END-OCT DEBT EXCEEDS P16T AS PESO WEAKENS
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE weakening of the Philippine peso has pushed the national government’s outstanding debt to breach the P16-trillion mark as of the end of October 2024. Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the government’s outstanding debt reached P16.020 trillion as of end-October, up by 0.8 percent from the end-September level of P15.898 trillion.
The BTr said the valuation impact of the peso depreciation against the US dollar, from P56.017 at end-September to P58.198 at end-October, drove the country’s debt to increase. Year-on-year, the outstanding debt jumped by 10.6 percent from P14.480 trillion, of which 67.98 percent comprise domestic debt while external obligations account for 32.02 percent.
External debt increased by 3.5 percent to P5.130 trillion as of end-October from last month’s P4.957 trillion as the foreign exchange movements added P152.90 billion to external debt. The government also availed itself of P20.47 billion in net foreign loans.
“The impact of peso depreciation against the US dollar has increased external debt by P193.00 billion; however, this has been tempered by the P40.10 billion effect of favorable third-currency movements relative to the US dollar,” the BTr said.
External debt rose by 12.1 percent year-on-year from P4.578 trillion. Since the start of the year, external obligations grew by 11.6 percent from end-December’s P4.598-trillion level. Government securities, such as global bonds, worth P2.710
APPRECIATION FOR FRIENDS
The BusinessMirror and the ALC Group recently hosted the “Envoys & Expats Appreciation Night” at the Hilton Manila to highlight the key role of diplomatic missions and business expatriates in promoting peace and progress among peoples, especially with the Philippines’s closest allies and economic partners. In top photo, BusinessMirror and ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon and BusinessMirror Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon lead the ceremonial toast with guests as the night’s highlight. In photo at left, Chairman Ed Cabangon (second from left) and Publisher Anton Cabangon (right) present a token of appreciation to the event’s guest speaker, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, who was represented by Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra (third from left). Most of the foreign missions were eager to hear from DOE updates on the energy roadmap, especially in renewables. Also in photo are BM’s President Benjamin V. Ramos (left) and Editor in chief Lourdes M. Fernandez (second from right). Two dozen diplomatic missions were represented in the Appreciation Night, meant to manifest the ALC Media Group’s commitment to the legacy of BusinessMirror founder Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, former Philippine Ambassador to Laos. BERNARD TESTA
GROWTH GOALS A TOUGH CLIMB, SAY ECONOMISTS
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE lack of a compre -
hensive strategy that allows the Philippines to address global headwinds and exploit opportunities at the same time will make it difficult for the administration to reach its growth goals, economists said Tuesday.
In the years following 2020, the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine economy enjoyed robust growth, even exceeding its historical GDP average of 6 percent in 2022 when the economy grew
7.6 percent.
However, this growth was fueled mainly by what Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona Jr. said are unsustainable strategies that caused the country to keep trailing its neighbors.
“These trends are related in such a way that a comprehensive strategy can be designed to effectively address all challenges and exploit opportunities at the same time,” Lanzona told BusinessMirror
“Unfortunately, we have not seen such a comprehensive strategy from the government. Instead, all we see are
infrastructure and the continuous flow of social protection that are not sustainable,” he added.
On Monday, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) adjusted the government’s growth targets to 6 to 6.5 percent this year and 6 to 8 percent in 2025 to 2028. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/12/03/ typhoons-dim-hopes-of7-gdp-growth/) Lanzona, however, called this a feeble attempt from the administration to cover up the
Demand for PHL goods in Dec drives freight rate hikes
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
DEMAND for Philippine goods during December is driving freight rate hikes and creating space constraints for long-haul shipments particularly bound to Europe and the United States, according to Dimerco, a global logistics services provider.
“Seasonal demand in the Philippines during December is driving rate increases and creating space constraints for long-haul shipments,” Dimerco’s Asia Pacific Freight Report for December 2024 noted.
For goods being transported through ships, the report noted that upcoming holidays to watch
out for in the country include December 24 and 25 (Christmas) and December 30 and 31 as these “may have limited staffing during the period.” Dimerco noted that ocean freight rate from the Philippines to Asia is stable, while shipments to Europe and the United States may be transported at higher costs due to rising rates. In the case of Philippine cargo being shipped to Asia by sea, supply is more than demand while shipments to Europe and the United States are at a tight capacity, meaning pre-arrangement of space is needed as space gets tight.
Comelec to LGUs: Check ‘upgraded’ flying voters
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Commission on Elec -
Ttions has called on local government units to monitor the voter transfers in their areas, following reports of an “upgraded” flying voter scheme that exploits barangay certificates.
In a press briefing on Friday, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia urged local officials to scrutinize voter transfers— warning that some may not be aware that their constituents’ voter registrations are being manipulated.
“For all you know, some of your voters have been taken away without your knowledge,” he said, and advised officials to rush to correct this with the filing of a petition of exclusion with the municipal trial courts.
According to Comelec’s task force investigation, Makati and Cagayan de Oro are two areas confirmed to have unusually high numbers of voters being transferred using barangay certificates.
From February 1 to September 30, Makati recorded 38,031 applicants who used barangay certifications for voter transfer.
Of these, 46 percent or 17,514 applicants were from the 10 Enlisted Men Barrio (EMBO) barangays requesting to transfer within Makati’s first and second districts.
Meanwhile, Barangay Carmen in Cagayan de Oro also saw a significant jump, with 21,854 transfer requests this year. Around 37 percent of these or 8,218 applicants used barangay certificates to register.
Garcia described the situation as a possible “upgraded” form of flying voters, where voters are falsely registered using legitimate documents.
“Kahit kayo mag-estima noon hindi ‘yun usual, napaka-unusual po yan… Parang flying voters upgraded because kinover sa pamamagitan ng lehitimong dokumento. [That’s really unusual. It’s as if flying voters were upgraded because they were covered by legitimate documents],” he said.
Comelec also identified municipalities in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Masbate, and Nueva Ecija showing the highest increases in voter registration numbers. Garcia expressed concern over
the possibility that some barangay officials were treating voters as commodities, implying that politicians might be temporarily “lending” voters to one another for electoral gain.
He suggested that this could involve one politician offering voters to another in exchange for future support, a practice that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
If these claims are proven, Garcia warned that the involved barangay officials could face charges of election offenses and possible administrative cases from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“If we don’t stop this, such will happen again in the next elections. This should end now. Again, those complaining to use about this are increasing,” he added, partly in Filipino.
Under the Omnibus Election Code and the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996, certifying someone as a false resident for voter registration purposes is an election offense, punishable by one to six years of imprisonment.
Violators could also face permanent disqualification from holding public office.
Debt. . .
Continued from A1
trillion accounted for the bulk of external debt while P2.420 trillion accounted for loans.
Mean while, domestic debt decreased by 0.4 percent to P10.889 trillion as of end-October, coming from last month’s P10.936-trillion level.
This is due to the P52.65-billion net redemption of securities, partially offset by the P6.23-billion rise in peso conversion of US-dollar-denominated debt from a
Smuggling. . .
Continued from A14
(DOTr), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), among others.
“The council will first talk about [the advisory committee],” Madayag said, partly in Filipino.
Under the law, an advisory board consisting of representatives from respective agricultural sectors will provide the council with “expert assistance and advice.”
Demand. . .
Continued from A1
As for goods being transported by air, the logistics firm’s report noted that overall capacity rates from Manila remain stable.
“However, securing long-haul shipments to the US is challenging due to limited space allocation. Carriers are offering ad hoc rates comparable to express rates, a trend likely to persist through December,” Dimerco explained.
With this, the global logistics firm “strongly” recommends that firms book at least three days in advance with a confirmed shipping schedule to secure space.
Growth. . .
Continued from A1
weaker peso. Domestic debt expanded by 10 percent year-on-year to P10.889 trillion as of endOctober from P9.902 trillion.
Domestic debt mainly consists of government-issued securities amounting to P10.889 trillion as of end-October 2024, which increased by 10 percent from P9.902 trillion a year ago.
Direct loans, such as those availed of by agencies, remained the same at P160 million year-on-year.
The government’s outstanding debt is expected to reach P16.1 trillion at the
These sector representatives will come from the sugar, rice, corn, livestock and poultry, vegetables and fruits, fisheries, and tobacco industries.
Meanwhile, Laurel recently signed Special Order (SO) 1804, creating a technical working group to prepare guidelines for the daily price index (DPI) in compliance with the AGES law.
end of 2024 and will further balloon to P20.7 trillion by the end of Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product), or debt measured against economic growth, is currently at 61.3 percent, above the government’s target and global benchmark after economic growth slowed to 5.2 percent in the third quarter. This is projected to be in line with the internationally accepted threshold of 60 percent in 2025 at 58.3 percent, based on the government’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).
Madayag said farmers and consumers stand to gain from this “innovative aspect” of the law.
“Farmers will gain transparency, ensuring there is a fair price for their produce. Consumers will also benefit as fair price indicators protect them from exploitative practices,” he said.
“This initiative will build trust in our agricultural markets and serve as early warning device for economic sabotage.”
The order mandates the DA to establish a DPI that will help assess the value of farm goods under investigation for alleged smuggling and hoarding, and determine if the illegal act warrants economic sabotage.
A ccording to the report, goods being shipped to Asia by air are at a soft capacity, or supply is more than demand; while those being transported to Europe are at an Upturn, meaning, market is picking up but demand for space can still be met by current supply.
Meanwhile, goods being transported by air to the United States are at a tight capacity which requires “pre-arrangement of space.”
Stockpiling rush
IN the global trading landscape, the logistics firm underscored that with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025 and new tariffs likely to take effect by February or March, businesses are expected to take “proactive measures” to avoid the
reality that “Covid-19 changed everything, including the global economy.”
He said the Philippines was ahead of the pack in the region because its neighbors were rebuilding their economies to prepare for the global changes that would come their way in the wake of the pandemic.
“[We comforted] ourselves that we had the highest economic growth in Southeast Asia; [that] was most pathetic because the other countries were rebuilding their economies at that particular period,” Lanzona told this newspaper.
“As the Covid-19 smoke clears, these countries are in a much better position to meet the global challenges. We have a lot of things to worry about because of this lack of preparation,” he added.
However, the adjustment in the government’s economic targets also signaled the economic team’s concern over what lies ahead for the Philippine economy.
Lanzona said the recent adjustment in targets indicated that DBCC realized that their programs have become unsustainable. Unfortunately, he said, this realization may have come “too late.”
Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas told BusinessMirror that the wide range of 6 to 8 percent GDP growth for 2025 and 2028 indicates that the economic team recognized the uncertainty of the future.
“[This indicates] great uncertainty about the country’s growth prospects, particularly on the fiscal consolidation side. If the projected growth is unrealized, expected revenue collection will not be achieved, weakening the ability of the government to provide a fiscal stimulus conducive to growth. That’s concerning,” Canlas told B usiness M irror
Lanzona said the government should have taken advantage of the recovery from the lockdowns to establish important links with sectors like agriculture.
These links, he said, will allow the Philippines to “take advantage of the emerging changes in the global value chains during the period when countries were recovering.”
Instead, Lanzona lamented that the government “adopted a lackadaisical business-as-usual approach to the recovery.”
financial impact of higher duties.
“To mitigate potential cost increases, many companies are anticipated to ramp up inventory levels over the next 2 to 3 months. This stockpiling will likely drive a significant increase in both air and ocean freight activity as businesses rush to import goods before the new tariffs,” Dimerco noted. The logistics firm emphasized that the rush to secure products before the tariff hikes will put presure on logistics networks, potentially leading to tighter space and higher shipping rates.
“This heightened demand for freight services may also result in longer lead times as companies push for faster deliveries to fill their warehouses,” added Dimerco.
“I think we all have to understand that after the pandemic, the uncertainty has amped up and a study by the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] back in 2021 has underscored the ‘new era of uncertainty’. And, any form of uncertainty in economies or markets should put some level of worry in stakeholders,” Unionbank Chief Economist Rubel Carlo O. Asuncion told B usiness M irror
Given these uncertainties, De La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas said even the high end of the government’s GDP growth target may already be a challenge.
Perhaps, she said, the economic team should have placed a “more grounded” taget of 6 to 7 percent or, at the most, 7.5 percent.
Even with the 2025 elections, Oplas said threats such as the protectionist policies of the Trump administration; Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations leaving the country; and climate change could make a 7-percent GDP growth unlikely for the country.
Canlas, meanwhile, said the growth of global trade is at risk due to the tariffs that the US intends to impose. This could slow down the country’s exports growth.
He added that as geopolitical risks persist, the income and remittances from Filipinos overseas could suffer.
“There are three mega trends affecting the global economy: digital transformation, climate change and the reconfiguration of the global value chains [related to industry],” Lanzona told BusinessMirror.
“These trends are related in such a way that a comprehensive strategy can be designed to effectively address all challenges and exploit opportunities at the same time,” he added.
Meanwhile, Asuncion said some opportunities for the coming years could be drawn from the newly passed Create More law. However, he stressed the need for more prudence in terms of the lower tax intake.
The DBCC earlier said the government needs to collect more than P1 billion a day in revenues in the medium term in order to finance the country’s growth goals.
Canlas said without new taxes, which the government has been firm on, the government should commit to a responsible deficit-reduction program.
“Wasteful spending must be eschewed, while instituting recurring tax revenues. Go easy on excessive tax breaks favoring big corporates at the expense of small enterprises,” Canlas said.
Nonetheless, Asuncion said the new goal is a good one but it comes with a challenge. In the absence of new taxes, the government must focus on better collection should be prioritized, he added.
Lanzona, however, thinks it may be impossible to meet this goal without new taxes as the Create More lowered corporate taxes. He said the government should “force the large corporations and the wealthy individuals to pay their share in the cost of recovery.”
Unfortunately, he noted, there is an “overreliance on indirect taxes” that are “disproportionately” shouldered by low- and middle-income classes.
Nonetheless, Oplas said, the new law could attract more investments. Higher investments could make the goal of raising P1 billion more in revenues every day in the medium term a reality.
“TRAIN and CREATE are meant to be a sacrifice in terms of government revenue but increase in consumption revenue of the government. If the government is successful in bringing in investments, the one billion additional is feasible,” Oplas said.
One good thing going for the Philippines, in Oplas’s view, is that other countries are “seriously” considering the country for investments.
She said international chambers of commerce are expanding to other parts of the country outside of Metro Manila. Many
Increasing foreign military presence in Philippine seas worries think tank
TBy Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio
HE public policy think tank Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the increasing foreign military presence in Philippine seas, particularly in the wake of the surfacing of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and reports of a planned US naval base in Misamis Oriental.
“The growing militarization of the Philippine seas is a clear threat to our sovereignty and national security. Our country is being drawn into the
geopolitical rivalries of global powers, and the people of the Philippines stand to lose the most in this dangerous game of chess. We must not allow foreign military forces, whether from Russia, the United States, or China, to undermine our territorial integrity,” said Prof. Roland Simbulan, chairman of CenPEG in a statement.
“The growing militarization of the Philippine seas is a clear threat to our sovereignty and national security. Our country is being drawn into the geopolitical rivalries of global powers, and the people of the Philippines stand to lose the most in this dangerous game of chess. We must not allow foreign military forces, whether from
Russia, the United States, or China, to undermine our territorial integrity,” Simbulan added.
Simbulan refuted the pro-Washington stance of the Marcos administration emphasizing that the presence of foreign military bases is a deterrent to achieve peace and stability in the region.
“The presence of foreign military forces does not contribute to peace or stability. It only heightens tensions, increases the risk of conflict, and exposes our nation to external influence that threatens to undermine our national interests. The Philippine government must assert control over our waters and safeguard our sovereignty
at all costs.”
Simbulan urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to an independent foreign policy—one that emphasizes diplomacy, peace, and regional cooperation, and that strengthens the social and economic fabric of the nation. “The billions being allocated for military build-ups should be redirected toward initiatives that foster inclusive development, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.”
He said the country’s resources should be directed toward long-term development projects that improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos, “not to foreign military installations that
Russian sub in WPS ‘not alarming’–retired generals
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE presence of a Russian submarine in the West Philippine Sea is not alarming, at least on this case recently, military generals told the BusinessMirror
“A submarine surfacing means it has a problem. Submarines don’t surface. They have to stay underwater. It is the last recourse that you surface,” retired Navy Rear Adm. Jose Renan Suarez said.
The Armed Forces had earlier confirmed that the Russian Improved Kilo II-class diesel-electric submarine, UFA-490, surfaced near Mindoro Occiental on November 28. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said reports of intrusion in the West Philippine Sea is “very concerning.”
Later on Monday, the National Security Council said the the submarine was just passing through the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone on its way to the Russian naval base in Vladivostok after participating in Passing Exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy in Kota Kinabalu.
(See story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/12/02/russian-subssighting-at-wps-alarms-marcos/)
Former Armed Forces The Deputy Chief of Staff and Air Force combat pilot Ret. Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. shared Suarez’s view.
“ It’s not a point of concern because first of all, submarines don’t pop out of the sea. That incident when the Russian submarine came out, it means something is wrong with it. They’ve
done their voyage plan transparently, traversing through our waters, and not stopping. So that’s a transitory voyage, through the sealanes of communication that we have,” Padilla said.
Suarez, who commanded warships and wrote books about surface warfare and naval management, said that on the contrary, it is the Russian government which should be concerned that their submarine surfaced.
“Their enemies would know that their submarine has a lot of problems. Imagine, they come from Malaysia, doing exercises. And then surfacing inadvertently,” Suarez explained.
Former Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Adm. Alexander Pama sees the latest incident as a “blessing in disguise.”
“The fact remains that [submarines in the West Philippine Sea] is a common occurrence. Nagkataon lang na nag -surface siya
“It reinforces the need for us to have maritime domain awareness in different dimensions. Dati ang alam ng marami iyong sa barko lang. There are surface, subsurface and aerial spectrums. It’s a blessing in disguise na walang nangyari but if something like that does happen, we must emphasize the need for us to heighten our awareness [on the threats at all spectrums],” Pama said.
Domain awareness is especially important now with the signing of the two new laws—Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sealanes Act—on the aspects of security threats, as well as economic losses, Pama stressed.
do nothing to solve our people’s most urgent needs.”
