BusinessMirror January 21, 2023

A broader look at today’s business

THE ‘ULTIMATE’ GRIPEN CHOICE

By Rex Anthony Naval

IT was barely a ripple in the water to speak of, but like sharks catching a sniff of the barest tinge of blood flowing from a badly injured prey in the ocean, news of Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines meeting with a thenranking official of the country to discuss “mutual interests in the field of defense” was enough to fuel hopes for Filipino military modernization enthusiasts with a moist eye for the multi-role fighter (MRF)—object of a long, elusive quest.

A mong the key topics that then Department of National Defense (DND) Officer in Charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. discussed with Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg on December 21, 2022, was Sweden’s offer to supply the Saab-made JAS 39 “Gripen” MRF to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Swedish Gripen is one of the two top contenders for the PAF MRF Acquisition Project, with the other jet fighter being the US Lockheed Martin F-16V “Viper,” the latest version of the Americanmade aircraft now being supplied in quantities in many air forces around the world.

The JAS-39 is classified as the most reliable “swing-role combat aircraft” available in the world market.

The Swedish-made fighter requires minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations, and can operate from small-unprepared roads. It is also equipped with sophisticated radar, sensors and weapons.

“

The OIC, DND and the Swedish Ambassador discussed the PAF MRF Acquisition Project and the offer of Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab AB of Gripen aircraft, which has been on the PAF’s shortlist,” the DND said in a

news statement. In the same statement, Faustino recognized the potential of bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Sweden, particularly in the defense industry and logistics sectors.

Both officials stressed on the importance of building a strong air defense. Relatedly, the OIC, DND underscored the need to improve capabilities in the context of regional security developments, mentioning the shift in focus of the Philippine defense sector from internal security to external defense,” it added.

The DND said Faustino recognized the potential of bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Sweden, particularly in the defense industry and logistics. Prior to the meeting of the two officials, there were unconfirmed reports that the Gripen had already been selected by the Philippines as its preferred MRF.

Defense and military officials,

however, are still to confirm these claims. The Philippine defense community has long been waiting for the MRF following the decommissioning of its Northrop F-5 “Tiger” jet fighter fleet in 2005.

The MRFs being sought by the PAF are expected to augment the existing fleet of 12 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PHs, which are capable of speeds of up to Mach 1.5 and acquired by the Philippines from 2015 to 2017.

The Philippines’s 12-plane contract with KAI is worth P18.9 billion and was signed in February 2014. PAF MRF requirements stipulate that the offered aircraft must be “fourth generation or higher.” It also states the proponent must be able to supply 12 MRFs capable of patrolling the country’s waters and airspace.

A ny aircraft that is selected must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of about 250 nautical miles.

MRF project already approved, but...

EARLIER, then PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. said the MRF project had been approved by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Despite the approval, funding is still to be allocated for this project, which is supposed to be part of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program slated for 2018 to 2022.

However, on January 9, Faustino resigned as DND OIC and was replaced by former AFP chief-ofstaff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. C ited as reason for his resignation was the appointment of Gen. Andres Centino as AFP chief-ofstaff on January 6, replacing Medal of Valor awardee Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

“[We will] address the growing and significant challenges to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by guaranteeing full support to the modernization program, strengthening coordinative mechanisms with interagency partners, and leveraging and maximizing with the country’s defense partnerships.”

—Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

JOZSEF SOOS DREAMSTIME.COM

SAAB’S JAS 39 Gripen BRETT CRITCHLEY | DREAMSTIME.COM

China masses take Covid fight into own hands as Xi sits back

By Bloomberg News

I didn’t think it would be that difficult to get drugs,” she said from the southern city of Guangzhou, recalling how she had expected the government to take charge and give out medicine during her illness last month. With hospitals overwhelmed, she turned to social media instead—and found an app on WeChat facilitating donations to those in need.

A bout an hour after detailing her situation, a stranger called offering two free Covid-19 test kits. Thirty minutes later, a woman who had just recovered from Covid told her she could send two ibuprofen pills.

This is the first time I really felt the warmth of people helping one another,” Xue said. “I will teach my child to do the same.”

For 1.4 billion Chinese citizens that had the government dictate their movements since the pandemic began, the past six weeks have forced them to suddenly figure out how to survive on their own.

P resident Xi Jinping asked the public at the beginning of 2023 to “make an extra effort to

pull through” the virus wave, and state media urged people to “take primary responsibility for their own health.”

Dawn is just ahead–Xi ON Wednesday, ahead of Lunar New Year, Xi acknowledged the current outbreak had been “fierce” while noting “dawn is just ahead.” He called on local officials in rural areas in particular to improve medical care and protect people’s health.

But for many on the ground who suffered through Covid with no help, those calls ring hollow. The traumatic experiences risk upending the social contract that underpins the Communist Party’s legitimacy: An acceptance of oneparty rule in return for competent governance that keeps people safe and improves their lives.

Instead, citizens are now gaining real-world experience in effectively living without the party.

Frustrated citizens feel that they have been jerked 180 degrees from tightly patrolled Zero Covid society to fending for themselves in a viral jungle,” said Diana Fu,

associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto. “It has become evident that people are serving the people, not the party serving the people.”

