INFLATION MAY HELP PUT BOP IN
By Cai U. Ordinario
ABalance of
(BOP) in surplus this year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
is expected to remain in surplus until next year. The BOP projection of the Central Bank is $3.5 billion in 2024 and $2.1 billion this year. The BOP position of the Philippines for 2024 represents 0.8 percent of the country’s GDP and 0.4 percent of GDP in 2025.
Sustained net inflows from the financial account will continue
prospects of goods exports.
The Central Bank also said downside risks also include slowerthan-expected growth in China; domestic constraints in the broader use of artificial intelligence (AI); and possible mobility risks due to weather-related events and emergence of highly infectious diseases.
US-related uncertainty, specifically linked to possible policy shifts in the US trade, investment, and migration policies, will remain a key downside risk to the 2025 external sector outlook,” the BSP said.
Based on the BSP’s estimates, the current account is expected to contract $10.4 billion in 2024 and $12.1 billion in 2025.
The BSP said the current account is expected to widen due to a low growth forecast for goods and services exports and high service imports in 2024.
The slowdown in service exports was largely due to the lower earnings of business-process outsourcing (BPO) firms and the slow return of Chinese tourists in the country.
In terms of merchandise goods exports, such is expected to be slower due to the decline in exports of semiconductor products, the country’s top export. The BSP also said exports of copper metal, and bananas are also expected to slow down.
“Expectations of softer global demand amid tight monetary conditions, post-pandemic fiscal consolidation, as well as larger trade barriers and increased uncertainty from President-elect Trump’s announced policies also continue to weigh down the near-term prospects for goods exports,” the BSP said.
Marcos Jr. ‘streamlines’ National Security Council; VP Sara is out
By Samuel P. Medenilla
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Friday issued Executive Order (EO) No. 81, series of 2024, which “streamlined” the National Security Council (NSC) by removing Vice President Sara Duterte and past Presidents from its members. Under the new EO dated December 30, 2024, the chief executive reorganized the membership of the NSC stipulated under EO 34 series of 2001 by removing the Vice President from its list of members. EO 34 states the members of the NSC will include the President as chairperson; the Vice President; Senate President; Speaker of the House of Representatives; Senate President Pro-Tempore; Deputy Speakers for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; Majority Floor Leader of the Senate; Majority Floor Leader of the House; Minority Floor
of the House Committee on Public Order and Security.
A lso among the NSC members are the Executive Secretary; National Security Adviser; Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Secretary of Justice; Secretary of National Defense; Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; Secretary of Labor and Employment; Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; Presidential Spokesperson; Head of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office; and past Presidents of the Philippines.
Among these members, the President, Vice President, Senate President or his representative, Speaker of the House of Representatives or his representative, Executive Secretary, National Security Adviser, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of Justice, Secretary of National Defense, and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government were
TBy Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
HE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday brushed aside the worries of the public following a flurry of posts circulating on social media about an alleged international health concern.
The alarm had been fueled by concern over the expected convergence of hundreds of thousands—used to be millions, prepandemic—of devotees of the Black Nazarene, who join the kilometers-long procession during the feast of Quiapo, Manila.
In a statement, the DOH said, reliable sources “currently do not support” such information, noting that there is also no confirmation from either the cited country or the World Health Organization (WHO).
“DOH will not name or refer to anything unverified,” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a Viber message when sought by the media for clarification if the DOH is referring to cases of human metapneumovirus infections, influenza A, and Covid-19, allegedly overwhelming hospitals in China.
However, the DOH assured the public that the country’s disease surveillance systems are in place and working.
“ The DOH is actively verifying all information, and will keep the Filipino public updated. The Philippines through the Department of Health is an active participant in the network of WHO member states that follow the International Health Regulations (IHR),” the DOH added.
Th is established system, the DOH said, is what gives reliable updates about international health concerns.
Please do not share questionable websites or online sources. Let us not spread misinformation and confusion,” the DOH appealed to people.
Dr. Irin Miranda, head of the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau, has meanwhile assured Jesus Nazareno devotees that the agency would issue an advisory on any serious health concern if needed.
India’s 2024 IPO boom propels renewable energy entrepreneurs into billionaires’ club
By Advait Palepu Bloomberg
ABLOCKBUSTER year for initial public offerings in India catapulted seven entrepreneurs into the dollar billionaires’ league, many of them early movers in the country’s booming renewable energy sector.
C hiranjeev Singh Saluja of Premier Energies is among those who successfully rode the wave. My father was in the business of supplying hand pumps to rural villages,” the 51-year-old said in an interview. “He saw that access to electricity was sparse in those areas, so he started Premier Solar in 1995,” Saluja said.
Th ree decades on, the company rechristened Premier Energies is the country’s second largest integrated solar module and solar cell manufacturer behind the Adani Group. Investors bullish on the government’s investments in solar energy have bid up Premier shares nearly threefold since their debut in September, valuing it at roughly $7 billion.
Saluja is one of the four entrepreneurs in the renewable energy space whose personal fortunes have soared after their companies listed on the stock exchanges last year.
The others are Hitech C Doshi of the Waaree Group, which also makes solar modules, Bhavish Aggarwal of electric vehicle maker Ola Electric Mobility Ltd and Manoj K Upadhyaya of solar energy generator Acme Solar Holdings Ltd.
Prospects for solar players appear bright as India aims to add another 100 GW of capacity in the next four years, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan. But this could be a double-edged sword, said Saluja.
He sees a surge in new capacity in solar cell and module manufacturing over the next 18-24 months.
“There is definitely going to be consolidation in the sector, so only those who scale up will survive,” Saluja said.
A similar trend could play out in India’s equity market, which was on a roll in 2024, with a record 1.66 trillion rupees ($19.82 billion) raised through IPOs compared to 650 billion rupees last year.
Around 85 companies aim to list on the stock exchanges next year, collectively targeting 1.53 trillion rupees ($18 billion), according to data from Prime Database.
“Founders have realized it’s better to own 75% of a $100-million company listed on the exchanges than own 100% of a $10-million company.”—Vishnu Agarwal, Stock Knocks
At the same time, issuers will have to brace for headwinds from a slowing economy, weak corporate profits, volatile rupee, tepid consumer spending and incoming US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Kunal Rambhia, fund manager and head of trading strategies at The Streets, a Mumbai-based longshort fund expects rising global tensions and the threat of tariffs to trigger a deep correction in the market this year.
The IPO trend will continue for the first half of 2025, but could slowdown in the second. Startups and tech-companies will find it harder to list, particularly in the second half because there could be a liquidity crunch,” he said.
Others are more sanguine, considering that domestic inflows into equities have been strong for a while now.
The Indian IPO market is no longer dependent on foreign investors as domestic investors and domestic institutions have enough money,” said Himanshu Kohli, co-founder of Client Associates, a multi-family office and private wealth adviser managing over $6 billion in assets.
Private equity firms and family offices have moved a huge amount of money into unlisted shares and pre-IPO companies over the last year in anticipation of a successful exit in 2025,” said Kohli. Th at should hearten IPO-
bound companies, with the pipeline likely to be dominated by financial services companies, electronic manufacturers, power generation firms and software companies. Big names expected to file for listing this year include Nexus Venture Partners-backed online grocer Zepto, Walmart Inc.-backed e-commerce giant Flipkart India Pvt, Prosus NV-owned payments firm PayU and its rival Peak XV Partners-backed Pine Labs. Bi llionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd. is expected to carve out its retail business and telecom entity as separate listed companies.
Over the last three years, India’s IPO markets have been dominated by a flood of micro, small and medium-sized companies, with 90 percent of them raising less than $100 million, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While 2025 may see some large well-known companies list their shares, everyday entrepreneurs across India do not want to miss out on the IPO boom.
“Founders have realized that its better to own 75% of a $100-million company listed on the exchanges than own 100% of a $10-million company,” said Vishnu Agarwal, chief executive officer of Stock Knocks, a Kolkata-based investment research company.
There are going to be a tsunami of deals in the coming year as founders are hungry for growth,” he said.
Marcos Jr. ‘streamlines’ National Security Council…
designated as members of the NSC Executive Committee. The members of the NSC were retained under EO 81 except for the Vice President, and past Presidents, who were removed from the list.
EO 81 also changed the titles of some of the NSC members, particularly the Presidential spokesperson, who became the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
DepEd, DOST tighten collab in science education system
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) underscored the importance of working together to advance science education and cultivate the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. affirmed their commitment to collaborate during the appointment ceremony of the new campus directors of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) on Thursday.
“We are fully committed to working together. One thing we discovered nandoon sa kanta ninyo yung ang siyensiya ang sandigan ng maunlad na bayan [in your song is embedded the message that science is the foundation for a progressive nation]. That’s the bottomline here,” Angara said, referring to the DOST Hymn. Angara also emphasized DOST’s mandates, as he helped the agency secure additional budget for its facilities and operations. He told the DOST community he used to be “your supporter in the Senate, and now, consider me
one of your fans. Thank you and congratulations. Looking forward to the inspired leadership of our three campus directors under our great Secretary Rene,” he said.
For his part, Solidum said that the team-up with DepEd is a significant step in strengthening the country’s science, technology, and innovation foundation.
“We are very happy with the appointment of former Senator, now DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, because we believe that the success of science, technology, and innovation really lies in our educational system starting from our youth,” Solidum said.
“We have been discussing on how we can work together with them and help them as well in making sure that our reach would go beyond the Philippine Science High School system,” he added.
The ceremony celebrated the appointment of three campus directors: Dr. Rod Allan A. De Lara (PSHS - Main Campus), Dr. Myrna B. Libutaque (PSHS - Western Visayas Campus), and Dr. Mary Grace A. Navarro (PSHS-Ilocos Region Campus). Both secretaries acknowledged their pivotal role in shaping young minds to contribute to the nation’s scientific progress.
PAL starts Incheon-KLO ‘seasonal’ flights as Aklan appeals Mla-Kalibo suspension
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror
THE provincial government of Aklan on Thursday appealed to the management of Philippine Airlines (PAL) to keep its Manila-Kalibo route, to sustain tourism and investments in the province.
This developed as PAL Vice President for Corporate Affairs Anne G. Tiongco confirmed the “temporary suspension” of the route effective March 1, 2025, “as part of our reallocation of network resources.” She explained that “the market demand is really to/from Caticlan,” which is the gateway to the resort island of Boracay.
In a Viber message to the BusinessMirror, she added “We will continue to serve our frequent flyers in the province of Aklan though our multiple daily flights to Caticlan from Manila and Cebu.”
On Thursday the pioneering flag carrier launched “our direct seasonal services between Kalibo and Seoul (Incheon),” which will last until March 4, 2025, Tiongco said. South Koreans are the top foreign tourists in Boracay. Data from the Malay Tourism Office showed some 1.96 million visitors in Boracay from January to December 15 this year, of whom 402,091 were foreigners, while 1.55 million were Filipinos.
Weak demand, low fares AN industry source shared that PAL’s “demand in Kalibo is much weaker than prepandemic [times]. One aspect is capacity, i.e., overcapacity of market versus demand.” At present, PAL flies an A320 on its Manila-Kalibo route.
“[PAL’s] loads are respectable but the average fares are too low. There is no healthy mix of passenger times. At the moment, it is better to dedicate aircraft for other missions,” explained the source. He noted that Philippines Air Asia already serves the route three times a day, with the fare ranging from P1,923 per passenger (pax) to P2,480 per pax depending on the time of departure (booking for Feb. 11-12).
