BusinessMirror February 24, 2024

ENVIRONMENTAL groups have voiced out their concerns on the risks associated with waste-to-energy (WTE) technology, saying the harmful effects outweigh any supposed benefits.

A bill to institutionalize WTE is already pending at the Senate.

While others agree that the development of WTE facilities could be the ultimate solution to end the country’s persistent garbage problem while boosting the country’s power supply, green groups beg to differ. They say that WTE should not be recognized as a renewable energy (RE) source.

The WTE facilities burning municipal garbage are not the solution to our waste woes. Behind the promise of this supposed solution are a range of serious issues that threaten our climate, the environment, and public health,” said Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Marian Ledesma. A c heck with the Department of Energy (DOE) shows there are 12 WTE plants or projects utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) and industrial waste as feedstock that are registered with the agency under RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Of the 12 projects, six are commercially operating with installed capacity of 9.69 megawatts (MW) and 650 metric tons (MT) per day refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production, while 724-kilowatt hours operate for own use.

The other six are undergoing construction, all located in Luzon, with a potential capacity of 49.779 MW and 30 MT/day MSW briquette production.

The registered WTE plants, according to the DOE, apply various

“Let me just point out that in the case of WTE, we are not merely looking at final output of energy to bring

Secretary Raphael Lotilla

WTE technologies, such as landfill methane recovery, RDF/briquette production, anaerobic digestion, direct combustion, gasification, and combination of thermal and anaerobic digestion processes.

Legal mandate

THE DOE is mandated to encourage the adoption and development of WTE as a source of power as long as they comply with RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Th is means that WTE facilities should strictly adhere to health and safety standards and that the toxic emissions should be properly addressed by state-of-the-art emission control and capture tech-

nologies with continuous emission monitoring systems.

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), in a position paper, said municipal waste is nonrenewable and consists of discarded materials like paper, plastic and glass that are derived from finite natural resources, such as forests, minerals and fossil fuels.

“Burning these materials in order to generate electricity discourages much-needed efforts to conserve resources and reduce packaging and wastes,” said GAIA, adding that WTE “also undermines energy-conserving practices, such as recycling and composting.”

It also said that WTE incinerators consume more energy than they produce, noting the low calorific value of waste.

Marginal boost to electricity grid WITH energy produced by WTE plants being marginal, GAIA said this would not contribute substan-

tially to the electricity grid. “Moreover, since waste in Asia is mostly organic, incinerators would need additional energy input to first process the waste to make it suitable for burning, and then burn it, negatively affecting the energy balance of these facilities,” the group pointed out.

Ronald Steenblik, senior technical advisor of Sustainable Just Economic Systems (SJES), supported the conclusions of GAIA during a recent livestream event.

WTE plants do reduce plastic as a physical waste but produce large amounts of CO2 emissions, and, depending on the sophistication of the plant, the release of toxic air pollutants,” said Steenblik.

“Residuals from burning plastics also have to be disposed of properly,” he added.

Steenlik also said WTE plants were very expensive and existing ones suffered technical glitches while in operation. “They, too, pro-

duce a lot of waste. And in the end, burning fuel derived from plastics adds CO2 to the atmosphere,” he said.

L edesma agreed that WTE facilities are expensive investments causing cities to go into debt, while also undermining their ecological solid waste management goals. “Instead of reducing waste, WTE technology encourages more waste production,” she said.

According to Zero Waste Asia, WTE is neither a “just” nor a “transitional” source of energy. It urged the International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank to stop funding WTE projects to replace coal plants positioned as a renewable source of energy.

“ Worse, privatizing the waste sector almost always displaces waste pickers. It is urgent to phase out these false solutions,” it added.

Zero Waste Asia pointed out that WTE is worse than coal be -

AMIDST the refuse, scavengers search for recyclable treasures at a garbage dump site in Cavite on February 12, 2010. Zero Waste Asia highlights that the privatization of the waste sector frequently results in the displacement of waste pickers. ANTONIO OQUIAS| DREAMSTIME.COM

Yulia Navalnaya once avoided the limelight. Now she’s Russia’s newest opposition leader

By Emma Burrows | The Associated Press

LONDON—Yulia Navalnaya used to avoid the cameras, staying in the background while her husband, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, rose to become President Vladimir Putin’s greatest foe.

But following his death in prison last week, she stepped onto a stage normally reserved for senior politicians in Munich and vowed that Putin and his allies would be brought to justice over his death. Later she solemnly vowed: “I will continue the work of Alexei Navalny.”

It was an ambitious statement from a woman who once said in an interview with the Russian edition of Harper’s Bazaar that her “key task” was caring for the couple’s children and home.

Yulia Navalnaya’s new job will be leading the Russian opposition through one of the darkest and most turbulent times in its history.

The opposition is fractured, and Navalny’s death dealt it a serious blow. The question now is whether Navalnaya can rally her husband’s troops and work with other opposition groups to mount any kind of successful challenge to Putin, who is on a path to serve an-

other six years in the Kremlin after the presidential election in March.

Putin has increasingly cracked down on freedom of speech and smothered dissent within Russia, jailing opponents and critics.

Navalnaya has experience standing up to Putin. She and Navalny were married for more than 20 years, and she was at his side as he helped lead the biggest protests in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union and through subsequent jail sentences.

She has accused Putin of killing her husband—a suggestion Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as “unfounded” and “insolent.”

The risk to Navalny’s life had been “discussed extensively” with his wife and close team ahead of his 2021 return to Russia from Germany, where he received treatment for poisoning with a nerve agent, said Vladimir Ashurkov, a

longtime friend of the Navalnys and a co-founder of Navalny’s AntiCorruption Foundation.

A ‘big decision’ EVEN so, “it was a big decision” for Navalnaya to continue her husband’s work, he said.

In their marriage, she was “the rock” Navalny relied upon. They “had an understanding” that Navalnaya would not be politically active and would stay out of the limelight, Ashurkov said.

Navalny returned to Russia from Germany, analysts suggested, because he knew it would be difficult to be perceived as a legitimate opposition leader abroad.

His widow is unlikely to travel to Russia because of security concerns and now faces a similar conundrum in figuring out how to lead her husband’s organization from exile.

On Friday, shortly after news of Navalny’s death broke, she met a woman in a similar situation— Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Tsikhanouskaya picked up the political baton from her husband, Belarusian opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski, in 2020 after he was jailed in the run up to Belarus’s presidential election.

She ran a successful campaign but fled Belarus after long-time President Alexander Lukashenko declared himself the winner in an election widely regarded in the West as fraudulent.

“ We understood each other without any words,” Tsikhanouskaya said about Navalnaya. Tsikhanouskaya said she has no idea about her husband’s condition, or whether he is dead or alive.

It’s so difficult when you feel such huge pain, but you have to… give interviews to encourage the democratic world to make decisive actions,” Tsikhanouskaya said in an Associated Press interview.

Keeping in touch

OPERATING from abroad for almost four years already, Tsikhanouskaya said living in political exile is challenging. It’s “very important not to lose connection with the people inside the country,” she said.

Th at will be tough, particularly inside Russia, where most Russians still get their news from Kremlin-controlled state media.

A lthough he was Russia’s most famous opposition leader—charismatic and cracking jokes even while serving a 19-year prison sentence— Navalny almost never appeared on state television, which carried only the briefest mention of his death.

The Kremlin is likely to adopt the same approach to Navalnaya, effectively cutting her off from the Russian people via a state-backed information blockade.

Suppressing dissent

SINCE Putin invaded Ukraine,

the scope for dissent in Russia has narrowed even further. Russian authorities have tightened speech restrictions and jailed critics, often ordinary people, sometimes for decades. Hundreds of people who laid flowers in Navalny’s memory were detained, and persuading Russians to take a collective public stand against Putin will be almost impossible.

W hile Navalnaya has dominated headlines since her husband’s death, her challenge will be “to stay relevant” when interest inevitably fades, said Graeme Robertson, a professor of political science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of a book about Putin and contemporary Russian politics. She could do that, Robertson suggested, by supporting Navalny’s volunteers and political networks in Russia to keep them “underground but alive,” as well as choosing a goal to focus on in the short term.

The challenge

STRIDING Monday into a meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council, Navalnaya wasted no time in demonstrating what that goal—and her leadership of Navalny’s organization—might look like.

Sitting next to the EU’s foreign policy chief, she called on Western leaders not to recognize the results of March’s presidential election, to sanction more people in Putin’s

circle and to do more to help Russians who have fled abroad.

Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation generated headlines in Western and independent Russian media in recent years with a series of slick videos that turned otherwise dull corruption investigations into internet blockbusters.

But the organization failed to attract broader support from the Russian population or to produce political change, nor did it set out a strategy for how it would govern.

Tsikhanouskaya, who is viewed by several states as Belarus’s democratic leader, said she made building democratic institutions and representing Belarusians inside Belarus a priority.

That includes a transitional cabinet and platforms where “all the parties, all the forces are represented,” she said, apparently encouraging Navalnaya to do the same.

Navalnaya could be the person to unite the Russian opposition, which is known “for its disagreements and squabbles,” Ashurkov suggested.

“She has a very high reputation,” he said. The tasks ahead of her are daunting, and she will navigate them while grieving for her husband and fighting for the return of his body.

By killing Alexei, Putin killed half of me, half of my heart and half of my soul,” she said. “But I still have the other half, and it tells me that I have no right to give up.”

cause its greenhouse-gas emission is 2.5 times higher and its emission of toxic chemical dioxin/furan is 28 times higher.

A lso, WTE emits 20 percent more sulfur dioxide, 2.5 times more carbon dioxide, and nearly two times more carbon monoxide.

No commitments yet

WHILE DOE received no commitments for the development of WTE projects, which had 30MW available for bidding during the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), the green groups vowed to continue their advocacy campaigns.

“ There is a wide social and economic disparity between those

who benefit from WTE and those who are harmed. WTE is deeply embedded in the discourse of environmental justice because it exacerbates social inequities and puts at risk those who are most vulnerable,” said GAIA.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla is aware that certain challenges must be discussed with the local governments for the technology to be widely accepted.

“Let me just point out that in the case of WTE, we are not merely looking at final output of energy to bring down prices because one has to look at WTE as one way of addressing solid waste management rather than really sourcing it exclusively for power,” he commented.

One of the challenges is to

ensure a continued supply of solid waste. “If the project becomes viable, if it operates under a 25-year period, but the solid waste supply is good only for three years, then what will the company do? I think we need to look at it from the solid waste management side and discuss the pros and cons of it,” said the energy chief.

During the GEAP last year, there were no bidders for WTE. One of the reasons cited by Lotilla was supply limitation. “If one puts up a WTE facility that will be able to recover investment over a 15or 20-year period, they will need a stable supply of waste. But if the supply of waste is not going to be assured to them, they’re not going to waste good investment,” he said.

IN this image taken from video released by Navalny Team on Monday, February 19, 2024, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, gives a video message. Navalnaya used to largely avoid the cameras, staying in the background while her husband rose to become President Vladimir Putin’s greatest challenger. Shortly after his death, that changed as she vowed to continue his work. NAVALNY TEAM VIA AP

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

News BusinessMirror

Indian tech firms to join  March 5 summit in Manila

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

IMAGINE paying without cash, applying for loans without physically going to the banks, applying for business permits online, opening a bank account without any deposit, receiving “ayuda” without queueing at the barangay, and having police replaced by drones.

That’s the world now in India, transformed by digital technology that has changed the lives of millions of people.

Indian Ambassador to Manila

Shambhu Kumaran said they are organizing a summit in Manila on March 5 to provide Filipinos a glimpse of the digital technology that India has and can offer.

A total of 57 Indian tech companies have signified their intention to join the first-ever India-Philippines Tech Summit on March 5 at Shangri-La The Fort.

They are agri-tech, fintech and health-tech companies, including unicorns and start-ups, from India, which showcase their hardware, software, solutions, including artificial intelligence to the Philippine market.

Around 300 participants are expected to attend from the Philippine government, fintech,

medical sector, agriculture and food, hospitals, Business Process Organization (BPO), semiconductor and food processors and exporters.

India is the largest digitally connected democracy in the world, with 830 million internet users and 1.2 billion mobile phone users. It is also a leader in real-time digital payments, and its digital economy is expected to grow by $1 trillion by 2026. It is also the third largest start-up ecosystem with 80 new start-ups registering everyday.

Ambassador Kumaran said the Embassy is hoping that this flagship event will spur “conversation” between Indian tech companies and various stakeholders in the Philippines.

At present, around 30 to 40 Indian companies have invested in the Philippines, employing 150,000 to 200,000 Filipinos.

“What we are lacking so far is a broader understanding of the transformational changes that are happening in the Indian digital economy. And we thought through this event, we would have a platform where leading individual [Indian] companies would have an opportunity to come and present their capabilities,” Kumaran said.

Visiting Pinoy expats seek more local culture and heritage sites

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

OVER 260 Fil-Canadians are currently traveling to key destinations in the country under the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) annual Winter Escapade Tour. Rajah Tours Philippines President Jose C. Clemente III told the BusinessMirror , this year, the guests are visiting Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, and Bohol. The tour began on February 18 and will last until February 27.

“The majority are still the older crowd, but we’re seeing a younger set coming in who are the children or grandchildren of repeat participants. They have also managed to invite some friends.