In response to the growing presence of China in the West Philippine Sea, Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines under the administration of President Marcos doubled the number of US military sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca). Aside from the five original sites, it added four sites—Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson emphasized the important role of Edca. “One cornerstone of our ironclad alliance is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or Edca, that enables Filipino and American forces to train together more closely, to modernize, and to respond to shared threats, including natural disasters. To date through Edca, we have invested about $120 million dollars, or P7 billion pesos, to repair runways, build disaster response warehouses, and improve critical infrastructure. These investments also spur economic growth and opportunity in local communities,” she said in her remarks at the Stratbase Forum on the Eighth Year of the Philippine International Arbitral Tribunal victory.
By Butch Fernandez
@butchfBM, Jovee Marie Dela Cruz
@joveemarie & Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
M“The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives by several private citizens is clearly the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives. The Office of the President has nothing to do with it,” Bersamin said. Last Monday, a group of civil society leaders, sectoral representatives and advocates filed the impeachment complaint against Duterte containing 24 articles including her alleged violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and betrayal of public trust. The complaint also cited Duterte’s supposed failure to account for the Palace reiterates: Impeachment unproductive
ALACAÑANG distanced itself from the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday reiterating President Marcos’ position that it will be an “unproductive” use of Congress’ time. In a brief statement issued on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said the impeachment complaint against Duterte is a private citizen initiative and that the Palace had no hand in its filing.
See “Impeachment,” A3
Lawmaker urges govt to secure larger allocation from FRLD Impeachment. . .
ABy Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
SENIOR lawmaker on Tuesday called on the government to maximize its position to secure larger climate finance allocations in the ongoing Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) Board meeting.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the ongoing meeting, held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from December 2 to 5, marks a critical moment for the Philippines to push for greater international support under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“The ongoing meeting of the FRLD Board in the Philippines, which was selected as the inaugural country-host of this UNFCCC-created panel, presents a splendid opportunity for our country to lobby for greater international financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation,” said Villafuerte.
During the opening session, Natural Resources Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-
Loyzaga underscored the need for “vibrant, strong, and inclusive multilateralism” to address the unique challenges faced by climate-vulnerable nations.
She described the Philippines as a “living laboratory” and “test case” for the escalating risks of climate change, emphasizing the importance of timely and adequate access to financial resources for recovery and resilience.
Moreover, Villafuerte echoed this sentiment, supporting President Marcos’s stance that the Philippines should leverage the recent spate of natural disasters— including Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito—as concrete examples in advocating for climate justice.
He proposed that the devastation caused by these storms serve as “Exhibit A” in the country’s campaign for increased climate funding.
Villafuerte highlighted the stark reality of climate finance negotiations during the recently concluded COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where developing nations pushed for an annual target of $1.3 trillion to combat climate change. However, only
$300 billion was agreed upon—a mere fraction of the required amount.
Worse, he said, although the new climate finance goal is actually triple the original New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that was set in COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009 for mobilizing $100 billion by 2020, the rich UNFCCC member states only committed to come up with this bigger amount not now or next year but by 2035 yet.
The lawmaker stressed the moral obligation of wealthy, high-emission countries to compensate vulnerable nations for the loss and damage caused by climate change.
He cited Camarines Sur’s experience during Tropical Storm Kristine, which dumped two months’ worth of rainfall in a single day, causing unprecedented flooding across the province.
Although accounting for just 0.3% of global GHG emissions, Villafuerte said, the Philippines has become a big casualty of the climate crisis, having been battered by highly destructive natural disasters like Yolanda, Ondoy, and Kristine.
Isotope technique key to verifying food authenticity–expert
FBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
OR consumers who prioritize organic or halal standards, ensuring the “authenticity” of food is vital for both health and value.
And the isotope technique, according to a nuclear analytical techniques expert, is the most effective method for testing food products, whether processed or unprocessed.
At the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Cagayan de Oro, Raymond Sucgang, a Philippine Nuclear
Research Institute (PNRI) supervising science research specialist, explained the role of nuclear science in verifying food authenticity. The Department of Science and Technology does not have a single, publicly available definition for “food authenticity,” but it generally refers to verifying the genuineness of food products, making sure they match claims about origin, ingredients and production methods.
Sucgang emphasized the importance of isotope technique in processed items, where traditional methods like real-time
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)—a method that copies and measures specific DNA or RNA sequences in a sample—may not be effective in detecting adulteration.
For him, the isotope technique utilizes specialized tools to detect the isotope fingerprint of food and beverage products, a chemical signature that can confirm the product’s identity.
He added that the technique can trace the geographical origin of food and determine if it meets organic or halal standards.
“Isotope technique can even trace the
Siargao informal workers get social protection services
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
MORE than 100 informal workers in Siargao gained access to critical social protection and livelihood programs during the One-Stop Island Services initiative organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Department of Labor and Employment. Held in the town of General Luna on November 29 to 30, the program addressed gaps in social protection coverage for workers in sectors like farming, fishing, tourism, and small enterprises—some of the key drivers of Siargao’s economy.
Informal work refers to economic activities unregulated by legal frameworks, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation, low income, and exclusion from basic benefits, ILO said.
In the Philippines, informal workers account for more than half of the labor force.
The One-Stop Island Services provided workers with access to services from the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG while offering sessions to educate them on their rights and the advantages of formalization.
“We provide an integrated and streamlined social protection registration to sup -
Delegates and negotiators from developing UNFCCC member economies, including the Philippines, had lobbied in the bitterly fought negotiations for an annual NCQG of $1.3 trillion from the rich industrialized nations largely responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as they cited experts’ projections that vulnerable countries would need as much as $2.4 trillion a year for climate finance by 2030.
The Philippines, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt, is one of the 68 members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), which is the global partnership of countries that, according to the CVF, is “disproportionately affected” by the consequences of climate change.
The Philippines remained at No. 1 on the list of most disaster-prone countries in the face of extreme natural calamities driven by climate change, based on the latest World Risk Index report released in September by the Germany-based Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum (IFHV).
travel history of a person,” Sucgang revealed during a forum on November 28. “It’s done by checking the isotopes found in the hair.”
The forum also featured a presentation on the relevance of nuclear science by Mohammad Nur Casib, the first Nuclear Ambassador of the Philippines and a student at the Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus.
Additionally, Haydee Solomon, another PNRI supervising science research specialist, discussed radiation processing and its role in extending shelf life and ensuring food safety and security. Kristelle Mae Tardecilla, a PNRI science research specialist, also presented the concept of “Future food.”
port farmers, fishers, tourism and informal economy workers. As a one-stop seamless process, they are not just prepared but also protected against economic shocks and climate change,” ILO National Project Coordinator Linartes Viloria said.
The initiative is critical for Siargao, which remains vulnerable to extreme weather events.
In 2021 alone, Typhoon Odette caused P20 billion damage to the island. It also displaced thousands of residents, leaving those without social safety nets more vulnerable to challenges.
Aligned with DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program—a community-based safety net providing temporary jobs to displaced workers—the initiative also supported broader efforts to transition informal workers to the formal economy.
“We are committed to supporting the transition of informal economy workers to the formal sector. Through this, we bring livelihood support and extend social protection and employment services directly to those most vulnerable,” DOLE Caraga Regional Director Joffrey Suyao said.
Social protection, as defined by the ILO, encompasses income security, healthcare access, and safeguards against risks like illness, unemployment, and disasters.
Globally funded through ILO’s Regular Budget Supplementary Account with contributions from some European countries, ILO said its one-stop program aims to promote decent work and extend social protection.
“The initiative aims to build a more resilient and inclusive island by educating workers on the importance and benefits of social protection. This is in addition to providing a comprehensive and integrated approach for entrepreneurship and employment facilitation,” the labor organization said.
Continued from A3
confidential fund of the Office of the Vice President in 2022 worth P125 million and of the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2023 worth P650 million as well as DepEd’s alleged “rigged” bidding and unutilized fund last year.
Bersamin said the “President’s earlier statement on the matter is unambiguous” and still stands.
Last week, Marcos urged lawmakers not to file an impeachment complaint against Duterte since it can distract members of the House of Representatives and the Senate from other more important initiatives.
“None of this [impeachment complaint] will help improve a single Filipino life. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a storm in a teacup,” Marcos said in a statement on Friday.
Be prudent, senators told SENATE President Francis Escudero on Tuesday advised his colleagues to refrain from commenting on the impeachment complaint filed against the Vice President, as the Senate is constitutionally mandated to serve as trial court in case the complaint hurdles a House vote.
“The filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives marks the beginning of a process enshrined in our Constitution to ensure accountability among our highest public officials,” Escudero said in a statement.
With this, he reiterated “my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint’s articles of impeachment. Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution.”
While impeachment is often described as a political exercise, Escudero stressed the need for members of the Senate to “approach it with the impartiality and objectivity demanded of us. We must remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the Rule of Law. This is what justice requires. This is what our people demand.”
The Senate was last convened as an impeachment court in the 2012 trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona, in a five-month highly charged proceedings presided over by then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. The chamber voted to convict Corona, with only three senators casting a “no” vote: Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Santiago and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., now the sitting President.
Impeachment not priority
CONGRESSMEN on Tuesday clarified that impeachment proceedings are not a
priority for the House of Representatives’ supermajority, as they remain focused on advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s national development agenda.
Speaking at a news conference, Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre and Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said handling an impeachment is no simple task, as it requires strict adherence to the specific timelines mandated by the process.
Acidre, a nominee of the party-list group Tingog, acknowledged the importance of ensuring accountability in government offices, including the OVP, which has been under scrutiny in congressional hearings. However, he stressed that impeachment proceedings have specific timelines that must be observed.
“It was filed yesterday, and we have ten days for it to be referred by the Speaker to the plenary. It’s not about whether it’s a priority or not. As you’ve seen in the hearings of the House, especially in the Committee on Good Government and the Quad Committee, we have prioritized seeking accountability from the OVP,” Acidre said.
He emphasized that unlike other legislative measures, impeachment comes with strict deadlines. “There are clear timelines we need to observe, and that is part of our mandate.”
Roman, meanwhile, assured the public that the impeachment process will be conducted transparently and in strict adherence to legal requirements.
“Rest assured that all proceedings and deliberations will be transparent and will follow the law to the letter. We will consider all aspects—whether the complaint is correct in form and substance—and, of course, we will hear all sides,” Roman said. She highlighted the importance of upholding due process, which she said aligns with the fundamental principles behind the creation of the Quad-Committee.
“This is about the rule of law. We want to send a clear message: As lawmakers, we must uphold the rule of law. The law should apply equally to everyone, without exception,” she added.
After receiving the first impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, the House of Representatives emphasized that the chamber is constitutionally mandated to act on any duly filed impeachment complaint, in accordance with the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco reiterated that the process is not discretionary but a constitutional obligation.
“Pursuant to the Constitution, a verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any Member of the House of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any Member thereof,” he said. The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives is set to file a second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday.
PSA on ‘Mary Grace Piattos:’ No such person in database
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA) has officially informed the House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability that it holds no record of a certain “Mary Grace Piattos” in its database.
In a letter addressed to Manila Rep. Joel Chua, committee chairman, National Statistician Dennis Mapa attached a certification confirming the absence of any Certificate of Live Birth (COLB), Certificate of Marriage (COM), or Certificate of Death (COD) for “Piattos” in the PSA’s Civil Registry System.
T he certification, dated November 25, was received by Chua’s office on Monday.
T he signatures of a certain “Mary Grace Piattos: appear in the acknowledgment receipts for confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
“H owever, if additional information such as the name of parents of the subject, date and place of the vital event can be provided, we can search further and be able to ascertain whether the civil registry
document is available in the database,” the PSA said.
With this, OVP are facing harsh criticism from House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun after the PSA confirmed the nonexistence of “Mary Grace Piattos.”
“This is not just a simple issue of name; it stems from a deeper problem of transparency and accountability. If they can fabricate something like this, what other hidden transactions might there be?”
Khonghun, who represents Zambales, said. Khonghun pointed out that such fabrications not only undermine public trust but also reflect poor governance.
Khonghun called for Congress to intensify its scrutiny of the OVP, reiterating the need for transparency.
“ This is not just about one name. It’s about integrity in public service. Congress has a duty to protect the people’s money,” he said.
He also urged the government to institute safeguards against similar fabrications in the future.
He noted that the PSA’s confirmation casts a shadow on the credibility of other records and transactions tied to the OVP.
EU wary of Duterte, but eyes ramped-up ties with PHL
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE European Union wants to elevate relations with the Philippines to the higher level, but is still worried about the possibility of another Duterte ruling the country.
“We have a relationship that really has an incredible momentum and dynamism right now between the EU and the Philippines. We find that we overlap to a great extent in terms of values, in terms of how we see international law, and we also see that we have a great degree of complementarity not only in terms of the economy but also in terms of doing a green transition together,” Niclas Kvarnstrom, managing director of the European External Action Service’s Asia Pacific division, said in an interview with select Philippine reporters Monday. Kvarnstrom is in Manila for a joint consultative meeting with Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro Tuesday. He said the meeting hopes to identify a “clear path” and “deepen cooperation” in all areas of bilateral relationns—from political to economic and cultural ties. This includes improving maritime and security relations, and capacity-building among civil society in the Philippines to strengthen human rights and democracy.
“I think that both sides are interested in taking the relationship to a new level; exactly what that means and what we call it—it is too early to say. But certainly, this is a time when we are both seeking to explore new ways to work together,” he said. He is confident that talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and the Philippines would conclude soon. The EU has incorporated provisions in the FTA that require the Philippines adhere to
Fhuman rights, labor standards and other international agreements on investment and trade facilitation.
Asked if the prospect of another Duterte ruling the Philippines again worries the EU, Kvarnstrom replied, “Well you know, in the EU, we always have worries when it comes to things like human rights and so on.”
During the administration of former President Duterte, relations between EU and the Philippines soured after some EU parliamentarians questioned the anti-drug campaign, the suppression of freedom of the press and the detention of opposition leader former Sen. Leila de Lima.
“It’s not always appreciated when we bring these things up across the world, but we do so because we care ultimately about people and citizens here and back home in Europe,” he explained.
He said many EU members have experienced dictatorship or authoritarian regimes, which is why they “don’t take human rights and press freedom issues lightly.”
“We feel that since we are founded on those principles, that will always be a part of our DNA...Filipinos will decide the future of the Philippines. What we can do is leverage as a diplomatic partner, we can bring up issues of concern and contribute by supporting capacity-buuilding or human rights defenders and civil society,” Kvarnstrom added.
He acknowledged that “there’s been a lot of progress” under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on matters concerning the human rights situation in the Philippines.
Asked if the EU is still concerned the Philippines has yet to return to the International Criminal Court, the European Commission official said, “I would phrase it this way: We support the ICC and encourage others to join.”
PHL sets presentation for ICJ on climate change case
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Philippines, struck with six successive violent typhoons last month, was scheduled to appeal before the top United Nations court Tuesday night to render an advisory opinion for major polluting countries to be held accountable for the loss of lives and properties in countries struck by climate-change induced disasters.
Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra, with Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva Carlos Sorreta, was scheduled to deliver the Philippines’s oral statement on December 3, 12:45 to 1:15
PM Central European Time (7:45 to 8:15 PM PH Time) at the Great Hall of Justice of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Peace Palace, The Hague, The Netherlands.
The Philippines is among the
countries identified in World Bank and Asian Development Bank studies as most vulnerable to climate change. It experienced the strongest typhoon ever recorded on Earth, Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013, which killed 6,000 people, devastated nine regions, damaged 1.1 million homes and US$802 million worth of agricultural products and infrastructure.
The UN General Assembly had earlier requested the ICJ to render an Advisory Opinion on the question of the obligations of states in respect of climate change.
So far, 91 written statements and 63 written comments were filed in the ICJ’s Registry by States and international organizations, including that of the Philippines last March 21 and August 15. (See related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/03/25/phl-to-icj-polluting-states-accountable-for-climate-woes/)
The World Court has started hearing the largest case in its history Monday. The two-week proceedings will hear comments from 98 member states and 12 international organizations.
“The participation of the Philippines in these proceedings is highly significant as it pertains to the greatest existential threat humanity faces these days,” Ambassador Malaya said.
This is the first time the Philippines will engage the ICJ after more than two decades.
He noted that the last time the Philippines engaged with ICJ was when it sought intervention in the territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia in Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan in 2001.
In the written statement to the ICJ, Solicitor General Guevarra implored the court to “view (the issue) within the context of all people’s fundamental Right to Life from whence the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable
Environment flows from…”
“Any act or omission that harms or tends to harm the environment … that may be attributable to a State which results in anthropogenic GHG emissions over time causing climate change is a breach of a State obligation under international law,” the Philippine written statement said.
An ICJ advisory opinion, however, is not binding and could not forcibly require polluting countries to help struggling nations. But experts agree that its opinion on climate change may lay the foundation for future lawsuits or inspire new international treaties.
“The enormity of the effects of climate change and its calamitous impact on all States and peoples are doubtless confirmed by scientific consensus… This paramount concern, therefore, impels and warrants the exercise of this Court’s advisory jurisdiction,” Guevarra stated in the written statement to ICJ.
Red Cross shows excellence in humanitarian services
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) showcased its best practices in health, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), emergency response, first aid, and volunteer engagement to the Embassy of France to the Philippines and to Micronesia, one of the PRC’s long- standing partners in humanitarian service, as a testament to its commitment to uplifting human dignity and alleviating human suffering.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel was welcomed by PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, along with PRC volunteers and personnel from the national headquarters and Quezon City Chapter, during her learning visit to Batasan Hills on Tuesday.
Dr. Pang shared that this learning visit aimed to highlight the PRC’s deep connection to communities through constant engagement with the people, mobilization and training of Red Cross 143 volunteers and Red Cross Youth (RCY) at the grassroots level.
“ The French government and French Red Cross have been invaluable partners in our humanitarian mission in the country, especially in their support for our efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Together we built homes and lives, and restored hope to the people who were really hit hard by the storm,” she said, adding that Fontanel’s visit really reaffirmed their shared commitment to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity.
“ With her support, we can surely continue to build resilient communities, give hope, and save lives for a safer future
were validly conducting business under PAGCOR-issued licenses.
for the Filipino people,” Pang said.