Those traveling to Kalibo from Manila can also take PAL’s daily flights from Manila to Roxas City, or fly from Manila to San Jose, Antique via PAL’s thrice-weekly service, then take a bus or commercial shuttle van service to Kalibo.
Valuable service and partnership
IN a post on his Facebook page, Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores said that after his office received a letter from PAL informing him of the suspension of Manila-Kalibo flights, his office informed the carrier of the impact on the province of said flight suspension. The Department of Tourism, for instance, is trying encourage tourism in other parts of Aklan, other than to Boracay.
“To our Philippine Airlines Inc. management, we thank you for your valuable services and partnership with our province and we continue to appeal to you to sustain PAL’s Kalibo-Manila operation via our Kalibo International Airport! This is the plea of our fellow Aklanons, tourists and investors,” said Miraflores.
The suspension of flights between Manila and Kalibo comes at a time that the Aklan government is trying to boost arrivals to Boracay Island, once considered one of the top beaches in the world. It recently instituted a new QR code entry system called iPass that unifies the payment of fees to enter the island. (See, “Stakeholders applaud ‘ tedious’ unified fee payments for Boracay,” in the BusinessMirror , December 27, 2024.)
Govt must extend aid to farmers amid grain imports surge–Kiko
STRESSING the urgency of extending timely aid to farmers adversely affected by bad weather, ex-senator Kiko Pangilinan is nudging concerned government agencies to boost support for small-scale rice and corn millers amid an imported grains surge.
The government’s assistance will help small-scale rice and corn millers compete with big players amid the influx of cheaper imported grains in the market.
Pangilinan issued the call after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the number of
barangays with rice and corn mills dropped to 15,436 in 2023, or 6.3 percent lower than the 16,476 barangays recorded in 2013.
“It’s sad and alarming that over a thousand small-scale rice and corn millers have been forced to close down in the past decade, victims of
the aggressive market tactics of big players and the surge of cheaper imported rice and corn in the market,”
Pangilinan said, partly in Filipino.
The former lawmaker also stressed: “We need quick action from the so they can survive and the livelihood of small farmers is protected.”
Pangilinan said the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Law, which he authored, can help address the situation. The law allows the national and local governments to directly purchase from farmers and fisherfolk without going through public bidding.
“This law can do much to boost the income of farmers because the government itself, with its billions of funding for buying, will become their customer,” he explained.
Moreover, the former senator said the government must beef up
Stakeholders convene in Bacolod to boost sugar industry, promote workers’ welfare
KEY stakeholders in the sugar industry gathered in Bacolod City in November for the first-ever Joint Sugar Tripartite Council-District Tripartite Council (STC-DTC) Congress to collaboratively explore strategies for revitalizing the sector while ensuring the well-being of sugar workers.
This three-day event provided an avenue for various stakeholders to discuss proposed amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act (RA) 6982, or the Sugar Amelioration Act of 1991.
Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, Jr., DOLE regional director for Western Visayas, in his opening message, highlighted the commitment of stakeholders to uplift the lives of vulnerable workers in the sugar industry.
He described the landmark event as a platform to advance the principles of RA 6982, which he called “an act of social justice” that recognizes the vital contributions of sugar workers and ensures their rights and welfare are prioritized.
The congress kicked off with discussions on industry updates, key SAP milestones, and a review of proposed revisions. Day two featured best practices sharing, validation of outputs, and the closing ceremony.
In his closing remarks, Undersecretary for the Workers’ Welfare and Protection Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez recognized the inputs of the participants that outlined the program’s coverage and the requirements for the availment of benefits.
“Your efforts laid out a clear
guideline on who gets what at sino ba ang dapat makatanggap (and who should receive),” the Labor Undersecretary said, as he called for a more efficient and simplified availment process.
“We hope we can ameliorate the lives of workers in the sugar industry and we hope the business of stakeholders will also grow . . . all we want are decent jobs for our workers in sugar industry,” he added, partly in Filipino.
DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes also emphasized the shared responsibilities of planters, millers, and workers in sustaining a strong and productive sugar industry. She called for unity, collaboration, and policy review to better address the challenges faced by workers.
“Our planters, millers and workers have respective roles to
PHL govt to develop maritime industry, private sector gainers
THE Philippine government is setting its sights on the long-term development of the maritime industry, acknowledging how the industry is key to promoting economic growth and trade in the country.
Under the updated Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 framework, the government aims to:
n Increase access to a safe, reliable, efficient, affordable, sustainable, and integrated sea transport system for passengers and shippers;
n Increase capacity and production of shipbuilding and ship repair industry; and
n Increase employability of maritime workforce and create
new and quality jobs through reskilling and upskilling of the maritime workforce.
The original MIDP was set in 2019, and it was updated in 2024.
With this plan, the government will increasingly be involved in partnering with the private sector to boost their development.
One company that could benefit is Megaship Builders Inc., owned by Engr. Francis Lloyd Chua.
Chua is also the new owner of Asiabest Group International, one of the Philippines’s best-performing stocks.
Megaship Builders, established in 2012, operates a shipyard in Leyte. It currently has a shipbuilding capacity of 50,000 DWT and a ship repair capacity of 20,000
DWT. However, under its expansion plan, the shipbuilding and ship repair capacities will be increased up to 100,000 DWT.
The company will also open a shipyard in Bataan soon, which will have a shipbuilding capacity of 200,000 DWT and a ship repair capacity of 100,000 DWT.
The shipyards provide services such as ship building, ship repair, and ship conversion. They also help shipowners with completion of their mechanical works and designing their new machinery.
Overall, the combined value of the shipyards in Leyte and Bataan is projected to be at Php 9 billion.
Megaship Builders has publicly stated it would be taking advantage of the Shipyard Moderniza -
the capability of small-scale rice and corn millers to raise production by providing them with access to essential farm machinery.
Based on 2022 PSA data, 12,376 barangays nationwide had available rice mills while 4,578 barangays had an existing corn mill. During his term as food security czar from June 2014 to September 2015 under the administration of President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III, Pangilinan said measures he initiated had reduced rice prices by up to P3 pesos per kilo through various interventions.
Pangilinan claimed that under his watch, rice inflation went down from 15 percent to 0.8 percent in a span of one year. This, in turn, brought down nationwide inflation to its lowest rate in 20 years, he noted. Butch Fernandez
play in ensuring a stable and productive sugar industry,” she said, urging stakeholders to address the gaps in implementing the SAP.
The congress, which concluded with a field visit to the sugar plantations and millers, included participation from millers, planters, sugar workers’ groups, and other stakeholders from 10 sugar-producing regions nationwide. Atty. Brando D. Noroña of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) presented an industry situationer and presided over an open forum that tackled key issues and concerns raised by participants.
The event was organized by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), led by then Director Ahmma Charisma LobrinSatumba, to engage stakeholders in identifying potential amendments to the IRR of the Social Amelioration Program. The Congress served as a venue for discussing steps to enhance the industry and ensure the protection and welfare of sugar workers.
tion Program—a core component of the MIDP. The company has sought financing from the Development Bank of the Philippines for its expansion plans. The partnership has already yielded tangible results. With DBP’s support, Megaship Builders has increased its operational capacity in its Leyte shipyard from two ships per month to six to eight ships per month.
In addition, DBP’s backing has allowed the company to introduce slipways within its facilities. Slipways are ramps that allow ships to be moved from and into the water. Megaship Builders says the introduction of slipways has a revolutionary impact to the maritime industry by boosting transportation of goods through building large ships more efficiently. This would have a ripple effect on overall trade volume, with the company stating trade revenues could grow by as much as 50 percent.
Immigration hunts 11K illegal aliens from closed Pogo shops
By Joel R. San Juan
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched a manhunt to arrest 11,254 foreign nationals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogo) who failed to heed the government-mandated deadline to voluntarily leave the country by the end of 2024.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado earlier warned that all foreign Pogo workers would be considered illegal aliens and subjected to deportation proceedings if they failed to leave before December 31, 2024. They will also be blacklisted, which will prevent them from re-entering the country.
DOH: ‘Cracker injuries climb to 704; ‘kwitis’ is top culprit
FIRECRACKERRELATED injuries have reached 704 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 112 additional cases on Friday.
The DOH said that the number of cases is 16.9 percent higher compared to the same period of last year.
More than half, or 412 of the victims are below 19 years old.
Of the cases, 583 are male while 121 are female.
Kwitis is still the leading cause of injuries, followed by “boga,” unknown firecrackers, 5-star, and whistle bomb. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
“I have ordered our intelligence division to initiate the search for those at large,” Viado said.
“They are considered illegal aliens now. Expect an intensified manhunt against these illegal aliens,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had declared a total ban on
Pogos during his third State of the Nation Address in July due to the increasing number of crimes being linked to Pogo operations such as kidnapping, illegal detention, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking and various online scams.
Marcos eventually issued Executive No. 47, officially banning Pogos from the country, including those with licenses issued by economic zones authorities.
The BI earlier directed Pogo foreign workers to downgrade their work visas to temporary visitor’s visas by October 18, 2024 to avoid being deported prior to the December 31 deadline.
Viado said that out of the 33,863 Pogo employees under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), 24,779 downgraded their visas.
A total of 22,609 left the country before the December 31 deadline, which means more than
11,000 foreign workers opted to illegally stay in the country despite the deadline.
“The order of the President is clear. No more Pogo in the Philippines. Foreign nationals who continue to disobey this will be arrested, deported, and blacklisted. No exceptions,” the BI chief stressed.
BI spokesman Dana Sandoval told reporters more than 11,000 POGO workers are still at large and should be immediately arrested.
Sandoval did not discount the possibility that these Pogo workers are still engaged in small illegal gaming operations and other illegal activities.
“As of now they are not in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration but their information is with their respective companies. So, the first step that we will be doing is compelling and telling the companies to surrender these people to the bureau so we can have them deported,” Sandoval said.
Davao City Hall reminds public of taxpaying period
DBy Manuel T. Cayon
AVAO CITY—After the Christmas revelry, it’s the period of the annual tax payments, the City Hall said.
“The Davao City Business Bureau is urging business owners in the city who wish to continue their operations in 2025 to renew their mayor’s permit at the Business Permit One-Stop Shop (BPOSS),” it said.
And also within the first quarter, other tax obligations include real estate, business taxes and income tax returns.
The City Business Bureau said business owners “are encouraged to use the online platform for a more efficient and less hassle transaction.”
The BPOSS will run from January 2 to January 31 including all Saturdays of the month and on the last Sunday, January 26, said Maribel Paguican, officer-in-charge of the Business Bureau. Within the same transaction time frame, business owners should also process the renewal of their business permits.
A lapse in the payment withint the period will incur a 25 percent penalty. “They can still renew their permits beyond January 31; however, they will incur penalties and
charges,” Paguican said.
The renewal of Mayor’s Permit may be done in the following locations: SP Building for Poblacion District; Almendras Gym for Talomo and Agdao Districts; Gaisano Grand CitiGate Mall for Buhangin District; and Calinan Gym for Calinan District.
Business owners from Baguio District may process their renewal at the Baguio District Treasury Office; while those from Marilog District may transact at the Marilog District Treasury Office.
BPOSS is also available at the Tugbok District Treasury Office for Dabawenyos from Tugbok District; Toril District Treasury Office for residents of Toril District; Bunawan District Treasury Office for Bunawan District; and Paquibato District Treasury Office for residents in Paquibato.
Onsite transactions can be done in three easy steps: filing of requirements for the renewal, payment of the necessary fees, and claiming their business permits.
For online transactions, clients may process their renewal at the comfort of their homes avoiding long queues and other risks.