U-turn on Covid Zero CHAOS initially broke out after China’s dramatic U-turn on Covid Zero, which came swiftly after spontaneous anti-lockdown protests. People scrambled to get medicine, hospitals overflowed with infected patients, and crematoriums became overwhelmed with bodies.

The government released national guidance on self-quarantine

and treatment, and some local authorities handed out medicine to the elderly. But officials failed to provide much clarity on Covid data or mobilize national resources to ease shortages.

A s authorities dragged their feet on an effective Covid response, grassroots groups and companies have played a prominent role. They rolled out initiatives coordinating medicine supplies, offering health advice, providing data on the health-care situation and even reaching out to often-neglected rural areas.

The WeChat app for medicine donation had several million visits and more than 800,000 posts immediately after its launch on December 19. The Campaign to Bring Down Fever in Villages, an online initiative to collect donated ibuprofen, said it mailed drugs to about 13,000 elderly residents in 110 villages as of December 29 after family members signed them up via a Weibo post. NCP Relief, a grassroots group founded during the initial Wuhan outbreak, provides data on hospital bed availability in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai.

‘Very bad look’

“THE government was very present in the Zero-Covid phase — now that people are getting infected, it’s not being helpful,” said Hanzhang Liu, an assistant professor at Pitzer College who specializes in Chinese politics. “It’s a very bad look. I don’t think this episode has done any fa-

vor to the government in terms of public support.”

A fter the cases appeared to peak in some parts of the country, the state has in recent days moved to more actively address the resource crunch, supplying each village clinic with two oximeters financed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., and each town hospital with one oxygen concentrator. The government vowed Monday to “optimize disbursement of fiscal funds” and to set up a dedicated channel to expedite official purchases of Covid and medical goods.

The resurgence of civil society has come despite an earlier crackdown from Xi, who has long feared that grassroots organizations could turn rogue and start pressing the government for political demands. Shortly after he took power in 2013, Xi declared civil society a danger to the party-state, along with Western democracy and media freedom.

The flurry of grassroots action is reminiscent of the initial Covid outbreak in Wuhan, when the state roped in the public to supply medical resources and funds. This time around, however, local bodies are leading the way as the government has taken a step back, according to Bertram Lang, a research associate in political science at Goethe University Frankfurt.

“ This kind of spontaneity is definitely worth noting,” he said. “From the government’s perspective, being spontaneous is inherently dangerous.”

State media has ramped up rhetoric defending China’s Covid response, with the People’s Daily the Communist Party’s official mouthpiece—saying in an editorial Thursday the government has taken “strong and effective measures with the trust and full support of the people.”

It has also prominently featured stories of acts of kindness among ordinary people, such as a Weibo post about a man in eastern Shandong province delivering medicines to more than 1,000 people.

But people don’t seem impressed. Under the People’s Daily post, the top comment asked: “Shouldn’t you reflect on why the citizens are helping each other out?”

Jiangguo, a student in Beijing, began volunteering for a grassroots organization dedicated to Covid relief efforts once the situation became dire. She calls up hospitals in the capital to check if they have free beds, then feeds the information into an online spreadsheet maintained by the group.

Like many of her peers, she is questioning the government’s response—reflecting a wider loss of confidence in the Communist Party that could have consequences for years to come.

“It was just too quick and too sudden,” Jiangguo said of the abrupt U-turn in Covid controls. “Which inevitably makes me think: Why didn’t the government tell the public in advance to let us prepare first?”

The ‘ultimate’ Gripen choice

In his command guidance, which was provided to journalists on January 12 at the sidelines of the AFP Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Galvez vowed to focus on the military’s modernization in order to address territorial threats being faced by the country.

[We will] address the growing and significant challenges to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by guaranteeing full support to the modernization program, strengthening coordinative mechanisms with interagency partners, and leveraging and maximizing with the country’s defense partnerships,” was how Galvez put his priority.

Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program is scheduled from 2023 to 2028. The military is supposed to acquire external defense equipment in this phase such as missile systems and MRFs, among others.

These platforms are to be procured to help the AFP fulfill its external defense mandate, a mission the MRFs can help in. Galvez also wants existing defense initiatives and efforts towards attaining the vision of a transformed defense organization that guarantees Philippine security,

territorial integrity and sovereignty. This is aside from transforming the DND into a reliable partner in national development and a strategic partner in the region.

A round P62 billion is needed to acquire these MRFs. But with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the MRF project, along with other big-ticket items in the AFP Modernization Program, were either placed on hold or moved to Horizon 3 that is scheduled from 2023 to 2028.

“ The MRF, just like the other priority [projects] of the Air Force, is still within our list. It is in Horizon 3,” Faustino earlier said. He added acquiring these assets for the PAF is “part of [our] wish list”.

F-5, F-8 decommissioning THE PAF, prior to the delivery of the FA-50PHs, used to operate the Mach 1.6-capable F-5s, which was acquired in 1964 to augment the subsonic North American F-86 “Sabrejet” fighter aircraft procured in the late 1950s.

