HE country’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows recorded an eight-month high in October, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Based on the data, FDI net inflows grew 50.2 percent to $1.02 billion in October 2024 from $681 million in October 2023.
Th is is the highest since the $1.367 billion posted in February 2024. In terms of growth, this was the fastest since January 2024 when FDI grew 79.1 percent.
FDI includes investment by a nonresident direct investor in a resident enterprise, where the equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent,” BSP said.
“It also includes investment made by a nonresident subsidiary or associate in its resident direct investor. FDI can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings,” it added.
BSP data showed that with this FDI growth in October 2024, the January-October 2024 net inflows reached $7.7 billion. This represented a growth of 8.2 percent from the $7.1 billion net inflows in January-October 2023.
Nomura analysts Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said public investment spending will remain a major growth engine for the Philippines and could help crowd in more investments, including FDIs. They noted that there is a government push for more progress on infrastructure projects with an added impetus from the mid-term elections on May 12, 2025.
Sustained infrastructure implementation should, in our view, start to crowd in private investment spending when borrowing costs are declining and BSP is easing monetary policy,” they said. “However, strong external headwinds will likely provide some offset due to Trump’s policy proposals.”
The data showed the increase in net FDI inflows was due to the
$100 million from $74 million. However, a contraction in nonresidents’ reinvestment of earnings moderated the growth of the country’s FDI inflows. The data showed a decline of 0.9 percent in nonresident’s rein-
TBy Ada Pelonia
HE Department of Agri-
culture (DA) will impose a maximum suggested retail price of P58 per kilo for imported rice starting January 20.
A griculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the MSRP aims to have a balance between business sustainability and the welfare of consumers and farmers.
We must ensure the price of rice is fair and affordable even as we make sure that the rice industry remains profitable. We cannot allow the greed of a few to jeopardize the well-being of an entire nation,” Laurel said in a statement.
He noted that the MSRP will be initially implemented in Metro Manila. It will be reviewed every month to take into account several factors, including the global price of the grain.
“ We think that if the current direction of global prices hold, the MSRP will be lower after the review,” Laurel said.
For her part, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque reaffirmed the
vestment of earnings to $83 million from $84 million in October 2023.
Equity capital placements in October 2024 came largely from Japan, the United States, and Singapore. These investments were directed primarily to the manufacturing, real estate, and construction industries,” the BSP said.
Different from other agencies
THE BSP noted that its FDI statistics are different from the investment data of other government sources. BSP FDI covers actual investment inflows.
In contrast, the approved for-
eign investments data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) are sourced from Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).
These represent investment commitments, BSP said, which may not necessarily be fully realized in a given period.
The PSA data are also not based on the 10-percent foreign ownership criterion under BPM6 and the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals).
The PSA’s foreign investment data, however, does not account for equity withdrawals.
imported rice starts Jan 20
broken grains, the price should be much lower,” Laurel explained.
Meanwhile, the agency said Laurel ordered Food Terminals Inc. (FTI), a government corporation under the DA, to begin selling rice through Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers and kiosks.
Among the rice options are 5 percent broken sold at P45 per kilo, 25 percent broken at P40 per kilo, and 100 percent broken, also known as Sulit Rice, at P36 per kilo.
Furthermore, the agriculture chief said rice that has been stored by the National Food Authority for at least two months will be available for resale to local government units in Metro Manila at P38 per kilo.
This initiative will help the NFA clear its warehouses in preparation for the upcoming harvest season,” Laurel said.
“Our warehouses are filled to capacity, and I have directed NFA administrator Larry Lacson to have the rice milled immediately so we can saturate the market with fairer-priced rice as we make space for the palay we plan to procure at a minimum of P23 per kilo for clean and dry this season,” he added.
TBy Cai U. Ordinario
HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) disclosed on Friday that bank lending growth recorded nearly a two-year high in November 2024.
Based on the data, outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, grew 11.1 percent year-on-year, the fastest since the 13.7 percent posted in December 2022. Th e data showed bank lending grew 10.6 percent in October 2024 while it posted a growth of 7 percent in November 2023. On a
FALL-ING IN LOVE WITH DARANAK Local tourists unwind and refresh in the cool, crystal-clear waters of Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal. Known for its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere, the falls is a popular destination for nature lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Tanay, often hailed as the “Home of Nature and Adventure Destinations,” offers this hidden gem as part of its diverse array of outdoor escapes. BERNARD TESTA
Private equity companies chase slice of Australia’s $2.5-trillion pensions
By Harry Brumpton & Amy Bainbridge Bloomberg
A33-year-old piece of legislation in Australia is helping to spark fresh interest from private equity firms including KKR & Co. and Bain Capital as they seek to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing money management industries.
Since its inception in 1992, Australia’s compulsory pension system has amassed a A$4-trillion ($2.5 trillion) nest egg that’s poised to triple over the next two-and-ahalf decades, according to a Mercer report. Wealth and fund managers have been the beneficiary of the system. With mandated contributions now poised to rise to an alltime high—the equivalent of 12% of each worker’s salary—some of the biggest buyout firms are circling the space.
called industry super funds, born out of the union movement, manage the vast bulk of the savings. Private asset management firms with their shareholder-profit model also oversee a significant chunk.
Th at growth has led to a surge in investment and mergers. Announced deals targeting Australian financial services firms totaled more than $64 billion over the last five years, more than double the $29 billion in the previous five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
More deals
CC Capital’s move follows KKR’s A$2.2-billion offer last year for part of Australian money manager Perpetual Ltd., while hedge fund Regal Partners Ltd. made a pitch for another fund company Platinum Asset Management Ltd.
The Australian market is unique globally given the structure of mandated employee contributions, which means by definition the industry has a natural tailwind which should mean year-overyear growth,” said Manoj Jain, cofounder and co-chief investment officer of hedge fund Maso Capital. Mercer forecasts a dozen mega-funds will control more than A$100 billion each by 2028. So-
CC Capital Partners, set up by a former Blackstone Inc. dealmaker, became the latest buyout firm to target the sector with a A$2.9-billion offer Monday for Insignia Financial Ltd. That topped a bid from Bain Capital, setting up a potential bidding war with the Boston-based firm.
CC Capital is the latest firm to enter the fray. The family office set up by Chinh Chu bid A$4.30 per share in cash for Insignia. That exceeded the A$4 a share offer from Bain Capital, which Insignia rejected last month. A representative for Bain declined to comment on the rival offer.
CC Capital is an insurance and asset management firm that Chu, who left Blackstone in 2015, has begun to assemble in the mold of Apollo Global Management Inc. The company has been examining deals in Australia since 2018 and was outbid when National Australia Bank sold its superannuation arm MLC Wealth to Insignia in 2020, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not
to be identified as they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. CC Capital did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment.
Insignia manages A$319 billion across its sprawling portfolio. That includes billions in retirement savings across a range of funds, making it among Australia’s top 10 largest players. It has a A$90billion asset management business and two financial advice units.
Still, Insignia’s challenges underline those common in the space.
The company had outflows of A$1 billion for the three months to September 30, though its funds under management increased 2.7%.
Besides the potential growth in the pension fund business, private equity firms are drawn by the opportunity to cut costs and reduce debt at some of the Australian money managers, Jain said.
Globally, the sector is consolidating with the need for scale to bring operating efficiencies,” he said. “International operators
including private equity often look at them and believe they can reduce the cost base while increasing fund returns.” Still, getting deals done hasn’t been easy. Perpetual rejected a takeover offer from Australian investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson & Co. before it struck the carve out arrangement with KKR. Th at deal with the US firm is now in danger of collapsing over an unexpected tax bill. Regal Partners meanwhile ended takeover talks with Platinum after almost two months of due diligence failed to lead to an improved offer. Michael Vrisakis, a partner at law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, dubbed the sector’s takeover activity a phase of “AMCS.” That is ’acquisition musical chair syndrome’ where acquirers realize that there is a shrinking number of accessible targets and bidding activity becomes affected by the desire to find a seat at the acquisition table,” Vrisakis said. There is a perception that smaller players cannot compete and can be effectively mopped up with the right acquisition.”
lending grows 11.1% in Nov, nearly a 2-yr high
month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, outstanding U/KB loans, net of RRPs, rose by a percent. Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and lending conditions are in line with its price and financial stability mandates,” the BSP said.
Th e data also showed that outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, grew by 11.3 percent in November from 10.7 percent in the previous month. Outstanding loans to nonresidents expanded at a slower rate of 3.8 percent in November from 6.9 percent in October.
L oans for production activities went up by 9.8 percent in November from 9.1 percent in October, due largely to sustained increase in lending to key industries.
These key industries are wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, which saw lending grow by 9.1 percent; electricity, gas, steam and air-
conditioning supply, 9.6 percent; and financial and insurance activities, 4.4 percent. The data also showed industries that posted the fastest growth in lending were professional, scientific and technical services, whose lending grew 48.4 percent; transportation and storage, 28.6 percent; arts, entertainment and recreation, 28.1 percent; and mining and quarrying, 23.8 percent.
Consumer loans
MEANWHILE , consumer loans to residents continued to grow by 23.3 percent in November from 24 percent in October, driven by the increase in credit card and motor vehicle loans.
Credit card loans grew 26.5 percent in November 2024, while motor vehicle loans grew 19.6 percent and salary-based general-purpose consumption loans grew 15 percent during the period.
B SP said domestic claims expanded by 10.8 percent year-onyear in November, compared to 10 percent (revised) in the previous month.
C laims on the private sector grew by 11.7 percent in November from 11.8 percent (revised) in October with the continued expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households.
Net claims on the central government grew by 9.2 percent, compared to 8.4 percent (revised) in the previous month, partly due to continued borrowings by the national government.
Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year in November from 11.3 percent (revised) in October. The BSP’s NFA grew by 12.8 percent, reflecting the increase in gross international reserves. Meanwhile, the NFA of banks contracted, mainly owing to higher bills payable and bonds payable.
Meanwhile, preliminary data showed that domestic liquidity (M3) grew by 7.7 percent yearon-year to about P18.1 trillion in November from 5.4 percent in October.
CHINH CHU, founder and senior manager of CC Capital Partners, speaks during the Bloomberg Invest Summit in New York, June 4, 2019. DEMETRIUS FREEMAN/BLOOMBERG
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Zero subsidy, crisis jitters won’t affect 2025 ops, says PhilHealth
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
FACED with no government subsidy this year and growing concerns about a potential financial crisis, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will be backed by P373.5-billion funding to sustain operations.
In a press briefing on Friday, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said that despite its zero government subsidy, benefit packages will not be affected.
“In fact, that will even increase, and we can assure you that PhilHealth’s services and benefits will continue to grow,” Ledesma said.
Fund Management Sector Senior Vice President Renato L. Limsiaco Jr. said PhilHealth has P373.504 billion
in funding, which is “sufficient” to cover benefit payments.
Based on its corporate operating budget, benefit expenses will cost P271.388 billion while administrative expenses will amount to P12.484 billion.
PhilHealth projects its revenues will hit P223.608 billion this year, of which P202.880 billion will be coming from premium collections from direct contributors; and P20.728 billion from investments and other income.
It also has a surplus amounting to P149.896 billion while its investment portfolio is worth P492 billion.