She also reminded business owners to settle their deficiencies from other regulatory offices such as the Office of the City
Building Official (OCBO) for an efficient transaction. Business owners whose business are no longer in operation are also reminded to file for the retirement of their business.
Fire incident
MEANWHILE the city sustained only one fire incident last week, the Bureau of Fire Protection said. It happened on December 27, which razed two houses and damaged another two. The cause of the fire was not yet determined.
Fire Senior Inspector Richard Quiboquibo, Chief of the Fire Safety Enforcement Branch of the Bureau of Fire Protection XI, said more fire incidents actually took place last year compared to 2023 but he said the damage was less.
“When it comes to the estimated damage, it was lesser because people already know what to do when there is a fire,” he said, adding that sometimes, they had to declare a fire-out upon arrival because of the efforts of the people to put out the fire. Overall, electrical problems were the primary causes of fire incidents in communities. Smoking-related incidents also belong to the top five causes of fire.
NNIC gets proposal to put OTS checks at Naia ahead of
THE New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) that manages and operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals has been given a proposal to change the security setup between the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) at the departure area.
According to the proposed setup, the OTS, which mans the final security checkpoint will come first to screen all departing passengers before immigration to process documents. This is meant to reduce travellers’ complaints.
This setup, where immigration comes first before security, has been going on for a long time in NAIA, and is deemed contrary to international procedure in most other countries, where the security screening and x-ray come first before immigration procedures.
According to OTS Spokesper -
SEC Davao
BI booths
son Kim Marquez, her office proposed this to the NNIC last year to reduce complaints they are receiving from passengers because once they have finished and gone through the immigration process, the immigration will no longer allow passengers to go out. This becomes a problem if the passenger needs to be off loaded because an item or items that are prohibited were found from the departing passenger, but they can no longer leave the area as their passports are already stamped and cleared by an immigration officer. There has already been a preliminary meeting on the proposal to change the setup, but electrical problems at the airport still need to be fixed, and it is possible that there could be a problem with the queue of passengers if it is held now due to the holiday rush, Marquez added. Nonie Reyes
red-flags 2 firms over unauthorized investment schemes
By Manuel T. Cayon
DAVAO CITY—The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) office here issued red flags to two companies, one masquerading as a religious organization, for unauthorized investment schemes operating in the Davao region.
SEC Davao Regional Director, lawyer Katrina Jamilla P. Estares, identified the first company as Tradexpert, and the other one as the Tabernacle House of Worship, which she said was the new name of Hasmadai Foundation, Inc.
The SEC issued on May 21, 2024 a cease and desist order against Hasmadai Foundation, Inc., Humanitarian and Spiritual Mission Apostulates of Davao and Asia, Inc. and Humanitarian Institute of Technology Corp.
But an investigation showed that the Hasmadai Foundation and Tabernacle were the same entity, “because we noticed they are promoting each other,” the Philippine Information Agency said, quoting Estares during a PIA-hosted news conference in Davao Occidental.
Estares warned the public to be vigilant against fraudsters, which she said may be using several names but they carry out the same schemes.
“The people should be careful in dealing with entities telling them to invest. Regardless of their names, the people must be aware of the scheme,” she said.
Estares said Hasmadai’s, or Tabernacle’s, operations were observed to be focused on Region 12. “There are no sightings so far. Maybe they are operating discretely. We are informing people not to invest.”
The SEC Davao has also listed
Tradexpert as another unauthorized investment scheme, and said it allegedly provides a hands-free trading experience by using its innovative “trading bot” designed to maximize returns while minimizing risks.
Aside from the two companies, Estares also warned the public on the proliferating scheme involving a “tasking and recharging scam, where an investor is promised fast and large profits, showing indications of a Ponzi Scheme.”
The modus operandi “targets job applicants, offering work from home arrangements and assigning tasks for completion.”
“Once the tasks have been completed, the victim needs to recharge their account and is asked to pay just so they get their salary or commission,” she said.
The unauthorized investment scheme is one of the inquiries that the SEC Davao Extension Office has been receiving, she said.
Another scam often complained of at the SEC office involves nonstock organizations and non-government organizations promoting and offering so-called “assured benefits” in the form of food security, medical services, livelihood, free education and cash assistance for senior citizens starting 50 years of age and above, among others.
Although these companies and corporations are SEC-registered, “they are not among those social welfare development agencies with valid registration/license to operate or accreditation with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).”
“There are organizations who are truthfully providing assistance. But there are entities offering too-good-to-be-true promises,” she said.
Jan. 9 a special non-working holiday in Mla
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a special non-working holiday in Manila City next week for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In Proclamation No. 766, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin announced President Ferdinand Marcos granted the request of the local government unit (LGU) of Manila to make January 9, 2025 a special holiday.
“In or der to ensure the orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic, the City of Manila requests that Thursday 09 January 2025 be declared a special [non-working] day,” Bersamin said. “Now, therefore, I Lucas P. Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., do hereby declare Thursday, 09 January 2025, a special [non-working] day in the City of Manila,” he added. He said the holiday is anticipation of the millions of devotees, who are expected to flock in the Quaipo Church during religious event. Last year, officials of Quiapo Church said that over 6 million people participated in the traslacion during Feast of the Black Nazarene. The traslacion is the religious procession that commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. B ersamin issued Proclamation No. 766 on 3 January 2025. Samuel P. Medenilla
Time BusinessMirror Our
Pondering the number 12
By Nick Tayag
my sixty-zen’s WORtH
AS I write this think piece, the 12th month of year 2024 is already about to end. The year’s dying embers in cold December. Sorry, that’s just my inner me waxing poetic.
Yet come to think of it, December comes from the word “decem,” which is Latin for 10. So why is December the 12th month? The explanation is that the Roman calendar originally had only 10 months. In 45 B.C., Julius Caesar added two months January and February to make one year consist of 12 months. One month was even named after him. Guess which one?
Anyway, hasn’t it occurred to you that the number 12 is very much part of our daily life? Our hours, days and months are numbered by the number 12. Since September, I’ve been hearing the song “Twelve days of Christmas” over and over again. Johnny Mathis’ song “The twelfth of never” is in my memory’s indelible playlist. Take note also of this: there are 12 signs of the Zodiac, 12 inches in a foot.
Someone has even counted the number of times 12 is mentioned in the Bible.187 times! There are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Christ. When Jesus fed the five thousand, 12 baskets were filled with leftovers. The Book of Revelations is full of it: 12 foundations, 12 gates, 12 stars, 12 angels, with 12 different jewels on the gates; the tree of life will bear fruit 12 times a year. This tells us that the number 12 had a special meaning in ancient Judeo-Christian era. Obviously it had deeper meanings then than it does at the present time. Scholars say the number 12 was connected to power, government, or bringing about God’s kingdom.
I am not blessed with the gift for numbers. I’ve always been dull in Mathematics. But this I know: 1 and 2 are the first two numbers. This is why probably there’s so much ado with this particular number. For those who dabble in numerology, the number 1 symbolizes new beginnings and independence, and the number 2 symbolizes growth, development, and patience. Added together, they make 3, which sym-
bolizes creativity, growth, and optimism. That sure is a neat interpretation.
While a little knowledge about number 12 could probably make you an interesting conversationalist among friends or in cocktail parties, you don’t need to become obsessed with numerology and symbolism. While the Bible is peppered with the number 12, there is nothing in it that tells us numbers have power in and of themselves.
So if I were you, I wouldn’t become obsessed with the deeper meaning behind the number 12. If one becomes too unhealthily fascinated with numerology and symbolism, your friends and colleagues might think you’ve gone loco.
Speaking of being obsessed with numbers, in China, people ascribe more significance to the number 8 rather than 12. The digit is so auspicious to them that when Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics, it was held on August 8, 2008—or 8-88—and started at 8:08 p.m. local time. Couples clamored to get married on that date, with the hopes of gaining good fortune.
That said, I have however taken note of one interpretation of 12 as a number of completion and wholeness. I take it as a reminder that maybe it is time for us to take a sweeping view of the past year to find out what we have completed or left unfinished.
In my case, I can only point out to a few in my to-do list that I have finished. The rest are all a “work in progress,” which is the common lame excuse of the procrastinators and lazybones. But instead making a checklist of my unfinished business, maybe I will come up with a list of 12 things I learned in 2024.
Beyond a number that represents completion, I look at 12 as being on the cusp of positive change. The end of the twelfth month is a time to look forward to new beginnings, renewal and even potential friendships and partnerships.
Most importantly, as the curtain goes down on the 12th month of 2024, let us strive to level up our spirituality in the next 12 new months.
DSWD Eastern Visayas releases ₧3.15B to poor seniors in 2024
By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released P3.15 billion in social pension for indigent senior citizens in Eastern Visayas region in 2024.
The distribution of grants has benefited over 270,000 poor elderly people from six provinces of the region, the DSWD-Eastern Visayas regional office reported on Thursday.
Of the P3.15 disbursed social pension, at least P1.66 billion were released in the first six months of 2024, P813.36 million in the third quarter, and P673.59 million in the fourth quarter of the year across all local government units under the transfer of funds modality scheme.
“Under the transfer of fund modality, which has been identified as
the most feasible and efficient delivery scheme for the distribution of the social pension in the region, the total allocated fund for the beneficiaries is transferred and disbursed by the local government units on a semestral basis, allowing a streamlined and cost-effective implementation of the program,” the DSWD regional office said in a statement.
Broken down to provinces, Leyte got a big share of the social pension funds last year with P1.35 billion, followed by Samar (P526.86 million), Northern Samar (P387.84 million), Southern Leyte (P348.37 million), Eastern Samar (P295.86 million),
Fewer US grandparents taking care of grandkids, US Census Bureau says
By Mike Schneider The Associated Press
FEWER grandparents were living with and taking care of grandchildren, there was a decline in young children going to preschool and more people stayed put in their homes in the first part of the 2020s compared to the last part of the 2010s, according to US Census Bureau data released Thursday, reflecting some of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest figures from the most comprehensive survey of American life compares the years of 2014-2018 and 2019-2023, timeframes before the Covid-19 pandemic and during the virus’ spread. The American Community Survey data show how lives were changed and family relationships altered by the pandemic and other occurrences like the opioid crisis.
The survey of 3.5 million households covers more than 40 topics, including ancestry, fertility, marital status, commutes, veterans status, disability and housing.
The decrease in grandparents’ taking care of their grandchildren is most likely the result of a decline in opioid-related deaths during the more recent timeframe since substance abuse is a leading reason that grandparents find themselves raising grandchildren. A reduction in the number of incarcerated women also likely played a role, said Susan Kelley, a professor emerita of nursing at Georgia State University.
“It’s very rarely for positive reasons that grandparents find themselves in this situation. Usually, it’s a tragic situation in an adult child’s life, either a death, incarceration or mental health issues which correlate with substance abuse,” Kelly said. “Many grandparents thrive in that role, but there are still socioeconomic and emotional burdens on the grandparents.”
A stronger economy in the most recent period also may be a reason that the number of
grandparents living with their grandchildren declined from 7.2 million to 6.8 million by making it less likely that adult children with their own children were seeking housing help from their parents, she said.
The decline in the number of young children enrolled in preschool stemmed from an unwillingness to send young children to school and the closure of many schools at the height of the pandemic, according to the Census Bureau.
“These data show how the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on patterns of early childhood education,” the bureau said in a separate report. “Future research will show if this was the start of a long-term trend or if enrollment will bounce back to prior levels.”
Americans continued to get older, with the median age rising to 38.7 from 37.9 and the nation’s share of senior citizens up from 16.8 percent from 15.2 percent. The share of households with a computer jumped to almost 95 percent from almost 89 percent, as did the share of households with a broadband connection to almost 90 percent from 80 percent.