F or her part, Fontanel remarked: “The Philippine Red Cross is one of the most dedicated and committed [national societies] all over the world. Knowing that the Philippines is the most e xposed to disasters in the world, you are the one who can teach other countries on how to find the strength, find the resilience to cope from all the typhoons you have experienced.”
T he visit began at the Batasan Hills National High School, one of the most populous schools in the country, and home to the PRC’s strongest and most active RCY groups. Students were taught basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wherein around 100 students and members of the school’s RCY joined the CPR demonstration.
T hey were also brief lectures on DRRM, the early warning system, and the importance of disaster preparedness. The booths featured the emergency “Go Bag,” and the virtual reality (VR) tool used for disaster response training.
T he PRC also presented one of its food trucks, which is deployed to assist in the distribution of hot meals and food packs in times of disasters. At the Batasan Hills Barangay Hall, the PRC set up its mobile clinic for its “Health on Wheels” initiative, with beneficiaries lined up for health check-ups, and volunteers ready to provide basic medicines.
Moreover, the delegation headed to the PRC Quezon City Chapter office to view the Command Center, and meet the chapter’s lively RC143 and RCY volunteers.
PRC Chairman and CEO R ichard Gordon extended his thanks to the French
Ambassador and the French Red Cross (FRC) for their unwavering support for the PRC’s programs.
F rom 2014 to 2015, the PRC partnered with the FRC, 11France-Philippines United Action and Habitat for Humanity Philippines for a housing, livelihood, and access to basic services project for people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Northern Cebu.
T hrough the project, 128 houses in the Red Cross Village in Barangay Paypay, Daan Bantayan were built, along with a livelihood center, day-care center, and barangay health center. Solar panels were also provided by the Electriciens Sans Frontieres, in partnership with the French Red Cross, in the Red Cross Village and Mandaue Warehouse.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
ORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the qualified human trafficking charges filed against him in connection with the illegal activities of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) firm in Porac, Pampanga. Roque made the plea in his counteraffidavit filed through his lawyers during the scheduled preliminary hearing on the case at the DOJ.
In 22-page counter-affidavit, Roque maintained that his inclusion as respondent in the Supplemental Complaint Affidavit filed by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) was “mere afterthought.”
“My inclusion, as well as the inclusion of Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, Inc. were mere afterthoughts.
The inclusion of the two corporations was intended to cure the deficiency of the evidence presented both in the original complaint and the supplemental complaint affidavit that utterly failed to identify any overt act of trafficking or qualified human trafficking that will implicate me,” the counter-affidavit read. Roque stressed that the complainants filed to present evidence to prove the existence of the elements of human trafficking against him such as the act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, 0harboring, obtaining, offering, hiring, providing or receiving a person purportedly trafficked.
The evidence also failed to show that there was conspiracy to commit the alleged acts.
The only evidence presented by the PNP and the PAOCC, according to Roque, was his accompanying Cassandra Ong to a meeting with the executives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Roque maintained there was nothing illegal in that meeting. He pointed out that POGOs at that time
“(T)hat meeting on 26 July 2023 was for a legitimate purpose, i.e., to discuss the arrears of Lucky South 99, and how PAGCOR was intending to deny the pending application of the said corporation for the renewal of its Internet Gaming License should the arrears be not settled,” the counter-affidavit read.
Roque said even Ong admitted during the House of Representatives’ investigation that was nothing illegal that was discussed in that meeting. The former Palace spokesman also any involvement with either Whirlwind or Lucky South 99.
The former Palace spokesman also said the filing of charges against him is part of political harassment launched by the Marcos administration against its critics, particularly those allied with former President Duterte.
Based on the complaint filed before the DOJ, Roque actively participated” in the illegal activities of POGO operator Lucky South 99.
The complaint cited the claim of lawyer Jessa Mariz Fernandez, assistant president of PAGCOR, that Roque and Ong went to their
office to have a meeting with Pagcor chairman Alejandro Tengco regarding the arrears of Lucky South 99. Fernandez further claimed that Roque made several follow-ups with her on the status of the application for the renewal of the online gambling permit of Lucky South 99.
Roque already out of the country ROQUE’S submission of his counter-affidavit finally confirmed suspicion that he had left the country following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him last September by the House Quad Committee investigating the illegal activities linked to POGO.
In an interview via Zoom, Roque said his counter-affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before the Philippine consulate in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“I had to have my sworn statement notarized. I came to the UAE just for the purpose of notarizing,” Roque said.
When asked if he is already in the Philippines, Roque confirmed that he is still out of the country but did not divulge his exact location.
Roque in UAE, files counteraffidavit on human trafficking
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Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study. Competent in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures or a related field. With good communication and interpersonal skills.
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Hezbollah attack draws Israeli strikes on Lebanon, killing 11 people and testing new ceasefire’s limits
By Natalie Meltzer & Sally Abou Aljoud The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Israel
unleashed its largest wave of airstrikes across Lebanon since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah last week, killing at least 11 people on Monday after the Lebanese militant group fired a volley of projectiles as a warning over what it said were Israeli truce violations.
The projectiles were apparently the first time that Hezbollah took aim at Israeli forces after the 60day ceasefire went into effect last Wednesday. The increasingly fragile truce aimed to end more than a year of war between Hezbollah and Israel—part of a wider regional conflict sparked by the devastating Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
In the United States, Presidentelect Donald Trump demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant Hamas group in Gaza, saying on social media that if they are not freed before he takes office in January there would be “HELL TO PAY.” It was not immediately clear whether Trump was threatening to directly involve the US military in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The US has given Israel crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly 15-month conflict.
four airstrikes and an artillery barrage in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike that killed a person on a motorcycle, according to Lebanese state media. Another strike killed a corporal in the Lebanese security services.
Israel has said its strikes are in response to unspecified Hezbollah violations, and that under the ceasefire deal it reserves the right to retaliate.
Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, accused Israel of violating the truce more than 50 times in recent days by launching airstrikes, demolishing homes near the border and violating Lebanon’s airspace.
of Palestinians now live in squalid tent camps, relying on international aid.
The Israeli military said it allowed 40 trucks carrying 600 tons of flour for the World Food Program to enter the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, as well as 16 other food trucks.
Israel has said it is working to increase the flow of aid. November saw an increase in the average number of humanitarian trucks it let into Gaza, up to 77 daily from 57 the month before, according to official Israeli figures.
Israel’s military carried out a string of airstrikes late Monday against what it said were Hezbollah fighters, infrastructure and rocket launchers across Lebanon, in response to Hezbollah firing two projectiles toward Mount Dov—a disputed Israeli-held territory known as Shebaa Farms in Lebanon where the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel meet. Israel said the projectiles fell in open areas and no injuries were reported.
Hezbollah said in a statement that it fired on an Israeli military position in the area as a “defensive and warning response” after what it called “repeated violations” of the ceasefire deal by Israel. It said complaints to mediators tasked with monitoring the ceasefire “were futile in stopping these violations.”
Before the Hezbollah projectiles, Israeli carried out at least
A new exchange of fire threatens Lebanon ceasefire Lebanon’s Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Haris killed five people and wounded two while another airstrike on the village of Tallousa killed four and also wounded two.
Turkey calls for reconciliation between Syrian government and the opposition to end conflict
By Suzan Fraser & Kareem Chehayeb The Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey—The recent rapid advance by opposition fighters in Syria shows that Syrian President Bashar Assad must reconcile with his own people and hold talks with the opposition, the Turkish foreign minister said Monday. At a joint news conference in Ankara with his Iranian counterpart, Hakan Fidan said Turkey and Iran, which support opposing sides in Syria’s civil war, have agreed to resume diplomatic efforts along with Russia to restore calm days after insurgents launched a lightning offensive and captured almost all of the country’s largest city, Aleppo.
The swift advance by fighters that Turkey supports was a huge embarrassment for Assad and it comes at a time when his allies—Iran, and the groups it backs, and Russia—are preoccupied with their own conflicts.
The push is among the rebels’ strongest in years and raises the prospect of another violent front reopening in the Middle East when US-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups.
Fidan, whose country has backed forces opposed to Assad, blamed the recent flare-up of the conflict on the Syrian government’s refusal to enter a dialogue with the opposition that Turkey supports.
“Recent developments show once again that Damascus must reconcile with its own people and the legitimate opposition,” the Turkish minister said. “Turkey is ready to make all the necessary contribution toward this.”
Fidan’s comments emerged amid Turkish frustration that recent efforts toward reconciliation with Assad have fallen flat.
The comments indicated that the shock offensive launched by opposition fighters could be aimed at pressuring the Syrian leader to engage in political talks.
Turkey has been seeking to normalize ties with Syria to address security threats from groups affiliated with Kurdish militants along its southern border and to help ensure the safe return of more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Assad has insisted that Turkey’s withdrawal of its military forces from northern Syria be a condition for any normalization between the two countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Assad on Sunday before traveling to Ankara, reiterated Tehran’s full support for the Syrian government. Iran has been one of Assad’s principal political and military supporters and has deployed military advisers and forces after 2011 protests against Assad’s rule turned into an all-out war.
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have deployed in Syria to back the government’s counteroffensive against the insurgents, an Iraqi militia official and a war monitor said Monday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, some 200 Iraqi militiamen riding on pickups crossed into Syria overnight through the strategic Bou Kamal crossing. They were expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian army’s pushback against the insurgents, the monitor said.
Meanwhile, Associated Press video showed armed insurgents at Aleppo’s international airport, one of them standing on a Syrian government flag and others tearing down a poster of Assad. Insurgents were also seen mounting abandoned
Officials in the US—which along with France helped broker the truce and heads a commission meant to monitor adherence to the deal—played down the significance of Israeli strikes. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “Largely speaking, the ceasefire is holding.”
“We’ve gone from dozens of strikes down to one a day maybe two a day,” Kirby told reporters, referring to Israeli strikes. “We’re going to keep trying and see what we can do to get it down to zero.”
Under the deal, Iran-backed Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its fighters and infrastructure from southern Lebanon. During that time, Israeli troops are also to withdraw to their side of the border.
‘RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!’
In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump called for Palestinian militants to free all of the roughly 100 Israeli hostages still held inside Gaza, around two-thirds of whom are believed to be alive.
If not, Trump said, “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!”
Hours earlier, the Israeli government confirmed the death of Omer Neutra, a dual US-Israeli citizen, whose body is still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Israeli government. The Biden administration is mounting a last-ditch effort to try to restart talks between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on Trump’s post though President Isaac Herzog welcomed it.
Fears of hunger mount in Gaza IN Gaza, meanwhile, alarm is mounting over increasing hunger. The amount of food allowed in by Israel has plunged over the past two months, compounded by a decision Sunday by the United
Nations to halt aid deliveries from the main crossing into the territory because of the threat of armed gangs looting convoys.
Experts have already warned of famine in the northernmost part of Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early Octoberober, saying they’re fighting regrouped Hamas militants there.
Displaced families have set up tents surrounded by piles of garbage on the streets of Gaza City. Bilal Marouf, 55, said he and 11 family members fled the Israeli offensive “barefoot and naked.”
“We had nothing. Hunger and thirst killed us, and we did not have a single shekel, nor clothes, nor a mattress, nor a blanket,” he said, speaking near his tent.
Israel’s campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has driven almost the entire population of the territory from their homes. Hundreds of thousands
But the levels are still nearly the lowest of the entire 15-month war. And the UN says less than half of that actually reaches Palestinians because Israeli military restrictions, fighting and robberies make it too dangerous to deliver the aid.
The World Food Program was able to only deliver aid to some 300,000 Palestinians in November across the Gaza Strip due to ongoing Israeli military offensives and the looting of convoys, Carl Skau, WFP’s deputy executive director, said Monday.
In a tent camp in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah, Palestinians lined up at makeshift mud ovens trying to buy a few loaves of flatbread for their families.
With the price of flour mounting because of scarcity, the bakers—women displaced from further north—said they could bake less bread, and families could afford far less.
“They divide them to their children, one loaf every day,” said a woman baker, Wafaa al-Attar.
Abou AlJoud reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Fatma Khalid in Cairo contributed to this report.
German leader Scholz vows more Ukraine aid and defends his phone call with Putin
By Hanna Arhirova & Barry Hatton The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine for the first time in more than two years Monday and vowed to keep supporting Kyiv in the war, just weeks after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebuked him for having a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The conflict is approaching a pivotal new phase, with the new US administration of Donald Trump taking office next month and potentially determining the trajectory of the war after the president-elect’s pledge to end the fighting, with few details.
Ukraine is sensitive to whether cracks might be appearing in the unity of its Western allies behind helping it against Russia, as Putin banks on outlasting that commitment. Germany is Ukraine’s second-largest military backer after the United States.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby emphasized Monday that the Biden administration’s job is to put Ukraine in the best position of strength to give Zelenskyy leverage when negotiations begin. He underlined that it’s Zelenskyy “who gets to decide if and when he’s ready to negotiate, and he gets to decide what if anything he’s willing to negotiate.”
With the war soon to enter its fourth year, Zelenskyy said he disagreed with Scholz’s call with Putin. Zelenskyy said it could prompt phone calls with other leaders, possibly reducing Putin’s international isolation and legitimizing his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Scholz defended the call, saying he wanted to remind Putin that Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state that should be able to decide its own future. He also stressed that he conveyed to Putin that Ukraine is not alone and that its partners will continue their support.
Germany is a vociferous supporter of Ukraine, but Scholz has refused to budge on two of Zelenskyy’s key requests: supplying German- and Swedish-made Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine and inviting it to join NATO quickly.
Scholz, who faces an early election in February, has cast his refusal to send Taurus missiles as part of a “prudent” approach to
the conflict that assures Ukraine of strong support without taking the risk of the war escalating into a conflict between NATO and Russia.
“This doesn’t lessen our support, which is very wide-ranging and—it is important for me to say—will remain wide-ranging,” Scholz said in Kyiv.
In a major shift, Zelenskyy signaled Friday that an offer of NATO membership to territory under Kyiv’s control could end “the hot stage of the war” in Ukraine.
Scholz has been cautious about talk of fast-tracking NATO membership for Ukraine. He has emphasized the importance of finding a path to peace, which he insists must not be chosen over Ukraine’s head.
Germany, a leader in providing Ukraine with air defense systems, has already supplied five IRIS-T systems, three Patriot systems and over 50 Gepard self-propelled
Some Western nations granted permission in November for Kyiv to carry out long-range strikes with the weapons they have supplied. Following the decision, Putin said Russia launched a strike on Ukraine with an unstoppable intermediate-range ballistic missile dubbed the Oreshnik that he claimed can’t be intercepted. It marked the first time that such a missile was used in the war or in any other conflict.
See “German,” A11
December 04, 2024
NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP/S)
Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:
NO
1 AIRVENT MECHANICAL SYSTEM INC.
Block 2D, Lot 5-9, Grand Centennial Homes, Magdalo, Kawit, Cavite
2 AIRVENT MECHANICAL SYSTEM INC.
Block 2D, Lot 5-9, Grand Centennial Homes, Magdalo, Kawit, Cavite
3 ATLANTIC GULF AND PACIFIC COMPANY OF MANILA, INCORPORATED
AG&P, Special Economic Zone, San Roque, Bauan, Batangas
YANG, SHAO-CHUN
Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services Basic Qualification: 18-55 yrs old, with at
ZHANG, YU
Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative
Brief Job Description:
Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions, suggesting information about other products and services
JAMES, GILBERT
Welding Manager
Brief Job Description:
Serves as the SME (Subject Matter Expert) to assess and train FTW candidates to be proficient in pipe fitting and welding and structural fitting and welding for the duration of the consultancy agreement
JHUNG, MID EUM
4 GOOD TREE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INC.
Bagtas Road, Bagtas, Tanza, Cavite
5 H.S. CRAFT MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
No. 1, Maguyam Road, Maguyam, Silang, Cavite
6 HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
School Assistant Administrator
Brief Job Description:
Assist the governance of the school and the establishment and develop of its strategic direction
TSAI, YI-TEH
Production Manager
Brief Job Description:
Manage and create production schedule effectively, oversee the production process
SB Hain Compound, NIA Road, Niugan, City of Cabuyao, Laguna KIM, KYOUNGJUN
Construction Manager
Brief Job Description:
Monitoring of Compliance for Construction and Safety regulations
Basic Qualification: 18-55 yrs old, with at least 6 months experience with good oral and written communication skills, knowledgeable in computer applications Salary Range:
Basic Qualification:
Proficient in welding and training welders on exotic metals such as Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium, chrome, moly, copper, nickel, super duplex, etc.
Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above
Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business administration
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic Qualification:
Knowledgeable in manufacturing set up
Salary Range:
Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Basic Qualification:
With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions
Salary Range:
Php 60,000 - Php 89,999
Basic Qualification:
7 HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
SB Hain Compound, NIA Road, Niugan, City of Cabuyao, Laguna WON, SUNG HUN
Construction Manager
Brief Job Description:
Monitor Compliance for Construction and Safety regulations
With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions
Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999
MEGGA STEEL MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
Lot 5, Alimagno Compound, Banlic, City of Cabuyao, Laguna GUO, XIOAHONG Area
12 MEGGA STEEL MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
Lot 5, Alimagno Compound, Banlic, City of Cabuyao, Laguna
MMS BULKSHIP MANAGEMENT (PHILIPPINES), INC. Room 302, Mms Bldg., Old NIA Road, Bayanan, City of Bacoor, Cavite
TUANXIN
IKEDA, KAZUHIRO
Technical Superintendent
14 PORTAL STEELS INC. 9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite HONG, YILIN
Warehouse Controller
Job Description:
15 YELLOW RIVER POWER CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLIES CORPORATION
No. 20, Narra Rd, San Antonio, City of San Pedro, Laguna
16 YELLOW RIVER POWER CONSTRUCTION AND SUPPLIES CORPORATION
No. 20, Narra Rd, San Antonio, City of San Pedro, Laguna
CHEN, CHUNHUI
Operation Manager
Brief Job Description: In-charge of monitoring, analyzing and improving their company’s business
ZHANG, JIANHUA
Operation Manager
Brief
CORP.
