BusinessMirror February 15, 2025

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CONOMISTS noted on Friday that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) recent move of hitting the brakes on policy rate cuts will help lessen the risk of foreign exchangeinduced inflation, taking into account the“renewed” strength of the US dollar.

In a commentary on Friday, HSBC Economist for Asean Aris Dacanay explained the Central Bank’s “rationale” of pausing its easing cycle, saying it was clear that the BSP “wanted monetary policy to be flexible amidst the uncertainties in global trade.”

In particular, he noted that pausing the easing cycle “would lend support to the peso and mitigate the risk of FX-induced inflation if, say, US trade policies lead to renewed USD strength.”

In a televised interview on Friday, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said there is a possibility that the peso could fall to P60 against the US dollar.

“It is a possibility. We don’t worry too much about the number itself. We worry about large swings in the exchange rate because it’s when we have large swings that we get this inflationary effect of the exchange rate,” Remolona said.

The BSP chief explained this in the context that some of the Philippines’s imports are “invoiced in dollars.” Hence, he said, “If the swings are large enough, then we can get inflationary effects. And then we’d like to dampen those swings somehow.”

Asked about the current dynamics between the dollar and the peso, the BSP chief said, “They are driven largely by the strength of the dollar. That has been the case since the beginning of the year.”

A d ay after the seven-man

Monetary Board of the BSP decided to keep the policy rate at 5.75 percent, some economists shifted the timing of their rate cut forecasts.

Dacanay noted that HSBC previously forecasted no cuts in the second quarter of 2025. However, it now anticipates the BSP to resume cutting policy rates during the June 2025 Monetary Board meeting.

“We expect BSP to reduce the policy rate by 25bp to 5.50 percent. We do not change our forecasts for 2H 2025,” the HSBC economist for Asean noted, adding that HSBC continues to expect a 25-bp rate cut each in August and December of this year, with the yearend policy rate settling at 5 percent.

Dacanay noted, however, that these projections rest on the assumption that the Fed will reduce its

Strategic investments may bring new alien workers to PHL–DOLE

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

expects an increase in foreign workers entering the Philippines in 2025 as strategic investments bring in highly skilled professionals across key industries. With businesses expanding and fresh capital flowing in, the government has tightened regulations on Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) to ensure that foreign expertise contributes to local workforce development.

Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan said the updated AEP guidelines, issued under Department Order 248, Series of 2025, aim to balance investor needs with local job protection. While the changes streamline busi-

ness requirements, they also introduce stricter evaluation measures to prioritize Filipino workers. Employers hiring foreign na-

tionals must now implement an Understudy Training Program and Skills Development Program to equip local employees with the

competencies needed to eventually assume these roles.

“W hile we approve the employment of foreign nationals, there must be a transfer of skills and competencies to Filipino counterparts to ensure that the [aliens’] employment is not long term, but there will be a transition of skills so that the Filipino can replace the foreign national,” Patriwirawan told the BusinessMirror

The new rules also introduce an Economic Needs Test to determine whether hiring a foreign worker is justified based on the availability of qualified local talent.

Regional evaluators will conduct stricter site inspections to verify the legitimacy of businesses applying for foreign labor permits.

In November 2024, foreign

The invisible killer: Air pollution claims 7 million lives every year

HANOI, Vietnam—Everyone loves a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, too often our air is anything but fresh.

While air quality varies dramatically from place to place and day to day, nearly the entire world—about 99 percent of the global population—is exposed to air at some point that doesn’t meet the strict standards set by the World Health Organization, the agency has reported.

Polluted air, laden noxious gasses or tiny, invisible particles that burrow into human bodies, kills 7 million people prematurely every year, the UN health agency estimates.

And for the millions living in some of the world’s smoggiest cities—many of them in Asia like New Delhi; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bangkok and Jakarta, Indonesia— bad air might seem inescapable.

But there are things that people can do, starting with understanding that the air isn’t only polluted when it looks smoggy, said Tanushree Ganguly of the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago in India.

“Blue skies can’t guarantee you clean air,” she said.

What are the most dangerous kinds of air pollutants and their sources?

AIR pollutants often come from people burning things: Fuels such as coal, natural gas, diesel and gasoline for electricity and transportation; crops or trees for agricultural purposes or as a result of wildfires.

Fine, inhalable particles, known as particulate matter, are among the most dangerous. The tiniest of these—known as PM 2.5 because they are less than 2.5 microns in diameter—can get deep into human lungs and are mostly created by burning fuels. Coarser particles, known as PM 10, are linked to agriculture, roadways, mining or the wind blowing eroded dust, according to the WHO.

Ot her dangerous pollutants include gases like nitrogen dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which are also produced from burning fuels, said Anumita Roychowdhury, an air pollution expert at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi.

The sources and intensity of air pollution varies in different cities and seasons. For instance, old motorbikes and industrial boilers are major contributors to bad air in Indonesian capital Jakarta while burning of agricultural waste is a major reason for air pollution spikes in cities in Thailand and India. Brick kilns that burn coal adds to pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital. And seasonal forest fires cause problems in Brazil and North America.

What health problems can air pollution cause?

AIR pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally, behind high blood pressure, according to a recent report by the Health Effects Institute.

Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks and increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in the elderly or people with medical problems. Long-term exposure can cause serious heart and lung problems that can lead to death, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung infections.

A recent analysis by the UN children’s agency found that more than 500 million children in East Asia and Pacific countries breathe unhealthy air and the pollution is linked to the deaths of 100 children under 5 every day. June Kunugi, Unicef Regional Director for East Asia, said the pol-

luted air compromises growth, harms lungs and impacts their cognitive abilities.

“Every breath matters, but for too many children every breath can bring harm,” she said.

What’s the best way to tell if air is safe?

OVER 6,000 cities in 117 countries now monitor air quality, and many weather mobile apps include air quality information. But trying to gauge how bad the air is by looking at these numbers can be confusing.

To help people understand air quality levels more easily, many countries have adopted an air quality index or AQI—a numerical scale where larger numbers mean worse air. They are also often assigned different colors to show whether the air is clean or not.

But different countries have different air quality standards. For instance, India’s daily PM 2.5 limit is more than 1.5-times higher than Thailand’s limit and 4-times higher than WHO standards.

This means that countries calculate AQIs differently and the numbers aren’t comparable with each other. This is also why sometimes AQI scores by private companies using stricter standards may be different from those calculated

by national regulators.

What are the best ways to protect yourself from air pollution?

THE goal, of course, is to limit exposure when air quality is bad, by staying inside or wearing a mask.

Staying inside, however, isn’t always possible, especially for people who must live or work outside, noted Danny Djarum, an air quality researcher at World Resources Institute, an environmental advocacy group. “They can’t really afford not going out,” he said.

Pa kaphol Asavakomolnant, an office worker in Bangkok, said he wears a mask every day and avoids riding to work on a motorbike. “I get a sore throat when I come to work in the morning and I forget to wear a mask,” he said.

People also need to be aware of indoor air pollution which can often be caused by common household activities like cooking or even burning an incense stick.

What are the benefits—and limitations—of air purifiers?

AIR purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution, but they have their limitations. They work by pulling air from a room, pushing it through a filter that traps pollutants before circulating it back.

BOC seizes ₧1.4-B luxury cars in Pasay, Parañaque

said the agency must do more to ensure strict compliance with customs laws and regulations in order to collect the rightful duties and taxes due to the government.

The BOC said the team sealed the warehouse doors and assigned duty personnel to secure the premises. The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any parties responsible for the warehouses were given 15 days from the receipt of the LOAs to submit the documents that prove the payment of correct duties and taxes due. If found without proper documents, they could face charges in violation of Sections 1400, 1401

policy rate to 3.50 to 3.75 percent by yearend.

“The upside risk to our view is straightforward. Any hawkish tilt by the Fed may raise the floor of the BSP’s easing cycle. The risk of FX-induced inflation may grow, the narrower the spread between the BSP and the Fed rates is,” the HSBC economic brief read.

However, Dacanay noted, “We think caution should be warranted,” adding that if growth continues to “underperform,” there is also the risk of growth concerns outweighing concerns on foreign exchange volatility.

Continued from A1 Continued from A1

direct investment inflows reached $901 million, bringing the total from January to November to $8.6 billion—a 4.4-percent increase from the same period in 2023.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma also noted that President Marcos’s foreign trips are expected to generate over P4 trillion in investments, further boosting demand for specialized labor.

To ensure a balance between investment growth and job security, DOLE has also streamlined AEP applications.

Job postings now require only one newspaper publication and must be listed on PhilJobNet, the govern-

HSBC pointed out that the BSP may also decide to eventually cut more than the Fed to make the peso more competitive. “After all, a more competitive peso will help boost demand for goods and services exports at a time when supply chains are shifting.”

For her part, Citi Economist for the Philippines Nalin Chutchotitham said, “We revise our expectation of the next 25-bp rate cuts to April, August and December.”

Chutchotitham noted that previously, the bank expected the BSP to cut in February, June and August.

“W hile we think the BSP could afford to cut a total of 75bp this year, considering a high real policy rate

ment’s job-matching platform. Employers must also submit structured training programs to demonstrate skills transfer to Filipino understudies.

While businesses and foreign applicants may face a learning curve, Patriwirawan assured that DOLE is ready to assist with compliance.

“We’re seeing that there will be a learning curve for our applicants, employers, and even the regional operations team,” he said. “Of course, the central office will be there to supervise and ensure that the transaction is smooth, and we are ready to accommodate questions and queries from the employers.”

At t he same time, the total ban

and positive interest rate differential with the Fed, Governor Remolona’s more cautious forward guidance of a total of 50bp cut this year means a third cut still hinges on several factors besides domestic demand and inflation,” the Citi economist for the Philippines explained. Chutchotitham said these also depend on the Fed’s rate cut timing and the US trade policy actions, which “would likely have implications for USD strength and hence some FX passthrough to inflation at the margin.” The Philippine peso closed at P57.83 against the US dollar on Friday, February 14, 2025.

on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is expected to reduce AEP applications, as many permits in previous years were issued for POGO -related jobs. However, Patriwirawan said other industries—particularly those in strategic investments— will likely drive new demand for foreign workers.

“We made sure to comply with the green lane instruction of the President,” he said, referring to the government’s initiative to fasttrack permits for priority sectors. From 2022 to 2024, DOLE issued over 192,000 AEPs to foreign nationals. Chinese workers received the most permits at 73,518, followed by Vietnamese nationals at

MOTORISTS wait in a traffic jam in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 11, 2025. AP/TATAN SYUFLANA

PHL economy needs a makeover, not just more spending–Balisacan

THE Philippines must move beyond its reliance on consumption and services to ensure long-term economic growth and stay competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape, according to the country’s socioeconomic planning head.

can also open up new avenues for growth if acted upon strategically, employing both reactive measures to meet immediate challenges and forward-looking policies to anticipate emerging opportunities,” he added.

To navigate these challenges, Balisacan emphasized the need for structural reforms, a more investment-friendly environment and stronger participation in regional and global markets to bolster the country’s economic resilience.

ening academe-industry linkages,” he added.

With the global economy facing rising protectionism, climaterelated risks, and technological disruptions, the Neda chief also stressed the urgency of securing trade partnerships with traditional allies, Asean nations and other like-minded economies.

DepEd will distribute 62K laptops, smart TVs in ₧1.8-B program in Q2

T“Partnership at the regional and international levels, especially among smaller, open economies caught in the rivalry between economic giants…is more crucial now than ever,” he said.

The nation’s GDP grew by 5.2 percent in the last quarter of 2024, matching the third quarter’s growth rate, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has outlined key global trends shaping economic development. This includes rising inequality, increasing protectionism, the growing use of industrial policies to drive disruptive technologies and the high costs of transitioning to sustainable energy amid worsening climate change. “Asia’s low- and middle-income countries face a range of megatrends that shape and constrain—or, viewed positively, enable and facilitate—their development strategies,” Balisacan said in a recent lecture at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.