“There is still room for additional benefits,” Limsiaco said.
Social Watch Philippines said earlier that PhilHealth’s financial statement reveals the state health insurer is already in a “deep financial crisis,”
having P1.252 trillion in insurance contract liabilities (ICL).
Limsiaco explained that ICL is the corporation’s future liability, which they are required to report, and will not dent its budget in the future.
However, should the health insurer lack a budget, Limsiaco said it can request additional budget from the PhilHealth Board to meet its needs.
Benefit packages up by 50
percent
PhilHealth increased by 50 percent almost 9,000 benefit packages, such as in moderate-risk pneumonia, caesarian section and cholecystectomy.
It has also enhanced benefits packages for ischemic heart disease-acute myocardial infarction, Z Packages for peritoneal dialysis and
kidney transplantation, preventive oral health services and outpatient emergency care benefits.
Amid these new rate increases, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPI) said PhilHealth still has about P6 billion in unpaid claims.
“These unpaid claims put private hospitals at a high financial risk and, especially now that hikes will be put into motion. This will also add more strain to the financial stability if those unpaid claims remain unaccounted for,” Dr. Ricardo F. Adriano Jr. said in the same briefing.
Limsiaco defended that PhilHealth’s claims processing has been expedited, taking about 23 days in 2024 compared to 34 days in 2023.
“On the part of the hospitals, our providers, we are also requesting qual -
Slower inflation not enough; pay hike, safety nets pitched
By Rizal Raoul Reyes
IN spite of the fact that the latest inflation figures are within the Marcos administration’s 2-4 percent target for 2024, economic research think tank IBON Foundation said this doesn’t automatically translate into better living conditions for Filipinos, whose real incomes are stagnating or falling.
According to IBON, the end of 2024 saw prices of food and basic needs out of reach of ordinary Filipinos. Nevertheless, IBON pointed out that substantial government intervention is still needed to improve the welfare of the low-income majority.
T he Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported an uptick in the inflation rate from 2.5 percent in November 2024 to 2.9 percent in December 2024. The uptrend, mainly caused by faster price hikes in house rentals and transportation, which the PSA claimed to be seasonal, is also lower than the 3.9 percent in December 2023.
Annual inflation for 2024 is at 3.2 percent, which is lower than the 6-percent inflation rate in 2023. Lower inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels is behind this downtrend. This was reportedly driven primarily by rice inflation, which fell from 7.9 percent in 2023 to 4.4 percent in 2024.
T he National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) touted this as a success of the government’s combined efforts to temper inflation. IBON, however, said that the government repeatedly ignores the fact that incessant price increases disproportionately burden poor and lowincome Filipino households. They face further pressure on their purchasing power in 2025 from cuts in the government’s social protection budget and higher social security contributions.
“As it is, high food and utility prices still challenge households at yearend. The PSA’s price monitor showed that food was still expensive in December 2024. In the
National Capital Region: rice cost P52-P61 per kilo; the price per kilo of carrots, baguio beans, eggplants, ampalaya, native pechay and kangkong, galunggong, chicken, pork, and beef increased by P5 to as much as P115. The price of tomatoes particularly stood out and soared by P149 from P65 per kilo in December 2023 to P213 per kilo in December 2024,” IBON said.
For typical households consuming 200 kilowatts per hour, the Meralco rate in December 2024 was raised from P11.86 per kilowatt hour (/kwh) to P11.96/kwh. This means consumers are paying an additional P21 in their monthly electricity bill. Some urban poor communities in Metro Manila lament that their electricity rates are almost double or more, ranging from P20-P40/kwh.
The same is true for water consumers: Manila Water and Maynilad rates increased to P42.26 and P47.57 per cubic meter, respectively, in 2024. For some urban poor communities, water costs ranged from P80-P140 per cubic meter.
PCSO obtains coveted WLA Level 2 category
Association (WLA) Level 2 Certification for Responsible Gaming, joining an elite group of lottery operators globally recognized for their commitment to responsible gaming practices. This achievement came following the recommendation of an independent assessment panel that recognized PCSO’s dedication in promoting responsible gaming, while fulfilling its mission to raise funds for health and welfare programs.
The certification process involved a thorough evaluation of PCSO’s responsible gaming programs, focusing on measures to prevent underage participation, mitigate gaming-related risks, and educate the public on responsible play.
“Low wages aren’t keeping up with rising prices. Despite wage hikes that took effect over the holidays—such as in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga which saw increases ranging from P15-P40—the nominal minimum wage remains far below the family living wage (FLW). Across all regions, the average nominal wage of P465 still falls P759 short of the P1,224 average FLW for a family of five,” IBON explained. The group noted the situation has become bleak, as meager incomes and
ity claims to be submitted quickly,” he said, adding that submitting the claims in 60 days will result in a delay of two months.
“Submit that in a very fast manner and PhilHealth will also compensate in a fast manner as well,” Limsiaco said.
According to Ledesma, PhilHealths paid claims average for around P15 billion a month, up 20 percent from last year.
The agency’s total claims for 2024 amounted to approximately P170 billion, an increase of P30 to P40 billion compared to the previous year, he added.
‘Zero subsidy to spell P100 billion in claims loss’ “ TAKING into account the zero subsidy from the Philippine Congress,
high prices are pushing many households into poverty and hunger. The latest Social Weather Stations, Inc. survey saw 59 percent or 16.3 million families rating themselves as poor, and hungry families increasing to 6.3 million, as of September 2024.
Although achieving a lower inflation rate is a welcome development, IBON said it is not enough to improve the conditions of most Filipinos.
“The Marcos Jr., administration should increase Filipinos’ capacity to cope with rising prices through substantial wage hikes and sufficient assistance to vulnerable sectors. The government can also lower prices immediately by removing regressive
value- added and excise taxes on goods and services,” IBON explained. In the long run, IBON said the country can moderate price inflation by improving domestic production of goods and services. Taking a broader view, it said the economy has to be transformed to create gainful jobs with decent wages and ensure equitable growth. It urged the government to pursue expansionary fiscal policies to improve public services and expand social protection.
“This can be funded with a more progressive tax system, including a billionaire wealth tax and higher income taxes for the rich and large corporations,” IBON
It recognizes PCSO’s development of comprehensive policies, staff training programs, and strategies designed to ensure the safe and sustainable operation of its gaming activities.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles was heartened by the significant milestone, saying, “achieving the WLA Level 2 Certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to balancing revenue generation for charitable causes with the promotion of responsible gaming.” He continued: “It highlights PCSO’s dedication to safeguarding the interests of players, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”
PCSO said its attainment of WLA Level 2 Certification aligns with its broader cor -
Lottery organizations that successfully implement responsible gaming initiatives based on the WLA Responsible Gaming Framework are given the WLA Level 2 Certification.
porate social responsibility objectives, emphasizing player protection and promoting sustainable gaming practices.
Robles is confident that the new category will result in enhancing PCSO’s capability to raise funds that support essential services such as medical assistance, disaster response, and livelihood programs for Filipinos.
“Looking ahead, the PCSO is dedicated to continuously enhancing its responsible gaming framework to achieve higher levels of WLA certification while fostering trust, transparency, and accountability among its stakeholders.”
GM Robles, who is also the first Filipino elected to the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, stressed that is just the beginning of PCSO’s journey toward being recognized worldwide as a trustworthy and responsible lottery operator.
Bong Go leads turnover of Super Health Center in North Cotabato
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, joined the turnover of the Super Health Center on Thursday, January 9, in Barangay Poblacion 3, Midsayap, North Cotabato.
“Earlier today, people were thanking me. But in truth,I should be thanking you because you gave me a chance to be of service. Thank you for your trust and you can be sure I will not squander it,” said Go, partly in Filipino.
In his speech, the senator expressed satisfaction with the turnover of the Super Health Center, citing its significant role in serving the community and bringing healthcare closer to the people.
“I k now that among the challenges to our residents is the lack of access to basic services because of their distance from the facilities. That’s why I continue to push for the setting up of more Super Health Centers nationwide,” he added.
With the support of fellow lawmakers, local government units, and the Department of Health, funds have been allocated for more than 700 Super Health Centers, including seven in North Cotabato.
Aside from the Super Health Centers, Senator Go highlighted one of his flagship programs, the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aiming to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DOH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more
T he Super Health Centers offer a wide range of services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation rooms, diagnostic services (laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasound), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units. Other services include eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which allows for the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients.
than 15 million Filipinos. In North Cotabato, Malasakit Center is located at Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.
He also recognized the dedication of medical frontliners present at the event, urging them to continue their vital work in delivering healthcare to the community. He assured them of his unwavering support, as strengthening the country’s healthcare system remains a top priority to him.
The senator distributed food packs to 100 barangay health workers in attendance as a gesture of appreciation and support. Selected recipients also received shirts, fans, basketballs, and volleyballs from Senator Go. Go also acknowledged the contributions of local officials in bringing government services closer to the people.
Among those recognized were Mayor Atty. Rolando Sacdalan, Vice Mayor Vivencio Deomampo Jr., Councilors and Barangay Captains.
During the event, Sadaan Barangay Captain Rodrigo “Doding” Durano Go also showed Go the ambulance that he supported which would benefit the people in Midsayap.
Over 8,000 back clemency grant to Mary Jane Veloso
By Samuel P. Medenilla
OVER 8,300 people are back -
ing the petition of Migrante International, urging President Ferdinand Marcos to finally grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso on humanitarian grounds.
The migrant advocate group is calling for the release of Veloso, who celebrated Friday her 40th birthday at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City where
she continues to serve her sentence from an Indonesian court for her drug trafficking case.
“Can we really say that Marcos has a heart if he is leaving Mary Jane, a trafficking victim, to suffer still in detention on her own birthday? Now that she has been in the country for nearly a month, Marcos should use his unbound power to grant her clemency if he truly cares to make a stand against human trafficking, which
Palace suspends govt work, classes in Mla, Pasay for INC peace rally
MALACAÑANG has suspended government work and classes at all levels in the cities of Manila and Pasay on Monday for the National Rally for Peace (NRP) of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
In his Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 76 dated January 10, 2025, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said the suspension is in consideration of the numerous INC members, who will participate in the activity in both cities on January 13, 2025. He said the class suspension will cover those in public and private schools.
The Palace official clarified that government agencies, which deliver basic and health services, preparedness/responses to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, are exempted from the suspension.
MC 76 will also not cover workers in the private sector.
“The suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads,” Bersamin said in the onepage issuance.
Last Thursday, the local government unit of Davao City also announced a similar class suspension for the same purpose. INC will be holding its nationwide NRP, which is expected to be attended by its members, who say it is in support of the position of President Ferdinand Marcos to oppose the proposed impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives, on the ground that it will distract from the more pressing problems of the nation.
In Manila, the NRP will be held at the Liwasang Bonifacio in front of the Manila Central Post Office.
Samuel P. Medenilla
has become so pervasive in our country,” Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion said in a statement. Veloso was arrested by Indonesian authorities after she was caught carrying a luggage with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in an Indonesian airport in 2010. She said she was unaware of the content of the luggage when it was handed to her by her recruiters, who are currently facing human trafficking charges.