For the future tours, we are looking at doing a parallel tour for the younger third-and fourth-generation Fil-Canadians,” he said.

About 2,500 Fil-Canadians have joined the tours since 2005, when it was still called the Ambassadors and Consuls General Tour (ACGT) of the Philippines, a brainchild of then DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Held in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry with Rajah Tours as main booking agent, the ACGT was designed to encourage more FilAmericans and Fil-Canadians to visit their home country and spread the word on its business and travel opportunities. The tours were separated in 2016 as the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour (Ambassador’s Tour) and Winter Escapade.

Scandi countries eyed next year

THIS developed as the main VIP Tour geared towards FilipinoAmericans, may expand to include some countries in Europe.

“The embassies [and consulates], especially in Scandinavia reached out to us after the pandemic, so we’re considering to schedule a similar VIP tour for the region next year,” said Clemente.

The tourism veteran recently returned from the United States,

SSS ’23 net income at ₧83.13B, 62.8% over target; highest ever

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

STATE-RUN Social Security System’s (SSS) net income in 2023 rose to P83.13 billion, higher by 62.8 percent of its target of P51.06 billion, as it recorded higher revenues and lower expenses.

According to its 2023 unaudited financial statement, the P83.13-billion net income of SSS in 2023 surpassed the P52.60 billion net income recorded in the previous year.

“Our revenue in 2023 grew by 15.6 percent to P353.82 billion

from P306.16 billion in the previous year,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said in a statement on Friday. Macasaet noted that the 2023 net income was the highest net income attained by SSS.

Based on the statement, its contribution collection grew 18.2 percent to P309.12 billion, which was recorded for the bulk of the SSS revenue in 2023, from the P261.44 billion collected in 2022.

“Our record-high net income last year shows that we contin -

ue to strengthen our finances through programs and policies that increase new paying members and strengthen collection efforts,” Macasaet was quoted in the statement as saying.

SSS also recorded lower-thanrevenue expenses of P270.69 billion, with the lion’s share of the total expenditure in 2023 going to benefit payments to members and pensioners.

On the other hand, benefit payments to members and pensioners stood at P259.03 billion, up by 6.7 percent from P242.81 billion in 2022.

Its operating expenses, meanwhile, climbed to 8.4 percent or P11.65 billion, from the P10.75 billion recorded a year ago.

SSS said its operating expenses in 2023 were 30.32 percent of the allowed charter limit of P38.4 billion.

“Based on our charter, the operating expenses are 12 percent of the contribution collections and 3 percent of other SSS income, such as investments and loans,” Macasaet explained.

The financial performance of SSS last year was also attributed to its management and employees’ efforts in “intensifying” its collection activities.

Macasaet traced this to the registration of new paying members, improved collection from delinquent employers, and the 2023 contribution rate hike.

PBBM’s transport enhancement drive continues to gain private sector support

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

THE initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve the country’s transportation system have been constantly backed up by the private sector, with transport advocate and Angkas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Royeca reiterating his support for the legalization of motorcycle (MC) taxis and easement of transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) regulations in the country.

where Philippine Ambassador to Washington DC Jose “Babe”

Romualdez launched this year’s edition of the VIP Tour scheduled from July 21 to 30. The VIP Tour will take participants to key locations in Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon.

In a news statement, New York Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas underscored that the US is a significant contributor to the thriving tourism industry of the Philippines as American tourists have dominated the visitor count in recent years. “The sustained enthusiasm from Filipinos and Americans reflects the enduring success of the VIP Tour in bridging cultural gaps and creating lasting connections between the two nations,” he said at the launch. Some 1.06 million tourists from the US arrived in the Philippines in 2019 prior to the pandemic.

Shifting guest preferences

MEANWHILE , Clemente disclosed that in the 19 years his company has been handling these tours for the DFA, he has seen a shift in the tour preferences of guests. “Recently, there have been requests to inject more culture and heritage sites, in addition to the usual beach destinations. Before, we chose the usual tourism destinations [e.g. Boracay, Cebu], but now we are able to include places like Iloilo, Bacolod and others.”

For the ongoing Winter Escapade, for instance, tour participants can choose to visit the Ayala Museum and Sinigang Valley, a community of start-ups in Poblacion, Makati. While Intramuros has long been part of the Manila tours, Rajah now offers dinner in Chinatown as well. In Iloilo, the participants toured the Miag-ao Church, a Unesco heritage site.

For the VIP Tour in July, participants will be get a Maranao Cultural Experience in Iligan City. Interested parties can register at http://tinyurl. com/22zd65jt

“I echo the call of the P resident for legalizing motorcycle taxis and providing better regulations for the ride hailing economy. From jeepneys to motorcycles, I’m very elated that we now have a President that is not only interested in transportation but is knowledgeable in modern transport,” he said in a recent Economic Forum. “I guess it’s true what they say, ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ I’ve been waiting for eight

DMW and NCMF ink pact seeks to bolster protection, employment of Muslim Pinoys

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) signed Thursday a new agreement with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to make its services and policies more inclusive for Muslim overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

We want the community of Muslim Filipino OFWs all over the world to feel the protection and the welfare services of the DMW,” DMW Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Hans J. Cacdac said at a news conference after the signing of the memorandum of agreement.

T he MOA was signed by Cacdac, NCMF OIC Yusoph J. Mando, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnaldo “Arnel” Ignacio, and a representative from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Under the MO A, a new registration for Muslim OFWs will be established through a data sharing arrangement through a Unified Sharing System on Labor Information for Migration between DMW and the NCMF.

It will also task the O WWA to conduct seminars like pre-migration education seminars using the guidance of the NCMF in crafting materials for the said sessions.

TESDA, for its part, provided the guidelines for the creation of Arabic Language Short-Course Training for Filipinos, who are eyeing to work in countries where Arabic is the major language.

T he accord will also lead to the launching of joint initiatives against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Training providers, which would like to offer such language training programs, must register in compliance with the Unified TVET Program Registration Accreditation System.

Mando w elcomed the signing of the new accord since it will provide a Muslim lens in government migration policies.

Mando added he w as hopeful the initiative would help foster better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in migration and eliminate discrimination.

This cannot be just studied. It should be [the] Muslims [who] should also take steps to explain and introduce their culture and lifestyle,” he said. Samuel P. Medenilla

years, finally, the time has come.”

The Chief Executive recently posted on social media that his administration is working with Grab Philippines to formalize MC taxi operations and enhance policies for ride-hailing services. Royeca welcomed this move as a longawaited development, underscoring the possibility of a broader advocacy with tremendous support from the industry. He noted, “Companies like Grab can really help amplify that call. I’ve been doing it for years and I’m glad that somebody else is coming in to help bring data. The more people are

talking about it, the more companies are pushing that advocacy, the better it is for everyone.”

Angkas was established in 2015 and since then has championed the Motorcycle Taxi law, with the goal of providing a viable transportation alternative and create employment opportunities.

The company’s CEO has been instrumental in shaping the MC taxi bill, as legislators and regulators seek his expertise to make sure that the law is effective and feasible. Apart from MC taxis, Royeca pushes for the enhancement of the Public Utility Vehicle

Modernization Program of the government. He, likewise, emphasized the importance of integrating technology, education and welfare in the transport sector.

“By incorporating comprehensive financing mechanisms, subsidies, and training programs, we can equip our drivers with the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy. By reducing waiting times, ensuring reliable and safe travel, and integrating technology for ease of use, we not only improve the daily commute but also enhance the overall quality of life for millions of Filipinos,” Royeca said.

Ranking NPA leader, four others die in Bohol clash

TBy Rex Anthony Naval

HE Cebu-based Visayas Command (VISCOM) announced that one of the ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leaders in Bohol, Domingo Jaspe Compoc, alias “Silong,” was killed along with four other insurgents during an encounter with government troops in Bilar, Bohol early Friday morning.

Compoc and the four other NPAs who were killed in the clash are reportedly remnants of the NPA’s Bohol Party Committee.

“The encounter transpired as the combined elements of Bohol Police Provincial

Office [BPPO] and 47th Infantry Battalion launched a Joint Enhanced Military Police Operation [JEMPO] against the aforementioned group at Barangay Campagao, Bilar, Bohol,” VISCOM spokesperson Lt. Col. Israel Galorio said in a statement.

He added the encounter took place around 6:52 a.m. Friday, February 23, and resulted in the death of five and the recovery of six firearms including one M653 assault rifle; one R4 assault rifle; one M-16 rifle; and three .45 caliber pistols. “The notorious Domingo Compoc who has a bounty of P2.6 million is wanted for several cases, including rebellion, homicide,

Makati City official clarifies recall of ambulance unit from Comembo

AMAKATI City official on Friday said

executed by the Department of Health (DOH) with the city in September 2021. Contrary to a

attempted homicide, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery,” Galorio said.

Meanwhile, VISCOM chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said this latest NPA debacle is a manifestation of their commitment to ending the insurgency threat in the Visayas.

“We will never stop, and we will continue to hunt you down until justice is served for all the atrocities you have committed to our country and people,” he added.

Arevalo attributed this success to the active support of the people and the strong bond of partnership with the different government agencies.

“ This recent success in our campaign

we did it to make the necessary repairs and ensure its roadworthiness before we return it to the DOH, as stipulated in the Deed of Donation,” City Administrator Claro Certeza said.

He added that as early as August 2023, the city conducted a general inspection of the ambulance in Comembo (K1V 502 Hyundai Starex Grand 2) and promptly coordinated with the DOH HFEP supplier for needed repairs as it was still under warranty.

“ Taguig officials quoted in the said post appear to be clueless about the facts pertaining to the acquisition of the said ambulance. It was donated to the city government, so the rightful owner is Makati City,” Certeza pointed out.

He also called out Taguig officials for making hasty pronouncements intended to put Makati in bad light.

was made possible by the active support of our people, who have been providing us with credible information leading to the demise of the CPP-NPA. Likewise, our ironclad partnership with the different government agencies, especially the PNP who have been our strong partner in ensuring the safety and security of our people in the entire Visayas region,” he added.

Brawner: Focus on eliminating ‘Red’ threat ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday lauded the officers and enlisted personnel of VIS -

“Please stop spreading lies and playing victim. Be sure to back your statements with concrete evidence to spare yourselves from embarrassment and ridicule,” Certeza stressed.

The Makati official clarified that the city cannot directly hand over to Taguig the vehicle since it has to be returned first to the DOH with a formal Notice of Revocation.

B y virtue of the Supreme Court decision granting territorial jurisdiction over the EMBO barangays to Taguig, the ambulance has ceased to serve its purpose as far as Makati City is concerned, he said.

Certeza said that throughout January until early February this year, the city government has been in constant communication with the DOH for the orderly return of the transport vehicle in Comembo.

In a letter to Mayor Abigail Binay dated February 5, 2023, Dr. Rio Magpantay, Direc -

COM for their successful operations against communist insurgents, and urged soldiers to continue with their efforts to eliminate the “Red” threat by the end the year.

He also noted that the battlefield accomplishments of the VISCOM are aligned with the AFP’s mission of totally defeating the NPA and its allied organizations.

In 2023, VISCOM successfully dismantled six NPA guerilla fronts and neutralized 94 insurgents in the same year.

Of the 94 neutralized, 69 were killed in 64 armed encounters, while 25 others were arrested. Also recovered were 314 assorted firearms.

tor of the Metro Manila Center for Health Development, cited the stipulation in the DOH Deed of Donation, which states, “The donor reserves the right to revoke this Deed of Donation in case any of the aforesaid conditions are not faithfully complied with by the Donee. In case this Deed of Donation is revoked, the Donee shall surrender the possession of the equipment and ambulance to the Donor within fifteen [15] working days from the Notice of Revocation.”

On November 29, 2023, the ambulance in Comembo was pulled out for battery replacement and then underwent a series of repair works until January of this year. These included tire change, change oil and repairs for the blinker, siren, odometer and speedometer, brake system, and rear back-up camera. Certeza noted that another ambulance deployed to Comembo was pulled out

“We are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, ay talagang ma-achieve natin ang [we will really achieve] total victory and we can defeat the communists here in VISCOM,” Brawner said. During his visit to VISCOM headquarters in Cebu and the 301st Infantry Brigade in Iloilo, the AFP chief said he was happy with the progress of the campaign.

He also noted that VISCOM is a “priority command” for the AFP and “was allocated significant resources to dismantle remaining guerilla fronts, neutralize high-value individuals, and build people’s organizations.”

temporarily last January 24 for inventory and licensing purposes.

It was one of four ambulances donated by the DOH to the city government through Ospital ng Makati in July 2021 as part of the fund allocation of second district Rep. Luis Campos. Another ambulance was assigned to Rizal.

“After inspection and proper review of the said unit, it was returned to Comembo on February 8, and has remained deployed there to date,” Certeza said.

On the other hand, he said the city has reassigned the ambulance from Rizal to Guadalupe Nuevo since the former is very near Ospital ng Makati and can utilize the ambulance in Comembo for medical emergencies.

“ This decision was made out of necessity and prudence. Politics had nothing to do with it,” he said. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

By Nick Tayag

The case of a self-hating senior my sixty-zen’s WORtH

Tthe more euphemistic term “third ager,” he gladly pounced on it and appropriated it for himself. He never divulges his exact age. He hates to see old people using a cane. His hair is thinning at the top but you won’t glimpse a single strand of gray or white hair on his head, which his personal barber meticulously and regularly dabs jet black, including his eyebrows. Oh, by the way, he really hates my white hair, as if he can’t bear to look at it. Perhaps it is a vexing reminder of the true color of his slowly vanishing hair.

