BusinessMirror February 08, 2023

Inflation hits poor hardest, especially in NCR

THE poorest Filipinos reeled from high food costs as inflation experienced by the Bottom 30 percent of the population soared 9.7 percent in January, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on PSA data, the inflation for the Bottom 30 percent of households in January was the highest in 14 years or since March 2009 when inflation rose 12.2 percent.

Food alone inflation experi -

enced by the Bottom 30 percent of households soared 10.4 percent in January. Inflation for the food and non-alcoholic beverages was also high at 10.1 percent.

“Food and non-alcoholic beverages [account for] 54.9 percent or almost 55 percent, more than half of the items in the basket for the Bottom 30 percent households, [that’s] food. So if food inflation is higher, as we’ve seen earlier, so we know that inflation will really be higher,” National Statistician

Claire Dennis S. Mapa explained on Tuesday, speaking partly in Filipino.

Inflation of food and non-alcoholic beverage items accounted for 57.8 percent of the increase in inflation.

Among food and non-alcoholic beverage items, Vegetables, Tubers, Cooking Bananas and Pulses and Sugar, Confectionery and Desserts posted the highest growth of 31.3 percent and 47.8 percent inflation in January, respectively.

Mapa said the high inflation experienced by the poorest Filipinos was also due to more expensive housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels as well as transportation.

He said housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels posted a 12.5-percent inflation and accounted for 20.2 percent of the increase in inflation in January 2023.

See “Poor,” A2

Inflation at 8.7%; job losses seen

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

This, after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation reached 8.7 percent in January 2023. This is the highest in 15 years or since November 2008 when inflation clocked in at 9.1 percent. (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/02/07/inflationsurges-to-8-7-in-jan-highestsince-nov-2008-psa/)

Unionbank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion told the BusinessMirror that job losses cannot be discounted at this point given that high inflation could translate to higher production losses incurred by firms nationwide.

“We sense a resilient and upbeat consumer demand even as the holidays have come and gone, especially among the middle and higher classes. However, the probability of job losses due to higher

production costs cannot be discounted easily. The question of whether this inflation surprise will stick [or is a one-off] may have yet to unfold, and the answer will definitely weigh on job generation or otherwise,” Asuncion said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort also recognized the possibility of such a scenario. He said job losses would be possible if businesses/industries would require more funds to pay for higher prices/inflation on inputs, investments, and other spending.

“The resulting higher interest rates could increase borrowing costs and could slow down investments and other business/ economic activities that create jobs,” he said.

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NG eyes targeted subsidies, Imee floats petrol VAT halt

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas & Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

THE national government will extend targeted subsidies to specific sectors of the economy that are affected by the “elevated” inflationary pressures, the Department of Finance said on Tuesday, as official inflation data showed the January print accelerating to 8.7 percent, the highest since 2008.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno made the disclosure on

subsidies after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the country’s inflation rate in January had beaten both government and market expectations.

“The government ensures that its fiscal policy avoids adding up to aggregate demand that risks further inflation by maintaining fiscal responsibility,” Diokno said.

“[The government] will continue to provide targeted subsidies to affected sectors to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures,” Diokno added.

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By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he will back the bill proposed by Albay Representative Jose “Joey” S. Salceda to hike the tax for luxury items to help boost government revenue.

In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, the President said he finds Salceda’s House Bill No. 6993 “reasonable” since it will target the wealthy.

The bill will increase the tax for nonessential goods from 20 percent to 25 percent and is expected to generate P15.5 billion annually.

It will affect wristwatches, bags, wallets, and belts value, which are valued

at more than P50,000; beverages worth more than P20,000 a liter; antiques valued at P100,000; paintings valued at more than P1 million.

Also covered are automobiles valued at more than P10 million; private aircraft and parts except those for the use of the Philippine government, airlines, and logistics companies; and the sale of residential properties worth above P100 million.

“Luxury goods, as those who have put in some study on these know, the demand for these do not change whatever the reason is,” Marcos said in mixed Filipino and English.

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Department of Justice headquarters in Ermita, Manila, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Tidball-Binz, a forensics expert, is in the country to help “capacitate” Philippine law enforcement agencies and medical practitioners in the field of forensic pathology, the DOJ said. NONIE REYES

PERSISTENTLY high inflation and bloated wage increases could lead to job losses nationwide, local economists warned on Tuesday.

BSP: FIXING SUPPLY-SIDE ISSUES WILL EASE INFLATION

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) called for “sustained efforts” to fight inflation by addressing supply-side constraints.

In a statement on Tuesday, BSP said nonmonetary government measures must be implemented to “combat price pressures.”

BSP said the 8.7 percent year-on-year in January 2023 was above the BSP’s forecast range of 7.5-8.3 percent and the government’s average inflation target range of 2.0-4.0 percent for the year.

“The BSP remains focused on restoring inflation to the government target and stands ready to adjust its monetary policy settings as necessary to anchor inflation expectations and safeguard the inflation target over the policy horizon,” it added.

The central bank also said core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy items to depict underlying demand-side price pressures, increased to 7.4 percent in January 2023 from 6.9 percent in December 2022.

On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, BSP said inflation went up to 1 percent in January 2023 from 0.3 percent in the previous month.

The BSP said the increase in inflation was caused by non-food items such as housing and utilities prices. The higher electricity generation charges and the implementation of the approved water rate rebasing during the month caused inflation to spike.

“At the same time, food inflation also increased particularly for vegetables and fruits due to agricultural damages from heavy rains during the month, while inflation for dairy products and eggs rose to double-digit rates,” BSP said.

“Fish inflation also accelerated as the implementation of the closed fishing season and cold weather conditions limited the supply of fish,” it added. Cai U. Ordinario

PBBM: Inflation busters won’t be felt till 2nd quarter

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday the government’s efforts to temper soaring inflation are not expected to take full effect until the second quarter of the year.  Marcos made the pronouncement after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported inflation soared to 8.7 percent in January from 8.1 percent in December 2022.

“As I said, the importation of many of the agricultural products, which have been a large part of the inflation rate...we have already taken some measures so that the supply will be greater and so that will bring the prices down, but that will take a little time,” Marcos said in a video message last Tuesday.

The government has approved the importation of onions and extension of the temporary modified rates of import duty for mechanically deboned meat (MDM) until next year in an effort to stabilize the prices of food.

State statisticians attributed the spike in inflation last month to a surge in the rent, electricity and water rates, as well as prices of food items like vegetables, milk, eggs, fruits and nuts.

Marcos, however, said he “sincerely believes” the prices of fuel and agricultural products have already reached

their peak and would “slide down” in the coming weeks.

‘Failure of state policy’

FEDERATION of Free Workers (FFW)

Vice President Julius Cainglet blamed the spike on the prices of basic goods, particularly of food, from the President’s mishandling of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“The President himself as Agriculture Secretary could have done a lot to arrest the rising costs of agricultural products such as onions, but he has been remiss of his duties, and instead arrests trade union leaders and activists who raise their voices against injustices and the economic crisis,” Cainglet said.

Rather than focusing on his mandate on pressing domestic concerns, the labor leader said the President is busy with his overseas trips.

“This shows the failure of state policy. In his first few months of office, the President has prioritized travels abroad in search of investments that don’t come due to failure to address human rights and trade union rights issues,” Cainglet said.

Pay hike

IN response to the reported high inflation, labor groups renewed their calls for a minimum wage hike.

Partido Manggagawa (PM) said the high prices of basic goods have greatly “eroded” the minimum wage rates.

Inflation. . .

“The P570 minimum wage in NCR [National Capital Region] is actually just worth P482 by December 2022. P88 has been shaved off the real value of the minimum wage. Meaning, not only has the P33 minimum wage hike in June 2022 been effectively wiped out by runaway inflation, workers’ real wages have pushed back even further,” PM chairman Renato Magtubo said in a statement.

The P570 daily minimum wage rate for non-agriculture workers in NCR is the highest rate nationwide.

Magtubo reiterated their demand to Congress to legislate a P100 across-the-board salary increase for all workers to provide them  “relief from the shock of rising prices.”

For its part, the National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (NAFLU-KMU) wants Marcos to intervene in addressing the reduced value of minimum wage rates.

“What can the President do? Issue an Executive Order mandating the immediate increase in wages nationwide. It is simple, but his addressing it will prove his care for workers and their families, who are now starving daily,” NAFLU-KMU said.

Tax.

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“For the rest of us, who are not necessarily consumers of luxury goods, we feel it if the economy is down,” he added.

Marcos made the announcement at the 2023 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday, when the Department of Finance (DOF) reiterated it will push for the passage of bills, taxing single-use plastics and digital transactions to generate additional income.

Salceda lauded Marcos’ support for his legislation, which he said, is a good alternative to the proposed “wealth tax” by the Makabayan bloc since it will tax consumption rather than income.

He noted the demand for luxury goods will not be affected despite the higher tax since its consumers can afford it.

Support government

IN a related development, Marcos called on the public to correctly pay their taxes on time to help in the country’s ongoing pandemic recovery.

He said government will correctly manage and utilize the collected taxes for the benefit of the country.

“Together, let us join hands in building a more equitable, progressive, and prosperous society where every Filipino has the chance to improve their lives, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to the building of our nation,” Marcos said.

The President instructed the BIR to remain professional and use new technology so it can reach its target collection this year.

BIR is targeting to generate P2.6 trillion this year.

The Marcos family is still facing a case over unpaid estate tax from 1987 to 1989, based on a Supreme Court ruling. The alleged liability has been estimated variously, with the family disputing the sums cited, especially the high end of P203 billion.

Marcos earlier said he wants the case to be reopened because his family was not given the chance to argue their case.

Poor.

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Transportation, meanwhile, posted an inflation of 10.4 percent and accounted for 6.6 percent of the increase in commodity prices last month.

Urban vs Rural

THE poorest Filipinos living in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region (NCR) saw the same rate of inflation at 9.7 percent. Inflation in NCR was 0.8 percent and 4.1 percent in Areas Outside NCR (AONCR) in January 2022.

However, food was more expensive for those living in one of the world’s largest megacities compared to the average in areas outside Metro Manila last month.

Food alone inflation in NCR averaged 12.6 percent while food and non-alcoholic beverages posted an inflation of 11.9 percent in January 2023.

In AONCR, food alone inflation averaged 10.3 percent while food and non-alcoholic beverages posted an inflation of 10.1 percent in January 2023.

PSA said 12 regions in AONCR recorded higher inflation rates for the bottom 30 percent income households in January 2023. The highest inflation rate was recorded in Region 11 (Davao Region) at 11.9 percent, while the lowest was posted in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) at 7.5 percent during the month. Cai U. Ordinario

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University of the Philippines School of Economics head of research Renato E. Reside Jr. said the government should keep minimum wage from increasing too much to prevent inflation from leading to job cuts. “At best, wage increases must be accompanied by significant increases in labor productivity.”

Ateneo Center for Research and Development (ACERD) Associate Director Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes told the Business Mirror that should inflation continue to outpace the country’s GDP growth, this could lead to job losses among Filipinos.

In the fourth quarter, GDP grew 7.2 percent but in the October to December period in 2022, the average inflation was at 7.93 percent. The average inflation was at 7.7 percent in October; 8 percent in November; and 8.1 percent in December.

“If inflation continues to outpace GDP growth, it could dampen consumer spending and trigger a wage-price spiral,” Peña-Reyes told this newspaper. “Maaaringmagbawas ngtrabaho [Jobs may be shed] if wages [production costs] go up.”

Self-inflicted

PEÑA-REYES said much of the country’s inflation woes are “self-inflicted.” He said external factors have little to do with the recent increase in commodity prices. He said the country needs to improve the management of the supply of onions, sugar, and garlic to prevent the prices of these commodities from skyrocketing. “Mas malalapa inflation natinkaysasaibangbansasa ASEAN,” he said.

Reside added that food prices also depend on trade measures being imposed by the Philippine government. He said prices of commodities are also affected by the extent to which imports are allowed.

He added that it also depends on “the efficacy of efforts to reduce market power along the supply chain and farm productivity.”

In a statement, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) agreed that food costs had a lot to do with the 8.7-percent inflation. BPI said food items with the largest increases were vegetables, sugar, oils/fats, corn, and dairy products.

As for Asuncion, he said, non-food items also have to be examined closely. He said a bigger question is whether the pressure from non-food items are “one-offs” such as raising rentals.

He said some rate increases in utilities such as electricity and water have to go through the government. However, there are “unsettled supply issues between Meralco and SMC [San Miguel Corp.] that would entail future electricity costs.”

Government efforts

FOR its part, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said higher agricultural productivity, food supply augmentation, and energy security are top priorities of the government to temper upward price pressures.

N eda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the agency has been working closely with agencies to ensure timely and efficient implementation of the strategies and programs laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, particularly in modernizing the country’s agriculture and agribusiness and ensuring energy security.

“A robust and resilient agriculture is vital to ensuring that we have enough supply of food and to keeping food prices stable, especially as we continue to face global headwinds and are exposed to natural hazards. Importantly, it serves as the foundation for a strong economy, as agricultural products move up the value chain,” Balisacan said.

Among the strategies in Chapter 5 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 are the consolidation and clustering of farms; use of appropriate modern technologies; integration of climate and disaster risks in farmers’ planning and programming; development and mainstreaming of early warning systems/anticipatory mechanisms; the boosting of local production capabilities; and the enabling of market-friendly trade and investment policy for agriculture and food.

The economic managers expect inflation to moderate for 2023 to 2024, with a slower-than-expected global recovery and waning pent-up domestic demand. Moreover, the impact of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas policy rate hikes is anticipated to be felt this year.

Petrol. . .

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In a separate interview, Diokno said the government will design a program that will provide “multi-targeted” subsidies to sectors that contribute to overall inflationary pressures.

“We will see where it will go. Gasoline is not anymore [a concern]. It is really on food,” he told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) event in Pasay City on Tuesday.

Diokno said the national government remains committed to intensifying local food production and improving agricultural productivity.

The national government, he added, is continuously distributing organic and bio-N fertilizers, quality seeds, seedlings, farm production and post-harvest machinery and equipment to farmers.

“The thrust to improve productivity in the agriculture sector and ensure energy security will help stabilize inflation moving forward,” he noted.

Imee: Transport still a concern

SAYING transport remains a concern though a notch lower than food as an inflation driver, Senator Imee Marcos floated the idea of reviving her proposal to suspend valueadded tax (VAT) on petrol products.

“It is important to look closely into the inflation headline of 8.7 percent. Although it has eased, transport leads at 11.2 percent,” Marcos noted, when sought for a reaction to the PSA report.

“Perhaps it is time to study my proposed suspension, not of excise taxes but of VAT, for one year, ‘when an emergency arises’ on petrol products?” the senator said in an SMS to the BusinessMirror.

“Food remains high. 10.7 percent, with sugar and onions, garlic, other tubers, vegetable plantations topping price increases. Can I say anything more re: hoarding, smuggling, and other criminal manipulations?” she added.

Meanwhile, she asked whether, as “utilities were tolled at 8.5 percent, pushed by authorized water increases that kicked in January 2023,” it might be good to consider the question of whether it makes sense to set a “lifeline rate for water, for the smallest consumers, as we have for electricity?”

Within first quarter

DIOKNO said he expects inflation to decelerate within the first quarter of the year, citing the stabilization of Philippine peso against the US dollar and falling oil prices.

Finance Undersecretary Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja said the DOF is now working with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, the National Economic and Development Authority in crafting the targeted subsidies program. “We are working with line agencies DA, DTI, NEDA to look at the sources of inflation pressures and then initiate targeted measures toward these sources,” Abenoja told reporters.

“The sources of inflation vary, but the vulnerable sectors remain the same,”he added. Abenoja said the impact of the lowering of tariff rates on certain food items as well as the monetary policy on addressing inflation will be felt in the next few months.

House brings in ADMU team to craft pro-people legislation

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday signed an agreement with the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) for a research partnership project to study sectors identified in the 8-Point Agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez expressed optimism that the chamber can expect to work on “evidencebased, people-oriented legislation very, very soon.”

“ Today is indeed an auspicious day at the House of Representatives. It has been our dream to bring about a smarter House of Representatives, one that is equipped with the means by which we can effectively pursue evidence-based and people-oriented legislation in a timely manner,” Romualdez said in a speech delivered during the ceremonial signing of the historic agreement.

“ This morning’s signing of the memorandum of agreement [MOA] between the House and the Ateneo de Manila University for the Research Partnership Project is an important step in the realization of this dream,” Romualdez added.

T he MOA, to be known as the HRep-Ateneo de Manila Research Project, was signed by SecretaryGeneral Reginald Velasco for the House of Representatives and Fr. Roberto C. Yap, president of ADMU and on behalf of the university’s Department of Economics and the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD).

T he ceremony was held at the Romualdez Hall of the House of Representatives complex.

“ This partnership could not come at a more opportune time. We are at a critical juncture in our life as a nation. While the state of national health emergency has passed, many of our people are still feeling the effects of the pandemic and its byproducts on the economy,” Romualdez said in his speech.

“ The global economic prospects in the coming years are not all that bright either. These conditions make it imperative that the decisions we make…actually result in changes that lead to the intended improvement in the lives of many, if not all our people,” the Speaker added.

B ecause of these, the HRepADMU research partnership will focus on organizing 11 “Research Teams” that will conduct studies on sectors identified in the 8-Point Agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

T hese are in the areas of agriculture and food security; infrastructure, transportation and energy security; health, education and social protection; employment; fiscal management; competition and entrepreneurship; research, development and the digital econ -

omy; environment, green and blue economy, and sustainable communities, and; peace, security, and public order and safety.

According to the MOA, the research teams “shall be headed by experts in the field, and they shall be called Congressional Research Fellows [CRFs].”

“ The CRFs shall come from ADMU, and other universities or research institutions,” the MOA read.

T he research teams shall also include representatives from the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD), an office mandated to conduct policy and budget research to serve as informational foundation to legislation and oversight.

T he ACERD is a center of excellence in the ADMU system dedicated to producing research that can serve as input to policy-making. It also coordinates with other institutions to promote exchange of knowledge and skills.

Given ADMU’s precept of “persons-for-and-with-others,” Romualdez is optimistic that the partnership will produce legislation that will benefit the Filipino people, as the academic institution is known to promote service, justice and helping the poor.

“ This is why this partnership is very important. We need all the help we can get if we are to realize the ambitious goal of our beloved President to lower the poverty rate to a single digit over the next five years,” Romualdez said.

“Ateneo can greatly help us in this regard not only by providing Congress with timely, credible, useful and policy-relevant technical information for legislation borne from rigorous research, but also by lending their esteemed voices in the discussion of proposed reforms with the end-inview of educating our people on the need for these reforms,” he said.

“We need these inputs if the nation is to surmount the economic headwinds before us.”

R omualdez particularly lauded the partnership’s goals, which is to produce legislation based on the 8-Point Agenda of the President.

“ Please proceed with my blessings. We have our jobs before us and we need to act quickly. Our people are counting on us—in stabilizing the prices of basic commodities, in attracting more investments and creating more quality employment, in ensuring economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

“ We cannot fail. With everyone’s participation, we will not fail,” the Speaker said.

He also thanked the “prime movers” behind the project, namely, Reps. Elizaldy Co, Stella Quimbo, Yedda Marie Romualdez, the Congressional CPBRD led by Deputy Secretary General Dr. Romulo Emmanuel Miral Jr. and the Legal and Finance Departments of the House of Representatives.

After 4 years, PHL govt heeds Tokyo’s request to deport 4 Japanese fugitives

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573 & Nonie Reyes

THE Philippine government pushed through on Wednesday with the deportation of two of the four Japanese fugitives being sought by Japanese authorities for various crimes in their country including robberies, fraud and theft.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla led Philippine officials in turning over Japanese fugitives Imamura Kiyoto and Fujita Toshiya to Japanese authorities for deportation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1.