An Indonesian court sentenced her to death in 2015, but it was later deferred indefinitely due to efforts from the Philippine government. Last month, the Indonesian government agreed to let her serve her sentence in a Philippine detention facility.
Indonesia said it will not oppose in case Marcos decides to grant clemency to Veloso.
Migrante International asked why the President is still withholding the issuance of clemency to Veloso 22
days after her detention at the CIW.
Members of the migrant advocate group trooped to Malacañang last Friday to submit their petition signed by 8,300 people calling on Marcos to grant clemency to Veloso. Among the groups backing the clemency for Veloso are the the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Talitha Kum Philippines, the National Council of Churches of the Philippines and other faith-based organizations.
“The clock is now ticking on Marcos to grant Mary Jane clemency. The number of Mary Jane’s supporters continues to grow from the Philippines to beyond,” Concepcion said. Veloso’s family appreciated the gesture and thanked the people who supported the petition.
Migrante International said it will continue to support Veloso and the 50 Filipinos, who are on death row abroad as, well, as those who became victims of human trafficking.
Japanese foreign minister to visit Manila next week
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
JAPAN’S foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya will visit Manila next week to meet his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His visit comes a month after the Philippine Senate concurred with the Philippine-Japan agreement that provides limited immunity to Japanese soldiers participating in military exercises or port calls in the Philippines.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, US President Joseph Biden and Philippine President Marcos Jr. are also scheduled to have a trilateral phone call on January 12.
Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said Minister Iwaya will be on a three-country swing tour
next week--first in South Korea on January 13, then in the Philippines on January 14 and 15 and in Palau on January 16.
Iwaya, a member of the Japanese parliament, assumed office as Japan’s foreign minister in October 2024 following the election of Ishiba. On December 24 and 25, he visited Beijing and met Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Last week, he also met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during the latter’s visit to Tokyo.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers will discuss political, defense, security, economic and development cooperation, and other “mutual areas of concern” during their bilateral meeting on January 15. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international developments.
“Amid an increasingly complex security environment, the Philippines and Japan are expected to reaffirm the mutual commitment to further enhancing the ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries and to seize new opportunities for cooperation. In July 2024, the Philippines and Japan signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement [RAA], which will firmly contribute towards maintaining a secure and peaceful Asia-Pacific,” the DFA said in a statement.
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy a total of 1,300 personnel for Iglesia ni Cristo’s “National Rally for Peace” on January 13 at Quirino Grandstand, which is expected to be attended by at least one million people.
“Aside from the rerouting plans, the agency shall also deploy around 1,300 personnel and will implement a no day-off, no absent policy to help assist motorists starting evening of Sunday, January 12,” said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes in a press briefing.
Single -lane parking will be allowed at select roads during the rally, as some of the roads will be closed around Rizal Park area, Artes said.
The MMDA chief said the agency shall allow one-lane street parking for the participants, and warned individuals who will violate shall be given citation tickets and vehicles will be towed in accordance to the
MMDA’s illegal parking rule.
“There’s no suspension of number coding on Monday,” Artes said in a press briefing as he asked the motorists to be updated on the event on Jan. 13.
The agency also bared its traffic rerouting plan to ease traffic congestion.
On January 13, from 4 a.m. onwards, the following roads will be closed to traffic to give way to INC’s event: Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Roxas Boulevard (from UN Avenue to P. Burgos), TM Kalaw, Bonifacio Drive (from P. Burgos to Anda Circle), P. Burgos (from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue), and Maria Orosa St.
The following are the alternate routes for public utility vehicles and private vehicles going northbound from Roxas Boulevard:
n Turn right to Quirino Avenue or UN Avenue, then left to Taft Avenue, to point of destination.
“Together we will continue to fortify our security and defense cooperation with allies and like-minded partners such as US and Australia, sending a powerful message of our unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability, anchored on the rule of law,” Kazuya said. In a separate interview, he said the RAA also needs the concurrence of the Japanese Diet. He hopes that the Japanese Diet would concur with the RAA soon.
“The RAA is really an important step forward for the security cooperation for both our countries. So, I hope that it would take effect early this year,” the Japanese envoy said.
In his speech during a forum hosted by think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, Kazuya said the Philippine-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement will enable the Filipino and Japanese soldiers to “engage in advanced training, particularly in joining US-Philippine exercises such as Balikatan, Kamandag and Sama-sama.”
MMDA to field 1,300 people for INC’s Jan 13 rally for peace
For private vehicles heading southbound from R-10 to Bonifacio Drive, going to Anda Circle, turn left to Soriano Avenue, right turn to Muralla St., turn left to Magallanes Drive, turn right to P. Burgos to Taft Avenue, going to point of destination.
For trucks going to North Harbor from SLEX, straight ahead to Osmeña Highway, turn right to Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan St. going to Lacson Avenue, turn left to Yuseco St., straight ahead to Capulong St., right or left turn to R-10 Road, going to the point of destination.
Trucks coming from the Parañaque area must turn right at Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan then Lacson Avenue to the point of destination. Trucks going south may use the same route.
The agency shall also designate emergency lanes particularly in Katigbak and South Drive to give way to emergency vehicles.
Road closure
MEANWHILE , the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the closure of the main road along Mindanao Avenue to Tandang Sora starting midnight of January 12, Sunday, to give way to the ongoing construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1. T he Tandang Sora Station Box will be constructed beneath Mindanao Avenue. To be able to do so, the DPWH has to divert traffic in both south and northbound directions; the road closure will last until 2028. “Please defer trips to Manila and Pasay; there is an alternative route where one must exit; please be careful, everyone. Attendees must please follow the traffic enforcers of MMDA,” Artes said. INC has said its rally is an expression of support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s position in opposing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, to avoid distracting Congress and the nation’s leaders from pressing issues.
Borongan City doubles monthly allowance for elderly residents
TBy Roel Amazona
ACLOBAN CITY—The Borongan City government is doubling the monthly financial assistance of P500 for senior citizens starting in 2025, implementing a local ordinance approved last year.
Authored by City Councilor Lyra Gel Agda Limbauan, the ordinance revised Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 210 passed in 2012 that grants a monthly monetary allowance to eligible senior citizens in the city.
Some 5,800 elderly residents will benefit from the adjustment.
“This increase in the monthly monetary allowance for our senior citizens has been approved through our continued efforts to promote their welfare. It is my way of fulfilling my promise to provide consistent support to our elders in the city,” Limbauan said in an online interview on Monday.
She thanked Mayor Jose Ivan
Dayan Agda, Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiusonco, and the members of the city council for their support in the creation of the ordinance and implementing the program.
The author cited inflation as one of the major factors in the consideration to raise the monthly allowance of the elderly to P1,000.
“Many are no longer employed and rely solely on government-provided monetary allowances to sustain their daily needs. Therefore, it is essential to periodically adjust the allowance for senior citizens to help maintain their quality of life amid rising costs,” the ordinance stated.
Distribution of the monetary assistance is done in each village by the city social welfare and development office every six months.
Aside from the monthly allowance, eligible senior citizens of Borongan are also recipients of free medicines, support for agriculturerelated livelihoods and free bus rides. PNA
FDA eyes expanded discount on meds for elderly and PWDs
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is eyeing to expand the scope of discounted medicines and medical devices not only for senior citizens, but also for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In a statement, the FDA said this was discussed during a meeting among agency officials on the enforcement of Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, which removes senior citizens’ booklets as a requirement for discounted purchase of medicines for the elderly.
Before AO No. 2024-0017, senior citizens were required to present valid identification and a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of medical discounts.
“During the meeting, the agency is also studying possible expansion of the discounts, not only for senior
citizens, but also for PWDs,” the FDA said.
The FDA said it is also studying how to better enforce value-added tax (VAT) exemptions under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law, and other discounts provided under various laws to expand benefits.
It is also planning to undertake a massive information campaign to enlighten the public on these benefits.
“These steps are expected to result in a simplified process on discounted transactions that would be a big
help for senior citizens and PWDs, especially in poor communities,” the FDA said.
It added that drug stores and healthcare providers would also benefit from the simplified transactions and streamlined discount process.
Last month, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa announced that senior citizens are no longer required to present purchase booklets to avail 20% discount when buying prescription medicines
Herbosa signed Administrative
Order No. 2024-0017 on December 23, 2024, removing the need to present the purchase booklets. This is consistent with Republic Act 9994 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. For partial filling, the establishment’s pharmacist will indicate the quantity partially filled and the unfilled balance on the prescription. The senior citizen shall retain the partially filled prescription and present the same later to complete the prescribed quantity. PNA
World’s oldest person, 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka, passes away in Japan
TBy Yuri Kageyama The Associated Press
OKYO—Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died on December 29, 2024, an Ashiya city official said. She was 116. Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of elderly policies, said Itooka died at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan. Itooka, who loved bananas and a yogurt-flavored Japanese drink called Calpis, was born on May 23, 1908. She
became the oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
When she was told she was at the top of the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, she simply replied, “Thank you.” When Itooka celebrated her birthday last year, she received flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor. Born in Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player in high school, and long had a reputation for a sprightly spirit, Nagata said. She climbed the 3,067-meter (10,062foot) Mount Ontake twice.
She married at 20, and had two daughters and two sons, according to Guinness. Itooka managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during World War II. She lived alone in Nara after her husband died in 1979. She is survived by one son and one daughter, and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, according to Nagata. According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka.
By Nick Tayag
From ‘lo’ waist gang’ to ‘low waste fellowship’ my
‘LO Waist Gang” was one of my favorite movies as an adolescent in the late ’50s.
I was around six years old when I watched it in my hometown’s one and only theater that showed Tagalog movies. It was a teen-oriented movie featuring newbies FPJ, Zaldy Zshornack and a pack of supporting actors. It spawned a series of around eight “Lo’ Waist Gang” movies. The title “Lo’ Waist Gang” reflected a youth subculture at that time when it was cool for teens to wear jeans at a low waist, along with greased hair and Elpo rubber shoes. It projected the image of a toughie, connected to a desire of youngsters to express themselves differently. The film was such a hit among local audiences that low-waist pants became a fad. I was one of those who donned the low waist look. In our street, we formed our own informal gang of little poseur toughies.
Now as I look at the back mirror, to me it went beyond just the look or the rebellious scowling and posturing ala James Dean in “Rebel Without A Cause” or Marlon Brando in “The Wild Ones.” It was also a mentality, a thinking that the world was ours and we didn’t owe it anything. Subconsciously we adopted the carefree, careless, devil-may-care attitude and behavior of the lo’ waist gang shown on the big screen. Their reckless attitude helped form and shape part of the character of our generation.
The thought of protecting the environment and saving mother earth never entered our inchoate minds.
While our classrooms had posters like “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” the message went over our heads; it never sunk in. We threw our litter – candy wrappers, ice drop sticks, paper bags – freely everywhere. We urinated on walls, poles, bushes, canals, anywhere we happened to be at the moment we wanted to take a pee.
That careless attitude and profligate ways moved to another level when I grew up to reside and work in Manila. I never learned to smoke but I saw nothing wrong when my colleagues threw their cigarette butts everywhere (smoking cigarettes was seen as a badge of manliness and toughness.) We left our paper straws and bottle caps thoughtlessly under the tables or counters when we drank soft drinks.