The PAF F-5 jet fighters were armed with two 20mm automatic cannons and wingtip-fitted AIM9s “Sidewinder” heat-seeking missiles; they were very maneuverable and could turn and engage well in dogfights against larger and more

capable counterparts.

At the time, the Philippines was one of the largest operators of the F-5s in Southeast Asia, with an estimated 30 to 41 units acquired.

The aircraft were used for air and ground attack missions by the PAF.

It also acquired around 35 Vought F-8 “Crusader” jet fighters to support the F-5 fleet in 1977. However, this aircraft had a short service life in PAF colors as it consumes a large amount of fuel in flight.

Adding to the woes of the F-8s in PAF service was the difficulty of finding spare parts for the plane, a severe problem as the primary operator of the fighter jet, the United States, retired this type years earlier. These factors prompted the Philippines to ground the F-8s by 1988.

The aircraft was finally withdrawn from service in 1991 after the fleet was badly damaged by the Mount Pinatubo eruption.

In 2005, the Philippines decommissioned its remaining F-5A/B fleet, including those received from Taiwan and South Korea, due to lack of funds and airframe attrition.

It reconfigured its fleet of SIAIMarchetti jet trainers into light attack aircraft and used it for ground and air defense missions until the arrival of the more capable FA50PHs.

LEFT to fend for herself after China abruptly ended the world’s strictest Covid restrictions, 31-year-old Share Xue and her daughter found themselves with 40°C (104°F) fevers and an expired bottle of Motrin.

PATIENTS receive intravenous drips in an emergency ward in Beijing, Thursday, January 19, 2023. AP/ANDY WONG

BSP chief sees rate peaking this quarter

THE Philippine central bank will likely end its monetary tightening with one or two more rate increases this quarter that will bring the key rate to around 6 percent, according to its governor.

“The most likely scenario is that the last increase is the March meeting,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said in an interview in his office Friday. Asked what he thinks of analysts predicting BSP’s peak rate at 6 percent from the current 5.5 percent, he said: “I think they’re most likely right.”

A fter delivering one of the region’s largest rate increases in the past year, the Philippines is at the tail end of its most aggressive tightening in two decades as the global outlook darkens and a stronger peso cools 14-year high inflation. Malaysia on Thursday unexpectedly held its rate steady in what could be the start of a wave of monetary pauses as Indonesia signaled it’s near peak rates.

BSP will likely continue raising at its February 16 and March 23 meetings as “inflationary expectations are still high,” Medalla said. Unlike neighbors that used subsidies to fight price pressures, the Philippines leaned heavily on monetary policy, he said.

Medalla, 72, said BSP’s credibility as an inflation-targeting central bank is on the line and he’d rather stay hawkish while inflation expectations are still high than prematurely call off tightening. Earlier this month, the governor flagged a quarter- or half-point move in February.

Monetary settings will continue to be dependent on data including domestic inflation and Federal Reserve actions, Medalla said Friday, adding that he thinks some of BSP’s other board members are “more hawkish than I am.”

Once the central bank is done increasing rates, a

200-basis-point cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) from the current 12 percent is on the table, he said. “The moment it’s clear we’re not raising anymore and therefore we will not be confusing the market, then we’ll cut” RRR, most likely before his term ends in the middle of the year.

BSP expects inflation to slow to within its 2 percent to 4 percent target in the third quarter and slightly below 2 percent in early 2024, Medalla said.

A peso tha t has advanced 8 percent against the dollar since slumping to a record low in October, could also help arrest price gains in a nation that imports goods including fuel and rice. Weeks ago, a kilo of onion was selling for nearly $12, more expensive than meat.

“The strong dollar period is over unless there is a drastic change,” Medalla said. “We are giving the peso some room to appreciate, but we will buy opportunistically” to build up currency reserves.

The long-time economics professor isn’t a fan of a strong currency. “Excessive appreciation is bad for the economy,” he said. The peso pared its gain to 0.2 percent on Friday after rising as much as 0.4 percent earlier.

“Dovish signals and the BSP cautioning on a too-strong currency would provide some support to the USD/PHP after the sharp declines in recent weeks,” said Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Manila.

The Philippines won’t suffer from recession, Medalla said, predicting a worst-case scenario of 5 percent GDP growth this year. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. this week said the economy will probably keep growing about 7 percent in 2023 despite a bleaker global outlook.

The government will report fourth-quarter GDP on January 26. Bloomberg News

Galvez moves to calm down reported rumblings in AFP due to RA 11709

DEFENSE

Under the controversial Republic Act 11709 or the Act seeking to Professionalize the AFP, the AFP chief-of-staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, heads of the major services [Army, Navy and Air Force], unified command commanders and inspector general will have a three-year term of office “unless sooner terminated by the President,” who may also extend the AFP chief-of-staff’s duty in the event of war or national emergencies.

Seeking to explain the root cause of the reported rumblings, Galvez said in news statement, “The rumblings were actually more of a ‘tampo’ (hurt feelings) by the troops over the law more than anything else.”

In a hearing before the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation last Tuesday, Galvez clarified to senators that the DND (Department of National Defense) is “listening to the concerns of our men and women in the AFP, who are understandably anxious over the perceived uncertainty in their careers under the new law.”