Additionally, fewer people moved and more people stayed put in the most recent time period compared to the earlier one, in many cases because of rising home values and the limited availability of homes to buy.
Home values increased by 21.7 percent and the percentage of vacant homes dropped from 12.2 percent to 10.4 percent. The median home value jumped from $249,400 to $303,400 nationwide.
In some vacation communities popular with the wealthy, the bump was even more dramatic, such as in the county that is home to Aspen, Colorado, where it went from $758,800 to $1.1 million, and in the county which is home to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, where it jumped from $812,400 to $1.1 million.
and Biliran (P159.02 million).
As mandated by Republic Act 11916, “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens,” beneficiaries of the social pension program are entitled to a monthly stipend of P1,000 this year. Enacted in July 2022, the law doubles the monthly pension for senior citizens to P1,000 from P500.
Eligible recipients must be 60 years old and older, frail and sickly, and without pensions from other government sources such as the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Social Security System, and private insurance companies. Recipients also should not have a regular source of income or support from family or relatives to cover their basic needs. PNA
DSWD brings street vendor home for Christmas reunion
By Zen Trinidad
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna—Since 2011, Francisco Casas, fondly called Lolo Francisco, has been selling religious items in Quiapo, Manila.
Earning just enough to meet his basic needs, he found it increasingly difficult to visit his sister’s house in Dasmariñas City in Cavite. His last visit to his family was in 2017.
But this year, after several years of living alone on the streets of Manila, Lolo Francisco, now 64, is finally home with his sister and the rest of his family.
Through the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot (Reaching Out) Program, social workers from the Haven for the Elderly, and the Dasmariñas City government, Lolo Francisco was reunited with his loved ones.
This reunion fulfilled his simple Christmas wish: “Gusto kong makabalik sa kapatid ko at sa mga apo ko [I want to return to my sister and my grandchildren].”
Living on the streets of Manila
IN 2012, Lolo Francisco relocated to Ermita, near the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora De Guia Parish, after street vendors in Quiapo faced clearing operations.
In Ermita, he continued selling religious items while living on the streets, sleeping on sidewalks and relying on feeding programs for meals.
On February 28, 2024, social workers from the DSWD’s Pag-abot Program found him sleeping on a sidewalk. Recognizing his vulnerability, they provided immediate interventions to address his needs.
The Pag-abot Program, institutionalized under Executive Order No. 52,
is designed to assist street dwellers and other vulnerable individuals by helping them transition off the streets and become productive members of society.
Through the program, Lolo Francisco was referred to the Haven for the Elderly, a DSWD-managed facility in Tanay, Rizal, offering care to abandoned, neglected, or unattached senior citizens.
Model resident
JORDAN CORTEZ a social worker at the Haven for the Elderly, praised Lolo Francisco’s dedication and cooperative attitude.
“He is independent and can manage his daily activities, including grooming and keeping his bed clean. He requires minimal supervision and follows instructions,” Cortez shared. During his stay at the facility, Lolo Francisco actively participated in programs that prepared him for reintegration into his family and community. This made his transition smoother when he was finally reunited with his loved ones.
A heartwarming reunion T HE efforts of the DSWD, in partnership with the Dasmariñas City government, ensured that Lolo Francisco’s homecoming was both joyful and dignified. His sister warmly welcomed him back, promising a fresh start for the entire family.
For Lolo Francisco, being home for Christmas is more than a personal blessing. It’s a testament to the power of compassion, community support, and effective social welfare programs. Now surrounded by his family, he looks forward to celebrating the holidays with love and togetherness, a stark contrast to living on the lonely streets he once called home. PNA
After staying for 10 months at the Haven for the e lderly, a Department of Social Welfare and Development-managed facility in tanay, rizal offering care to abandoned, neglected, or unattached senior citizens, 64-year-old fr ancisco Casas reunites with his family on December 17, 2024. through collaboration with the Dasmariñas City government, Lolo fr ancisco was able to spend Christmas with his family after seven years. Photo courtesy of Jordan cortez
QuALifieD senior citizens in Burauen town, Leyte province, wait for their turn to receive their social pension in this undated photo. the Department of Social Welfare and Development has released P3.15 billion in social pension for indigent senior citizens in eastern Visayas region in 2024. Photo courtesy of Burauen local government
DepEd updates class suspension rules, boosts learning continuity
THE Department of Education
(DepEd) has updated guidelines on class and work suspensions in schools during disasters and emergencies to safeguard learners, teachers and nonteaching personnel from potential harm while ensuring uninterrupted learning.
DepEd Order (DO) No. 022, s. 2024 issued late in December outlined new protocols for class and work suspensions during typhoons, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, power outages, extreme heat, low air quality and other hazards.
“[DepEd] upholds the principle of promoting the welfare, safety, and security of learners and personnel at all times,” the order read.
“At the same time, it recognizes the importance of uninterrupted learning, even in times of disasters and calamities, especially for learners in disaster-prone areas.”
To balance these priorities, it added that “the policy emphasizes both the safety and academic continuity needed by learners and personnel.”
Under DO 22, schools must de -
velop and update their Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) to reduce disruptions in education caused by emergencies.
The LSCP should identify Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) tailored to local conditions such as modular distance learning, online education, or blended approaches to provide students with nonstop access to education during calamities.
“Whenever feasible, schools shall shift to distance learning delivery modalities through online distance learning, modular distance learning, or blended learning to ensure learning continuity, in the event of face-to-face class suspensions,” the order stipulated.
Moreover, the LSCP mandates schools to establish protocols for
safeguarding learning materials and devices from potential damage, as well as for their distribution to ensure learners can access resources when needed.
The plan also includes mobilizing educators, school heads, and staff during emergencies. It emphasizes training programs and capacitybuilding initiatives, such as “Learning Action Cells” to equip teachers for alternative teaching methods.
The DepEd also urged linkages with local government units, parents, and community organizations
to pool resources for seamless implementation of LSCPs.
Schools are also directed to allocate disaster-preparedness and recovery funding in their “School Improvement Plans” ensuring resources are available for ADMs, make-up classes and other related efforts.
The LSCP must be developed every three years alongside the School Improvement Plan, then undergo an annual review and update at the start of each school year.
EU CopPhil Scholarship program currently accepting applications
FILIPINO professionals working for government agencies o n assignments related to the digital Earth discipline, having interests of expanding their knowledge o n Earth observation and remote sensing and would want to study in Europe can now apply for the first “EU CopPhil Scholarship” program. The scholarship offers government workers with an undergraduate degree in geospatial discipline t he opportunity to pursue advanced Earth Observation (EO) and Remote Sensing (RS) studies at top European institutions. Applicants regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status are welcome.
Editor: Mike Policarpio
UST Eng’g & Grad. School, PNRI link up on nuclear science
meet
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas’ Faculty of Engineering and its Graduate School (GS), with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, held the “Knowledge Management Assist Awareness Symposium” at the UST Tanghalang Teresita Quirino Hall.
Chemical Engineering undergraduate students and academic staff as well as Electronics Engineering and Management Engineering graduate students attended the symposium spearheaded by Prof. PhD, who delivered the opening remarks as she welcomed guests and the resource speakers.
PNRI’s Technology Diffusion Division chief Ana Elena L. Conjares discussed the current progress of the country’s nuclear power program. The talk highlighted efforts of academia and research in nuclear education and its importance in addressing challenges of human-resource development in the field.
of energy in the Philippines.
As a source of energy, Dr. Arcilla disclosed that the world has a richer fissionable material compared to the depleting fossil fuel reserve. He also asserted his confidence in the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant’s design, which safeguards its community should accidents similar to the Fukushima nuclear accident and natural disasters occur.
For his part, Dr. Ronald Daryll E. Gatchalian, who is a nuclear science and technology expert and currently the Philippines’ only nuclear engineer, discoursed on nuclear-energy systems as well as their rationale, fundamentals, technologies and applications, then listed different nuclear fuels and the overview of their assembly in a nuclear reactor. Different generation reactors, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, were also discussed.
An interesting exchange with one of the students ensued, who curiously debated that thorium is a smarter choice of fuel than uranium. Dr. Gatchalian however argued that the use of the latter is more economical at the moment, but recognized the possibility of utilizing thorium in the future.
Those eligible can apply to either an EO or RS course at a university in the European Union. They can check pre-selected educational institutions and apply by January 19, 2025. Study duration is between September 2025 and July 2027, with an a ccompanying financial package of up to €33,500 (about P2,072,712). Application deadline is on February 28, 2025. Visit https://copphil. p hilsa.gov.ph/news/call-for-applications-for-the-new-eu-copphil-scholarship-programme-for-advanceds tudies-in-earth-observation-and-remote-sensing-is-now-open/ f or more information and to apply.
Space Agency (PSA) and the Department of Science and Technology ( DOST) partner on space and earth observation.
Said “Copernicus” initiative is funded by the union with a €10-million (P624 million) funding, implemented by the PSA and European S pace Agency in coordination with DOST.
The EU CopPhil Scholarship program is part of the EU-funded “Copernicus Philippines”—a flagship i nitiative of the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, where the European Union, the Philippines
According to the EU Delegation in the Philippines, it supports advanced technology adoption to help l ocal public administration, institutions and companies prevent natural d isasters, protect the environment, and manage national resources. The project involves three elements: developing a Copernicus data center i n the Philippines, piloting services showcasing the practical applica -
tions of Earth observation data ( ground motion monitoring; land cover, forests and crop mapping, as well as marine environment monitoring), plus supporting the country t o strengthen local capacities and promote education in the field of Earth observation.
Copernicus services have already demonstrated their value to local authorities when satellites were activated from Europe in July 2024 to m ap the oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Terra Nova C opPhil is a flagship programme of the European Union Global Gateway Strategy, which aims to engage w ith partners globally around shared priorities such as the shift to a green economy, education and research or digital infrastructure.
Building smarter classrooms thru cloud-based education
By Harrison Kelly Managing Director (Asia-Pacific)
Instructure
AS early as 2012, the Philippines was cited as one of the t op 10 countries with high growth in “e-learning” revenues, according to a global report by United S tates-based market research firm Ambient Insight.
This is reflected in the increase of digital classrooms in the country, where cloud-based solutions are reshaping education. The Philippines’ l earning management system (LMS) market was valued at $88 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a significant rate of more than 6.2 percent between 2023 and 2030, based o n a market report by RationalStat
As institutions adapt to increasingly diverse learning styles and s trive to provide equitable access to education, the emphasis shifts toward learner-centered approaches w here adaptability, inclusivity and real-world relevance play pivotal roles. This transition is key in a world where emerging technologies and the rising need for lifelong learning opportunities constantly challenge education models.
Responding to the evolving edu -
cation landscape, more local and g lobal institutions are turning to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to meet the needs of students a nd educators, and also for the latter to stay relevant. This model helps l ower upkeep on-premise systems’ expenses, while streamlining diverse programs’ management and delivery, empowering institutions to operate more efficiently.
The SaaS model allows the learning management system (LMS) to be h osted and accessed online. It helps boost enrollment by enabling institutions to expand their offerings with new programs, micro-credentials and professional-development courses, attracting a wider and more diverse group of learners. By offering flexible and accessible learning opportunities that meet the diverse needs of learners, cloud-based solutions also ensure e ducators and students always have access to the latest features and technologies through automatic updates.
Role of SaaS in education INTEGRATION of SaaS tools has been a game-changer for universities.