He also pointed out that sustained productivity growth hinges on fostering innovation and adopting advanced technologies—both of which require substantial investment in human capital to ensure the workforce can effectively leverage these tools.

“Fortunately, the Philippines is well-positioned to leverage its dense migrant networks to support capacity building and technology infusion, especially in this age of digital connectedness,” he said.

“Yet these same megatrends

“This calls for policies addressing emigration and encouraging talent to return, such as sufficient funding for research and strength -

Recto set to assume DBP chair post under proposed new charter

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto is set to assume the position of Chairperson of the Board under the proposed new charter of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“The DBP has a very clear mandate: to drive economic growth by supporting the medium and long-term needs of agricultural and industrial enterprises,” the Finance chief said in a statement on Friday.

The proposed charter designates the Secretary of Finance as the ex-officio Chairperson of the DBP Board, ensuring government participation in the Bank’s decision-making and alignment with its developmental mandate. Currently, the DOF has no representation on the DBP Board.

“The reforms in its proposed

new charter, including the Secretary of Finance’s assumption of the role of Chair of the Board, are precisely made towards strengthening its financial stability and capacity to drive national progress and uplift the lives of more Filipinos,” Recto said.

The bill which seeks to establish a new charter for the DBP to strengthen its powers and functions as the country’s premier financial institution for national development has been approved on the third and final reading in Congress.

The proposal also includes the Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as an ex-officio member, as well as three Independent Directors.

According to the DOF, the bill expands the DBP’s mandate,

covering government programs that boost economic growth and increase productivity.

This includes the development of digital and physical infrastructure, expansion of businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the development of high-impact programs in education, health care, housing, social services, and environmental protection.

The DBP will also be mandated to implement government policies on priority area financing, enhanced competition in financial markets, and promotion of financial sector development.

“To strengthen its financial stability,  the new charter authorizes the DBP to offer a maximum of 30 percent of its

This brought full-year GDP growth to 5.6 percent, slightly above the 5.5 percent recorded in 2023. The farm sector, hit hard by consecutive typhoons, was among the key factors that weighed on economic performance. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/30/q4gdp-growth-at-5-2-as-typhoonbattered-farm-sector-shrinks/)

shares to the public or as it may deem necessary. This will enable the bank to raise capital to support its expanded mandate and to allow public participation,” a statement by the DOF read.

“The national government shall retain at least 70 percent of its outstanding capital stock to ensure effective control of the bank.”

Meanwhile, the bill also increases the DBP’s authorized capital stock (ACS) from P35 billion to P300 billion, allowing it to broaden its credit assistance to priority sectors and widen its menu of financial products and services.

The DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country by assets and has been designated as the Infrastructure Bank by the National Government.

With a network of 146 fullfledged branches and branch-lite units, the DBP serves many underserved and unbanked areas. Its charter was last amended in 1998 through Republic Act No. 8523. Ada Pelonia

GM Robles calls PCSO ‘data breach’ fake news ‘clickbait’

BHE distribution of more than 62,000 laptops and smart TV packages worth P1.8 billion to schools across 16 regions will start by the second half of the year, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Friday.

The faster procurement process of ICT resources was made possible after Education Secretary Sonny Angara made it a priority program in his first six months in office.

As of February 4, 2025, DepEd has reported the success of EPA for 23,614 smart TV packages, 33,539 laptops for teachers, and 5,328 laptops for non-teaching personnel.

Region IV-A , Region VI, and Region VIII received the highest allocation for the ICT equipment.

The rollout continues despite a P10-billion budget cut that initially hampered DepEd’s computerization program, reducing its original target of 800,000 laptops and smart TVs for the year.

With the backing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his fiscal management team, DepEd is working closely with the Department of Finance to restore funds, ensuring the uninterrupted implementation of its digital initiatives.

“This year, our computerization programs will continue with the help of President Bongbong and my fellow cabinet members. Our goal is for each school to have an ‘e-cart’ or roving computer lab that all students can use. Additionally, we are providing various software tools to support our teachers,” Angara said, noting the success of Early Procurement Activities (EPA) is a commitment made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) to bridge the digital divide. A key component of this is the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).

The initiative aims to improve the country’s low teacher-tolaptop ratio, which remains a challenge.

The Year 2 report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II) emphasized that better access to technology empowers teachers to be more effective, particularly in regions where alternative learning setups remain necessary due to natural calamities.

Beyond benefiting teachers, the laptops are expected to enhance students’ learning assessments by familiarizing them with online platforms, sharpening their technological navigation skills, and strengthening problem-solving abilities.

BRP ‘Cabra’ rebuffs latest Chinese incursion attempts in PHL waters

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday night said the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) has successfully fended off a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 3304 which was detected approaching the Pangasinan coastline.

“The PCG vessel, BRP Cabra, has vigilantly maneuvered to drive away the CCG-3304, which was observed approaching within 43 nautical miles off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan, yesterday [Wednesday],” it added.

And due to the exceptional seamanship skills of the crew aboard BRP Cabra, the PCG said its vessel was able to push the Chinese vessel to an approximate distance of 101.44 nautical miles off Bani, Pangasinan.

departed toward the Bajo de Masinloc area,” the PCG added.

Undeterred, the 44-meter BRP Cabra challenged the larger 77-meter CCG vessel, asserting its presence within the country’s exclusive economic zone and highlighting that the CCG’s illegal patrols are in violation of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The PCG reiterated that it remains committed to patrolling the Philippines’ EEZ’s which is aimed at preventing the normalization of illegal Chinese activities and to document the CCG’s escalating actions in the West Philippine Sea.

EWARE of fake news for views. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles issued this warning to the public on Friday (February 14) as another fake news circulated on social media, claiming that the agency’s database had been hacked by an obscure group of hackers. In a statement, Robles categorically described the report as fake news, stressing that there was never a breach in any official sits or data base of  the PCSO.

the systems of PCSO. We have not reported anything to DICT [Department of Information and Communication Technology] because nothing had happened.”

He explained: “This is fake news. There was no breach nor any successful attempt to hack

Robles continued: “Relax, today is Valentine’s Day and don’t let it be ruined by some groups out to besmirch or cast doubt on the integrity of our games. It’s too early for April Fool’s Day and let us not easily fall for it.”

“While there were numerous attempts [in the past] to hack our system coming from all over the world, our digital defenses are holding out and remain impregnable,” he stressed.

He was disputing an online news that the PCSO and the DICT were reportedly investigating a report on an alleged breach of the data of lotto winners.

Robles noted that the news report came from an alleged group of hackers who were obviously attempting to make a name for themselves, by claiming that they were able to breach the PCSO system.

The PCSO chief was, howev -

er, quick to clarify that none of their accounts was attacked or compromised.

He added that what the post was simply saying, is that the group was able to get hold of email accounts of PCSO employees, most probably, the email accounts of branch office personnel from Cagayan Branch, based on the screenshots attached to the post.

GM Robles, however, pointed out that it was the list of individual s who availed of the promo of the PCSO branch in March 2022 and not names of winners, whether of jackpot or consolation prizes.

The picture of a woman holding tickets is a proof that the promo tickets were availed of by “real” people, thus the information published by the hackers actually belong to the recipients of a promo of a branch in Cagayan in March of 2022 and not of lotto winners.

“Our database for the lotto jackpot winners is safe in the head office. The branch offices are not connected to the head office.

“At approximately 3 p.m. today [Thursday], the CCG vessel with bow number 3103 arrived in the vicinity, seemingly taking the place of CCG-3304, which had

“The professionalism exhibited by PCG personnel aboard its vessels underscores their commitment to the President’s directive of non-escalation and nonprovocation,” it added. Rex Anthony Naval

DOST-Ilocos to help improve Laoag transportation system

THE Department of Science and Technology has launched an initiative to improve Laoag City’s transportation system as part of the agency’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).

At a planning workshop last year, city officials and department heads identified transportation as a critical challenge in Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte and a key commercial and economic hub in the province.

In response, DOST-1, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office –Ilocos Norte (PSTO-IN), collaborated with transportation experts and technology generators, including Syrus Borja Gomari (former DOST Balik-Scientist, and Founder – CEO of MobilityVision+) and Timothy Joshua Vargas (Co-Founder of MobilityVision+), to develop innovative solutions that address these mobility challenges.

At a recent virtual meeting, experts presented the MobilityVision+ and Seermo platforms, which may be tailored to meet the needs of Laoag City.

Mobility Vision+ is a scalable, AIdriven solution designed to support smart, sustainable urban mobility infrastructure decision-making and traffic law enforcement. The platform enables sustainable mobility and livable cities by counting people

and

Bacolod City expands social pension program

ACOLOD CITY—An additional

B2,800 qualified senior citizens in this highly-urbanized city are expected receive social pension from the local government unit this year after the approval of additional funds.

Data on Monday showed there are 8,333 senior citizens who benefited from the cash assistance since the ordinance granting the pension was approved in the last quarter of 2022.

In an interview, Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the City Council committee on senior citizens and veteran affairs, said an additional P15 million was added to the previous year’s P50-million budget upon the request of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.

“This year, it’s now P65 million. We can add at least 2,800 beneficiaries. From 8,333, it will become around 11,000 beneficiaries,” she said. Through the city’s Department of Social Services and Development, each

beneficiary receives a social pension of P6,000 a year or P500 monthly.

Flor said that after the payout for last year’s social pension is completed, she will meet with the officials of concerned city departments to discuss the number of beneficiaries that will be added in each of the city’s 61 barangays.

The local official said she will also request for a supplemental budget of about P5 million to further increase the number of beneficiaries.

Previously, Flor said the city government prioritizes those aged 70 years and above for the social pension.

“With the additional funds, those who are in their 60s may now be included in the list,” she said.

Qualified senior citizens include those who do not receive any form of contributory pension, as well as individuals receiving not more than P5,000 monthly pension from the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and Social Security System. PNA

Salceda: Govt has funds to sustain universal pension for senior citizens

THE chairperson of the House Committee on Ways and Means has said the government has the funds to sustain the proposed universal social pension for senior citizens.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda urged the Senate to approve the bill granting P1,000 pension to all Filipino senior citizens, as he assured lawmakers that the program is fiscally sustainable.

“Now, I am telling the Senate that we can fund the Universal Social Pension,” Salceda said in a statement.

Salceda, who also leads the House’s Joint Committee on Senior Citizen and PWD (person with disability) Benefits, said he had spoken with Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, to push for the bill’s passage.

“I talked to Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the committee discussing the bill, during her visit to Albay. I assured her we can sustain universal social pension fiscally. The Senate committee can still pass it during the break. I’ll take care of finding the funds. She assured me she will study it carefully,” he said.

Salceda cited government estimates showing that the incremental cost of the program would be P28.8

Intervening in natural evolution

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

HE story of human evolution in ancient past is said to be written in our modern bodies.

In his book “Descent of Man,” Charles Darwin talks about vestigial structures. A vestigial structure is a body part or organ that was useful to our ancient ancestors, but is no longer needed by modern humans because it is now useless.

These remnants of our ancient past are tale-tell clues, “footprints” or “tracks” that give us glimpses and insights into the evolution of homo sapiens.

Here’s one clue. If you hold your arm upside down, you’ll probably see a raised tendon in the middle of your wrist. This tendon connects to the palmaris longus, an extra muscle that gave added grip strength to the forearms of our hominid ancestors. Scientists say the palmaris longus is present in many species of mammals today that use their forearms to move around—such as lemurs and monkeys.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, this suggests that our hominid ancestors were quadrupedal and adept at arboreal locomotion. In plain language, proto humans used to walk on fours and to swing from tree to tree in their forest dwellings. The said muscle likely helped early humans with their grip, possibly while hanging or swinging from tree to tree. When humans began walking on two feet about 3.2 million years ago, the muscle became more-orless useless or unnecessary.