In the same hearing, the DND also presented proposed amendments to RA 11709.

These include giving the AFP chief a maximum term of three years, while service commanders in the Army, Navy, and Air Force will have two years, and the Philippine Military Academy superintendent having a four-year tenure.

Meanwhile, the AFP vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, unified command commanders, and

inspector general can be appointed to a higher post if they still have a year left in active service.

Also included are proposals that no military official can be promoted to brigadier general or commodore if they have less than six months left in the service.

“The DND’s proposed amendments to RA 11709 aim to further enhance the professionalism and efficiency of the AFP. The issues surrounding the law are being threshed out collaboratively between the DND and the AFP,” Galvez explained.

He added the DND shall continue to pursue policies that will further enhance the welfare, morale, professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness of the AFP.

“Despite concerns over RA 11709, the AFP remains faithful to our Constitution, people, and the flag, and our officers and men are continuing to fulfill their mandate of protecting our nation,” Galvez assured.

He likewise emphasized the importance of employee morale and welfare in the DND and AFP to better serve the Filipino people, and assured AFP enlisted personnel that their careers are foremost among the concerns of the organization.

“Huwag na kayong mangamba, inirekomenda ng DND at AFP na ang promotion system at retirement ng mga enlisted personnel ay hindi na sasailalim sa RA 11709. Yung inyong human resource development systems/programs will be directly under the different major service commanders. Paglabas ng batas ay excluded na kayo.Angamingprayerayang‘transition’ sa 11709 ay mapaganda at mapabilis ang pag-manage ng ating Armed Forces. Sana lumabas na ang amendments parahindimaabalaanginyongmga career,” he said. Rene Acosta with PNA

Island-to-highland: Davao del Norte launches new tourism promo drive

By Manuel T. Cayon

DAVAO CITY—Davao del Norte has tweaked the traditional island-to-highland tourism promotion in Mindanao into “The Ultimate Island to Highland Destination” as it renewed its bid to take a slice of the tourism receipts that were beginning to improve since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The provincial tourism office argued that “nowhere else in Davao Region can we find a place where tourists can enjoy highland to island destinations.”

Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag was referring to the major eco-tourism destination in the region, the Island Garden City of Samal, which is part of the province. He said Samal island “is a complete circuit of island destination by itself.”

And for the province’s highland destination “we are positioning the municipality of Talaingod as a tribal and cultural destination.”

As a side dish to its tourism hype, Daquioag said branding the province as “DavNor: Experience Adventure and More” would capitalize on the place’s endowments of caves, mountains, rivers and falls.

“You might have viewed Davao del Norte as mainly an adventure destination but there is more to it. We have culture and tradition, we also have

agri-tourism,” he said.

Daquioag guaranteed the readiness of Davao del Norte to host the visits of local and foreign tourists. He cited the 10 completed tourist destination projects developed through a P200 million fund that the provincial government distributed to each component municipalities during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

“While tourism got slumped due to restricted travels, the provincial tourism office planned a way forward for tourism that was fully supported by Governor Edwin I. Jubahib,” Daquioag said.

“When pandemic started we also started to plan more, that’s why we came up with the provincial tourism development plan. The governor told us to improve our existing tourism sites and develop emerging and potential sites,” he added.

The province was emboldened to be more aggressive now after a sustained peace and order situation and after the Davao Region, and specifically Davao del Norte, was declared a tourism and investment area.

“It is a very welcome development, but our capital here is we have also been declared as insurgency free. Peace and order is a crucial factor in having tourists come into our place,” Jubahib said.

Marcos signs new EO extending lower duty on processed meat products till end-2024

By Samuel P. Medenilla

TO keep the prices of hotdogs, luncheon meat and other processed meat products affordable, President Ferdinand R. Marcos signed a new executive order (EO) maintaining the temporary modified rates of import duty for mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken and turkey until next year.

The newly signed EO No.13 extended the effectivity of issuances of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to temporarily modify the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates of import duty on MDM of chicken and turkey.

In 2019, Duterte issued EO No. 82, which reduced the MFN rate of MDM products from 40 percent to just 5 percent.

EO 82 was supposed to have lapsed on December 31, 2020 until the former president decided to extend its effectivity until December

31, 2022 through EO 123.

President Marcos, however, has now decided to prolong yet again the adjusted MFN rates, which will now lapse on December 31, 2024.

“There is a need to maintain the reduced tariff rates on mechanically deboned meat of chicken and turkey to ensure the continued supply of essential food products at affordable prices, diversity the country’s market sources and help businesses recover and sustain their operations,” Marcos said.

Marcos signed EO 13 on January 13, 2023, but it was only released to the media on Friday.

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) will review the said MFN rates after the implementation of EO 13.

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) lauded the extension of the current MFN rates, which it said will benefit the majority of Filipinos.

“We would like to thank the

Taguig City extends ops of

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

THE Taguig City government has announced that the Business One-StopShop (BOSS) 2023 is extending its operations until January 31, 2023 to allow business owners to pay their business taxes without incurring penalty.