For instance, De La Salle University (DLSU) has successfully infused a fully featured LMS hosted in the cloud, a llowing for a more interactive and
personalized approach to education.
In 2019, the university rolled out “AnimoSpace:” a digital platform powered by Canvas LMS, which now serves as a central platform for more t han 13,000 students and teachers across 2,000-plus courses. It offers blended learning opportunities, while enhancing both in-class and remote education.
With this approach, faculty members are finding new ways to complement their teaching within and outside classrooms, including a video platform, online-collaboration tools to host conferences, discussions and peer reviews, as well as the creation of massive open online courses ( MOOCs). The platform makes it easy for educators to collect and analyze student-performance data, enabling a more data-driven approach to teaching. This capability is key in identifying at-risk learners early on, allowing for timely interventions that can help increase retention rates.
Moreover, DLSU has used SaaS to launch “RevEd:” the university’s post-K-12 curriculum initiative aimed to produce “future-proof” graduates by focusing on outcomebased, research-driven education. With it, students can access all their resources in one place, receive real-
time notifications and assignments, and build digital portfolios to prepare for their careers after graduation, equipping them with necessary t ools to navigate a constantly changing job market.
B y adopting SaaS-based solutions, local universities are in a position to offer the same learning experiences that some of the best in the world are providing. These platforms not only improve the overall learning experience for students, but also lay the g roundwork to empower universities to continuously adapt and scale their digital offerings. With the expected increase in demand for flexible learning options and lifelong learning, t he software provides tools needed for real-time adjustment in curricula and teaching methods, ensuring s tudents are well-prepared for the demands of the modern job market and evolving industry trends.
As universities evolve, SaaS will be pivotal in shaping the future of education. It will ensure students are better equipped for success, while educators gain the tools they need to foster innovation and inclusivity in the classroom, building resilient, future-ready learning environments that can thrive in a rapidly evolving and technology-driven world.
Currently, nuclear education is introduced to students at UST, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Mapua University and De La Salle University. Intending to further its reach, the institute conducts courses on nuclear science and technology fundamentals, as well as basic radiation protection principles, among others, through the Nuclear Training Center and SATER.
Training sessions, both local and abroad, are also available for academic staff assigned to teach nuclear science and technology-related courses.
Meanwhile, PNRI director Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla tackled the assessment of the Philippines’ advanced nuclear-energy technologies. He provided process overviews required to harness energy from nuclear reactions, types of nuclear reactors, and nuclear-safety concepts.
The PNRI official also emphasized striking contrasts between the economic and environmental impacts of nuclear material and coal—the latter of which is currently the main source
AMB. Kazuya Endo delivered an insightful discussion about Philippines-Japan two-way ties at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) for the “Ambassador Lecture Series” organized by the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG).
In his presentation, the Japanese diplomat emphasized that the relationship between the two countries continues to flourish, rooted on mu -
PNRI’s Radiation Protection Services Section head Kristine Marie Romallosa-Dean discussed the Philippines’ nuclear research and services. She pointed out that nuclear science and technology go beyond nuclear energy and also bear applications in food, environmental protection and management, agriculture, as well as medicine. She also shared the institute’s multi-awarded research in areas apart from nuclear energy, then mentioned its services that are not only for private industries, but also to university students for their thesis requirements.
In her closing, UST’s GS assistant dean Prof. Camilla J. Vizconde PhD thanked the speakers for sharing their valuable time with the Thomasian community.
tual trust and cooperation: two vital aspects in diplomatic linkages. Endo is optimistic of the twoway collaboration’s future in various fields, ranging from peace and security, trade and investments to cultural exchange and education. As the envoy highlighted the importance of the youth in sustaining and enhancing bilateral ties, he urged learners to actively participate in initiatives that promote friendship, understanding and cooperation between both nations.
The event gathered students and faculty that deepened their understanding of global affairs, with a focus on the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The series serves as an essential platform for students to engage with and learn from prominent diplomats on various regional and global issues. It is designed to enhance SDG students’ knowledge of international relations and inspire future leaders in diplomacy and governance. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session where Endo responded enthusiastically to questions from students that further inspired the future diplomats to play a role in promoting international cooperation.
DR. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano (from left); Dr. Ronald Daryll E. Gatchalian; PNRI’s Kristine Marie Romallosa-Dean, Ana Elena L. Conjares and Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla; and Dr. Camilla J. Vizconde
STUDENTS of the Calasiao Comprehensive National High School in Pangasinan bring their rain gear in this undated photo. The Department of Education issued the revised guidelines on class and work suspensions in schools in the event of disasters and emergencies. PNA/DEPED ILOCOS REGION
Wilnard Bacelonia
Tourism
SAGRADA FAMILIA
An enDuRInG StoRy oF An ARtISt’S InneR jouRney
The Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain is known as an architectural masterpiece of revered Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi who dedicated his life to working on the project, until the time of his death in 1926.
For over 140 years since the first stone was laid, the Basilica had become Barcelona’s work in progress, as giant cranes form part of many tourist photos. Thanks to the digital technology, we can remove cranes from photos using editing apps.
Barcelona is home to some of Gaudi’s architectural treasures that were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. These include Parque Güell; Palacio Güell; Casa Mila; Casa Vicens; Casa Batlló; Crypt in Colonia Güell; and the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia. In 2010, the Sagrada was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI for religious worship.
The Sagrada Familia was originally designed by a diocesan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar who applied neo-Gothic elements. But he was replaced by Gaudi who took a different direction in designing the church with 18 huge, spindle-shaped towers, each symbolizing different biblical figuresthe 12 apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
To pay tribute to Gaudi’s contribution to the world architectural innovation and to Barcelona’s culture and history, the Sagrada Familia administrative leadership has declared 2026 as the year of Gaudi to honor its homegrown artist. The Sagrada is expected to be fully complete on the same year.
Family visit
T HE v isit to Barcelona early this year was memorable to our family from maternal side. We spent an afternoon marveling at the interior of Sagrada Familia, as well as visits to Gaudi’s architectural works like Casa Batlo and Parque Guell. The family was enroute to Tenerife, one of the scenic islands of Canary in Spain to attend
a cousin’s wedding.
Boqueria- a food lovers’ treasure trove
S IN CE m ost of us came from separate long-haul flights from Manila, and Utah in the US, we decided to hit it off to the Boqueria- Barcelona’s famous market in La Rambla, for an authentic Spanish gastronomic experience.
We met some Filipinos who sell rich savory Iberico ham, (jamón ibérico), a thinly cured Catalan sausage. These ‘kababayans’ enjoyed the short chat with us and gave us free taste of Iberico ham, while sharing stories of living in Barcelona.
Built since 1836, the Boqueria has more than 200 local and international gastronomic products like fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh meat and cold cuts, fish and seafood, paella, fresh fruit drinks, and dark chocolates. While there are wide selection of fresh seafood and meat stalls, the Boqueria remains spotless and hygienic, thus, making it a favorite tourist destination in Barcelona.
For dinner, we went for our first authentic Paella experience in a restaurant located a few blocks from the Boqueria. We ordered three different Paella-Arros Negra, Seafood and Valenciana, paired with salad, fresh juice, and a pitcher of Sangria to cap the night.
Transcendental Sagrada
O N day two, we headed to the Sagrada Familia, which is a few blocks from our accommodation. Visitors are encouraged to book online to secure slots for the tour of Sagrada, as queuing can be time consuming for walk-ins.
The interior of Sagrada gives a transcendental feel of being in a mystical forest as the columns of the nave
resemble that of towering trees. The combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau is the most prominent and aweinspiring for visitors.
The natural light inside Sagrada changes with hues of yellow, red, blue, green as the sun hits the stained-glass windows that are designed with biblical symbolism.
The administration of Sagrada Familia explains that the colors on each windows have sacred representations. The yellow, green and blue on the Nativity portal symbolize poverty, light and the birth of Christ. Meanwhile, the colors red, yellow and orange on the Passion portal represent water, resurrection and light.
It also explains that the interiors of Sagrada Familia showcases Gaudi’s use of geometric patterns such as hyperboloids, paraboloids, ellipsoids.
The hyperboloids are seen in the windows and naves, while the paraboloids link the surfaces of the columns and vaults with the roof.
The ellipsoids form the rounded tops of the columns that branch out, making a polygon or a star at the base. Helicoids are used in the spiral staircases as Gaudi wants to represent the ascending of transcendence.
Marveling at the work of an architectural genius, the message of “LAUDATO SI’ mi’ Signore” (“Praise be to you, my Lord”) keeps reflecting in mind. It is an urgent call to protect our common home from human abuse and environmental damage.
The structure of Sagrada reflects Gaudi’s gothic-naturalistic architecture with religious symbolism, but more importantly, the stunning designs are committed to the discipline
of building structures without damaging the environment.
While tourists flock to Sagrada, the tour inside still gives a serene experience. What is remarkable about the Basilica is how it narrates the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, the Holy Family and the 12 apostles through arts.
The exterior of Sagrada was equally awe-inspiring as we found ourselves having fun guessing the meaning of the gothic art through our familiarity of the biblical verses engraved on the walls.
Park Guell
G AU DI S a rt flourished when Barcelona’s upper class was growing, and began engaging artists and architects to design their large estate. Eusebi Guell, one of Catalan’s
Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
Story & photos by Estrella Torres
BusinessMirror
Tech wishlist for 2025: Phones, headphones, watches, and more
MY tech wishlist for 2025 includes practical items that, I believe, would make life more convenient. But because it’s a wishlist, some of the items are very expensive. I am justifying it by saying that these
THE Philippine digital economy holds immense growth potential as enterprises adopt digital tools and Gen Z drives innovation, but achieving the nation’s digital aspirations demands unified action from key stakeholders.
This was pointed out by Darius Delgado, Globe chief commercial officer, during the fireside chat on Paving the Path to a Digital Philippines at the recent GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila.
Over the years, the Philippine telco industry has built a formidable infrastructure that bridges the digital divide and promotes digital inclusion. It has, so far, connected over 6 million customers via postpaid broadband and more than 120 million through wireless networks, enabling a digital ecosystem with 87 million online users. This connectivity has facilitated digital services such as GCash, which empowers over 90 million Filipinos including 6 million merchants and social sellers. Alongside key partners, GCash also provides opportunities for jobseekers to augment their income through the GJobs platform and gigs listed on the platform, as well as digital payment tools for entrepreneurs.
The digital economy has
things are meant to last for years.
First on the list is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. There have been leaks online about the date of the launch of the S25 series. There are two dates, one on January 22 and the other is February 7, for the brand’s much awaited Unpacked event. We are not sure which one is the correct date. Based on the leaked image, the new Galaxy S25 series will have rounded corners. The image shows four devices, believed to be the Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, and S25 Slim. The S25 Slim may be available later this year.
Also expected to be launched by Samsung is the Project Moohan XR headset, a mixed-reality device that will mark Samsung’s entry into the extended reality (XR) space.
I had a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones years ago and at the time, they cost around P10,000, which was a lot of money. But this headphone is still working
contributed P2.08 trillion in economic value in 2022, equivalent to 9.4 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Amid such achievements, Delgado stressed the need for partnerships to fully realize the benefits of the digital economy, noting that no single telco could handle the challenges or opportunities alone. Building a robust digital ecosystem requires shared investments, regulatory support, and coordinated efforts.
By working together, the government and private sector can accelerate infrastructure development, promote digital literacy, and create an environment where technology drives inclusive economic growth.
With its population having a median age of 24.8 years and 42 million Gen Zs, the Philippines has a unique opportunity to tap into the energy and innovation of its youth.