Here’s another interesting remnant. Touch the bottom of your spine and you will feel a small, curved bone called coccyx. It is said to represent a vestigial tail.

It indicates that our common ancestors had tails to help them move through the treetops and balance on long branches,

a reminder of how far we’ve come from our tree dwelling days.

As somebody once noted, “the body is a museum, full of ancient relics no one really needs anymore.” They are “evolutionary leftovers” that remained in the human body despite having little to no function for millions of years.

What about nipples in the male anatomy? They seem vestigial, or unnecessary.

Or maybe ancient males used to suckle their young too.

But there are other vestigials that aren’t necessarily physical. Human rapaciousness, war mentality, and sense of territoriality allude to our distant past as beasts of the jungle.

Biological anthropologists say that there are more than 100 vestigial features present in modern day humans.

lion years for homo sapiens to emerge in its present constitution. Maybe if we come back after a million years then we would find out.

But wait a minute, it seems that we may not need to rely on natural selection or survival of the fittest.

Homo sapiens is now able to intervene in the evolution thanks to his advancing knowledge and expertise in gene manipulation and in vitro fertilization. We have the capability to select our genes to the extent of being able to cherry pick the traits and characteristics we deem desirable. Blond hair?

Blue eyes? White skin? High intelligence? Male? Female?

Check your choices and voila you can have them. Frozen sperms and frozen eggs in genetic banks offer everything, similar to a menu of dishes in a restaurant.

I found out all about these from an old book on evolution by Ruth Moore. Written for young readers, it is a fascinating and very informative read. After turning the last page of the book, I couldn’t help wondering: how are living beings as we know them today going to change still? Has evolution run its course for animals and plants? How come their species seem to be staying at the same level?

More importantly, how is humankind evolving at the moment? Perhaps we will never know because Darwinian evolution happens gradually and at a glacial pace. Based on what I just read, changes in life forms took millions of years, one change at a time, following Darwin’s law of “natural selection” and “survival of the fittest.” It took 3 mil-

billion in the first year, covering 2.4 million new recipients; P43.7 billion in the second year, covering 3.64 million additional recipients; and P68.9 billion in the third year, covering 5.74 million total new beneficiaries.

“I proposed to her [Sen. Imee Marcos] the following scheme to make it fiscally sustainable: On the first year, we will make it universal for all 70 years old and above. On the second year, universal at 65 years old. On the third year, universal at 60 years old. All social pensioners already enrolled in the program will keep their benefits. We will index the increase to cost of living, so it catches up to inflation,” he said.

The projected senior citizen population in 2024 is 16.39 million, with 3.7 million currently receiving social pensions.

Salceda said the program can be funded by cutting 10 percent from the ayuda (cash aid) budget and increasing taxes on pickup trucks, vape products, and mining operations.

“There will also be laws taxing pickup truck sales, vape, and min-

fied organism”) is a plant, animal or microbe in which one or more changes have been made to the genome. Hightech genetic engineering has altered their DNA makeup to make them better.

One dark side is the genetic engineering of micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Potentially they can be altered to fight diseases but they can also potentially be used as bio-warfare weapons by rogue nations. Or in the process of changing them, these viruses can leak out to cause pandemics, such as Covid-19 and Ebola viruses.

For instance, a number of wealthy Filipino personalities have been going to Europe to benefit from biological medical experts who are said to be able to regenerate old body cells and make them young again. What about the possibility of using this new technology on enhancing our eyes, our hands, our legs, and so on? That can’t be far behind.

So aging old folks, hold on. Perhaps the technology to extend life is just around the corner.

New medical uses for nanotechnology are being developed and human genome editing technologies are now undergoing approval processes for use in the treatment of HIV and sickle-cell disease, and cancers, for example.

I am not even talking about the Artificial Intelligence technology? At the rate we are going we would probably have an augmented, mutated, enhanced homo sapiens called “techno-sapiens” in the near future.

All these genetic interventions are not confined to humans. Have you heard of GMOs?

GMO (short for “genetically modi-

ing. With adjustments in the ayuda budget and the tax increases in these non-essential products, the funds will be enough,” he said.

Salceda said that social pension is not a government handout but something seniors have earned through their contributions to the economy.

“We have a moral obligation to our senior citizens. This is not cash aid—this is something they already earned by contributing to the economy all their lives. This is their right, as our pension system is also inadequate,” he said.

Salceda also linked the program to his push for Universal Basic Income (UBI), saying taxation should help those who can no longer work.

“The role of taxation is redistributive; we tax those who do very well so that we can help those who have contributed to the economy in

the past but can no longer support themselves due to old age,” he said. In May 2024, the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) 10423 with 232 affirmative votes. The bill seeks to expand the current social pension program to cover all senior citizens and not just indigents seniors. Under Republic Act 7432, indigent senior citizens currently receive a P1,000 monthly stipend to assist with basic needs and medical expenses.

If enacted into law, the bill would provide a P500 monthly stipend for senior citizens who are not classified as indigent. Within five years, all senior citizens would be entitled to a universal social pension of at least P1,000, regardless of any other pension benefits they may receive. PNA

Zimbabwe’s elderly find fitness solutions amid rising non-communicable diseases

HARARE, Zimbabwe—At dawn, 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa swapped her pajamas for leggings, a T-shirt and sneakers. She grabbed a bottle of water before heading to an unconventional workout spot: a cemetery in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.

Homo sapiens today can’t wait. Human intervention is accelerating evolution much faster than it should.

Yet, I am excited as well as fearful. There are ethical and moral implications that we have not discussed yet because we are being overtaken by rapid advances in new technology.

The question now is, where is this unnatural, un-organic, artificial and technologically accelerated and mutated evolution going to take humankind? What are the ramifications and consequences? Are we laying down the seeds of our own destruction?

Or is this technological intervention in evolution meant to be? After all, the humankind has evolved to such an extent that its genius has given him almost god-like creative power. Are we now permitted to play god, a co-creator of the universe of tomorrow?

Will our intervention boost our journey faster towards Teilhard de Chardin’s “Omega Point?” In his book “Phenomenon of Man,” Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit scientist, paleontologist and theologian, says that all creation is moving towards a final point of unification towards which the entire universe is spiraling.

What would become of our human anatomy after we’ve become a higher species called techno-sapiens?

Who knows? Perhaps our human constitution at present will just be part of an exhibit of human vestigials or remnants in a museum sometime in the year 2075.

Surrounded by rows of graves, she joined other members of the Commandos Fitness Club in an hour-long session of squats, lunges and stretches as upbeat music blared. For Mutandwa, the daily routine is more than exercise. It’s her lifeline in managing diabetes.

“They are resting,” she said, pointing to the graves. “I just don’t want to join them yet. That means I have to do the hard work here.”

With limited fitness facilities such as gyms in their neighborhoods, older Zimbabweans are exercising wherever they can to combat Africa’s growing problem of non-communicable diseases like heart problems, high blood pressure and diabetes. Other groups exercise along highways or disused railway lines.

Globally, non-communicable diseases, which are conditions that cannot be directly passed from person to person, are the leading cause of death, responsible for 41 million, or 74 percent, of annual fatalities, according to the World Health Organization. Non-communicable diseases currently account for about 40 percent of deaths annually in Zimbabwe, according to its ministry of health and child care.

In Zimbabwe and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, non-communicable diseases are set to overtake communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera as the leading cause of death or illness by 2030, according to WHO.

Previously associated with older people, non-communicable diseases are increasingly spreading to children and young adults due to smoking, frequent alcohol use, unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.

This has sparked huge concern among experts and governments on a continent that is experiencing the world’s fastest

population growth and is home to its youngest population.

Dr. Johannes Marisa, a public health specialist in Harare and president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association, said doctors are witnessing “a rapid change” as more children and young people are diagnosed with NCDs. He attributed it partly to sedentary lifestyles as many people spend much of their time glued to their smartphone screens at the expense of physical movement, as well as growing substance abuse and unhealthy diets.

While climate change-induced droughts have left many rural people in Zimbabwe scrounging for food, traders in urban areas are racing to get a piece of the fast food market that’s widely blamed for obesity.

In Harare and other urban areas, franchises such as KFC compete with a mushrooming number of cheaper local restaurants and informal roadside stalls, public markets and even homes where one can grab a fried piece of chicken, a burger or a fries-and-sausage combo for a dollar.

In response, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube in the 2025 national budget imposed a “modest” 0.5 percent tax on sales of doughnuts and other foods including tacos, pizza, hot dogs, shawarma, fries, chicken and burgers by retailers to encourage “healthier dietary choices” and mitigate the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Meanwhile, some older Zimbabweans are taking up physical exercise. For Mutandwa and her Commandos Fitness Club crew, the surroundings of the cemetery suffice. Coached by Joseph Nekati, whose mother’s stroke in 2023 inspired him to help others, the free club has become a sanctuary for older fitness buffs. Eight of the club’s roughly 20 members are older people, Nekati said. “I weighed 86 kilograms [189 pounds] and struggled to

INDIGENT senior citizens from 21 island villages in Surigao City receive their stipends for the first semester of 2024 on April 10, 2024. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on February 10, 2025, said the government has the funds to
QUALIFIED senior citizens receive their social pension for the second half of 2024 during a payout in Bacolod City on February 3, 2025. The City Council has approved additional funds to provide social pension to more than 11,0000 senior citizens in

Art gallery’s website accounts for 50% of its business

DRYBRUSH Gallery is not the first nor the only art gallery in the Philippine with a fully operational website where people can look at art and purchase what they like.

But the gallery, which opened during the pandemic in November 2020, has been fairly successful not just in doing business but in promoting Filipino art.

Currently, the website has more than 2,400 artworks of over 400 Filipino and local artists. drybrush offers free delivery within the Philippines. The website is easy to navigate. It has filters that help you select what style of painting you want, your budget, preferred size, or genre.

“The pandemic greatly affected all artists so the goal and inspiration was to promote Filipino art, support artists during that difficult time and, at the same time, make art accessible to everyone,” said drybrush Gallery owner Jojo Liao.

One of drybrush Gallery’s goals was also to make art available to Filipinos who live not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao.

Aside from being art collectors, Jojo and his wife Joweeh are in finance and information technology industries so drybrush Gallery combines their expertise and passion.

When the pandemic ended, Jojo and Joweeh opened their first physical gallery in MOA Square.

“Customer behavior changed. They now wanted to see the paintings in person before making a purchase,” said Jojo.

Still, drybrush Gallery’s online business continues

to do well. It also has a gallery in BGC for private viewing. Clients would go to drybrush’s website and pre-select the paintings they want to view and that’s what Jojo will prepare.

Half of drybrush Gallery’s business comes from the website.

“The customers that buy from the website are those who started buying from us during the pandemic. We got a lot of first-time collectors during the pandemic and we are happy that they still buy from us,” said Jojo.

drybrush Gallery’s new exhibition is called Pamana (Heritage), which features nine distinguished  Filipino masters whose combined artistic journey spans over half a century. Each one is over 70 years old.

They are Nelson Castillo, Juno Galang, Romeo Gutierrez, Prudencio Lamarroza, Nemi Miranda, Rodolfo Samonte, Caesar Sario, Fernando Sena, and Turs Simsuangco.

Castillo is known for using vibrant colors in his paintings that capture the essence of the

Split-type efficiency, window-type simplicity

POPULAR consumer appliances brand Midea proudly redefines home appliance innovation with its revolutionary Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series, the first of its kind in the country. This groundbreaking range combines the best of both worlds — offering the comfort and efficiency of split-type units with the simplicity of a window-type design.

The Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner sets a new standard for modern cooling solutions, providing Filipinos with unmatched comfort, efficiency, and convenience tailored to urban lifestyles. As part of its commitment to continually enhancing the lives of its customers, Midea is dedicated to making home cooling more accessible, affordable, efficient, and convenient.