T he criminal cases for violence against women filed against them have already been dismissed by the court, paving the way for their immediate deportation.

Ahead of our President’s visit to Japan, we at the Department, together with the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation hope that this will not only strengthen the ties between the Philippines and Japanese governments, we hope that this shows the sincerity and genuine effort to curb any illicit or illegal maneuvers meant to erode credibility of our justice system,” Remulla said.

K iyoto and Toshiya were brought back to Japan via Japan Airlines flight 746, which was scheduled to leave the country at 9:40 a.m.

Four hours after, the DOJ had

announced that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Pasay City has granted the motions of the DOJ to withdraw the informations for violence against women separately filed against two other Japanese fugitives identified as Tomonobu Saito and Yuki Watanabe.

Finally, this Court recognizes the importance of the relationship of the Philippines towards the international community, specifically our country’s commitment to the deportation of the accused. Hence, this Court will not be used as a hindrance to the said deportation,” the Pasay RTC said.

A t a news briefing, Remulla said Saito and Watanabe are likely to be handed over to Japanese authorities today, Wednesday, for deportation.

“ The Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 109 released two orders dismissing the cases or upholding the motion to dismiss filed by prosecutors in the cases of the people of the Philippines versus Tomonobu Saito and Yuki Watanabe. So there is no more legal impediment to the deportation

of the two Japanese fugitives and we expect them to be deported tomorrow morning at the same time as to what happened today when we deported the first two,” Remulla announced.

Remulla said the trial court upheld the position of the DOJ that the said cases were fabricated in order to prevent the government from deporting the said fugitives.

So tomorrow, Luffy will be home in Japan,” Remulla told reporters.

But when asked whether he was referring to Watanabe as Luffy, Remulla said one of the four Japanese fugitives is Luffy.

“One of them is Luffy. It’s only the Japanese police who can tell. One of the four is Luffy,” Remulla said.

Watanabe is believed to be alias Luffy, the alleged mastermind of the series of violent robberies in several prefectures in Japan.

Watanabe has a summary deportation order dated May 28, 2021 for being an illegal entrant and a fugitive from justice in connection with the use of counterfeit documents and theft charges in Japan.

Luffy is reportedly operating a robbery syndicate in Japan from his detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig under the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

W hen asked if the possibility of the complainants filing motions for reconsideration (MR) of the dismissal of the cases would prevent Saito and Watanabe’s deportation, Remulla answered: “I don’t see it happening anymore, maybe the court will give them their time of day but it looks like it’s a done deal. The court has spoken very eloquently about why they issued this order.”

Remulla also hinted that public pros-

ecutors and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) are unlikely to assist the complainants in filing an MR.  They will still have to deal with the government prosecutors and the Office of the Solicitor General to be able to file those motions because all prosecutions are under the control and supervision of the public prosecutors,” Remulla said.

Records showed that Watanabe and Tomonobu were arrested in Parañaque City last March 17, 2021, while Kiyoto was arrested last December 26, 2019, when he tried to board a Cebu Pacific flight at Naia Terminal 3 bound for Macau.Toshiya was arrested last February 21, 2021, in Mabini, Batangas. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, for his part, said they have prepared maximum security to ensure the smooth deportation of high-profile criminals.

Both Fujita and Imamura have been tagged by the Japanese government as fugitives from justice, for having warrants issued against them as both of them face a local case in the country which was subsequently dismissed. K iyoto and Toshiya were deported first for violating the terms and conditions of their visa for being a fugitive and being a risk to the public interest.

While the identity of Luffy is yet be confirmed, we are working with the Department of Justice and the Japanese authorities to be able to expedite the deportation to give more clarity to this case,” said Tansingco.

T he two other key suspects remain in the BI’s facility in Bicutan pending the resolution of their local cases.They will be immediately deported once we receive confirmation that their cases have been resolved.

House bill imposes ‘harsher’ penalties vs parents who don’t pay child support

WITH an estimated 14-million single-parent households in the Philippines, negligent parents refusing to provide child support may face criminal liability, if the proposed “Act Ensuring Child Support and Penalizing Parental Refusal or Neglect Thereof” is passed into law.

Senior Deputy Minority Leader Paul Ruiz Daza of Northern Samar said fines, imprisonment, and other harsh provisions were included in his House Bill 44, or “An Act Ensuring Child Support and Penalizing Parental Refusal or Neglect Thereof.”

In my version of the bill, I had harsh provisions in there, like imprisonment,” said Daza during the initial deliberation by the House Committee on Welfare of Children on the proposed bills. These sanc-

tions, he added, were put in place to strengthen mandates on child welfare and protection.

“Make the law to really have teeth, to scare the non-custodial parent into providing,” said Daza. There are already existing child support provisions in the Family Code,” Daza acknowledged, lamenting on the persistence of parent negligence as a “perennial problem” among Filipino households.

Daza cited a World Health Organization study that there may be up to 14 million single-parent households in the Philippines.

T he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through Assistant Bureau Director Miramel Garcia-Laxa, concurred with Daza’s sentiments, revealing during deliberations that around 280 child

custody cases were brought to their attention in 2022 alone. Laxa also shared the department’s support for the bill, calling it “a priority legislative agenda.”

T he Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, recorded 3,684 cases of economic violence against women from 2018 to 2023, according to Brig. Gen. Matthew Bacay, which includes child support negligence under Under Republic Act (RA) No. 9262.

The passing of HB 44, Daza shared, “essentially addresses the gaps to make it easier for custodial parents to be able to enforce child support.”

“I think that it is time for the House, for our country, to have a national debate on how we can improve existing laws and regulations that address the welfare of children,

in particular, problems that singleparent households face,” he said.

Daza’s bill proposes a child support amount of P6,000 monthly, while the final amount is still undetermined by the DSWD and courts. Should non-custodial parents fail after two months or upon incurring P30,000 in outstanding amounts, it will lead them to be liable for imprisonment of up to four years and a fine of up to P300,000.

Other penalties for negligent parents will also be integrated with the issuance of government documents, including a hold departure order on immigration.

Daza, in a statement, continued to express his hope on passing the bill, encouraging his “fellow representatives to throw support behind the legislation.”

DTI’s RCEP pitch at Senate: ‘No simple trade agreement’

RCEP was recently endorsed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and is expected to be concurred in by the Senate within the first quarter of this year.

A t the resumption of the Committee on Foreign Relations’ deliberations on whether or not

the Senate should concur in the ratification of RCEP, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called for openness in discussing the proposed concurrence.

‘Transparent scrutiny’

SENATE President Pro Tempore

Loren Legarda presided over the continuation of the Committee on Foreign Relations’ deliberations on RCEP.  Acknowledging difficulties in its ratification in previous Congresses, Legarda said she called for the hearing to listen to the concerns of sectors opposed

to the trade deal, particularly the agriculture industry.  She gave assurances of a “most transparent” scrutiny of the RCEP, prodding government agencies to ensure that measures protecting the interest of the country and the people would be in place.

Zubiri said stakeholders should look at how the trade agreement would benefit the country in its entirety. He acknowledged the “significant role” of the RCEP in liberalizing supply chain, thus, lowering the cost of goods and services in the country.  “We have to

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also open our eyes to all the other industries,” Zubiri appealed.  “We have to look at the totality of how many people it can help in the future.... We have to look at the overall picture on how this will help our country grow into tiger status,” he added.

With $11.9-B maritime sector, blue economy needs push

Salceda also cited a Food and Agriculture Organization report, “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020” which states that “the percentage of fish stocks that are within biologically sustainable levels have decreased from 90 percent in 1974 to 65.8 percent in 2017.”

“ That means that the world’s oceans, at some point, could begin failing to produce enough fish for the world’s needs. So we really need to do aquaculture and mariculture,” he said.

Salceda told Escoto that the BFAR should invest not only in legislated

hatcheries, but “complete the value chain” of aquaculture, through nurseries, research and investments on cheaper fish feed, logistics, processing, and marketing.

“ We have about 54 legislated hatcheries, 9 of which have been completed. But the hatchery won’t

work so much if the value chain isn’t complete. So, we need a more holistic approach to aquaculture – including the vertical and horizontal linkages,” he added.

Salceda also prodded the BFAR to take a more active role in promoting the so-called “Blue Economy.”

“In the Pagtanaw 2050, a guiding vision crafted by some of the country’s leading scientists, the most potent recommendation is the development of the Blue Economy—or our maritime economy. BFAR is at the heart of that economy,” he said.

“BFAR has a critical role in science-

continued from a12

based development of that economy. For example, fisheries contribute just 2 percent of the pollution in Laguna de Bay. So, to protect the lake, what you would do is reduce flow of waste to the lake, not close down fisheries. BFAR has a key role in those decisions,” Salceda added.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Romualdez to agri product hoarders: ‘Moderate your greed’ or face arrest

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday asked profit-hungry traders manipulating or hoarding the supply and prices of agricultural products such as onion to “moderate their greed” or suffer the dire consequences.

We’ll be working closely with the Executive, with the Department of Agriculture [DA], to make sure these hoarders and all these foolish activities of traders are stopped,” Romualdez said in an interview.

“My message is: moderate your greed, release the supply of these basic commodities—these vegetables, whether they be onion, garlic. Moderate your greed, give us fair prices, if not, your days are numbered, we’re

going after all of you,” he said.

L ast Monday, Romualdez and other leaders of the House met with representatives from the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where he called for an all-out war against profiteers preying on hapless consumers.

Romualdez said he has already directed House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga to get to the bottom of the situation.

We’d like to tell the public that the House of Representatives will use all its resources, and employ all its efforts to ensure that we bring back stable prices and stable supply of these basic commodities,” the Speaker said.

According to Romualdez, there is no reason for the prices of commodities such as onion and garlic to soar

sky-high because there is sufficient supply based on information reaching the House.

“It only points out to one thing, there is hoarding, there is price manipulation. So we are warning those who are behind these nefarious activities—that your days are numbered, the House will be going after you,” Romualdez said. “ So stop this foolishness, bring back the supply, stabilize it, and work with us. And if not, you’re against us—your days are numbered,” he added.

Romualdez already told officials of the DA and DTI to name traders suspected of manipulating the supply and prices of onion, garlic, and other agricultural commodities so the House can invite them in the forthcoming congressional investigation to be conducted by the Com-

DA encourages raising rabbits for food among city dwellers

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

mittee on Agriculture.

“If you know who these people are, let us know. We will invite all of them, if not, have the authorities arrest them,” he said.

Romualdez said the House recognizes the right of businessmen under a regime of free trade to earn profit but it should not come at the expense and misery of the people.

T he Speaker assured the officials from DA and DTI that they would have the full support of the House in waging an all-out war against hoarders and erring traders of onion and other agricultural products.

We will help you, that’s why we’re here. You will not be powerless. We will use the power of the House. We will shine the light on them and then we will take them to account for this,” Romualdez told the DA and DTI officials.

PHL taps Brazilian firm to boost sugar, ethanol yield

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

THE country secured technical aid from a Brazilian company to help boost the country’s sugar and ethanol production.

DATAGRO, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of sugar and ethanol, said it is eyeing to implement a Tech Transfer and Assisted Management Project with the Philippines.

T he project will be piloted in Negros and Panay Is -

lands and cover “demo plots” of 1,000; 5,000; and 10,000 hectares, which will be developed using modern sugar production and standards from Brazil.

“ The Brazilian firm also proposed to diversify sugarcane milling operations by converting sugar in molasses to ethanol,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement issued Monday evening.

DATAGRO made the commitment during its meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,

officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) in Malacañang Monday morning.

M arcos lauded the offer from DATAGRO to establish demo farms, which he hopes will boost sugarcane production in the country.

President Marcos tasked the DA and PSAC to submit recommendations on ways to push forward with the projects, which not only

seek to ensure sugar sufficiency, but also open the market for energy through production in ethanol,” PCO said.  The chief executive also tasked the agriculture department to ramp up consultations with stakeholders and check on the viability of the projects raised by DATAGRO,” it added.

C urrently, the country continues to import sugar since local production of the sweetener remains insufficient to meet local demand.

THE agriculture department is encouraging Filipinos, especially those in the cities, to raise rabbits for food consumption and boost their income.

T he Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 6 series of 2023 that outlined the guidelines on rabbit raising in urban and periurban areas.

T he rabbit raising program is part of the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) that seeks to boost food security through various livestock and poultry production in urban or peri-urban conditions.

T he programs under the NUPAP also aim to provide Filipinos with an alternative source of livelihood and help in solid waste management.

“ Rabbit raising for meat is an alternative venture as a supplementary source of income, especially for farmers or households in urban and peri-urban areas. Rabbit meat has high protein content, iron, and minerals, and is low in cholesterol,” Senior Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban said in MC 6 published recently.

T he MC 6 stipulated that the BAI would encourage rabbit meat raising by providing qualified households with rabbit breeder stocks, cages, feeds and technical assistance.

This will create awareness of the potential of rabbit raising as an alternative source of income,” it said.

In implementing the project, BAI will partner with concerned DA-Regional Field Offices (RFO) and local government units (LGU).

U nder the guidelines, the BAI will be responsible for providing the necessary technical assistance, selecting the eligible recipients, distributing production modules and monitoring and evaluating the project.

Meanwhile, the DA-RFOs and LGUs shall assist the BAI during the course of the project, according to the guidelines.

“

The source of funds for the project shall be through the General Appropriations of the NUPAP following the disbursement rules set by the Department of Budget and Management [DBM] and guided by the government rules and regulations,” the document read.

I nterested participants of the rabbit meat production program must have an area of at least 200 square meters and should be a member of a farmers groups or households or institutions that can be clustered for monitoring and biosecurity purposes.

T he DA-RFO and the LGU can identify prospects and eligible beneficiaries for the program and shall be endorsed to the BAI.

T he BAI will distribute five heads of two months old rabbits as breeder stocks with one set of three-layered rabbit cages and 25 kilograms of rabbit feed for each beneficiary.

Since its previous leadership, the agriculture department has been promoting the production and consumption of rabbit meat as an alternative livelihood amid concerns to local hog output due to the threat of African swine fever.

Peza lauds recognition of ELSE as ‘eligible activity’ in 2022 SIPP

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has welcomed the recognition of the ecozone logistics services enterprises (ELSE) as an “eligible activity” in the 2022 Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP).

“ We thank the Department of Finance [DOF], Department of Trade and Industry [DTI], Board of Investments [BOI], and the Bureau of Internal Revenue [BIR] for finally resolving our pending concern on the recognition and eligibility of ELSEs for registration with the investment promotion agen-

cies [IPAs] with incentives,” said Peza Officer-in-Charge Tereso Panga.  SIPP lists the priority industries, sectors, and business projects that may qualify for investment incentives under Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

The BOI has recently released Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-001 dated January 31,2023, which clarified the coverage of logistics services as one of the activities in support of exporters under the 2022 SIPP pursuant to Section 300 of the CREATE Act and Sections 2 and 3 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The same has been released by Peza through MC No. 2023-010 and the BIR under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 15-2023, both dated February 3, 2023.

Initially, Peza said it made a case to BOI for the inclusion in the SIPP of other economic zone locators other than those into export manufacturing and IT services that provide support to export activities such as ecozone developers/ operators, utilities, facilities and logistics service enterprises.

T hese, Peza noted, are the types of enterprises that are authorized to register under the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 or the Peza Charter.

For his part, Panga mentioned the problem that Peza encountered with the BIR RMCs, which he said “effectively barred” both existing (prior to CREATE) and new locator investors (under CREATE) which are providing support to export activities from enjoying their incentives.

While the BOI has adopted our recommendation with the inclusion of support to export activities in the SIPP, we encountered a problem with the BIR RMCs that limited the grant of incentives to only those registered business enterprises whose activities are covered by their definition for export enterprise,” Panga said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Remulla bares shutdown of controversial BI-POD

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crisp

in Remulla announced on Tues day that he would be issuing an order deactivating the Bureau of Im migration’s Port Operations Division (BI POD) due recent controversies involving the agency’s personnel.  “ I am about to sign an order that deactivated that office at the Bureau of Immigration that we believe is part of the defect of the immigration system right now. That is the Port Operations Divi sion, centralizing port operations under one person,” Remulla said.

Remulla said the deactivation of BI POD is in response to other con troversies that the agency is current ly facing, particular on the process of immigration in the country.

T he BI POD is headed by lawyer Carlos Capulong.

T he justice chief described the division as an office that centralizes the operations of the different ports in the country.

W hen asked if BI POD chief Capu long has been relieved as chief of the said division following its deactiva tion, Remulla said: “ Almost. When it is signed.”

Remulla was referring to the de activation order, which he promised to sign Tuesday afternoon.

Remulla told reporters that the duties and responsibilities of the BI POD will be decentralized and command responsibility will be as signed to every person heading the operation in every airport.

R emulla said he would be dis cussing with BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco about the pos sible disciplinary measures to be imposed against immigration per sonnel who have violated immigra tion laws and procedures.

“ We will investigate those who will have to be investigated. We will not hesitate to look into anybody who has to be questioned. All offices are fair game here. There are no sacred cows as far as we are concerned here at the Department of Justice,” Re mulla maintained.

Earlier, three immigration offi cers were relieved from their posts for their alleged involvement in hu man trafficking activities at the Clark International Airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros has also dis closed that BI officials in Clark air port are allegedly involved in human trafficking of Filipinos in Cambodia.

S he said one of the Filipinos, who was trafficked to Cambodia to work as a cryptocurrency scam mer for Chinese mafia, claimed that recruiters would pay around P75,000 to P100,000 to immigra tion officers for every Filipino that they allow to exit without going through the usual processes.

T here were also overseas Filipino workers who were promised jobs in Thailand but were trafficked to Myan mar to become crypto scammers.

Meanwhile, Remulla said “show cause” orders have already been is sued against several BI personnel, compelling them to explain their side with regard to the confiscation of numerous cellular phones and other gadgets from the detainees inside the BI’s detention facility.

“ We are looking at administrative cases that will be filed for infidelity in the custody of detention prisoners.

Those are punishable by the Revised Penal Code,” the DOJ chief said.

“Reforms are underway at the Bureau of Immigration,” he assured.

Earlier, BI spokesman Dana San doval said the BI has implement ed major revamp of officials and em ployees assigned at the BI’s detention facility in Taguig City.

T he action came after it was dis covered that detainees were allowed to use gadgets while inside the facility.

PBBM dispatches rescue and relief contingent to Turkey after big quake

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

APHILIPPINE contingent will be deployed this week to Tur key to assist in the rescue op erations and delivery of relief goods in the transcontinental country after it was hit by a massive Magnitude 7.8 earthquake last Monday.

On the sidelines of the 2023 Bu

reau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Tax Campaign kickoff on Tuesday, Presi dent Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is coordinating with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to organize the rescue and relief contingent.

He said the team would be com posed of 85 personnel, including engineers, to help in building inspec

tion and health care workers to treat quake victims.

T he contingent will also be bring ing blankets and winter clothes.

Its members will be coming from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Health (DOH), Phil ippine Army, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and MMDA, among others.

I already have the assurance also of the Turkish [Airlines] that they

will be the ones to bring our people and our equipment and our goods…

I suppose, to Ankara first and then to be distributed properly in Turkey,” the President said.

We are looking to have our group leave by tomorrow [Wednesday, Feb ruary 8] night,” he added.

The Chief Executive earlier commit ted the country will be sending assis tance to help in quake affected areas.

Lack of ‘realistic’ info about PHL remains a challenge to attracting Spanish-speaking tourists

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Philippines continues to be a desired leisure des tination among Europeans, especially the Spaniards, but more realistic information about the country needs to be disseminated to them.