19, Lima Technology Center, San Lucas, City of Lipa, Batangas PI, YANGBO Double Sided Adhesive Machine Captain
Job
ZHAO, YANFEI
8 LEADWAY TRAVEL CONSULTANCY CORPORATION
3F F1 353 Bldg., Molino Road, Molino III, City of Bacoor, Cavite
Block 19, Lima Technology Center, San Lucas, City of Lipa, Batangas
Equipment Commissioning Engineer
www.businessmirror.com.ph
The World
Tensions rise as Canada, Mexico divided over Trump’s tariff threats
MEXICO CITY—Threats by US President-elect
Donald Trump to impose tariffs have created a split between Canada and Mexico, after Canadian officials said problems with the two countries’ borders shouldn’t be compared.
On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments, which were made following a meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum
said, after Canada’s ambassador to the US, Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.”
Sheinbaum said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.”
Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and
drugs.
Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different.
US customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Mexico’s efforts to seize fentanyl before it reaches the US have been lackluster.
Most of the fentanyl reaching the US—where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually—is made by Mexican drug
Thousands cheer Joe Biden’s arrival in Angola for his long-promised sub-Saharan Africa visit
By Gerald Imray & Will Weissert
The Associated Press
cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia.
On immigration, the US Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone, while there were only 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024. During the same period, US Customs and Border Protection reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico.
Mexico feels especially hurt by the Canadian comments, because Mexican officials claim their government went to bat for Canada in the past. They claim that Trump, during his first term, initially wanted to leave Canada out of the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement in 2018, and Mexico demanded it be included. It is unclear if that was actually the case.
Trudeau also got ahead of Sheinbaum by meeting with the US president-elect first. Both leaders are scrambling to get some assurances before Trump takes office.
Hillman said Canada is ready to make new investments in border security and there are plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. She also noted an agreement between Canada and the US that allows for migrants caught crossing illegally to be sent back to Canada. She said Mexico and the US do not have a similar agreement.
On Monday, Sheinbaum revealed more about her own conversation last week with Trump, saying he “had agreed” that Mexico wanted to focus on intelligence sharing in anti-drug efforts, noting “he said that in his opinion that was good.”
But she said Mexico would reject any direct US intervention in Mexico and continue to enforce the tight restrictions on US law enforcement agencies in Mexico imposed by her predecessor. “That is going to be maintained,” she said.
LUANDA, Angola—President Joe
Biden arrived for his long-awaited first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa on Monday to the cheers of thousands in Angola, where he will highlight an ambitious US-backed railway project meant to counter China’s influence on the continent of over 1.4 billion people.
Biden’s three-day visit to Angola will focus largely on the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment in Zambia, Congo and Angola. It aims to advance the US presence in a region rich in the critical minerals used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies.
Biden’s trip comes weeks before Republican Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, finally delivering on Biden’s pledge to visit sub-Saharan Africa. On his way to Angola, he stopped in the Atlantic Ocean island nation of Cape Verde for a brief, closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva.
Biden plans to meet with Angolan President João Lourenço in the capital, Luanda, where crowds lined the streets for his arrival, and visit the National Slavery Museum. He also will travel to the Atlantic port city of Lobito for a look at the rail project. He will announce new developments on health, agribusiness and security, White House officials said.
Biden had been expected to visit Africa last year after reviving the US-Africa Summit in December 2022. The trip was pushed back to 2024 and delayed again this October because of Hurricane Milton, reinforcing a sentiment among some Africans that their continent is still low priority for Washington.
The last US president to visit subSaharan Africa was Barack Obama in 2015. Biden did attend a United Nations climate summit in Egypt in North Africa in 2022.
“I just kind of push back on the premise that this is some Johnny-come-lately trip at the very end,” national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on board Air Force One on the way to Angola, noting that top administration officials had visited Africa, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
“This is something he (Biden) has been focused on since he became president of the United States.”
A new strategy
CRITICAL minerals are a key field for US-China competition, and China has a stranglehold on Africa’s critical minerals.
Gepards, he added. More material is to follow in 2025.
The US has for years built relations in Africa through trade, security and humanitarian aid. The 800-mile (1,300-kilometer) railway upgrade is a different move and has shades of China’s Belt and Road foreign infrastructure strategy.
The Biden administration has called the corridor one of the president’s signature initiatives, yet Lobito’s future and any change in US engagement with the continent depends on the incoming administration of President-elect Trump.
“President Biden is no longer the story,” said Mvemba Dizolele, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. “Even African leaders are focused on Donald Trump.”
A fit for Trump’s vision?
THE US has committed $3 billion to the Lobito Corridor and related projects, administration officials said, alongside financing from the European Union, the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, a Western-led private consortium and African banks.
“A lot is riding on this in terms of its success and its replicability,” said Tom Sheehy, a fellow at the United States Institute of Peace, a nonpartisan federal research institution.
He called it a flagship for the G7’s new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which was driven by Biden and aims to reach other developing nations as a response to China’s Belt and Road.
Many are optimistic that the Lobito project, which won’t be complete until well after Biden has left office, will survive a change of administration. Blunting China has bipartisan backing and is high on Trump’s to-do list.
“As long as they keep labeling Lobito one of the main anti-China tools in Africa, there is a certain likelihood that it’s going to keep being funded,” said ChristianGéraud Neema, who analyzes China-Africa relations for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Kirby said the Biden administration hopes Trump and his team see the value in Lobito but “we are still in office. We still have 50 days. This is a key major development not just for the United States and our foreign policy goals in Africa, but for Africans.”
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa. Fatima Hussein in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.
Continued from A9
anti-aircraft guns, Scholz said. Another batch of military aid being delivered this month will include another IRIS-T system and more
Continued from A9
aircraft and walking around airport grounds strewn with weapons and ammunition boxes.
The rebel offensive in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria.
Fidan reiterated Turkey’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity, but suggested that Turkey would not hesitate to intervene against Syrian Kurdish militia groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists if they “exploit the environment of instability.”
“It was a mistake to ignore the legitimate demands of the opposition and for the (Syrian) regime not to sincerely engage in the political process,” Fidan said.
Turkey, he added, “will never, ever allow terrorist organizations that seek to exploit the environment of instability,” Fidan said. “We will eliminate any threat to our national security and our people wherever it emerges.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Russia has kept up a barrage of civilian areas of Ukraine and its power grid. In recent months, Russia launched 347 missiles of various types against Ukraine, Zelenskyy said.
expressed hope that the instability in Syria would come to an end “in line with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.”
He spoke Monday at a joint news conference with the president of Montenegro.
Both Fidan and Araghchi said Turkey, Iran and Russia would convene a new threeway meeting to address the conflict in Syria.
“We have decided to hold closer consultations and dialogue, and with God’s permission, we will cooperate to further improve the situation toward peace and stability in our region,” Araghchi said.
Russia, whose intervention in Syria’s civil war on behalf of Assad was crucial in turning the conflict in his favor, has said it will continue to support him.
“We continue our contacts at the appropriate level,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday. “A position will be formed regarding what is needed to stabilize the situation.”
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the Assad regime has ignored Security Council resolutions and refused to come to the table.
“We are watching that situation very closely, and we will continue to engage with partners in the region to find a path for the situation to go back to calm,” she said.
He pleaded for more Western air defense systems, adding that around 20 critical objects are not protected. He didn’t elaborate.
Hatton reported from Lisbon, Portugal. Geir Moulson in Berlin and Colleen Long in Washington contributed. German.
As Syrian and Russian jets continued pounding targets, two airstrikes hit a group of four hospitals and the health directorate building in Idlib city, the Syrian Civil Defense force that operates in opposition-held areas, known as the White Helmets, said. Two people in Idlib University Hospital died after their oxygen machines turned off following the strikes. Ceiling panels and doors at the hospital were blown off, while ambulances and vehicles outside were severely damaged according to footage taken by journalist with The Associated Press at the hospital. At least 15 civilians were killed in Idlib city and province, according to the White Helmets.
Syrian Kurds were fleeing the fighting in large numbers after Turkish-backed rebels seized Tel Rifaat from rival US-backed Kurdish authorities. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces largely withdrew and called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely in convoys toward Aleppo and later to Kurdish-led northeast regions.
Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
Confiscated mackerel: A lifeline for typhoon victims in the country
IN early October, 21 container vans loaded with frozen mackerel arrived at the Manila International Container Port. The government confiscated the shipment because it lacked the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs). These import clearances would certify that an inbound shipment is safe for human and animal consumption and would not bring in any pests that could jeopardize the local agriculture sector (See, “DSWD may use seized frozen mackerel for relief operations–DA,” in the BusinessMirror, November 25, 2024).
The shipment was seized a few weeks before the country would be struck by six consecutive storms, two of which developed into super typhoons—Leon and Pepito. In addition to the displacement of residents in regions hit by typhoons, unfavorable weather conditions also resulted in supply disruptions, leading to a rise in food prices in urban areas, particularly in cities within Metro Manila. The experience of Bicol after the onslaught of severe tropical storm Kristine (international code name Trami) also exposed the lack of preparedness of some provinces in providing residents with essential items, such as food and rescue boats.
The previous storms may have been a major factor behind the decision of the government to allow relief agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to use the seized items, in their bid to beef up the state’s emergency food supply. The shipment that did not have SPSICs amounted to 580 metric tons or 580,000 kilograms of mackerel. As each Filipino consumes 95 grams of fish per day, according to nongovernment organization Oceana Philippines, the volume is enough to feed more than 6,000 residents.
The government assured the people that the frozen mackerel has been tested and has been found to be safe for human consumption. This would give recipients the confidence that the products, while illegal because it did not carry the clearances required by the government, will not make them ill and that it will not pose a threat to the local farm sector. Giving the shipment to DSWD also allows the government to reduce organic waste that find their way into landfills, which increases the greenhouse emissions of the Philippines.
However, the government has yet to tell us how it intends to distribute these items and how it could feed people affected by natural disasters, whose houses may have been submerged in flood. As a rule of thumb, donated food items must be easy to consume and are “shelf-stable.” Frozen mackerel would require storage facilities that would prevent spoilage and maintain the quality of the food item.
We hope that there is a viable plan in place that will enable the state to immediately distribute seized frozen food items and smuggled goods to residents in areas struck by typhoons and other natural calamities. Policymakers should also see to it that all contraband items targeted for distribution are tested to ensure their safety, and that safeguards are in place to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of this development. These food items, if proven safe for human consumption, will certainly go a long way in helping victims of natural disasters survive their ordeal.
BusinessMirror
Construction boom
TTHE BUILDER
hE construction boom continues in the Philippines. It is a clear harbinger of solid economic growth—and more jobs. recent data from government agencies point to the continued expansion of the construction sector, which has become a major engine of the Philippines’ economic expansion.
Construction activities mirror the health of the economy and reflect the government’s priority to ensure a steady growth in the longterm. Both the present and the next generations will benefit greatly from good construction projects, such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, office towers and residential buildings.
Power plants, water systems, telecom and Internet facilities also require heavy construction. Together, these projects enhance mobility, facilitate trade and services, improve communities and support the economy.
This is why it is interesting to see the recent developments in the construction sector based on the figures released by several government agencies. Public and private construction activities gained momentum in September 2024, indicating positive prospects for the fourth quarter.
Per the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), public infrastructure spending surged 16.9 percent year-on-year in September, led by payments for completed transport projects.
The DBM noted that spending on infrastructure and other capital outlays rose P19.8 billion to reach P137.1 billion from P117.3 billion in September 2023.
Infrastructure spending on a month-on-month basis also climbed 26.24 percent from P108.6 billion in August.
The DBM attributed the September boost to payments for completed road network and bridge programs of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as well as higher disbursements for various foreignassisted projects under the Department of Transportation.
Infrastructure spending in the first nine months of the year reached
Construction activities mirror the health of the economy and reflect the government’s priority to ensure a steady growth in the long-term. Both the present and the next generations will benefit greatly from good construction projects, such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, office towers and residential buildings.
P982.4 billion, up 14.6 percent from P857.6 billion in the same period last year. This growth was largely credited to key projects undertaken by the DPWH and defense modernization initiatives by the Department of National Defense (DND).
Total infrastructure disbursements—including transfers to local government units and subsidies to government-owned and -controlled corporations—increased 12 percent to P1.14 trillion as of end-September 2024.
The spending is equivalent to 6.1 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP), higher than the 5.9 percent recorded in the same period in 2023 and above the 5.6 percent full-year target for 2024.
The government budgeted P1.472 trillion, or 5.6 percent of GDP, for infrastructure in 2024, underscoring its commitment to sustained development.
I am also glad to see that major public-private-partnership projects such as the Metro Rail Transit Line
7, the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway are in full swing. The first phase of the Light Rail Transit Cavite Extension Project—stretching from Baclaran to Sucat—recently opened to serve commuters in the area.
The private sector saw notable construction activity. Per the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) report, some 14,063 permits were issued for building constructions in September 2024, a 4.4-percent rise from 13,475 construction starts in the same month last year.
Residential buildings led the growth, with 9,354 construction starts, accounting for 66.5 percent of the total. This represented a 10-percent rise from 8,501 residential projects in September 2023. Singletype houses dominated residential construction, comprising 78 percent of the total.
The simultaneous uptick in public infrastructure spending and private construction starts suggests a resilient sector poised for further growth. The challenge is to remove any bottleneck, from permit processing to regulatory delays, to ensure the timely completion of these projects.
Government investments in transport and public works, coupled with robust residential construction, are likely to sustain this momentum into the fourth quarter. However, challenges such as high bank interest rates and rising costs
See “Villar” A13
Philippines.
Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com Printed by brown madonna Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila
[Delivered by Undersecretary Rowena
Cristina L. Guevara]
YOur Excellencies, esteemed members of the diplomatic community, development partners, members of the foreign and local chambers of commerce, officers and members of the editorial board of the Philippine Business Daily Mirror led by Mr. Edgard Cabangon, Mr. Anton Cabangon and Ms. Chuchay Fernandez, friends, ladies and gentlemen,Good evening and thank you for the privilege of addressing such a distinguished gathering. It is an honor to speak with you tonight, as you celebrate the bonds of friendship and collaboration that transcend borders and foster understanding, goodwill, and cooperation between nations.
The Philippines is a country that thrives on relationships—relationships rooted in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and the enduring spirit of partnership. Through your tireless efforts, you have helped bridge cultures, strengthen economies, and deepen our collective commitment to global peace and prosperity. Whether through trade and investments, cultural exchanges, or diplomatic initiatives, your work has enriched the lives of many Filipinos
and solidified our nation’s place in the international community.
In the energy sector, our partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing clean, sustainable, and efficient energy systems, in alignment with global efforts to address the challenges of climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
The recently concluded COP29 set a target of mobilizing $300 billion annually, with a pledge to increase this
amount to $1.3 trillion by 2035. This tripled the previous pledge made at COP15 in 2009 of $100 billion in annual funding. However, over the last 15 years, no clear monitoring process existed, with some estimates showing only as low as $10 billion being delivered. Thus, there is a need for us to work together towards greater transparency in reporting the transactions under this new pledge.
The Philippines’ selection as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund is a recognition of our situation as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Delivering on this pledge will be crucial in equitably financing our energy transition initiatives such as accelerating the growth of renewable energy, expanding our transmission infrastructure, facilitating the voluntary decommissioning of coal fired power plants, improving our energy efficiency and conservation efforts, and decarbonizing the transport sector through the use of electric vehicles. At COP29, the Philippines strongly advocated for robust and inclusive Article 6 mechanisms to scale up climate action while upholding environmental integrity. The agreements reached on carbon markets at COP29 mark a pivotal moment, resolving long-standing debates on operational frameworks under the Paris Agreement. The establishment of clear guidelines for Article 6.2 (bilateral trading) and Article 6.4 (centralized UN carbon market) is a significant achievement, particularly the incorporation of robust environmental and human rights safeguards.
The Philippines also emphasized at COP29 the integration of adaptation into mitigation efforts, highlighting its potential to enhance participation and funding, including through innovative approaches such as longer-term financing which would spread the cost of the transi-
See “Keynote,” A13
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Since 2005
Mark Villar
US tightens curbs on China’s access to AI memory, chip tools
By Mackenzie Hawkins
The US unveiled new restrictions on China’s access to vital components for chips and AI, escalating a campaign to contain Beijing’s technological ambitions but stopping short of earlier proposals that would have sanctioned more key Chinese firms.
The Department of Commerce slapped fresh curbs on the sale of high-bandwidth memory chips made by US and foreign companies, likely affecting South Korea’s SK Hynix Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. as well as Idaho-based Micron Technology Inc. Those components handle data storage and are essential for AI applications.
The agency also expanded existing controls on chipmaking gear, including products made by US firms at foreign facilities, but with carveouts for key allies, such as Japan and the Netherlands. That comes after months of negotiations between Washington, Tokyo and the Hague, during which Biden officials floated —but ultimately did not pursue— applying US controls to companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV. Shares of US semiconductor equipment companies, including Lam Research Corp., Applied Materials Inc. and KLA Corp., rallied. In Asia, Tokyo Electron climbed as much as 4.8 percent while a clutch of blacklisted Chinese firms, including Naura Technology Group Co., fell. ASML said in a statement it doesn’t expect “any direct material impact” on its business in 2024.
Still, some analysts warned of an uncertain outlook starting 2025.
“The US did step up and ban the sale of completed HBM chips to China, although this looks to have been largely expected,” Ortus Advisors’ Andrew Jackson wrote in a note on Smartkarma. “With Trump incoming in January, the jubilation may be short-lived with a more hawkish administration on the horizon.”
The Biden administration’s goal, building on years of evolving trade restrictions, is to slow China’s domestic development of advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence systems that may help its military. The US will restrict China’s “ability to produce technologies key to its military modernization or repression of human rights,” the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees export controls, said in a statement.
China objected strongly to the new chip restrictions, criticizing the US move as economic coercion that seriously threatened global supply chains. “The US continues to generalize the concept of national security, abuses export control measures, and implements unilateral bullying,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement Monday. “China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its own rights and interests.”
Huawei suppliers
THE new rules blacklisted 140 additional Chinese entities accused of acting on Beijing’s behalf, with a focus on companies that produce chip manufacturing equipment that’s crucial to China’s pursuit of semiconductor self-sufficiency. That includes ASML’s Chinese lithography software rival, Dongfang Jingyuan, which the Dutch equipment giant accused of stealing its trade secrets.