With its unique U-shaped design, the Midea U unit offers the quiet operation and powerful cooling of a split-type AC, combined with the easy installation and compact form factor

of a window-type unit. Equipped with Midea’s Inverter Quattro compressor, the unit delivers superior performance while ensuring significant energy savings.

The Midea U series is available in 1.0HP and 1.5HP capacities, catering to various room sizes and cooling needs.

The Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series is not just about comfort, but also about convenience. The series is designed for easy installation, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a split-type AC without the need for expensive professional installation services. In addition, the units feature a 5-Star Energy Rating, making it among the most energyefficient options on the market.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your cooling system or simply need a more efficient solution for your home, the Midea U Window/Split Air Conditioner Series provides a reliable and practical solution. These products are ideal for family areas and workspaces as they not only promise fast

LONDON — Apple has chided a newly available pornography app available in the European Union, and warned that the bloc’s digital rules opening the way for third-party app store downloads undermines consumer confidence in the tech giant.

AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace made possible under Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), unveiled the Hot Tub iPhone app this week, which is described as an adult content browser.

The digital rulebook forces Big Tech companies to open their services up to more competition, including allowing phone users to download from alternative app stores instead of being limited to the official app stores from Apple and Google, for example.

AltStore PAL said in a social media post on Monday that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Appleapproved porn app.”

Apple rejected that description, saying the availability of such an app would “undermine consumer trust and confidence” in its mobile

Filipino spirit. Juno Galang has captured the hearts of art collectors with his interpretations of of Philippine rural life and traditions, while Romeo Gutierrez masterfully does Philippine flora and rural scenes.

Prudencio Lamarroza’s Amburayan Queen series has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. Nemi Miranda is a pioneer in exploring indigenous themes through contemporary expressions, while Rodolfo Samonte is admired for his abstract interpretations of Philippine landscapes. Caesar Sario’s paintings speak of his love for the planet. Fernando Sena is an influential artist who is known as the “Art Teacher of the Philippines.” Australia-based Turs Simsuangco does painting, photography, design and poetry.

The Pamana exhibition is a unique glimpse into the evolution of Philippine art through their personal journeys and distinctive styles.

The exhibit runs until February 28, 2025. For more information about the exhibition and available artworks, contact drybrush Gallery at 0917-5652917 or visit https://drybrush.com. n

and reliable cooling but also include Wi-Fi Smart Control, giving users the ability to control their air conditioning settings from anywhere, ensuring they can stay cool and in control anytime.

By combining state-of-the-art technology with usercentric design, Midea ensures that every product meets the evolving needs of Filipino households, enhancing their comfort and quality of life.

For homes or spaces requiring more powerful cooling, homeowners may also check out Midea’s Wonder AC series, another Window/Split type variant available in 2.0HP and 2.5HP options. Both Midea U and Wonder AC feature Midea’s cutting-edge Full DC Inverter technology, ensuring top-tier performance while keeping electricity costs manageable.

More information can be found at www.midea.com/ph and the brand’s official YouTube channel.

ecosystem.

“Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store,” the company said in a statement.

“The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety.”

Under Apple’s rules, apps on rival marketplaces still need to be certified by the company through a “notarization” process but app makers aren’t allowed to suggest this means Apple gives its endorsement.

AltStore is backed by a grant from Epic Games, which has spent years battling Apple over the way iPhone apps are distributed and the fees for digital transactions that occur within them.

AltStore fired back at Apple, saying the iPhone maker “continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney also took to social

Software engineering firm to boost

country’s capability

to become global leader in AI innovation

A GLOBAL leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software engineering recently commended the Philippines for building up the infrastructure to ensure that it will be ready to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.

For a start, it has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap with the vision of transforming the Philippines into an AI hub within the ASEAN region.

Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President, Global Growth Markets at Ascendion, recently told reporters that the country’s world-class, tech-savvy population is one huge advantage to reach that lofty objective. He added that the Baskins Ridge, Bernards, New Jersey, United States-based Ascendion will support the country by providing 6,000 new jobs that would generate at least $500 million in the next three years.

“By integrating our capabilities, we are creating a future where the Philippines is a global leader in AI innovation,” said Mehta in a press briefing on the launch of its AI Studio Manila last Friday in Makati City.

It is a new facility dedicated to collaborative AI development, innovation, and software engineering research.

“Ascendion is committed to creating transformative digital solutions at a global scale and positioning the Philippines as a trailblazer in the next wave of digital innovation.”

Furthermore, Mehta pointed out that Ascendion is transforming the Philippines into a major delivery hub for AIenhanced software development, combining human expertise with AI to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation.

Paul Roehrig, chief marketing strategy officer and marketing officer of Ascendion, said Filipino-based engineers are proving to be globally competitive as they are already working with Fortune 500 companies to apply AI in software development, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO of Ascendion, said the Philippines will play a larger role in the company’s global delivery operations, with AI-driven software engineering as a key focus. He added that every Ascendion software engineer in the Philippines will receive AI deployment certification to ensure that the workforce is equipped for the next generation of software development.

“Our commitment to the Philippines has never been stronger. We are redefining how we serve clients and empower local talent with global capabilities,” he said.

Experts said AI could become a significant economic growth driver for the Philippine economy.

A recent study suggests that businesses in the Philippines could earn P2.8 trillion ($50.7 billion) by 2030 due to the adoption of AI-powered products, recognizing the immense transformative power of AI across various sectors.

According to research group Statista, the market will reach $1,025.00 million in 2025. With a projected annual growth rate of 27.75%, this could lead to a market volume of $3,487.00 million by 2030.

Meanwhile, another report also projected a rosy figure, estimating a market size of $3.5 billion (P202.2 billion) by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.57%.

These data demonstrate the increasing adoption and integration of AI in the Philippines, providing opportunities for investment and economic development.

media to blast Apple, saying that on other platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux, “developers can make and release apps without the platform maker adding junk fees and rendering moral judgments on their decisions.”

Under DMA, Apple had to make changes to its business practices starting last year. In one of the biggest changes, Apple was forced to relax restrictions on its App Store, by allowing people in the 27-nation bloc to download iPhone apps from stores that it did not operate.

Apple has criticized the new regulations, saying they expose Europeans to the specter of more unsavory services such as peddling pornography, illegal drugs and other content that it has long prohibited in its App Store.

The company lashed out again in its latest statement, saying it’s “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids.”

The European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, did not respond to a request for comment. AP

FERNANDO Sena is an influential artist
known as the ‘Art Teacher of the Philippines’

realme C75: Beyond the boiling point

IJUST boiled my smartphone.

Even reading that sentence sounds insane. But you know what’s even wilder? It’s not the first phone I’ve subjected to extreme abuse this year — and it’s only February.

Who would have thought that after testing hundreds of devices over the years — dropping, throwing, smashing, and now boiling — this would become part of my review process? Crazy, yes. But when you consider how many people accidentally damage their smartphones, it starts to make sense. In 2023 alone, 78 million users in the US damaged their phones, with cracked screens accounting for 67% of those cases. The repair and replacement costs? A staggering $8.3 billion.

The most common causes of phone damage are all too familiar — dropping them on the ground, slipping from pockets, falling into water, getting knocked off tables, and, yes, even taking an unfortunate dive into toilets. With so many accidental mishaps, it’s no surprise that durability has become a major selling point for smartphone manufacturers.

But among the recent smartphones I’ve tested for durability, the realme C75 is by far the most affordable of the bunch, starting at just P8,999. It may be an entry-level device, but it’s built to withstand life’s messiest, clumsiest, and most unexpected moments.

THE BUDGET PHONE THAT CAN TAKE A BEATING REALME has built a reputation for pushing boundaries, bringing premium technology to budgetfriendly smartphones. From high-refresh-rate displays to fast charging and impressive cameras, the brand has consistently delivered features that used to be exclusive to higher-end models.

Now, as 2025 shapes up to be the year of extreme durability tests, realme takes the spotlight with the C75 — a device built to endure.

For the first time in its category, the realme C75

boasts IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications, offering the highest levels of water and dust resistance available for consumer devices. It is completely dustproof and can withstand powerful water jets, making it resistant to rain, spills, and even a quick rinse under running water. If it takes a more serious dive, IP68 protection allows it to be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, making it safe for poolside use, beach trips, and accidental drops into sinks. What truly sets it apart is its IP69 rating, meaning it can endure highpressure water jets, extreme heat up to 80°C, and even industrial-grade cleaning.

One common problem with water-resistant phones is that water can get trapped in the speaker grills, causing muffled sound. To prevent this, realme has introduced SonicWave Water Ejection, which uses high-frequency vibrations to expel moisture from the speakers.

Beyond water resistance, the C75 has TÜV Rheinland’s Rugged Smartphone Certification and has passed MIL-STD 810H military-grade shock resistance tests. With ArmorShell Glass and ArmorShell Protection, it’s built to survive drops, shocks, and the harshest environments. realme has always embraced its “Dare to Leap” philosophy but with the C75, it dares you to drop it — without worry. Some jobs and lifestyles are simply too rough for regular smartphones. The realme C75 is designed for those who work hard and live harder — such as messengers or delivery riders navigating chaotic streets, laborers enduring heat and rain in dangerous construction sites, or maybe even parents and sitters dealing with household chaos where a phone could easily drop, slip, or fly across the room.

BEYOND TOUGH

AT its core, the realme C75 is built for real-world durability, but the good news is that it doesn’t compromise on everyday usability. After spending several weeks with it, I found it to deliver a smooth and well-rounded experience.

The realme C75 maintains a sleek and modern aesthetic, setting it apart from the bulky rugged phones of old. At just 7.99mm thin and 196g, it strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it comfortable for daily use. Despite its reinforced structure, realme has managed to keep the phone stylish without unnecessary bulk. Its Nature Power Design, featuring nano-level coating and micron-level imprinting, enhances the depth and texture of the back panel. Available in Lightning Gold and Storm Black, the phone has a premium look and feel, with subtle light and

shadow effects shifting at different angles.

The 6.7-inch FHD+ 90Hz display delivers smooth visuals, making everyday tasks—scrolling, watching videos, and even casual gaming—enjoyable. Audio quality is decent despite having a single speaker. The UltraBoom feature can boost volume up to 400%, which is useful for speakerphone calls, though maxing out the volume during media playback can cause distortion.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G92 Max, the realme C75 handles multitasking well. With 8GB of RAM (expandable to 24GB via Dynamic RAM Expansion) and either 128GB or 256GB of storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD), it offers ample space for apps, media, and documents. While it’s not a flagship-level chipset, it performs well for a phone at this price point. Multitasking is generally smooth, though users may need to close background apps to avoid slowdowns during heavier usage.

Battery life has also been improved with the 6000mAh battery, about 20percent higher than the average smartphone battery allowing for all-day usage. Even with heavy use — streaming videos, browsing, or gaming — the C75 easily lasts an entire day without needing a recharge. When it’s time to power up, the 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets you 50% battery in just 37 minutes and a full charge in about 90 minutes. Additionally, reverse charging allows the C75 to double as a power bank, making it a convenient backup for other devices.

At first glance, the realme C75’s rear camera module appears to house a triple-camera setup. However, only one of the three rings is functional—the 50MP main shooter. In good lighting, it captures decent shots with natural colors and respectable sharpness. In low-light conditions, however, details become less defined, and colors can appear washed out. Night mode helps improve brightness and clarity, but it requires a steady hand to prevent blurring. There’s no Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but all essential modes are included, such as Night, Street, Hi-Res, Panorama, Slow Motion, Tilt-Shift, and Google Lens. On the front, the 8MP selfie camera is basic, providing adequate quality for video calls and social media selfies, though AI enhancements can be hit-ormiss. The Text Scanner feature is a practical addition, offering clearer document captures for notes and paperwork.