J on Zuluaga, director for Business Development of Intas Destination Management Inc., who recently attended the I n In ternational Tourism Fair (Fitur) 2023 in Madrid told the Busi nessMirror , “The interest in the Philippines is quite high in Spain [and the Spanish s peaking market], since they’re looking for the next ‘ exotic ’ destination that isn’t Thailand…. [But the] main challenges are a general lack of information about the country, and the logistics behind moving around.” Honeymooners were usually the keenest of visitors to the country, he said. H e added, “The interest is driven mainly by social media, which rarely gives the full story behind the destinations, just the ‘greatest hits’ or ‘glamour shots.’

So when you explain the finer de tails of travel in the Philippines [e.g. flights, seasons, prices]... it’s a bit of a reality check. For one, they have an expectation that the

Philippines is ‘cheap,’ when we’re not that cheap compared to our Asean neighbors.”

F itur Madrid was the first international travel trade show attended by Intas—one of the country’s leading destination management companies—since the pandemic. Zuluaga said the Fitur buyers were highly inter ested in El Nido “which they tend to confuse with Palawan,” Bohol and Siargao.

Lack of Spanish-speaking tour guides

SPAIN is considered a develop ing market by the Department of Tourism (DOT), with tourists to the Philippines having reached almost 20,000 last year, although this was still 60 percent less than the 50,000 who arrived in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

P revious DOT surveys also identified the lack of information about the Philippines as a major barrier for Spaniards to traveling to the country. Those who have visited the Philippines cited the “beautiful landscape and beaches” among the reasons they enjoyed their trip.

A ccording to DOT data, there were also over 8,000 visitors from Portugal, and close to 25,000 tour ists from Iberico A merican markets such as Mexico and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru,

Venezuela) in 2019.

A nother barrier to traveling to the Philippines, noted Zuluaga, is the weather, as Spaniards usually travel between June and October, the monsoon/typhoon season. “So sometimes the conversations get awkward when they insist they want to visit El Nido or Coron in Septem ber. Even though there are places you can travel all year round, they want to visit the places in their social me dia feeds,” he noted.

T here’s also a language bar rier, and he pointed to the lack of Spanish s peaking tour guides as “an impediment” to attracting more Spaniards to visit the Phil ippines. “But there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of ‘educating’ the market [not just the travelers, but the travel agents, too] so that expec tations are properly managed,” he stressed.

‘Fruitful biz engagements’

FOR his part, Tourism Attaché Gerard Panga for the United Kingdom, whose office also over sees Spain and other European nations, confirmed the Philip pines’ “successful [showing] on all fronts” Fitur Madrid, “and based on verbal feedback, the pri vate sector delegates had fruit ful business engagements [with foreign buyers].” The foreign tour operators and consumers

inquired about Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Cordilleras and Calabarzon, along with Cen tral Luzon, Bicol, Iloilo/Negros, and Siquijor.

H e predicted a further in crease in Spanish and European outbound travel to the Philip pines during the winter season: They travel to our country to enjoy our tropical islands for sun s ea holidays, and the warmth and hospitality of our Filipino people.”

T he buyers at Fitur prefer “beach holidays or island and beach activi ties, soft adventure, cultural im mersion, outdoors/nature trips, visits to friends and relatives, and responsible travel, i.e., sustain ability and empowerment of local community,” he noted.

O thers in the Philippine del egation included: El Nido Resorts, Annset Holidays, Baron Travel, Travelexperts and Travelite, with co e xhibitors Cathay Pacifica as partner airline, Megaworld Corp., and Philippines specialist agents Viatges Traveljess and Kara Tours, both from Spain.

F itur Madrid 2023, held from January 18 to 22, is one of the most important travel trade fairs in the world attended by European, Spanish, Portuguese, and Iberico American travel firms. Asia Pacif ic participation grew 163 percent this year.

Reports said more than 4,800 peo ple perished and another 15,000 were injured after the city of Gaziantep was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude tremor near the Turkey Syria border on Monday.  Turkey was hit by a second earth quake with a magnitude of 7.5 in its Kahramanmaras province. Freezing conditions in Turkey are currently hampering rescue opera tions in the province.

Panabo City gets ₧25-M water system project

DAVAO CITY—Fourteen in terior barangays in Pana bo City, Davao del Norte would be expecting soon an im proved potable water supply sys tem from a new project donated by the office of Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.

T he project would be powered by solar energy, both the water system and the pump system, and would be coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways.

T he project would be imple mented this year, said Mayor Jose E. Relampagos, who met the senator in the city to discuss the other requirement of the project. Relampagos said the following barangays would benefit from the solar powered water system: Kaus wagan, Cacao, Waterfall, Katualan, Kasilak, Consolacion, Dalisay, Ki otoy, Mabunao, New Malitbog, Buenavista, Katipunan, San Nico las and Manay. Dalisay Barangay Captain Joanne D. Buco said more than 500 residents would benefit from the project. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisher ies and Aquatic Resources distribut ed tilapia and fresh and dried bangus to 265 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Panabo City last month.

The World

HEAVY RAINS SET OFF MUDSLIDES THAT KILL AT LEAST 36 IN PERU

LIMA, Peru—Landslides triggered by steady rains swept mud, water and rocks into several villages in southern Peru, killing at least 36 people, authorities said Monday.

Wilson Gutierrez, a civil defense official in the Mariano Nicolás Valcárcel municipality in Camana province, told local radio RPP that 36 bodies had been recovered in a remote sector called Miski.

Among the dead were five people who were riding in a van that was pushed into

a river by a surge of mud.

Local officials appealed for heavy machinery to be sent in to clear debris blocking three kilometers (nearly two miles) of an important road.

Civil defense officials said an estimated 630 homes were unusable after the landslides, which also hit bridges, irrigation canals and roads.

Constant rains are frequent in February in Peru and often cause deadly landslides. AP

Frantic searching in Turkey, Syria after quake kills 4,983

By Mehmet Guzel, Ghaith Alsayed & Suzan Fraser

The Associated Press

ADANA, Turkey—Rescuers raced Tuesday to find survivors in the rubble of thousands of buildings brought down by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks that struck eastern Turkey and neighboring Syria, with the discovery of more bodies raising the death toll to 4,983.

Countries around the world dispatched teams to assist in the rescue efforts, and Turkey’s disaster management agency said more than 24,400 emergency personnel were now on the ground.

Nurgul Atay told The Associated Press she could hear her mother’s voice beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in the city of Antakya, the capital of Hatay province, but that her and others efforts to get into the ruins had been futile without any rescue crews and heavy equipment to help.

“If only we could lift the concrete slab we’d be able to reach her,” she said. “My mother is 70-yearsold, she won’t be able to withstand this for long.”

Across Hatay province, just southwest of the earthquake’s epicenter, officials say as many as 1,500 buildings were destroyed and many people reported relatives being trapped under the rubble with no aid or rescue teams arriving.

In areas where teams worked, occasional cheers broke out through the night as survivors were brought out of the rubble.

The quake, which was centered in Turkey’s southeastern province of Kahramanmaras, sent residents of Damascus and Beirut rushing into the street and was felt as far away as Cairo.

The medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders confirmed Tuesday that one of its staff members was among the dead after his house in Syria’s Idlib province collapsed, and that others had lost family members.

“We are very shocked and saddened by the impact of this disaster on the thousands of people touched by it, including our col -

leagues and their families,” said Sebastien Gay, the group’s head of mission in Syria.

Gay said health facilities in northern Syria were overwhelmed with medical personnel working around “around the clock to respond to the huge numbers of wounded.”

In Turkey’s Hatay province, thousands of people sheltered in sports centers or fair halls, while others spent the night outside, huddled in blankets around fires.

A navy ship docked on Tuesday at the province’s port of Iskenderun, where a hospital collapsed, to transport survivors in need of medical care to the nearby city of Mersin.

Thick, black smoke rose from another area of the port, where firefighters have not yet been able to douse a fire that broke out among shipping containers that were toppled by the earthquake.

In the Turkish city of Gaziantep, a provincial capital about 33 kilometers (20 miles) from the epicenter, people took refuge in shopping malls, stadiums, mosques and community centers.

At least 3,381 people were killed in 10 Turkish provinces, with more than 20,000 injured, according to the latest figures from Turkish authorities on Tuesday. The death toll in government-held areas of Syria climbed to 769 people, with some 1,450 injured, according to the Health Ministry. In the country’s rebel-held northwest, groups

that operate there said at least 450 people died, with many hundreds injured. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared seven days of national mourning.

Authorities fear the death toll will keep climbing as the rescuers look for survivors among tangles of metal and concrete spread across the region beset by Syria’s 12-year civil war and refugee crisis.

In the latest pledges of international help, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said he was preparing to swiftly dispatch a 60-person search and rescue team as well as medical supplies and 50 soldiers.

Pakistan’s government sent a flight carrying relief supplies and a 50-member search and rescue team early Tuesday, and said there will be daily aid flights to Syria and Turkey from Wednesday. India said it would send two search and rescue teams, including specially trained dogs and medical personnel.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Ankara Wednesday to express his condolences and solidarity, according to a statement from Islamabad.

US President Joe Biden called Erdogan to express condolences and offer assistance to the NATO ally. The White House said it was sending search-and-rescue teams to support Turkey’s efforts.

The quake piled more misery on a region that has seen tremendous suffering over the past decade. On the Syrian side, the affected area

is divided between governmentcontrolled territory and the country’s last opposition-held enclave, which is surrounded by Russianbacked government forces. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the Syrian civil war.

In the rebel-held enclave, hundreds of families remained trapped in rubble, the opposition emergency organization known as the White Helmets said in a statement. The area is packed with some 4 million people displaced from other parts of the country by the war. Many live in buildings that are were already damaged by military bombardments.

Strained medical centers quickly filled with injured people, rescue workers said. Some facilities had to be emptied, including a maternity hospital, according to the SAMS medical organization.

More than 7,800 people were rescued across 10 provinces, according to Orhan Tatar, an official with Turkey’s disaster management authority.

The region sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. Some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999.

The US Geological Survey measured Monday’s quake at 7.8, with a depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles). Hours later, another quake, likely triggered by the first, struck more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) away with 7.5 magnitude.

The second jolt caused a multistory apartment building in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa to topple onto the street in a cloud of dust as bystanders screamed, according to video of the scene.

Thousands of buildings were reported collapsed in a wide area extending from Syria’s cities of Aleppo and Hama to Turkey’s Diy arbakir, more than 330 kilometers (200 miles) to the northeast.

A lsayed reported from Azmarin, Syria, while Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers Zeynep Bilginsoy and Robert Badendieck in Istanbul, Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Riazat Butt in Islamabad, contributed to this report

Russian forces keep up pressure as Ukraine anniversary nears

By Susie Blann

The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—Russian forces are keeping Ukrainian troops tied down with attacks in the eastern Donbas region as Moscow assembles additional combat power there for an expected offensive in the coming weeks, Ukrainian officials said Monday.

Intense fighting that has been raging for weeks continued around the city of Bakhmut and the nearby towns of Soledar and Vuhledar, Ukraine’s presidential office said.

They are located in the Donetsk region, which with neighboring Luhansk region makes up the Donbas, an industrial area bordering Russia.

“The battles for the region are heating up,” Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks, adding that “the Russians are throwing new units into the battle and eradicating our towns and villages.”

In Luhansk, Gov. Serhii Haidai said shelling there had subsided because “the Russians have been saving ammunition for a large-scale offensive.”

Military analysts say the Kremlin’s forces may be probing Ukrainian defenses for weak points or could be making a feint while preparing for a main thrust through southern Ukraine.

Ukraine envisages possible Russian offensives in the east and the south, Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman

Vadym Skibitsky said. He predicted that Russia will likely press its offensive in the Donbas and could also launch an attack in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

He didn’t say when the offensive might start but noted that the Russian military would need another couple of months to complete the training of new units.

Skibitsky added that Russia plans to mobilize another 300,000 to 500,000 in addition to the 300,000 mobilized in the fall.

David Arakhamia, who leads Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party in parliament, said Sunday that Ukraine is preparing for a Russian offensive while planning to counterattack and reclaim its occupied territory.

Arakhamia, noting that “time and circumstances call for strengthening and regrouping,” also announced that Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov would be moved to another government post and replaced by the head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov. But Arakhamia abruptly changed course Monday and said that no shakeup will happen this week.

Mariana Bezuhla, a Servant of the People party lawmaker, said officials decided to postpone the reshuffle following the analysis of “risks for the system as a whole” ahead of next week’s meeting with NATO allies.

One of Reznikov’s deputies recently lost his job amid Zelenskyy’s crackdown on corruption. Reznikov said over the weekend that he was ready to step down if Zelenskyy decides it is best.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hungry for some battlefield success, especially securing illegally annexed territory in eastern Ukraine, to mark the anniversary of his invasion on February 24.

Russian forces made gains in the first few months of the war, though they failed to clinch key objectives and were then driven back from large areas by a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Western military help has been essential for Kyiv to fend off a far larger military force.

The government of Norway aims to donate 75 billion kroner ($7.3 billion) in a multi-year support package to Ukraine, making the oil-rich Scandinavian country one of the world’s top donors.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Monday the money would be used for a military and civilian aid package over a five-year period once parliament gives its approval.

Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand tweeted late Sunday that the first Germanmade Leopard tank Canada is donating to Ukraine had arrived in Poland. It is part of a broad tank commitment by Ukraine’s Western allies to help it defeat Russia.

Training for Ukrainian military on how to use the tank was due to begin “soon,” Anand said, as the allies race to get Ukraine’s forces ready before the looming offensive.

Ukraine’s presidential office said Monday that at least one civilian had been killed and 10 others wounded by Russian shelling over the past 24 hours.

Five of those were injured during the shelling of Kharkiv city, where Russian shells struck residential buildings and a university, the presidential office said.

The Russians again fired at targets across the Dnieper River from the Russiaoccupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, damaging residential buildings and power lines in Nikopol and Marhanets, Ukrainian authorities reported.

Russian forces occupied Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant, early in the war, and regular shelling of the area stoked major safety concerns.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog is due to visit Moscow this week to discuss safety at Zaporizhzhia.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi aims to “continue his consultations aimed at agreeing and implementing a nuclear safety and security protection zone” around the plant, IAEA spokesman Fredrik Dahl said.

Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian chief, said Monday that nearly 8 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries since the war started and 5.3 million are displaced within the country. He told the UN Security Council Monday that 17.6 million Ukrainians—almost 40 percent of the population—need humanitarian assistance.

Griffiths said that he will be launching an appeal later this month in Geneva for $3.9 billion to help more than 11 million people this year.

MEN search for people among the debris in a destroyed building in Adana, Turkey, on Monday, February 6, 2023. A powerful quake has knocked down multiple buildings in southeast Turkey and Syria and many casualties are feared. AP/KHALIL HAMRA

The World

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un orders military to improve war readiness

By Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea—

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his military to expand its combat exercises and strengthen war preparedness as he looks to escalate an already provocative run in weapons demonstrations in the face of deepening tensions with its neighbors and Washington.

Kim presided over a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission on Monday and encouraged the armed forces to perform “evervictorious feats” and display “matchless military strength” to open a new phase in development, the country’s official Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday.

The meeting came amid signs North Korea is planning a military parade that may be an occasion to showcase the latest hardware from his growing nuclear weapons and missile program that’s brewing concern for the United States and its allies in Asia.

The commission’s members, who represent Kim’s top military brass, discussed a series of tasks aimed at inducing “great change” in the military, including “constantly expanding and intensifying the operation and combat drills” and “more strictly perfecting the preparedness for war,” the agency said.

The commission also discussed unspecified organizational changes to “fundamentally improve and strengthen” military affairs, and state media photos of the meeting showed a flag representing a possibly new department called the “missile general bureau.”

North Korea marks the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army on Wednesday and may celebrate with a

parade in Pyongyang.

Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a briefing that the South Korean military has detected a “significant increase in personnel and vehicles” in areas related to parade rehearsals, but declined to share a specific assessment on when the event would take place.

Lee said the South Korean military was closely monitoring developments related to North Korea’s possible creation of a new military bureau related to missiles, but didn’t provide further details. Some analysts say that the new department could possibly handle the development of nuclear warheads and ballistic systems.

Kim’s comments from the military meeting are the latest warning from Pyongyang that it’s preparing to intensify its military demonstrations following a record-breaking year in missile testing. The warnings are in part a response to the United States’ expanding military drills with South Korea, which the allies

have said are aimed at countering the North’s evolving threat.

Last week, North Korea threatened to counter US military moves with the “most overwhelming nuclear force” as it condemned US plans to expand its joint exercise with South Korea and deploy more advanced military assets like bombers and aircraft carriers to the region.

North Korea fired more than 70 ballistic missiles in 2022, including potential nuclear-capable weapons designed to strike targets in South Korea or reach the US mainland. It also conducted a slew of launches it described as simulated nuclear attacks on South Korean and US targets in response to the expanded US military drills with South Korea, which had been downsized during the Trump administration.

During a major political conference in December, Kim called for an “exponential increase” of the country’s nuclear warheads, mass production of battlefield tactical nukes targeting South Korea and the development of more powerful intercontinental

Concern rises for lives of 2 Thai activists on hunger strike

By Kaweewit Kaewjinda

The Associated Press

BANGKOK—Concerns about the condition of two hunger strikers seeking political and judicial reforms in Thailand heightened Monday after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents.

Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, 21, and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, 23, have been on hunger strike since January 18—much of that time refusing water as well as food—to back their demands for reform of the justice system, the release of political prisoners pending trial and for lawmakers to amend or abolish laws used against political dissidents. Their lawyer, Krisadang Nutcharas, said they are in poor condition, and at risk of losing their lives.

“Their parents didn’t sleep last night and they have been here since morning,” said Krisadang at the Thammasat University Hospital in a northern suburb of Bangkok, the capital. “This is not a scripted drama to ask people for their sympathy.”

The two women agreed a few days ago to resume taking water. Refusing all liquids in addition to food can cause permanent injury and even death if carried on for an extended period.

The two activists are among at least 228 people, including 18 minors, have been charged with violating the lese majeste law, which carries a prison term of three to 15 years for insulting the monarchy. Critics say the law, also known as Article 112, is often wielded as a tool to quash political dissent. Student-led pro-democracy protests beginning in 2020 openly criticized the monarchy, previously a taboo subject, leading to vigorous prosecutions under the law, which had previously been relatively rarely employed.

Sitthichok Sethasavet, a food delivery driver convicted in January of lese majeste, is also on a hunger strike and being kept at

the same hospital.

Tantawan and Orawan were charged with lese majeste for conducting public polls on whether people felt bothered by royal motorcades, which can lead to road closures and heavy traffic. They also face other charges such as sedition and refusing to comply with authorities.

The two women had been free on bail but announced earlier this month that they were revoking their own release to return to prison in solidarity with others held pending trial on the same charge whom they want to be freed, saying that’s the main issue at this point.

Krisadang said Monday he reapplied for the release on bail of eight others from the same activist group who have been detained pending trial after they were accused of breaking the law while taking part in political protests. Several previous applications have been turned down.

A Sunday statement by Thammasat University Hospital said the condition of both young women is deteriorating as they

ballistic missiles that could reach the American homeland.

Experts say Kim’s weapons tests and threats are aimed at forcing Washington to accept the idea of North Korea as a nuclear power, which Pyongyang sees as a way to negotiate economic and political concession from a position of strength.

But there are also signs that the

costs of Kim’s growing nuclear ambitions are piling up. North Korean state media said Monday that the ruling Workers’ Party has scheduled a plenary meeting of its powerful Central Committee later this month to discuss the “urgent task” on improving agricultural production amid deepening economic isolation.

Some experts have said that the

country’s food insecurity is likely at its worst state since the 1990s when a devastating famine killed hundreds of thousands of people. Diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has been stalled since 2019, with the two sides remaining at odds over US-led economic sanctions against the North and the North’s nuclear program.

continue to reject food and treatment and are only sipping water.

Tantawan is bleeding through her gums in addition to suffering from fatigue, low blood sugar, stomach pains and trouble sleeping, while her body is lacking in electrolytes and her blood is also becoming acidic, the statement said.