One time while we were having coffee, we saw a male friend of his, also a senior, who was walking by in a slow slip-sliding way. T. secretly made fun of him, telling everyone within earshot “uso pa ba ang sayaw na shuffle?” (Is the dance “shuffle” still in vogue?).

I just hold my peace every time he makes rude and caustic remarks about his fellow seniors. They are nothing but nasty “poseuring.”

Seniors like my friend T. are ashamed to be considered old. They hate to be called old. They have not resigned to being old. That’s why they belittle their fellow seniors, especially those who look and act old and frail or those who have aged badly. T. is most happy when people flatter him saying he’s still dashing and young-looking, even if everyone else knows he’s just being buttered up. Instead of accepting the reality that he is now a full-fledged senior citizen, he prefers to cling to illusions of physical youth, making him dependent on the validation of others.

It has something to do with vanity or even narcissism. Vanity is what makes elderly matrons embarrassed to be seen sporting white hair. At 60, they frantically look for a solution, rushing out to buy the latest miracle cure against aging.

What’s that old idiomatic term for overly ripe seniors pretending to look youthful? “Nagmumurang kamatis?”

Many times, I cringe when I see elderly women with jet-black hair while their faces are already all wrinkled. Incongruous and laughable. Women who have the money for face lifts and propping up their bosoms are the reason why the cosmetic surgery business is thriving.

On the other hand, late-blooming Don Juans in their 70s also spend a lot of money keeping up with their young trophy girlfriends, trying to close the gap in appearance and physical vigor. They used to be called “sugar daddies” but now the term is “walking ATMs” if you get the drift.

If it’s just a case of denial or vanity, it will soon pass. But what worries me more is a syndrome called “self-hatred.”

This is a psychological condition in which someone from a particular demographic identifies more with an ideology or movement that’s not in their interest. Take the case of a certain black person who joins a political group that espouses white supremacy and becomes more rabid in his rhetoric than white bigots. Then there is the case of politicians, second generation Latino immigrants who have changed their names to sound more “American” and are now pushing extremely inhumane anti-immigrant laws against people of

Muntinlupa empowers seniors, PWDs with on-the-spot hirings

UP to four Muntinlupa senior citizens and 15 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were among those hired-on-the-spot from a total of 167 applicants at the recently concluded Mega Jobs Fair at the SM Center Muntinlupa.

their own ethnic race. In the case of some seniors, selfhatred is employed as a defense mechanism to protect themselves because they think they are vulnerable in a youth-centric society. Being called “old” can sound mean and hurtful in some circles and on occasion. It can bring with it a loss of identity, status, self-confidence, and financial security and it also imposes physical limitations on what an old person can do.

This is why T., my friend whom I described earlier is so obsessed with being regarded as youthful. It would enable him to maintain his “marketability.” Even in late age, he has not stopped angling to secure high positions in government as well as eyeing to bag big projects. His greatest fear, and the last thing he wants is to be considered as “has been.” This is why he loves to belittle the elderly by way of jokes about them. He seldom flaunts his senior discount card when he hosts a meeting in a cafe or dining inn.

The fault begins in fact in the family. Picture a family member who likes to make subtle jabs like, “We don’t expect you to keep up with us.” My wife bristles when we tell her she can’t go to this place or that place because she won’t be able to take it. If you’re an older adult, this kind of dismissive language can make you feel humiliated, frustrated, and undervalued, looked down upon and at times, pitied.

I’ve experienced being treated as a child, or too weak and frail. What is most irritating is when family members insist on handling my physical tasks and errands, even when I have no trouble doing them myself. This creates a sense of self-doubt and an overall negative perception of myself. I must confess that I sometimes feel a kind of self-hatred for being a senior.

However, this can lead down a dark path of self-loathing.

Before that happens, there is a need to transform our self-hatred into a healthy relationship with our old selves.

The truth is, it’s hard to shake negative self-perceptions about being a senior if you’re focused on losses rather than opportunities. The only way is to overcome negative messages by choosing to focus on the upsides.

With my friend T., I point to him that having white hair is not necessarily a liability. It makes one more dignified looking. In subtle ways, I’ve been trying to get across the message that aging isn’t just about loss. I tell him there are ways to make one become “marketable” and in demand using maturity as a value-added asset.

Once I gave him a copy of my article entitled “Gold, not old.” He just scoffed but I’m sure he secretly read it.

Someone sent me this message: you can deny it, you can hide it, you can cover it, but there’s one thing you cannot do about aging: stop it.

Since no one can stop time, it’s better to spend the rest of your life being at peace with getting older. It’s unproductive to hate your senior self. Accept and embrace him, white hair, wrinkles and all. They are synonymous with wisdom and experience. They bring out your beautiful personality. So do away with your money-draining vanity trips to the barbershop, beauty parlor, and cosmetic surgery clinic.

Instead of clinging to your “younger” years, look to the future and everything it has to offer. Let go of what other people think about you.

Loving your senior self more and more each day is the best gift you can give yourself.

The batch is the latest in the city of Muntinlupa that is giving work opportunities to seniors and PWDs in cooperation with the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), which includes restaurants such as Greenwich and Burger King.

Lola Anicia, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the city government for the opportunity, saying, “Malaking tulong ito para sa amin, pandagdag sa pambili ng pagkain, pambaon ng apo, at pambili rin ng maintenance. Napakalaking blessing nito para sa mga katulad naming seniors. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang ganitong programa.”

Mayor Ruffy Biazon lauded JFC

and other establishments for giving seniors and PWDs more chances to be productive for the benefit of their families and respective communities.

The seniors and PWDs, who undertook an orientation program on February 1, will be assigned in various Jollibee, Greenwich, and Burger King restaurants at Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa, and Shell Susana Heights-SLEX.

The employment of seniors and PWDs is the result of a recently signed memorandum of agreement between JFC and the city govern-

102-year-old British veteran flies a Spitfire on bumpy ride for charity

LONDON—A former Royal Air Forces pilot has taken to the skies in a Spitfire at 102 years old.

Jack Hemmings, an ex-squadron leader with Britain’s air force, is believed to be the oldest pilot to fly the World War II plane. His 20-minute flight, from an airfield in southern England on Monday, was to raise money for a charity he co-founded nearly 80 years ago.

The veteran—who had never flown a Spitfire before—said it was “absolutely delightful” being back behind the controls, though he said the ride was “very bumpy.”

“To be honest, it felt a bit rusty. Not surprising I am rusty,” he said. Hemmings was raising funds for Mission Aviation Fellowship, a humanitarian air service he helped

launch after WWII alongside D-Day veteran Stuart King. The organization has since grown into a Christian organization that uses planes to deliver relief, medicine and emergency cargo to countries in need.

The flight marked 80 years since the D-Day landings and paid tribute to King, who died in 2020. Hemmings previously performed aerobatics on his 100th birthday and raised more than 40,000 pounds ($50,000) for the charity.

Barry Hughes, a pilot who accompanied Hemmings in the aircraft, said the veteran had a “natural touch.”

“He didn’t need any instruction really. He just took control, flown us around, made some turnings and basic maneuvers,” Hughes said. “I think he really enjoyed every single moment of the flight.” AP

ment through the Public Employment Service Office to provide opportunities for livelihood and to enhance self-sustainability.

Meanwhile, senior citizens in Muntinlupa now have another reason to rejoice, as the city government is now offering health maintenance medicines for free.

Elderly Muntinlupeños can receive up to a month’s supply of health maintenance medicines such as losartan, amlodipine, and metformin as part of Mayor Ruffy Biazon’s com-

mitment to expand the city’s health care system to include the well-being of senior citizens.

Residents simply need to visit the nearest Barangay Health Center to register and avail themselves of a free regular checkup and maintenance medicines.

Seniors living in Muntinlupa are likewise encouraged to visit the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA telephone number: 8511 0227) to know more about their benefits and privileges in the city.

PHLPost presents centenarian personalized stamp to Enrile

MANILA—The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has presented the centenarian personalized stamp and commemorative cover to former Senate President and now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile during the celebration of his 100th birthday on February 14 in Malacañang.

Postmaster General Luis Carlos presented the stamp and commemorative cover as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to Enrile for his exceptional contributions to the country during his career in government service.

“Living to 100 years old is one of life’s greatest achievements and a milestone worth celebrating. We pay tribute to JPE whose political career has spanned over

six decades,” Carlos said in a press release on Sunday.

“His collective wisdom and experience is an inspiration to us all,” he added.

He said honoring Enrile with a personalized stamp and commemorative cover was based on Republic Act 1026 or the Centenarian Act of 2016, which honors and grants additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians.

PHLPost has been coordinating with local government units to include in their program the issuance of personalized centenarian stamps.

Carlos added that this is part of the postal agency’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) in honoring the country’s Filipino centenarians. PNA

France honors WWII foreign Resistance fighters

By Sylvie Corbet | The Associated Press

PARIS—While France hosts grandiose ceremonies commemorating D-Day, Missak Manouchian and his Resistance fighters’ heroic role in World War II are often overlooked. French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to change that by inducting Manouchian into the Panthéon national monument on Wednesday.

A poet who took refuge in France after surviving the Armenian genocide, Manouchian was executed in

1944 for leading the resistance to Nazi occupation. Macron is to lead a Paris ceremony in homage to Manouchian at the Panthéon, the resting place of France’s most revered figures, in the presence of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The tribute will also include members of his Resistance group.

“With them, it’s all foreign Resistance fighters who enter into the Panthéon,” said historian Denis Peschanski, who led efforts to honor Manouchian’s memory. The move comes as France gets ready

to celebrate the 80th anniversary of DDay this year in the presence of heads of states and World War II veterans. Manouchian’s coffin, covered with the French flag, will be carried in the street in front of the Panthéon by soldiers of the Foreign Legion.

On Tuesday, a homage was being held at Mont Valérien, where Manouchian and his group members were shot by the Nazis. The site has become a memorial to French WWII fighters. The Holocaust Memorial in Paris was also holding an exhibit in his honor. “Missak Manouchian chose France

twice, first as a young Armenian who loved Baudelaire and Victor Hugo, and then through the blood he shed for our country,” the French presidency said in a statement last year announcing the Panthéon homage. Born in 1906 in the then-Ottoman empire, Manouchian lost both his parents during the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 2015-2016. He was sent to an orphanage in Lebanon, then a French protectorate, where he discovered French language and culture.

FOrMer Senate president and Chief Legal Counsel Juan Ponce enrile celebrates his 100th birthday in Malacañang. Photo courtesy of Presidential communications office

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Rep. Romulo leads probe into NEAP’s school-based teacher training programs

THE chair of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture recently led an oversight inquiry into the administration of school-based teacher training programs.

Prompted by the alleged discontent of teachers on their training from the Department of Education, as well as local learners’ dismal scores in national and global ratings, the inquiry probed the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) on the effectiveness of cascading programs for teachers’ upskilling.

According to Rep. Roman Romulo, the problem lies in the cas -

Palawan

cading of training programs to teachers, as upskilling does not reach the teachers. What happens, he said, is that principals and headteachers are the ones being taught, and they are left to themselves to instruct their peers.

In response to these concerns, Director Jennifer Lopez of NEAP explained that they remain committed to providing professional development programs to teachers

REP. Roman Romulo

and school leaders, especially with the Vice President and Education Secretary’s “MATATAG” agenda.

Lopez also shared that NEAP’s programs will be headed by 59,320 quality trainers to ensure that inadequate personnel shall no longer be an excuse for the ineffective provision of training and upskilling programs to public school teachers.

With the aim of providing quality education, Romulo has obtained NEAP’s commitment to improve its teacher training programs for better learning outcomes, in view of the recently released results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2022.

In Filipino, he expressed his hopes that the Philippines will rank higher in the next PISA, and that what is needed is proficiency as well as understanding in reading, and math teaching is age-appropriate. Republic Act 11713, or the “Excellence in Teacher Education Act,” certified the NEAP to provide nonstop development and training of in-service teachers, school leaders, and other teaching-related personnel in all basic education institutions.

teens learn about love, sex, healthy relationships—one menstrual pad at a time

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY— Valentine’s Day 2024 took on a new dimension for students at Palawan National School as they delved into “PAD-ibig Diaries:” a groundbreaking initiative merging menstrual pads with illustrated diary entries to foster open dialogue about sex and relationships.

Four hundred female students from Grades 7 to 10 were treated to limited edition menstrual pads that featured vibrant diary entries about the female anatomy, puberty, crushes, as well as romantic relationships, consent, sex, and contraception.

PAD-ibig Diaries is the brainchild of Black Pencil Advertising and Roots of Health. The latter is a nongovernment organization working to reduce teen pregnancies and HIV rates in Palawan. Charmee donated 15,500 menstrual pads which students can access through a special dispenser stationed at the school clinic.

“Our joint goal was to engage Filipino high-school girls through private storytelling using an unexpected medium—in this case, menstrual pads,” explained Kat

Limchoc, executive creative director of Black Pencil Advertising.

Youth Programs manager Aika Pagusara of Roots of Health emphasized the urgency of accessible sex education, noting prevalent myths such as the belief that jumping up and down after sex prevents pregnancy, and that drinking bath soap shaped into tiny capsules can cure sexually transmitted infections.