Final word: During its initial selling phase, the realme C75 quickly gained traction, with the brand reporting a 71.26% increase in sales compared to its

Max your life with newest smartphone from nubia Philippines

Unisoc T606 Octa-Core 1.6GHz processor, making it

for multitasking. Whether you’re

binge-watching, or scrolling through social media, the nubia V70 Max is built to keep up with your lifestyle. Speaking of cozy nights at home, the nubia V70 Max enhances entertainment with its 6.9-inch HD+ Display featuring Live Island 2.0. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 20.5:9 aspect ratio, and 1640 x 720 resolution, it delivers a cinematic experience in the palm of your hand.

For an immersive audio experience, the nubia V70 Max is equipped with DTS Processing technology, allowing users to enjoy high-volume, superior sound quality. Whether you’re playing your favorite love songs or watching a movie together, this device transforms into the ultimate stereo for date nights. Meanwhile, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just

love taking candid shots with your significant other, the nubia V70 Max has you covered. Its 50MP AI Triple Camera captures ultra-clear images with automatic high dynamic range (HDR) to enhance brightness and color accuracy. With a generous 256GB ROM, users can take unlimited photos and videos without worrying about storage. Plus, the AI Magic Photos feature allows for seamless photo editing, background adjustments, and even removing unwanted objects with just a swipe of the Magic Eraser. The nubia V70 Max is available in Lake Green, Galactic Gray, and Coral Pink color variants, and retails for P4,699. Consumers can find them at nubia Philippines concept stores, kiosks, and online via nubia’s official Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok stores. More information can be found at https://www.nubia.com/en/.

predecessor, the realme C67. This surge in demand only proves that there is indeed a growing consumer preference for smartphones that prioritize durability.

Priced at P8,999 for the 128GB model and P10,999 for the 256GB variant, the realme C75 sets a new benchmark for durability in the budget segment. While it may not be the fastest or the most advanced in photography, its multiple IP certifications, longlasting 6000mAh battery, and reinforced design make it one of the best options for users who need a smartphone that can take a beating. n

SONY PLAYSTATION NETWORK OUTAGE ENRAGES GAMERS AROUND THE WORLD

ROME—A major outage of Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) on Saturday has left tens of thousands of gamers unable to access online services, stores and multimedia apps.

“We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN,” PlayStation said on its social media platforms, confirming users’ mounting complaints around the globe.

Reports of connectivity issues spread quickly across social media, with users frustrated by error messages and login failures.

“PSN down on a Friday night is criminal,” a London-based user named Ramos wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

According to the Downdetector outage tracking site, users started to report issues with PSN late Friday.

Shortly after, Sony responded to users’ concerns, confirming the problems without providing details on the possible cause of the outage.

The Sony website confirmed problems with its PlayStation Network services. The PlayStation support webpage said “some services are experiencing issues,” including its account management and gaming and social services, as well as PlayStation Video, PlayStation Store and PlayStation Direct.

Last October, the PlayStation network was down for several hours. AP

February 15, 2025

DepEd chief: ‘Education still the great equalizer’

IN 2019, widow

Aida Morales— who was then 65 years old— was one of the 15,102 successful takers of the “DepEd Alternative Learning System [ALS] Accreditation and Equivalency [A&E] Test” held in Region 3.

Morales was among the students from low-income households in her area who were compelled to leave school. A native of San Vicente in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and the eldest among six siblings, she had to stop schooling when she was in Grade 4.

She helped raise her siblings, as she decided to put her studying on hold because of poverty. Her father then worked at a lumber and earned P35. Only one was able to finish high school; all four sisters failed to finish elementary. Before her marriage, she worked as a waitress in a small canteen in their community.

Education secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara shared her story in a speech during the “Forum on Dream Philippines 2046” organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific on January 31. His speech was read by Usec. Gina Gonong.

“Today, I want to talk about how we can change that narrative through collective action and quality education. But to change it, we first need to face it,” Angara said. “How do we break these cycles?”

‘Hope, and giving hope’

THE education chief shared that he has seen firsthand how education remains to be the “great equalizer.”

Budgets, he said, are not just

AS the premier digital-first college in the Philippines with a fo cus on the application of technology in business, Mapúa Malayan Digital College’s (MMDC) continues its mission of empowering working students through transformative education.

Be yond its programs, MMDC also actively partners with top employers in the country in creating opportunities for working students and ind ividuals to further their education. Recently, the college announced it s linkage with McDonald’s Phils. (Golden Arches Development Corporation or GADC) that will provide co ntinuing education support for its employees in the National Capital Region through partial scholarships.

As a company that recognizes the importance of education and upskilling for its employees, GADC’s pa rtnership with MMDC will first provide educational assistance to its store managers in NCR and then eventually to more employees in other regions.

“Since we started operations over

about numbers: “They are about priorities. Every peso allocated to education is an investment in breaking the chains of poverty and corruption.”

Angara cited the story of Noella Cubacub: a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (BSCDE) graduate of the University of Asia and the Pacific in 2019. Cubacub shared her dream of being a doctor, but instead pursued Early Childhood Education as it became her calling.

The secretary said she chose BSCDE because, in her heart, by becoming an educator, she can be an instrument to help young children achieve their dreams. Despite financial challenges, she pursued to take a path where she makes a real difference.

In Filipino, Angara said that similar stories are the ones that DepEd wants to build while serving every day: Stories of smarts to earn diplomas, as well as of hope and giving hope.

Making every peso count TO realize these, Angara reiterated that education must go beyond the four walls of a classroom: “It must teach critical thinking so students can challenge corrupt systems. It must teach financial literacy so young people can make better decisions about money and avoid the cycle of debt. It must instill values [of katapatan, mala -

sakit and bayanihan ; or loyalty, empathy and cooperation] to strengthen our moral foundation as a nation.”

He said that in the department, they opened a direct line to address corruption issues, especially in procurement processes.

“With billions of people’s money entrusted to us by our taxpayers, it is our obligation to make every peso count for the future,” he said, while citing that they recently read the Year 2 report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2: “It paints a stark reality we need to face. We still experience the horrors of yesterday: pandemicrelated learning loss, delayed resource delivery, inadequate infrastructure and high bullying rates.”

He recalled that when he took over DepEd, some said: “‘Sunny’ days are here,” in reference to a positive adjective that sounds like his nickname.

“I am afraid I still cannot forecast what the state of basic education will be two to three years from now,” he pointed out “It is up to us—the academe, the experts, the leaders—to weather the storm of incompetency and mediocrity to deliver what’s best for the sector.”

‘Tatak Pinoy’

W HEN we hear the phrase ‘Tatak P inoy,’ it often brings to mind our world-class hospitality, talent,

40 years ago, our chair and founder

Dr. George T. Yang committed to provide employment opportunities to students,” said McDonald’s Phils. managing director Margot Torres. “We are proud to partner with MM DC to achieve our shared values and goals of supporting [our] working students.” For the initial program, nongraduate McDonald’s employees can

look forward to partial scholarships from MMDC. Tuition fees for the first 45 units will be shouldered by MMDC, while the remaining tuition and miscellaneous fees will be shared by McDonald’s and the scholarship recipients. Aside from the scholarship scheme, MMDC students may intern and potentially be employed by McDonald’s Phils. in the future. These initiatives by MMDC are a

BACOLOD CITY—The study on the pen-sized digital microscope invented by Ceejay Faala is among the finalists in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025.

resilience or bayanihan spirit,” Angara explained. “But if we’re being honest, there’s another side to our identity—one shaped by systemic poverty and the persistent shadow of corruption [which] pervades our education system.”

He said that solving those issues—poverty, corruption, financial instability—requires more than individual efforts: They require a national movement.

“And that movement begins with you. As students at various universities here in Manila, you are among the most privileged youth in the country. That privilege comes with power—and responsibility,” Angara encouraged the audience to use their business knowledge in creating opportunities for the marginalized. “Use your leadership skills to demand transparency and accountability. Use your voices to inspire change in your communities, not just in classrooms or boardrooms.”

He added that “we have to remind ourselves that those who have less in life should have more in education.”

Angara assured everyone at the event that they at DepEd are pushing themselves to their limits to reform the education system that addresses the challenges posed by poverty.

In Filipino, he reminded everyone that education is not just for one’s self: “It’s for the nation.”

The device engineered by Faala—a student from the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU)Binalbagan Campus in Negros Occidental—is the focus of his “Learning with Innovated Microscope: Addressing Instrument Gap in Biology Class” study.

Winners will be announced in a ceremony on April 22 in Macau.

“To see our efforts acknowledged on such a prestigious international platform is both humbling and motivating,” Faala said in a Facebook post. “I am deeply grateful to my mentors, research collaborators and everyone who believed in the vision of the pencroscope.”

CHMSU is the only school in the country shortlisted in the “Research Project of the Year: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM]” category with eight other universities from Hong Kong, Ma -

DE LA SALLE-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) recently introduced the “Master of Digital Media [MDM]”—a program designed to address the dynamic needs of the creative industries, while staying ahead of rapid technological advancements.

According to DLS-CSB, the program will empower future leaders in the field of new media arts to innovate, excel and shape the everevolving digital media landscape. A pioneering graduate track under the School of New Media Arts (SNMA), it explores the interplay between media and culture. Students critically engage with the sociocultural dimensions of media, as they delve into traditions, narratives and practices which form identity.

testament to Mapúa’s near-centurylong legacy of supporting working students. Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, who is the president of Mapua University and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna—the “mother school” of M MDC—shared that “[when Ar. Tomas Mapúa founded the university which was then known as Mapúa Institute of Technology] in 1925, the un iversity’s first two programs were tailored to help working students.”

With the new McDonald’s partnership and support of iPeople which is t he publicly listed Yuchengco-Ayala partnership, MMDC continues to not o nly support working students but also leverage its network to help serve the country’s needs via education.

“We’re excited to finally launch this partnership with McDonald’s Philippines,” said iPeople president Fred Ayala. “At MMDC, we are committed to provide Mapúan Academic Excellence to more scholars and wor king students.”

For more details, visit https:// www.mmdc.mcl.edu.ph/.

This approach, the college said, equips learners to ground their creative work in a meaningful understanding of culture, enabling them to address contemporary challenges in the digital landscape with purpose and relevance.

Enrollees examine cultural perspectives from both local and global contexts, exploring ways digital media can transform and reimagine narratives, outline societal values, and play a vital role to preserve and promote culture.

The curriculum covers specialized topics such as advanced digital filmmaking, photography and animation, alongside user interface and user experience or UI and UX design, as well as strategic digital branding. It also emphasizes high-level strategies for content development, audience engagement and leveraging emerging media platforms to drive innovation and impact.

A capstone project will serve as the program’s culmination, showcasing the students’ ability to merge research, technical expertise and cultural understanding into impactful digital media outputs.

With 33 units of coursework, including directed electives which

laysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Türkiye.

Faala, a Secondary Education major in Science junior student, was guided by his research adviser Alberto De la Cruz in making the pencroscope using recycled materials such as scrap electrical devices.

In a previous interview, the student said the pencroscope could connect through a mobile phone and television, and is 10-times cheaper than the typical microscope. CMHSU is assisting Faala in preparing the documents for the registration of the patent for the device with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

THE is a global organization that provides information and rankings about higher education institutions worldwide, primarily known for its “World University Rankings.” Considered one of the most authoritative sources for evaluating higher education institutions globally, it assesses universities based on their performance across teaching, research, international outlook and knowledge transfer. Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA

explore Philippine cultural and historical themes, MDM students will gain valuable mentorship from leading industry professionals and academics. They will also benefit from access to leading facilities, such as the newly inaugurated Saint MutienMarie Wiaux audio laboratory which is equipped with industry-grade tools and technologies, as well as the Motion Capture laboratory.

Graduates of the MDM program will emerge as critical thinkers and creative trailblazers, said DLS-CSB. They are prepared to take on leadership roles in digital arts, media production, interactive design, and creative consultancy. With a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural and ethical implications of their work, they are equipped to redefine the boundaries of digital creativity and contribute meaningfully to both the local and global industries. They may delve into creative and technical professions, from multimedia artists, animators, motion graphics designers, and UX designers to digital media specialists, visual effects or VFX supervisors, and digital content strategists. They are likewise trained to take on strategic roles as digital-media producers, interactive media and media- production managers, as well as digital marketing and brand strategists.