The sanctions also affect a handful of suppliers to Huawei Technologies Co., including gear maker SiCarrier as well as chipmakers Qingdao Si’En, SwaySure, and Shenzhen Pensun Technology Co., or PST.
The long-in-development rules fell short of earlier proposals, Bloomberg News reported last week, setting off a widespread rally among semiconductor supply chain players from Tokyo Electron in Asia to ASML in Europe. Specifically, the Biden administration elected not to add to the entity list two firms that they had previously considered: Shen-
The truckers’ struggle: Unregulated fees and logistical challenges impacting the Philippine supply chain
Tzhen Pengjin High-Tech Co., which makes semiconductor equipment, and ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., which is trying to develop AI memory chip technology.
Asked during a press briefing how many Huawei-linked entities the US is aware of and not adding to the entity list, a senior administration official said the rules aren’t focused on associations with a particular company. Rather, the official said, the list captures Chinese companies that are trying to develop advanced chip capabilities.
Still, the regulatory language published Monday cites Huawei ties as justification for some of the new sanctions. Certain restricted firms “pose a significant risk of contributing to the efforts of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., a party on the Entity List, to support China’s government’s goal of indigenous production of ‘advanced-node ICs’ to support its military modernization,” the rule reads.
The sanctions on Huawei suppliers were a key focus of lobbying efforts by chip tool companies including Lam, Applied Materials and KLA. Those firms argued for months that unilateral US measures—affecting both individual Chinese chip fabrication facilities, as well as the China market more broadly—would hurt American industry without comparable measures from allies.
Beyond specific company sanctions, the controls unveiled Monday impose restrictions on the sale to China of two dozen types of manufacturing equipment and three software tools—including gear that’s manufactured overseas. That provision uses an authority known as the foreign direct product rule, or FDPR, which allows Washington to control foreign-made goods that use even the tiniest amount of US technology.
Allied carve out BU T there’s an exemption to FDPR equipment rules for certain countries —most importantly, Japan and the Netherlands. The idea, according to a senior administration official, is to create a pathway for countries that can impose comparable controls to enact such measures themselves. “We need our allies on board with our controls so that they’re as comprehensive and effective as possible,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a press briefing.
ASML said Monday that if the Dutch government makes a “similar security assessment to the one underpinning the US restrictions” on specific Chinese fabs, “exports of DUV immersion lithography systems to these specific locations could also be affected.”
The use of FDPR, even with exemptions, is an effort to prevent US toolmakers from avoiding trade restrictions by locating their manufacturing in other countries. A recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, found that US gear suppliers have increasingly exported products to China from non-US countries since 2016, and especially since 2019.
Memory chips
MAKE SENSE
he Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines is the umbrella organization for various trucking associations across the nation. As a vital link in the supply chain, CTAP supports the movement of goods and services, ensuring that products reach consumers and businesses in a timely manner. This function is especially critical in an archipelagic country like the Philippines, where transportation logistics can be complex and challenging.
As the backbone of logistics in the country, CTAP plays an important role in driving economic growth and development. For example, by enhancing the efficiency and reliability of freight transport, CTAP’s efficiency translates to lower prices for consumers and higher profitability for businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth.
Unfortunately, CTAP members are being bled by unregulated fees being charged by international shipping lines; expenses that may ultimately be passed to consumers.
Last week the association wrote me a letter asking for my help in ventilating their problems. I was shocked to learn that CTAP members are paying unregulated fees imposed by international shipping lines, totaling nearly P187 billion annually. Additionally, these unregulated fees
Keynote . . .
continued from A12
tion over a longer period of time in line with the principle of intergenerational equity. The Philippines supported calls for a flexible framework in defining cooperative approaches, favoring options that accommodate diverse activities while ensuring transparency, accountability, and equity. This underscores the need for high-integrity mechanisms like transition credits to address socioeconomic impacts and drive sustainable energy transitions.
The Philippines hosts the two pilot coal-fired power plants that will test the high-integrity principles of transition credits under the Transition Credits Coalition or TRACTION formed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. These plants are ACEN’s 246-MW South Luzon Thermal Corporation facility in Batangas and STEAG State Power Inc.’s 210-MW Mindanao coal plant in Misamis Oriental.
Singapore, having expressed its intent to collaborate with the Philippines on the transfer of carbon transition credits through the TRACTION initiative, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines to outline the process for developing a legally binding Implementation Agreement and identifying potential Article 6-compliant mitigation activities which can support achievement of respective Nationally Determined Contributions. There is also space for international collaboration to create a network of credible accounting entities and interoperable methodologies, and leverage learning and experiences from the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Philippines reiterates its commitment to collaboration and capacity-building to deliver measurable and verifiable emissions reductions, reflecting its dedication to achieving a just, inclusive, and effective global climate response.
ASEAN/Regional Initiatives
exclude an estimated loss of business opportunities amounting to P40 million per day.
The primary question that arose was whether there is a government agency that can assess the reasonableness of these fees. Their complaint suggests that international shipping lines are imposing high, unregulated charges due to the lack of a Philippine agency to monitor and regulate these fees.
The Marcos administration is dedicated to stabilizing commodity prices in the country. The President has specifically called for a reduction in logistics costs. As a result, CTAP members are seeking a fair solution to the high, unregulated fees imposed by international shipping lines. They feel they are being mistreated and getting the raw end of the deal.
Joint Statement on COP29 underscored the importance of climate finance and new and innovative mechanisms to increase both public and private sector investments in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures. The ASEAN community is also working together on enhancing coherence and complementarity between international climate finance and with relevant regional funding mechanisms.
We have actively pursued agreements that reinforce Southeast Asia’s energy security and sustainability with the completion of the signing requirements from ASEAN Member States for the Protocol to Amend and Extend the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline and the ongoing finalization of the successor agreements and enhanced MOUs for the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement and the ASEAN Power Grid, respectively. These engagements aim to build resilience, promote energy security, and accelerate sustainable development across Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific regions, and our continuing collaboration will ensure that the Philippines remains an integral player in the dynamic energy landscape of the region.
On the ASEAN Power Grid implementation, the Philippines, which chairs the ASEAN Power Grid Consultative Committee, acknowledges the updates on power generation, electricity demand, and grid modernization efforts. We recognize the importance of addressing the key challenges in realizing the ASEAN Power Grid interconnection project and remain committed to enhancing our grid infrastructure to support regional power integration.
The country’s three major island grids are now physically connected and will allow the transmission of electricity generated from power plants located in the Mindanao region to power grids in the Visayas and Luzon and vice versa.
The government ought to listen to the concerns being amplified by the truckers, as unchecked high fees could fuel inflation if these costs are transferred to consumers. Additionally, our truckers deserve the opportunity to access fast lanes, given their crucial role in transporting essential raw materials and goods. Without government backing, substantial time, resources, and energy would be squandered, leading to detrimental impacts on the nation’s economy.
For example, as of April 2023, the average total unregulated charges of international shipping lines are as follows: P90,000.00 for a 40-footer container van, and more or less P50,000.00 for a 20-footer container van.
Computed annually, these unregulated charges being collected by international shipping lines would snowball to staggering amounts: For a 40-footer container van, the charge is P90,000.00. Multiplied by 4,000 containers daily, the total would amount to P108,000,000,000.00 more or less for one year.
For a 20-footer container van, the charge is P50,000.00. Multiplied by 4,000 containers daily, the total would reach P60,000,000,000.00 more or less for one year.
Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines Power Interconnection Project. These projects are pivotal for enhancing regional energy cooperation and addressing shared energy challenges.
The Philippines also chairs the ASEAN Nuclear Energy Cooperation Subsector Network. In our own nuclear energy journey, we have reached significant milestones such as the signing of the 123 Agreement with the United States. The Philippines also hosted the International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum in partnership with the United States, France, Canada, Japan, and South Korea which resulted in commitments on technology transfer, technical assistance, workforce development, and other strategic collaborations.
Bilateral Agreements
T H IS year, we have successfully solidified our international energy partnerships through key bilateral agreements and reaffirmed our commitment to international energy and climate goals with the signing of four significant Memoranda of Understanding with Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The MOU between the DOE and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia focuses on coal, geothermal, hydrogen, bioenergy, energy efficiency, liquefied natural gas, human resources development, and critical minerals. The operationalization of the MOU is underway with the inaugural meeting of the senior-level Joint Working Group held last August 2024.
In addition to these issues, CTAP members are expressing their concerns regarding the DPWH’s apprehension of overloaded containers. They feel this is unjust, as the arrival of overloaded containers is beyond the truckers’ control. Furthermore, local enforcers collaborating with abusive towing operators exacerbate the challenges faced by truckers. CTAP members are certainly facing high charges from foreign vessel owners. I wonder if the government could intervene to regulate these fees within our jurisdiction. Could Congress create legislation to assist CTAP members and protect them from these excessive charges imposed by international vessel owners?
The government ought to listen to the concerns being amplified by the truckers, as unchecked high fees could fuel inflation if these costs are transferred to consumers. Additionally, our truckers deserve the opportunity to access fast lanes, given their crucial role in transporting essential raw materials and goods. Without government backing, substantial time, resources, and energy would be squandered, leading to detrimental impacts on the nation’s economy.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.
the country’s standing in the global energy market.
On top of this, our efforts to expand international cooperation continue through several ongoing negotiations. These include an MOU on energy transition cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, which we expect to sign soon.
Negotiations with countries such as Lao PDR, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Brazil, and India are also in progress, emphasizing areas of cooperation like renewable energy, energy infrastructure, biofuels, and technology transfer, among others. Each of these agreements is a testament to our proactive approach in global energy collaboration.
Unique Philippine Context AS you may know, the Philippine power sector is privately owned, market driven, and unsubsidized. Therefore, calls for the imposition of carbon taxes require more careful consideration to avoid passing the burden of the transition to the Filipino consumers. Moreover, unilateral measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism or CBAM will not have a uniform impact across countries. Given the Philippine context, a more nuanced and differentiated approach may be warranted so as not to hamper our economic development. Equally important is a focus on improving the trade of climate-friendly goods and services, with the aim to decentralize and diversify supply chains to minimize global disruptions.
As we continue to ramp up our efforts to support the energy transition, we must remember that this process cannot take place overnight and should not be separated from the unique challenges faced by the Philippines such as the archipelagic nature of our country.
Villar . . .
continued from A12
THE new controls also restrict the sale of high-bandwidth memory chips—building on existing curbs affecting advanced logic chips, which serve as the brains of devices. The memory rules apply to HBM2 and more advanced chips, a senior administration official said, and use FDPR to control both US and foreign firms. The global leader in providing HBM chips is South Korea’s SK Hynix, followed by Micron and Samsung. With assistance from Foster Wong and Kurt Schussler Bloomberg of some construction inputs warrant close monitoring to ensure continued sectoral growth.
ON the regional front, the ASEAN
The progress of the Lao PDR–Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project provides encouragement to the Philippines to actively participate in the Brunei
More recently, we formalized an MOU with Saudi Arabia during the landmark energy mission in October. This MOU will pave the way for expanding opportunities and cooperation in petroleum, clean hydrogen, refining, petrochemicals, and renewable energy with the end goal of ensuring a stable supply of oil, boosting job creation and economic development, facilitating knowledge-sharing in oil exploration, refining, and energy innovation and strengthening ties to enhance
I hope that our collaboration and partnerships act as enablers and catalysts to drive us towards reliable, affordable, and clean energy in support of our economic development goals. Thank you and have a pleasant evening.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
2nd Front Page
Farm smuggling scourge: ₧15B in tax leakage–DOF
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
@reine_alberto & Ada Pelonia
@adapelonia
THE government seized more than P2 billion worth of agricultural products since January, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), but the Department of Finance (DOF) pegs at P15 billion the tax leakage from the rampant smuggling of agricultural products, depriving the government of much-needed revenues.
In a forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute on Tuesday, Revenue Office Project Manager IV Emee Macabales said the government lost an estimated P15 billion in foregone revenues due to the smuggling of agricultural products into the country in the last nine years.
“This is an area of concern because there’s revenue leakage in the government. These revenues could have been better spent on infrastructure and social services,” Macabales said.
To plug this leak, the DOF is pinning its hopes on the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12022
or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (AGES), which aims to end the smuggling, cartels, profiteering and hoarding of agricultural products.
“We want the law to be properly implemented and close that revenue leakage,” Macabales said.
Perpetrators face lifetime imprisonment and a fine of five times the value of agricultural and fishery products subject to the crime.
The DOF is a member of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council, which oversees the proper implementation of the law. It has the power to deputize law enforcement and issue a letter of authority (LOA) to take action against corporations or entities involved in economic sabotage.
The DOF is also a member of the enforcement group, which allows them to inspect vessels and warehouses upon the issuance of the LOA.
Moreover, Macabales said the DOF seeks to have the new National Single Window (NSW) operational in the last quarter of 2025. This is later than the planned rollout of the system in May 2025. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/08/14/
recto-court-order-slowed-downmove-vs-smuggling/)
Nevertheless, Macabales said negotiations with proponents have already concluded and they are now in the approval process.
The new NSW will streamline trade processes by allowing importers and exporters to manage permits, licenses, clearances, documents submission, payments and cargo tracking through a single platform.
This integration, in collaboration with DICT, will enable realtime verification of import clearances from various regulatory agencies, combating fraudulent activities and improving information sharing with the council.
Macabales said agencies regulating agricultural and fisheries products will be prioritized during the system’s onboarding phase.
The government seized more than P2 billion worth of agricultural products since January, the DA said on Tuesday at the sidelines of a forum in Makati.
Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement (DAIE) Felicisimo Madayag Jr. told reporters
these apprehended commodities include meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. He added that rice accounted for the bulk of the goods.
Figures from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice shipments from January 1 to November 28 have reached an all-time high of 4.2 million metric tons (MMT).
In September, President Marcos Jr. signed into law RA 12022 or the AGES law.
He said the law will aid in the government crackdown on cartels behind price and supply manipulation for agricultural products.
Marcos earlier noted that the government lost over P3 billion to agricultural smuggling in 2023.
Meanwhile, Madayag said the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council as stipulated under the law will begin to convene before yearend.
RA 12022 provides that the council should ensure the proper and effective implementation of the AGES law.
The member agencies are DA, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation
See “Smuggling,” A2
www.businessmirror.com.ph
11-MO RICE IMPORT ARRIVALS HIT 4.2 MMT, AN ALL-TIME HIGH
THE country’s rice import arrivals through November have reached an all-time high, based on latest government data.
Figures from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) showed that rice shipments from January 1 to November 28 hit 4.2 million metric tons (MMT).
This was higher than the 3.606 MM of rice the Philippines bought in 2023.
Of the volume that arrived in the country, BPI data indicated that over 3.26 MMT came from Vietnam. Thailand was the second-largest supplier, accounting for 544,724.15 metric tons (MT).
The Philippines also imported from other countries, such as Pakistan (215,049.48 MT), Myanmar (184,815.75 MT), and India (22,260.82 MT).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently said the country’s rice imports will reach 4.5 MMT by yearned.
“My estimate is we will hit 4.5 million tons this year for rice,” Laurel said, speaking partly in Filipino.
Meanwhile, data from the BPI showed that the agency approved and issued 9,273 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for the purchase of 8.97 MMT of
imported rice.
Rice importers are required to secure an SPSIC from the BPI before bringing in foreign rice stocks.
The import clearance would certify that an inbound shipment is safe for human and animal consumption, and would not bring in any pests that could be detrimental to the local agriculture sector.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently adjusted upward its estimate for the country’s imported rice purchases this year to 5.0 MMT from its earlier forecast of 4.7 MMT. Its report noted a surge in shipments from Vietnam as the country grappled with the impact of El Niño and storms. This will be driven by population growth and reduced import tariffs.
The international agency also raised its rice imports forecast for the Philippines in 2025 to 5.1 MMT on higher consumption of the staple.
Former Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian earlier said that the Philippines will “continue to be a good market for exporters” from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan next year.
Ada Pelonia
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
EDC allots ₧30B for projects
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
Lopez-Led energy development Corp. (edC) is planning to allot p30 billion in capital expenditure (capex) for its geothermal power projects next year.
“Thirty billion pesos is more or less same as this year’s capex spending,” said EDC Chief Financial Officer Ewrin Avante. The numbers, he added, are still subject to board approval.
The amount would be partly financed via borrowings. “We’re still lining up the financing, but we will definitely borrow,” added Avante.
The amount will mainly be used to finance drilling for geothermal power prospects and other ongoing growth projects, including battery energy storage system (BESS), added Avante.
EDC was earlier granted surface
exploration and drilling rights, also known as the preliminary survey assignments plus exploration (PSPE), for two greenfield geothermal projects in Indonesia. These are the Koto Sani Tanjung Bingkung and Bora Pulu which have an estimated capacity of 40 megawatts f(MW) or each concession area with a combined investment cost of about $228 million per area.
The company also has a concession in Graho Nayabu in Sumatra, Indonesia. It is also committed to continue pre-development activities in its geothermal concessions in Chile and Peru.
It continues to produce 24/7 renewable energy and is currently working to reinforce its steam supply to ensure that it produces even more clean power with the completion of 83MW of new geothermal plants by yearend.
EDC has over 1,464.5MW total installed capacity that accounts for almost 20 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity. Its 1,169.85MW geothermal portfolio comprises 80 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third largest geothermal producer in the world.
Last August, First Gen reported that its net income fell by 10 percent to $150 million in the first half from last year’s $167 million due to lower earnings from its geothermal unit.
The Lopez-led firm said EDC’s geothermal portfolio continued to produce lower recurring net income this year mainly due to the decline of its revenues combined with an increase in operating expenses. However, higher
profits from the natural gas business were able to partially offset the decline from First Gen’s geothermal business.
Consolidated revenues hit $1.28 billion slightly lower from last year’s numbers due to lower volumes of electricity sold across all platforms except for the hydro platform. The natural gas portfolio accounted for 67 percent of First Gen’s total consolidated revenues, while 30 percent came from EDC’s geothermal, wind, and solar plants. The balance comes from the company’s hydro business unit.
The natural gas business unit reported a 26-percent increase in recurring earnings for the first half of 2024 to $115 million from the previous year’s $91 million. The 420 MW San Gabriel Power Plant (San Gabriel), 1,000 MW Santa Rita Power Plant (Santa Rita) and 500MW San Lorenzo Power Plant (San Lorenzo) all delivered higher operating income due to savings in operating expenses, and high spot market prices in the case of San Gabriel.
