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran’s attack on Israel

By Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The US and UK on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran as concern grows that Tehran’s unprecedented attack on Israel could fuel a wider war in the Middle East. The sanctions are meant to hold Iran accountable for its weekend attack and to deter further such activity. But the practical impact is likely to be limited because many of the targeted companies already were subject to US sanctions and the individuals singled out for new sanctions are unlikely to have assets in US jurisdictions.

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran that produce engines that power the drones used in the April 13 attack on Israel.

OFAC also sanctioned five firms involved in steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group—which is accused of materially supporting Iran’s military and other sanctioned groups. A representative from Bahman was not immediately available for comment.

Additionally, the UK targeted several Iranian military branches and individuals involved in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries.

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he had directed US Treasury “to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s military industries.” “Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks,” he said, “we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement that the sanctions “will further limit Iran’s ability to destabilize the region.”

In addition, the US Commerce Department is imposing new controls to restrict Iran’s access to commercial grade microelectronics, which applies to items manufactured outside the US that are produced using US technology. The actions come after US officials earlier this week warned that they were readying new sanctions in response to Iran’s activity in the region and to prevent future attacks. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill also have been quickly pushing forward legislation that would financially punish the Islamic Republic and its leaders.

Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters Thursday that the US reimposed travel restrictions on the

Iranian delegation at the United Nations that prevents them from traveling outside a two-block radius of UN headquarters. These restrictions were imposed during the Trump administration but were lifted very early on by the Biden administration.

Iran’s attack on Israel early Sunday came in response to what it says was an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria earlier this month. Israel’s military chief said Monday that his country will respond to the Iranian attack, while world leaders caution against retaliation, trying to avoid a spiral of violence.

European Union leaders also vowed on Wednesday to ramp up sanctions on Iran, targeting its drone and missile deliveries to proxies in Gaza, Yemen and Lebanon.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the existing EU sanctions regime would be strengthened and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. At the same time, he said, Israel needed to exercise restraint.

“I don’t want to exaggerate, but we are on the edge of a war, a regional war in the Middle East, which will be sending shockwaves to the rest of the world, and in particular to Europe,” he warned. “So stop it.”

The US has already sanctioned hundreds of entities and people in Iran—from the central bank and government officials to drone producers and money exchangers— accused of materially supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and foreign militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

And US efforts to limit Iran’s income from oil and petroleum products span back decades.

The question remains how effective sanctions will be, and have been, in preventing Iran from ramping up its production of military equipment.

American defense officials accuse Iran of supplying drones to Russia as it pursues its invasion of Ukraine, which has reached a third year.

Richard Goldberg, who served as the director for countering Iranian weapons of mass destruction at the National Security Council during the Trump administration, called the new sanctions “important but unimpactful.”

The Associated Press reporters Aamer Madhani and Matt Lee contributed to this report.

a barrel before paring gains, and gold surged past $2,400 an ounce. The yield on 10-year Treasuries slumped as much as 11 basis points to 4.52%, while a gauge of the dollar climbed as much as 0.6% to its highest since November.

The reports come after Israel vowed to retaliate against Iran for its barrage of some 300 drones and missiles, the vast majority of which were destroyed before hitting their targets. Iran said it was

responding to a strike on its diplomatic building in Syria that killed several Iranian officers on April 1.

If attributed to Israel, the nature and scope of the strike—including any casualties—could determine whether the tit-for-tat responses between the two sides escalate or start to get scaled back.

Early indications are that this was a “symbolic attack” that won’t force Iran to respond aggressively, retired Israeli General Israel Ziv

told the nation’s Channel 12.

Iranian media also appeared to downplay the attack, with the state broadcaster portraying a sense of calm in Isfahan and asserting that everything was proceeding as usual. Separately, the country’s Supreme National Security Council decided against convening for an emergency meeting, according to state TV, while officials provided no immediate updates on potential casualties or damage.

Iran has been bracing for reprisal by Israel all week. World leaders from the Middle East to the US urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint in the face of the Iranian attacks, but the Israeli leader and other top officials said the country would have little choice but to respond.

Tehran has routinely accused Israel of attacks and sabotage activities targeting its nuclear and military sites in the past, including in Isfahan, home to some of its key nuclear enrichment and missile facilities. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes but Israel and allies accuse it of seeking to develop atomic weapons.

Russia pummels exhausted Ukrainian forces ahead of a springtime advance

By The Associated Press

RUSSIAN troops are ramping up pressure on exhausted Ukrainian forces to prepare to seize more land this spring and summer as muddy fields dry out and allow tanks, armored vehicles and other heavy equipment to roll to key positions across the countryside.

With the war in Ukraine now in its third year and a vital US aid package for Kyiv slowed down in Congress, Russia has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs—which allow planes to drop them from a safe distance— to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition.

Despite Moscow’s advantage in firepower and personnel, a massive ground offensive would be risky and—Russian military bloggers and other experts say—unnecessary if Russia can stick to smaller attacks across the front line to further drain the Ukraine military.