Their mastery of content creation, audience engagement, and emerging media platforms positions them to likewise lead as innovators in cuttingedge fields, including augmented reality and virtual reality, social-media campaign strategy, as well as digital humanitarian initiatives. Those who wish to share their expertise may likewise pursue a path in the academe and may become researchers or interdisciplinary scholars, as well as university lecturers or professors in digital media and culture.

For more details, visit benilde.edu. ph/graduate-studies-master-in-digitalmedia/.

Editor: Mike Policarpio
THE Education secretary at a recent event FB: SONNY ANGARA

MEANDERING IN MYEONGDONG

A lIttlE bIt Of EvERYthING Is EvERYthING

Myeondong is a must-stop for many tourists visiting Seoul, South Korea. The area, known for its shopping offerings and dining experiences, ticks all the right boxes in terms of experience. It has historical landmarks, international and Korean retail and food brands, and a good mix of tourists from all over the world to complete its distinct vibe.

While some consider Myeongdong a tourist trap because goods are priced higher than in other places in Seoul, paying for more in central locations is not new for travelers regardless of the destination. Online reviews will tell you about the crowded and chaotic streets, but it would not be Myeongdong without people finding their way or willingly getting lost in this busy area, right? The place has its own magic and charm deserving to be given a chance.

Eat like a local Two words for you: Myeongdong Kyoja. The establishment has received numerous Michelin Bib Gourmand ratings for being a friendly establishment that serves good food at moderate prices multiple times. Do not let the long lines dissuade you during peak hours. The kalguksu (handmade noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings) draw even the locals to dine in. Everything is best enjoyed with the signature garlic kimchi, and you can request

The Chinatown I knew

Pfor a small portion of rice for free to pair with any leftover toppings you have from your noodles. Diners can also opt for their bibimguksu (spicy wheat noodles), and summer offering kongguksu (bean noodles). There are only four items on the menu and this lineup has spelled success since Myeongdong Kyoja opened in 1966. After you’ve topped up with noodles, explore the many cafes that this country has to offer. Even Starbucks will have seasonal drinks that are not offered back home—a good reason to drop in and check things out. American coffee brand Blue Bottle also has a small stall in Noon Square. But a highly recommended stop is the local marque A Twosome Place (short for “a cup of coffee for the two of us and some dessert in a happy place”). The dessert coffee chain ranked second to Starbucks locally in 2021 in terms of sales. Aside from its coffee and beverage selections, the place is known for its cakes and macarons, too. Its Myeongdong store is very spacious and has generous seating so you can take a much-deserved break from all the walking.

It’s all about the night market

T TEOKBOKKI (s picy rice cake), grilled corn, fishcakes, skewers, fried

chicken, ice cream, egg bread, hotteok (sweet pancakes) and just about everything can be had at the night market, open daily. Think of the entire street as a smorgasbord waiting for you from 5 p.m. to around midnight. What’s good about starting early is that you can keep coming back to the market in between shopping stops. If you’re billeted in the area; you’re going to keep coming back for more!

Go beyond the perimeter

V ENT ur E ou tside Myeongdong’s Shopping Street and hit multiple birds with one stone. For example, your route to favorite stops Lotte Department Store and the Lotte Young Plaza can take you through the Hoehyeon u nd erground Shopping area where there are affordable and unique fashion finds. Stroll outside the malls after you shop, especially during evenings to get a glimpse of the architecture and lights of the Shinsegae Department Store and the Bank of Korea Museum.

Go uphill

S PEAKING of a rchitecture, the Myeongdong Cathedral is a site to behold. Formally known as the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, it is the first Korean Catholic parish church. The

cathedral was designed by a French missionary priest, Father EJG Coste, who was dispatched to Korea by the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris. It took 15 years to complete the structure due to conflicts between the government and the local Catholic community about the feng shui of its site. The First Sino-Japanese War from 1894 to 1895 also delayed its work. Plan your mass schedule accordingly, as the lines can get long, especially on Sundays. The Seoul Archdiocesan Catholic Museum is also in the vicinity. It is the oldest western-style brick building in Korea and travelers visiting will learn about the history of the Catholic Church in Korea. Do not be surprised to see some groups protesting or advocating for causes in front of the church. According to the cathedral’s historical notice, it is a “symbol of freedom” and a “shelter for the marginalized and poor people.”

Another historical stop in this area is the Myeongdong Theater. The performance center reopened its doors in 2009 after being closed for 34 years.

Its exterior still bears the original construction, while state-of-the-art interiors welcome guests who want to take in musicals, plays, and more. Do not fret if there are no performances at the time of your visit. There are oc -

casional surprise performances from musicians and singers that pop up in the area, too.

Shopping M YEONGDONG c an make you walk thousands of steps a day, but who’s counting if it’s for shopping, right? International brands are present in the area, many with South Korean celebrities as ambassadors. Trendy stops like Pop Mart and BT21 are in the vicinity. There’s more than one Olive Young store, so you can get your favorite beauty products. K-Pop lovers will enjoy the extra access to sealed albums of even first-generation idols. One recommended stop is Buruttrak where you can find trinkets, calendars, and an admirable collection of music albums from different K-Pop acts. All over Myeongdong are stores that sell accessories and keychains, great ideas for pasalubong (souvenirs). Try to stop by one of the famous nut brand HBAF (Healthy But Awesome Flavors) stores as some branches have samplers of flavors that resellers may not be offering back home. Here’s a tip: Bring your recyclable bags to save on a few Wons (and the environment), and so that you don’t end up carrying several shopping bags before your Myeongdong day is done. Story &

eo P l e flock to Binondo to eat. Some even queue for hours to have a bite. But that wasn’t my motive years back. Bruce l ee b rought me to Binondo. After watching him pummel Chuck Norris in the epic battle in the “Way of the Dragon,” I had to buy those sleek, black kung fu shoes. It was enough impetus for me to skip classes in high school and walk all the way to Binondo from e spaña. Although I have been to Quiapo, I have never been to Chinatown. Upon entering o ngpin, I was amazed at the cornucopia of assorted wares from jewelry to Chinese herbs and, of course, food. scoured all the stores until I found what I was looking for. e xc ited, I bought two pairs. I continued walking, still fascinated with the chinoiserie, mostly red. At the end of the road, was astonished to see a Spanish-looking church. It was Binondo Church, with all its grandeur. e cc lesiastically known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint l or enzo Ruiz, also o ur l ad y of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, this church was founded by the Dominicans in 1596 to serve the Chinese community. The Spaniards, who were outnumbered by the Chinese, were wary even though the

Chinese were useful as traders and artisans. After herding the Chinese in parians, as a political strategy, the Spanish authorities in 1594, decided to grant them a parcel of land across the river with the condition of converting them to Christianity. To solidify their offer, they built a church for the Chinese Christians. The first Filipino saint, l or enzo Ruiz, trained in this church. Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus were wed in this church too. Hence, Chinatown in Binondo became the oldest organized Chinatown in the world.

Fa st forward to my working days in a bank brought me again to Binondo as a credit investigator. Most of the banks, however, w ere in Juan l una . Decades after I bought my kung fu shoes, I was back in Chinatown, in o ng pin, to buy my wedding ring. That started my further exploration which spurred me to be a travel writer and tour organizer. o ng pin was still the main drag with Benavides as food strip. Food was still far from my mind. I went to Chinatown to swim at the YMCA Downtown when was active teaching swimming then. I was still interested in martial arts but I had no access to the kung fu schools. In my 3 0s, as a tour organizer, my focus shifted to food and culture. e st ero was probably the first to become a famous

eating place. Yuppies from Makati would sometimes drive to o ng pin to have lunch. The ‘50s looking Masuki had its siopao, mami, and the biggest siomai in town. Hopia has evolved from the usual munggo and baboy to ube. Now, there’s hopia sisig. Fam ous street food Shanghai Fried Siopao, Po Heng l um pia, and sugar cane juice are now being challenged by vegetarian street food at Vege Select. The old reliables Yin Ying, Wai Ying, and

Tourism
Photos
Th E vibrant Pop Mart store was hardly ever without a crush of people.
Th E historic Myeongdong Cathedral

Hundreds of trafficked victims rescued from Myanmar’s online scam centers

BANGKOK—Some 260 people believed to have been trafficked and trapped into working in online scam centers are to be repatriated after they were rescued from Myanmar, Thailand’s army announced Thursday.

In a fresh crackdown on scam centers operating from Southeast Asia, the Thai army said it was coordinating an effort to repatriate some 260 people believed to have been victims of human trafficking after they were rescued and sent from Myanmar to Thailand. Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, which share borders with Thailand, have become known as havens for criminal syndicates who are estimated to have forced hundreds of thousands of people in Southeast Asia and elsewhere into helping run online scams including false romantic ploys, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Such scams have extracted tens of billions of dollars from victims around the world, according to U.N. experts, while the people recruited to carry them out have often been tricked into taking the jobs under false pretenses and trapped in virtual slavery.

An earlier crackdown on scam centers in Myanmar was initiated in late 2023 after China expressed embarrassment and concern over illegal casinos and scam operations in Myanmar’s northern Shan state along its border. Ethnic guerrilla groups with close ties to Beijing shut down many operations, and an estimated 45,000 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement were

repatriated.

The army said that those rescued in the most recent operation represented 20 different nationalities— with significant numbers from Ethiopia, Kenya, the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan and China. There were also nationals of Indonesia, Nepal, Taiwan, Uganda, Laos, Brazil, Burundi, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana and India. They were sent across the border from Myanmar’s Myawaddy district to Thailand’s Tak province on Wednesday.

Reports in Thai media said a Myanmar ethnic militia that controls the area where they were held, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, was responsible for freeing the workers and taking them to the border. Myanmar’s military government exercises little control over frontier areas where ethnic minorities predominate.

Several ethnic militias are believed to be involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and protecting call-center scam operations.

The Thai army statement said the rescued people will undergo questioning, and if determined to be victims of human trafficking, will enter a process of protection while waiting to be sent back to their countries.

Deputy Prime Minister

Phumtham Wechayachai, who is also defense minister, said Wednesday that there might be many more scam workers waiting to be repatriated from Myanmar through Thailand, but that Thailand would only receive those that are ready to be taken back right away by their country of origin.

“I’ve made it clear that Thailand is not going to set up another shelter,” he told reporters during a visit in Sa Kaeo province, which borders Cambodia. Thailand hosts nine refugee camps along the border holding more than 100,000 people, most from Myanmar’s ethnic Karen minority.

Phumtham added that Thailand would also need to question them before sending them back, first is to make sure that they are victims of human trafficking, and also to get information that would help the police investigate the trafficking and scam problems.

On a visit to China in early February, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed along with China’s leader Xi Jinping to crack down on the scam networks that plague Southeast Asia.

Many dramatic stories of Chinese people being lured to

Trump wants nuclear arms talks with Russia and China, suggests halving defense budgets

ASHINGTON—

WPresident Donald Trump said Thursday that he wants to restart nuclear arms control talks with Russia and China and that eventually he hopes all three countries could agree to cut their massive defense budgets in half.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump lamented the hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in rebuilding the nation’s nuclear deterrent and said he hopes to gain commitments from the US adversaries to cut their own spending.

“There’s no reason for us to be building brand

new nuclear weapons, we already have so many,” Trump said. “You could destroy the world 50 times over, 100 times over. And here we are building new nuclear weapons, and they’re building nuclear weapons.”

“We’re all spending a lot of money that we could be spending on other things that are actually, hopefully much more productive,” Trump said.

While the US and Russia hold massive stockpiles of weapons since the Cold War, Trump predicted that China would catch up in their capability to exact nuclear devastation “within five or six years.”

He said if the weapons were ever called to use, “that’s going to be probably oblivion.”