Ordinance No. 17 of 2023 extended the deadline for payment of local business taxes and fees due

BOSS

President and the Neda Board for fully appreciating the positive impact that the 5-percent tariff on MDM would have on prices of processed meats such as hotdogs, luncheon meats, siomai and other products; on the continued viability of our industry and on the national economy in general,” Pampi President Felix Tiukinhoy said in a brief statement.

Tiukinhoy, however, noted they hope the said MFN rates will only be temporary until local producers of MDM could eventually meet the demand for the said food raw material.

“We look forward to the day when domestic producers would be able to produce MDM in commercial volumes so that we can revive and expand our support to the local agriculture sector,” Tiukinhoy said.

‘Historical injustice’ REACTING to the issuance of the

new EO, Jayson Cainglet, executive director of SINAG, bewailed what he described as yet another “historical injustice” inflicted to the livestock industry, poultry raisers and local agriculture sector.

In a brief statement, Cainglet said, Again, the economic managers prevailed over the stark realities on the ground. At no point in the last two years that lowering the tariff of mechanically deboned meat [MDM] resulted in reduced prices of processed and canned meat products.”

He added: “Reverting to it’s original tariff rate will have insignificant price increase, based on actual computations.”

“The injustice being suffered by the livestock industry will continue as the concession in lowering MDM tariff was a historical injustice to the livestock industry, poultry raisers and local agriculture sector,” Cainglet said.

2023 for penalty-free payment of biz taxes

to the City Government of Taguig.  The City Council noted the increased volume of businesses renewing the permits this year. However, business owners must have filed their papers for evaluation and assessment of business tax and regulatory fees by January 20 at 5:00 p.m. at one of the two convenient locations: the newly opened Convention Center in the New City Hall Building or the SM Aura Satellite Office.

All tenders of payment made from January 20 to January 31 shall not incur penalties or interest.

Likewise, all billing statements issued from the beginning of the year will remain valid until January 31.

“But all billing statements not paid within the extended deadline of payment will automatically be canceled, and will have to be rebilled to reflect statutory penalties and interests,” the city government said.

Taguig also advised business

owners to take advantage of this extension.

For more information, business owners may reach the concerned office through the following numbers:

Business Processing and Licensing Office  (02) 8555-7868 or 0961-7340812 or send an e-mail to bplo@ taguig.gov.ph , and City Treasury Office:0927-0130-507 and 09620410-892

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday moved calm down reported rumblings in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reportedly sparked by “anxiety” of some military personnel on the possible effects of a newlyenacted law seeking to professionalize the ranks.

DSWD’s cash-for-work program benefits 207K PWDs nationwide

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already provided cash assistance amounting to more than P830 million to 207,152 persons with disabilities (PWD) in 150 different municipalities across the country, an official report released by the agency said.

The DSWD said the figure is only as of January 19, and consolidation of the final reports of the beneficiaries from the Field Offices is still ongoing.

The payout activities were conducted simultaneously in December 2022 for DSWD’s cash-for-work (CFW) intended for PWDs in the country as part of the agency’s compliance with the Marcos administration’s mandate to bring the government programs closer to the people.

Some of the community works and services conducted by the PWDs include communal gardening, tree planting, cleaning of public offices and surroundings and coastal cleanup, among others.

Dubbed as “BUHAYnihan or Buhay at Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan Cashfor-Work for Persons with Disabilities,” the project was spearheaded by the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery

of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide assistance to the vulnerable sectors and bring the programs directly to the Filipinos.

This is also in response to the emerging priority for the provision of programs and services to PWDs, and the recognition of their human rights.

The DSWD, as the lead agency in protecting the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized sectors, vowed to continue to implement social protection packages for every Filipino, particularly PWDs.

Meanwhile, the DSWD is warning the public against giving monetary or in-kind support to fraudsters and scammers using falsified solicitation permits allegedly for the benefit of the needy sector.

The warning came after the DSWD received information that a group, the Department for the Blinds Welfare of the Philippines Inc., was undertaking public solicitation presenting a certificate of fund raising allegedly issued by the DSWD.

The alleged certificate bore the falsified signature of then DSWD Field Office III Director and now Assistant Secretary Marites M. Maristela. PNA

PBBM says sea feud involving China keeps him up at night

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the long-raging disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) that involve China, the Philippines and other coastal states have kept him “up at night” and warned that any major confrontation in Asia, similar to the war in Ukraine, would be disastrous to the world.

The President spoke Wednesday at a World Economic Forum dialogue in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos, where he was asked about his seven-monthold presidency, his economic strategy and key security worries, including the increasingly tense SCS territorial conflicts.

The dispute “keeps you up at night, keeps you up in the day, keeps you up most of the time...It’s very dynamic, it’s constantly in flux so you have to pay attention to it,” Marcos said in response to a question from forum President Borge Brende.

The President said there have been calls for the Philippine government to do more to defend its territorial waters but added that a military solution to the conflicts was not an option.

“We have no conflicting claims with China. What we have is China making

claims on our territory,” he said. “Nobody wants to go to war. We don’t. China doesn’t. The United States doesn’t,” the President said, adding that “just having the tensions increase in the region already has an effect on trade, on all of the exchanges that we have.” Asked if he raised the territorial

conflicts with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in a visit to Beijing earlier this month, Marcos said discussions on the touchy issue were inevitable but acknowledged he did not expect any major resolution.