The PAD-ibig launch featured interactive sessions like “ Chismis o Check ” that challenged common misconceptions about sexuality,

alongside engaging games that offered prizes to participants.

“It is a never-ending process, as more batches of teens need accurate information every year. That is why we love to collaborate on projects that capture the imagination of young people through relatable, non-preachy, and helpful content that urge them to either delay sex or practice safer sex,” Limchoc shared.

Roots of Health has been teaching sex education in schools and communities for the past 15 years, while providing free non-judgmental reproductive health counseling and services through two clinics and outreach missions.

“Many teenagers who go to our clinic to avail contraceptives do so after their first child. It is sad that they only get to know about contraception after [pregnancy]. We work to prevent this by normalizing talking about sex, and making young people feel safe to learn about it, so they are ready when they do it,” Pagusara shared.

Despite being deemed as a conservative country, the Philippines has one of the highest teen childbearing rates in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that one out of every 10 who gave birth in the country in 2022 were adolescents. Former president Rodrigo Duterte declared teen pregnancy as a national emergency through an executive order in 2021.

The Philippines also holds notoriety as the country with the highest epidemic rate for human immunodeficiency virus infections in the Asia-Pacific Region. Daily HIV incidence increased 411 percent from 2012 to 2023. The latest available HIV data disclosed that 32 percent of the cases were of young people aged 15 to 24. Of the 396 reported youth cases, 394— or 99 percent—got HIV through sexual contact.

“The situation is dire, that’s why this is just a pilot,” Limchoc added. “We dream of expanding PAD-ibig Diaries across the Philippines, [so that other schools will also be] inspired by this approach.”

PAD-ibig Diaries is available online at www.ugatngkalusugan. org. A related TikTok Live program “Safe Magtanong Dito” will soon be launched via the @ugatngkalusugan channel.

Early nutrition education: Key to improving kids’ eating behavior

Aamong Filipino schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 10 years old indicates the need for continued education on proper nutrition of both students and their caregivers.

“Teaching schoolchildren at an early age about the importance of a balanced diet aims to promote the formation of healthy eating habits and other lifelong behaviors that improve their nutritional status and overall wellness,” said Business Executive Officer Rosalyn Simba of Nestlé Philippines’ Food and Dairy Culinary Business Unit. “Motivating young students to establish good eating practices can lay the foundation for a healthy Filipino population in the future.”

Changing attitudes, behaviors RESEARCH reveals that nutrition education in schools is effective in changing unhealthy attitudes toward food.

In 2017, the Department of Science and Technology-Food Nutrition and Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), supported by Nestlé Philippines, under -

took a school-based food and nutrition intervention called “Forging PublicIndustry-Society Alliance (PISO for Healthier Filipino Schoolchildren).”

The comprehensive one-year program conducted lunch feeding of underweight schoolchildren and enhanced nutrition-concepts training among targeted students and their mothers or caregivers.

According to the monitoring and evaluation report of “PISO…,” mean scores on knowledge, attitudes and behavior toward nutrition improved after approximately 60 hours of nutrition lessons among Grade 2 and 3 students, while a similar trend was also observed among the children’s mothers and caregivers after they attended nine sessions on topics that teach them ways to differentiate nutritious and less nutritious foods, the impact of good eating habits and guides in eating a balanced diet.

As such, increasing vegetable and fruit consumption among students will play a vital role in reaching their physiological and cognitive development potential. Below are top three suggestions to instill healthy eating habits in young children: Include vegetable-based dishes in the daily meal plan: The DOST-FNRI’s Pinggang Pinoy ” guide recommends

at least a half cup of vegetables and one medium serving of fruits daily to meet the recommended allowance for essential micro- and macronutrients among children aged 7 to 12 years.

Elevate vegetable dishes into flavorful culinary creations that children will enjoy: To help transform vegetables into magical dishes, MAGGI offers recipe ideas on its website, and other cooking tips in its “ Sarap Sustansiya Kusinaskwela ” modules.

Variety is key: According to the DOST-FNRI’s “Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos,” eating a “colorful plate” containing a variety of foods and using an assortment of sources for the different food groups will help ensure the body gets adequate levels of the nutrients it needs to maintain good health.

Embracing healthy cooking, eating PART of its advocacy, Maggi has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Nestlé Wellness Campus to help impart these nutrition concepts through the ongoing “Sarap Sustansya Inter-School Cooking Competition.” Open to public schools that have implemented the DepEd’s Gulayan sa Paaralan” program, this cooking competition emphasizes the importance of vegetable-based dishes

STI College earns multiple citations for initiatives developing future-ready grads

Roderick L. Abad

By

PROVING its commitment to hone competent students and future professionals with its brand of holistic education, STI College was feted at the recent Philippine Quill Awards and Anvil Awards for programs that enable students to explore their campus life, while guiding them in decision-making for their career paths.

Last January 25, the academic institution was honored by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) with an “Excellence Award” for the “STI Student’s Career Opportunity and Personality Evaluator (SCOPE),” and a “Merit Award” for the STI’s Facebook account in the 20th Philippine Quill Awards. STI SCOPE is a free online assessment tool that aids students in choosing the ideal track or course according to their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities, then make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths even at an early stage, which can be pivotal to their future success.

The STI Official Facebook page, on the other hand, was enhanced not only to disseminate school announcements, but boasts of an enriching and cultivating online community

for students to receive insightful, informative, and inspirational content showing the current trends of today’s generation.

At the 59th Anvil Awards presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) last January 31, STI College also won a “Silver Anvil” under the “PR Tools Publication” category for its career-guide magazine Destination that exclusively caters to incoming senior-high school and college students for them to learn more about themselves and their strengths to make the right choices on their academic and career paths. It uses activity-type content around various learning styles and multiple intelligence, personality quizzes and informative articles about schooling and career-planning topics.

“We are grateful to the IABC and PRSP for [citing our programs geared at] guiding the youth toward the path of success in their education and future careers,” said STI assistant vice president for Academics Ferdie Dantes. “[The honors also coincide with the celebration of STI’S 40th year, further motivating us to develop more tools and initiatives that will help, and nurture students to become futureready graduates and eventually be] competent and productive members of society.”

AnyWay, La Salle join forces for transpo sector’s climate-resilience

GLOBAL expert in providing climate-resilient solutions in the transport infrastructure industry AnyWay Solutions and De La Salle University (DLSU)–Gokongwei College of Engineering have partnered to exchange knowledge and collaborate on climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure over the next five years.

in the daily menu and teaches healthy cooking as an essential life skill.

Under this nationwide contest, each school will field a team of a student, teacher and parent who will cook a balanced meal for a family of four. Given a budget of P400, the team must make use of vegetables harvested from their “Gulayan…” in their recipe.

“The Maggi Sarap Sustansya Advocacy aims to support nutrition education in homes, schools and communities; and help children enjoy the benefits of a vegetable-rich diet through solutions and services that bring out the flavor and goodness of vegetables in everyday dishes,” said Simba. “[Meanwhile, the interschool cooking tilt] is a way for us to teach these positive skills in a fun and engaging manner.”

As the Filipinos’ trusted partner in the kitchen, where good eating habits begin, Maggi is committed to help improve children’s access to tasty and balanced meals everyday with its Sarap Sustansya campaign. Through its products, recipe services and initiatives to upskill students, families, and communities in Sarap Sustansya cooking, Maggi empowers home cooks of all ages to prepare budget-friendly, simple, delicious, and nutritious dishes every day.

In a memorandum of Understanding, AnyWay and DLSU produced a framework for the two parties to understand, collaborate, and discuss specific programs identifying opportunities for the exchange of faculty and research staff, seeking other areas of research interest and collaboration, as well as making faculty and students aware of the educational resources of both parties.

“As we look to the future of our industry work force, programs like the ones we are embarking on with DLSU will prepare the next generation of engineers for the challenges ahead of them, specifically to benefit the Philippines and build local capacity,” AnyWay CEO Zeevik Halber said.

AnyWay and the university will enable joint teaching avenues for students on various aspects of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume road engineering and rehabilitation, as well as upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques and technologies of soil stabilization to develop graduate research projects. A mentorship program will also be established to continue research into these topics.

AnyWay is a global expert in providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry. They are a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, with over 75 years of business experience.

At the 2023 United Nations Climate

Change Conference or Conference of the Parties or COP28, the Philippines was highlighted as one of the nations which are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change.

Recognizing the urgency to boost the country’s infrastructure against these effects, DLSU sought a partnership with AnyWay Solutions, a firm with a 20-year record of accomplishment of delivering climate-resilient transportation solutions to developing countries.

This collaboration will leverage AnyWay’s expertise to engage with the academe and global experts in fortifying the nation’s climate resilience. By building local capabilities and introducing innovative technologies to the next wave of engineers, the partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable transportation network for the Philippines that will serve future generations well, according to a statement from AnyWay. Such partnerships will be instrumental in transferring knowledge and expertise to those who will continue to develop and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, while also fostering research and the adoption of innovative technologies to climate resilience, said AnyWay. For more details, send an email to info@ anywaysolutions.com.

Tourism&Entertainment

NATIONAL GEORGEGRAPHIC

GEORGE TAPAN ECHOEs THE HEARTbEAT Of A NATION THROuGH HIs LENs

By John Eiron R. Francisco

In a distinguished career spanning over five decades, master travel photographer George Tapan captured the soul of his homeland on a global scale.

Through his lens, Tapan orchestrated det ailed narratives that speaks volumes about the untold stories within. From groups of indigenous people to iconic personalities, from joyous celebrations to breathtaking snapshots of both popular and little-known places, he has documented it all with a reverence palpable in every frame.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential and respected photographers, the multi-awarded Tapan is dubbed “Georgegraphic” for his exceptional depiction of local tourism and culture.

Authenticy matters

In an exclusive interview with BusinessMirror, Tapan revealed that despite his industry acclaim and ambassadorial roles for various camera companies, he remained grounded and thankful for the accolades bestowed upon him over the years.

H is humility and commitment to his craft shine through as he continually strives for improvement and embraces new learning opportunities, and he is determined to pass it on.

D rawing upon his wealth of experience, Tapan told BusinessMirror some essential qualities that every aspiring photojournalist should embody:

Firstly, he emphasized the importance of viewing each photograph as a piece of history, “not more than 50 years from now,” but meant to be revisited by future generations.

Tapan stressed the need for authenticity and that photos should be genuine and not manipulated by modern technology.

“Photographers should have ethics. They should know how to use photos, respect the subjects, and understand how to use the images,” he said.

He articulated that a photojournalist’s work extends beyond the completion of a task, “you have the obligation not just to yourself but also to the readers of the publication you’re contributing to, symbiotically.”

Additionally, he encouraged photographers to constantly challenge themselves, “your picture must be better than others, if not, at least good.”

Through his workshops and seminars,

Tapan continues to encourage creativity and curiosity among the next generation of photographers.

Breaking conformity

Me A n WHIL e Tapan, a member of the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP), highlighted the common perception of photographers in publications as mere assistants, tasked with supporting articles, without commensurate recognition or often with little to no compensation. “ Kaya sabi ko nga, yung mga photographer na katulad ko nung una, ay nag isip kung paano aasenso ang buhay [So, as said, photographers like me at first, were thinking about how to improve their lives], not only as a photographer in a publication, but you have to earn money, respect your work, and everything,” he said.

He believes that young photographers should break free from the shackles of conformity, forge their path, and leave a mark on the world that is uniquely theirs.

He advocates for young photographers to aspire to liberate themselves from the constraints of conformity, carve their paths, and make a distinct impact on the world.

Kaya ganun ang idea ko, ipinakita ko kung gaano talaga kahalaga ang photographer, kahit nasa publications ako gumawa ako ng paraan para magkaroon ako ng sariling identity, not just for magazines, kundi sa sarili ko,” he added.

[“So that’s my idea, showed how truly important photographers are. e v en though I worked in publications, I found a way to establish my own identity, not just for magazines, but for myself.]

He also underscored that the dangers they face on the front lines of news events are ever-present, lurking in the shadows as silent witnesses. Yet they press on, driven by a sense of purpose that transcends the risks they face.

From dreamer to doer

TA PA n’ S j ourney exemplified the spirit of a dreamer who consistently reaches for excellence.

At the tender age of 19, Tapan started

BANGKOK BY THE ‘COURTYARD’

Why visitors keep coming back to the Thai capital

TH e R e a re some places in the world we visit once and that’s enough. That doesn’t apply to Bangkok. It was among the top destinations when borders re-opened post-pandemic and revenge travel went into higher gear.

During the pandemic, I was forced to stay in Bangkok before being allowed to return to Hong Kong—where I used to be based. I even wrote about my experience wandering Bangkok during the pandemic.

You’d think that after this, I’d shy away from Bangkok for a while, but no—I visited thrice more after that extended stay. And I’m not the only Filipino, or Asian, or foreigner for that matter who frequents Thailand’s capital. In fact, during the recent Lunar n e w Year holiday—a peak travel period for many Asians, booking data from digital platform Agoda showed that Bangkok was among the top destinations of Filipinos as well as other outbound Asian markets.

his passion for photography. This was further fueled by exposure to Sunburst International Magazine in 1974 and diverse field experiences, including encounters with people from varying social backgrounds.