Trump said he would look to engage in nuclear talks with the two countries once “we straighten it all out” in the Middle East and Ukraine.

“One of the first meetings I want to have is with President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia. And I want to say, ‘let’s cut our military budget in half.’ And we can do that. And I think we’ll be able to.”

Trump in his first term tried and failed to bring China into nuclear arms reduction talks when the US and Russia were negotiating an extension of a pact known as New START. Russia suspended its participation in the treaty during the Biden administration, as the US and Russia continued on massive programs to extend the lifespans or replace their Cold War-era nuclear arsenals.

Britain, China hold ‘robust and constructive’ talks as part of efforts to reset frosty relations

LONDON—The foreign ministers of Britain and China held talks in London on Thursday, reviving a formal dialogue between the two countries after almost seven years.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “robust and constructive” discussions with Foreign Minister Wang Yi would include economic relations and issues where the UK and China “do not

work in Bangkok only to be trafficked into a scam compound in Myanmar have surfaced. Chinese actor Wang Xing was a high-profile case but was quickly rescued after his tale spread on social media.

Underlining Beijing’s concern, Liu Zhongyi, China’s Vice Minister of Public Security and Commissioner of its Criminal Investigation Bureau, made an official visit to Thailand last month and inspected the border area opposite where many of the Myanmar’s scam centers are located.

Just ahead of Paetongtarn’s visit to China, the Thai government issued an order to cut off electricity, Internet and gas supplies to several areas in Myanmar along the border with northern Thailand, citing national security and severe damage that the country has suffered from scam operations. Her government is considering expanding this measure to Thailand’s northeastern areas bordering Cambodia, said Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Thanathip Sawangsang, who explained that officials had already removed Internet cables that were installed illegally in the areas.

UNICEF reports alarming surge in child rape cases as conflict in eastern Congo escalates

DAKAR, Senegal—The UN children’s fund on Thursday accused armed men, likely on both sides of the conflict in eastern Congo, of raping scores of children over the past weeks as rebels expand their footprint and push government forces out. The accusation came as the conflict in the mineral-rich region shows no signs of abating. UNICEF cited reports of the abuses, saying the offenders were apparently from among both the M23 rebels and the government forces fighting them.

“In the North and South Kivu provinces, we are receiving horrific reports of grave violations against children by parties to the conflict, including rape and other forms of sexual violence at levels surpassing anything we have seen in recent years,” UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement.

“One mother recounted to our staff how her six daughters, the youngest just 12 years old, were systematically raped by armed men while searching for food,” Russell added. Health facilities in the restive region reported during the week from January 27 to February 2 a total of 572 rape cases—more than a fivefold increase compared to the week before, Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF’s communication chief in Congo, told The Associated Press.

IN this photo released by Royal Thai Army, more than 250 people from 20 nations who were reportedly rescued from alleged scam centers in Myanmar cross into Thailand’s Tak province on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. ROYAL THAI ARMY, BY ARMY SPOKESPERSON

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Trump unveils controversial tariff plan to level trade playing field, sparking economic tensions

WASHINGTON—President

Donald Trump on Thursday rolled out his plan to increase US tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports, possibly triggering a broader economic confrontation with allies and rivals alike as he hopes to eliminate any trade imbalances.

“I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,” Trump said in the Oval Office at the proclamation signing.

“It’s fair to all. No other country can complain.”

Trump’s Republican administration has insisted that its new tariffs would equalize the ability of US and foreign manufacturers to compete, though under current law these new taxes would likely be paid by American consumers and businesses either directly or in the form of higher prices. The rates to be charged would be studied over the weeks ahead, which could create the potential space to resolve challenges or prolong a degree of suspense and uncertainty.

The politics of tariffs could easily backfire on Trump if his agenda pushes up inflation and grinds down growth, making this a high stakes wager for a president eager

to declare his authority over the US economy.

The tariff increases would be customized for each country with the partial goal of starting new trade negotiations. But other nations might also feel the need to respond with their own tariff increases on American goods. As a result, Trump may need to find ways to reassure consumers and businesses to counteract any uncertainty caused by his tariffs.

The United States does have low average tariffs, but Trump’s proclamation as written would seem designed to jack up taxes on imports, rather than pursue fairness as the United States also has regulatory restrictions that limit foreign products, said Scott Lincicome, a trade expert at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank.

“It will inevitably mean higher

tariffs, and thus higher taxes for American consumers and manufacturers,” he said. Trump’s tariffs plan “reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how the global economy works.”

Trump’s proclamation identifies value-added taxes—which are similar to sales taxes and common in the European Union—as a trade barrier to be included in any reciprocal tariff calculations. Other nations’ tariff rates, subsidies to industries, regulations and possible undervaluing of currencies would be among the factors the Trump administration would use to assess tariffs.

A senior White House official, who insisted on anonymity to preview the details on a call with reporters, said that the expected tariff revenues would separately help to balance the expected $1.9 trillion budget deficit. The official also said the reviews needed

for the tariffs could be completed within a matter of weeks or a few months.

The possible tax increases on imports and exports could be large compared to the comparatively modest tariffs that Trump imposed during his first term. Trade in goods between Europe and the United States nearly totaled $1.3 trillion last year, with the United States exporting $267 billion less than it imports, according to the Census Bureau.

The president has openly antagonized multiple US trading partners over the past several weeks, levying tariff threats and inviting them to retaliate with import taxes of their own that could send the economy hurtling into a trade war.

Trump has put an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports due to that country’s role in the production of the opioid fentanyl. He also has readied tariffs

Trump calls India’s Modi a ‘great friend’ but warns of higher US tariffs on Indian goods

WTrump greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House with a bear hug on Thursday and called him “a great friend of mine,” but nonetheless warned that India won’t be spared from higher tariffs he’s begun imposing on US trade partners around the world.

Trump, who had previously derided India as the “tariff king,” called the import levies imposed by Modi’s country “very unfair and strong.”

“Whatever India charges, we charge them,” Trump said at a joint news conference where he stood next to Modi. “So, frankly, it no longer matters to us that much what they charge.”

As he has while recently hosting other foreign leaders, Trump talked about ensuring that the US erases its trade deficit with India. He suggested that could be done by increasing US energy exports to India but also promised to restore “fairness and reciprocity” to the economic relationship and said he and Modi had begun working on a major trade deal that could be completed later this year.

The US and India have a trade deficit

Unicef. . .

Continued from A11

Of those, 170 of those treated were children, she added. Armed men perpetrated the rapes but it was unclear what specific armed group or army they belonged to, Gutcher said. “It is suspected that all parties to the conflict committed sexual violence,” she added.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are the most prominent among more than 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo’s mineral-rich east in a decadeslong conflict that has created one of the

of $50 billion in India’s favor. The Indo-US goods and services trade totaled around $190.1 billion in 2023. According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, the US exports to India were worth nearly $70 billion and imports $120 billion.

Modi, meanwhile, continued his personal trend of heaping praise on Trump. The prime minister said that he’s determined to “Make India Great Again,” or “MIGA”—a play on the president’s “MAGA” or “Make America Great Again” catchphrase and movement.

Trump also said he’d back extraditing one of the plotters of the 2008 Mumbai attacks—appearing to referencing Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was convicted in 2011 in the US for plotting an attack on a Danish newspaper.

“He’s going to be going back to India to face justice,” Trump said. The president later added, “We’re giving him back to India immediately” and that more such extraditions could be coming.

Trump also said the US would soon increase military sales to India by “many millions of dollars,” paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F-35 stealth fighter planes—something the country has long sought.

Before Modi’s White House arrival, Trump signed an order to increase tariffs

world’s largest humanitarian crises. In late January, the rebels captured Goma, the region’s largest city, in a major escalation of the fighting. Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council launched a commission that will investigate atrocities, including rapes and killings akin to “summary executions” committed by both the Congolese army and the M23 rebels in the region since the beginning of the year.

On Monday, 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape and other crimes in the country’s east went on trial in the city of Bukavu. The city is under the control of government forces but the rebel offensive

to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports, which affects American trading partners around the world— including India.

Modi had been looking to avoid additional US tariffs and to improve relations with Washington and the West overall, which have been frosty lately after Modi refused to condemn Russia for its war on Ukraine.

“The world had this thinking that India somehow is a neutral country in this whole process,” Modi said, praising Trump for having phone calls with Russia and Ukraine’s leaders on Wednesday. “But this is not true. India has a side, and that side is of peace.”

Trump previously imposed tariffs on China, and says more are coming against the European Union—while threatening similar against Canada and Mexico. He also expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum he initially imposed during his first term.

The White House insists that in signing Thursday’s round of what Trump called “reciprocal” tariffs, he is leveling the playing field between US manufacturers and foreign competitors. These new taxes would likely be paid by American consumers and businesses either directly or in the form of higher prices, though.

Even before Modi arrived, New Delhi showed a willingness to buy more American

has inched closer to it recently.

Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba, meanwhile, said 143 patients who were being treated for mpox fled from Goma’s hospitals as the rebels pushed into the city. Some were found or came back on their own but 110 have not returned.

The minister said the city has also recorded nearly 100 cases of cholera since the rebel offensive started. Goma is now fully under rebel control.

Kamba added that Congolese authorities, with the help of aid groups, were able to send vaccines, medical supplies and medicines to Goma through a humanitarian corridor via neighboring

oil and lower its tariffs on US goods. That included levies on some Harley-Davidson motorcycles going from 50 percent to 40 percent. Also, India in 2023 dropped retaliatory tariffs on US almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils and walnuts.

Tariffs aside, Trump has used the opening weeks of his second term to say he’ll stamp out US trade deficits around the world, including during his meetings at the White House last week with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Modi is the fourth foreign leader to visit Trump since his inauguration last month, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ishiba of Japan and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Prior to meeting with Trump, Modi sat down with national security adviser Mike Waltz. He also met with billionaire SpaceX founder and top Trump administration official Elon Musk.

Trump was asked if Musk spoke with Modi as a government worker or a tech magnate, amid concerns the meeting was related to the billionaire’s business dealings.

“India is a very hard place to do business because of the tariffs. They have the highest tariffs, just about in the world, and it’s a hard place to do business,” Trump said. “No, I would imagine he met possibly because, you know, he’s running a company.”

Kenya and Rwanda. He did not provide details.

On Thursday, Congolese musician Delcat Idengo was killed in Goma in what authorities described as an “assassination.” Congo’s government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya blamed his death on “Rwanda and its accomplices.” The Associated Press was not able to independently verify the circumstances surrounding the death of the artist, known for his politically charged songs.

The Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.

on Canada and Mexico, America’s two largest trading partners, that could take effect in March after being suspended for 30 days. On top of that, on Monday, he removed the exemptions from his 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs.

And he’s mused about new tariffs on computer chips and pharmaceutical drugs.

But by Trump’s own admission, his separate tariffs for national security and other reasons would be on top of the reciprocal tariffs, meaning that the playing field would not necessarily be level.

In the case of the 25 percent steel and aluminum tariffs, “that’s over and above this,” Trump said. Autos, computer chips and pharmaceuticals would also be tariffed at higher rates than what his reciprocal plan charges, he said.

The EU, Canada and Mexico have countermeasures ready to inflict economic pain on the United States in response to Trump’s actions, while China has already taken retaliatory steps with its own tariffs on US energy, agricultural machinery and large-engine autos as well as an antitrust investigation of Google.

The White House has argued that charging the same import taxes as other countries do would improve the fairness of trade, potentially raising revenues for the US government while also enabling negotiations that could eventually improve trade.

But Trump is also making a political wager that voters can tolerate higher inflation levels. Price spikes in 2021 and 2022 severely weakened the popularity

of then-President Joe Biden, with voters so frustrated by inflation eroding their buying power that they chose last year to put Trump back in the White House to address the problem. Inflation has risen since November’s election, with the government reporting on Wednesday that the consumer price index is running at an annual rate of 3 percent.