“It’s potentially a slippery slope where you get like a death by a thousand cuts or essentially death by a thousand localized offensives,” Michael Kofman, a military expert with the Carnegie Endowment, said in a recent podcast to describe the Russian tactic. If the Russians stick to their multiple pushes across the front, he said, “eventually they may find more and more open terrain.”

Last summer’s counteroffensive by Ukraine was doomed when advancing Ukrainian units got

trapped on vast Russian minefields and massacred by artillery and drones. The Russians have no reason to make that same mistake.

Ukrainian forces exposed

LAST November, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered his forces to build trenches, fortifications and bunkers behind the more than 1,000-kilometer front line, but analysts say construction work moved slowly, leaving areas unprotected.

“If the defensive lines had been built in advance, the Ukrainians wouldn’t have retreated in such a way,” Ukrainian military expert Oleh Zhdanov said. “We should have been digging trenches through the fall and it would have stemmed Russian advances. Now everything is exposed, making it very dangerous.”

In a recent podcast, Kofman also said that Kyiv is “quite behind on effectively entrenching across the front” and “Ukraine does not have good secondary lines.”

After capturing the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka, Russian troops are zeroing in on the hill town of Chasiv Yar, which would allow them to move toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key cities in the Kyiv-controlled part of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. Russia illegally annexed Donetsk and three other regions in 2022, and the Kremlin sees fully controlling that region as a priority.

Zhdanov said Ukraine doesn’t have the firepower to repel Rus-

sian attacks.

“They promised to have a defensive line 10 kilometers (6 miles) behind Avdiivka where our troops could get and dig in, but there is none,” he said.

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of US European Command, sounded the alarm before Congress last week, warning that Ukraine will be outgunned 10 to one by Russia in a matter of weeks if Congress does not approve more military aid.

In Russia’s sights AFTER securing another term in a preordained election in March, President Vladimir Putin vowed to carve out a “sanitary zone” to protect Russia’s border regions from Ukrainian shelling and incursions.

Putin didn’t give any specifics, but Russian military bloggers and security analysts said that along with a slow push across the Donetsk region, Moscow could also try to capture Ukraine’s secondlargest city of Kharkiv, which Russia tried and failed to take in the opening days of the war.

In a possible sign of a looming attack on Kharkiv, a city of 1.1 million about 30 kilometers (some 20 miles) south of the border, Russia has ramped up strikes on power plants in the area, inflicting significant damage and

Any missile or drone strike on Iranian soil, no matter the target, would be a significant move for Israel. But it wouldn’t necessarily be the first attack in Iran by Israel. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israeli forces destroyed a drone base in Iran in 2022 under his orders.

In an interview with CNN on Thursday night Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned against retaliation for the weekend assault. “In case the Israeli regime embarks on adventurism again and takes action against the interests of Iran, the next response from us will be immediate and at a maximum level,” he said.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement before the strikes were reported. The two men discussed “regional threats and Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East,” Ryder said. The statement didn’t say if Gallant gave Austin any warning of the strikes. With assistance from Ethan Bronner/Bloomberg

causing blackouts.

Ukraine doesn’t have enough air defense to protect Kharkiv and other cities, and the constant Russian strikes are part of Moscow’s strategy to “suffocate” it by destroying its infrastructure and forcing its residents to leave, Zhdanov said.

Retired Lt. Gen. Andrei Gurulev, now on the defense committee of Russia’s lower chamber of parliament, acknowledged that capturing Kharkiv is a major challenge, and he predicted the military would try to surround it.

“It can be enveloped and blockaded,” he said, adding that taking Kharkiv would open the way for a push deep into Ukraine and require more Russian troops.

After Putin’s order for “partial mobilization” of 300,000 reservists last fall proved so unpopular that hundreds of thousands fled abroad to avoid being drafted, the Kremlin tried a different approach : It promised relatively high wages and other benefits to beef up its forces with volunteer soldiers. The move appears to have paid off as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the military recruited 540,000 volunteers in 2023.

“There are no plans for a new wave of mobilization,” Viktor Bondarev, deputy head of defense affairs committee in the upper house of parliament, said in remarks carried by state RIA Novosti news agency. “We are doing well with the combat capability that we have.”

The World

BusinessMirror

Russia builds 2 new Asia trade routes to weaken sanctions over Ukraine war

By Henry Meyer

RUSSIA is pressing ahead with construction of two new transport corridors linking Asia and Europe, seeking to weaken sanctions over its war in Ukraine at the same time as Middle East turmoil is disrupting global trade.

The shipping and rail networks via Iran and an Arctic sea passage could strengthen Moscow’s pivot toward Asian powerhouses China and India and away from Europe. They have potential to embed Russia at the heart of much of international trade even as the US and its allies are trying to isolate President Vladimir Putin over the war.

The routes could cut 30 percent-50 percent off transit times compared to the Suez Canal and avoid security problems plaguing the Red Sea as Houthi rebels attack international shipping over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Iran’s missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel have added to the regional turbulence.