SMIC gets UN award for transparency and reporting
SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) on Tuesday said it was recognized as one of the leaders in transparency and reporting during the 2024 Philippines Women’s
Empowerment Principles (WEP) Awards of the United Nations. During the announcement of winners late last month, it was highlighted that the transparen-
cy reporting category recognizes champions who value transparency as a critical aspect of the WEPs framework.
“By monitoring and publicly
reporting on their gender equality efforts, these champions allow stakeholders to hold them accountable and track progress,” it said.
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
GRAB Philippines has commenced construction of its Grab Asenso Center in Marikina City, a 1.5-hectare facility aimed at enhancing the skills and opportunities of its driver-, rider-, and merchant-partners, including those from its motorcycle taxi platform, MOVE IT.
Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda said the center will provide programs in onboarding, skills training, road safety assessments, and digital capacity building.
“For over 13 years, Grab has been a platform that drives not just economic activity but meaningful impact,” said Roda. “The Grab Asenso Center will ensure our partners— whether drivers, riders, or merchants—are equipped to succeed in today’s digital-first economy. This facility represents our commitment to uplift communities and empower everyday entrepreneurs to thrive.”
The initiative aligns with Grab’s pledge to create 500,000 livelihood opportunities, serving as a cornerstone for the company’s mission to
uplift lives through technology and innovation.
The center is set to replace the current Grab Partner Center and will feature expanded facilities, including a “state-of-the-art” road safety training area, enhanced onboarding spaces, and dedicated upskilling areas for both Grab and MOVE IT partners.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista lauded the project as “a model of public-private collaboration,” highlighting its role in advancing transportation and creating sustainable livelihoods for transport workers.
“App-based platforms like Grab are key drivers of inclusive growth, bridging technology and opportunity. Initiatives such as the Grab Asenso Center complement our efforts to modernize mobility while creating more dignified and sustainable livelihoods for transport workers. We look forward to seeing its impact on building a safer and more professional transportation network.”
The Grab Asenso Center is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025.
VG Cabuag
The break-the-ceiling mindset
IT’S the first week of December, and most if not all are already contemplating on their New Year’s resolutions and plans. But before you jump into that annual bandwagon, allow me to challenge you to embrace a break-the-ceiling mindset. Remember, doing the same thing and expecting a different result is not going to work. Hence, you need to set your sights on accomplishments that you never considered before, yet would definitely lead you closer to your goals. Here are three tips to get you started.
Break your own record
PLEASE take note that you’re not competing with others. Doing so will only bring either huge unwarranted stress or will simply lead you towards the path of complacency and mediocrity, depending on who you choose to compete with. Instead, endeavor to break your own record as you aspire to become a better version of yourself. If you already managed to reach a certain milestone this year, then aspire to achieve farther milestones for next year. Just go and break your own record every time.
Think out-of-the-box FOR next year, avoid limiting your thinking within the confines of what others already thought of or achieved. You were not created to only reach what others already did, nor were you designed based on what others think you should become. You are unique and have the capacity to stand out
PAYMENTS technology operator Visa Inc. announced its Philippine office entered into an agreement with Thames International School Inc. and the City Government of Baguio to “enhance” the digitalization of micro-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
This 5-year “digital partnership” program aims to help MSMEs in Baguio City “by driving acceptance of digital payment modes, supporting innovation, sharing knowledge, and offering marketing guidance and “Visa Destination Insights” to bolster the tourism sector, a statement issued by the company read.
As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is a key part of the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) alongside Cebu and Iloilo. Since 2017, Baguio has held the Unesco “Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art” title, joining a network of 246 cities globally committed to embedding creativity in sustainable urban development. Beyond its creative contributions, Baguio also boasts a flourishing MSME sector that fuels local growth and innovation.
According to Visa, Baguio as of August last year has 22,121 registered businesses, with 19,874 being microenterprises primarily in wholesale and retail.
“This underscores the significance of small businesses to the local economy and tourism, with MSMEs serving as vital tourism front liners,” the company said.
Driving tourism ACCORDING to Visa, the partnership includes initiatives to support MSME innova-
from the crowd, if you begin to think outside the box. That box constitutes your “comfort zone.” It’s not a healthy place for if you remain inside that box, you will never grow. And that’s why you should begin to think outside that box. It takes vision and courage to step outside the box. But the first step is to think.
Employ the 1% Principle YOU might think that this is a lot to take in. But just like eating the proverbial elephant— you eat it one piece at a time. It’s the same with achieving break-the-ceiling goals, you have to do it one step at a time. In order to effectively carry this out, just endeavor to become 1 percent better each day than you were the day before. That’s right, just 1 percent better each day! By consistently employing this principle, you will hypothetically grow to become 365 percent better after a year. There’s not much pressure into it, right? Just small steps toward the right direction. Develop a break-the-ceiling mindset and you’ll begin to experience positive changes in your career, vocation and life, in general. You got this!
Alexey Rola Cajilig is the president of Arcway Consultancy Inc., executive director of ARC Docendi and senior vice president and chief operations officer of EM-Core Dotnet Inc. Cajilig is also a sales leadership coach, strategic sales operations consultant, Christian motivational speaker, human ecologist and author of “The Effective Seller.” He is also the creator of “ARCH Styles,” a behavioral and personality assessment tool. If you have questions and suggestions, you may send an e-mail to alexey.cajilig@gmail.com.
Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug
Entrepreneur engages AI tech to advance healthcare service
By Dennis Estopace @DennisEstopace
WHAT if you can predict the end of life? Yours, specifically.
Would you seek self-preservation or scramble to sin some more to satiate baser instincts? Would you start showing solicitude to strangers or commence to count down the clock with those you cherish?
Indeed, predicting the future presents a plethora of possibilities. This is one of the options that Advanced Abilities Solution and Management Services Inc. offer in its portfolio of services.
For the company’s president, Angelo Antonio Buendia, knowing the number of days before one’s lungs give up evens out the odds: there’s the possibility it won’t but give you more time to enjoy life.
Buendia knows. He told the BusinessMirror had his 39-year-old brother known earlier in 2016 that he had cancer, the odds could have been better.
He could have had a fighting chance, Buendia said from across the conference room in Advanced Abilities’s Makati office.
Hence, he is offering the opportunity that his brother didn’t have to other Filipinos; to strangers.
“It became an advocacy for me; helping others have a fighting chance against cancer,” Buendia said.
So he turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
Devices with tech
ADVANCED Abilities “aspires to help improve the Philippine healthcare industry with state-of-the-art devices from its ‘smart health solutions’ line” of products. According to a briefer that the medium-sized enterprise provided, these products “leverage AI technology to enable preventive healthcare, early detection and overall patient care.”
Its lineup of products includes a portable and AI-driven x-ray system called “AI Smart Scan,” and a portable device for complete blood count (CBC) testing called “ RevDx.”
The firm also has a point-of-care immunodiagnostic testing system called “Absol,” which allows for rapid
City
screening, e.g. for Covid-19.
The latter, according to Buendia, cuts lag time for immediate treatment to a patient as an illness is detected at a shorter period of time.
Patients with tuberculosis, for example, can be segregated right there and then, he said citing active case findings by Advanced Abilities.
Buendia said the cost is also drastically cut by nearly 70 percent, specifically for x-rays.
As well, because the AI Smart Scan early detection device (EDD) is portable, it doesn’t require installation in a laboratory but in any room. Buendia said the EDD could help people in far-flung areas or those who have to travel far to reach a laboratory, clinic or hospital.
As the Covid-19 pandemic revealed, our health sector couldn’t fully respond to such challenge, Buendia said. “Our hospitals cannot accommodate everyone,” he added.
And with the limited resources our government have, we believe we can address the gap in healthcare services, Buendia said.
Data, detection
THE challenges are not only resource-based, but also on mindset, according to Buendia.
After establishing Advanced Abilities in 2018, he said there was a push-back from medical and health professionals who expressed fears that AI would replace them.
“That’s not true; in fact, technology even makes their job, specifically of radiologists, easier,” Buendia told the BusinessMirror.
According to him, while EDDs are easy to use, a radiologist is still required to check the results of an x-ray; in their case, of the “AI Smart Scan.”
What has changed, according to Buendia, is that results from Advanced Abilities’s EDD is printed on paper or sent via email; discarding the need for film or cellulose acetate.
Likewise, AI technology provides data on the linear development or regression of a lung; broken down in
tion and payment digitalization, enhance data insights, and upskill MSMEs in the digital economy. It aims to facilitate connections with technology providers and banks and ensure financial inclusion, the company added. The program will also develop a data-first tourism strategy, host workshops on data trends, and use “Visa Destination Insights” for policy development. The partnership will also expand its reach through media and official channels, promote digital literacy across sectors, and connect Baguio City stakeholders with global Visa experts. This collaboration will enable peer exchange workshops and innovation study tours, allowing stakeholders to share best practices in building an inclusive, digitally empowered government. This is a significant step towards sup-
porting Baguio City’s tourism sector by enhancing the overall visitor experience and promoting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Small businesses, essential to the local economy, will benefit from digital solutions and the growth of the creative economy, positioning Baguio City to attract more tourists and stimulate local business growth.
“Tourism is a vital part of the Philippine economy, and we are delighted to provide our tools and resources to help drive the growth of the industry. Our partnership enhances the visitor experience, promotes cultural heritage, and empowers MSMEs to boost tourism and local businesses, creating a digitally and financially inclusive ecosystem for all in the Philippines,” Visa Inc. Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam Jeffrey V. Navarro was quoted in the statement as saying.
THE local office of New York City, US-based Endeavor Global Inc. announced that its network of businesses collectively generated $900 million in revenue, created 66,000 jobs and raised $1 billion in capital in 2023 as it celebrates its 10th year since its launch in the Philippines. Endeavor Entrepreneurs Initiative Inc. (Endeavor PHL) said through a statement last Monday its “2024 Impact Report” highlighted the success of the organization’s “Multiplier Effect” program, which “fosters a culture of mentoring and a ‘pay-it-forward’ mindset.”
According to the nonprofit, the program “illustrates how the success of one entrepreneur can inspire and mentor the next generation of founders, uplifting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating a ripple effect that fuels innovation and growth across multiple generations.”
According to Endeavor PHL, it further supports these entrepreneurs through Delaware, USdomiciled Endeavor Catalyst Inc., the organization’s co-investment fund, which manages over $500 million in assets across multiple funds. With a portfolio that includes 57 unicorns—companies
days and weeks, relative to its health or a detected scarring.
The EDD should be seen as a computer-aided detection tool, Buendia said. “It doesn’t replace the human eye of a radiology technician,” he added. However, Buendia said the health sector should also drop the mantra of “IBM,” or “It’s Better Manual,” as technology continues to advance.
“Of course, what is variable in every organization, is that its components are humans,” he told the BusinessMirror. “However, if they cannot adapt technology to their advantage, balewala ang technology.”
Enabling environment
BUENDIA is also pushing for “Responsible AI” use.
This means that government must step up and evolve with technological advancements. He is even keen on state-regulation of AI.
They must set a parameter while engaging with the technology, Buendia said.
“That’s why we need a Filipinocentric body or structure para umabot sa poor ang effect ng technol-
valued at over $1 billion—the fund has made more than 300 investments in over 35 markets worldwide.
“[W]e’re not just supporting individual entrepreneurs; we’re building a chain reaction that reshapes industries and empowers entire communities,” Endeavor PHL Managing Director Manuel I. Ayala was quoted in the statement as saying. “Each founder we back is a catalyst for innovation and opportunity, multiplying their success by mentoring, investing, and paving the way for others.”
Foundational pillars
ACCORDING to Endeavor PHL, it currently supports 46 entrepreneurs across 33 companies in di-
ogy,” he explained. “Technology should be seen and used to make the lives of people easier and better.”
Buendia said the regulation on AI should be formed around security and not hamper, but encourage, innovation.
He added that these regulations should be crafted as soon as possible as he noted that the Philippines needs to catch up with its neighbors who are now into cryptocurrencies and other practical mass use of technology.
Buendia also noted that government should also see the value of the data it acquired and continues to acquire through the digitalization of services. He pointed to the data held by the local government units (LGUs) of Makati and Manila after requiring their respective citizens to submit health and medical information.
He said the data these LGUs hold can be used to forecast the spread of diseases or virus and how to allocate resources for such events. This set of information, he added, is valuable as there’s a need to shift from the curative approach to the preventive approach in the medical sector.
With the help of technology, Buendia said, public cost for hospitalization could go down.
Likewise, he added that an individual who is given a forecast by an AI-driven device of his or her current and future health status could prepare or change lifestyle. Indeed, there’s that course the AI offers: instead of the end of life, it could be the start of a healthy one.
verse industries such as financial technology or fintech, eCommerce and logistics.
“Entrepreneurs selected to join Endeavor’s network undergo a rigorous process and must demonstrate potential for regional or global impact,” the group said adding that the membership “grants them access to a global community of mentors, investors and peers.”
“Together, they exemplify the power of the ‘Multiplier Effect,’ mentoring and inspiring the next generation of founders to drive sustainable growth,” it added.
“In the coming decade, we foresee a period of accelerated growth anchored in three foundational pillars. Filipino founders will be at the forefront of addressing global challenges, pioneering advancements in fintech, retail, and F&B [food and beverages], and positioning the Philippines as a global hub for breakthrough innovation,” said Ayala, who also founded technology incubator Hatchd Inc.
“We aim to foster a deeply rooted pay-it-forward culture within our entrepreneurial community—where each success story sparks another, creating a lasting cycle of growth and
for
Buendia
This november 22, 2024, photo shows (left) Visa inc. Country Manager for the philippines and Guam Jeffrey V. navarro and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong after signing a Memorandum of agreement for a 5-year digital partnership that would enhance the digitalization of MsMes in Baguio. CREDIT: vIsA InC
BSP orders Apple Pay, Google Pay to register before operating in PH
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will require Apple Pay and Google Pay to register before being allowed to operate in the country.
BSP Payments and Currency Management Sector Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan told reporters recently that Apple Pay and Google Pay are considered operators of payment systems (OPS).
While Apple Inc. and Google LLC are not required to secure a license to operate in the Philippines, Tangonan said they must first register with the BSP.
“They’re exploring and then we
BSP may give rural bank digital license next
ARURAL bank that is partly owned by a foreign firm and a European digital bank could be among those that could be granted digital banking licenses next year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
BSP Financial Supervision Sector Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier recently told reporters, however, that these institutions have not yet applied but were among those that have a digital bank-like operation or have expressed keen interest.
The BSP recently opened four more digital banking license slots and applicants may start submitting their requirements starting January 1, 2025. The central bank may also include existing banks who are operating like digital banks in the list of banks to evaluate.
“Right now, wala pa talaga [there’s still no applications]. We’ll see once the applications start coming in and our assessment of the existing ones doing a digital bank-like operation,” Fonacier said.
“So far, (there’s) a big rural bank …partly owned by a foreign investor. There’s (also) one [that has a] good track record; European [and really a] digital bank. You’ll soon find out,” she added.
Fonacier said the approval time for these digital banks follow the rules of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) which involve “very clear timelines” that go through phases. Should there be deficiencies, Fonacier said, the BSP would have to return the applications and not
year
grant the licenses. However, there is no hard and fast rule in terms of the number of additional digital banking slots.
She said the BSP may not grant all four slots opened for digital bank operators due to stringent requirements. However, should there be more banks to qualify, the Monetary Board can still opt to open additional slots.
“That’s not to say we’re not stringent on the incumbents but this time around, since they allowed four more, there’s a possibility di maubos yung four, but depends,” Fonacier said.
Earlier, BSP Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision Department (TRISD) Senior Director Melchor T. Plabasan told reporters that the central bank is evaluating new applicants, including foreign entities.
Plabasan said the BSP is also evaluating existing rural or thrift banks who operate as digital banks but have no license to be considered digital banks. He added that the central bank has received queries about certain legal and regulatory requirements for digital banks.
While existing banks may want to convert their licenses, Plabasan said, they have to meet prudential requirements for digital banks, including having a P1 billion capital. He added that there are also additional requirements for existing banks should they want to convert their license to a digital banking license. Cai U. Ordinario
had a discussion on their activities. And then it was clear to us that they are—when you touch the payment system, you are an operator of payment systems,” Tangonan said.
“So because of that, we deem them as operator of payment systems. Therefore, they need to register. [That’s our] guidance [to them],” he added.
Tangonan said it will take Apple and Google a month to complete the registration of their payment platforms. After which, they can already start providing their services, he added.
Under the National Payment Systems Act (NPSA), an OPS is any person who provides clearing or settle-
ment services in a payment system, or defines, prescribes, designs, controls or maintains the operational framework for the system.
The OPS maintains the platform that enables payments or fund transfers, regardless of whether the source and destination of accounts are maintained within the same or different institutions.
It also operates the systems or network that enables payments or fund transfers to be made through the use of payment instrument as well as provides a system that processes payments on behalf of any person or the government and perform such other similar activities, as may be determined by the Monetary Board.
CIMB Bank deposits up on high interest earning
HIGHER interest earnings for savings accounts have led CIMB Bank Philippines Inc. to attract billions in deposits.
In a briefing last Tuesday, CIMB Bank PH CEO Vijay Manoharan said their deposits shot up to P4 billion just a month after the bank launched a 25-percent per annum interest on savings accounts.
Manoharan said the bank is proud of this achievement given that when the bank first arrived in the country, they started providing interest rates of 2 to 2.5 percent, which was already unheard of in 2018.
“The market has changed and we have helped move the market to this direction,” Manoharan said.
For next year, Manoharan said, CIMB will focus on new customer segments, particularly overseas Filipinos; micro-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises; and, the mass affluent market.
The CIMB also intends to introduce innovations such as cashless QR payments; insurance offerings; and secured lending options for their clients.
“This tells us consumers are looking for value, obviously. But it also tells us that consumers have trust and confidence in CIMB.”
Manoharan said six years ago, the market was very skeptical of the high interest rates CIMB offered, which was at 2 to 2.5 percent in 2018. This latest development, he said, is a “pinch me moment” for him and the CIMB team in the Philippines.
“Our intention then and will always be to provide everyone with value and give something and make an impact,” he also said.