Tapan said that he worked hard to develop his style and identity as a photographer, not just following the orders of the editor, writers, and publisher.

I had to create things that were different from other publications. That was my discipline to myself—to be different,” he said.

He studied the purpose of the said magazine and realized that it was a great platform to showcase the Philippines to a global audience.

Subsequently, he began documenting everything related to the country, aiming to

showcase significant subjects that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos may not have seen before. From capturing the charm of movie stars in portraits to gracing the covers of magazines, into the cerulean waters of the Pacific Ocean, and ascending the majestic peaks of the Philippines, along with the vibrant festivals in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Tapan seems to have covered it all. H owever, amidst his diverse portfolio, one can’t help but notice Tapan’s recurrent return to the Bicol Region. Here, he bears witness to the splendor of the “natural perfect cone” of Mayon Volcano.

During his time at Mabuhay Magazine, he recalled that he ventured to Mayon Volcano and looked for the oldest mountain guide in the area. Accompanied by his subject, he

In my most recent trip to Bangkok, I was stoked to meet Josh Lee, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. An expat posted in Thailand for several years, he’s managed (and shepherded) the hotel to cater to a diverse profile of guests across nationalities, cultures and demographics.

“Thailand’s universal allure stems from a blend of cultural richness and a diverse range of activities—in addition to its renowned cuisine, warm hospitality, and affordability appeal to a broad demographic of travelers,” he explained, “Simply…Thailand has something for everyone.”

Bangkok is mostly walkable—with aggressive efforts to make the city more pedestrian-friendly. An elevated walkway above the busy Sukhumvit Road connects most of Bangkok’s key shopping centers and the BTS (that’s the Bangkok Skytrain). Getting around Bangkok on your own is easy.

Centrally located in the heart of the city’s

“Beyond

ascended to the peak of the volcano, where he meticulously planned and executed every detail of the shoot.

T he result of the photograph graced the cover of Mabuhay Magazine, and Tapan contends that to this day, no one has replicated such a captivating image.

Preserving his legacy

A S h e celebrates his 50 years in the industry, Tapan harbors a bold vision of establishing a local museum of photography that will showcase his extensive body of work and serve as a beacon for aspiring young expert photographers.

A ccording to Tapan, artists have their museums, but photographers don’t because they lack unity. He said that when some photographers achieve success, they seek to be

ai L ert Park, a sprawling development in the Ploenchit area. Visit the n ai Lert Park Heritage Home and stroll across its lush gardens, or have a quiche and coffee at the École Ducasse Café—founded by culinary legend Alain Ducasse.

In the opposite direction from n ai Lert Park, Siam Square is a lovely and lively mix of shopping and entertainment. The main road is purely for pedestrians so you can stroll to your heart’s content.

But my favorite thing to do in Bangkok is hands-down, cruising up and down the Chao Phraya River via a traditional longboat to get from one place to another. It’s dirt-cheap and lots of fun to do. If you time it right, you can capture vivid colors of the stupas under a blazing afternoon sun at Wat Pho temple, then watch the sunset from behind the Wat Arun Temple—these are sights that never get old.

After a whole day out and about Bangkok, the room at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok was a tranquil respite with its calm, earthy tones and natural design elements. It

called masters, creating a divide within the community.

Kung ikaw ay master na [if you claim to be a master], prove it and show your work to become a master,” he emphasized. With this overarching vision, the museum becomes a communal sanctuary committed to the public, where the triumphs of photographers are celebrated, along with the narratives and Filipino tales captured earlier on film and lately, on digital.

In tandem with this vision, Tapan also aspires to establish a community for Filipino photographers, fostering a collective spirit that emphasizes collaboration over competition. It aims to create a space where accomplished lensmen like himself can share experiences and impart wisdom to future generations of talented photographers.

raised the bar for comfort and connectivity with high-speed WiFi, international power outlets and several USB ports.

Josh noted that Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok is popular with both business and leisure travelers with demand driven by guests who seek an inviting and friendly experience in a peaceful yet convenient city location.

“Our location also makes great sense to the Filipino traveler as shopping and entertainment is on top of many priority lists,” he noted. After that much-needed rest and recharge, dinner was a cozy, almost-homey meal at the hotel’s signature restaurant, MoMo Café. Then it was time to head out again.

n ghtlife in Bangkok also has something for anyone and everyone—from posh bars to the less-wholesome and naughty haunts. Some of the best bars in Asia can be found in Bangkok. The iconic Bamboo Bar, for one, Bangkok’s first jazz venue, retains its 1950s vibe, while serving up masterfully crafted cocktails and soulful live music. Rabbit Hole, located in Sukhumvit 55, is hard to find, but worth the search. Another hard-to-find watering hole is J. Boroski, owned by famous mixologist Joseph Boroski, where you need to describe the drink you want to the bartenders who will then make a one-of-a-kind cocktail.

After a night-out on the town, recovery time is a must. Thankfully, the therapists at the hotel’s Tarnvana Spa know how to knead and press to restore and revitalize.

There is much more to Thailand than just Bangkok—and one day, I will explore more of this amazing country. But this city will always be a go-to destination for me. It’s an easy, four-hour flight—perfect for a weekend trip and no matter how many times I keep going back, there’s a certain allure and energy that awakes the spirit in Bangkok.

G EO RGE TAPAN has earned the name ‘Georgegraphic’ due to his breathtaking photography showcasing the landscapes of Philippine tourism and culture.

The newly-renovated rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok exude a touch of nature which aim make guests feel more relaxed

Experts: Greenhouse

emissions of electric vehicles are 17-30% lower than those of regular cars

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (Evap), based on data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), said 2,557 EV (electric vehicle) units were registered from January to June 2023. Of this number, SUVs made up the bulk of these newly registered EVs at 1,077 units followed by utility vehicles at 766 units, cars at 502 units, motorcycles with 208 units, and trucks with four units.

There are more than 16,000 EV units in the Philippines as of December 2023, said Evap. Electric vehicles emit less greenhouse gases and air pollutants over their life than diesel-powered cars. With no tailpipe, pure electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving, considerably reducing air pollution. Electric vehicles also help reduce noise pollution.

AMID the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), leading digital solutions platform Globe tackled the need for ethical practices and human oversight over the technology in an insightful discussion with students at the recent Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) Career and Internship Fair.

Dennis Abella, vice president for operations systems support (OSS) program delivery at Globe, noted how science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEM) can prepare students for future careers where AI integration is increasingly becoming indispensable.

But while AI stimulates creativity and innovation, and enhances critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, he pointed out that it is crucial to understand AI’s ethical and societal implications.

“AI is powerful, but it still requires human common sense to make the right decisions. It cannot discern beyond its programmed capabilities. Because of this, we need responsible digital citizenship, ensuring that we make informed, ethical decisions about technology use and its impact on society,” said Abella in his talk “AI Unleashed.”

According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA), “emissions are usually higher in the production phase of electric cars, but these are more than offset by lower emissions in the use phase over time.”

“The greenhouse gas emissions of electric vehicles, with the current EU energy mix and over the entire vehicle life cycle, are about 17 percent to 30 percent lower than the emissions of petrol and diesel cars.

However, as the carbon intensity of the EU energy mix is projected to decrease, the life-cycle emissions of a typical electric vehicle could be cut by at least 73 percent by 2050,” said the EEA.

The different types of electric vehicles, according to the EEA report, are:

■ Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by an electric motor, using electricity stored in an on-board battery.

■ Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that work together or separately.

■ Range extended electric vehicles (REEVs) have a serial hybrid configuration in which their internal combustion engine has no direct link to the wheels.

■ Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

■ Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are entirely propelled by electricity, which is provided by a fuel cell “stack.”

In the Philippines, President Bongbong Marcos has urged the private sector to invest in electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in the country.

In return, the Philippine government is offering fiscal incentives which include income tax holidays, duty exemption of capital equipment, raw materials, and spare parts used in electric vehicles. According to the president, the government aims to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10 percent, or 50 percent by 2040. The government plans go incentivize four million EVs in the next 10 years, the majority of which will be two wheelers and e-trikes along with e-PUVs (public utility vehicles) and e-bus, said Trade Undersecretary for Innovation and Competitiveness Group Rafaelita Aldaba during the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) last year.

The government is also looking to provide consumers with direct financial rebates or discounts when they purchase an electric vehicle. During the PEVs, Aldaba said the government was planning a P10,000 subsidy for buyers of two-wheeler EVs, P20,000 for three-wheeled EVs, and P500,000 for e-PUVs. The proposed EV incentives strategy is expected be launched this year through the government’s partnership project with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, specifically the “Accelerating the Adoption and Scale Up of electric mobility for low carbon city development in the Philippines.” ■

Globe is currently testing the use of AI in certain aspects of the business, including customer service and automation of its digital channels. These initiatives ensure that risks in the areas of security,

compliance and ethics are mitigated.

“AI systems, by nature, lack moral reasoning and an understanding of complex social norms. This is why human oversight is critical, as it ensures that

www.businessmirror.com.ph

AirAsia MOVE teams up with Coras to launch MOVETIX

BY RODERICK L. ABAD

Contributor

ELEVATING travel experience like never before, AirAsia MOVE (formerly AirAsia Superapp) is introducing MOVETIX, a brand-new and innovative ticketing platform offering more than 10,000 international events and activities complemented by flights, hotels and rides in the comfort of one app.

This is made possible with its partnership with global ticket distribution channel Coras, which powers the platform via its network of partners that include Ryanair, Pegasus, Frontier and more.

Kicking off the launch, StarHub and World Football Legends announced the tapping of MOVETIX as the official ticketing partner of the upcoming StarHub Football Festival on April 20 and 21, 2024 in Our Tampines Hub, Singapore. It will feature a match with English Premier League legends and Singapore legends, such as David James, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham, etc. Ticket prices range at SGD60 each for adult, and SGD30 for senior citizens (above the age of 60) and children (below the age of 12). Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Dyslexic Association and HCA Hospice Care.

For ticket booking, open the airasia Superapp, click on the “MOVETIX” icon, and select the event and key in the required details.

According to AirAsia MOVE chief executive officer Nadia Omer, entertainment is pivotal in travel, and the role of Hassan Choudhury as CEO of RedRecords, a joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music, is in synch with their “commitment to deliver the best value in travel and to develop talents in Asean.”

“Teaming up with the best of entertainment with Coras on our AirAsia MOVE platform will elevate the experience of our customers, while staying true to our brand proposition. With MOVETIX, our app users can now book their entire trip seamlessly including flights, hotels and land transport through airasia ride, meals via the Dine-in option, all within one single cohesive ecosystem,” she said.

“We’re excited to partner with AirAsia MOVE so that their customer base of over 15 million monthly active users can now buy tickets for the best theater, sports, live music and attractions across 67 cities and 20 countries. Southeast Asia is the next big growth market for live entertainment and we’re delighted to play a part in this development,” noted Coras CEO Mark McLaughlin.

Stay updated on the airasia Superapp by following @airasiasuperapp.ph on Instagram, Threads and TikTok. The airasia app is available for download at the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery.

AI operates within ethical boundaries and prevents possible misuse that may lead to harm,” he added.

Globe and Mapúa MCM share a commitment to advancing technological education while ensuring that students grasp the significance of human oversight in AI.

“This collaboration with Globe provides our students with invaluable insights into the practical and ethical dimensions of AI. It helps equip our students with the skills and perspective needed to succeed in a tech-driven world,” said Leopoldo Aquino Jr., director of the Office of Corporate Partnership and Alumni Affairs at Mapúa MCM.

Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado, Jr., EVP/COO of Mapúa MCM, meanwhile, emphasized the career expo’s role in bridging the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations.

Globe’s partnership with Mapúa MCM is in line with the company’s proactive efforts to collaborate with academic institutions across the country to help prepare future-ready students and open doors to opportunities in the technology sector.

More information is available at www.globe.com.ph.

BusinessMirror

POCO’s new speed-cies

POCO jumpstarted 2024 with the POCO X6 5G and POCO X6 Pro 5G, reintroducing them as a new “SPEED-CIES” of smartphones aimed at Gen Z users who want to maximize their gaming, streaming and social media experiences.

The latest additions to the fan-favorite X-series brings in several notable enhancements, offering features, design and performance similar to flagship models, all while maintaining accessible pricing. They deliver an enhanced display for smooth and immersive visuals, a triple-camera setup for better content creation and, of course, POCO’s trademark smooth and speedy performance.

Since we’ll be talking about speed, let me first congratulate our friends from Smart Communications Inc. for still being the fastest mobile network in the Philippines, according to the Ookla, for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Smart’s stronghold on speed is evident, with the telco recording a remarkable median download speed of 37.64 Mbps. In contrast, its main competitors, Globe and DITO, trailed significantly with median download speeds of 26.44 Mbps and 19.74 Mbps, respectively. This substantial lead underscores Smart’s commitment to providing subscribers with unparalleled connectivity and seamless digital experiences.

The journey of Smart’s speed evolution began with a median download speed of 33.39 Mbps in Q1. Over subsequent quarters, Smart demonstrated steady growth, with speeds climbing to 35.39 Mbps in Q2 and further to 35.56 Mbps in Q3. This upward trajectory culminated in an impressive performance recorded in Q4, showcasing Smart’s relentless pursuit of providing the best possible service to its customers.