There were days when we would impulsively and capriciously decide to go to Baguio early morning and come back to Manila the same day just for the heck of it, heedless of the amount of gasoline wasted. On a whim we would drive all the way from our office in Makati to Taytay to have lunch at the then famous “Bahay Pawid” and then drive back to the office by 2 p.m.
We not only adopted the low waist gang look, we were the poster boys of the high waste kind of life.
Even when plastics came to replace paper and glass, we continued our lit-
tering with unrestrained profligacy, letting others clean up our mess.
Meanwhile, the green ozone layer became thinner and a phenomenon called climate change had entered the scene with devastating impact.
Then 60 years later, I’ve grown wizened, more mature, and more perceptive. With a more rounded view of life and the world, I have disavowed the “low waist” attitude of my yesteryears and radically veered to a “low waste” lifestyle.
Known by other catchwords as “low impact” or “zero waste” lifestyle, it should become the new mindset for all of us, an ethos of everyday practices in being less wasteful.
The times demand it. We need to move away from producing wastes that further harm our environment and start adopting practices that would not only help reduce the damaging effects of climate change but more importantly, promote sustainable living now and tomorrow. This is why I’m happy to note that plastic straws and single use plastic bags are now slowly being canceled.
To me, low waste living means two things.
First, it means throwing away my
litterbug ways. I don’t throw my litter just anywhere. I put them in a paper bag and look for a garbage can. When I dine out, I subscribe to CLAYGO (Clean As You Go.)
Second, low waste living means minimizing frittering, squandering anything, be it food, clothes, energy, time, and effort.
At mealtime, why not put on your plate the amount of food that is just enough for you to finish? In our home, we strive to ensure that no food is wasted.
According to the World Food Program, every year about nine million people are reported to die from hunger, including 3.1 million children. It pains
nos throw away their clothing after a single use while more than 50% of the clothes owned by Filipino millennials are newly bought. So what happens to the old clothes? According to reliable data over 260,000 tons of textile waste are dumped in our landfills each year. So if you plan to buy new
us to realize this. It also hurts our environment. The food we throw away doesn’t just end at our trash can or waste bag. It finds its way to the landfills of our towns and cities where it rots. This is a source of all kinds of infectious diseases. Worse, it produces a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. Keep in mind that the Earth’s temperature is getting warmer, causing weather conditions to be more erratic and intensely destructive.
Going to clothes, 29% of Filipi-
This photo provided by Ashiya City shows Tomiko itooka, being celebrated for her 116th birthday at the nursing home where she lives in Ashiya, western Japan on May 23, 2024. AshiyA City viA AP
The Borongan City government is doubling the monthly financial assistance of P500 for senior citizens starting in 2025, implementing a local ordinance approved last year. Photo Courtesy of BorongAn City government
Saturday, January 11, 2025
3 more Davao Light professionals distinguished as ‘Asean engineers’
By Manuel T. Cayon
DAVAO CITY—Three engi -
neers from the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. were entered into the list of engineers from Asean, as they elevated their skills to regional standards and expertise, thus enabling them to connect with other top-tier professionals and practice their profession across the region.
Engineers Virmel Dabon, Jonel Padillo, and Richard Regidor earned the recognition to be part of the Asean Engineering Register (AER) after they satisfied the qualifications and standards in their professional field, Davao Light said.
“Conferred by the Asean Federation of Engineering Organizations [AFEO] Governing Board through the Philippine Technological Council [PTC], the title recognizes them as globally competent engineers,” the company added.
The AER is an official list or directory of engineers across Asean.
Among its objectives are to promote recognition and safeguard the professional interest of engineers, foster high standards, and promote cultural and professional links among its members.
“Becoming an Asean Engineer connects professionals to a broader network of engineers across the…region,” Dabon said. “This gives opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in Electrical Engineering. This also opens opportunities for partnerships, resource sharing, and collaborative innovation, which I can bring in for Davao Light.”
The three belong to the second group of Davao Light engineers who have achieved the distinction, bringing the number of Asean Engineers in
the power distribution utility to eight.
In April last year, four Davao Light engineers: Roger Alinsub, Edward Cantero, Joel Deguito, and Dennis Rupenta were conferred the title “Asean Chartered Professional Engineers [ACPE].” Their names were likewise entered into the AER list.
Like ACPE, the AER allows engineers to harness capabilities and collaborate with other professionals specifically on private transactions across the Asean member-states, according to Davao Light’s previous statement.
Earlier, in November 2023, Davao Light’s electrical engineer Jonathan Medalla received the same recognition in an awarding rite held in Bali, Indonesia.
“We are proud of our Asean Engineers. Their achievement is also our achievement,” said Head Engr. Enriczar Tia of Davao Light. “It reflects their excellence and [boosts our commitment to keeping the highest norms] of engineering practice.”
For Dabon, it “motivates me to stay updated with advancements in my field…the process of obtaining and maintaining the Asean Engineer title encourages ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.”
The Davao Light said the three honorees have proven their competence in their respective fields of specialization. Dabon is with the Operation and Maintenance of Transmission and Distribution Systems, Padillo is with the Utility Regulatory Compliance, while Regidor is with the Electrical Network Protection.
“With experts in Davao Light, we can assure our customers of worldclass service,” Tia said. Davao Light’s franchise area covers the cities of Davao and Panabo, as well as Davao del Norte’s municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.
FEU leads local nursing education with new RNs
FAR Eastern University (FEU) has emerged as the top-performing school in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination, with a 99.82 percent overall passing rate, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
FEU president Juan Miguel Montinola attributed the achievement to the university’s dedication to academic rigor. “We believe in our students,” Montinola said. “Our resources are focused on helping them achieve their professional and personal aspirations.”
With 566 newly registered nurses joining the workforce, FEU reinforces its dual commitment to quality and quantity in nursing education. This approach addresses the rising demands of the local and global healthcare sector. Nationwide, 29,349 of 34,534 examinees passed the November 2024 licensure exam.
According to the university, this dual focus is crucial in addressing the growing demands of the health-care sector in the Philippines and abroad.
A total of 29,349 out of 34,534 examinees passed the recent boards. “I marvel at the impact [we have] on our nation’s health-care sector and the world,” shared Dr. Moira Uy, who is dean of the Institute of Nursing. “I am grateful that FEU has enabled the institute to strategize and innovate in the name of quality nursing educa -
US sends learning kits for out-of-school youth
THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated more than 200,000 learning materials to national government agencies supporting educational, skills-building and employment programs for out-of-school youth.
Mission Director Ryan Washburn of USAID Philippines led the handover ceremony at the “USAID Opportunity 2.0 [O2] Youth and Partners Summit” in Quezon City, which gathered around 500 youth-development advocates nationwide.
The donation—worth P25 million ($450,000)—includes life skills and work-readiness training modules, entrepreneurship guidebooks, and teachers’ manuals. These materials aim to enhance programs like the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) vocational training initiatives, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Youth Entrepreneurship Program.
“USAID is proud to empower out-of-school youth by helping them acquire skills and training
FEU Nursing students making their pledge at a capping ceremony. FEU NURSING SOCIETY
tion, especially given the magnitude of our population.”
Strategies, legacy IN a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, FEU said it has taken proactive and student-centered measures to ensure its nursing students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The university has produced more than double the number of passers from the other schools by implementing a series of innovative strategies designed to enhance learning outcomes.
The success of FEU can be traced back over 60 years to a robust nursing teaching and learning practice that has continually evolved to meet the needs of students and the health-care industry. The dynamic faculty members play a pivotal role in this journey, guiding and mentoring students as they navigate their educational paths.
“I owe our success to the excellent nursing educational system handed down to us from more than six decades ago, our progressive faculty members, and our persevering students,” Uy added.
As FEU celebrates this milestone, it said the focus remains on empowering future health-care leaders. The university is committed to preparing nursing graduates who are competent and compassionate, upright and ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
needed to find good jobs and begin building careers,” said Washburn.
“Our partnerships with DepEd, TESDA, DTI and other government partners grew out of our shared vision for creating a supportive learning environment for out-of-school youth across the Philippines.”
The donation also includes manuals for local governments on establishing local networks that address needs of out-of-school youth, as well as guidebooks and handouts for colleges and universities that support out-of-school youth programs.
In his message, Sec. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara of DepEd said that USAID’s O2 program “has shown us what is possible in the ALS: a thriving program fostered by an open partnership. Thousands of out-of-school youth across the Philippines have benefitted from its well-crafted and
targeted interventions.”
Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, who represented the O2 program’s 15 city-partners at the summit, cited the program which helped create “more resources, improved access to education and training, expanded entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and reconnected the out-of-school youth to the formal education system.”
Since its inception in 2020, USAID’s O2 program has reached more than 90,000 youth nationwide through DepEd, TESDA, higher education institutions and other local service partners. Over 82,000 young people have completed workforce-development
training, as 6,400-plus educators and administrators from DepEd and TESDA have learned innovative teaching strategies geared toward the out-of-school youth’s learning needs. More than 2,200 businesses have also provided work-based learning, career guidance and coaching, and employment opportunities for unenrolled youth.
Jointly designed with DepEd and TESDA, USAID’s O2 program is implemented by the US-based Education Development Center in partnership with Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Philippine Business for Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH and Voluntary Services Overseas.
Revisiting the state of English in PHL
By Mike Cabigon Business Development Manager, Exams
of British Council (Phils.)
FILIPINO English-language influencer Alvin Santos (@ pepe_word_smith) recently documented his IELTS test experience at the British Council, where he h ighlighted a security guard’s correct usage of “fill out” (rather than the commonly misused “fill in”). The skit gained over 2.4 million Instagram views and hundreds o f thousands more across TikTok and Facebook.
While encountering such grammatically correct English in unexpected places is delightful, it also r aises a question about the perception and reality of English proficiency in the Philippines: Why do we d eem English skills in the country as unexpected and always a surprise?
Amid the early implementation of K-12 in the Philippines back in 2015, the British Council hosted a roundtable to address concerns about the state of English proficiency. Industry partners—business p rocess outsourcing (BPO) firms, in particular—struggled to find candidates with adequate communication s kills. Although there wasn’t enough data during that time, concerns about Filipinos’ English skills were growing, especially compared with those of other Southeast Asian nations that were already investing in n ational programs to improve English education. The discussion suggested solutions like better teacher t raining, focusing on practical communication skills in English classes, a nd encouraging businesses to support teacher development.
However, there was no designated group or organization to make sure these suggestions were actually put
into action. Nearly a decade later, the Philippines’ participation in the Program for International Student Assessment or PISA has provided quantifiable data. In 2018, PISA ranked t he Philippines last in reading comprehension, reflecting significant c hallenges in English proficiency. While the 2022 assessment showed improvement, only a quarter of Filipino 15-year-olds demonstrated basic reading proficiency, highlighting t he persistent challenges in English comprehension.
Toward global standards
SINCE hosting the roundtable in 2015, the British Council has championed the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the Philippines, o ffering training for teachers and academics. Recognizing the need for increasing English competency as highlighted in the 2015 roundtable, the British Council promotes t he CEFR as a globally recognized framework for describing language proficiency. Its “can-do” statements, outlining learner abilities at each of its six levels, provide a valuable tool for curriculum development and assessment, applicable to English and o ther languages.