“In the next five years, we estimate around 11 million new customers joining the mobile base, entering the highly-saturated market with a mobile-first mindset. This presents a huge opportunity in the consumer sector,” Delgado said.
except that some parts, such as the foam, are already either gone or need to be replaced.
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Ultimate Over-Ear Headphones cost around $1,500. The individual parts of the Beoplay H100 headphones can be replaced. The memory-foam headband and ear cushions are magnetic, completely removable, and replaceable. The battery too is built to be replaced and is covered under the five-year extended warranty. So, yes, $1,500 is not loose change but if you love music and use your headphones all the time, the Beoplay H100 is a worthy investment.
The Satechi Vegan-Leather FindAll Passport Cover Quickly helps you easily locate your passport cover with Find My technology. This passport cover has a four-card holder, wireless charging capability, Bluetooth 5.2, and RFID protection.
The Smart Readers Even Realities G1 Glasses are new augmented reality glasses which can record notes, let you receive messages, and even translate languages. They can also help with navigation. As a glasses-wearing person, this is something that I would most definitely find so much use for.
I have been wearing a Garmin watch for over a year now and I would not mind upgrading to the Forerunner 265s. The Forerunner 265s is Garmin’s smaller-sized smartwatch that’s designed for running and tracking their fitness metrics. It has a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen to make navigation quicker and easier. I love Garmin watches because once fully charged, the battery lasts for a week at least. The 265S also comes with music built-in as standard.
The Garmin Forerunner 265s is not just for running. It can also be used for cycling, open-water swimming, strength training, and yoga.
I also want AirTags and the Belkin Secure Holder Keychain, which secures the AirTags and protects them from bumps and scratches.
Because I am a water bottle enthusiast, I also want the LARQ Bottle PureVis, a self-cleaning and insulated stainless steel water bottle with UV water purifier. It also keeps drinks cold for 24 hours.
The iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum will definitely make life easier. It’s also less expensive than other robot vacuums so that is a plus. One more thing I like about this is you can schedule your cleaning.
Lastly, I want a tabletop ice cube maker, preferably the Igloo one because it’s portable and is priced at just over $100. ■
On the business-to-business (B2B) front, he identified significant opportunities among enterprises which have been slower to adopt digital solutions compared to consumers.
“There’s a lot of awareness and education that needs to be built in terms of how ICT and certain business solutions can help make their operations more effective, more efficient and more pervasive, so they can fully harness the potential of their businesses and improve the customer experience,” he said.
“We are at the cusp of digital transformation moving forward. That means we have a bigger responsibility now as telcos to further the growth of the industry and ensure that the bright future every Filipino aspires for becomes a reality,” he said. Through sustained collaboration, innovation, and investment, Philippine telcos aim to empower enterprises, build on the strengths of Gen Z, and ensure inclusive progress in the digital age. More information is available at www.globe.com.ph.
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
GLOBAL cybersecurity provider Fortinet recently warned that Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) groups are becoming increasingly specialized, and attackers are adopting playbooks that blend digital and physical threats to execute highly targeted and impactful attacks.
In its 2025 Cyberthreat Predictions Report, Fortinet pointed out that adversaries will try new tactics as part of their arsenal by shifting toward more ambitious, sophisticated and destructive strategies.
The company also warned that cybercriminals will continue to advance their playbooks, with attacks becoming more aggressive and destructive.
“We predict that adversaries will expand their playbooks to combine cyberattacks with physical, real-life threats. We’re already seeing some cybercrime groups physically threaten an organization’s executives and employees in some instances and anticipate that this will become a regular part of many playbooks. We also anticipate that transnational crime—such as drug trafficking, smuggling people or goods, and more—will become a regular component of more sophisticated playbooks, with cybercrime groups and transnational crime organizations working together,” the company said in a press statement.
As cybercrime unfolds, Fortinet is expecting several unique trends to emerge in 2025 and beyond.
In recent years, cybercriminals have been spending more time “left of boom” or pursuing a proactive stance on the reconnaissance and weaponization phases of the cyber kill chain. As a result, Fortinet said threat actors can carry out targeted attacks quickly and more precisely.
“In the past, we’ve observed many CaaS providers serving as jacks of all trade—offering buyers everything needed to execute an attack, from phishing kits to payloads. However, we expect that CaaS groups will increasingly embrace specialization, with many groups focusing on providing offerings that home in on just one segment of the attack chain,” said the company.
While targets like edge devices or hardware that controls the flow of data continue to garner the attention of threat actors, Fortinet urged cybersecurity experts not to let down their guard on the cloud environments. Although the cloud isn’t new, Fortinet said the cloud is getting the interest of cybercriminals.
“Given that most organizations rely on multiple cloud providers, it’s not surprising that we’re observing more cloud-specific vulnerabilities being leveraged by attackers, anticipating that this trend will grow in the future,” the company said.
Developed by FortiGuard Labs, the report examines the evolution of traditional attack methods, emerging trends shaping the future of cybercrime, and actionable recommendations for organizations to strengthen their resilience. It provides a forward-looking view of the challenges posed by a rapidly changing threat landscape, and equips businesses with the insights needed to proactively defend against advanced cyber threats.
it a convenient tool for hands-free control. Google’s Circle to Search is also included, offering a quick and seamless way to look up information on the fly. Tecno promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches, which is sufficient but lags behind its competitors which offer longer updates.
FINAL WORD: The Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G is proof that foldable technology doesn’t have to come with an exorbitant price tag.
A8 Saturday, January 4, 2025 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
BusinessMirror
Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G: Should you fl ip this 2025?
AI is becoming ingrained in businesses across industries. Where is it going in 2025?
BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS
The Associated Press
NEW YORK—As artificial intelligence continues to grow at a rapid pace, more and more businesses are grappling with how to adapt both quickly and responsibly.
Dan Priest is the new chief AI officer at PwC, one of the world’s largest consulting firms, where he works with companies across industries as they adopt this burgeoning technology both into their day-to-day operations and future business models. He says 2024 was all about proving what AI brings to the table—and expects 2025 will shift more into scaling it. Priest recently spoke with The Associated Press about his new role and other AI business predictions his team has for the year ahead. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
When did PwC decide it wanted a chief AI officer?
We launched the role in early July, on the heels of us doing an AI impact analysis and strategy for the firm. The motivation was simply to make sure we were tapping into AI’s full potential, responsibly, to best serve our clients. We work with companies across a range of sectors— including tech, health care and hospitality.
What have the companies you work with told you about how they’re adopting AI?
AI is showing up in some form or fashion for the majority of our clients these days. In a recent survey that we did of Fortune 1000 companies, nearly half of respondents said AI is fully embedded in their workflows—and then about a third had even embedded it in their products and services. And AI is more than just a tech initiative, it’s also adjusting business strategies. CEOs overwhelmingly recognize that AI will impact their business model in some way—with about 73 percent of those we spoke to in a predictions report saying that they believe AI would cause a shift in their business model.
In particular, we’re increasingly seeing generative AI both in the presence of the consumer and throughout product development.
Can you give me examples of what that looks like?
To be competitive, companies can’t just predict what consumers want anymore. You have to give them a way to personalize the specific products and services they want—and gen AI has a means of doing that. Take a business in the cruising sector, for example.
In the past, cruise lines would have to predict what each type of foods, products and excursions people wanted. Now, with gen AI, they can have a personalization engine that says, “I’m a fan of these luxury products,” and then make sure those types of luxury products are on board. Or, “I’m a fan of this type of food,” and they can make sure that food is on the menu. It gives companies a way to personalize the experience that wasn’t possible before.
What risks should companies keep in mind when approaching AI?
AI is not monolithic, and there are different maturity levels for different uses. You’ve seen issues in contact centers, for example, where AI agents were introduced and in some cases gave customers hallucinations with wrong information. And so having a “maturity test” to make sure the tech you’re using is ready for prime time, particularly when it’s customer-facing, is important. Those same disciplines are critical for protecting internal data, which you don’t want inadvertently training a large language model.
That’s one category of risk. On the other side of all of this, another risk is not moving quickly enough and falling behind. Your AI strategy will either put you ahead or make it hard to ever catch up. If we take a lesson from the internet era, a lot of those early movers ended up being winners for the next 10, 20 years. We expect to see something very similar for companies that embrace AI today, both early on and in a trustworthy way.
I’LL be honest—when it comes to smartphones, I’m all about big screens and bigger phones. The kind you can barely squeeze into your pocket (unless we have the similar-size pants) but make up for it with stunning displays and endless multitasking space.
So, flip phones? Never really my thing. I always saw them as more style than substance—targeted primarily at women—and part of a niche that didn’t justify the steep price tag or often underwhelming specs. I just didn’t get the hype.
But that changed one casual day on Instagram when I stumbled upon a post by Pia Wurtzbach. Amid her carousel of glamorous shots, the Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G made a low-key appearance—its box tucked subtly between her outfits and travel snaps. It wasn’t just another brand plug; for those in the know, it was surprising to see the former Miss Universe, long associated with another major smartphone brand, making the switch.
Shortly after, I received an email from Tecno Mobile and Fifth Gear, offering me a chance to review the Phantom V Flip2. Coincidence? Maybe. But it felt like the universe was giving me a nudge to finally give flip phones a fair shot.
Let’s be honest: if the queen herself could switch things up, who was I to resist?
So, is the Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G worth the flip?
Let’s dive in.
DESIGN: TRENDY AND TENACIOUS
BUILT FOR 400,000 FOLDS
THE Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G strikes a refined balance between design elegance and durability, underscored by two sophisticated color options: Travertine Green, offering a fresh and warm aesthetic, and Moondust Grey, evoking a hazy, understated charm with soft, layered tones.
Its porcelain straight-edge frame and subtly curved back cover edge enhance its ergonomic appeal, creating a device that is both sleek and comfortable to hold. The Phantom V Flip2 is impressively slim and lightweight measuring just 7.64mm thin when unfolded and weighing only 196g.
Tecno’s attention to detail shines with its 22:9 golden body ratio, engineered to fit naturally within the “thumb hot zone,” making one-handed use intuitive and effortless. When folded, the compact form factor slips easily into small bags or tight jeans pockets, offering a significant edge over bulkier traditional smartphones.
Durability is a standout strength of the Phantom V Flip2. Its gapless hinge design, tested for up to 400,000 folds, ensures long-term reliability— equivalent to approximately 10 years of daily use at 100 folds per day, making it a dependable choice for users seeking a foldable that can withstand everyday wear and tear. During hands-on testing, the hinge felt smooth and robust, showing no signs of wear even after extensive use. That said, I still hesitate to open it with a dramatic “switchblade” flair.
One caveat is the absence of an IP rating for water and dust resistance, a limitation common among budget-friendly foldables. While this trade-off feels justifiable given its competitive price, users should exercise caution in environments where the device could be exposed to water or debris.
COVER SCREEN: FUN AND PRACTICAL
THE most noticeable upgrade on the Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G is its 3.64-inch AMOLED outer display, a significant improvement over the circular cover screen of its predecessor. That circular screen, while unique, also made it look like one of those compact powder kits used by women. This larger, near-square display, with a 1056 x 1066 resolution and 413 ppi, also makes the phone far more functional when folded.
Borrowing inspiration from infinity pools, the “Thru Pool” display on the Tecno Phantom V Flip2
5G redefines external screen design. Its borderless, overflowing layout seamlessly integrates the floating camera lens with the slightly curved body, creating a cohesive visual experience.