“When I spoke to President Xi, I prefaced our discussion by saying we are not going to decide here today the issues that are between the Philippines and China in terms of territoriality,” Marcos said.

The Philippine leader added without elaborating that he discussed recent incidents between coast guard and fishing vessels of China and the Philippines in the contested waterway.

The Philippines has filed hundreds of diplomatic protests over China’s increasingly

assertive actions in the disputed waters, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. Last year alone, Manila sent nearly 200 protest notes to Beijing, including 65 since Marcos took office in June, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have been locked in the disputes in the busy waterway. Tensions intensified after Beijing turned seven disputed reefs into what are now missile-protected island bases to reinforce its claims, alarming the United States and its Asian and Western allies.

“It has become terribly complex and very, very dynamic and requires a good deal of attention,” the President said of the long-seething disputes.

The heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, which lie across a sea border from the northern Philippines, have also been a key concern, he said.

“We are at the very front line,” he said. “If something goes wrong here, we are going to suffer.”

Marcos warned that any major conflict in Asia, like what the war in Ukraine has shown, would spark headwinds across the world.

“All of us were quite surprised, especially us in the Philippines, to think that the war in Eastern Europe would affect agriculture in the Philippines,” Marcos said. “If a similar situation would arise in the region, then it would be actually, I would say, it would be disastrous for the rest of the world.”

It’s crucial to avoid getting entrapped in major power rivalries like between Washington and Beijing in Asia, the President said.

“I don’t work for Beijing, I don’t work for Washington, D.C. I work for the Philippines,” Marcos said. “That really translates into a very simple statement of foreign policy, which is, I promote the national interest.” AP

By Butch Fernandez

SENATORS from the majority and minority blocs are firming up a consensus to abolish the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget Management (PS-DBM) after the investigating Blue Ribbon Committee released its report on the overpriced laptops deal between PSDBM and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros affirmed her fellow senators’ determination to go after the erring officials involved to send a clear message that “no one will be spared.”

“I welcome the recommendation to file criminal charges against [former PS-DBM chief Christopher] Lao and other PS-DBM officials,” she said.

At the same time, the senator added, “Moving forward, beyond the filing of charges, it is also important to plug the holes through which these anomalies passed, hindi lang sa laptops pero sa Pharmally din at iba pa [not just with the laptops case, but also with Pharmally and other incidents].”

She was recalling to the earlier Blue Ribbon investigation into pandemic fund alleged misuse involving Pharmally, an unproven player in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, which bagged over P10 billion in contracts to supply face masks, shields, among others, to the Department of Health at the height of the pandemic.

The Blue Ribbon inquiry in the 18th Senate, chaired by then-chairman Sen. Richard J. Gordon, had traced the controversial role of PS-DBM, to which the Department of Health (DOH) outsourced its procurement tasks, and of its former PS-DBM chief Lao.

Lao is among those recommended for prosecution by the current Blue Ribbon leadership under Sen. Francis Tolentino.

Hontiveros recalled that way back, she had already been “calling for the abolition of PS-DBM.”

Undeterred, the senator signaled she would propose anew its abolition “during the period of amendments” in the plenary.

Moreover, she stressed that “above all, we

need to do all we can to make sure that we are not shortchanging our teachers. Sukliannamannatin ang sakripisyo nila [Let’s repay their sacrifice] by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs well.”

The Blue Ribbon earlier recommended the filing of graft and corruption charges against Lao, along with several former and current DepEd officials, over the procurement of what state auditors called “overpriced” laptops bought in 2021.

Twelve senators signed the draft committee report; 11 voted for and one dissented, according to panel chairman Tolentino. He, however, declined to name the dissenter.

The report established the amount of overprice of the laptops—procured by DepEd through the PS-DBM in 2021—at P979 million, with Tolentino noting this amount came from the Commission on Audit.

Blue Ribbon probers said based on evidence turned up in five committee hearings, there are an apparent conspiracy between DepEd and PS-DBM officials to pad the contract.

Besides Lao, who was also investigated in the 18th Congress by the Blue Ribbon probers under then-chairman Senator Gordon over procurement of pandemic supplies, the other PS-DBM and DepEd officials recommended to be charged are:

Former PS-DBM officer-in-charge executive director Jasonmer Uayan, Bids and Awards Committee chair Ulysses Mora, Engr. Marwan Amil, former DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua, former DepEd Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III, DepEd Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla, DepEd director for Information and Communications Technology Service Abram Abanil.

Tolentino said former DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones was not included among those recommended to be charged, saying she was apparently “used” to approve the changes in the procurement contract for the overpriced laptops, funding for which was sourced from Republic Act No. 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to tap the private sector in the digitalization of the National ID system for seamless transactions across government agencies and private entities.

“Given the 75.8 million Filipinos who have already registered to PhilSys, we are eager to collaborate with the private sector to further accelerate our progress in expanding our use cases. We want our registrants to immediately reap and enjoy the benefits of PhilSys, as a digital ID system,” PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, said in a news statement issued on Thursday.