It said Orawan is experiencing similar ailments in addition to a blood clotting disorder, tired legs and nausea.

Opposition political parties have joined the hunger strikers’ call for releasing the prisoners, but sympathizers have also been imploring the women to save themselves.

“I truly believe that no one should have to sacrifice their lives to ask for basic democratic rights in a modern democratic society, which includes the right to equal treatment in the justice system and the right to bail,” popular opposition figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit said in a video message posted Sunday on a “Return lives, return the right to bail” Facebook page.

IN this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, attends a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Monday, February 6, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP

POLITICAL activists Orawan Phuphong, left, and Tantawan Tuatulanon raise a threefinger salute, a symbol of resistance, in protest outside at Criminal Court in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 16, 2023. Concerns about the condition of the two activists currently on hunger strikes seeking political and judicial reforms heightened Monday, February 6, 2023, after the hospital where the two women are being kept urgently summoned their parents. RATSADON NEWS VIA AP

How to unleash PHL’s agricultural potential

THe Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released last month a report on the country’s crops production from 2017 to 2021, which indicated that palay production rose by an average annual rate of 0.9 percent. From 19.28 million metric tons in 2017, production expanded to 19.96 MMT in 2021. During the five-year period, production of the staple contracted in 2018 and 2019, the year when President Duterte signed Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law.

Unmilled rice output fell to 18.81 MMT in 2019 as harvest area contracted to 4.65 million hectares, from 4.8 million hectares the previous year due to typhoons. Typhoons and monsoon rains were also the culprit behind the lower rice output in 2018, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Rice production recovered in 2020 and 2021, when it reached 19.29 MMT and a record 19.96 MMT, respectively. Output hit all time high despite the fact that harvest area was the same as the 4.812 million hectares recorded in 2017, indicating an improvement in productivity. A separate report on the agriculture sector’s performance released by the PSA, however, showed that palay production fell to 19.75 MMT last year.

The increments in the production of the staple were not enough to cut into the country’s rice imports during the five-year period. The increasing need of the Philippines for the staple coupled with the ease with which traders could import rice caused purchases to balloon to more than 3 MMT. The Rice Tariffication Law made it easier for traders to bring in rice, as they only have to secure phytosanitary import clearances from the Bureau of Plant Industry. The relative ease with which traders could import rice coupled with the increasing need of the country for the staple caused purchases to balloon to more than 3 MMT.

The Philippines would continue to import rice if the necessary reforms to make production more efficient are not put in place. According to the National Economic and Development Authority, investments in technology and modern equipment are key to improving the productivity of the sector to wean the country from imports

(See, “Cutting rice imports needs time, tech–Neda exec,” in the BusinessMirror, February 6, 2023). The latest rice production data, however, indicate that the Philippines is lagging behind in terms of equipping its planters with the necessary tools to cope with various challenges, including climate change and skyrocketing production costs.

The Rice Tariffication Law has created mechanisms such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for the exclusive use of rice planters. It allocates P10 billion to four component programs: mechanization (P5 billion), seeds (P3 billion), extension (P1 billion), and credit (P1 billion). Its primary goal is to improve the competitiveness and increase the income of Filipino rice farmers through yield improvement, cost reduction, reduction of postharvest losses, and rice value-addition.

While there are factors beyond the government’s control, such as adverse weather events, timely implementation of these mechanisms will enable farmers to survive the crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine war that caused fertilizer prices to soar. If these mechanisms are in place and are working, planters would not have a difficult time adjusting to the vagaries of the weather and the whims of politicians.

Since

UN chief fears world is heading toward a wider war

By Edith M. Lederer | The Associated Press

UNITeD NATIONS—The United Nations chief warned Monday that the world is facing a convergence of challenges “unlike any in our lifetimes” and expressed fear of a wider war as the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches.

Secretary-General Antonio

Guterres said experts who surveyed the state of the world in 2023 set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest ever to “total global catastrophe.”

He pointed to the war in Ukraine, “runaway climate catastrophe, rising nuclear threats,” the widening gulf between the world’s haves and have-nots, and the “epic geopolitical divisions” undermining “global solidarity and trust.”

In a wide-ranging address Guterres urged the General Assembly’s 193 member nations to change their mindset on decision-making from near-term thinking, which he called “irresponsible” and “immoral,” to looking “at what will happen to all of us tomorrow—and act.”

He said this year’s 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights should serve as a reminder that the foundation of the inalienable rights of all people is “freedom, justice and peace.”

Guterres said the transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine—where unfortunately, he said, peace prospects “keep diminishing” and “the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing.”

“I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with

its eyes wide open,” he said.

The world must work harder for peace, Guterres said, not only in Ukraine but in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict “where the two-state solution is growing more distant by the day,” in Afghanistan where the rights of women and girls “are being trampled and deadly terrorist attacks continue” and in Africa’s Sahel region where security is deteriorating “at an alarming rate.”

He also called for stepped up peace efforts in military-ruled Myanmar, which is facing new violence and repression, in Haiti where gangs are holding the country hostage, “and elsewhere around the world for the two billion people who live in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.”

The secretary-general said it is time for all countries to recommit to the UN Charter, which calls for peaceful settlement of disputes, and for a new focus on conflict prevention and reconciliation.

The proposed new UN Agenda for Peace, he said, calls for “a new generation of peace enforcement missions and counter-terrorist operations, led by regional forces,” with a UN Security Council mandate that can be enforced militarily and guaranteed funding. “The African Union is

Guterres said the transformation needed today must start with peace, beginning in Ukraine— where unfortunately, he said, peace prospects “keep diminishing” and “the chances of further escalation and bloodshed keep growing.” “I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with its eyes wide open,” he said.

an obvious partner in this regard,” he added.

Guterres also said it is time for nuclear-armed countries to renounce the first use of all nuclear weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons, a possible use that Russia has raised in Ukraine.

“The so-called ‘tactical’ use of nuclear weapons is absurd,” he said.

“We are at the highest risk in decades of a nuclear war that could start by accident or design. We need to end the threat posed by 13,000 nuclear weapons held in arsenals around the world.”

As for the global financial system, Guterres called for “radical transformation” to put the needs of developing countries at the center of every decision.

He pointed to rising poverty and hunger around the world, developing countries forced to pay five times more to borrow money than advanced economies, vulnerable middle-income countries denied concessional funding and debt relief, and the richest 1 percent of the world’s people capturing “almost half of all

new wealth over the past decade.”

Multilateral development banks must change their business model to invest more capital in developing countries to achieve UN goals including ending extreme poverty and addressing climate change, Guterres said.

Guterres told diplomats that 2023 must also be “a year of game-changing climate action,” not of excuses or baby steps—and there must be “no more bottomless greed of the fossil fuel industry and its enablers.”

The world must focus on cutting global-warming greenhouse gas emissions by half this decade, which means far more ambitious action to cut carbon pollution by speeding the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, especially in the world’s 20 richest global economies, he said.

It also means cutting emissions from the highest emitting industrial sectors—steel, cement, shipping and aviation, he said.

Guterres had a special message for fossil fuel producers who he said are scrambling to expand production “and raking in monster profits.”

“If you cannot set a credible course for net-zero, with 2025 and 2030 targets covering all your operations, you should not be in business,” he said.

The secretary-general invited any leader in government, business or civil society to the Climate Ambition Summit he is convening in September—with a condition.

“Show us accelerated action in this decade and renewed ambitious net zero plans—or please don’t show up,” Guterres said.

Balloon bursts hopes for end to spiraling US-China tensions

By Matthew Lee | AP Diplomatic Writer

WASHINGTON—Monday was supposed to be a day of modest hope in the US-China relationship. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was going to be in Beijing, meeting with President Xi Jinping in a high-stakes bid to ease ever-rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Instead, Blinken was spending the day in Washington after abruptly cancelling his visit late last week as the US and China exchanged angry words about a suspected Chinese spy balloon the US shot down. As fraught as the US-China relationship had been ahead of Blinken’s planned trip, it’s even worse now and there’s little hope for it improving anytime soon.

Even as both sides maintain they will manage the situation in a calm manner, the mutual recriminations, particularly since the shoot-down of the balloon on Saturday that drew a stern Chinese protest, do not bode well for rapprochement.

The setback comes at a time when both sides were looking for a way to potentially extricate themselves

from a low point in ties that has had the world on edge.

White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby noted Monday that Blinken’s trip was delayed, not canceled. But prospects for rescheduling remain uncertain.

“I would put this at a six” on a scale of 10, said Danny Russel, a China expert and former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs in the Obama administration, on the damage to current diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

“The signals I see suggest that there has to be a pause and a line drawn under the incident but once the drama has gone through its final act, there seems to be every intention to re-engineer a trip by the secretary

Even as both sides maintain they will manage the situation in a calm manner, the mutual recriminations, particularly since the shoot-down of the balloon on Saturday that drew a stern Chinese protest, do not bode well for rapprochement. The setback comes at a time when both sides were looking for a way to potentially extricate themselves from a low point in ties that has had the world on edge.

of state,” said Russel, who is now vice president for international security and diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

The administration will be “starting at a serious deficit,” Russel said.

“This is a setback but it’s not impossible to see a return. Absent mismanagement, this is recoverable.”

Blinken and senior Chinese officials do plan to attend at least two international gatherings—the Mu-

nich Security Conference in mid-February and a meeting of the Group of 20 foreign ministers in India in early March—that could provide venues for renewed engagement.

But the lost opportunity caused by the balloon incident may be difficult to recreate.

It’s not that the US and China don’t talk. It’s that they talk from extremely divergent points of view with very little leeway for either to step back from entrenched positions that are often directly related to political conditions at home.

Military-to-military channels are used, but they have been hindered by increasing Chinese incursions into Taiwanese air defense zones and aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The result is the US has stepped up reconnaissance flights and warship voyages through the Taiwan Strait.

Diplomatic channels remain open, but for several years they have been dominated by disagreements rather than grounds for potential coSee “Balloon,” A11

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder

As states fail, Africa becomes terrorism epicenter, UNDP says

By Antony Sguazzin Bloomberg Opinion

The inability of states to provide basic services and create jobs across much of Africa, ranging from the Sahel zone in the west to Somalia in the east and Mozambique in the south has made the continent the global epicenter of extremist violence, the United Nations Development Programme said.

In 2021 sub-Sahara Africa accounted for 48% of all deaths from violent extremism and 21 percent of attacks, the UNDP said in its Journey to Extremism in Africa report released Tuesday. A third of those deaths were in just four countries —Somalia, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Between 2011 and 2020 more than 50,000 people died as result of extremist violence on the continent.

“In the absence of the state institution providing for the basic services of, you know, security, rule of law or functioning courts, people essentially turn to these violent extremist groups,” Achim Steiner, administrator of the UNDP, said in an interview. “They provide in whichever form an alternative.”

While the spread of extremist groups is creating mounting problems for Africa, with deaths from terrorism rising tenfold in the Sahel since 2007 and economic costs between 2007 and 2016 estimated at $97 billion, the collapse of state services in countries such as Burkina Faso and Somalia threatens the world.

“We are at a point where development is imploding and the conditions that actually drive violent extremism are growing exponentially,” Steiner said. “More and more people are actually, you know, trying to get out of their own country that they call home.”

In addition to migration, both to developed countries and overburdened neighboring states, letting extremist groups flourish could see them export the violence globally, as had happened with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, he said.

The UNDP report was based on interviews over two years with

continued from A10

operation and they are now crowded by complaints from both sides over the balloon.

President Joe Biden and Xi agreed to Blinken’s visit during a meeting in November in Indonesia. Biden may have been hoping that his top diplomat would return from China with a measure of progress on issues ranging from trade, Indo-Pacific security and climate change to human rights and the status of Taiwan. Instead, he now faces a domestic political maelstrom just ahead of his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday.

Republican lawmakers have been harshly critical of what they say was Biden’s weak response to the presence of the balloon over US airspace. New GOP House speaker Kevin McCarthy’s expected trip to Taiwan this year is likely to be accompanied by new complaints about the administration’s approach.

Meanwhile in Beijing, after initially taking a relatively conciliatory response to the balloon, Chinese leaders have adopted a much tougher position likely in response to nationalistic public reaction. After apologizing for the balloon, which it said was a weather craft that mistakenly strayed into US airspace, China now condemns the downing as an unacceptable violation of international law and standards that has set back the potential for dialogue.

“Blinken’s visit to China had offered a way to stabilize the US–China relationship,” said Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy and Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University. The postponement has now “greatly reduced” the window for that, he said.

Quite apart from the political

2,196 people, three times as many as in a 2017 study carried out by the program. Of those, 1,000 were former members of violent extremist groups, some of whom were forcibly recruited and others who joined voluntarily.

Recruitment factors included a lack of education, isolation and the brutality of government forces. Most of those interviewed were former members of Boko Haram in Nigeria, al-Shabaab in Somalia and Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, the al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition in West Africa.

Platform, narrative

S T ILL , while the majority of the extremist groups focused on in the study are Islamists, religion is a secondary factor, providing a “platform and also a narrative,” Steiner said. If more money was directed to development rather than fighting extremists, with sub-Saharan military expenditures amounting to $20.1 billion in 2021, fewer people would be pushed into extremist groups, the UNDP said in the report.

Already the economic impact of the violence can be seen. Much of northern Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso are inaccessible because of the security threat and TotalEnergies SE has halted a $20 billion natural gas project in Mozambique after an attack by Islamist militants.

“We need to have a much more fundamental reflection on what is working, what is not working,” Steiner said. “These essentially nation state collapses that we are witnessing are ultimately going to have a cancer-like effect on, on not only neighboring countries, but ultimately the global sense of human security.”

implications for both, the developments have laid bare the extremely fragile nature of what many had hoped could be a manageable economic, political and military rivalry.

Tensions between the US and China, notably over Taiwan, have been a source of deep concern for Washington and many of its allies. They worry that overt conflict will crater the global economy and their concerns were exacerbated last year with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, on which China has largely sided with the Russians.

At the same time, China and the United States have been on a collision course on other matters, including China’s increasing aggressiveness in the South and East China Seas, which have put US allies like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand on edge, not to mention Australia and New Zealand.

China’s continued clampdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, its human rights record in the mainly Muslim western region of Xinjiang, harassment and imprisonment of Christians and other religious minorities elsewhere, and ongoing campaign against Tibetan leaders have all become significant irritants in ties.

Over the last five years, ChinaUS relations have entered a new and worsening phase of confrontation, conflict and competition, said Da, calling the current period a “new kind of Cold War.”

“It’s very different from the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, but if we define cold war as the two biggest countries in the world being locked in fierce confrontations and conflicts in a way that doesn’t involve military and wars ... we are rapidly moving in that direction,” Da

When will we ever learn?

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza MAKE SENSE

The Philippine Statistics Authority said 40 percent of Filipino households depend on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for their daily cooking needs. These families are the potential victims of unsafe LPG tanks being sold by unscrupulous LPG suppliers. For example, if they happen to buy imported LPG tanks that are made of low quality steel, these Filipino households are unnecessarily exposed to the hazard of an LPG cylinder that can potentially explode.

From the Philippine News Agency, January 31, 2023: “At least 18 people were injured after a liquefied petroleum gas tank exploded in a four-story commercial building in Malate, Manila on Monday. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the incident occurred inside a laundry shop along Fidel Reyes Street in Barangay 708 where an LPG tank exploded due to gas leak. The blast triggered a fire that started around 7:19 p.m. and was extinguished at 7:34 p.m. as some 10 fire trucks responded. The Manila DRRMO said the victims were brought to Adventist Medical Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Maynila and De La Salle University hospital.”

I have written in my past columns that in my capacity as Chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries, I have been advocating for the longest time the promotion of local industries to help them grow and be able to compete locally and in the global market. These local busi-

nesses need government support to enable them to generate more jobs and help strengthen the economy. That’s why it pains me to hear that foreign liquefied petroleum gas cylinder manufacturing companies in China and elsewhere are allegedly getting preferential treatment from the government.

According to my sources, some foreign companies were able to get PS license to produce LPG cylinders in a span of three months, which happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. My question is, are their LPG cylinders meticulously checked for quality standard?

My sources said there are now only two local LPG cylinder manufacturers, and the sad part is that they are reportedly having a hard time renewing their licenses. I was informed that they are being subjected to stringent scrutiny by the concerned government agency, and that it allegedly takes months before they can secure a license to produce.

I don’t want to make any conclu-

What is alarming, however, is the information I got that some companies are importing substandard LPG cylinders at a very cheap cost. Based on our research, high-pressure steel is needed to manufacture an LPG cylinder. If imported LPG cylinders come at very cheap prices, would that not make our authorities suspect that these LPG tanks are made of low quality steel? Steel is a global commodity with a universal price. So, if the price difference between an imported LPG cylinder and locally manufactured LPG cylinder is so big, this should raise a lot of questions and suspicions.

sion, but I would be remiss in my duty as FPI Chairman if I allow this issue to pass without discussing it with the DTI Secretary, who, I know, also wants to protect the interest of local businesses to help them prosper. Rest assured that I will not waver supporting the DTI in its mission to help local industries and to facilitate trade and investments.

What is alarming, however, is the information I got that some companies are importing substandard LPG cylinders at a very cheap cost. Based on our research, high-pressure steel is needed to manufacture an LPG cylinder. If imported LPG cylinders come at very cheap prices, would that not make our authorities suspect that these LPG tanks are made of low quality steel? Steel is a global commodity with a universal price.

Biden 2024? Most Democrats say no thank you: AP-NORC poll

By Josh Boak & Hannah Fingerhut | The Associated Press

WAShINGTON—A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024.

That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that shows just 37 percent of Democrats say they want him to seek a second term, down from 52 percent in the weeks before last year’s midterm elections.

While Biden has trumpeted his legislative victories and ability to govern, the poll suggests relatively few US adults give him high marks on either. Follow-up interviews with poll respondents suggest that many believe the 80-year-old’s age is a liability, with people focused on his coughing, his gait, his gaffes and the possibility that the world’s most stressful job would be better suited for someone younger.

“I, honestly, think that he would be too old,” said Sarah Overman, 37, a Democrat who works in education in Raleigh, North Carolina. “We could use someone younger in the office.”

As the president gives his State of the Union address Tuesday, he has a chance to confront fundamental doubts about his competence to govern. Biden has previously leaned heavily on his track record to say that he’s more than up to the task. When asked if he can handle the office’s responsibilities at his age, the president has often responded as if he’s accepting a dare: “Watch me.” Democratic candidates performed better than expected in the 2022 midterm elections, a testament to Biden’s message that he is defending democracy and elevating the middle class. Democrats expanded their control of the Senate by one seat and narrowly lost their House majority even though history indicated there would be a Republican wave.

When asked about the survey’s findings at Monday’s news briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicated that the

results in last year’s election mattered more than polling numbers.

“The way that we should look at this is what we saw from the midterms,” said Jean-Pierre, noting that the relative Democratic successes were “because the president went out there and spoke directly to the American people.”

Overall, 41 percent approve of how Biden is handling his job as president, the poll shows, similar to ratings at the end of last year.

A majority of Democrats still approve of the job Biden is doing as president, yet their appetite for a reelection campaign has slipped despite his electoral track record. Only 22 percent of US adults overall say he should run again, down from 29 percent who said so before last year’s midterm elections.

The decline among Democrats saying Biden should run again for president appears concentrated among younger people. Among Democrats age 45 and over, 49 percent say Biden should run for reelection, nearly as many as the 58 percent who said that in October. But among those under age 45, 23 percent now say he should run for reelection, after 45 percent said that before the midterms.

Linda Lockwood, a Democrat and retiree from Kansas City, Kansas, said she is not that worried about Biden’s age.

“He seems to be in pretty good condition in my opinion and that’s coming from a 76-year-old woman,” Lockwood said. “You might be a little more careful going down the steps as you get older, but if your brain is still working, that’s the important part.”