Unlike the previous design, the expanded cover screen allows users to interact with a broader range of apps, offering practical multitasking capabilities. During testing, we found it particularly useful for checking notifications scrolling through YouTube Shorts, Reels, and Facebook feeds. Whether you’re casually doomscrolling or replying to a quick message, the cover screen minimizes the need to unfold the phone constantly. You can also add some other apps to the cover screen but that said, there are still quirks to iron out. For example, there’s a constant reminder of apps having compatibility issues resulting in phone heating, incomplete display and unavailability of some features. The inclusion of features like a full keyboard for quick replies, customizable lock screen shortcuts, and widgets for weather or step tracking shows Tecno’s commitment to making the cover screen genuinely useful. Meanwhile, the interactive virtual pets including a Hamster, Alpaca, Rabbit, Dolphin, Falcon, Cat and a Dog, as well as several mini games add a fun, personal touch, making the outer display not just functional but also playful. For photography, you can also use the cover screen as a real-time viewfinder for the rear cameras— something Gen Zs will appreciate. Whether you’re snapping a quick selfie or framing a group shot, this feature ensures high-quality images without relying on the front-facing camera.
The Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G unfolds to reveal a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED main display, offering a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels. With a dynamic refresh rate that adjusts between 10Hz and 120Hz, the display conserves battery life during less intensive tasks while providing buttery-smooth performance for activities like gaming or browsing.
One of the main improvements is the minimized crease on the foldable display. Tecno has fine-tuned the hinge mechanism to ensure a nearly seamless viewing surface, which greatly enhances usability for reading, gaming, or multitasking. The tactile experience of swiping or tapping across the screen feels natural and unobstructed, a testament to the advancements in foldable technology.
Additionally, the main display is Widevine L1-certified, allowing you to stream content from platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in Full HD resolution. Paired with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, the multimedia experience is not just visually immersive but aurally rich as well.
CAMERAS FOR CONTENT:
FREECAM AND RETRO DV MODE
THE Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G is equipped with a 50MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a large 1/1.57-inch sensor, ensuring sharp and stable photos even in challenging lighting. A 2x lossless zoom feature maintains image clarity while capturing mid-range subjects, providing flexibility without compromising quality. Accompanying the main lens is a 50MP ultrawide camera with a 114° field of view, perfect for landscapes, group shots, and creative compositions. Distortion correction ensures wide-angle images look natural minus the fisheye effect.
The 32MP front-facing camera is optimized for selfies, featuring autofocus and a physical fill light for clear, bright results. As mentioned earlier those wanting better quality selfies, there’s Ultra Selfie mode that uses the rear cameras, leveraging the
external display for precise framing. In our tests, the Phantom V Flip2 is able to take great shots comparable even with 2024 flagships, but it’s the FreeCam system that’s really worth mentioning. This mode offers hands-free shooting at adjustable angles ranging from 30° to 150°, eliminating the need for a tripod. All you have to do is prop it on a stable surface and you can easily take photos/videos and even use it for Time-
or Long Exposure shots. This is particularly useful for solo content creators shooting mukbangs, tutorials, or vlogs. Gesture and voice controls streamline the process, letting you focus on your content.
Combined with 4K 30fps video recording, stabilization, and the Dual Video mode—which captures simultaneous perspectives from the front and rear cameras—the FreeCam system enables versatile and professional-grade content creation.
PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY:
SOLID BUT NOT FOR HEAVY GAMING
THE Tecno Phantom V Flip2 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8020, a processor paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. While it might appear as a slight downgrade compared to its predecessor’s Dimensity 8050, this chipset addresses thermal issues that plagued the original V Flip. It still heats up a bit during heavy use but nothing too alarming.
For everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, video streaming, and light multitasking, the phone delivers a smooth and stable experience. Even casual gaming on titles like Mobile Legends runs without issues. However, when it comes to more demanding games, the phone struggles at higher settings so l suggest you leave it on the default.
The phone’s 4,720mAh battery performs well, lasting an entire day with regular use. With 70W fast charging, the device can go from 0 to 50 percent in just 15 minutes, and a full charge takes less than an hour. However, the absence of wireless charging is a missed opportunity for this modern foldable.
It runs on Android 14 with Tecno’s HiOS 14.5, and the software feels polished and optimized for foldable functionality. Features like camcorder mode make creative use of the foldable design, while Floating Windows enhance multitasking. Dynamic Port, akin to Apple’s Dynamic Island, brings additional utility by displaying notifications and quick actions around the in-display camera.
I also have to mention the built-in AI assistant Ella which supports both online and offline commands and offers voice wake-up and voice responses, making
Death toll rises: Israeli airstrikes kill 50 in Gaza, including children
By Wafaa Shurafa & Fatma Khaled The Associated Press
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip— Israeli airstrikes killed at least 50 people, including several children, across the Gaza Strip, hitting Hamas security officers and an Israelideclared humanitarian zone.
As the bombardment continued on Thursday and into Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had authorized a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar toward a ceasefire deal.
Israeli media said the delegation would depart on Friday. There was no immediate Hamas comment. The US-led talks have repeatedly stalled during 15 months of war.
The Israeli strike in the seaside humanitarian zone known as Muwasi occurred as hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have been huddling there in damp winter weather.
“Everyone was taking shelter in their tents from the cold, and suddenly we found the world turning upside down. Why, and for what?” said Ziyad Abu Jabal, displaced from Gaza City.
The early morning strike killed at least 10 people, including three children and two senior Hamas police officers.
Israel’s military said it targeted a senior police officer, saying he was involved in gathering intelligence used by Hamas’ armed wing in attacks on Israeli forces.
Another Israeli strike killed at least eight people in Deir al-Balah
in central Gaza. The men were members of local committees that help secure aid convoys, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. An Associated Press journalist there confirmed the toll.
There was no immediate comment from Israel’s military.
In southern Gaza, the military killed five policemen in eastern Khan Younis. Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said the strike targeted the head of the Hamas internal security force in southern Gaza.
“Where did we find him? Where else, but of course hiding in the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, where Gazans are sheltering from this war,” Mencer said. Israel has repeatedly targeted Gaza’s police during the war, contributing to a breakdown of law and order that has made it difficult for humanitarian groups to deliver aid. Israel accuses Hamas of hijacking aid for its own purposes.
The Hamas-run government had a police force numbering in the tens of thousands that maintained a high degree of public security before the war, while also violently suppressing dissent. Now officers have largely vanished from the streets in many areas.
Meanwhile, three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike that
hit a group of people walking in the street in Maghazi in central Gaza. Their bodies were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
Late Thursday and early Friday, Israeli strikes in central Gaza, including Maghazi and the Nuseirat refugee camp, killed at least 24 people, including children, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
The war was sparked by Hamasled militants’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.
Israel’s offensive in retaliation has killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the dead. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their tally.
Israel’s military says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in dense residential areas. The army says it has killed 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
The war has caused widespread
destruction and displaced some 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times.
Hunger is widespread. Children, some barefoot or in sandals, waited in line with metal pails or other containers at a food distribution center in Deir al-Balah on Thursday.
Netanyahu leaves the hospital after surgery NETANYAHU was released from the hospital Thursday after having prostate surgery Sunday.
Doctors at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital said Netanyahu was recuperating well, although he has a period of recovery ahead. Despite doctor’s orders to remain hospitalized, the 75-year-old leader briefly left the facility to participate in a vote in Israel’s parliament on Tuesday.
Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. But the militant group, while greatly weakened, has repeatedly regrouped in parts of the territory—notably the largely isolated north—after Israeli forces withdraw.
Khaled reported from Cairo.
Army Green Beret commits suicide in Tesla cybertruck explosion outside Trump hotel
By Tara Copp, Alanna Durkin Richer, Colleen Long & Ty Oneil
The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS—The highly decorated Army soldier inside a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks that exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head just before detonation, authorities said Thursday.
The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but virtually no damage to the hotel. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret, likely planned a more damaging attack but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely built explosive.
Damage from the blast was mostly limited to the interior of the truck because the explosion “vented out and up” and didn’t hit the Trump hotel doors just a few feet away, the sheriff said.
“The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from an individual with this type of military experience,” said Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities are still working to determine a motive.
“It’s not lost on us that it’s in front of the Trump building, that it’s a Tesla vehicle, but we don’t have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology,” said Spencer Evans, the Las Vegas FBI’s special agent in charge.
Livelsberger had recently returned from
an overseas assignment in Germany and was on approved leave when he died, according to a US official.
A law enforcement official said investigators learned through interviews that he may have gotten into a fight with his wife about relationship issues shortly before he rented the Tesla and bought the guns. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Among the charred items found inside the truck were a handgun at Livelsberger’s feet, another firearm, a number of fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone and a smartwatch, McMahill said. Authorities said both guns were purchased legally.
Investigators identified the vehicle’s driver—who was burned beyond recognition—as Livelsberger, of Colorado Springs, on Thursday. The cause of death was suicide by gunshot, according to the Clark County coroner.
Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained Special Forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners. He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.
He was awarded a total of five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.
McMahill said Livelsberger rented the Tesla electric vehicle in Denver on Saturday and the sheriff displayed a map showing that it was charged in the Colorado town of Monument near Colorado Springs on
Monday. On New Year’s Eve, it was charged in Trinidad, Colorado, and three towns in New Mexico along the Interstate 40 corridor.
Then on Wednesday, the day of the explosion, it was charged in three Arizona towns before video showed it on the Las Vegas Strip about 7:30 a.m.
McMahill said investigators obtained charging station photos showing Livelsberger “was the individual that was driving this vehicle” and was alone.
“We’re not aware of any other subjects involved in this particular case,” the sheriff said.
Authorities searched a townhouse in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday as part of the investigation. Neighbors said the man who lived there had a wife and a baby and did not give any sign of posing a danger to anyone.
Cindy Helwig, who lives diagonally across a narrow street separating the homes, said she last saw the man she knew as Matthew about two weeks ago when he asked her if she had a tool he needed to fix the SUV he was working on.
“He was a normal guy,” said Helwig, who said she last saw his wife and baby earlier this week. Helwig noted that people in the townhome on a hill with views of the mountains don’t interact much except for when they’re getting the mail or walking their dogs.
The explosion of the truck, packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter early on New Year’s Day, killing at least 14 people before being shot to death by police. That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said Thursday that they
Impeached president defies arrest as Korea’s political crisis escalates
By Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—South Korean investigators left the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a near-six-hour standoff during which he defied their attempt to detain him. It’s the latest confrontation in a political crisis that has paralyzed South Korean politics and seen two heads of state impeached in under a month.
The country’s anti-corruption agency said it withdrew its investigators after the presidential security service blocked them from entering Yoon’s residence for hours due to concerns about their safety.
The agency said its outnumbered investigators had several scuffles with presidential security forces and expressed “serious regret about the attitude of the suspect, who did not comply with the legal process.”
The National Police Agency said it planned to investigate the chief and deputy chiefs of the presidential security service on suspicion of obstructing official duty and summoned them for questioning on Saturday.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, has defied investigators’ attempts to question him for weeks. The last time he is known to have left the residence was on Dec. 12, when he went to the nearby presidential office to make a televised statement to the nation, making a defiant statement that he will fight efforts to oust him.
Investigators from the country’s anti-corruption agency are weighing charges of rebellion after Yoon, apparently frustrated that his policies were blocked by an opposition-dominated parliament, declared martial law on Dec. 3 and dispatched troops to surround the National Assembly.
Parliament overturned the declaration within hours in a unanimous vote and impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, accusing him of rebellion, while South Korean anti-corruption authorities and public prosecutors opened separate investigations into the events.
A Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon’s detention on Tuesday, but enforcing it is complicated as long as he remains in his official residence.