While the US and its Western allies are shunning the Russiabacked routes despite potential cost savings, major Asian and Gulf economies have shown interest.

Still, significant hurdles remain.

Outdated Iranian infrastructure is holding up development of the International North South Transportation Corridor connecting India to the European part of Russia. And even as accelerating climate change melts Arctic ice to make the Northern Sea Route, or NSR, a more viable option, formidable logistical challenges remain along Russia’s remote coastline.

Russia is preparing to invest more than $25 billion to upgrade the route via Iran and improve facilities along the Russian Arctic shoreline, including a fleet of domestically manufactured icebreakers. It also plans to patrol the NSR route with a network of drone bases, Izvestia newspaper reported, citing an unidentified Defense Ministry official.

Russia issued a 1.3 billion euro ($1.4 billion) loan to Iran last May to build a vital missing rail link that will stretch 162 kilometers (101 miles) to connect the city of Rasht along the Caspian Sea coast to Astara on the border with Azerbaijan. Once completed, the railway will allow cargo supplies from St. Petersburg to Bandar Abbas, Iran’s main export port on the Persian Gulf. “Its construction will allow us to create direct and uninterrupted railway transportation along the entire length of the North-South route,” Putin said during a videoconference with Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi. “This will help considerably diversify global transport flows.”

Transportation capacity along the north-south route, which includes a longer rail link via central Asia and a Trans-Caspian Sea network, could increase by 85 percent to 35 million tons a year by 2030, according to the Eurasian Development Bank. It will connect Russia with Iran and India as well as potentially the rest of South Asia, the Persian Gulf and Africa. Last August, Russia sent its first direct cargo train to Saudi Arabia.

“If the other routes are interrupted, this one will continue working because it’s sanctions-proof,” said Nikita Smagin, an analyst at the Kremlin-founded Russian International Affairs Council. “That’s the main idea.”

Driven by Russian oil sales and purchases of electronics, industrial equipment and cars, trade with China hit a record $240 billion in 2023, more than double the $108 billion reached in 2020. Trade with India grew to almost $64 billion last year, versus around $10 billion three years earlier, as New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil have soared since the war in Ukraine began.

Russia’s growing trade with China is already spurring the Kremlin to spend billions to upgrade its vast eastern railroads to expand capacity on the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur Mainline by 2030.

Neighboring Turkey’s trade boom with Russia is faltering, however, as the US and the EU crack down on so-called dual-use goods that could provide the Kremlin with a vital lifeline for its military offensive in Ukraine. Preliminary data published earlier this month from Turkey’s Trade Ministry showed exports to Russia fell by a third in the first quarter from a year earlier.

Development of the Northern Sea Route has been slowed by Western punitive measures over the invasion of Ukraine that have stalled a Russian plan to export liquefied natural gas from the Arctic LNG 2 plant to Asia as key foreign investors froze their participation. The sanctions also upended contracts for the plant to get specialized icebreaker vessels needed to navigate the freezing waters.

Chinese shipping company Cosco stopped using the route from 2022, even though a trip from Dalian, China to Rotterdam in the Netherlands along the NSR takes around 33 days, compared to 48 days via the Suez Canal. All transit between Asia, North America and Europe through the Arctic that in 2021 represented 40 percent of shipping volumes has stopped amid concerns over falling foul of sanctions.

That’s despite continuing attacks since late last year by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants on vessels in and around the Red Sea, which is forcing Western shipping firms to avoid the Suez Canal and take a longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

“International transit traffic through the NSR was considered risky because of changes in the geopolitical situation,” said Mikhail Grigoryev, an Arctic expert who is the co-owner and director of consulting company Gecon.

Still, the United Arab Emirates’s DP World port operator in October signed an agreement with Russian state-run Rosatom nuclear operator to develop container shipping along the route between Vladivostok and Murmansk.

In January, Putin attended a keel-laying ceremony for the fifth of seven nuclear-powered icebreakers Russia is building for service on the Northern Sea Route, calling the fleet “an enormous competitive advantage” for the country.

At the launch of two earlier vessels in November 2022, Putin said the ships would “help Russia more fully unlock its export potential and establish efficient logistics routes, including to Southeast Asia.”

India meanwhile is investing in Chabahar, the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean, after getting a waiver from US sanctions.

The Russian-backed rail connection via Iran opens the way to central Asia—including crucially to Afghanistan—and “offers a shorter route to Europe,” said Vaishali Basu Sharma, a former consultant at India’s National Security Council Secretariat.

“Emerging markets are finally breaking free from the hegemony

created by developed countries,” she said. With assistance from Samuel Dodge and Thomas Hall/Bloomberg

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With experience in computer aided design and with good verbal and skills.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

62. WANG, RUI and works to meet sales quotas.

63. WEI, MUYAO

and works to meet sales quotas.

64. XIAO, YUNLANG

and works to meet sales quotas.

65. ZHANG, XIN

and works to meet sales

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ideas, and research to strategies. Can help detail, design, and implement product or service being

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

244. YAN, YUANYUAN

trucks and vans.

Time management also helps each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php