Already the oldest president in US history, Biden has been dogged by questions about his age as he would be 86 if he serves a full eight years as president. He often works long days, standing for hours, remembering the names of strangers

So, if the price difference between an imported LPG cylinder and locally manufactured LPG cylinder is so big, this should raise a lot of questions and suspicions.

My sources said there is reason to believe that imported LPG cylinders are made of subpar steel. But how come they are not rigidly examined, like what authorities do to local LPG manufacturers that are subject to stringent testing? There have been hundreds of LPG fire-related incidents in the country. It’s about time we seriously think about the well being of the millions of Filipino households depending on LPG for their daily cooking needs. My question is: How many substandard and therefore unsafe LPG tanks are in circulation nationwide?

In the last five years, at least 7.2 million LPG cylinders have been imported. Our local manufacturers, who are using quality high-pressure steel and are being strictly monitored by the DTI-BPS can manufacture almost four million LPG tanks annually. But cheap imported LPG cylinders are threatening their businesses. If the importation volume keeps on increasing, we may soon see the demise of our local LPG cylinder manufacturers who create hundreds of jobs for our citizens. At the same time, millions of households will continually be exposed to the hazards brought about by imported but substandard LPG tanks.

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.

While Biden has trumpeted his legislative victories and ability to govern, the poll suggests relatively few US adults give him high marks on either. Follow-up interviews with poll respondents suggest that many believe the 80-year-old’s age is a liability, with people focused on his coughing, his gait, his gaffes and the possibility that the world’s most stressful job would be better suited for someone younger.

he meets while traveling who want to share a story about their lives with him.

Yet he’s been a national politic al figure for a half-century, having first been elected to the Senate from Delaware in 1972, and the moments when he appears lost on stage or stumbles through speeches can garner more attention than his policies.

Voters like Ross Truckey, 35, have been watching the president carefully. A lawyer in Michigan, Truckey did not vote for Biden or Republican Donald Trump in 2020. He feels as though Biden has been the latest in a string of “subpar” presidents.

“His age and possibly his mental acuity is not where I would want the leader of the country to be,” Truckey said. “He, at times, appears to be an old man who is past his prime. Sometimes I feel a little bit of pity for the guy being pushed out in front of crowds.”

Biden has repeatedly emphasized in speeches that it’s essential for the public to know the totality of what his administration is doing.

It’s notched four big legislative victories with coronavirus relief, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and tax and spending measures that help to address climate change and improve the IRS’ ability to enforce the tax code and help taxpayers.

Yet just 13 percent have a lot of confidence in Biden’s ability to accomplish major policy goals, a possible reflection of the fact that he

must now work with a Republican majority in the House that wants to cut spending in return for lifting the government’s legal borrowing authority.

The poll also shows only 23 percent of US adults say they have “a great deal” of confidence in Biden to effectively manage the White House. That has ticked down from 28 percent a year ago and remains significantly lower than 44 percent two years ago, just as Biden took office.

Just 21 percent have a lot of confidence in Biden’s ability to handle a crisis, down slightly from 26 percent last March.

On working with congressional Republicans and managing government spending, roughly half of US adults say they have hardly any confidence in the president, and only around 1 in 10 say they have high confidence.

Republican voters are unwilling to give Biden the benefit of the doubt, hurting his ratings.

John Rodriguez, 76, backed Trump and assumes that Biden is merely doing the bidding of his aides. That creates a challenge for a president who promised to unite the country.

“I believe he’s not the one who’s calling the shots,” said Rodriguez, who lives in Cutler Bay, Florida. “He’s a puppet being told where to go, what to say.”

But the key obstacle for Biden might be voters such as Vikram Joglekar, 46, who works in the computer industry in Austin, Texas. He backed the president in 2020, only to summarize his feelings about Biden’s time in office as “meh.”

“It’s not up for me to decide whether someone should run or not,” Joglekar said. “I don’t know who is going to be on the ballot, but I would hope it would be someone better from his party.”

(The poll of 1,068 adults was conducted January 26 to 30 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the US population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.)

DTI’s RCEP pitch at Senate: ‘No simple trade agreement’

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Regional Comprehensive

Partnership

Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. Touted as the world’s largest trade pact, RCEP represents 30 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP).

E.

that as an ASEAN-led free trade agreement, it will ensure the region’s “continued economic advantage” and will help maintain a “balance of power” within the region.

It must be reiterated that RCEP is an ASEAN-led [free trade agreement] FTA, and we are part of Asean. It is aimed at maintaining ASEAN’s centrality within the broader region,” the Trade chief said in his opening statement during the Senate hearing on RCEP.

“ It is not just a simple trade agreement, that’s already been highlighted, which provides enhanced market access and a stable regulatory framework. It is a strategic tool in ensuring the region’s continued economic advantage, and will help maintain a balance of power within the region,” Pascual stressed.

A mid the “rise of protectionism” and ongoing geopolitical crisis, the

Trade chief said the signing and entry-into-force of RCEP reflects the ASEAN region’s “unwavering commitment” to a rules-based trading system that maintains an open, stable, free, and fair-trading environment.

RCEP is also expected to further promote economic efficiency of member states, strengthening linkages in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and natural resources, as well as reinforcing the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the global value chain networks, according to Pascual.

RCEP is a free trade agreement among ASEAN countries and their trading partners Australia, China,

T he Trade chief noted that the Philippines is the only remaining signatory state that has yet to participate in the regional trade deal. The country, he stressed, cannot afford not to join as exclusion will be “costly” and the country will miss a lot of opportunities.

Our neighbors in South East Asia are already enjoying the advantages and benefits of the Agreement, and further delay can result in trade diversification and missed investment opportunities,” Pascual told senators.

M eanwhile, the Trade chief also brought up the downsides of not joining RCEP. He said, among others, that the country’s exports, including electronic and agricultural products, could become “less competitive” as intermediate goods used as inputs for further production and manufacturing become more expensive compared with the country’s competitors.

Pascual said other countries in the region enjoy preferential treatment arising from “enhanced” market access, wider sourcing of raw

materials, among others.

Moreover, the Trade chief noted, while RCEP is not a “magic bullet” that will solve the country’s problems in various sectors, it will provide an “enabling environment”. Hence, he added, the government and business will still need to do their part to make local industries more productive and more competitive.

L ast week, agriculture stakeholders expressed anew their objection to RCEP, saying there is no guarantee the trade pact would benefit the Philippines since other RCEP member-countries are more competitive.

T hese stakeholders expressed their concern that “things could worsen, unless we act resolutely and fix the ills plaguing agriculture.”

W hile Pascual recognized the concerns raised by some sectors including the agriculture sector, he said “it is important to understand the bigger picture and view RCEP in terms of the opportunities it can bring us, overall.”  “ In any case, the government will continue to provide the needed support and level the playing field to equip and sharpen the capacity of our businesses, including those in agriculture,” the Trade chief added.

Continued on A3

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

IT took less than seven days to bring the peso back to its level at the start of the year by closing at P55.085 to the dollar on Tuesday, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP).

Data showed the peso opened at P54.65 and saw a high of P55.1 and a low of P54.6 on Tuesday. The last time the peso was at the P55 level was on January 13 when it closed at P55.176 to the greenback.

A nalysts were quick to blame the improvement in the US jobs data as well as the 8.7-percent inflation posted in January as announced by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday.

“ The USD/PHP ended weaker at 55.085 after a strong US jobs report last Friday raised the prospects of more hikes from the Federal Reserve that could go beyond the 5 percent levels,” Managing Director of eManagement for Business and Marketing Services, Jonathan Ravelas said.

“ In a way, yes (the high inflation rate in January contributed). Government should use more non-monetary tools to help fight inflation. More pressure for the agencies concerned. ACTA NON

VERBA—Actions Not Words,” he also told this newspaper.

He said the recent developments “gives a strong message that the dollar bulls are back on the driving seat.” The next move would see a test of the P55.5 to P55.75 levels.

Moreover, Ravelas said, with the peso depreciating amid high prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is now expected to raise interest rates by 50 basis points.

M eanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said the peso, on a year-on-year basis, remained weak versus the US dollar by P3.69 or 7.2 percent to 54.64 in end-January 2023.

T his weakness of the Philippine currency may have also contributed to the higher year-onyear inflation in terms of higher import prices.

L ast February 3, the Philippine peso closed at P53.845 to the greenback, the strongest close of the peso since June 2022. BSP data showed the last time the peso was at the P53 level was on June 20, 2022, when it closed at P53.551.

T he US Federal Reserve earlier decided to increase interest rates by only 25 basis points. This raised the interest rate in the US to 4.5 to 4.75 percent.

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

TO maximize the economic and social benefits of Philippine maritime industries, lawmakers called on the national government to prioritize programs that promote blue economy in the interest of national economic security.

C iting the National State of Ocean and Coasts during the initial deliberations on House Bill No. 69 on Tuesday, Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez of Negros Occidental said maritime industries in the country were worth $11.9 billion in 2016. Our maritime domains compose 88 percent of our territory.

Sixty percent of Filipinos live in coastal communities. So it is crucial to maximize the economic and social benefits of our maritime industries, which include fisheries, shipping and tourism—and this requires strong commitment and action from concerned government agencies,” Benitez said.

“ The Philippines is already a powerhouse maritime economy, given our geography, history and culture, but who benefits from the blessings of the seas?” Benitez

added in a separate statement.

Blue economy is a framework for sustainable development of marine and coastal resources, based on principles of stewardship and social responsibility, the Negros legislator explained.

“ Our maritime economy has great potential to accelerate our full economic recovery from the pandemic and support sustained economic growth. But we need a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach to ensure that development does not destroy our marine and coastal ecosystems,” Benitez said.

House Bill 69, if passed into law, will strengthen interagency coordination and planning to identify best use of our maritime zones, including our EEZ, promote blue finance or funding for special economic zones concentrating on sustainable and strategic maritime industries, and enhance maritime domain awareness to flag threats to our marine environment, including unauthorized access, overexploitation and pollution.

Focus on aquaculture

FOR his part, House Committee

on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda told Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Demosthenes Escoto during a recent meeting of the House Committee on Aquatic Resources and Fisheries that the agency should focus more on aquaculture development as a way to ensure the country’s fish supply.

S alceda said that as long as the country remains reliant on captured fish, which can be highly variable, for its supply, it will remain dependent on imports and fish smuggling.

You can’t kill smuggling if you can’t address domestic shortage. You need to produce enough food to totally curb smuggling. And for fisheries, the only path is aquaculture,” he said.

S alceda pointed to figures suggesting that the Philippines is among the few large countries that depends nearly as much on captured fish as it does on aquaculture.

Salceda emphasized that “China already relies on aquaculture for 78 percent of its fish, despite our West Philippine Sea concerns.”

Economic

(RCEP) is not just a “simple” trade agreement, Trade Secretary Alfredo

Pascual told senators on Tuesday, noting

With $11.9-B maritime sector, ‘blue economy needs push’

PESO BACK AT JANUARY LEVEL OF 55 TO DOLLAR

JAPAN-BOUND Department of Justice and Bureau Immigration personnel escort Kiyoto Imamura (left) and Toshiya Fujita on Japan Airlines flight JL746 bound for Narita at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. The two were deported after the Japanese government sought their transfer to face charges for their alleged involvement in a series of robberies and scams targeting elderly people in Japan. See story in page A3 Nation, “After 4 years, PHL govt heeds Tokyo’s request to deport 4 Japanese fugitives.” NONIE REYES

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

MPIC ventures into coconut sector via stake in Axelum

By VG Cabuag @villygc

“This investment into Axelum will mean more income opportunities for coconut farmers, as well as a broader landscape for Philippine agriculture.”

values and ambition to advance the coconut industry by synergizing our resources and expertise,” Axelum Chairman and C eo Romeo I. Chan said.

Axelum is the leading manufacturer and exporter globally of highquality coconut products, and one of the major suppliers of Vita Coco, the global market leader in coconut water. The company is also a major exporter of desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut cooking oil, and other coconut products.

MPIC’s unit, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV), is the vehicle

that will be used for the acquisition.

The acquisition buttresses MPIC’s promise in becoming a serious player in the agricultural field, following its investment in the dairy sector last year.

“The north Star of our agriculture business is helping our country achieve food security,” MPIC Chairman, President and Ceo Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

With its global presence, Axelum products are sold in both the domestic and international markets, supplying to food and beverage companies, confectioneries, bakeries, supermarkets and grocery store chains and other establishments around the world. Its products are distributed in the un ited States, Canada, Australia, ne w Zealand, e a stern eu rope, Middle e a st, Japan and some countries in Asia.

“Through this partnership, we aim to achieve our life-long vision of further developing and transforming the Philippine coconut industry. We proudly welcome our new partners, MPAV and the entire MPIC organization, and we thank them for sharing the same

“More importantly, this puts us in a strong position to help uplift the marginalized coconut farming communities in our country and contribute to the continuous development of the agricultural sector,” Chan added.

“The Philippines enjoys global renown for its coconut products. Axelum has had an impressive history—having helped establish the country as the world’s leading producer of high-quality coconut products,” MPAV President and Ceo Jovy Hernandez.

MPIC, through MPAV, continues to look for other opportunities in the agricultural sector, while aiming to achieve a wider presence in the dairy industry.

Globe 2022 net income jumps by 46%

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

Globe Telecom Inc. saw its profits rising by almost half in 2022 mainly due to an all-time high topline and the partial sale of its tower assets and its data center business.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the Ayala-led telco reported that its full-year 2022 net income reached P34.6 billion, or 46 percent higher than the previous year’s P23.7 billion.

The mobile operator’s consolidated revenues were up 4 percent to P158 billion, an all-time high, fueled by both corporate data and mobile services.

Globe also booked a one-time net gain of P8.4 billion from the partial sale of its data center business, as well as a net gain of P6.2 billion from the sale and leaseback of its tower assets.

The telco’s total operating expenses stood at P78.9 billion.

Globe President er nest l Cu said the year 2022 was a “challenging year with several macroeconomic and external factors causing almost all expense line items to increase.”

Its core net income, which strips off one-time gains and losses, was 9 percent lower to P19.2 billion from P21.2 billion. “Despite 2022 being a challenging year marked by inflationary pressures, high-interest rates, and weakened consumer con-

fidence, Globe once again showed resilience. We are happy that the Globe Group closed the year with strong topline and ebITDA growth,” Cu said.

Globe spent P101.4 billion in capital expenditures last year, the highest investment ever in its history, allowing the company to reduce its outlays by 30 percent this year to about P71.5 billion ($1.3 billion).

“As we strive to future-proof our network performance, provide better customer experience, and continue with various digital innovations to address the everyday pain points of our fellow Filipinos, we are optimistic that our beyondtelco initiatives will help enable the Philippines to become a truly digital nation,” Cu said. Lenie Lectura

Mober aims to deploy 100 EVs by yearend

FIlIPIno tech-logistics startup

Mober Technology PT e Inc. is targeting to deploy 100 electric vehicles (eVs) by the end of 2023 and intends to become the largest green logistics in 5 years.

Currently, Mober has a fleet of 20 eVs and e-trucks, serving a variety of clients, such as IK e A for last-mile delivery, nespresso for warehouseto-store delivery, and SM Appliance Center for same-day delivery.

A pioneer in eV delivery in the Philippines, Mober purchased its first electric delivery fleet in october 2021 to give companies with net zero mandate an environmentally friendly choice.

The Swiss coffee brand is Mober’s latest client.

“We aim to catalyze a transition to zero-emissions mid and last-mile delivery in the Philippines. by switching to electric vehicles, nespresso is

set to eliminate hundreds of tons of Co2 (carbon dioxide) emissions yearly, and this is just the beginning for us,” said Dennis ng, Ceo and founder of Mober. Mober said it welcomes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of zero tariffs on electric vehicles to encourage consumers to use “cleaner and greener” cars. This allows Mober to support more retailers and businesses in their transition to green fleets.

Lorenz S. Marasigan

B1

Reservation sales up 14% last year–CLI

Cebu l a ndmasters Inc. (ClI), a property developer focused on the Visayas-Mindanao market, said its reservation sales in 2022 rose 14 percent year-on-year to P18.8 billion.

The company said about three quarters of sales were from newly launched developments while the rest were from ongoing projects.

Since its initial public offering in 2017, cumulative reservation sales of the company have reached almost P80 billion.

Among the market segments, mid-market residential projects surged by 95 percent year-on-year to P8.83 billion and accounted for 47 percent of total reservation sales in 2022. C l I economic housing brand Casa Mira followed with 39 percent.

our numbers tell us that Cebu l a ndmasters made the most of the post-pandemic growth surge and we are very grateful. The new residential units that we launched were immediately absorbed by the market as shown by our record high sales velocity. Several of our new projects were sold out in a matter of days,” company executive vice president and Coo Jose Franco Soberano said.

“We foresee an even more produc-

tive 2023 as we bring our residential brands to more and new areas in the VisMin region. We are also further expanding our portfolio by opening more hotels, launching more mixeduse and townships, and by introducing new product lines.”

The company launched close to 5,000 units in 16 projects worth P28.4 billion last year and were 74 percent sold by the end of the year. Sales velocity of these launches hit peak levels with most developments fully taken up within days, the company said.

The east Village in Davao Global Township sold out in four days; Calle 104 in Cebu City was all taken up in three days, while ClI’s entry to the Palawan market, Casa Mira Towers Palawan, was fully sold in less than a week.

For ongoing projects, 97 percent of the company’s completed projects have been taken up while projects under development and construction are 91 percent sold. o verall take-up rate of the company’s projects in all stages of development registered at 91 percent.

Cebu landmasters is set to launch 17 residential projects as it continues to expand in new areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. VG Cabuag

PCCI DONATES TO PGH The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) donated over 16,000 pieces of medical grade N95 masks to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) through the joint Save Lives Campaign of the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC), with the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc., and the One La Salle Alumni Southern California. Photo shows PCCI president George Barcelon (3rd from right) leading the donation rites with PGH Director Dr. Gerardo “Gap” Legaspi (4th from right), and other PCCI officers (from left) PCCI secretary general Ruben Pascual; PCCI committee chairman on international trade and ways and means Lorenzo “Enchong” Formoso; Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, PGH spokesperson; PCCI honorary chair and treasurer Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.; PCCI vice president for regional affairs Eunina Mangio; and PCCI honorary chair and membership director Ma. Alegria “Bing” Sibal Limjoco recently at PGH in Manila. Contributed photo

Conglomerate metro Pacific Investments Corp. (mPIC) has branched out into the coconut industry, as its unit has acquired a stake in axelum resources Corp. for P5.32 billion.

Prosperity came with high costs, ADB says

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE high level of prosperity attained by countries in the Asia and the Pacific region, including the Philippines, has come at a great environmental cost, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In its latest report, the Manilabased multilateral development bank said governments must work together to improve regional integration which must include green initiatives.

These initiatives include promoting trade in environmental goods and services, nurturing green businesses, developing carbon pricing mechanisms and strengthening regional cooperation through trade and investment agreements. “Asia and the Pacific’s remarkable growth has lifted millions of people out of poverty, but this has come at an environmental cost,” said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park.

“The region now finds itself on the frontline of the climate crisis, which can derail development progress. Trade and investment remain as one of the most important drivers for growth and poverty reduction, but governments in the region need to intensify their cooperation to make trade and investment greener,” Park said.

The report stated that Asia’s production-related carbon dioxide emissions almost tripled between 1995 and 2019, largely reflecting the region’s unparalleled pace of economic growth and industrialization to satisfy demand—both within the region and in export markets.

This has made the Asia and the Pacific region warm faster than any part of the world. Almost 40 percent of the world’s disasters occur in the region.

The ADB said more than 70 percent of people affected by disasters live in Asia and the Pacific. It noted that these disasters disproportionately affect women and vulnerable populations.