Clergy calls people participation in reforms
MAYBE not for the first time but, certainly, in a somewhat dramatic way, the Filipino clergy banded under the “Clergy for Good Governance” (CGG) last Friday, amidst the socio-political climate bedeviling the nation.
Initially, the CGG is supported by 12 bishops and 211 priests nationwide (among the 7,000 Filipino ordained priests). It is expected that many of the over-1,000 priest-signatories of the Clergy for Moral Concerns (CMC) would likely join CGG. It is a potent force for good.
The bank will also forge new partnerships on digital remittance; share trading; and merchant rewards.
Earlier, the lender unveiled its latest financial offer designed specifically for overseas Filipinos. Called “CIMB Kababayan,” it is a “landmark offering” that gives overseas Filipinos access to the banking experience they truly deserve, according to the lender.
For the first time, overseas Filipinos can open a CIMB savings account on the CIMB mobile app in less than 10 minutes and enjoy high interest rates up to 15 percent with no minimum maintaining balance requirement, pay bills, and enjoy free Instapay transfers.
Transferring funds from overseas will also be made more seamless upon the launch of the CIMB PH remittance service. Cai U. Ordinario
Hopes pile ‘Green Lane’ option to lure more investors
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
@joveemarie & Andrea E. San Juan
TRADE officials and lawmakers are pinning their hopes that House Bill (HB) 8039, or the Green Lane for Strategic Investments Act, unanimously approved by a Congressional committee, would fly and bolster the country’s attractiveness to investors.
House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said this initiative seeks to enhance the country’s ease of doing business, attract more foreign investors and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
For his part, Bukidnon Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, principal author of the bill, said the legislation will speed up the realization of the object of promoting ease of doing business and attracting more foreign investments to the Philippines. The bill defines strategic investments as projects aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or similar national development frameworks and can be characterized by significant capital or investment in
the country, consequential economic impact, positive impact on the environment, significant contribution to the country’s balance of payments, complex technical processes and engineering designs, and improvement in the country’s infrastructure capabilities.
Under HB 8039, all relevant national government agencies (NGAs), regional and provincial offices, local government units (LGUs), and quasijudicial bodies will be required to establish or designate a Green Lane within their offices. This lane will be responsible for expediting the processing and issuance of permits and licenses for strategic investments endorsed by the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI).
Business easing
THE bill said the concerned national government agencies, including their regional and provincial officers when applicable, LGUs and quasi-judicial bodies shall establish or designate, whichever applicable, a green lane within their offices in charge of expediting and streamlining the processes and requirements for the
issuance of permits and licenses of strategic investments endorsed by the OSAC-SI.
It will work in tandem with frameworks established under existing laws such as Republic Act (RA) 11534 (Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act), RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business law) and RA 11032 (Efficient Government Service Delivery Act).
By providing a fast-track process for strategic investments, the bill aims to attract high-value projects that will boost the country’s economic performance, enhance infrastructure, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Once enacted, lawmakers said the Green Lane for Strategic Investments law is expected to position the Philippines as a more attractive destination for foreign investors, aligning with the government’s vision of fostering a business-friendly and investmentready environment.
THE Board of Investments (BOI) believes so, underscoring that the measure will help iron out the process of investment assistance in the country.
“The formal codification of Executive Order 18 into law will establish a framework aimed at ensuring that highly desirable projects can be effectively implemented without delay,” BOI Investment Assistance Service Director Ernesto C. Delos Reyes Jr. said. Delos Reyes emphasized that this legislative action will “enhance and transform the process of investment assistance, making it more responsive to current needs and opportunities.”
After moving past the Committee on Ways and Means, the bill will now head to the Plenary at the Lower House. It will then be brought to the Senate afterwards.
As of November 30,2024, Delos Reyes said the BOI One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments has certified 167 projects worth P4.457 trillion under the Green Lane.
Of the 167 projects, there are 136 renewable energy projects worth P4.06 trillion, six digital infrastructure projects worth P346.33 billion, 22 food security projects worth P13.95 billion and three manufacturing projects worth P32.55 billion.
There is a 15-man Coordinating Council: three from Mindanao; two from Bicol; two from Central Luzon; and, five from the National Capital Region. The Council will organize priests for the implementation of the seven calls for action, As “priests of Jesus” and as stewards of the church for the people of God, they vowed to “stand for what is true, right and for the common good impelled by the love of Christ” (2Cor: 5:14).
The CGG will soon establish “formation modules” in the country’s 85 archdioceses to promote the new gospel of good governance among adults and children.
The actionable goals of the CGG are: (1) to promote good governance for social transformation; (2) to advocate for electoral reform including a hybrid election process and Party-List reform; (3) to expose and oppose political dynasty dominance; (4) to combat systemic corruption and address massive disinformation; (5) to uphold, protect, and respect human rights; (6) to protect our common home by working for ecological integrity; and, (7) to advance national sovereignty by addressing foreign debt and the threats of war.
Salient data
MSGR. Melchor D. David said that Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia agrees on a hybrid (rather than a fully automated) electoral system. However, such needs an enabling law before the 2025 polls.
It may be recalled that there appeared to be a computer glitz in the 2019 polls that (favored some candidates) and the 2022 poll mystery of the private IP system that transmitted poll results not using the standard platforms. On the other hand, party lists have been notoriously known to be fronting for financially and politically established families.
Meantime, political dynasties— from the presidency down to the barangay levels—have notoriously ruled “Inang Pilipinas” for decades, a study by the Ateneo University said. Mentioned as hubs of intense dynastic rule are Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur, Davao, and Pampanga, among others.
Corruption—from top to bottom—is also now on its all-time bad, eventually threatening our democracy. The group called for the prosecution of the corrupt to the very end and establish the rule of law in curbing pervasive corruption.
The Duterte legacy of killings and violence resulted in an estimated 30,000 deaths, David said. He added that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also recorded 821 such deaths year-to-date.
Rev. Fr. Pablito C. Malibiran, meanwhile, said that we need to protect the environment and all the creatures and plants therein as “they are God’s gifts to mankind.” Fr. Christian B. Buenafe highlighted
national sovereignty issues occurring at the West Philippine Seas involving Filipino rights that have been repeatedly violated. He warned against the P16trillion debt trap; a happenstance that had victimized many Third World debtridden countries. The priest pleaded for the repeal of the 1995 Mining Act that favors foreign investors and the evils of Charter change, which surrenders rights of land ownership to foreigners. Cleansing of ranks T H E CGG was very vocal about establishing its own solid moral ground when seeking reforms since some clergy (priests and bishops) have been reportedly unduly influenced and controlled by the financial and political giants in their communities, the group noted. They cited some who are not above “giving their silent consent” on rapacious moves of community leaders in exchange for as much as P20 million to build them a church of their own. This results in them protecting private interests that they have become beholden to through quid-pro-quo “ayuda.”
There are talks of these clergymen shamelessly receiving luxury houses, flashy cars, and secret bank accounts, and participating in foreign junkets given by these powerful people- disabling them from preaching the gospel in the right context. A patriot-woman from Cebu (CF), chiming on the topic, could not contain herself in slamming the hypocrisy of some clergy there. Some have been “gifted with beach houses, Rolex watches and BMWs,” she said. As if they are in a contest as to who owns more.
There is an “Attorney Father” who flaunts his real estate side hustle. Some of them may not have the vow of poverty but certainly, they have to appear like servants of the people, not part of the bejeweled local Mafiosi. As shepherds of the people, they should “smell like sheep” and not reek of Bulgari and Boss perfumes.
Call to the people
NOW that the CGG has taken on the robe of a real shepherd and vows like David to slay the Goliaths in our midst, our faithful believers who trust in Christ’s solidarity with the poor- are most welcome to have their warm bodies counted and attend the “formation modules” that would soon come into your respective dioceses. The wholesale corruption and inefficiency in governance are too much. We owe it to ourselves and especially our children—to clean the shop—and at least ensure a better future for them than the kind we have today. Let our
Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco iii
IT’S on Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe’s lower left cheek, on supermodel Cindy Crawford’s left upper lip, and on the outer left eye of Filipino actor Piolo Pascual. “It” is a mole, or beauty mark, that noticeable spot on your face that enhances your attractiveness and makes you uniquely you. Sometimes, though, a “mole” can be a symptom of a serious health concern. “Most moles, dark spots, and skin growths are harmless,” says Donna Marie L. Sarrosa, MD of the Dermatology and Phototherapy Center of top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net. ph). “Unfortunately, some growths tend to be mistaken for moles when they’re actually melanoma, a form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, or the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color.”
Can Filipinos get skin cancer? While skin cancer is associated with Caucasians, given that they produce less melanin, Asians aren’t exempt from developing the disease. “According to data from the Philippine Dermatological Society, about 2,700 Filipinos were diagnosed with skin cancer between the years 2011 and 2021—2,102 had basal cell skin cancer and 614 had squamous cell skin cancer,” Sarrosa points out.
As for melanoma, new and unusual growths can appear anywhere on the body, including your eyes and internal organs. “Inspect often-missed areas. Darker-skinned folks like Filipinos can get them on their back, nails, or soles of their feet,” advises Sarrosa. “About 30 percent of melanomas start off as moles, so it’s important to keep track of growths that didn’t use to be there or that change over time.”
Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is said to be the cause of skin cancer, but the likelihood of you getting it increases too if you have a family history of skin cancer, many moles, and a weak immune system.
THE ABCDEs OF MELANOMA
SO, how do you know it’s melanoma—or just a plain old mole? “When assessing a suspicious growth, remember ABCDE, an acronym by the American Academy of Dermatology,” says Sarrosa.
“Look for asymmetry, or if one half of the growth doesn’t match the other half. Check out the border or the edges of the growth; a melanoma is not smooth. A melanoma’s color comes in uneven shades of brown, black, gray, red, or white. Furthermore, its diameter is bigger than a pencil eraser. Melanomas are also evolving, meaning they change in size, shape, and color from the first time you noticed them.”
Melanomas are diagnosed with dermoscopy or total body mapping to check lesions on the skin. If found to be malignant, your doctor will request imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to gauge the stage of the skin cancer.
The results of these tests determine the most appropriate approach to treatment. “Like other types of cancer, melanoma’s treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy [oral medication that specifically attacks cancer cells], and immunotherapy [a treatment that strengthens your immune system to fight cancer cells],” explains Sarrosa.
Observing healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing melanomas. “Keep away from the sun, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV rays are at their harshest,” says Sarrosa. “Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply if you’re swimming or sweating a lot outdoors. Wear hats, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.”
Early detection can also curb skin cancer’s growth and spreading. “If spotted early enough, melanomas have a 99 percent cure rate,” Sarrosa assures, “so it pays to check yourself regularly for any new and unusual growths, and to advise your family physician about suspicious ‘moles.’”
Workplaces today are hyper-connected. So much so that the line between work and personal life is increasingly becoming blurred. With digital notifications, remote work tools, and 24/7 access to email, employees are constantly connected, making it easier for work to seep into personal time. This always-on culture has significant effects, including burnout, decreased productivity, and
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Can beauty truly be sustainable? The Body Shop thinks so
BY PAULINE JOY M. GUTIERREZ
WITH the high-production season of the holidays upon us, can beauty truly be sustainable? The Body Shop answers with a resounding “yes.”
The British beauty brand, founded by human rights and environmental activist Dame Anita Roddick, reinforces its commitment to “changemaking beauty” by offering products that align with the values of a more mindful marketplace.
“We believe that business can drive positive change in the world. When Anita threw open the doors of The Body Shop, this was her belief. The products we create, the campaigns we run, and the communities we support all drive purpose. We’re changemakers, and we always have been,” a representative from the brand shared in an interview with BUSINESSMIRROR
CRUELTY-FREE
PHILOSOPHY AT THE CORE
SINCE its founding, The Body Shop has been a pioneer in creating cruelty-free products and advocating for a global ban on animal testing in cosmetics.
“Our products undergo extensive testing to ensure they’re safe and effective. We use three main testing methods involving computer data and laboratorycreated tissues,” the representative explained.
One of the key methods used by The Body Shop is in-silico (computer-based) analysis, which uses existing data to predict the safety of new ingredients without the need for animal testing.
The brand also utilizes laboratory-produced skin, grown from human cells, to conduct safety tests that closely mimic real-life reactions, ensuring no harm to animals or people. This method allows for a detailed analysis of how products interact with skin at a cellular level.
Once a product is deemed safe for production, patch testing is conducted as a final step before it reaches consumers. Additionally, the brand also carries out controlled user trials, with volunteers testing the products under the supervision of medical experts to assess both skin compatibility and cosmetic performance.
The Body Shop collaborates with third-party organizations, such as the Vegan Society and CrueltyFree International, to validate their vegan and crueltyfree claims.
FIGHTING ‘GREENWASHING’ WITH TRANSPARENCY
The beauty industry produces an estimated 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which is non-recyclable, raising environmental concerns worldwide. As conscious consumerism grows, so does skepticism toward corporate sustainability claims. In response to the rise of “greenwashing,” The Body Shop ensures transparency across all areas of its business.
“We address greenwashing concerns by maintaining a clear, accountable approach through certifications, ingredient traceability, and transparent supply chains,” the representative shared. “We use recycled and recyclable packaging materials, and our sustainability efforts are shared openly in our reports and on labels on our packaging.”
Additionally, The Body Shop runs a Community Fair Trade program that promotes sourcing transparency, allowing customers to see where ingredients come from and how they impact local communities. This initiative also supports farmers, artisans and communities in developing countries by paying fair prices to local suppliers, providing them access to international markets, and investing in social and environmental projects that benefit their communities.
MINDFUL GIFTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
THE Body Shop’s holiday collection reflects its dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Here are some products that BUSINESSMIRRO� had the opportunity to try and recommends for gift-giving this season:
■ Shea Body Butter—Crafted with 97 percent natural ingredients, including Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana and organic babassu oil from Brazil, this body butter is a nourishing treat for the
skin. It comes in recyclable packaging, featuring an aluminum lid and a tub made from Community Fair Trade recycled plastic sourced from India.
■ Edelweiss Prep Essence—Certified by The Vegan Society, this essence is enriched with Community Fair Trade moringa seed oil from Rwanda, providing sustainable income to local farmers. Packaged in a recycled glass bottle with a recyclable plastic cap, this product is a thoughtful addition to any skincare routine, with the added benefit of being fully recyclable once finished.
■ Peptalk Refillable Lipstick—The Body Shop’s Peptalk line is designed for inclusivity and has been tested across various skin tones and types to ensure it suits everyone. The packaging is refillable, with instructions to recycle where local stores allow.
■ Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask—This 100 percent vegan face mask is inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, blending bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves, and organic tea tree oil to help purify and brighten the skin. It is also free from parabens, paraffin, silicones, and mineral oil.
■ Arber Eau de Toilette—For a distinctive fragrance, Arber Eau de Toilette features fresh citrus top notes, a heart of coriander and mint, and an earthy, woody base of sandalwood. This fragrance offers a timeless, gender-neutral scent, making it ideal for gifting. ■
culture where stepping away from screens is viewed as a productive and necessary choice. Celebrating and rewarding boundary-setting reinforces the importance of digital balance in the organization’s culture. Leaders can highlight stories of employees who successfully set boundaries and take digital breaks, inspiring others to follow suit. Offering small incentives for
PHOTO BY FINDE ZUKUNFT ON UNSPLASH
Cayetano calls for stronger action vs rising stunting rate in Pinoy children
SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano recently called on the government to reassess its programs and consider new approaches to tackle the rising rate of stunting among Filipino children, stressing the importance of early intervention in securing the nation’s future.
“This is a discussion with the whole of government. The DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) plays a significant role, but I’d like to ask if we can try something in 2025 to really lower the numbers,” Cayetano said during the deliberation on November 19, 2024 of
the proposed 2025 budget for DSWD.
Citing alarming data that one-third of preschool-aged Filipino children are at risk of stunting, Cayetano drew attention to the long-term consequences of malnutrition such as developmental delays, chronic illnesses, and limited economic opportunities in adulthood.
He said despite the increased funding for feeding programs and health initiatives, the impact in reducing stunting remains minimal.
“In the past few weeks we’d looked at all departments. Sa lahat ng usapan na ‘yan you are basically talking about twothird of our future population, because if stunted ang one-third [of children], hindi rin nila mapapakinabangan ‘yan (government programs),” he added.
Cayetano urged the DSWD to reassess existing programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and explore how it could better monitor and support families with malnourished or at-risk children.
He also called for the agency to identify underfunded programs or pilot new initiatives in the areas most affected by stunting.
“Is there any other program which
is there but is underfunded that the DSWD can focus on or launch to prevent stunting?” he said.
In his interpellation, Senator Cayetano also raised concerns about other vulnerable groups such as orphans and the elderly. He proposed a model similar to 4Ps where funding is tied to measurable outcomes like nutritional improvement for orphans.
For the elderly, Cayetano called for “true no-billing” services under PhilHealth to reduce the burden on the DSWD, allowing the agency to focus resources on better food and accommodations for elderly residents in care homes.
The senator also called on agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) to collaborate with the DSWD in crafting more targeted and effective policies.
“We all agree that prevention is better than cure. Marami sa stunted, sila rin ang future PWDs. The more that we take care of the stunting now, the less we have to spend on the interventions later on.” he said.
Mondelēz International receives Triple P Award For Excellence in Environmental Sustainability
MONDELĒZ International in the Philippines has been awarded the prestigious IABC Triple P Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability in the Food Manufacturing Category. This recognition highlights the snacks company’s dedication to driving practices that prioritize Sustainable Snacking: covering carbon emissions reduction, plastic waste management and community engagement.
Known for beloved snack brands like Oreo, Toblerone, Tang, Eden Cheese and Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mondelēz International is guided by its vision of empowering people to snack right, by offering the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way. This is reflected in its Sustainable Snacking strategy, which places emphasis on resource efficiency, waste management innovations, and supporting the circular economy of plastics.
Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was Jasser Morales, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Lead for the Philippines. “As the global leader in snacking, we understand our unique responsibility in leading by example in environmental stewardship,” Morales said. “Our progress in sustainability reflects a commitment that goes beyond compliance. We are taking bold steps to ensure that snacking goes hand in hand with the environment and community.”