The Trump team has decried criticism of its tariffs even as it has acknowledged the likelihood of some financial pain. It says that the tariffs have to be weighed against the possible extension and expansion of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts as well as efforts to curb regulations and force savings through the spending freezes and staff reductions in billionaire adviser Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative.

But an obstacle to this approach might be the sequencing of the various policies and the possibilities of a wider trade conflict stifling investment and hiring amid the greater inflationary pressures.

Analysts at the bank Wells Fargo said in a Thursday report that the tariffs would likely hurt growth this year, just as the possibility of extended and expanded tax cuts could help growth recover in 2026. Trump tried to minimize the likelihood that his policies would trigger anything more than a brief bump in inflation. But when asked if he would ask agencies to analyze the possible impact on prices, the president declined.

“There’s nothing to study,” Trump said. “It’s going to go well.”

Continued from A11

Starmer’s office said the prime minister “underlined his intention to build a consistent and respectful relationship between the UK and China,” but also “reiterated that the UK will always engage frankly”—an indication that he raised human rights concerns.

Lammy, Britain’s top diplomat, visited China in October, and Treasury chief Rachel Reeves travelled to Beijing in January to reopen economic and financial talks with the Asian superpower, which the UK sees as major source of potential investment.

Thursday’s discussions were part of the UK-China Strategic Dialogue, last held in 2018. Lammy said at the start of the meeting that discussions would include “areas of bilateral economic cooperation,” as well as security issues such as the war in Ukraine.

“We will also discuss issues where the UK and China do not always see eye to eye, and in some cases, the UK does have significant concerns,” Lammy said. Lammy added that “it is important that we use channels such as this for robust but constructive discussion, as we are both members of the UN Security Council and we’ll be better able to understand each other, and each other’s perspectives.” Wang said cooperation between nations was increasingly urgent in an ever-more-volatile world.

“Under the current situation, it is more important than before for China and the UK to demonstrate their responsibilities as major countries, practice multilateralism, support free trade, advocate win-win cooperation, and promote political solutions to hotspot issues, so we can jointly work for the peace and stability of the world,” he said through an interpreter.

Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House,
Diplomats.
BRITAIN’S Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ahead of a meeting at 1 Carlton Gardens in London, Thursday, February 13, 2025. JAMES MANNING/POOL PHOTO VIA

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History on ice! Gold in Harbin

HARBIN, China—The Philippines topped the men’s curling event for its first gold medal in the Asian Winter Games on Friday morning at the Pingfang Curling Arena.

A tip of the iceberg of a lead for an article packed with that many potentials in future winter sports competition for a tropical country that has done a “Cool Runnings-like” impact in freezing cold Harbin.

“It’s not only a medal, bronze or silver, but gold!” said Marc Pfister, the Filipino-Swiss skipper of the team that upset South Korea, 5-3, in the gold medal match held just hours before Harbin lowered the curtains of the 34-nation competition staged once every four years.

“T his is too good to be true,” said Philippine Olympic Committee [POC] president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “Shocking, that’s the least I can say.”

The Philippines is ranked No. 51 in the world while Korea is No. 7.

From the athletes in Harbin to the POC and Tolentino, the gold in Harbin will be solidly etched in Philippine, Asian and Southeast Asian sports history as a remarkable achievement for a country where winter sports are played abroad and not on home soil.

“It’s more than just a milestone,” Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann said. “It’s the result of strong collaboration between the POC and the PSC, which worked tirelessly in bringing the country within a much-deserved spotlight in the Winter Games.”

Th e team, Pfister said, didn’t play on thin ice against favored Korea, one of the traditional powerhouse winter sports nations in the continent.

“We expected to win, it was a great game and we never doubted ourselves,” said the 35-year-old  Pfister, who’s been curling for two and a half decades now and played inspired in the final by her wife Jessica Pfister, who’s 16-week pregnant with their first child.

With Pfister on the gold medal winning team are his brother Enrico, Alan Frei, Christian Haller and alternate, playing Curling Pilipinas president Benjo Delarmente.

The gold didn’t come easy and sent moments of shivers down the spines of Curling Pilipinas secretary-general Jarryd Bello and chef de mission Ricky Lim.

Af ter taking a 3-1 lead, the Koreans patiently nibbled on their deficit and threatened at 3-3 after six ends.

But the Filipinos remained calm to claim the last two ends and become the first country in Southeast Asia to win a gold in the winter games, overrunning the bronze Thailand claimed earlier in the week through alpine skier, Thai-Frenchman Paul Vieuxtemps.

Fo r Tolentino and Bachmann, a Winter Olympics medal is within sight.

“Now, the path is now clearer toward our first medal in the Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said.

Kim runs away with Ladies title on solid final round 68 at TCC

KIM KAYOUNG produced the most stunning round—a solid 68—when it mattered most to win by one stroke over Thailand’s Nook Sukapan the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 at The Country Club in Santa Rosa City on Friday. The fi nal round was a heartstopping rollercoaster where the lead changed hands multiple times as TCC’s notoriously unforgiving conditions added an extra layer of drama for the players who jostled for control all day.

But the day belonged to Kim, who saved her best for the last to claim her maiden victory.

Ki m birdied four of the first 10 holes to rally from four strokes behind second day leader Kim Ahyeon then bucked the stretch run pressure and parred the rest to post a bogey-free round (33-35) in a final-round performance that wins bigtime championships.

He r bunker shot on the 72nd hole, landing just three feet from the cup to save par, was nothing short of a masterclass—a defining moment for a player who endured a long winless stretch since turning pro in 2019—even losing her Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (PGA) card along the way.

Wi th the leaderboard flashing her name at the top, Kim stood over her second shot on the final hole, a mix of nerves and determination coursing through her. The moment demanded precision, yet her approach landed in the bunker—a tough spot with her onestroke lead hanging in the balance.

“I remember it so vividly,” said Kim through a translator. “Right after I looked up at the leaderboard, my second shot found the bunker. But I stayed calm, focused and executed the shot I needed to save par.” Fo r Kim, the victory was more than just a trophy—it was the realization of a lifelong dream.

“W inning is something I’ve always dreamed of. And when a dream becomes reality, it’s hard to believe,” said Kim, who will turn 23 on February 28. “I t’s an incredible birthday

present—and a Valentine’s gift at the same time,” she added. Aw ay from the spotlight after an opening 73, Kim burst into contention at joint fifth with a 68 Thursday then overhauled a huge deficit to pull ahead and clinch the hotly-disputed crown at seven-under 209 total as Wang Li-Ning, who led midway through the final round with a three-under card, wilted under pressure at the exacting closing stretch of TCC. Wa ng bogeyed Nos. 15 and 16 to drop out of the lead then holed out with another bogey on No. 18 to wind up with a 72 and fell to third at 211 in a disappointing finish for Taiwan’s No. 4 player in the $200,000 championship held in collaboration with the Korean LPGA, the LPGA of Taiwan and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Ki m, who missed the cut in the Indonesian Open last month, pocketed the top purse of $30,000 while Sukapan closed out with a 69 for a 210 worth $21,000 and Wang settled for $16,000 with a 211 after a 72. Pauline del Rosario, the first and last Filipina standing in title contention, saw her hopes fade early after back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 2 and 3. But she fought back with five birdies, including on the difficult 18th, off-setting her three more bogeys to salvage an even-par 72.

Bambol: First Winter Games medal in sight

THE goal of winning a Winter Olympics medal is now solidly cast in stone following the Philippine men’s curling team’s gold medal performance at the Ninth Asian Games in Harbin on Friday morning. “Th is is too good to be true,”

Filipino squad of Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller and Benjo Delarmente beat South Korea, 5-3, in men’s curling’s gold medal play on the last day Thursday of the Asian Winter Games. The y are the best-performing Southeast Asian team in the 34-nation competition with Thailand clinching one bronze through Thai-Frenchman Paul Vieuxtemps in men’s slopestyle of freestyle skiing.

Bachmann, in a statement on Friday, said: “This achievement i s just the beginning of our historic rise on ice for the Philippines. Our remarkable performance…lays the foundation for the greater challenge of achieving Winter Olympic and worldlevel success in the years to come.”

On ly nine of the 34 nations which competed in Harbin were on the medal tally board on Friday with host China dominating with 32 golds, followed by Korea with 16, Japan with 10 and Kazakhstan with four. That one curling gold catapulted the Philippines to the middle of the tally at No. 5, followed by Uzbekistan (one gold), North Korea (one silver) and Chinese Taipei and Thailand (one bronze each).

B

ACOLOD Team B failed to make history but consoled itself by winning the Founders division of the just-ended Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club late Thursday. Af ter

Quezon Huskers aim high in coming MPBL season

THERE’S no other way for the Quezon Huskers but up in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Seventh Season.

The Huskers came close to the top last year, clinching the MPBL South Division championship before getting swept by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the National Finals. Aw are that manpower shortage stopped them from reaching the pinnacle, the Huskers have tinkered with their roster, beefing up their frontline with Joseph Gabayni and JP Sarao, adding role players Christian Pagaran and Joshua Yerro, and homegrown Emman Tagle.

And with 2022 NCAA MVP Will Gozum set to return after sitting out almost the entire Sixth Season due to injury, Quezon team manager Atty

Donn Kapunan believes the Huskers have the power to keep the South Division crown and compete evenly against whoever will emerge as North Division champion this year.

“O f course, there are greater expectations now,” said Kapunan. “From being [South] division champion, we must take it to the next level. So we’re eyeing the national championship na .” Kapunan bared the 6-foot-6 Gozum is “progressing well on his rehab” and will be ready to play by June or July.

Head coach Eric Gonzales will again steer the Huskers in the Seventh Season starting on March 8 and will have the core of last year’s team at his disposal. Returning are top gunners Ljay Go nzales and Judel Fuentes, former MPBL MVP Gab Banal, Jason Opiso and Ximone Sandagon. Completing the team are big men RJ Minerva, Rodel Gravera and Christian Bunag, Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala, homegrown icon Topeng Lagrama, Alvin Abundo, Alfrancis Tamsi, Diego Dario and Vince Magbuhos. Kapunan said team owners Rep. Keith Micah Tan and San Andres Mayor Ralph Edward Tan and Quezon Gov. Helen Tan are all out in the Huskers’ MPBL title aspirations. “T hey want to return the favor to the people of Quezon for their overwhelming support of the Huskers. Almost daily we have engagement, receptions, invitations,” said Kapunan, adding they are also playing tune-up games in preparation for their

to

Tolentino, under his watch at the POC, has already achieved a historic and unbelievable three gold medals in the Summer Games—weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in Tokyo 2020 and gymnast Carlos Yulo with two in Paris 2024. The Harbin winter games, Tolentino said, were meant to be the springboard for the Philippines extending its success to the

Olympics are set in Milano Cortina in February 2026 and with the gold medal as well as the promising performance of the 20-athlete team in Harbin, Tolentino said he’s hopeful the country can qualify medal potentials to Italy. Ju st how big was the curling gold medal in Harbin.

“It’s that big,” Tolentino said. “These games are once every four years, and it will take a while to do this again.” In t he Incheon 2014 Asian Games with Tolentino already the president of the POC, cycling BMX bet Daniel Caluag won the country’s one and only gold medal, but Filipino athletes bounced back strong in Jakarta 2018 and brought home four golds.

long climb
the MPBL  summit.
ALAN FREI (right) and Christian Haller in action during the gold medal match and later celebrate the victory with (from left) Jessica Pfister, Enrico Pfister, coach Miguel Gutierrez, and Curling Pilipinas playing president Benjo Delarmente. AP AND JOSEF RAMOS
KIM KAYOUNG with her trophy and a replica of the $30,000 champion’s check. ROY DOMINGO
MEMBERS of Bacolod Team B strike a pose as they are acknowledged for their victory in the Founders of the Interclub at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club late Thursday.
TOLENTINO
THE Huskers top gun Judel Fuentes in action.

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