In order to reverse this, the ADB said governments in the region can make trade and investment more sustainable and greener by promoting the trade of environmental goods, such as solar panels, and services.

The ADB also recommended nurturing green businesses through regulations, incentives, standards, and certification systems.

It also said there is a need to enhance international regulatory cooperation to make climate commitments and actions transparent, firm, interoperable, and collaborative as well as develop carbon pricing mechanisms at both national and cross-border levels, through linkages and regional alliances.

The Asian Economic Integration Report (AEIR) 2023 reviewed Asia and the Pacific’s progress on regional cooperation and integration and the states of trade, cross-border investment, financial integration, and the movement of people. According to the 2023 report, integration in the region is progressing steadily and will remain stable in 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Trade growth, meanwhile, moderated in 2022 following a strong rebound in 2021.

DOF sees BIR hitting ₧2.599T target

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

FINANCE officials are confident that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will achieve or even surpass its P2.599-trillion target revenue collections for this year on the back of an improving economy and digitalized taxpaying services.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno did not mince words in pronouncing that the BIR’s target revenue collections would be easily met by the bureau this year.

Diokno pointed out that the improving economy of the Philippines would allow the internal revenue bureau to meet its target collections.

“The stronger the economy, the

higher the revenues,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the BIR National Tax Campaign 2023 last Tuesday.

BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. expressed the same confidence as Diokno’s, emphasizing that the bureau’s digitalization efforts would provide convenience to taxpayers, leading to higher

tax filings.

“We will provide excellent taxpayers service. We will focus on providing convenience to our tax-

payers,” Lumagui told reporters in an interview.

“We are serious with that and of course our digitalization efforts to-

ward good taxpayer service. Once we accomplish that and provide convenience, the taxpayers will voluntarily comply with their tax obligations,” Lumagui added.

Lumagui pointed out that the BIR is fast-tracking its digitalization program in order to complete it ahead of its target of 2028.

“We are working doubly hard to complete all the projects as early as possible,” he added.

The BIR was able to collect P2.34 trillion last year, 12.17-percent higher than the P2.086 trillion it collected in 2021. Lumagui attributed the higher collections last year to the “digitalization efforts” of the bureau.

Diokno said the national government’s tax-to-GDP ratio now stands at 14.6 percent and is on track to meet the 17.1 percent target by 2028. The Finance Secretary urged taxpayers to take advantage of digital channels in filing their income tax returns and tax dues.

Govt raises P162.18B from initial tender of 29th tranche of RTBs

THE national government on Tuesday successfully raised P162.18 billion from its initial tender of 5.5-year retail treasury bonds (RTBs), according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

The amount was more than quintupled than the P30 billion offering made by the Treasury for the 29th tranche of the RTBs.

The launch of the latest RTB offering saw an initial tender from investors of P196.109 billion, an oversubscription of 6.5 times, based

on BTr data.

The RTBs had a coupon rate of 6.125 percent, slightly higher than the secondary market benchmark rates of 5.839 percent for 5-year tenor and 5.913 percent for 6-year tenor.

The RTBs will be available to the public at a minimum initial investment of P5,000 until February 17 with settlement date set on February 22, according to the Treasury.

“It already goes without saying that our retail issuance has always been an integral part of our fund-

ing operations,” National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said during the RTB-29 launch.

“Retail issuances have been a pivotal contributor to meeting our overall funding responsibilities as 38 percent of our outstanding government securities are retail instruments,” De Leon added.

De Leon noted that the national government is keen on borrowing more from the domestic debt market than from abroad to protect the country from “adverse effects” of

exchange rate risks.

This year the national government is eyeing to borrow a total of P2.21 trillion, about P1.65 billion of which will come from the domestic debt market.

The National Treasurer also pointed out that the BTr continues to make “strides” in bringing opportunities closer to retail investors through digitization that streamline the processes in investing in government securities like RTBs.

“RTB-29 reflects our desire to

forge closer ties with our investors,” De Leon said.

“It is also an affirmation of the Treasury’s signature offering carefully strengthened for almost 22 years of arduous endeavor toward a more efficient retail market and smart choice of investment,” she added.

De Leon disclosed that the Treasury has raised P4.8 trillion throughout the 28 tranches of RTBs since its inception in 2001.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Fish, egg prices up despite slowing inflation Credit worthy

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HOUSE Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda on Tuesday said that January’s inflation levels will surely go down by February but that fish and egg prices will likely remain elevated throughout 2023 unless corn prices and supply improves. Salceda issued this statement as the country’s headline inflation rate in January 2023 hit 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent in December 2022.

The lawmaker said he’s sure that the overall price level in February and every month this year will be lower than 8.7 percent. He added that vegetable prices, especially onion, will go lower, especially during the harvest season.

Nonetheless, he said he expects fish prices, as well as egg and dairy prices, to remain elevated.

“Corn drives those prices and corn prices–imported or domestic–are expensive,” Salceda said.

Corn prices have a year-on-year inflation rate of 16 percent and have continued to accelerate month-onmonth by 1 percent.

Salceda said this level will drive prices of fish as corn accounts for 60 percent to 70 percent of costs in aquaculture. The lawmaker explained that “every 1 percent increase in corn prices leads to a P2 to P5 price increase in tilapia prices.”

“Egg is exacerbated by problems in poultry supply and smuggling of frozen chicken, which kills domestic raisers. But egg supply issues are not isolated. Nearby areas like Guam are already experiencing shortages,” he said.

“So, I would repeat my initial suggestion to look into corn tariffs and try to direct as much of it towards increasing production. Imported corn isn’t also cheaper than domestic corn once landed. In fact, in some cases, imported corn is 2 pesos more expensive than domestic corn. So, it should be okay to import,” he added.

Off the table

SALCEDA also said that the government’s 2-percent to 4-percent target inflation band might be difficult to achieve given that some price drivers are “structural.”

“You can be sure 8.7 percent will go down; but there’s a floor,” Salceda said.

“All in all, it looks like 8 percent is a cyclical level, but 5 percent is structural. So, that makes your 2-percent to 4-percent inflation target almost off the table, unless you make decisive efforts on the key drivers. High corn prices: that’s enemy number one,” he said.

But Salceda said the BSP will try to keep prices under control.

“Definitely another 50 basis point hike in interest rates during the February 16 Monetary Board meeting will be taken up, perhaps announced,” he said.

“But inflation is not due to accelerated demand. It’s supply. Monetary policy adjustments will have limited effect in that regard,” Salceda added.

BNPL operator expects conservative growth in PHL

By Roderick Abad @rodrik_28 Contributor

ATOME Financials Singapore Pte. Ltd., operator of the eponymous “Buy Now Pay Later” (BNPL) brand in Southeast Asia, is seeing a conservative growth in the Philippines this year, after its total gross merchandise value (GMV) has increased by three ten-folds since its launch in late 2021.

“Growing merchant sales by 30 times in our first year is strong testament to BNPL’s value proposition, especially among younger, tech-savvy Gen Zs and Millennials,” Atome Philippines General Manager Zine Nedil said during a news briefing last Tuesday.

Pressed on their 2023 growth target being “a bit conservative,” the top executive emphasized that it “relies on a lot of business aspects.”

“Due to macro external factors, we’re being a bit more cautious and

aiming for steady, sustainable business growth versus all-out growth,” Nedil told the BusinessMirror.

“Depending on merchant network expansion and take-up of our new products, e.g. [example given], Atome Card, multi-tenure launch, we are looking at between five to eight times growth.”

BNPL, which is a point-of-sale, interest-free deferred payment over time, is seen as one of the fastest growing channels globally, mostly used by Gen Zs and Millennials. In the Philippines, its transaction volume in ecommerce is expected to balloon at a whopping 568 percent to $2.5 billion in the next three years. Its Filipino users are expected to rise three times from 5.2 million last year to possibly almost 17.6 million by 2026.

Nedil attributed such bullish prospects to the country’s young population, swift technology adoption by consumers, and government support for online businesses. He

added that the fact that this service is available in both online and offline “makes it a seamless experience for the consumers.”

Atome, which is part of Singaporebased tech unicorn Advance Intelligence Group, started to operate locally in October of 2021. Since then, its retail network has grown by eight times, to include more than 1,500 online and offline retailers across fashion, beauty, travel, electronics and sports. Its total offline footprint has expanded to almost 7,000 brickand-mortar stores nationwide.

Beyond BNPL, the company also introduced Atome Card in the Philippines last August 2022—the first among its eight markets in the region to launch such product—to further provide affordable loan among the unbanked and underbanked.

“Knowing the fact that access in credit in the Philippines is still a bit complicated for some people, then we have 120,000 registrations dur-

ing the pilot phase,” the GM said of the positive market response to this product that gives cardholders—of which 70 percent are Gen Zs and Millennials—a pre-approved credit line of up to P200,000.

At present, Atome Philippines’ top selling categories are fashion, lifestyle and accessories, and travel. For improved overall user experience, it has an in-app loyalty rewards program Atome+ which allows consumers to earn points when they check out using Atome, to offset future purchases, as well as redeem rewards and experiences.

Looking forward, the firm seeks to grow its merchant network between 2,000 to 2,500 by end of this year. It also plans to move beyond pay-in-three deferred payments, and will soon launch multi-tenures plans of six and 12 months respectively, in response to strong demand and interest from both retailers and consumers.

IN the “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” one is deemed “worthy” if they can lift Thor’s hammer, just like what (spoiler alert!) Captain America did in the movie “Avengers Endgame.” In consumer lending, one of the most common ways to determine whether an individual is “worthy” of a loan is through credit scoring, a statistical analysis performed by lenders and financial institutions to determine the creditworthiness of an individual or sole proprietor, according to Investopedia.com.

Credit scoring is for a person as credit rating is for a corporation or government. Credit scoring aids in the decision-making of lenders to either extend or deny an individual’s loan application. In the Philippines, while most local banks and lending institutions have their own credit scoring systems, many have developed their models not based on statistical analysis of probabilities of default but on their respective experiences, relying on the applicant’s bank transaction or credit history, supplemented with available credit bureau information to assess the applicant’s ability to pay the loan.

To develop a robust credit scoring system, a vast amount of data, such as financial and non-financial information, as well as default information of borrowers, is crucial. This is where the use of alternative data, defined by the World Bank Group as information harnessed from modern data sources, comes in.

In a webinar hosted by the Fintech Alliance Philippines and TransUnion Information Solutions Inc. in January 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), through then BSP governor and now Secretary of Finance Benjamin E. Diokno, asked financial firms to look into clients’ non-traditional or alternative data, such as social media or online transactions, for credit scoring.

“With alternative data, a more complete picture of the client is painted; thus allowing for more individuals and businesses to be assessed,” Diokno was quoted as saying. The use of alternative data also allows banks and credit institutions to evaluate loan applications of individuals and firms who have little to no credit

history, helping to expand financial inclusion in the Philippines.

Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia, director of the BSP Center for Learning and Inclusion Advocacy, added that data from the Credit Information Corp. showed less than 50 percent of the adult population has a credit record.

Experiences from developed countries show that alternative data in credit scoring allows for a broader profile view of borrowers, augmenting already existing mature data sources such as government credit registries, credit bureaus and other participating government and private institutions. Using alternative data in credit scoring is also available locally. Companies like FinScore help financial firms improve their customer profiling, adjust the pricing of loan products and even cut their default rates using data from telco and social media behaviors Compared to traditional information sources such as personal income sources or employment history, alternative data are objective, unbiased and immutable, making them an excellent input to statistical analysis.

“The use of alternative data for credit scoring is just one example of how data can be used to benefit consumers. Looking ahead, we must continue to take initiative in fostering an inclusive digital financial ecosystem,” Diokno said. With alternative data-based consumer credit scoring, one need not be the “God of Thunder” to be deemed “worthy,” at least in our universe.

James Patrick Q. Bonus is the deputy country manager and chief finance officer of Finscore Inc., a fintech firm providing alternative data-based consumer credit scoring and identity verification solutions for financial institutions. Bonus is also a regular subject matter resource speaker for the Bankers Institute of the Philippines and other organizations through Acepoint.ph Training Consultancy Services.

This February 7, 2023, photo shows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) talking to house speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez during the launch of the of the National Tax Campaign at the Philippine international Convention Center, Pasay City. Photo courtesy Malacanang news and InforMatIon Bureau

Beyoncé emerges as Grammys queen; Styles wins album honor

BY JONATHAN LAND�UM JR. The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES—Beyoncé sits alone atop the Grammy throne as the ceremony’s most decorated artist in history, but at the end of Sunday’s show it was Harry Styles who walked away with the album of the year honor.

The Grammys spread its top awards among other artists, leaving Beyoncé off stage at the end of the night. But the superstar was a constant presence throughout the night, even when she wasn’t in the room, especially once she won her 32nd award and surpassed late composer Georg Solti in all-time wins.

“I’m trying not to be too emotional,” the superstar said after her historic win as her husband Jay-Z stood and applauded her. The singer thanked her late uncle, her parents, Jay-Z and her children for supporting her.

“I’m just trying to receive this night. I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.”

The Grammys stage at the end of the night has eluded Beyoncé since 2010, when she won song of the year for “Single Ladies.” She added four trophies to her collection for her album Renaissance Styles was emotional accepting his album of the year award, saying he was inspired by everyone in the category. “A lot of different times of my life, I’ve listened to everyone in these categories. It’s so important to remember that there is no such thing as best.”

The British singer-actor took home three awards Sunday. “It feels like validation that you’re on the right path,” said the singer backstage. “When we get in the studio and begin the record, we just make the music we want to make. It feels really nice to feel like ‘Oh, that’s the right thing to do.’”

Beyoncé missed being in the room when she tied Solti’s record early in the telecast. Host Trevor Noah said she was on her way to the ceremony but blamed Los Angeles traffic for not being in person to accept it.

Once Beyoncé—the night’s leading nominee— finally arrived, Noah presented her with the best R&B song award at her table.

Beyoncé won for best R&B song for “Cuff It,” dance-electric music recording for “Break My Soul,” traditional R&B performance for “Plastic Off the Sofa” and dance-electric album for Renaissance, which was nominated for album of the year.

Lizzo won record of the year for “About Damn Time,” delivering a rousing speech that brought many in the audience, including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Adele, to their feet.

“Me and Adele were having a good time, rooting for our friends. This is an amazing night. This is so unexpected,” Lizzo said, dedicating her award to Prince.

“I wanted to make the world a better place, so I had to be that change to make the world a better place. Now, I look around and see these songs are about loving your body and feeling comfortable in your skin and feeling good.”

Jazz singer Samara Joy won best new artist, shrugging off challenges by such acts as Wet Led, Anitta and Maneskin. The New Yorker was virtually in tears when she collected the award and noted that her little brother was her date. “I’m so, so grateful. Thank you.” She has released two albums as a lead artist and also won the Grammy for best jazz vocal album earlier in the night.

Veteran singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt shrugged off big-name rivals like Adele, Swift and Beyoncé to win the song of the year award. “I’m so surprised. I don’t know what to say,” a visibly stunned Raitt said, adding that the song “Just Like That” explores organ donation. It capped a night when Raitt won two other Grammys—for best Americana performance and best

her. They finally made their peace with each other and all has been well—until now. The daughter feels that compared to her siblings, who have different moms, she has not been treated well. Will the dad do something about the inheritance she is complaining about? That remains to be seen.

INAPPROPRIATE

said Smith wanted Petras to make the acceptance speech because “I’m the first transgender woman to win this award.”

“I want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight,” said Petras, who made a reference to friend and Grammy-nominated musician Sophie, who died after an accidental fall in Athens, Greece in 2021. “You told me this would happen. I always believed in me. Thank you so much for your inspiration, Sophie. I adore you, and your inspiration will forever be in my music.”

Petras thanked Madonna for being a tremendous supporter of LGBTQ rights.

SEE “GRAMMY,” B5

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE By

Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Quintessa Swindell, 26; Seth Green, 49; Mary Steenburgen, 70; Nick Nolte, 82.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Keeping track of money matters is essential. Spending unnecessarily or letting someone take advantage of you financially will result in an emotional drama. Rigid rules are required to ward off poor judgment regarding shared expenses or partnerships. Don’t make changes that aren’t in your best interest this year. Get along, but don’t get used.

Your numbers are 3, 12, 19, 25, 32, 44, 49.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Gather information and carefully review every scenario before deciding to move forward. Taking on too much or not fully understanding what others expect of you will cause stress. When in doubt, take a pass. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A stubborn attitude won’t get you what you want. Be reasonable and offer positive suggestions, and you’ll convince others to meet you halfway. Do your part, and you’ll get further ahead and make a good impression. Don’t lend or borrow money. ★★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Discover more before participating in a joint venture. Ask questions and be frank about what you are willing to contribute. If you give someone the impression that you are a pushover, someone will take advantage

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Follow your heart and do what comes naturally. Don’t make excuses; be honest and direct to avoid being compromised by someone demanding. Love is in the air, and a passionate gesture will not go unnoticed. A lifestyle change looks inviting. ★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If not handled properly, money matters will lead to situations that affect your emotional well-being. Start a physical activity that will help ease stress and get you back on track. A change of attitude will encourage ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Evaluate your meaningful relationships. Reflect on how you can do things differently or change your course to make your life and surroundings less cluttered, more emotionally gratifying and less stressful. Choose love over discord; the response you receive will encourage romance. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Refresh your plans and put the time and effort into getting things up and running. Doing the work will be selfsatisfying and lead to bigger and brighter opportunities. Put your energy where it counts, and success will be yours. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you look, you will find something that sparks your imagination and sends you on a hunt for something new and exciting. Don’t limit what you can do because someone else is emotionally manipulative. Take control and take responsibility for your happiness.

DIVIDING THE WEALTH

HOW true is the rumor that this rich celebrity is terminally ill? He has reportedly divided his assets among his children and this early, one of his kids are complaining that she is getting a raw deal. The child has some beef with her dad with regard to money matters. In the past, the celebrity made a promise to her which he didn’t keep for certain reasons. The daughter took it badly and didn’t talk to her dad for a couple of years. Despite this, he continued to support

WHO is the broadcast journalist who is said to be facing charges of sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness for his inappropriate actions toward women during a Christmas party last year? Fortunately for the victims, there is photographic evidence of what transpired during the party so the journalist cannot deny anything. Apparently, this isn’t the first time this has happened. Several colleagues of the journalist have complained about him being too touchy. However, their complaints were never formalized.

PRACTICAL WOMAN

THIS celebrity’s branding is luxury and she looks

every bit like an heiress who only wears the most expensive things. What the public doesn’t know is that the celebrity isn’t the spendthrift that they think she is. She’s actually a wise spender who maintains her image by borrowing clothes and accessories from brands and even buying vintage when she is abroad. She is also not averse to wearing stuff from nonluxury brands because she believes that expensive does not really translate to good taste all the time.

EVIL EDITING

THIS personality believes he was a victim of evil editing as some of his statements during a recent interview were taken out of context. The truth is that the personality is going through something very challenging right now, and he is also very broke. The pandemic took its toll on the personality’s livelihood, just as it did with nearly everyone in show business. Unlike other celebrities, he does not have a regular TV show. He really made do with his savings. The personality wishes the person who interviewed him didn’t throw him under the bus.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Getting along with others will be tricky. Evasive communication will take over, leaving you and those you deal with confused and wondering what to do next. Leave nothing to chance, take notes and when in doubt, ask a question. Honesty is the best policy. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep the momentum flowing. Spend less, do more and bring about change that will improve your domestic life and lower your overhead. A home improvement that cuts costs will pay for itself in no time. Love and romance are encouraged.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t stop, regardless of what everyone around you is doing. A relationship will change, but don’t dismay. In the end, it will be to your benefit. Don’t hide your true feelings; clear the air and get on with your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be realistic regarding expectations. Sign up for what you know you can handle, nothing more. Exhaustion or injury will slow you down if you don’t get enough rest or try to do something physical with a risk factor involved. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are adventuresome, inventive and contributive. You are courageous and endearing.