A BREED FOR SPEED

THE very first POCO phone I’ve had was the POCO X3 NFC which came out in September 2020. Believe it or not, even with all the phones I’m reviewing, I still use it regularly. Since it has 256GB storage, I use it to backup content from review phones as well as for my old movie collection. It’s had its share of bumps and scratches but despite a slight battery degrade, it’s still as snappy as the day I unboxed it.

The POCO X6 Pro 5G comes in three colors and two configurations. The 8GB+256GB is priced at P16,999, while the 12GB+512GB has a price tag of P19,999. The standard POCO X6 5G, on the other hand., is also available in three colors and three variants. The base 8GB+256GB starts at P14,999; P15,999 for the 12GB+256GB; and P17,999 for the 12GB+ 512GB.

The review unit I have is the 12+512GB POCO X6, but I’ll also be highlighting some key differences with the Pro edition.

DESIGN AND BUILD

THE POCO X6 and X6 Pro showcase Xiaomi’s commitment to offering sleek, modern smartphones at an accessible price point. The two devices continue the design language that began with the POCO X4, with a rectangular camera module occupying the top area of the device.

When it comes to color options, the POCO X6 Pro comes in black, gray and a striking bright yellow with a faux leather finish. The POCO X6, on the other hand, is available in black, blue and a white variant with a marble effect, catering to users looking for sophistication. The POCO X6 is a bit taller, slimmer and lighter, and there are also several distinct differences between the two models.

The POCO X6 Pro opts for a slightly curved back, enhancing ergonomics and comfort during extended use. Its camera module is prominently designed with four equally sized lenses, one of which cleverly doubles as a flash. In contrast, the POCO X6 features a flat edge and a more straightforward camera setup with two pronounced lenses and a smaller third lens alongside the flash. This design choice not only differentiates the two phones aesthetically but also hints at the variations in their photographic capabilities.

The volume rockers and power buttons are strategically placed on the upper right side for easy

access and both have stereo speakers. Notably, the POCO X6 includes a 3.5mm headphone port, catering to users who prefer traditional wired headphones, a feature that is absent in the X6 Pro. Both smartphones are equipped with responsive in-screen fingerprint sensors and have achieved an IP54 rating, meaning it has dust- and water-resistance but it’s not something you should submerge.

DISPLAY AND AUDIO

BOTH the standard and Pro versions of the POCO X6 boast of a 6.67”

CrystalRes 1.5K Flow AMOLED

DotDisplay, offering a resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, and a high brightness level that peaks at 1800 nits. The X6 Pro sports Gorilla Glass 5, while the display of the X6 is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The screens provide crisp, clear visuals complemented by Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, making them ideal for streaming even highdefinition content. Complementing that immersive viewing experience are stereo speakers that deliver loud clear sound.

CAMERAS AS I mentioned earlier, the triple cameras of the X6 Pro are more noticeable than the X6, though the two devices have the same trio of lenses – a solid 64MP main shooter flanked by an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens. Daytime shots taken by the

X6 come out great with plenty of detail and more natural-looking colors. Expect a dip in quality though when shooting indoors and less than ideal lighting, and night photos tend to lack details. Switching to nightmode does help a bit as the software tends to boost the color to make up for the lack of details. It’s not terrible and still worth posting on social media with a just a bit of editing. I do have to mention the built-in photo editor of the POCO X6 is a lot of fun to use with its AI feature letting you remove unwanted objects and people and even allow you to change the sky/clouds of your scenery. The ultrawide lens offers some creative flexibility and is quite handy when you want capture pretty landscape views or squeeze more people in a group shot. Quality is still quite good but there’s a noticeable difference compared to shots using the main camera. As for videos, the X6 can capture 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 60 fps. The frontfacing camera is 16-megapixel and is good enough for taking selfies. The portrait mode, however, is a hit and miss as it struggles to apply the blur and depthof-field effect correctly. Better to ask someone to take a portrait using the main camera.

PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY

UNDER the hood, the POCO X6 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7S Gen 2 processor, while the POCO X6 Pro has an even faster Dimensity

8300-Ultra. This chipset set a new speed record for a POCO device with an AnTuTu benchmark of 1,464,228. Coupled with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, both devices can handle multitasking with ease, ensuring a seamless user experience even with multiple apps running. Using the POCO X6 for a week as my daily driver, I never encountered any noticeable slowdown or frustrating hiccups. I used the cameras for event coverages, posting blog and creating/editing short videos, and watching Netflix, YouTube videos. I also tested several games on the phone such as Farlight 84, Mobile Legends, Genshin Impact, Asphalt 9, etc., and all of them played smoothly even if I raised the settings a bit. For battery life, the X6 has a slightly higher 5,100mAh capacity compared to the 5,000mAh battery of the X6 Pro. This proved to be enough to get through a full day of mixed usage, though I did notice faster battery drain when playing games or using the cameras extensively. Again, both devices come with a 67W fast charger and a full charge usually took less than hour.

Finally, for its software, the POCO X6 Pro is equipped with Xiaomi’s newer HyperOS, which introduces sleeker animations, enhanced customization for the lockscreen, and a minimalist design ethos. The POCO X6, on the other hand, still runs on Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 on top of Android 13.

Hopefully it gets a HyperOS update in the near future.

Now, there is a considerable amount of preinstalled bloatware – including a mix of social media apps, Xiaomi’s own suite of tools, and various games, which can be a bit annoying when setting up the phone. You can easily uninstall them, but it still kind of detracts from the initial user experience.

FINAL WORD

FOR POCO users planning to upgrade, the POCO X6 brings a lot of nifty features that improve the overall user experience, from a clearer display, improved cameras, fast charging and splash-resistance. With several configurations to choose from, there’s a POCO X6 5G that will fit your budget. It is also a great choice if you just want to try out the brand. But if you can spend a little bit more though, I would suggest getting the POCO X6 Pro instead as it has a better set of cameras and an even faster processor to for a truly flagship-level experience. ■

Del Monte chalks up 14-pt lead over Cangolf

DEL MONTE lit it up on its home course on Friday by pooling 154 points built around the three-underpar 69 worth 57 points of Romeo Jaraula to open up a 14-point lead over Canlubang after the second round of Championshio division play of the 75th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub tournament.      The Bukidnon-based bets were so unrelenting that they threw away either 48 of Billy Adag or Crispin Parilla—scores that would have counted with the other squads—as Del Monte takes a 305 aggregate into the third round that will also be hosted by the gem inside the vast pineapple plantation in Manolo Fortich.      “Good that our players delivered today,” playing skipper Yoyong Velez said as Del Monte is now threatening to make what was expected to be a Canlubang-Luisita

Tiger Woods’s son has to wait awhile on his PGA dream

Hslugfest into a cakewalk of its own. “We really wanted to gain ground on [our opponents] while we are playing here.”

Ernisto Apas accounted for 49 points for Del Monte, as Velez hinted at having the same five come out again for the third round in an effort to come up with the killer blow and make the final round at Pueblo de Oro a veritable valedictory march for the squad seeking a first Senior title.

“We’re likely stick to our [pretournament] plan of having the same players come out [for the third round],” Velez, who anchored Del Monte’s opening 151 with 52 points at Pueblo on Thursday, said.

From six points at the start of the second round, the Sugar Barons are now facing a huge deficit despite getting 52 points from Abe Rosal and 50 from Abe Avena in a 146 effort.

Either 46 of Zaldy Villa and JP Reyes counted as the third Canlubang score,

sites advance to the Monday qualifier, from which four players earn a spot in the Cognizant Classic at PGA National.

C harlie Woods has played the 36-hole PNC Championship with his father the last four years in a scramble format. He ran into trouble early with a pair of bogeys and a double bogey on the par-5 fifth hole. But it was on the seventh, with water down the right side and water behind the green, where the teen’s hopes ended for good. He made a 12.

Woods made the turn in 47 and had two bogeys and a double bogey on the back for an 86. The leading score was a 65, and it took a 67 to advance.

Woods played with Olin Browne Jr., who qualified for the US Open last summer in Los Angeles. The son of three-time PGA Tour winner Olin Browne shot 72. The pre-qualifier comes with a $250 entry fee for players with no tour status.

Tiger Woods was 16 and already had won the first of three straight US Junior Amateur titles when he received a sponsor exemption to play his first PGA Tour event in the Nissan Open at Riviera. He had rounds of 7275 to miss the cut. AP

GT he partnership marks a new chapter for both organizations and solidified ANTA’s dedication to Philippine basketball and positioning its

footwear technology on the local stage. We are thrilled to welcome ANTA as our official footwear partner,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said. “ANTA’s commitment to innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate Philippine basketball.” Marcial added: “This partnership promises exciting developments for PBA players and fans, and we are confident it will contribute significantly to the continued growth of the sport.”

Deepening its commitment to the PBA, ANTA extended its partnerships which began in the previous conference with four fan-favorite teams—Rain or Shine, Magnolia and TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA and

which is now 291 overall.

Luisita, the defending champion, tallied a second round 145 built around the 51 of ex-pro Dan Cruz and the 49 of Ronnie Littaua, and non-playing skipper Jeric Hechanove will surely tinker with his roster coming into the third 18 Saturday in order to have a chance on the final day.

Manila Southwoods remained in fourth, but now just a point behind Luisita as champion Philippine Basketball Association coach Jorge Gallent made his Seniors debut with a 55-point effort, with Jun Jun Plana and Monet Garcia shooting 49 points each.

T he 75th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by diamond sponsors Mastercard and Asian Journal. Platinum sponsors include Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Araw Hospitality while gold sponsors are Tanduay and Asia Brewery. Joining the event as silver sponsors are ABS-CBN Global, Radio Mindanao Network and Philippine National Bank. VISA is a minor sponsor while Must Glow is joining as a donor.

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the PBA D-League.

Teaming up with the PBA gives us the opportunity to support these athletes perform at their best at the highest level of basketball locally,” ANTA Philippines General Manager JP Paglinawan said.

“Partnering with the PBA comes at a perfect time when ANTA is growing at a very rapid pace across the country,” Paglinawan told a press conference on Thursday at the New World Makati Hotel. “Together, we look forward to further developing the future of both brands and more importantly, Philippine basketball.”

ANTA’s TV commercial was presented during the press conference and featured some of ANTA’s bright young athletes in the PBA and brought them together with PBA Legends Alvin Patrimonio and Benjie Paras.

ANTA will roll out later this year community programs in collaboration with Rain or Shine—an approach reflecting ANTA’s dedication to supporting local basketball and fostering its future at every level.

JERWIN “PRETTY BOY” ANCAJAS (right) and Takuma Inoue are making it all clean and fun a day ahead of their title showdown. COURTESY

Ancajas goes for Inoue’s

TBy Josef Ramos

OKYO—History beckons Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas as he goes after Japanese Takuma Inoue’s World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title Saturday at the Ryougoku Kokugikan Arena.

The late great Gabriel “The Flash”

Elorde and  Gerry Peñalosa made indelible marks at the famous sumo arena that’s venerated by the Japanese since it was built in 1909.

Elorde first made history at the sumo hall when he knocked out hometown bet Teruo Kosaka in the 12th round to keep his world junior lightweight crown in 1964.

Peñalosa then made left his mark when he scored a split decision victory over Hiroshi Kawashima in February 1997 to wrest the World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight belt.  I hope to win tomorrow and be part of history here,” Ancajas told reporters after Friday’s official weigh-in at the Tokyo Dome. “This is going to be a good story—to follow their footsteps. They’re a great motivation especially now that there’s no Filipino world champion.”

A ncajas and Inoue tipped the scale at identical 117.4 pounds to be locked and loaded for the 118-lb world title. The Panabo City pride climbs the ring with a 34-3-2 win-loss-draw record with 23 knockouts against the 28-yearold Inoue, who has fought less times than the Filipino but lost only once in 18 fights with four knockouts.

Iworld title

Jerwin’s weight is okay, everything is normal,” said Joven Jimenez, Ancajas’s long-time trainer and manager. “We’re ready for tomorrow night’s fight.”

W hile rehydrating and eating, Ancajas had former world super flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and Jonas Sultan as visitors.

Sultan fights in one of the non-title undercards against Japanese Riku Masuda.   I’m ready for tomorrow,” said Ancajas while recovering with pasta and broccoli and rehydration juice.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons expects Ancajas to push Inoue to the limit of their 12-round fight.

Jerwin feels 100 percent good,” Gibbons said. “I expect him to bring the fight to Inoue and will do his best to stop him, that guy never been stops.” A ncajas said he won’t rush and would focus on throwing accurate punches. If an opening comes, I will take it, but I’m not going to rush for a knockout,” he said.

Reigning WBC bantamweight champion Alexandro Santiago tipped the scale at 117.6 pounds while Japanese challenger Junto Nakatani weighed in at 117.5 pounds and are ready for the fight card’s main event. Kosei Tanaka and Mexican Christian Bacasegua Rangel also both made the weight at 114.6 pounds for the vacant World Boxing Organization super flyweight championship bout.

Taiwanese no easy pickings –Coach Tim

F Hong Kong was there for the easy pickings, Chinese-Taipei won’t be the same apple that Gilas Pilipinas is tackling at home on Sunday, according to national team head coach Tim Cone.

“ I watched Taiwan in the Jones Cup against Rain or Shine, and last Asian Games and wow, this team is strong,” said Cone Friday, a day after Gilas massacred Hong Kong, 94-64, in its home turf in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers.