As of 13 January 2023, almost 29 million PhilID cards were printed and more than 15.7 million ePhilIDs were issued.

As part of the PSA’s efforts to fast-track the issuance of ePhilIDs, the agency initiated a house-to-house distribution strategy and pilot

implemented a website allowing registered persons to download a PDF copy of their ePhilID on their mobile devices.

“PhilSys is a foundational, digital ID system, so its functionality is geared towards digital use—whether as a card, printed on paper, or PDF file. This ensures an inclusive national ID system that can be used across government agencies and private entities for more efficient delivery of services for Filipinos. This is a move closer to realizing the vision of a Makabagong Pilipinas,” said Mapa.

Part of the PhilSys-enabled services PSA intends to offer is the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) where registered individuals may consent to share their data from the PhilSys Registry to the relying party (e.g., government agencies with frontline services, banks, remittance centers, and others) after a successful authentication for faster and more secure transactions.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. attends a conversation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos from January 16 until January 20, 2023. AP

After laptops and pandemic supplies scandals, PS-DBM faces new abolition call from senators

PSA lauds PBBM’s call to collaborate with private sector for Natl ID system

Solon urges DBM to earmark funds for senior citizens’ pension hike

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

APARTY-LIST lawmaker on Thursday appealed to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to include full funding for the increased pension of indigent senior citizens in the proposed budget for 2024.

Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes said the 100 percent increase in pension from P500 to P1,000 monthly that was granted under Republic Act 11916 when it lapsed into law on July 30, 2022 will not be implemented this year as the 2023 national budget only covers P500 of their pension.

“Our quest continues for full funding and implementation of Republic Act 11916 raising the

indigent seniors’ monthly social pension from P500 to P1,000,” Ordanes said. “We renew our campaign for the P1,000 social pension by appealing to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to include full funding of RA 11916 in the next budget, the 2024 budget, the formulation of which will begin shortly after DBM issues its budget call for the 2024 cycle.”

He noted that RA 11916 became law merely weeks before the 2023 budget was submitted to Congress, “severely reducing the chances” of the pension hike to be included in the budget given the many high priorities for funding.

We tried our best last year to push for the P1,000 indigent seniors social pension but even our best was not enough,” he said. PNA

Bill seeks higher tax incentives for firms that hire senior citizens

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

TO encourage private firms to hire more senior citizens, lawmakers have filed a bill seeking to increase the amount of tax incentives enjoyed by private companies that employ elderly citizens.

In filing House Bill 2384, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte has urged the private sector to broaden the job opportunities for senior citizens who still want to work. He said this will help them meet their financial needs while continuing to contribute to the country’s post-pandemic economic growth.

Under House Bill 2384, private firms employing seniors are entitled to additional tax deductions from their gross income, which will be increased to 25 percent from the current 15 percent of the total amount paid as salaries and wages “regardless of whether the income tax return was filed under the itemized deduction or optional deduction system.”

D uterte authored the bill with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano.

“Age has been a constant barrier to opening employment opportunities for many of our physically and mentally able senior citizens who want to continue working to help augment the meager pension and retirement savings they have,” Duterte said.

“ To help remedy this situation, private companies should be encouraged to provide more jobs for them. The private sector can benefit from the skills that senior citizens have acquired from their long years of hard work. Also, our senior citizens can continue to contribute to our post-pandemic economic growth,” Duterte said.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Duterte said people aged 60 years old and above accounted for 8.5 percent of the population (9.22 million individuals) as of 2020. This is higher than the 7.5 percent (7.53 million senior citizens) recorded in 2015.   T he Commission on Population

and Development (POPCOM), for its part, has projected that 14 percent of the total population will be 60 and older by 2035, and recommended that the government start improving the social protection and well-being of elderly Filipinos.

T hese include instituting geriatric care programs, raising the age of retirement and expanding employment opportunities for seniors, according to Popcom.

Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act currently sets the allowable deduction for firms hiring seniors at 15 percent.

D uterte said their proposal aims to make this on par with the tax benefit that private companies receive when they employ persons with disabilities (PWDs), which is a deduction from gross income equivalent to 25 percent of salaries and wages paid.

Private companies are entitled to the tax deduction under HB 2384 provided that the employed senior citizen is hired for a period of at least six months and that the annual income of the senior citizen should not exceed the latest poverty threshold as determined by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) or the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

T he bill’s authors pointed out that “70 percent of Filipino senior citizens still prefer working because most of

their pension and retirement savings are insufficient to sustain their family and their needs.”

T hey also cited a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) report saying that nearly 1.3 million elderly Filipinos are living in poverty.

Duterte said a Popcom study also showed that the number of senior citizens has increased over the years “due to better health and socioeconomic conditions.”

This means that many of them are still employable and continue to be economically productive citizens that can contribute to nation-building,” he pointed out.

HB 2384 also states that private firms employing senior citizens should provide them with medical care and attention.

Being lifetime PhilHealth members, employed senior citizens should also enjoy the same health benefits given to other workers, Duterte said.