‘toilet humor’ BY JUSTIN WERFEL

Within your control

A new retAil experience comes to focus

UNLIKE any other home store in the market, focus offers customers a fun and immersive retail experience through interactive product displays that spark the five senses— offering a glimpse into all of the possibilities for their homes. The focus store can be found at The Power Plant Mall in Makati City.

The focus Stations were designed to put each of the customers’ five senses to the test: The Sight station highlights the Posturepedic Coil Challenge by Sealy, the No.1 mattress brand in America made in partnership with the American Orthopedic Advisory Board. The Posturepedic Coils are innovative patented coils that Sealy developed to perfect the science of sleep.

In the Feel station, customers get a chance to experience Tempur’s unbelievable motion absorption feature through the Tempur Jump Zone. Here, visitors can try to knock out a stack of Jenga, tennis balls, or wine glasses by jumping, dropping weights, or by having a pillow fight.

In the Smell station, guests can try to smell and identify what’s being cooked in the Instant Pot, the No.1 cooker brand in the US beloved by millions as the revolutionary kitchen must-have for convenient and nutritious cooking. But here’s the catch: customers only get to guess within two tries and if they get it right, they will take home special and exciting prizes.

In the Taste station, visitors will be blindfolded and then asked to pick an ingredient from a mystery box. The chosen item or ingredient will be used to create a smoothie using the iconic Oster blender, the world’s most trusted blender that offers only the latest technology.

If you enjoy listening to ASMR on YouTube or on TikTok, then you’ll surely feel good and relaxed with the last station: the Hear station. In this last stop, participants will have to identify the appliances used by listening to a soothing ASMR audio of a meal prep from KitchenAid, the world’s No. 1 mixer brand that brings culinary inspiration to life.

Meanwhile, other Experiential Stations are also set up to help customers discover more about the focus brands. In the store, they can find different vignettes adorned with lamps by Danish lighting brand Louis Poulsen, which displays a soft, ambient lighting the brand is renowned for, as well as the iconic lamp designs by internationally acclaimed designers that complement each set-up.

reputation. Under the circle of influence, you can indirectly affect your coworker’s behavior toward you but in the end, you cannot control how they react. Further within the circle of influence, others have included a smaller circle which is the circle of control. These are things that you have direct command of, such as your work ethic, emotions, thoughts, and how you act out your thoughts and emotions.

It is helpful to know whether an issue falls within the circle of concern, influence, or control because it will determine how you should react. If your issue falls under the circle of influence, you know that you cannot always change people’s minds about you. This means, you should think of ways to change their minds, but you also need to prepare if they decide not to, and accept that some things are beyond your control. On the other hand, if it falls within your circle of control, you should do all you can so that you will not regret your actions later.

Take the case of promotions. You can always prepare all your documents and do everything you can to do your work well. But if the organization is not ready, or if your manager has reservations with regards to your promotion, you can exert some degree of influence. But in the end, it will still depend on other factors that are not within your full control. Knowing this will help you avoid wasting your time and resources so you can focus on things you can control, rather than dwelling on what might or could have been. It will also help you manage your expectations and prevent you from relying too much on others. In turn, you will be less stressed and anxious because your energies are focused on what you can do.

Grammy...

Continued from B4

“I don’t think I could be here without Madonna,” Petras said. “My mother, I grew up next to a highway in nowhere Germany. And my mother believed me that I was a girl. I wouldn’t be here without her and her support.”

During the in memoriam segment, the Grammys recognized the lives of Loretta Lynn, Migos rapper Takeoff and Christine McVie with several starstudded performers paying them homage.

Viola Davis emerged from Sunday’s show an EGOT—a term for those who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony—after her win for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording. The actor gave an emotional speech and emphatically said “I just EGOT” after she marched on stage to collect her award.

“Oh, my God,” she said. “I wrote this book to honor the 6-year-old Viola, to honor her, her life, her joy, her trauma, everything,” Davis said. “It has just been such a journey.”

The show made its return to Los Angeles after the pandemic first delayed, then forced the Grammys to move to Las Vegas last year. Noah hosted the ceremony as well, which saw Jon Batiste take home album of the year.

n AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this report.

pHoto BY cHristinA @ wocintecHcHAt com on unsplAsH

This brings us to being proactive or looking for solutions rather than looking for someone to blame. A lack of understanding of what you can control will make you reactive to anything and everything that comes your way. I know of people whose day is ruined because their post did not generate enough likes, or their favorite shirt was not ironed well. Reactive people are derailed by the slightest provocation. If you understand your circle of control, you are in a better position to look for solutions and manage your reactions. Think of the old Mentos Freshmaker ads where average people find extraordinary solutions just by focusing on things that they can do.

Aside from proactively looking for solutions, knowing your circle of control helps you worry less.

Glenn Turner, the legendary cricket player, once said, “Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.” Instead of wasting time worrying about things that might happen, or on people who behave erratically, you can focus on your thoughts and emotions and find ways to manage them. Rather than overthink possibilities and different scenarios, you can think of how you can improve the present, regardless of who is with you or what happens.

Consequently, when you know where to focus your time and energy, you become more productive and accomplish more, not just in your professional life but also for activities outside your work. When you have established boundaries of what you can and cannot do for work, you enjoy your free time free of guilt and

The middle managers

By Jo Constantz Bloomberg News

POUR one out for your boss. Of all office workers, middle managers are reporting the highest levels of stress and anxiety and the worst work-life balance.

That’s according to new research by Slack Technologies Inc.’s Future Forum, which found a record 43 percent of managers say they’re burned out—the highest of any job level. Slack polled more than 10,000 desk workers in the US, Australia, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.

“What we’ve seen, quarter after quarter, is that middle managers have been struggling,” said Sheela Subramanian, co-founder of Future Forum. They’re now under increasing pressure from higher-ups to deliver amid economic uncertainty and concerns about declining productivity, while at the same time hearing from their employees whose compensation is not keeping up with inflation.

And from the onset of the pandemic they’ve been tasked with navigating the challenges of leading remote and

find other activities that will enrich your mind and body. You can then enjoy the moment and restrict distractions that waste your time and energy.

When you find yourself worrying about what could happen to a project, make a checklist of the things you can and cannot do and then do what can be done. After that, you just have to trust the process. Worrying adds up to nothing so redirect your attention to more productive things. When something unexpected or disruptive happens, choose to look at what you can do and how you can influence the people around you so that they can cope and look for opportunities to overcome it. One of the most powerful things you can develop once you have identified your circle of control is the growth mindset. You can start planning on how to equip yourself so that you can have more options in the future. Some of our limitations come from our lack of know-how and undeveloped skills. By adopting a growth mindset, you continuously find ways of developing yourself and significantly increase what you can do. You also develop the perspective of looking at limitations as opportunities for improvement.

Reinhold Niebuhr, known for his serenity prayer, understood the concept of the circle of control when he said, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Once you know what is within your control, you have a better understanding of your own capabilities and what you need to do so you can do more. n

are not alright

Visitors can also test their styling skills with Philips Personal Care, a brand that combines superior technology and cutting-edge design to create the next generation of beauty, male grooming, and oral healthcare tools designed to help customers discover the best versions of themselves.

With Levoit, America’s No. 1 air purifier brand, guests can play catch where the Levoit ball is mixed with other balls inside the Levoit tube and experience the power of fresh air Levoit air purifiers can provide. Finally, guests are invited to try and blend certain recipes using Swiss-made hand blenders by Bamix, a brand trusted by chefs and food lovers around the globe.

To make the shopping experience convenient and seamless, focus promises to be an omnichannel platform by offering customers various purchase options: in-store or through the web. Customers can even browse the products in-store, scan them using their phone, and purchase online. They can also opt to purchase online and pick-up the item in the store.

recently said they felt caught in the middle, as enforcement of different return-to-office mandates for retail and office workers has kindled a burgeoning sense of unfairness within the organization.

Others have decided to throw in the towel. Kyle Elliott, a career coach who works with Silicon Valley managers and executives, said several of his clients have decided to return to roles that don’t require supervising others. “One client noted how they felt uncomfortable enforcing changes, such as return-to-office mandates, they didn’t believe in.”

hybrid teams.

“The answer to so many initiatives, when it comes to compensation or performance management or now return-to-office, the answer always seems to be: ‘Well, the managers can do it,’” said Caroline Walsh, a vice president in the human resources practice at consulting firm Gartner. “But there is rarely that extra training to support the managers.”

Many managers are frustrated with return-to-office mandates themselves,

and don’t want to be the ones enforcing them. “Their team’s saying, why do I need to do this? Why am I commuting to do Zoom calls all day?”

Subramanian said. “Middle managers are struggling to translate that.”

In the midst of these pressures, middle managers often lack the network that executives have and the community of rank-and-file employees, Subramanian said.

One regional manager at a financial services company Walsh spoke with

Subramanian offered a few suggestions for companies looking to give their middle managers a boost: First and foremost, invest in coaching and community-building for managers, and allow supervisors more autonomy in deciding alongside their team what’s best in terms of the transition back into offices. On a longer-term basis, it’s important to ask high-performers who want to move up if they actually want to be a manager, she said—and build parallel tracks for advancement for those that don’t.

FROM left: FGI head of software engineering Stuart Sy, Philips personal care head of sales Alyssa Tan, FGI head of finance Angela Sy, FGI president Stephen Sy, Singaporean Ambassador Gerard Ho, FGI head of technology and innovation Andrea Sy, and Tempur account manager Craig Watson.

Tell your special someone ‘I love you a waffle lot’ with Pegi treats this Valentine‘s Season

Globe supports PSAC‘s GoDigital Movement for digital transformation

AS a champion of digital enablement, leading digital solutions platform Globe welcomes the launch of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) Movement under the Private Sector Advisory Council, which brings together the power of the government and the private sector to push for digital transformation in the country towards Filipino empowerment.

The GDP’s goals are well-aligned with Globe’s long-standing programs under the Globe of Good, which seek to bridge the digital gap, ensure online safety and security, and foster sustainability in the digital world.

“As a member of PSAC’s GoDigital Pilipinas, we have a platform for meaningful collaboration and cooperation between the government and the private sector to digitally enable Filipinos. The movement echoes the Globe Group’s hopes for the country and its people on digital enablement and transformation while creating a sustainable future. Together, let’s create #OneDigitalPH,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu. Globe engages its stakeholders to contribute to sustainable development through Globe of Good, the company’s digital empowerment platform. It aims to create positive societal and environmental impact focused on building a digital nation, caring for people, and caring for the environment. This is in line with Globe’s commitment to the 10 UN Global Compact Principles on Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-Corruption. The company is also committed to support 10 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with special focus on SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

“GoDigital Pilipinas will serve to expand our long-going advocacies that promote digital enablement and inclusion alongside environmental sustainability. With more private sector partners undertaking parallel initiatives, we’ll create greater impact and uplift more of our kababayans while creating a sustainable future,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Under Globe of Good, Globe aims to equip Filipinos with future-proof skills through education while at the same time promoting online safety.

It partners with the schools to provide training and industry exposure on STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), with the goal of producing a new generation of technopreneurs and digital leaders.

Through its eLibrary, Globe also provides free access to ebooks and videos which can be accessed for free by Globe customers. The web platform became more beneficial for students and teachers during the height of the pandemic, when students had to shift to remote learning.

Globe’s portfolio company KodeGo, meanwhile, provides IT training and builds the local pool of tech talent through online bootcamps on short-term courses under a study now, pay later scheme.

Globe has also been leading efforts to promote online safety through various initiatives.

Through the #MakeITSafePH program, Globe aims to equip Filipinos, especially children, their parents and guardians, with practical knowledge on cybersecurity and online safety. Last year, the website www. makeitsafe.ph was launched as a onestop portal to learn about how to avoid or respond to cyberbullying, access free modules on digital safety, and get mental health support through Globe’s telehealth platform KonsultaMD.

On the website, users may also access the Digital Thumbprint Program, an award-winning program that aims to promote responsible digital citizenship and cybersafety.

Globe has also partnered with various local and international organizations to protect children against various online threats, including online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Meanwhile, to protect the livelihood of content creators and spare customers

from fraud, Globe has been staunchly advocating against content piracy through #PlayItRight, which seeks to promote respect for intellectual property.

To support Filipino families reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic and recent shocks, Globe last year launched the Hapag Movement to leverage technology towards a unified fight against involuntary hunger. The program brings together private sector partners and customers behind a common cause of providing supplemental feeding and livelihood to the worst-affected families.

Bringing together environmental conservation and climate education, Globe also partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines for Camp Kalikasan, an online digital resource center where Filipinos can learn sustainable practices. In September last year, Globe launched Globe Climate Champions, a mobile game that shares tips on reducing carbon emissions in everyday activities. Globe combines these education programs with campaigns that promote sustainability, including E-Waste Zero, which encourages responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste.

Globe has also been investing in e-vehicles, recently launching e-shuttles for employees through a partnership with Global Electric Transportation (GET). It is also promoting battery-powered smart scooters through a partnership between its corporate venture builder 917Ventures, the Ayala Corporation, and battery-swapping technology leader Gogoro.

“We stand ready to share best practices we’ve learned through our years of pursuing these many initiatives to PSAC so we can work in synchronicity to achieve our shared goals,” said Cu.

PLDT, Smart strengthens Siargao's community-based mental health program with Psychological First Aid training program

“Immediately after Typhoon Odette, we ensured that the health of the people in the community was intact. We needed to address the trauma experienced by our people.

Through our partnership with PLDT and Smart, we were able to launch our Psychological First Aid program, which supports the mental health care of our community,” Dr. Timothy Jordan Manalang, Municipal Health Officer from General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

Through Siargao’s PFA program, representatives of various sectors were trained to become mental health care first responders. This includes barangay and municipal health officers as well as midwives and emergency responders.

MORE than a year after Typhoon Odette ravaged the homes of Siargao’s residents, the island has since been on a path towards rehabilitation and recovery. To strengthen the mental health and well-being of Siargao residents, the local government of the Municipality of General Luna in Surigao del Norte recently partnered with PLDT and Smart to launch its community-based mental health program through the Psychological First Aid (PFA) training.

“With digital wellness as one of the key advocacies of PLDT and Smart, we are

working with likeminded organizations to create activities that will encourage a culture of kindness and empathy – both online and offline. We are privileged to partner with the Rural Health Unit of General Luna as they strengthen their mental health program, benefitting local families and communities,” said Judee Chaves, PLDT and Smart Mindanao Relations Head.

PFA aims to provide first-aid, nonintrusive care by conducting in-person sessions to those who are mentally distressed. Moderate to severe cases are escalated to the Municipal Health Center.

THIS Valentine’s Season, tell your special someone, “I love you a waffle lot” with Pegi treats.

The Classic Liege waffles

THESE sugar waffles are sure to delight your loved ones. Crunchy on the outside yet soft to the bite and filled with irresistible pearl sugar, it comes in classic, cheese, and chocolate flavors.

The goodies are easy to enjoy. Just pop them inside the oven toaster before taking a bite, or for a delightful treat, pair them with fruit compote and whipped cream.

Since 1952, the Pegi Waffle Factory in Brussels has been making Leige waffles, using the traditional recipe of Francois Doyen, a pastry chef on the Belgian coast. Several decades later the delicious treat continues to delight pastry lovers worldwide. In 1997 Pegi, was brought to the Philippines by Gaufre-Wafels, Inc. with a happy mission to share the wellloved pastry with local diners.

Waffle Pudding

FOR your much-awaited Valentine’s dinner, don’t miss out on Pegi’s waffle pudding with an exciting hint of rhum.

Available in Cranberry topped with cashew and chocolate chips or Rocky Road topped

with marshmallows, walnuts, and dark chocolate, these flavorful goodies are best served freshly baked so don’t forget to pre-order in time for V-day.

Pegi waffle pudding box of six (6) is available at P1,000, a limited offer from February 10 to 17. Order your Pegi treats via 09956246391 or 0927-7720819 or send a message at the Pegi waffles’ Facebook page. You can also visit their pick-up counter at 333 P. Guevarra St., Little Baguio, San Juan. Visit www.pegiwaffles. com for more details.

Catch a meteorite zooming across your screen in this space-themed Google Search Easter Egg

IF you’re a fan of astronomy or Google Search Easter Eggs in general, here’s one that checks both boxes.

By simply typing “meteorite” in the Google Search engine homepage, you’ll see a meteorite animation passing by their screens and then landing on the lower right portion. The impact also shakes the screen a bit to complete the experience.

The Easter Egg also works by typing in “Chicxulub” or “Chicxulub crater” in the search bar. Chicxulub refers to the phenomenon that marked one of the most catastrophic events in the earth’s history some 66 million years ago, when an asteroid slammed into the sea just offshore of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

The impact triggered a sequence of events that led to some 75 percent of animal and plant species being extinct.

Several organizations shared about the Google Search Meteorite on social media including the European Space Agency and the Earth Shaker Philippines, a local youthoriented science org.

Easter eggs are a fun way site creators make the user’s experience more exciting. These are little hidden features that when interacted with have an entertaining result. Google enjoys creating these hidden gems in hopes that users discover them. Google’s Easter Eggs span across games, search terms, and knowledge panels.

Gur Lavi Corp partners with HGC Global Communications to expand Customer Network through Cloud Innovation

freedom of flexibility and productivity to operate their businesses, work from home, or remotely drive their teams anytime and anywhere.”

Michael De Castro, President of HGC Philippines believes, “GLC, one of the leading business communication solutions companies, highly complements the products and services of HGC. This further expands the array of solutions that both companies can provide to our respective clientele. It is strategic partnership that greatly contributes to our company’s vision of fast-tracking the digital transformation of enterprises.”

For Manilyn Alcala, who has been a midwife for 10 years, the lessons learned during the PFA training help build rapport and trust between the person needing mental health care, and the first responders.

“This training is very important to us because we strengthened our ways to communicate and to provide simple counselling when we are with the community. The training is a reminder on how we can respond better to the needs of the community,” Alcala said.

Promoting digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #3 that stands for good health and well-being.

GUR Lavi Corp. (GLC), one of the trailblazing telecommunications distributors in the Philippines, has sealed another meaningful partnership with HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading Hong Kong and international fixedline operator and ICT solution provider, through a Memorandum of Understanding.

“We see this as a beginning of a fruitful and long-term business relationship,” GLC President and CEO Erwin Co said as he looks forward to great opportunities in the partnership.

GLC is known in the industry for one of its flagship brands TeLavi Cloud, a one of a kind, all-in communication platform and ground-breaking product which offers Cloud Telephony solutions, Team Messaging; Video Conferencing; and Call Center Solution for enterprises and SMEs with employees working from home or remotely from any location. Co added, “We give our customers the

HGC Global Communications is a leading Hong Kong and international fixed-line operator and ICT solution provider, with an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas, providing fullfledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions, and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate, SME and mass markets.

As it continues to add new partners in and out of the country, GLC is strengthening its position as a leading provider in expanding customer network through cloud innovation. Part of the company’s missions is to provide businesses with powerful yet affordable and customizable communication solutions and to create positive impact to the lives of millions of Filipinos. Similarly, HGC is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions.

Get to know more about GLC and all the products and services through its official website www.telavi.com.ph.

RIYAN Portuguez, more popularly known as “Your Millennial Psychologist”, leads the Psychological First Aid training of the volunteer participants from General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

Tet Andolong

Promoting inclusivity and building affordable homes in FAB

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

ince Bataan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is rushing to complete by first quarter of 2023 the detailed engineering design (DED) works for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, a 32-kilometerlong inter-island bridge project between the provinces of Bataan in Central Luzon and Cavite in Southern Tagalog Regions.

require a long construction period, the DPWH said it has achieved a huge progress as the government is determined to fast-track its implementation.