In 2018, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched the National Roadmap for Global Competitiveness in Communication Skills, which aimed to align g raduating students and teachers in key fields like healthcare and education with CEFR standards (B2 and C1 respectively). This spurred a need for nationwide training and awareness-building, spearheaded by the NRGCCS technical working group and supported by the British Council.
For example, in 2019, the British
Council partnered with the Department of Tourism in delivering CEFR a lignment workshops for ESL school directors in Cebu City. It addressed concerns raised by global education agents on the lack of CEFR awareness and integration in local ESL p rograms. The workshops led participants in revising their curricula t o include CEFR norms and learning outcomes.
Workshop with TESDA AS years went on, CEFR is steadily gaining traction in the Philippines, with organizations recognizing the importance of global language standards. The Philippine Association of C olleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) w ill require English proficiency (B1 for students, C1 for teachers) for program accreditation starting in 2024, ge ared at boosting internationalization and graduate employability. The B ritish Council is actively supporting this shift with training sessions f or PACUCOA members.
Beyond academia, professional organizations like the People Management Association of the Philippines recommend B2-level English f or various industries. Even the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is a ligning its language courses with CEFR standards, affecting ESL schools nationwide.
Furthermore, the thriving BPO industry, projected to have reached P37.5 billion in 2024, underscores the economic value of English proficiency in the Philippines. While Filipinos generally benefit from English proficiency, there might still be r isks. The 2022 increased demands for skilled workers in English-speaking countries requires even tradespeople to pass English tests for visas. And this highlighted both the p otential for social mobility through English and the need for continuous improvement.
For example, South Africa emerged as a competitor for skilled labor when some Filipino workers struggled to meet the B1-reading level required for United Kingdom work visas. This underscores the importance of strengthening the Philippines’ “English edge,” despite existing initiatives.
Our competitive advantage remains vulnerable as other countries s uch as Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia, invest in programs to improve the English communication skills of their students.
To continuously improve, the Philippines should prioritize research and data to address proficiency gaps. It can help identify areas w here students and teachers are in terms of their language levels, which allows them to enhance their skills. This, together with further collaborations between the government, organizations, institutions a nd other stakeholders on wider programs and policies is still key. The British Council welcomes opportunities to collaborate with partners o n initiatives around English and education in the Philippines.
What now? The British Council’s work in English and higher education has witnessed a surge in international partnerships, facilitated by s trong English skills among Filipino students, faculty, and staff. These skills enhance the reputation of Philippine institutions, attract international students seeking Englisht aught programs, and contribute to the country’s continued success as an affordable English language learning destination and a source of online teachers.
A6 Editor: Mike Policarpio
USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn (third from right) and ‘Opportunity 2.0’ chief of party Jill Jarvi (left), with officials from DepEd, TESDA, DTI, National Youth Commission, and Education Development Center
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
EVERYWHERE, A TOURIST A
REnEWEd SEnSE Of AdVEnTURE AT HElSInkI
Story & photos by Cristina Aquino
One of my favorite articles this past year has been The Case Against Travel written by Agnes Callard for The new Yorker. In it she brings up this point: That the typical touristry of travel is the undertaking of the imaginationallybankrupt. In it she asks, why travel for a change of location, if we ourselves are determined to remain unchanged?
Although I do not share the same level of vitriol towards people who may create itineraries that boil down to viewing postcards in real life, I felt my own philosophy towards travel vindicated, that places should be engaged with the way one experiences art, music, cinema, even other people: As a chance or an opportunity to know the self deeper, and to be changed and transformed by the experience. I find myself reflecting on the article again after my second trip to a country I never once thought of visiting before, Finland. Perhaps that gave me an edge over the usual visitor, to avoid the trappings of conventional tourism. The main reason I was there in Helsinki was to visit a person rather than the place itself. And as much as I say the joy of traveling is in immersing oneself in what is local, part of the agenda was to prepare a taste of home for my friend who was missing siomai, heading to one of the Asian stores in Hakaniemi to buy ingredients. The estimates were off and we ended up making enough pancit molo for 6 people.
Like any other country there are a lot of Filipinos you’ll meet out and about. I had just left an Aleppa after buying ice cream when I heard someone cry, “Kabayan!” A group that had all come from Iloilo had spotted me on their way back from work. Hard to feel like a stranger in a strange land if there’s always people from home, but a comfort as well for sure. On the flip side, contrary to the stereotypes I’ve heard, all the Finns I met were very friendly, even if everyone in the interaction was sober. The woman waiting at
the bus stop who was on her way to forage for mushrooms and berries in Nuuksio National Park, and the man standing around at the store who told us that we had to buy the entire monkfish we were eyeing, were more than happy to engage in some small talk with a stranger. What is true however is that the Finns like to drink. And that the cost of alcohol is expensive. Luckily at the bar I went to, the bartender was goodhumored enough to give me the student discount when I presented my fourth grade ID. “We’ll accept anything. Even a piece of paper that says ‘I AM A STUDENT.‘ In that respect, if you’re like me and primarily seek to connect with other people on your travels then Finland is a great destination. If there’s one tourist spot I strongly urge you to visit, it’s the Market Square, where you can try my favorite reindeer hotdog, poro hodari. It’s delicious. Does it taste any different from a regular hotdog? Not that I can tell. But you get to say you’ve eaten Rudolph after he’s been passed through the meat grinder. Hotdog acquired, we went there to buy fresh mushrooms from one of the other orange tents where you can buy a variety of other in-season produce. The plan was to whip up some mushroom risotto, but we sadly never got to make it because the fridge was too full of pancit molo to risk any more leftovers. Also in the area, is the ferry that takes you to popular tourist destination Suomenlinna, the fortress at sea, which my guide was adamant was “nothing special”.
That’s the funny thing about asking locals, wherever you go in the world, people will say that there is nothing interest-
From lowlands to highlands in scotland
ONE o f the highlights of our visit to the Scotland was our whole-day Scottish Highlands Tour which began in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, and culminated in the lake home of a legendary and elusive monster—Loch Ness. Along the way, we passed the stunning, enchanting and iconic landscapes of lochs and mountains at Glen Coe (one of the most scenic and beautiful places in the Scottish Highlands), as well as world-class man-made sites including The Kelpies, a pair of monumental, 30-meter (98-foot) high steel horse-heads designed by sculptor Andy Scott and completed in October 2013. Our splendid, 12.5-hour tour was made possible through The Hairy Coo. As we wound our way through the Scottish countryside, the driver (with the unusual name of Mako) of our luxury airconditioned coach (who also doubled as our guide) entertained and enthralled us with tales of Scottish history and famous battles, occultist Aleister Crowley and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Our first stopover of the day was at the town of Callander, “The Gateway to the Highlands,” where we had a breakfast of sandwiches and pastries at Mhor Bread & Store. After breakfast, a short drive brought us to Trossachs Woolen Mills, home to three beautiful, very hardy and
gentle Highland Cows (the oldest cattle breed in the world). Here, visitors are allowed to feed them from freshly-made goodie bags available in a store. Outside the store, we listened to a young man playing his bagpipes.
From Callander, a one-hour drive brought us to the famous Loch Tulla viewpoint, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Scottish Highlands. The views around here, looking down on Loch Tulla, are amazing. From Loch Tulla Viewpoint, a further 6.76-kilometer drive brought us to roadside car park by the Loch Ba that lead up a small mound. From here, we had a 360° view across the exposed moorland of the 130 square kilometer Rannoch Moor (also known as the Great Moor of Rannoch) and the inlets of Loch Ba grasping like fingers at the land. From a distance, we could also see the 1,021.4-meter (3,351-foot) high Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland’s most photographed mountain, known for its iconic pyramidal shape. From Rannoch Moor Viewpoint, it was a short, 8.85-kilometer drive to the Three Sisters Car Park and its viewpoint. Also known as Bidean nam Bian Mountain (the highest point in the county of Argyll) in the Scottish Highlands, the “Three Sisters of Glen Coe,” one of the most iconic sights in the Highlands with a view that’s emblematic of Glen Coe are three distinctive, steeply-sided ridges extending into the north - the 952-meter high Beinn
ing to do in their country. I was told that after having an authentic Finnish sauna experience (i.e. naked at an extremely high temperature), the next best thing to do was go to Estonia! Or grab a pussikalja, a (preferably plastic) bag full of beer and find a nice spot to drink, if you don’t want to go far. And why wouldn’t they have such a lukewarm opinion? The lack of enthusiasm isn’t too surprising considering one’s own context. After all one man’s first balut is another man’s hundredth. Perhaps what counts as interesting things to do in a place
are the same everywhere, even at home: meeting new people, getting out of your comfort zone, and pursuing your interests. Maybe the reason we love tourism is that it is only with a change of scenery that we give ourselves permission to see the things around us with fresh eyes, something we don’t afford the sights back home. My ideal philosophy while traveling is to live as much of my daily life in the place as possible. But the magic of being somewhere different is that it can become a catalyst for the ideal self to be made manifest.
Fhada (or Ben Attow), the 692-meter high Gearr Aonach in the middle and the 892-meter high Aonach Dubh. Each sister is a termination of the northeast reaching ridges that protrude from the main spine of the complex and awe-inspiring Bidean.From
Being a more adventurous and outgoing version of themselves is a common one for most people. Which in my case was borrowing a mountain bike to take around the city from Upi, the owner of a nearby bike shop. Back in the 80’s, Upi was backpacking through the Philippines when he got the old Filipino welcome and was robbed of all his possessions. It was my friend’s father who helped him out. I had never ridden a mountain bike before, where my feet couldn’t touch the ground, so I begged off not wanting to faceplant into someone’s
Tesla. But I was told to, “have courage” and in the end, got a good turn around the block. Not wanting to slack off on vacation, time was also set aside to join the others jogging around the Olympic stadium, to stay consistent with my fitness routine. My friend and I joked that in Finland someone is always jogging somewhere. There are joggers everywhere, at all times of the day, around Töölönlahti, along the highway, through the high street... It seemed people here were obsessed with jogging wherever they could. When we get together, besides the mundane, we try to experience something that’s new for the both of us. He has lived in Finland for several years but has never seen the northern lights. Again, it’s that idea that we grow so accustomed to the place we
with the best times to go being SeptemberOctober and February-March. We took the metro to Kivenlahti and stood waiting in a clearing in the forest for three hours until midnight, when we gave up (at one point we were startled by a loud crunching noise moving towards us in the dark, it was a jogger of course). It seemed that though the Kp index was high enough, greater than a five on the scale, it was also too cloudy. Walking home dejected, we noticed a soft bluegreen light glowing behind some houses. “Is that it?”, my friend asked. We reasoned that if it was a man-made light source, it wouldn’t follow the horizon as we walked away. Mission Accomplished, I guess? In the end I returned home with a renewed sense of adventure. Wherever you are there is excitement to be had and the whole world is beautiful. It’s all about how you live in it. Think of travel as a great opportunity to experience the mundane in a different flavor, and reintegrate those new experiences as a part of who you are. I’ve started riding my bike with the seat higher and “having more courage,” and going around with the intention of just experiencing new things. My friend is slated to come home this January and then it will be my turn to come up with something fun to do that is new for the both of us. Hmm... I’m thinking, sabong
Story & photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug
BusinessMirror
Productivity tools can help you work and learn smarter
THESE days, you need more than just a computer and a mobile phone for work. If you work with and for social media apps, there are many productivity tools that are important.