They have good size and they shoot the ball extremely well,” Cone said. “They are the team to reckon with and

we need little support that we can get.”

Naturalized player Justin Brownlee had 16 points, seven rebounds and as many assists against Hong Kong, a performance he’s expected to reprise against Chinese-Taipei in their 8:30 p.m. game at the PhilSports Arena.

K evin Quiambao had 15 points also in that game to continue emphasizing his consistent firepower.

At the Asian Games in Hangzhou where Cone coached Gilas to the gold medal last October, the Taiwanese missed the bronze medal after losing to the host Chinese, 101-73. K ai Sotto had 13 points, 15

Crossovers target solo lead vs Athletics

CHERY TIGGO coach Kung Fu Reyes is optimistic about his team’s title campaign in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference as the Crossovers eye win No. 2 against Strong Group Athletics at resumption of the eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

Saturday.

Ne w recruits

Ara Galang and Aby

Maraño helped deliver the goods as the Crossovers rolled past the debuting Capital 1 Solar Spikers in last Tuesday’s inaugurals of the league’s centerpiece tournament.

P itted against another newcomer, Athletics, at 2 p.m., Reyes anticipates minimal resistance considering the opponent’s recent three-set loss to the Petro Gazz Angels.

Despite the challenge of managing a lineup with added star power, Reyes views it as a

rebounds and two blocks and Jamie Malonzo had 11 points against Hong Kong, which jumped the gun on the Philippines only to lose steam. They shocked us,” said Cone, who hopes a big crowd turns out at the PhilSports Arena.

“ It will be awesome if we can sell it out,” he said.

C hinese-Taipei is coming off a 69-89 beating at the hands of New Zealand at home also on Thursday.

L iu Cheng is expected to step up against the Filipinos after leading his team with 20 points against the New Zealand. Josef Ramos

“good problem” while underscoring the importance of assessing players’ performance in training. It’s a good problem,” Reyes said in jest. He acknowledges his abundance of outside hitters but expressed confidence in the reliability of his talented squad, which includes Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, Cess Robles, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorado and Laure sisters EJ and Eya. “Somehow, it’s a pain in the head, so many outside hitters,” Reyes said. “Our gauge will be who’s 100 percent, who’s performing well, who’s consistent in training.”

But the Athletics are hopeful for an improved performance from skipper Dolly Versoza, Angeli Cane, Sheeka Espinosa, Nikkie Baldizanso, Sousan Raslan, Joy Onofre, Andrea Rebleza and Ayumi Furukawa.

C reamline and Cignal, meanwhile, kick off their respective campaigns against Farm Fresh and Akari, respectively.

WENDELL ALINEA

DEL MONTE’S Ernisto Apas (left) studies the line of his putt, Canlubang’s Abe Rosal (center) uses a long putter and champion coach Jorge Gallent is meticulous on the green. ROY DOMINGO

WOODS

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

US think tank says China destroyed, damaged 243 square kilometers of coral reefs in SCS

Cde Masinloc, Russell Reef and Sabina Shoal, the Center for Strategic Studies—Asian Maritime Transparency Institute (CMSAMTI) estimated that the extent of damage could reach 60,000 acres, which is roughly equivalent to 243 kilometers.

Monica Sato, CSIS-AMTI researcher, said that from 2013 to 2017, China buried a lot of coral reefs with artificial islands in the SCS, using cutter suction dredgers to slice into the reef and pump sediment and deposit it as landfill.

Occupying and building artificial islands on what were originally rock formations may have improved China’s territorial claim over the South China Sea, but at the expense of the environment, Sato said.

“It [artificial island building] is considered the most detrimental to the environment. This is because it removes essential reef substructures and incapacitates the reefs’ ability to repair itself over time,” she explained.

In the late 2023, they noted, Vietnam also used the same cutter suction dredgers when it reinforced the islands it is occupying.

“So when we totaled the number of reefs destroyed by both dredging and landfill, we found that China has actually destroyed 4,500 acres [18 square miles] of reefs through dredging and landfill. Vietnam comes in second with 1,500 acres [6 square kilometers] destroyed. Brunei and Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan barely scratched the surface. They contribute to less than 100 acres [0.4 square kilometers] of destroyed reef.

Aside from dredging and landfill, the CSIS-AMTI also found that the coral reefs were destroyed by wanton harvesting of giant clams.

Giant clams are similar to elephant ivories and are popular jewelry and house ornaments in China. Processed giant clams fetch for as much as $106,000.

“What the fisherman from China do is they use specially made brass propellers and then the boat moves

Daround in a semi-circle on an anchor chain, which is why you see these Half Moon shapes created by the anchors,” she demonstrated, adding that it would takes decades or centuries to recover.

Gregory Poling, CSIS-AMTI Southeast Asia director, said satellite data of 21,000 acres of damaged coral reef may be understated. If considering the damage done in the coral reef as documented by TV news reporter Ciara Zambrano, and underwater video shots by the Philippine Coast Guard in Russell Reef, Sabina Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, the total damage could reach 60,000 acres (243 square kilometers). As a result, the total catch of fish in SCS has been “more or less flat since the 1990s.”

“Countries are fishing down the seafood food chain. They are fishing species that wouldn’t even have been worth it a few years ago, and I think most people know this anecdotally if you go to markets anywhere in coastal Philippines or central Vietnam. What you find are juvenile fish and fish species that would have considered bait at best 30 years ago because the other stuff isn’t there anymore or it’s almost impossible to find,” he said. Poling said Vietnam is also catching up on troll fishing technology and has recently joined the fray of overfishing the already stressed ecosystem in the SCS. The problem with Vietnam is that more of its lack of regulatory capacity to stop illegal fishing, he said. The situation is far from China.

“China’s fishers are overfishing the South China Sea because Beijing pays them to overfish the South China Sea. This is a choice made by Beijing to subsidize fishing in areas where no Chinese fishing boat would operate if the state didn’t pay them,” he added.

When asked what solution they can offer to stop China from continually destroying the coral reefs, Poling replied, “Convince Beijing to stop it.”

“You know, any effort to physically prevent this is going to be hopeless. [China] got a lot more boats than everybody else combined, and it’s a lot of oceans to try to cover. So, we need to see an international coalition starting in Southeast Asia, led by the claimants, to better survey this damage account for it. Hopefully negotiate some joint marine scientific, research and fisheries management regimes among the Southeast Asian claimants,” he suggested.

Malou Talosig-Bartolome

backs controversial Charter change initiatives

AVAO CITY—The Bangsamoro government favors Charter change initiatives after publicly junking a plan of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte to gather wider support for an “independent” Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro Information Office said the Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament appears to be inclined in supporting the move to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution because it was “positive that the expanded powers of the regional government would be reflected in the Philippine Constitution once it is amended.”

On Wednesday, the Bangsamoro Parliament received BTA Resolution No. 521, which “underscored the need for a Charter change to resolve constitutional issues for the full enforcement and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement.”

The information office said the CAB would be commemorated of its 10th anniversary on March 27. It is the final peace accord between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that ceased decades of armed conflict, resulting in long-lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.

It disclosed that Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, BTA Parliament Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong and Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal were the main proponents of the said resolution, which would indicate that the support to Charter change was a position of the Bangsamoor executive office also.

However, the information office said that its support to changing the Constitution also “highlighted the concerns that cannot be catered to by the present constitutional regime.”

The bill was supported by 10 other Bangsamoro parliamentarians, the information office claimed.

Balindong said in his speech that the “best way” to resolve strife and bolster the economy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was through genuine autonomy. “What is therefore needed is to expand the scope of the powers of the regional government in the next Constitution,” he said.

In the bill, the proponents said that

Hike in PhilHealth members’ contributions ‘the last’–exec

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) sees no need to further hike its contribution rates in 2026 after it was recently increased to 5 percent, according to PhilHealth’s top official on Friday. P hilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. said he is not personally keen on increasing the members’ monthly health i nsurance premium contributions to PhilHealth in 2026.

“We’re doing fine. The cash position is good, the company financial position is very good,” Ledesma said in a media conference.

Ledesma pointed out that PhilHealth will “be okay” considering the state health insurer obtains its funds from government a gencies, such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the Department of Budget a nd Management (DBM), and Malacañang.

“Sundan lang natin yung batas. Ito na ang huli [Let’s follow the law. This will be the last],” Ledesma said.

The premium rate hike is pursuant to the provisions of Section

1 0 (Premium Contributions) of Republic Act (RA) 11223 or the Universal Healthcare Law, stating that direct contributors’ premium rates shall be in accordance with the schedule, monthly income floor and ceiling.

In 2019, the premium rate was at 2.75 percent for those with an income floor of P10,000 to P50,000. This gradually increased to 3 percent in 2020, 3 .50 percent in 2021, and at 4 percent in 2022.

The premium rate was still at 4 percent in 2023, which was supposed to be at 4.5 percent since the go vernment deferred the implementation, saying the country is s till recovering from the “socioeconomic challenges” of the pandemic.  ( See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/19/ g ovt-workers-philhealth-contributions-now-up-5/)

HMO-like operations

EARLIER , House Speaker Ferdi -

nand Martin G. Romualdez directed the House Committee on Health to conduct a comprehensive review of the PhilHealth charter. (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/02/15/philhealthpackage-hike-to-be-across-theboard/)

Romualdez said the state health insurer should operate similarly to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and channel its r esources toward safeguarding the health of the population rather than investing in commercial b anks and bonds.

Ledesma emphasized that PhilHealth operates under the Republic A ct (RA) No. 7875 or the National Health Insurance Act enacted in 1995, which created PhilHealth.

Eli Dino D. Santos, executive vice president and COO of PhilHealth, stated that since PhilHealth was created by law, there’s a p ossibility of it operating similarly to an HMO.

“[If] the legislature or House of

Representatives deem it proper to amend our charter to function similarly with the operation of HMO, t hen we’ll submit to the wisdom of the Congress,” Santos said.  PhilHealth also announced the 30 percent increase in the rates of its benefits packages effective last February 14 to reduce the out-ofpocket payments of its members. The adjustment covered the expanded hemodialysis sessions for C hronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 patients to 156 sessions from 144 sessions, covering the three times a week dialysis sessions for one whole year.

Benefits coverage for patients with high-risk pneumonia was also increased to P90,100 from P32,000, while for those with ischemic stroke is covered with P76,000 f rom P28,000 and hemorrhagic stroke at P80,000 from P38,000.  PhilHealth also hiked the coverage for patients with early stage b reast cancer, inclusive of surgery and chemotherapy, under the Z Benefits package from P100,000 to P1.4 million.

DENR IDs 18 provinces with ‘high exposure’ to climate change risks

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

EIGHTEEN provinces including densely populated Cebu, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Iloilo were identified as highly exposed to climate change. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga bared the list of the most vulnerable provinces in the country during a forum on climate change organized by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF).

Yulo-Loygaza said based on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) her department drew up last year, the 18 provinces with “high exposure” to climate change are:

“amending the 1987 Constitution is a prudent and responsible course of action, ensuring that the Bangsamoro people are afforded the rights, autonomy, and resources they are entitled under the peace accord.” “I would like to see the barest minimum expanded powers of the regional government in the Bangsamoro Organic Law [BOL] reflected in the new constitutional franchise,” Balindong said.

Among the proposed amendments that it wished included in the Charter change are the following: power-sharing agreement, defining the powers reserved to the national government, Bangsamoro government, and both entities; Sharia Justice System; policing in the Bangsamoro; supervision and control of the regional government over its local government units (LGU); delineation of powers of the Constitutional bodies vis-à-vis regional government; and the qualification of the Chief Minister (CM).

“It is our duty to ensure that our gains in the peace process are cemented in the proposed changes, and not merely a subject of a legislative act,” Balindong added.

During the February 8 Constitution Day celebration in Makati City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. clarified that the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution are limited only to the economic provisions stipulated therein.

Iqbal, who is also the implementing panel chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said in an interview that the Bangsamoro leaders will assert the full implementation of the CAB. He said while the relationship with the national government has been good, “there are still issues that need to be discussed.”

“As leaders, we are already part of the Government. But Being part of the government does not mean that we have to give up what has been agreed by the [national] government and the MILF through the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Iqbal said. He said that it was “evident” that the BOL did not fully capture the CAB, and that only about 85 percent has been implemented.

“We will assert that. Kailangang maisakatuparan iyan,” Iqbal stressed. Manuel T. Cayon

n Albay

n Bulacan

n Cagayan

n Camarines Norte

n Camarines Sur

n Capiz

n Cebu

n Eastern Samar

n Iloilo

n Leyte

n Masbate

n Negros Occidental

n Pampanga

n Pangasinan

n Quezon

n Samar

n Sorsogon

n Zamboanga del Sur

“ This is the ranking that actually refers to exposure to heat, to extreme rainfall, to flooding,” Yulo-Loyzaga explained.

Based on the 2020 census, the population of these 18 provinces total at least 30.8 million.

Except for Catanduanes, all the provinces of the Bicol region—Albay,

Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon are considered in the climate change high exposure list.

Metro Manila, the most densely populated region in the country, ranked in the medium-low to low exposure to climate change.

The DENR chief stressed that the “granularity” of this analysis needs to be appropriated to more localized level to allow the local government to make decisions.

These data form part of the department’s integrated approach in crafting new “evidence-informed plans on mitigation and adaptation.”