Yoon’s lawyers, who filed a challenge to the warrant on Thursday, say it cannot be enforced at his residence due to a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge.
The office said it will discuss further actions, but did not immediately say whether it would make another attempt to detain Yoon. The warrant for his detention is valid for one week.
Yoon’s lawyers have also argued that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military investigators, lacks the authority to investigate rebellion charges. They said that police officers don’t have the legal authority to assist in detaining Yoon, and could face arrest by either the “presidential security service or any citizens.” They didn’t elaborate further on the claim.
If investigators manage to detain Yoon, they will likely ask a court for permission to make a formal arrest. Otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours.
Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party, called the anti-corruption agency’s withdrawal regrettable and urged the agency to make another attempt to detain Yoon on Friday.
Kwon Young-se, who heads the emergency leadership committee of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, called the agency’s effort to detain Yoon “highly unfair and exceedingly improper,” saying that there is no risk of Yoon attempting to flee or to destroy evidence.
believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.
Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a massive Army base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units. However, one of the officials who spoke to the AP said there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, now called Fort Liberty.
Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, said Thursday that officials have found “no definitive link” between the New Orleans attack and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday afternoon on X that “we have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.”
Musk has recently become a member of President-elect Donald Trump’s inner circle. Neither Trump nor Musk was in Las Vegas early Wednesday. Both had attended Trump’s New Year’s Eve party at his South Florida estate.
Musk spent an estimated $250 million during the presidential campaign to support the former president. He was at Trump’s resort on election night and has been a frequent guest there. Trump has named Musk, the world’s richest man, to co-lead a new effort to find ways to cut the government’s size and spending.
Copp, Richer and Long contributed from Washington. Contributing were Associated Press writers Rio Yamat and Ken Ritter in Las Vegas; Colleen Slevin in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles.
Thousands of police officers gathered at Yoon’s residence on Friday, forming a perimeter around a growing group of pro-Yoon protesters who braved freezing temperatures for hours, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting slogans vowing to protect him. There were no immediate reports of major clashes outside the residence.
Dozens of investigators and police officers were seen entering the gate of the residence in Seoul to execute a warrant for Yoon’s detention, but the dramatic scene quickly developed into a standoff. Two of Yoon’s lawyers, Yoon Kap-keun and Kim Hong-il, were seen entering the gate of the presidential residence around noon. It wasn’t immediately clear what the lawyers discussed with the president. Seok Dong-hyeon, another lawyer on Yoon’s legal team, said the agency’s efforts to detain Yoon were “reckless” and showed an “outrageous discard for law.”
South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the investigators and police officers got past a military unit guarding the residence’s grounds before arriving at the building. The presidential security service, which controls the residence itself, refused to comment. South Korea’s YTN television reported scuffles as investigators and police confronted the presidential security forces.
As the standoff progressed, the Democrats called on the country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, to order the presidential security service to stand down. Choi didn’t immediately comment on the situation.
“Do not drag the upright staff of the presidential security service and other public officials into the depths of crime,” said Jo Seunglae, a Democratic lawmaker. Choi must “remember that swiftly addressing the rebellion and preventing further chaos is your responsibility,” Jo said.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested over their roles in the period of martial law.
Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended since the National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14. Yoon’s fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. At least six justices on the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favor to remove him from office.
The National Assembly voted last week to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became acting president after Yoon’s powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court’s review of Yoon’s case.
Facing growing pressure, the new acting president, Choi, appointed two new justices on Tuesday, which could increase the chances of the court upholding Yoon’s impeachment.
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BBy Josef Ramos
ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beer clash on Sunday as the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup resumes at the Smart Araneta Coliseum after a two-week holiday break.
G inebra is coming off a comefrom-behind “Manila Clasico” Christmas Day victory over Magnolia but head coach Tim Cone expects the Beermen to be tough customers as they try to gift returning coach Leo Austria a victory.
T he game is set at 7:30 p.m.
G inebra beat a then Jorge Gallent-coached San Miguel Beer in six games of the Governors’ semifinals last year.
“ It’s really hard when you come into the game and be in a must win situation, that is a lot of pressure on you,” Cone said. “We are facing San Miguel Beer feeling confident and comfortable with our game…we do that, and we usually perform pretty well against them.”
Justine Brownlee had 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists in Ginebra’s 95-92 win over Magnolia, with rookie RJ Abarrientos contributing 20 points and five assists. But it was Scottie Thompson’s buzzerbeating and game-clinching three-pointer that toppled all performers.
The Gin Kings are now 4-2 won-lost.
“ It takes a little bit off of the pressure on us because we are still moving toward the group on top, but if we lost [Magnolia], we would drop down to the middle or bottom,” Cone said. “But when we come in having to win, it’s really tough against a team talented as San Miguel Beer.”
The Beermen lost their last game in 2024 to the Hong Kong Eastern Lions in overtime, 91-99, are eager to bounce back and improve on their 3-3 record.
Meralco, meanwhile, battles league leader Hong Kong Eastern (6-2) at 5 p.m. hoping to end a two-game slide. The Bolts zare hanging tough at 3-2 behind import Akil Mitchell, returning Allein Maliksi and Chris Banchero. Hong Kong Eastern banked on Glenn Yang’s 26 points and CJ McLaughlin’s 18 points, 11 rebounds and five steals in beating the Beermen last December 22. Ginebra-SMB duel on Sunday as PBA returns at Araneta
Giannis, LeBron, Nikola early leaders for All-Star Sports
MILWAUKEE’S Giannis Antetokounmpo is the early leader in fan balloting for the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game, and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers seems well on his way toward extending his record and getting picked for a 21st time.
The first update on All-Star voting for this season’s revised game was released Thursday, with Antetokounmpo the overall leader with about 1.7 million votes.
Denver’s Nikola Jokic is second overall with about 1.4 million votes, which is tops among all Western Conference players.
The 10 players on pace to be selected as starters, at least based on the fan balloting: Antetokounmpo, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell from the Eastern Conference, and Jokic, Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City’s Shai GilgeousAlexander, Dallas’ Luka Doncic and James from the West. But there won’t be 10 starters this year for the All-Star Game, set to take place February 16 in San Francisco. There will be more.
It’s the first year of a new All-Star format, one where there will be three
MADRID—A Europol operation during last summer’s European Championship and Paris Olympics dismantled a network of several hundred providers of illegal streaming of sports and other pirated content, Spain’s top soccer league said Thursday.
The European Union’s law enforcement agency identified more
games. The 24 All-Stars will be drafted into three teams of eight players apiece by TNT personalities and former NBA greats Shaquille O›Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
Those three teams will be entered into a four-team tournament, with the remaining squad being the team of NBA rookies and second-year players that wins the Rising Stars event on All-Star Friday.
There are two semifinal games, followed by the winners meeting in a championship game—with the first team to reach 40 points the winner of all three games.
It will be wildly different than last year, when the All-Star Game final score was 211-186—the highestscoring one in history.
Voting continues through January 20.
Fan voting makes up 50 percent of the All-Star starter selection formula, with media voting accounting for another 25 percent and voting by current NBA players counting for the remaining 25 percent.
The 10 players designated as starters—even though there technically will be at least 15 starters in the All-Star “games”—will be announced on January 23, and the reserves that will be selected by NBA head coaches will be announced on January 30.
than 560 resellers of pirated content that included streaming of movies, series and TV channels.
L a Liga, which cooperated in the investigation, said more than 100 suspects were identified and 11 were arrested.
The operation was carried out in the context of major sporting events
No on-court joy in Miami for Butler
JIMMY BUTLER says he needs to find joy again on the basketball court. And when asked if he can find that joy in Miami, he had a two-word answer.
“ Probably not,” he said.
The relationship between Butler and the Heat—a talking point for weeks now— seems to have further deteriorated.
The Heat lost to Indiana, 128115, on Thursday night, Butler scoring exactly nine points and playing exactly zero seconds in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game.
It also happened Wednesday in a win over New Orleans.
What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be—we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said. “I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here, off the court, but I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
It’s unclear what happens next. The Heat have no practice Friday and host Utah on Saturday.
E SPN reported after Butler’s postgame comments on Thursday that he has “indicated” to the Heat that he wants a trade. Butler has not said publicly if he wants to be
this summer such as UEFA EURO 2024 and the Olympic Games, with the main objective of combating digital piracy in the form of the publication, distribution and broadcasting of digital content subject to copyright and related rights,” the league said.
More than 100 searches took place, with the seizure of nearly 30 servers
moved. The network also reported on Christmas Day that Butler would prefer a trade by the February 6 deadline—in part prompting the Heat to take the rather unusual step last week of saying that they will not be trading him.
T hursday’s game was, obviously, not a typical Butler performance. He spent many possessions largely camped in the corner on offense and took only six shots in 27 minutes; he took five shots from the floor on Wednesday. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra basically made Butler the point guard for parts of the third quarter in an effort to spark things.
It didn’t work. Obviously he’s frustrated, because he’s standing on the corner,” Heat captain Bam Adebayo said. “So, he’s got a lot of things going on in his corner. For us, we keep the main thing the main thing like our coach always tells us. We play to win and that’s what it’s all about.”
B utler said he felt like he was focused and that he did his job Thursday, adding “or at least, what my job is now.”
“ That’s not what I’m used to being,” Butler said. “I haven’t been that since my first, second, third year in the league, where I just went out there and played defense. I competed. I guarded.
That’s what I’m doing now.” AP
and 270 IPTV devices, as well as 100 domains linked to illegal activities.
D rugs and weapons were also seized, and cryptocurrency worth about €1.6 million ($1.64 million) was confiscated, along with 40,000 euros in cash.
The network distributed more than 2,500 TV channels and reached over
gained loads of experience,” he said Thursday. “I know where I went wrong last year, and I’m sure I’ll fix it. “ Win seven sets and I’ll be over the moon,” added Littler, who still lives
myself. I don’t want to make mistakes, I want to keep battling.” AP N EW ORLEANS—Georgia and Notre Dame fans packed a plaza adjacent to the Superdome and enjoyed music under clear skies—under the watch of snipers on rooftops—before filtering into the stadium for Thursday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl.
It was a lot of fun. It felt safe,” said Shannon Horsey, a Georgia fan in her 40s who lives in Austin, Texas. “Coming in they searched my bag thoroughly. So I felt like, OK, they’re really paying attention.” Horsey was in New Orleans with her husband, Joe, a 48-year-old Georgia graduate, and their teenage children, Jack and Zoe. They extended their stay after the game, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed because of an attack by a man
who drove a pickup truck into crowds in the French Quarter, killing 14 New Year’s revelers before police killed the attacker in a shootout. Dozens more were injured.
Notre Dame beat Georgia 2310 in a game that concluded without incident amid the enhanced security.
“ We can see the presence up on the rooftop,” Horsey said, pointing at a sniper above Champions Square. “So, I kind of felt like this is probably one of the safest places to be in the city.” Joe Horsey said the pregame crowd was larger than he expected but he also found the “energy lower than a normal football game.”
“ You could sense the musicians trying to get people riled up. People are kind of going through the paces, a little bit in shock, but trying to make the best out of the day,” he
22 million users worldwide without the consent of the copyright holders, the Spanish league said. The operation involved 15 countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Operation Kratos,” took place from June to September and brought together law enforcement authorities from European Union (EU) and non-EU members, as well as EU agencies and private digital content companies. AP
COACH Tim Cone’s Gin Kings face a dangerous Beermen side.
LIKE LITTLER, 17, gets another shot at the title a year after his unlikely run. AP