Productivity tools help users manage their time, avoid distractions, and allow them to streamline their tasks and prioritize those that are the most important. Three of the most commonly used programs for school and work are Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Canva is a graphic design platform that can be used to edit photos and videos, design custom graphics, and create or modify other image-, text- and video-based projects. You can create posters, invitations and fliers with Canva.
The platform has a simple, drag-and-drop
interface and preset professional layouts for flyers, invitations, logos, posters, infographics and more.
Canva gives you access to images, including stock photos, vectors, icons and shapes. If you use this app every day, it’s best to invest in the premium version.
Canva is available as an online service or through apps for iOS and Android.
CapCut is an all-in-one editing tool. It’s free but you can get the premium version for a fee. CapCut is great for short-form social media content like TikToks and Instagram Reels so if you’re a content creator and/or social media manager, you definitely need this. CapCut’s drag-and-drop tools and userfriendly layout ensures that creators and editors can effortlessly edit, enhance and publish videos. One advantage that Canva has is its seamless integration with TikTok.
Lightroom is a photo editing and storage application available through the Adobe Creative Cloud. Lightroom lets the user easily and conveniently edit photographs with tools to change contrast, balance color and brightness on mobile devices immediately after taking the picture.
Lightroom lets users archive their photos in Creative Cloud albums. With Lightroom, you can make on-the-fly edits to photographs, alter colors, shade, contrast and other digital details. Adobe Lightroom is available for direct download through
Adobe’s website for a fee.
Grammarly is an English language writing assistant software tool that reviews the spelling, grammar, and tone of a piece of writing as well as identifying possible instances of plagiarism. This tool is perfect for professionals, students, and teachers. Grammarly, by the way, has a new set of features called Authorship, which helps users show their sources of text in a Google doc. When you activate Authorship within Google Docs, it tracks the writing process as you write.
Microsoft Teams is a communication platform that integrates easily with Microsoft 365 and offers chat, video meetings and file storage all in one place. It gives users easy access to Word, Excel and other Office apps. If your company conducts all its work with other Microsoft tools, this is perfect for you.
Who can forget Zoom, the video conferencing tool that gained immense popularity during the pandemic for its ease of use and reliability? Zoom is still widely used for virtual meetings, webinars and other online events. Zoom is free but you can get a paid account to gain access to other things, such as reports for the last 12 months of meetings.
There are many other productivity tools for different needs. Productivity tools are important because they improve the quality of your work, help your morale, and enhance your mobility. ■
Apple to pay $95 million to settle lawsuit accusing Siri of eavesdropping
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press
APPLE has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the privacy-minded company of deploying its virtual assistant Siri to eavesdrop on people using its iPhone and other trendy devices.
The proposed settlement filed on Tuesday in an Oakland, California, federal court would resolve a 5-year-old lawsuit revolving around allegations that Apple surreptitiously activated Siri to record conversations through iPhones and other devices equipped with the virtual assistant for more than a decade.
The alleged recordings occurred even when people didn’t seek to activate the virtual assistant with the trigger words, “Hey, Siri.” Some of the recorded conversations were then shared with advertisers in an attempt to sell their products to consumers more likely to be interested in the goods and services, the lawsuit asserted.
“Siri has been engineered to protect user privacy from the beginning,” Apple said in a statement. “Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles and it has never been sold to anyone for any purpose.”
The allegations about a snoopy Siri contradicted Apple’s long-running commitment to protect the privacy of its customers—a crusade that CEO Tim Cook has often framed as a fight to preserve “a fundamental human right.”
Apple reiterated that belief in an August 2019 post that included an apology to users and explained changes that the company made shortly after a story in The Guardian newspaper reported Siri’s eavesdropping.
Apple isn’t acknowledging any wrongdoing in the settlement, which still must be approved by US District Judge Jeffrey White. Lawyers in the case have proposed scheduling a February 14 court hearing in Oakland to review the terms. If the settlement is approved, tens of millions of consumers who owned iPhones and other Apple devices from September
17, 2014, through the end of last year could file claims. Each consumer could receive up to $20 per Siri-equipped device covered by the settlement, although the payment could be reduced or increased, depending on the volume of claims.
Only 3 percent to 5 percent of eligible consumers are expected to file claims, according to estimates in court documents.
Eligible consumers will be limited to seeking compensation on a maximum of five devices.
The settlement represents a sliver of the $705 billion in profits that Apple has pocketed since September 2014. It’s also a fraction of the roughly $1.5 billion that the lawyers representing consumers had estimated Apple could have been required to pay if the company had been found violating wiretapping and other privacy laws had the case gone to a trial.
The attorneys who filed the lawsuit may seek up to $29.6 million from the settlement fund to cover their fees and other expenses, according to court documents.
Expect brand relationships to build ‘ecosystem
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
CUSTOMER engagement platform Twilio said the future of brand relationships will be set up on an “ecosystem of trust.”
According to Twilio’s 2024 Consumer Preferences Report, 56 percent of consumers in APAC say they will not purchase from a brand they don’t trust. With consumers growing increasingly cynical and scrutinizing every interaction, Twilio urged brands to demonstrate greater respect by putting themselves in their customers’ shoes.
Twilio said brands are also to expected return to the basics in 2025—keeping promises, following through, and delivering reliable and supportive
experiences. As the focus shifts towards cultivating an “ecosystem of trust,” more brands will turn to Chief Trust Officers “to help redefine customer experience, marketing, and technology strategies for building lasting customer relationships,” Twilio said.
Twilio said artificial intelligence (AI) will have a major role in boosting the ecosystem of trust. It added brands will increasingly maximize the potentials of predictive AI to delete guesswork, refine recommendations, and improve communications ultimately strengthening brand-customer interactions.
In 2025, Twilio said customer loyalty programs
of trust’ in 2025
driven mainly by discounts and cashbacks are on their way out.
“Instead, brands will shift toward creating experiences that surprise and delight customers, making them feel valued as their individual preferences and behavior are taken into account,” Twilio said.
“For instance, instead of offering financial incentives, brands might surprise loyal customers with preferential access to new products, or exclusive invites to previews—which cost retailers little, but provide genuine value to loyal customers,” Twilio added.
Twilio said brands will be strengthening their “phygital” loyalty programs, combining in-store
As
select credit cards, and a 24-month zero-percent installment offer via GGives. Eligible customers may also take advantage of the CTB Payment facility.
Each plan comes with a complimentary onemonth subscription to the Gadget XChange device protection program, providing easy options for device replacement and added peace of mind. For those seeking premium experience, Globe’s All-new Platinum GPlan 3799 offers the iPhone 16 Pro Max at an attractive device cash-out of P1,863 per month for 24 months, either charged to bill for select plan renewal customers or with a zero-percent installment option for select credit cards. Plus, customers get to enjoy priority stocks and delivery as part of their Platinum advantage.
This elite package also includes true unlimited data, unlimited all-net text and calls even to landline, access to local airport lounges (via PAGSS and Plaza Premium), Platinum exclusive perks and privileges and round-the-clock access to Thea of Globe Platinum via Facebook Messenger to provide assistance with any Globe or lifestyle needs anytime, anywhere.
Customers can pick up their iPhone 16 from any Globe Store nationwide, where a dedicated team is ready to ensure a smooth and rewarding purchasing experience.
“We want to make the latest technology accessible to Filipinos through convenient and value-driven options, With the launch of the iPhone 16, we’re excited to provide our customers unmatched affordability, premium benefits, and exclusive perks that enhance their digital lifestyle,” said Eric Tanbauco, Globe vice president and head of consumer mobile susiness.
More information can be found at new.globe. com.ph.
activations with special offers for loyalty members.
Moreover, Twilio said brands will become more deliberate about leveraging data to test, iterate, and quickly refine their loyalty strategies—especially as 57 percent of Filipino consumers say they are likely to spend more on brands that deliver personalized experiences, according to Twilio’s 2024 State of Customer Engagement Report.
With local brands already citing ‘streamlined checkout’ as a high priority for improving customer engagement in 2024, Twilio said brands will continue to leverage data not only to create meaningful moments for customers but also to remove friction from the journey—including easing checkout and simplifying rewards redemption.
A8 Saturday, January 11, 2025 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
A LOOMING TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to help them grow their business.
Desiree Hill, owner of Crown’s Corner Mechanic in Conyers, Georgia, started her business solo as a mobile mechanic. Sharing videos of her work on TikTok helped spread the word and she became so popular she was able to open a 9,000 square foot brick-and-mortar shop with five employees 18 months ago.
“Every day I get at least two to three customers that have seen me on TikTok, watched my videos and wanted to become a customer,” she said.
Though TikTok has been around only since 2016, small business owners use the platform in a variety of ways, from growing a customer base to advertising and marketing, as well as selling goods directly from the site.
According to TikTok’s own estimates, small businesses on TikTok would lose more than $1 billion in revenue in a single month if the ban goes into effect.
The Justice Department ordered the app’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok or face a US ban by January 19, citing security concerns. The Supreme Court will take up the matter in January. President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office January 20, has asked the Supreme Court for a delay.
If a ban does occur, small businesses will have to migrate to other platforms to find their customers. Instagram Reels, SnapChat and YouTube Shorts are alternatives.
The good news is brands likely already have a presence there. But it may be harder to reach teens that have made TikTok their preferred social media app.
Another alternative is to build a strong database of customers that opt in to providing contact emails or phone numbers. That lets owners reach out directly to customers with promotions and other marketing messages.
But Crown Corner Mechanic’s Hill said she is worried that other sites may not have the reach that TikTok does. She has a presence on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, but it’s not the same, she said.
“I am worried because there is no preparation for this,” she said. “It holds such a significant place in regards to my customer base and how I reach customers that if I lose TikTok, I will lose a large part of my business or I will lose my ability to grow anymore.” Crystal Lister is the owner of Mommy and Me: The Listers, in Cypress, Texas, which offers interactive workshops about STEM education. AP
LEADING communications app Rakuten Viber and mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) are spreading some cheer to gift Smart Postpaid subscribers a 3-month free subscription of Viber Plus, the premium upgrade that levels up everyday chats especially this season of connection. Starting November 2024, Smart Postpaid subscribers at Plans 999 and up can exclusively enjoy three months of Viber Plus at no charge. This offer is part of the Smart Postpaid Perks program, which continuously provides exciting perks and unique rewards to subscribers. This partnership
BusinessMirror
BY WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS
The Associated Press
NEW YORK—CES, the annual trade show of all things tech, is upon us. The multiday event, organized by the Consumer Technology Association, kicks off this week in Las Vegas—where swaths of the latest gadgets and advances across industries like personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more are set to be on display. And, like last year, artificial intelligence is everywhere you look.
CES 2024 saw more than 138,000 attendees, according to the CTA, and organizers expect to see at least that amount again for this year’s show. Over 4,500 exhibitors, including 1,400 startups, are also anticipated across 2.5 million net square feet of floor space this week. “These are the people getting together, focusing on solving some of the world’s biggest problems—and magic occurs.” Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice chair of the CTA, told The Associated Press ahead of this week’s show.
Formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, CES brings attendees and exhibitors from around the globe, with Shapiro noting that organizers expect some 50,000 attendees to come from outside the US. Beyond an array of startups, big-name companies set to make appearances this year include Nvidia, Delta Air Lines, Honda, Volvo, Panasonic and L’Oréal.
There may be some increased security this year.
CES 2025 arrives less than one week after a highly decorated Army soldier fatally shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives before it burst into flames outside of President-elect Donald Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas—not far from much of the trade show’s planned event space. Shapiro said that organizers regularly work with officials for event safety and that “modest” changes were made in response to recent events, but couldn’t go into further detail.
The AP spoke with Shapiro about what to expect for CES 2025. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length.
CES 2025 is here. What are the main themes we can expect this week?
CES 2025 will be an exceptional leap forward in terms of innovation and technology, with a focus on a variety of themes important to the future of humanity. Over 4,000 companies will be here, on literally miles and miles of exhibit space. And they’ll be showing solutions to fundamental human problems—like access to food, clean air, clean water and mobility, as well as health care technology. We also have newer categories. We’re seeing more technology for the disability community, for example. Products that can serve people with disabilities had a large presence last year, and we expect that to be even bigger this year. Overall, the show is serving humanity and using technology and innovation to fill in gaps where we need a lot more work.
AI is everywhere again this year. Are there any specific trends we should keep an eye out for?
Generative AI is affecting virtually every area. Just about every major exhibitor will be talking about AI in one form or another at CES this week. For businesses, the focus is more on enterprise and productivity. But
for individuals, it’s about personalization. We’ll see exhibitors, such as PC companies, focusing on personalization in new products for the PC and laptop marketplace. And then there’s AI being used in mobility—and not just in features for cars and self-driving. It’s for all sorts of vehicles, including agricultural products from companies like Caterpillar and John Deere.
What kind of oversight is there for the gadgets and products we’ll see at CES this week?
The industry representing the companies involved welcomes government regulation. The government’s job is to say this is what is unsafe. And so the companies know what is legal and what is not. At the same time, a big challenge is if government stops innovation—so the question is for every country is finding that balance.
How could policies from the incoming Trump administration—like proposed tariffs on foreign goods—impact consumer products like those seen at CES?
We expect the Trump administration to take a much more pro-business approach that favors innovation, including a focus on all sorts of energy sources, which is very important important. But tariffs are taxes. And we know that they are inflationary and paid for by consumers.
If we go forward with the proposals that the President-elect has indicated he may put in place, there would be severe impacts on the prosperity of the US. It depends on how exactly these tariffs are adopted but under some of the proposals, we estimate
a range of a 30 to 50 percent price increases for basic products like PCs, cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and all sorts of different products that consumers get a great value on today. That means that fewer people will be able to access these products. And, of course, other countries may then retaliate against US exports. We don’t want to go in that direction.
Are there any increased safety precautions CES is taking following last week’s Cybertruck explosion?
CES has always focused on safety. There’s a lot of things we can’t talk about, but suffice it to say, we work with federal, state, local and facility officials for lots of planning. We’ve made some modest changes given the recent events, but we’re always trying to do it better.
CES also arrives a month after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Have companies made any additional security requests for their attending executives?
I think companies are excited to come here. And any requests we’ve gotten have been extremely isolated.
Having top executives here, especially after COVID, is very special. People are focused on coming to Las Vegas and having this opportunity to meet face-to-face and finding the serendipity and discovery that happens when you’re making these business connections in person. That’s why trade shows like CES and others are such important events for the world.
Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
A10 Saturday, January 11, 2025
Frasco, MVP jumpstart preps for FIVB worlds
By Aldrin Quinto
THE Philippines took a big leap forward in preparing for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 as the Local Organizing Committee Executive Board members and leading figures in local and world sport gathered for their first comprehensive meeting on Friday in Taguig.
A few months after the widelycovered drawing of lots among the 32 countries vying for the top honors, Key officials led by FIVB Executive vice president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino discussed the progress of preparations for the event set for September 12 to 18.
Pangilinan, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus and benefactor of a number of other sports,
noted it will be a much bigger task after the country co-hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023. This is reminiscent of the preparations we made for the FIBA World Cup [2023] but this time it’s 32 countries, so double the number of the participating countries,” said Pangilinan. It’s bigger in participation of countries and tourist arrivals and we’re pleased to partner with government in this effort.”
The government also reiterated its support for the biggest world championship the country has ever hosted.
We’re grateful for all the work that has been put in for the Philippines to be ready to host this very exciting sports tourism event,” said Frasco, co-chair of the Executive Board of the Local Organizing Committee with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
The top spots honchos at the meeting included Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who vowed full support as Alas PIlipinas looks to make its mark on the global stage.
Just like the FIBA World Cup, the POC is in full support for this hosting,” Tolentino said. “Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball.”
Suzara noted that operations are in full swing with 244 days to go before 31 of the world’s top volleyball countries and Alas Pilipinas begin battle for the world title.
It’s a lot of work so we need all the support and help from all the stakeholders and sponsors,” said Suzara, who is also Asian Volleyball Confederation and PNVF president.
We’re moving forward with the preparations.”
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano graced the LOC Executive Board meeting where she joined Frasco and Pangilinan in the ribbon-cutting
ceremony for the PNVF offices at The BoniPrime in Taguig, which doubles as headquarters of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and houses the office of the FIVB chief.
A lso at the meeting were PNVF officials Tonyboy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann.
We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One.’ Tuloy-tuloy po tayo,” Suzara said.
Bachmann expressed confidence in the hosting and vowed government support to help make the Philippine edition the best ever in FIVB history.
“ It’s the same people involved in the FIBA World Cup hosting, from the private sector to the government, legislators and NSAs [national sports association], so we’re confident that this hosting will also be a great success,” Bachmann said.
WHEN the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub returns to Bacolod City next month, the triumph of the human spirit will be at the back of most players’ minds as the last time the event was held there, action at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club was one of the last events held before the Covid-19 pandemic. Global lockdowns shuttered everything less than a week after Manila Southwoods and Canlubang won the Men’s Regular and Seniors divisions titles, respectively.
Strict health protocols were to be implemented for more than two years after that.
From February 7 to 21, the courses—formerly known as Marapara and Binitin—will again host the event’s 76th edition where Southwoods shoots for a fourth straight crown and Del Monte a repeat of the upset of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon at their home turf last year.
Bacolod has been the site of many memorable Interclub championships and we are sure of having the same keen competition this year,” PAL president Stanley K.
Ng said. “As we return to the City of Smiles, let’s also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit through the sport we love as we wish every team the best out there next month.” K nown as the country’s unofficial team golf championship, the Interclub was forced to take a twoyear leave because of the pandemic and resumed in 2023 in Cebu where Southwoods again ruled regular play and Luisita dislodged Canlubang. Seniors action gets going first on February 10 with the men starting their 72-hole
racing champion Mervin Guarte and sports leaders are relieved. It’s a welcome development,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who reached out for help to Calapan City Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito
By Howard Fendrich The Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia— Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray may have known each other for a quarter of a century. They played from the age of 12, meeting 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matches.
Yet they’ve never been able to talk shop and freely trade all sorts of thoughts—about tennis and otherwise—until now. at’s because Djokovic got the bright idea to hire the recently retired Murray as his coach, at least through the Australian Open that begins Sunday.
I must say, at the beginning, it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game but about how I feel, about life in general. Not in a negative way, but just in a way I have never done that with him, because he was always one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said Friday. “We were always kind of hiding things from each other. Now all cards are open on the table.”
t’s an unusual pairing that caught their sport by surprise in November, after Djokovic called up Murray to check on the possibility of teaming up. Two rivals now on the same side. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, drew on soccer to try to explain how out-of-this-world this relationship is. Imagine,” Medvedev said, “[if Lionel] Messi would become the coach of Cristiano Ronaldo. It would be strange.” ndeed. It sure is odd to see Murray standing just steps away from Djokovic behind a baseline during practice sessions.
Djokovic
These are, after all, two of the greats of tennis. Djokovic owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam titles, including 10 at the Australian Open, and has spent more weeks ranked No. 1 than anyone in history. Murray also has been No. 1, owns three major singles trophies, was a Slam runner-up eight times—five of those losses in finals coming against Djokovic, including four at Melbourne Park—and is the only player with two Olympic singles gold medals in tennis.
Could never quite get over the line [in Melbourne], unfortunately. This man was single-handedly responsible for that. So I’m now here to try and sabotage his chances of winning another one,” Murray joked. Novak asked me to help him; I was shocked,” said Murray, whose last match as a player came at the Paris Olympics in August. “I was obviously not expecting that when he called.” Both men are 37; they were born a week apart in May 1987. Djokovic led their head-to-head series as pros 25-11, including 8-2 at the Slams. But those two losses were two of the biggest wins of Murray’s career: In the finals of the US Open in 2012, his first major championship, and Wimbledon in 2013, when he ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a British man to take the singles crown at the All England Club.
“ We thought we’d give it a go and see if I can help,” Murray said. “Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all-time. He’s one of the best athletes of all-time. I expected him to be an extremely hard worker. Very diligent.
Always looking to improve.”
D jokovic
TNT
By Josef Ramos
CONVERGE is on a high with a second-running record of six wins and two losses—behind another surprise performer NorthPort—in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. B ut the FiberXers’ mettle will be tested by blue-chip TNT Tropang Giga on Saturday and their head coach in acting capacity, Franco Atienza, aired his concerned on the eve of their 5 p.m. game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. We have to take care of our last four games if we want to have a good path in the playoffs,” said Atienza, whose wards will face Rain or Shine on Tuesday, Blackwater on January 19 and San Miguel Beer on January 24 to complete their elimination round assignments.
T he FiberXers are on a fourgame winning streak after capping their 2024 campaign with a 110-94 shocker over Meralco on Christmas Day.
Jordan Heading had 30 points, Cheick Diallo made 24 points and top overall pick rookie Justine Baltazar flourished with 24 points in that victory over the Bolts. The TNT game will really be a big test for us,” Atienza said. “RHJ [Rondae Hollis-Jefferson] is a true workhorse and super import. He can score anywhere.”
His strength and scoring are good combinations, but we also have to take of care of their local players as well,” he added.
Hollis-Jefferson, a certified National Basketball Association veteran and two-time Best Import in the league, had a 24-point, 13-rebound, five-assist and twosteal performance while Calvin Oftana made 24 points when they beat Meralco, 101-99, to open 2025 for a 3-2 win-loss record. NorthPort is at No. 1 with a 7-1 card capped by a 119-116 upset of Ginebra last week. R ain or Shine squares off with Phoenix Super LPG at 7:30 p.m. also on Saturday with the Elasto Painters hoping to extend their run to six games and improve to 6-1 won-lost. The Fuel Masters are 2-5.
HEAD coach Franco Atienza and the FiberXers are on a high.
LA area’s 2 biggest blazes burn at least 10,000 structures; new fire leads to more evacuations
By Jaimie Ding, Julie Watson & John Seewer The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES—The two biggest wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area have burned at least 10,000 homes, buildings and other structures, officials said Thursday as they urged more people to heed evacuation orders after a new blaze ignited and quickly grew.