Aside from the NAP, the DENR and the Climate Change Commission also completed two other key documents, which were presented and became basis of the negotiations of the Philippine delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE last December 2023. The two

documents were: the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory and the National Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP).

Globally, the Philippines is ranked the riskiest country in the last two World Risk Index reports from a list of 193 countries. The risks are measured based on the exposure to natural hazards and its vulnerability or level of preparedness.

“What makes us the riskiest, however, is our low level of prevention and preparedness, making our vulnerability the highest,”

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of the Ayala Corp. and co-chair of the PDRF, said during his welcoming remarks.

This and the supertyphoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), Zobel de Ayala explained, were the reasons the PDRF shifted its strategy to add preparedness, prevention and resilience to its original mission of helping in the relief and recovery efforts of the government.

PHL sees strong US alliance no matter who wins election

THE Philippines is confident in its alliance with Washington and expects continued backing in its maritime dispute with China no matter who wins the US election in November, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official said.

Speaking at a forum organized by the foreign correspondents’ association on Thursday, PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela pledged to continue to speak out against Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea (SCS), where both nations hold competing territorial claims. He recalled how it

was the Trump administration that clarified the US’s obligation under its 1951 mutual defense treaty to defend the Philippines in the event of an attack.

“The only thing I know about Trump is that he is not a fan of China,” Tarriela said of the former president. “I’d like to believe that our alliance with the US will not be negatively affected by having Trump again in the White House.”

Under President Joe Biden, Washington enhanced military cooperation with Manila through a mix of drills, patrols and an ex -

panded defense pact as part of a broader effort seen as helping push back on Beijing. He’s reiterated that America’s commitment to the Philippines is ironclad.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has likewise taken a more assertive stance against Beijing’s use of so-called grey-zone tactics in the contested waterway, with both sides publicly criticizing one another over repeated incidents involving competing vessels.

Beijing claims a huge swath of the SCS, a move contested by nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

US Navy official reaffirms support for PN modernization

ARANKING US Navy official renewed his country’s commitment to help the Philippine Navy’s (PN) ongoing modernization program.

The reaffirmation was made by US Navy International Program Office (NIPO) chief Rear Admiral Anthony Rossi following his visit to PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Thursday, February 22.

Established in 1989, NIPO endeavors to advance global maritime alliances and partnerships by championing exportability and the transfer of capabilities in support of strategic security interests.

In a statement, PN spokesperson

Commander John Percie Alcos said Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command deputy commander Commodore Salvador Lavapie Jr., met with the American naval

official on behalf of Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.

“Discussed during the courtesy call were current and future modernization projects and bilateral training initiatives between the two naval forces,” he added. Lavapie also expressed gratitude to

Rossi for the US Navy’s continued support and sees stronger bilateral relations between the two nations. “Rear A dmiral Rossi reciprocated the gratitude and then emphasized the significance of fostering strong relationships with allies like the Philippines, highlighting the

Tarriela said the Philippines is seeking ways to drum up support from fellow Southeast Asian nations that have largely refrained from condemning China, their chief trading partner.

“When we talk about food security and the welfare of fishermen, this is a concern not just for Western countries, but also for Southeast Asian countries,” he said. “We can expect that Southeast Asian neighbors will somehow support us as we try to once again our tweak our transparency strategy.”

Bloomberg News

mutual benefits that stem from collaboration and solidarity among partner nations,” Alcos noted.

Rossi also stressed that working together with long-time allies demonstrates solidarity.

“We see great value when we work together with partners. It demonstrates solidarity on behalf of allies,” the US Navy official stressed. Rex Anthony Naval

US eyes over 500 new sanctions on Russia’s war machine, indicts Russian businessmen

By Fatima Hussein & Ellen Knickmeyer The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The Treasury Department plans to impose more than 500 new sanctions on Russia and its war machine on Friday as the US vows to keep up its financial pressure on Moscow with the war entering its third grueling year.

The sanctions represent the largest single tranche of penalties since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. They come on the heels of a series of new arrests and indictments announced by the Justice Department on Thursday that target Russian businessmen, including the head of Russia’s second-largest bank, and their middlemen in five separate federal cases.

The Biden administration is seeking to demonstrate its unwavering support for Ukraine, even though Republican lawmakers allied with former President Donald Trump are blocking vital additional US military aid.

The White House had promised major sanctions in response to the death last week of Rus -

sian President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in an Arctic penal colony. Biden said Thursday after meeting with Navalny’s wife and daughter that the sanctions would be “against Putin, who is responsible for his death.”

The planned sanctions were previewed by two administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity before their release on Friday. Additional sanctions are expected from the State Department as well.

Thousands of sanctions have already been imposed on Russian officials, businessmen, banks, companies and entire industries since the start of the war.

Out of the Justice Department, the cases announced Thursday

include charges unsealed in New York against sanctioned Russian banker Andrei Kostin and “two of his US-based facilitators.” The facilitators, Vadim Wolfson and Gannon Bond, were arrested Thursday.

Kostin, the longtime president of state-owned VTB Bank, is charged with engaging in a scheme to evade sanctions and launder money to support two superyachts. He, along with the two others, is also accused of trying to evade sanctions by concealing his ownership of a home in Aspen, Colorado. The indictment says Wolfson and Bond arranged to sell

the house and provide Kostin with about $12 million from the sale. Michael Khoo, a co-director of the department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, said on a call with reporters that the announcement was meant to send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “we’re not going away” and “we can play the long game as well” so long as the war continues.

The KleptoCapture task force enforces the economic restrictions within the US on Russia and its billionaires.

The Justice Department says over the past two years it has secured

court orders for the restraint, seizure, and forfeiture of nearly $700 million in assets and has charged more than 70 people with violating sanctions and export controls.

The United States has been able to transfer more than $5 million of seized Russian assets to Europe in support of Ukraine’s defense, US officials said Thursday. But the process of justifying each confiscation of alleged illicit assets in court is a painstaking one by law, playing out over years.

“The Justice Department is more committed than ever to cutting off the flow of illegal funds that are fueling Putin’s war and to holding accountable those who continue to enable it,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement.

The US and other allies of Ukraine had hoped to cripple and isolate Russia’s economy with a succession of sanctions targeting its financial sector and sources of revenue, including oil sales. But Putin has worked with Iran and others to blunt the impact of the international sanctions, so that the International Monetary Fund reports Russia’s economy growing at an unexpectedly healthy pace.

Also Thursday, an indictment was unsealed in Washington, D.C., charging Vladislav Osipov with bank fraud connected to operating a 255-foot luxury yacht owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. Osipov,

a Russian national, lives in Switzerland. The State Department has offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

The indictment identifies the superyacht as the Tango, the first belonging to a sanctioned Russian with close ties to the Kremlin to be seized at the request of the US government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In Florida, Serhiy Kurchenko, a sanctioned pro-Russian Ukrainian metals magnate, was indicted for trying to evade sanctions that prevent him from doing business in the United States. He and Kostin are believed to be in Moscow and thus unlikely to face US justice.

Also in Florida, a civil forfeiture complaint was filed against two luxury condos in Bal Harbour owned by sanctioned Russian businessman Viktor Perevalov, the coowner of a Russia-based construction company that was sanctioned for building a highway in Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula that Russia seized in 2014.

And in Georgia, Feliks Medvedev pleaded guilty earlier this month to helping launder over $150 million on behalf of Russian clients through bank accounts he controls. Medvedev, a Russian citizen, lives in Buford, Georgia.

A P Writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

Middle East cease-fire efforts gain steam as US envoy visits. Mediators cite ‘encouraging’ signs

By Josef Federman, Samy Magdy & Wafaa Shurafa The Associated Press

ERUSALEM—International

Jefforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to gain new momentum

Thursday as the White House said a visit by a senior envoy with Israeli leaders was “going well” and other mediators reported encouraging signs from the warring parties.

The new signs of progress came ahead of an expected summit this weekend in Paris, where mediators plan to present a new proposal. The US, Egypt and Qatar have been struggling for weeks to find a formula that could halt Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza, but now face an unofficial deadline as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches.

White House Mideast envoy Brett McGurk held talks throughout the day with Israeli leaders and families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

“The initial indications we’re getting from Brett are these discussions are going well,” said White House spokesman John Kirby.

A Western diplomat involved in the efforts said both sides want a pause. “What we have heard from our partners is that they

are willing to give concessions,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closeddoor diplomacy. “Time is pressing them.”

In new fighting, Israeli strikes killed over 70 people in southern and central Gaza, Palestinian health officials said.

Tensions were also rising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen opened fire on morning traffic at a highway checkpoint, killing one man and wounding five others, Israeli police said.

Israel declared war after Hamas militants stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. The Israeli offensive has left over 29,000 Palestinians dead, caused widespread destruction, displaced an estimated 80% of Gaza’s population and fueled a humanitarian disaster.

Roughly half of the hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. About 100 hostages remain in captivity, in addition to the bodies of 30 others who were killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity.

Israel is demanding the release of the remaining hostages as part of any pause but has vowed to press ahead with the offensive until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are destroyed. Hamas wants an end to the war, a full withdrawal of troops and the

release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners Israel is holding.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the Hamas demands as “delusional.”

But in recent days, Israeli leaders have begun to voice cautious optimism and Hamas has signaled it is softening its demands.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a member of Israel’s threeman War Cabinet, indicated some flexibility. “We will expand the authority given to our hostage negotiators,” he said.

At the same time, he warned that the Israeli army “is preparing the continuation of intense ground operations.”

Benny Gantz, who sits on the War Cabinet with Gallant and Netanyahu, has said that if there is no hostage deal, Israel

will launch a ground offensive into Gaza’s southernmost town, Rafah, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins around March 10.

A top Hamas official, meanwhile, voiced hope for “lots of breakthroughs” in the near future.

More than half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million is crowded into Rafah after fleeing fighting elsewhere in the territory. Israel has said it will evacuate them before attacking. But it is not clear where they would go, with much of the rest of the tiny Mediterranean enclave consumed in combat.

The US has urged Israel not to invade Rafah—believed to be Hamas’ last major stronghold— without a plan to protect civilians. Kirby said that McGurk was pressing the Israelis for details.

The foreign ministers of 26 European countries on Thursday called for a pause in fighting leading to a longer cease-fire.

Cease-fire

BOTH the Western diplomat and an Egyptian official said they have seen “encouraging” signs from Israel and Hamas.

The Egyptian official said Egypt, Qatar and the US would

craft a renewed proposal at the talks in Paris, expected on Friday or Saturday. He said mediators managed to water down demands of both sides, including the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel would release in return for women and elderly hostages during a preliminary six-week cease-fire. He said “the discussions are encouraging.”

He said another sticking point is whether displaced Palestinians could return to their homes in northern Gaza. He said Israel, which is still battling in areas of the north, was showing flexibility.

He also said both sides agreed to continue indirect negotiations for a permanent cease-fire— something Israeli officials in public have ruled out.

Moussa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, said the negotiations were focused on “our people.” He called for Palestinians to be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza and a “redeployment” of Israeli forces from residential areas.

“If this is achieved, things can move on an excellent and good way,” he said. “Therefore we say there might be lots of breakthroughs in the near future.”

Israeli media said the War Cabinet agreed late Thursday to send a delegation to the Paris talks.

West Bank shooting and Ramadan tensions

THURSDAY’S shooting came at a checkpoint on a West Bank highway where the gunmen opened fire on cars in the morning rushhour traffic jam. An Israeli man in his 20s was killed and five others wounded, including a pregnant woman. Security forces killed two of the gunmen and detained the third, police said.

Hamas praised the attack in Jerusalem and said it was a “natu -

ral response” to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and raids in the West Bank. But the militant group did not claim responsibility for the attack.

Tensions are rising in the West Bank ahead of Ramadan, which in the past has seen increased clashes, often in connection to restrictions imposed on Palestinian worshippers going to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City during the holy month.

Israel’s hardline national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for tight restrictions on Muslim prayers this year. But no final decisions have been made.

Tempers are likely to be even more volatile this year over the Gaza war and spiraling violence in the West Bank.

Late Thursday, the Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank said one man was killed and 15 wounded, two critically, in an Israeli attack on a car in the Jenin refugee camp. The Israeli military had no immediate comment, but it often operates in the area in what it says is a crackdown on militants.

Bombardment continues

LATE Thursday, Palestinian health officials said at least 27 people were killed in airstrikes in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah. Ambulances rushed victims to the Al-Aqsa Martrys’ Hospital. A small child was rushed into the hospital on a stretcher, while a youth, covered in black soot, was treated as he sat on the floor in the entrance of the building. Strikes in central and southern Gaza earlier Thursday had killed at least 48, including 14 children and 8 women, according to hospital officials there.

Shurafa reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip, and Magdy reported from Cairo. AP correspondent Zeke Miller in Washington contributed reporting.

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, left, listens to VTB Bank Chairman Andrei Kostin during their meeting in Moscow, Russia on July 11, 2023. The Justice Department announced Thursday, February 22, 2024, a series of arrests and indictments against Russian businessmen and their facilitators in five separate federal cases meant to send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among those targeted are sanctioned Russian banker Kostin and two of his USbased facilitators. ALEXANDER KAZAKOV, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP

PALESTINIANS look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah, Gaza Strip on Thursday, February 22, 2024. AP/FATIMA SHBAIR