“Development of more integrated communities within and outside Metro Manila, Colliers also encourages developers to assess the viability of launching more master-planned communities to take advantage of the government’s infrastructure projects,” said Joey Roi Bondoc, research director of Colliers Philippines during its recent quarterly report held in Makati City.

Moreover, Bondoc pointed out that in the next 12 to 36 months, the attractiveness of Central and Southern Luzon for township development will get stronger as the government sets to complete big-ticket projects such as the MRT-7, LRT-1 CaviteExtension, North-South Commuter Railway and CaviteLaguna Expressway (CALAX). In the case of the prov -

According to a post in the DPWH web site, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain told Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan in his inspection report “that marine geophysical surveys and geotechnical investigations in evaluating underground conditions and site characterization over the waters of Manila Bay are on-going with an overall accomplishment at 55 percent to date.”

Although the project will

SHDA’s new leadership commits to sustain growth this year

By Roderick L. Abad

WITH the changing of the guards at the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), the organization also has laid out its thrusts for a fresh start this year.

“We begin 2023 with SHDA being well positioned for significant growth,” said Arlene Keh, who has been elected as chairman of the board for this year.

The new leadership onboard seeks to strengthen relationships with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), activate all its committees to address the concerns and needs of members, focus more on regional chapters, and engage with sponsors and partners.

“To better serve the housing industry, we will further strengthen our bonds with DHSUD, Pag-IBIG, and other key shelter agencies and other stakeholders to advance our continuing advocacies and objectives in 2023,” noted Arch. Leonardo Dayao Jr., who will serve as the national president.

“We will also be activating our committees, regional chapters, and other partners to further expand our reach and enhance engagements,” he added.

Other elected members of the board include Atty. Joy Manaog as first vice president (VP); Engr. Francis Richmond Villegas, second VP: Gena Valerie Chua, corporate secretary; Maya Jazmin Colayco, assistant corporate secretary; Clarissa De Joya, treasurer; Mariano Martinez Jr., auditor; and Steven

Tambunting, chief marketing officer.

In addition to the leadership are newly elected governors, namely, Rene Ledesma Jr., Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, Kerwin Padua, Renato Tan, Herbert Joseph Tan, and Atty. Mena Ojeda Jr.

Meanwhile, regional chapter governors are Dennis Leveriza Jr. for South Luzon; John Paul Dy, Central Luzon; Anthony Noel, Central Visayas; MGen. Rufo De Veyra, Eastern Visayas; Kenneth Tithdas, Negros; Felix Tiu, Panay; Kenneth yap, Southern Mindanao; and Vivian Vestil, Northern Mindanao. SHDA’s new team of advisers include Armenia Ballesteros, Ricky Celis, Bansan Choa, Guillermo Choa, Raphael Felix, Jeffrey Ng, Rosie Tsai, as well as former SHDA Chairman George Siy and former National President May Rodriguez.

Serving on standing committee for 2023 will be: Strategic, led by Atty. Joy Manaog and Engr. Francis Villegas; Marketing, led by Steven Tambunting and Maya Jazmin Colayco; and Administrative and Operational Support, led by Arch. Leonardo Dayao Jr.

The association plans to conduct research and studies, host study tours and observations, and hold the SHDA Galing Awards to recognize outstanding developers in the industry.

“We pledge to work harder in the year ahead; and shall continue to explore uncharted waters and unveil a range of new programs and services,” Keh said.

“SHDA will continue to produce enduring solutions and partnerships in lighting the way for the future of the housing industry and in helping address the housing backlog of the nation,” he stressed.

Established in 1970, SHDA is the biggest and leading industry group for housing and urban development in the Philippines.

With 350 members nationwide and eight regional chapters, its members include the country’s top real-estate developers players and a dynamic national network of small and medium developers.

SHDA member-developers produce more than 80 percent of homes produced annually in the country, giving the association unparalleled reach among homebuyers.

According to Sadain, the DPWH said it had to study the geological aspects of the site, surface and subsurface in detail given the complexity of the project before commencement of construction activities. The feasibility studies were started and completed under the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte and the project is expected to be finished under the Marcos Jr. administration.

A proactive approach to inclusivity T HE F reeport Area of Bataan (FAB), the only free port in the Manila Bay area and the Philippines’s center of trade, made a

proactive approach to provide the housing needs of its employees and personnnel by recently signing a renewal of memorandum of agreement (MOA) with affordable housing development firm Empresa Homes, Inc.

Right now, the FAB is arguably the fastest-growing free port in the Philippines, handling over 28,000 import/ export transactions in 2022.

Moreover, the FAB currently employs almost 40,000 personnel, which has the potential to achieve higher growth in the coming years because of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB’s) approval of 17 expansion areas in one city and eight municipalities of Bataan.

Tessie Lanot, Empresa Mariveles division head said the FAB is definitely a good market for

the company as it is capable of providing high-quality, valuefor-money housing. “Now offering better corporate discounts on house and lot units for the exclusive use of FAB employees, Empresa truly shares its vision of making homeownership a reality for the average Filipino,” she said.

“The FAB in Bataan not only gives us a perfect opportunity to achieve this, but also presents a continuously evolving market that promises exciting opportunities in the coming years,” Lanot pointed out. Avon Mananquil, Head of Market Research, concurred, saying, “Finding good business opportunities that help the average Filipinos, as signified by our MOA with the AFAB, is central to the Empresa Homes’ approach.”

Century Nuliv Townvillas officially break ground

CENTUR y Nuliv Townvillas at Acqua, Century Properties’ maiden project under its recently launched upscale real-estate brand Century Nuliv recently held its groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony was led by Century Nuliv President Monica L. Trajano, CPG Sales Operations Management Group Head Malvin C. Landicho, CPG Design Manager Arch. Jennifer S. Maglaqui, CPG AVP Design Innovation Group Arch. Anna O. Castillo, CPG VP Project Management Group Engr.

Larry A. Reyes, Consultant

Arch. Brian P. Mangio, and CPG International Sales Operations Head Sonny M. Mendiola.

The townvillas are strategically located within the award-winning Acqua Private Residences community at the foot of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge in Mandaluyong City. The soonto-rise development offers two configurations: the Rhine (3-stories; 227 sq m ave.) and Seine (4-stories; 312 sq m ave.). The homes will feature glass balconies, high ceilings, and wide windows to let in

natural light.

“Nuvali Townvillas at Acqua provide the same generous indoor and outdoor living spaces found in the suburbs, but all within and integrated into the thriving Acqua community. It also offers an in-city living experience with assured value appreciation given the houses and lots are within Metro Manila,” Trajano said.

Century Nuliv plans to bring its new concept to key cities outside of the Metro with the Townvillas at Azure North in San Fernando, Pampanga, set to launch soon.

To develop and enhance economic inclusivity in the country, the government must push for the development of areas outside Metro Manila.

AFAB Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda poses with Empresa Division Head Tessie Lanot and other Empresa representatives, after Empresa renewed its Memorandum of Agreement with AFAB.

CHAIRMAN of the Board Arlene Keh

NATIONAL President Arch. Leonardo Dayao Jr.

A FFORDABLE North Luzon housing brand Empresa Homes Inc., partners with the AFAB, the fastest growing free port in the Philippines, handling over 28,000 import/export transactions last year.

PhilCycling road team undergoes major revamp

THE PhilCycling revamped the national team and coaching staff for road during its annual board meeting on Tuesday at the Manila Hotel.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who also heads PhilCycling, said the revamp was prompted by the federation’s campaign to deliver medals in road events at the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games in May.

I nterested coaches may apply through the federation e-mail philcycling@gmail.com

Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance coach Reinhard Gorantes and former top women’s rider Marita Lucas were named interim coaches of the national men and women road teams.

The PhilCycling also revamped the composition of the national road team for men and women which are composed of the top performers in the 2022 National Championships for Road.

W ith Tolentino in the board meeting were PhilCycling chairman Bert Lina and vice president Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez.

The national teams for mountain bike and BMX remained intact.

Villalba tough test for Marcial

–Sean Gibbons

By Josef Ramos

IF Eumir Felix Marcial’s first three fights as a professional turned out as mere warmup bouts, his fourth—against Argentina’s Ricardo Villalba isn’t expected to be a walk in the park for the Olympic bronze medalist.

“Ricardo Villalba represents a big [step up] in opposition for Eumir in terms of talent and experience,” International matchmaker Sean Gibbons told BusinessMirror on Tuesday, adding that Villalba’s a veteran pro with 28 fights in his credentials. “He’s been tested by time in those many fights.”

M arcial climbs the ring in an eight-round middleweight fight against Villalba this Sunday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

They’re one of the undercards of the O’ Shaquie Foster-Rey Vargas fight for the World Boxing Organization super featherweight belt M arcial, 27, brings with him a three-fight pro experience—two four-rounders and one six-rounder— against the 33-year-old Argentinian who packs a 20-win, 7-loss and 1-draw with eight knockouts.

“ But we are confident Eumir will pass this test with flying colors so we are very excited for him,” said Gibbons, president of boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions.

Mexican trainer Jorge Capetillo, who’s been handling Marcial since October in Las Vegas, is confident of his ward’s chances, according to Gibbons.

Eumir has had a terrific training camp and after consulting with Señor Capetillo, it was decided that Eumir was ready to move up the eight-round level,” Gibbons said.

M arcial booked a unanimous decision victory over American Andrew Whitfield in a four-rounder in Los Angeles in his pro debut in 2020 and struggled but eventually beat another American, Isiah Hart, who knocked him down thrice before yielding via technical knockout in the fourth round last April in Las Vegas.

L ast October, Marcial claimed his third win as pro—a unanimous decision—over American Steven Pichardo in Carson City, California.

B8

Wednesday, FeBruary 8, 2023

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun

GOV. JONVIC CDM TO PARIS 2024

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced on Tuesday the appointment of Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla as Team Philippines Chef de Mission (CDM) to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also bared the appointments of wrestling association chief Alvin Aguilar as CDM to the World Combat Games and rugby federation head Ada Milby to the 2024 Winter Olympic Youth Games.

The Paris Olympics are set July 26 to August 11 and the Winter Olympic Youth Games from January 19 to February 1 in Gangwon Province in South Korea both next year. The World Combat Games are from October 21 to 30 this year in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

R emulla replaced Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio, who declined the task for Paris citing his already hectic calendar as SBP head and CEO of PLDT and Smart.

We understand Al’s [Panlilio] situation so we decided to appoint a

CALOY, EJ, FILIPINAS MAJOR AWARDEES

Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet and the International Container Terminal Services Inc.

The other recepients of Major Awards are boxing’s Carlo Paalam, jui jitsu’s Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio, karatedo’s Junna Tsukii and billiards’ Rubilen Amit, Carlo Biado, and Johann Chua, as well as weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, beach volleyball duo of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Sisi Rondina, esports organization Blacklist International, jockey Jessie Guca and champion horse Boss Emong.

T he country’s first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo is the recipient of the coveted Athlete of the Year award for the second straight time.

Yulo, 22 also won three gold medals in vault, parallel bars and floor exercise at the 9th Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Doha, Qatar, while adding a silver in the all-around.

new CDM for the Paris Olympics, somebody who has a great passion for sports, a true sportsman, somebody who has leadership, a workhorse and that’s Governor Jonvic [Remulla],” Tolentino said.

Remulla, 55, is the honorary chairman of the rowing association and team manager of the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team. He’s credited for helping hone the Fighting Maroons to championship form. “ The POC wanted a dedicated sportsman or personality who could live up to the responsibilities and obligations as CDM to Paris,” said Tolentino. W hat makes Paris much more significant, Tolentino explained, is that the Philippines is celebrating its 100th year of participation in the Olympics in the same venue in 1924.

Tolentino said the appointment of a non-national sports association head as CDM has its precedent in then First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. He was appointed CDM in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games that Manila hosted. “ He [Remulla] accepted the position without hesitation and he’s really happy and excited about his role as Paris Olympics CDM,” Tolentino said. “We at the POC are confident that he can get the job done...he’s a true sportsman and very dedicated to helping athletes.”

Bayron, three others share TCC Invitational 1st-round lead

JAY BAYRON recovered from a shaky start with a string of birdies midway through then bucked a late double bogey mishap with a clutch birdie on the tough finishing hole as he rescued a 73 and forced a four-way tie for the lead at the start of The Country Club (TCC) Invitational in Santa Rosa, Laguna, on Tuesday.

CARLOS “CALOY” YULO, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the members of the national women’s football team known as the Filipinas will be honored with Major Awards during the San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel on March 6. Their selection for the prestigious award was a no-brainer for the PSA.

CONVERGE shoots for a 5-0 start against TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The FiberXers go for an unprecedented unbeaten start against the Tropang Giga at 3 p.m. p.m.

NLEX, on the other hand, will determine if Wayne Selden Jr. is a worthy replacement for certified National Basketball Association veteran Jonathon Simmons when the Road Warriors

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

MARIKINA City will host the return of the Palarong Pambansa from July 29 to August 5 this year under a modified format, according to the Department of Education (DepEd). The Palaro was shuttered for

No such animal as a good coach

AS the new coach of San Miguel Beer, Jorge Gallent finds himself handling a herculean job.

He inherits a post as daunting as preserving the team’s legacy of excellence: the winningest of all time.

He replaces a coach that prides in the sheen of a 9-of-10 title acquisitions, including one championship and a semifinal stint in the first two conferences of the current Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.

But did Jorge Gallent not win his first three games in

Yulo clinched a silver in vault and bronze in parallel bars during the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Liverpool England, while Obiena pole vaulted to an Asian men’s record at 5.94 meters for a historic bronze medal and the world No. 3 ranking in the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

T he Filipinas? They punched a first-ever ticket for the country to the FIFA Women’s World Cup

following their third place finish in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asia Cup under Australian coach Alen Stajcic. They will share the accolade with 12 other athletes during the gala night presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, and supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Milo, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation,

Converge, NLEX try to extend streak

square off with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings at 3 p.m.

The FiberXers are 4-0 won-lost in a tie with the San Miguel Beermen. Against TNT, Jeron Teng said they’re ready for their opponents whose import Jalen Hudson could erupt anytime when needed.

It’s a good match up and we’re up to the challenge,” said Teng, who

averages 14.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in four games in the conference. “We cannot put our guards down against TNT though. We just have to play consistent basketball.”

Jamaal Franklin tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists in a 112-98 win over Rain or Shine last Thursday and Teng said he expects their import to play the same way.

Marikina City to host Palaro’s return

three years by the pandemic and is making a comeback detached from its traditional summer program.

Under DepEd Memorandum No. 5, s. 2023 or the Conduct of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, Division Meets and Regional Meets, the first phase

fantastic fashion, his winning margin pegged at an average of 20 points per game?

Surely, that auspicious blast-off is one bragging right that could be the envy of all.

Oh, well, the winning streak got almost snapped in Jorge Gallent’s fourth game in a Sunday outing that suddenly transformed from sleeper to thriller.

Up by what appeared like a comfortable lead of nine points, 100-91, with just 75 ticks left, Jorge Gallent’s boys suddenly found themselves perilously clinging by the cliff.

A blazing three from Mark Barroca followed by Calvin Abueva’s back-to-back hits kicked off a 7-0 run that shoved Magnolia to within 98-100 with ticks remaining.

Th rown in panic for the first time in four games, San Miguel bungled its last offense that opened wide Magnolia’s window of opportunity.

But Paul Lee, usually a dead shot from afar, blew a game-winner for the Hotshots when he missed his buzzer-beating triple.

Yes, Jorge Gallent walked away unscathed in four games.  But it’s still too early to tell if he’s got the goods or not.

W hat I can say is, with the way he’s been performing thus far, Jorge is a marked man from here on—his moves every step of the way getting ogled by foes with owl-like curiosity.

I s he for real?  Is he really up to the task?  Is he the

of the geographical qualifiers for the games end on Friday while the next phase is set from April 24 to 28.

A n additional tier called the Pre-National Qualifying Meet will be introduced to lessen the number of delegations, shorten

He, too, was the most successful Filipino athlete at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam with five golds—all-around, floor exercise, still rings, vault and horizontal bar.

Obiena also topped a number of pole vault meets in Europe and retained his gold at the Vietnam SEA Games with a new meet record of 5.46 meters.

The Filipinas, meanwhile, added the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship trophy following a 3-0 shutout of four-time champion Thailand in the gold medal play.

We really have a good import and we’re hoping he brings us to the playoffs,” Teng said.

TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa said they have done their homework and is hoping to improve on their 3-1 record.

They [Converge] execute down the stretch and they’re very aggressive,” Lastimosa said. “They were very smart around the ball.”

Hudson is averaging 27.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in four games for the Tropang Giga.

the duration of the event and lower the expenses to be incurred—all without sacrificing the level of play.

T he modified program covers team sports baseball, basketball, football, futsal, sepak takraw, football and volleyball.

perfect fit, the textbook replacement for the multi-titled Leo Austria?  Perhaps.

Yes, so far, so good for Jorge Gallent in his still-infant stint at the helm.  A 4-0 start is not something to sneeze at.

But in my ever-unchanging view, there is no such animal as a good coach.  To me, a good coach can only be as good as when he is winning.  Jorge Gallent is in that zone right now.  Let’s leave it at that.

Just savor every second of the moment, Jorge, and you’ll be fine.

THAT’S IT  Los Angeles’ LeBron James might surpass fellow Laker Kareen Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time output any day now in the National Basketball Association’s scoring record of 38,387 points, a mark many thought might never be broken.  James needs only 36 points to do it—and the 38-yearold LeBron averages 30 points per game this season.  It can happen today (Wednesday) when James and the Lakers host Oklahoma before they face Milwaukee on Friday.  Said Golden State coach Steve Kerr of James:  “To see LeBron do it over 20 years is pretty remarkable and a testament to not only his ability but his durability.  He’s just a machine.  He’s healthy and a physical force night after night.”  Some guys are just different from the rest of us.

B ayron’s up-and-down round typified the elite 30-player field’s struggle on the TCC course that proved as exacting for its sheer length (7,652 yards) with the dreaded winds practically not much of a factor in the first 18 holes of the P6 million championship, the highlight event of each Philippine Golf Tour season. W hile majority of the early contenders fell prey to the water-laced No. 18’s challenge, Bayron pulled off two brilliant shots against a strong gust of wind to set up a birdie putt, one of the only two feats made on the dogleg 476-yard hole, regarded as one of the best finishing holes in Asia, where bogey is a norm rather than the exception. But it was his birdie-blast on the par-4 No. 9 that put him back in play after dropping shots on Nos. 1 and 5, saying: “It (birdie) boosted my confidence and from there I regained my touch and birdied Nos. 12 and 14.”

A bogey on the 15th and a double bogey on the next, however, stymied his charge but a solid drive on the 18th coupled with a superb rescue approach shot to within eight feet led to a birdie and a shared view of the top.

“I didn’t expect to be in the lead (share) but I hope to keep going up to the last day,” said Bayron, who with brother Rufino lost to Frankie Minoza in sudden death here in 2013.

Unlike Bayron, Jerson Balasabas failed to hurdle the last-hole test and finished with a bogey, ruining his bid for solo control.

Lomibao

HAPPY TOGETHER Senators—(from left) Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Robinhood Padilla, Pia Cayetano, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Nancy Binay and Risa Hontiveros—share a happy moment with world-class gymnast Carlos “Caloy” Yulo and his fellow gymnasts Justine Ace De Leon and Juancho Miguel Besana and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton at the Senate on Monday.

PHL TENNIS PRINCESS US Open girls’ champion Alex Eala answers questions from the media during the Globe ambassador’s press conference on Tuesday at the The Globe Tower at BGC. The 17-year-old Eala says she has yet to decide on whether to play at the French Open juniors competition and the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games both of which are scheduled this May. NONOY LACZA

CAVITE Governor Jonvic Remulla gladly accepts the responsibility.

BIRDIES save Jay Bayron’s day at The Country Club (TCC) Invitational. ROY DOMINGO