The fast-moving Kenneth Fire started in the late afternoon in the San Fernando Valley just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from a school serving as a shelter for fire evacuees and then moved into neighboring Ventura County by the evening.
Only hours earlier officials expressed encouragement after firefighters aided by calmer winds and help from crews from outside the state saw the first signs of successfully beating back the region’s devastating wildfires that have killed 10 people so far.
“We are expecting this fire to rapidly spread due to high winds,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said, echoing the forecast that called for winds to strengthen Thursday evening through Friday morning.
The orders came as Los Angeles County officials announced the Eaton Fire near Pasadena that started Tuesday night has burned more than 5,000 structures, a term that includes homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings and vehicles. To the west in Pacific Palisades, the largest of the fires burning in the LA area has destroyed over 5,300 structures.
All of the large fires that have broken out this week in the Los
Angeles area are located in a roughly 25-mile (40-kilometer) band north of downtown, spreading a sense of fear and sadness across the nation’s secondlargest city.
Dozens of blocks were flattened to smoldering rubble in scenic Pacific Palisades. Only the outlines of homes and their chimneys remained. In Malibu, blackened palm strands were all that was left above debris where oceanfront homes once stood.
At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were lost. So too were the Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel, local landmarks dating to the 1920s. The government has not yet released figures on the cost of the damage or specifics about how many structures burned.
AccuWeather, a private company that provides data on weather and its impact, on Thursday increased its estimate of the damage and economic loss to $135-$150 billion.
Firefighters made significant gains Thursday at slowing the spread of the major fires, but containment remained far out of reach.
Crews also knocked down a blaze in the Hollywood Hills with
the help of water drops from aircraft, allowing an evacuation to be lifted Thursday. The fire that sparked late Wednesday near the heart of the entertainment industry came perilously close to igniting the famed Hollywood Bowl outdoor concert venue.
Fire officials don’t yet know the cause of the fires but are actively investigating.
The enormity of the destruction emerges EARLIER in the week, hurricaneforce winds blew embers, igniting the Southern California hillsides.
Right now, it’s impossible to quantify the extent of the destruction other than “total devastation and loss,” said Barbara Bruderlin, head of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.
“There are areas where everything is gone, there isn’t even a stick of wood left, it’s just dirt,” Bruderlin said.
Of the 10 deaths so far, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley confirmed two were in the Palisades Fire. County officials said the Eaton Fire had killed five.
Cadaver dogs and crews are searching through rubble, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Anthony Mitchell, a 67-yearold amputee, and his son, Justin, who had cerebral palsy, were waiting for an ambulance to come, but they did not make it out, Mitchell’s daughter, Hajime White, told The Washington Post.
Shari Shaw told KTLA that she tried to get her 66-year-old brother, Victor Shaw, to evacuate Tuesday night but he wanted to stay and fight the fire. Crews found his body with a garden hose in his hand.
On Thursday, recovery crews pulled a body from rubble of what was a beachfront residence in Malibu on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. A charred washer and dryer were among the few things that remained.
There have been evacuations,
school closures and arrests.
At least 180,000 people were under evacuation orders, and the fires have consumed about 45 square miles (117 square kilometers)—roughly the size of San Francisco. The Palisades Fire is already the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history.
All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second largest, will be closed Friday because of the heavy smoke wafting over the city and ash raining down in parts, and classes will not resume until the conditions improve, officials said.
At least 20 arrests have been made for looting, and the city of Santa Monica declared a curfew because of the lawlessness, officials said. National Guard troops arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday evening. The county sheriff said to protect properties they’ll be stationed near the areas ravaged by fire and a curfew was expected to go into effect from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Actors among those who lost homes FLAMES destroyed the homes of several celebrities, including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton.
Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million to start a “fund of support” for those affected by the fires that touched all economic levels from the city’s wealthy to its working class.
State seeing a longer fire season California’s wildfire season is beginning earlier and ending later due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall tied to climate change, according to recent data.
Dry winds, including the notorious Santa Anas, have contributed to warmer-than-average temperatures in Southern California, which has not seen more than 0.1 inches (2.5 millimeters) of rain since early May.
Some losses feel greater than others
ROBERT LARA sifted through
the remains of his home in Altadena on Thursday with tears in his eyes, hoping to find a safe containing a set of earrings that once belonged to his great-greatgrandmother.
“All our memories, all our sentimental attachments, things that were gifted from generation to generation to generation are now gone,” he said.
Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio, and Watson from San Diego. Associated Press journalists Manuel Valdes, Eugene Garcia, Krysta Fauria and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; Ethan Swope in Pasadena, California; Hallie Golden in Seattle; Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska; Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; Janie Har in San Francisco; Brian Melley in London; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland; and Tammy Webber in Detroit contributed.
Confusion and conflicting reports as Venezuela opposition leader Machado detained and freed
By Regina Garcia Cano & Joshua Goodman The Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado’s aides said she was detained Thursday, followed moments later by official denials of her arrest, in a confusing episode that capped a day of protests seeking to block President Nicolás Maduro from clinging to power.
It remained unclear what exactly happened after Machado bid farewell to hundreds of supporters, hopped on a motorcycle and raced with her security convoy down a main Caracas avenue.
At 3:21 p.m. local time, Machado’s press team said in a social media post that security forces “violently intercepted” her convoy. Her aides later told The Associated Press that she had been detained, and international condemnation poured in from leaders in Latin America and beyond, demanding her release.
But about an hour later, a proof-of-life, 20-second video of Machado emerged online in which she says she was followed after leaving the “wonderful” rally and had dropped her purse. Her aides later claimed in a social media post that the video message had been coerced, and that after recording it, she was freed. They said she would provide details of her “kidnapping” later.
In recent years, the word kidnapping has been associated with the government practice of detaining real or perceived opponents without following the law. It’s seen as part of a campaign to repress anti-government protests that broke out after the election results were announced.
Late Thursday, Machado in a post on X said she was “in a safe place and with more determination than ever” to continue her effort to get Maduro out of office. She also said that a person was shot “when the repressive forces of the regime arrested me.”
The Associated Press was unable to contact Machado for clarification of her statement. She told supporters she would explain the day’s events in more detail on Friday. Meanwhile, Maduro’s supporters denied Machado had been detained, claiming that government opponents were trying to
spread fake news to generate an international crisis.
“Nobody should be surprised,” Communications Minister Freddy Nanez said. “Especially since it’s coming from the fascists, who were the architects of the dirty trick.”
Earlier Thursday, Machado addressed hundreds of supporters who heeded her call to take to the streets a day before the ruling party-controlled National Assembly was scheduled to swear in Maduro to a third six-year term despite credible evidence that he lost the presidential election.
“They wanted us to fight each other, but Venezuela is united, we are not afraid,” Machado shouted from atop a truck in the capital minutes before she was reported detained.
Machado, 57, is a hardliner and former lawmaker who stayed and fought against Maduro even after many of her allies among opposition leaders went into exile in the face of repression, joining an exodus of more than 7.7 million Venezuelans who’ve abandoned their homeland since 2013.
Loyalists who control the country’s judiciary banned her from running against Maduro last year. In a deft move,
she backed an unknown outsider—retired diplomat Edmundo González—who crushed Maduro by a more than two-to-one margin, according to voting machine records collected by the opposition and validated by international observers.
González, invoking the title of president-elect recognized by the United States and other countries, demanded her immediate release.
“To the security forces, warn you: don’t play with fire,” he said in a social media post from the Dominican Republic, where he met with President Luis Abinader and a delegation of former presidents from across Latin America.
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on Machado and Gonzalez’s efforts. “These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE!” Trump said on Truth Social.
There was a relatively small turnout for Thursday’s protests as riot police were deployed in force. Venezuelans who have witnessed Maduro’s security forces round up scores of opponents and regular bystanders since the July election were reluctant to turn out in large numbers as they have in the past.
“Of course, there’s fewer people,” empanada vendor Miguel Contreras said as National Guard soldiers carrying riot shields buzzed by on motorcycles. “There’s fear.”
Demonstrators blocked a main avenue in one opposition stronghold. Many were senior citizens and dressed in red, yellow and blue, answering Machado’s call to wear the colors of the Venezuelan flag. All condemned Maduro and said they would recognize González as Venezuela’s legitimate president.
The deployment of security forces as well as pro-government armed groups known as “colectivos” to intimidate opponents
betrays a deep insecurity on the part of Maduro, said Javier Corrales, a Latin America expert at Amherst College. Since the elections, the government has arrested more than 2,000 people— including as many as 10 Americans and other foreigners—who it claims have been plotting to oust Maduro and sow chaos in the oil rich South American nation. This week alone, masked gunmen arrested a former presidential candidate, a prominent free speech activist and even González’s son-in-law as he was taking his young children to school.
Goodman reported from Miami.
E&B BUILDER MATERIALS CORP.
Unit A&b, 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a, Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati
9. HUANG, LINXIONG Mandarin Operations Manager
Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Operations Manager will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long-term goals.
EVERESTFORTUNE TRADE CORPORATION
Unit 10-4 10th Floor One
Bonifacio, City Of Taguig
10. LI, XIN Marketing Consultant
Brief
11. SY MANH HUONG Marketing Consultant
Brief Job Description: Prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
INTELEGENCIA BPO LLC CORP.
City Of Pasig
12. JACOB, SIEMEON Head Of Governance And Infrastructure
Brief Job Description: Responsible for the development and enforcement of the governance framework of the company, to ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Operations Manager. Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
Qualification: College graduate, with previous work experience in a similar role and with excellent technical and communication skills.
internal controls.
Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 BLOOMBERRY RESORTS AND HOTELS INC.
Resort And Casino, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque
5. YEE YUN HENG VIP Host International
Brief Job Description: Maximize the marketing international department’s individual turnovers and buy-ins by developing customer/patrons playing activity.
Qualification: Proven professional experience.
Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC.
230, Narra Street, Marikina Heights, City Of Marikina 6. LYU, ZIREN Booth Fabrication Specialist Consultant
Brief Job Description:
needs and build productive long-lasting relationships. Able to meet personal and team sales targets.
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
13.
SINGH, PAWAN PRATAP Vice President - Service Delivery
Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing and executing the service delivery strategy to meet client’s needs, quality standards and operation targets.
JILANI AND MANNAH BD CORPORATION
Basic Qualification: College graduate, with previous work experience in a similar role and with excellent technical and communication skills.
Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999
Unit No. L-08, Terminal Plaza Bldg., Taft Ave. Ext. St. Zone 10, Barangay 78, Pasay City
14. HAMID, ABDUL Inventory Specialist
Brief Job Description: Managing all marketing for the company and activities within the marketing department.
Basic Qualification: Fluent in a foreign language, such as Bangladesh (written and speaking). With experience as inventory specialist.
Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999
KAJIMA PHILIPPINES INCORPORATED 12/f, Makati Sky Plaza 6788 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati
15. ARAKI, TAKANORI Manager
Brief Job Description: Attend client meetings either pre-construction, bidding or project implementation phase. Basic Qualification: With sound working knowledge of and experience with contract documentations, procedures, administration and supervision of construction work. With good communication skills, both verbal and written. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP.