The organization’s achievements at its 61-year-old Sucat manufacturing plant underscore the tangible outcomes of its sustainability efforts. The company has successfully implemented 100 percent renewable energy sourcing in its plant, by utilizing hydropower, solar panels, and biomass boilers, all of which have also drastically cut down carbon emissions by 96 percent since 2018. Additionally, the Philippine site also achieved 19 percent reduction in water consumption and 50 percent reduction in food waste, respectively, as it maintained certifications for Zero Waste to Landfill and Zero Water Discharge, further distinguishing it as a top-performing facility among Mondelēz International sites in Asia.
“Our efforts, especially at the Sucat plant, have been transformative. We continue to achieve milestones in reducing our emissions and resource consumption, demonstrating our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint while continuing to champion mindful and sustainable snacking,” Morales explained.
Moreover, Mondelēz International has also recently concluded its flagship sustainability program called “Trash Right.” The initiative, facilitated in partnership with Plastic Flamingo and Save Philippine Seas, was designed to engage school communities in plastic waste awareness, and collection and
RADENTA Technologies and Shape Robotics captivated audiences with their vision for the future of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education at the recent Bett Asia 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their joint showcase highlighted a commitment to revolutionize classrooms through advanced robotics and mobile learning labs, cementing their place as frontrunners in the EdTec sector.
Bett Asia, Southeast Asia’s leading EdTech expo, brought together more than 2,000 educators, government officials and industry leaders. The event served as a global forum for innovation in educational technology. Radenta and Shape Robotics seized this opportunity to introduce solutions that elevate problem-based learning (PBL) through immersive simulations and hands-on experiences. The companies’ standout display illustrated how their products bridge the gap between traditional learning and future-ready skills, equipping students to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
At the forefront of the showcase was Shape Robotics’ Fable Robot, a modular, easy-to-use STEAM robotics bundle that fosters interactive learning. The Fable system’s intuitive magnetic design allows students to quickly assemble and customize robots for a variety of educational purposes, from stimulating ecological processes to exploring industrial mechanics. With compatibility across all academic levels. Fable is designed to grow with students’ skills supporting both
Blocky and Python programming languages. Fable not only stands alone as a powerful educational took but also integrates seamlessly with Shape Robotics’ comprehensive Thinken Mobile STEAM Lab. Thinken Mobile STEAM Lab offers a full spectrum of learning possibilities, blending interactive displays, VR /AR headsets, laptops, and ergonomic design into one mobile cart. Adjustablel for any student age, the lab provides teachers with the flexibility to conduct sessions indoors or outdoors, creating a learning environment that adapts to the needs of every classroom. Thinken’s video conferencing features also connect classrooms across geographies, making it ideal for collaborative projects and bringing real-world applications to students in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Teodor Petkov, VP of Worldwide Sales for Shape Robotics, shared, “The response we received at Bett Asia was incredibly rewarding. Partnering with Radenta has allowed us to show educators how our products can make learning both accessible and transformative. Together, we’re pioneering a new approach to STEAM education in Asia and the enthusiasm from attendees validated our mission to make technology-driven learning an everyday reality for students.” Radenta Technologies is one of the country’s leading solutions integrators. To know more about Shape Robotics, call Radenta at 0998-981-6302, email info@ radenta.com or visit www.radenta.com.
segregation activities. As of October 2024, the campaign has already collected almost 10 metric tons of plastic waste from twenty-seven public elementary schools in Parañaque City, where its operations are present.
Caitlin Punzalan, the Corporate and Government Affairs Lead of Mondelēz International, emphasized the program’s importance in reinforcing the company’s sustainability goals. “We believe that sustainability is a shared responsibility. The Trash Right Program aims not only to collect plastic waste but also foster environmental awareness within the communities involved.”
“Through these efforts, we aim to engage the youth in sustainability,” Punzalan shared. “By equipping the youth with knowledge and practices to help address marine pollution, we are supporting the future stewards of the environment.”
As Mondelēz International continues to take significant strides toward more efficient, eco-friendly processes and practices, this award is a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship and its role in leading the future of snacking. Through its holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to sustainability such as the Trash Right Program, the company remains dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the environment and the communities it serves.
THIS December, embrace the magical spirit of the holidays with Enchanted Kingdom’s Christmas shows.
EK is set to showcase our homegrown talents through the play A Very Timeless Christmas featuring Eldar the Wizard, Princess Victoria, Princess Madeline, and SMS. Victoria’s Way and The Kingsmen, together with SMS, will serenade guests with Christmas Songs at EK’s bandstand. Also, watch out for the Christmastime Parade and enchanting live carols every weekend this December!
Christmas is made even more merry here at EK! Give in to your holiday cravings at EK’s Food Fiesta Bazaar located at the Eldar’s Village. Enjoy an array of Filipino and Korean street foods, fresh fruits, juices, hot meals, and delectable snacks.
Stay tuned for our upcoming holiday food offerings this December! EK is working our magic in creating a delightful selection of seasonal treats to make your EK adventure extra special. Eldar the Wizard continues to bring
enchantment in the sky with the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show on all Saturdays of 2024. This special display of lights gives a spectacular twist to one of EK’s traditions, the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Show, which will still illuminate the night sky during all of the Park’s open days except Saturdays. And lastly, don’t forget to feel the magic of love with your family and loved ones at EK’s 4D motion stimulator Rialto - with its new featured film Happy Family: Next Level.
So save the date for your next EK getaway as we open six days a week starting December 3 to 15. We will also be open every day starting December 16 until the first week of January. For more information about this celebration, available promotional offerings and more of EK’s timeless magic, visit our Press Room at https://www. enchantedkingdom.ph/ek-press-room/ and EK’s official social media accounts @ enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.
BETT Asia 2024 attendee at Radenta, Shape Robotics booth in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
EK gifts Filipinos with Timeless Magic of Christmas
A real deal in sustainable living
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
Una apartments, boutique developer arthaland’s first multi-certified mid-market residential development in Biñan, Laguna, is going to provide a need in the demand for quality homes in the mid market segment.
The fundamentals for the residential market are still very stable. In fact, the backlog is still present . So, the fundamentals are very strong….It is geographic in nature and not across the board,” said Christopher Narciso, Arthaland executive vice president during the topping-off ceremony of Una 1 Tower Apartments.
Oliver Chan, Arthaland senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, told reporters in a press briefing Una Apartments offers buyers a multi-certified sustainable condominium within reach, representing Arthaland’s goal to bring its brand of unique, best-in-class properties to a much broader market.
“Access to world-class, sustainable products should be for everyone and should not be limited to the luxury and upscale market segments. In executing our plans to enter the mid-market segment, we ensure that we maintain our leadership presence and that we design our product offerings with the same quality and sustainability standards for which Arthaland is known for,” said Jaime C. González, Arthaland vice chairman and president in his online remarks.
Narciso said the structural topping-off of Tower 1 signifies the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, value-for-money sustainable homes to our clients on schedule. As earlier promised, Una Apartments Tower 1 will be completely built and ready for turnover by the fourth quarter of 2026.
“We are proud to announce that
STower 1 was sold out within the first 10 months indicating very strong demand from the mid-market segment. I am sure all those who have invested in Una Apartments will be delighted to learn about this major construction milestone and can already foresee themselves living One Step Above in the near future,” explained Narciso.
Chan said living in Laguna is a really, really nice area for famiies to start off, whether it’s their first investment or the startup founder. At the same time, Chan said Una apartments will also provide advantages compared with other developments, such as the sustainability department.
Narciso said Arthaland is creating a separate demand from the normal demand that others are talking about, because the company is the only one in the market providing sustainable features.
Chan said Arthaland seeks to attract other market segments such as the students, retirees and the workers within the Laguna industrial area.
Amenities
U
NA A partments offers Studio and One-bedroom units that are more spacious with its high floor-toceiling height of 2.6 meters. Units are equipped with energy-efficient air conditioning systems, energyefficient lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures, which offer residents water and energy savings by as much as 20 percent. Each has operable windows that provide natural ventilation and optimize
natural daylight, and all units are airtight to prevent sound and odor transfer between walls. The Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) assures good indoor air quality with commercial-grade MERV filters and the presence of a Carbon Monoxide Monitor. The floors are made with Stone Polymer Composite (SPC), the latest innovative material in the flooring industry. With SPC Flooring, floors are more durable, water and scratch-resistant, and easier to clean. And you also get a fantastic view of this sustainable community made up of 60 percent green and open spaces as all units have their own balcony.
As with other Arthaland developments, Una Apartments will have its own Potager Garden where residents can access healthy and organic produce.
“With the success of Tower 1, we have started selling Tower 2 which is also experiencing very strong demand. Interested buyers should check out the government’s BALAI BERDE program to avail themselves of low-interest loans specifically for green-certified projects like Una Apartments.
“You may loan up to 90 percent of the appraised value not exceeding P6 million with a low fixed interest rate [as low as 3.0 percent] for as long as a 30-year loan term,” said Chan.
Una Apartments is part of the 8.1-hectare master-planned community of Sevina Park. Sevina Park
Blasco were also on hand to lead the groundbreaking. Designed to harmonize adven
ture and tranquility in one breath
cation
holds the distinction of being the first and only development in Southeast Asia to achieve Platinum certification under the LEED for Neighborhood Development and LEED for Homes categories and the very first to receive the BERDE Districts 5-Star rating.
Una Apartments Tower 1 is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026. It is on-track to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the US Green Building Council, WELL™ (WELL Building Standard), EDGE® (Excellence in
development in the country.
Bayudang-Valdez tandem captures doubles gold medal
By Aldrin Quinto
four-point deficit and score a 21-14, 21-12 victory over Maria Francesca Denise Almazan and Harlene Claire Herbabuena in the women’s doubles badminton final Tuesday in the 11th Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games at the Edward Hagedorn Coliseum. Almazan and Herbabuena looked set to force a third game as they led 7-3 in the second but Bayudang and Valdez turned things around after a short chat, fought to take a 10-9 advantage and never looked back.
“ We just reminded each other we can’t fall behind by a lot and we needed to change tactics,” Bayudang, a 16-yearold 10th grader, said. “We noticed how they would react when I’m the one smashing, and we just had to find a way to make it work for us.”
Valdez and Bayudang earned gold in their first international stint, finishing the match in 31 minutes.
At the Ramon Mitra Sports Complex, Milchay Moreno was emotional after ending a long run of futility with victory in the girls’ 400 meters.
Moreno clocked one minute and .41 seconds to bag the gold as Malaysia’s
Shakira Natasha finished in 1:02.44 for silver and Crislyn Wenceslao of the Philippines bagged the bronze in 1:02.77. Moreno, now 17 and dreaming of making it to the big city universities, ended a streak of heartbreaking near-podium finishes in the Batang Pinoy and other national events, and is hoping this gold in the BIMP-EAGA meet would be the key to her reaching the major collegiate leagues.
“It’s my dream to make it to a university,” Moreno said as tears flowed down her cheeks.
Kenn Lucero of the Philippines clinched the men’s long jump gold with a 6.77-m leap, with Malaysia’s Adder Efandi a close second at 6.72m and Brian Dy of the Philippines third in 6.61m.
The centerpiece 100-m sprints, however, were ruled by foreign bets.
Indonesia’s Arriel Haruddin Muhammad clocked 10.89 seconds in winning the men’s side, with Malaysia’s Ameer Izzudin Abdul Rauf taking the silver in 11.03 seconds and Jully Jan Molines of the Philippines salvaging the bronze in 11.18.
M alaysia’s Rizkah Abdullah edged out the Philippines’ Jean Hazel Guibane in the women’s century dash, crossing the finish line at 12.84 seconds to win by two hundredths of a second. Indonesia’s Sukarmang N Narintan was third in 12.89.
Ibwine Idres of Malaysia topped the 400-m run in 50.61 followed by compatriot Muhammad Darus in 51.34 and Jan Gilbert
LBJ on missing shots: Just work, that’s
MNierva soars Jen Nierva celebrates a point in Cherry Tigo’s 25-12, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22 victory over PLDT
Bayang of the Philippines in 52.09.
In the pool, Quendy Fernandez earned three gold medals, topping the 100-meter backstroke in 1:07.21 and helping the Philippines win the 4x50-meter freestyle and medley relays. Fernandez has won four, including her win in the 50-m backstroke.
Fernandez led off the medley relay team featuring Nastassja Kalia Austria Maglia Jaye Dignadice and Aniyah Austria, the quartet winning in 2:06.68.
Dignadice was the leadoff swimmer in the freestyle relay and was joined by June Pearl Dagano and Franchesca Jimenez, with Fernandez as anchor in a gold medal-winning time of 1:55.76.
Petecio inspires youngsters in Siklab Sports Awards
Mikhaela Malixi of golf and Alexander Gabriel de los Reyes of wushu. Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo and table tennis youth champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz in the awards ceremony organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Paralympic Committee-Philippine Olympic Committee (PSC-PPC-POC) Media Group.
Mapua must-win Game 2
WITH
question about whether such a quest would be wise.
“We are measuring the players, and we can tell if a guy is running hot or whatever,” Redick said. “He does a remarkable job of taking care of his body and getting recovery. I don’t know if that’s in the best interest of us and him if he does that, but if he’s feeling well and good then he should play.”
James said the 82-game achievement remains a goal for him in his age-40 season—his birthday is December 30—but he declined to discuss the possibility of resting.
The much bigger issue for now is getting the Lakers back on track offensively in this continued adjustment to Redick’s system and a new staff. Their 80-point output at Minnesota was the team’s lowest since a 122-73 loss at Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.
is what it is. This is our record. We’ve just got to continue to get
better at both ends of the floor.”
Particularly offensively, and it’s not only James, the four-time National Basketball Association MVP whose average of 22 points per game is his lowest since he was a rookie 21 years ago.
“ We’re just not good offensively right now. I think we spent so much time trying to get our defense corrected that our offense took a toll and took a back seat to that,” he said. James hasn’t made a three-pointer since he tied Kyle Korver for seventh on the league’s career list (2,450) last week. His fourth attempt against the Timberwolves from behind the arc was an air ball, causing an audible gasp from the crowd at Target Center.
T he long ball isn’t the only shot he’s struggling with. The mid-range is on his list, too.
Just period, just everything,” James said. “Just a rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last few games.”
How does he fix it?
“Work. Just work. That’s all,” James said. His stated goal of playing in all 82 games this season is still intact, but his recent performances have raised the
“Sometimes we look like a team that can compete with anyone, and sometimes we look like a team that is terrible and not going to do anything this season,” co-star Anthony Davis said. “We’ve just got to figure out what team that we want to be the rest of the season.” AP
Paris Olympians Sarno, Ceniza out in Bahrain worlds
By Josef T. ramos
EParis 2024 Olympians Vanessa Sarno and John Febuar Ceniza are not in the roster.
“They’re no longer part of the national team because they never reported after the Paris Olympics since September,” Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) secretary-general
The event supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Ayala Malls, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Milo, San Miguel Corp., Barley+Wheatgrass Entrepro and Pacquiao Coffee and powered by Smart will also recognize muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino in the Super Kids Award category. Four special awards will be handed out to Olympic boxing medalist Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito “Terry” Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporters Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde (Trailblazer of the Year Award).
61 kgs after all his attempts at 125 kgs were unsuccessful. Sarno and Ceniza were unreachable by phone on Tuesday for comment although it could be recalled that the Olympians made a written appeal to the Philippine Olympic Committee about their plights.
The two-time Olympian Ando and
Morris, Diamente share MVP Honors in
Lapu-Lapu
netfest
MATTHEW MORRIS and Danica Diamante showcased exceptional form at the Lapu-Lapu City National Junior Championships by clinching two titles each and earning Most Valuable Player honors in Cebu last Sunday.
R anked fourth, Morris stunned second seed Gil Niere, 6-2, 6-0 in the 14-and-under semifinals before overpowering Claudwin Toñacao 6-2, 6-2, to claim the boys’ crown.
The Dumaguete City native then dominated his top-seeded 16-and-under category foe by dropping just four games in four matches to cap his title romp with a 6-3, 6-0 victory against Anthony Espinosa.
Tuburan’s Diamante defeated two top seeds en route to her dual titles in the girls’ category—over Amanda Barrido, 6-4, 6-2, in the 12-and-under class and later outplayed Molly Tan, 6-2, 6-4, in the 14-and-under division.
Homegrown talent Chad Cuizon thrilled local fans by stunning top seed RB John Lataza, 6-4, 6-2, to win the boys’ 18-and-under crown in the five-day Group
2 tournament hosted by Rep. Cindi Chan and Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan. Leyte’s Molly Tan defeated No. 1 seed Davanee Velasco in the semifinals and cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Angel Tojeno in the final of the centerpiece 18-and-under division of the event that’s part of the national Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala circuit led by Palawan Pawnshop’s Bobby Castro. In other results, Bogo City’s Enzo Niere clinched the 10-and-under unisex title after defeating Niño Lambating 4-0, 4-2; Claudwin Toñacao, also from Bogo City, rebounded in the boys’ 12-andunder final by repulsing James Estrella, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2; and Antipolo City’s Amanda Barrido captured the girls’ 16-and-under crown with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Tojeno. In doubles, Dale Diamante and Enzo Niere prevailed, 8-3, over Marius Go and Nino Lambating in the 10-and-U unisex final; Morris an Espinosa, and Danica Diamante and Tan captured the 14-andunder doubles titles over Gil Niere and Chris Villarin, 8-2, and over Barrido and Caitlyn Cuizon, 8-5.
figure, in Mapua’s championship bid—Co being the NCAA’s MVP (Most Valuable Player) in Mapua’s titular run in 1971. S even years later, Co would win the MVP trophy in 1978 as a Crispa Redmanizer
up with Co for Crispa’s PBA Grand Slam victories in 1976 under the late coach Baby Dalupan and in 1983 under the tutelage of Tommy Manotoc. Patrimonio, playing for Mapua from 1983 to 1986, was a back-to-back MVP in 1985 and 1986. Although he failed to carry the Cardinals to a championship trophy, his heroics were awesome in NCAA lore—proving
MATTHEW MORRIS (left) and Danica Diamante (right) pose with their Most Valuable Player plaques with Lapu-Lapu Tennis Club president Fiscal Ruso Zaragoza.
ANDO
QUENDY FERNANDEZ earns three gold medals.
PETECIO