T he recent hike in the social pension for indigent senior citizens from P500 to P1,000, while being a big help to them, is still inadequate given the continuing rise in the prices of basic commodities, Duterte said.

Before the measure increasing the social pension of indigent citizens from P500 to P1,000 lapsed into law last July 30, Duterte proposed that the amount be further increased to P1,500.

Feds to investigate nursing home abuse of antipsychotics

By Amanda Seitz The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The federal government says it will begin a targeted crackdown on nursing homes’ abuse of antipsychotic drugs and misdiagnoses of schizophrenia in patients.

T he Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is launching investigations this month into select nursing homes, aimed at verifying whether patients have been properly diagnosed with the psychiatric disorder.

Evidence has mounted over de -

cades that some facilities wrongly diagnose residents with schizophrenia or administer antipsychotic drugs to sedate them, despite dangerous side effects that could include death, according to the agency.

“ No nursing home resident should be improperly diagnosed with schizophrenia or given an inappropriate antipsychotic,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement Wednesday. “The steps we are taking today will help prevent these errors and give families peace of mind.”

Indignities late in life

Some facilities may be dodging increased scrutiny around gratuitous use of antipsychotic medications by coding residents as having schizophrenia, even when they do not show signs of the extremely rare disorder, a government report last year found. Less than 1 percent of the population is believed to have schizophrenia, which is marked by delusions, hallucinations and disordered thinking.

I n 2012, the federal government began tracking when nursing homes use antipsychotics on residents—doing so can impact the facility’s quality rating in a

be dragged to the hospital, kicking and screaming in protest. Forced to see a doctor, some old timers withhold information because it will lead to tests and God forbid, hospitalization.

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

WE who exalt ourselves in youth shall be humbled later in life.

T his is the unwritten law in the life of every man or woman who reaches the age 60 and beyond. Wealthy or poor, privileged or underprivileged, beautiful or ugly, celebrity or unknown, sooner or later we will be subjected to a medical crucible where the most private parts of the body are scrutinized and nothing can be hidden. Not just one time but many times.

Being made to take off one’s clothes, including underwear in the presence of an assistant or a nurse can be the most un-dignifying act that any individual is asked to do. Nothing is off-limits as you get poked, touched and groped, with your silent acquiescence.

Have you undergone a hemorrhoid

operation? Did you go through a procedure called the barium enema? Have you bent over for a proctoscopy? Have you had an endoscopy or colonoscopy? Or mammography? How about a 2-D echography? Or ultrasonography of your heart, kidneys, bladder, pancreas and other internal organs? Has a urinary catheter ever been inserted into your urethra?

If you have undergone this experience, then welcome to the Club of the Extremely Shamed and Humiliated. It’s a standard rite of passage for old men and women alike as we get to the point of reckoning, confronting an assortment of health issues in our senior years. It’s the price we pay for an extended lease on life we now enjoy beyond our expiry date.

No wonder, many old folks have to

For them, there’s nothing hospitable about a hospital. It’s not a place of healing, but a torture chamber, where severe mental or physical suffering is inflicted.

T here are old folks who are “delicate” or modest. A lot of them are old ladies and even men who don’t like exposing their bodies to strange people—even in an emergency. Imagine how it feels for a “never been touched” spinster, totally naked underneath a flimsy hospital gown, to have her body hair shaved in a brightly lighted room before an operation.

Don’t laugh but there are those who are so self-conscious and proper that they take a shower first before going to a hospital. One woman has been overheard to say that she needs to wear clean good underwear every day in case of an accident and she needs to be rushed to a hospital.

But the feeling can be mutual. Medical people, too, experience embarrassment at encountering the variety of “shocking” “nauseating” and “shameful” stuff exposed

public database—but only for those who have not been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Use of antipsychotics for those nursing home residents has dropped to under 20 percent in recent years, according to federal data.

A November report from the HHS Office of the Inspector General, however, revealed that the number of residents reported as having schizophrenia without a corresponding diagnosis skyrocketed between 2015 and 2019, with 99 nursing homes in the country reporting that 20 percent or more of their residents

in the course of these medical procedures. They may feign to be quite nonchalant or blasé about the handling of naked old patients but have you listened to them talk to each other, away from their patients? Indeed no one is a hero or celebrity to a nurse or doctor behind the closed doors or curtains of an examination clinic.

It makes me wonder why my friends brag about their sons and daughters who are into medicine or nursing. It’s a thankless job from my point of view. It’s not fun seeing and handling sagging flatulent bodies in varying degrees of entropy. It’s not easy to touch the personal parts of bodies of total strangers—and not throw up sometimes. You need to have special nerves to work on people and do intimate things to them without acting nervous or embarrassed. How do you deal with old patients who are terrified of having anyone do “things” to their bodies?

M aybe we—healthcare professionals and patients—should start a serious and realistic conversation on the management of shame and humiliation in medical encounters and practices. Is there a way we can openly and honestly talk about these issues

have the disorder.

“ The number of unsupported schizophrenia diagnoses increased and in 2019 was concentrated in relatively few nursing homes,” the report concluded.

C MS will start targeted audits to ask nursing homes for documentation of the diagnoses in the coming days, focusing on nursing homes with existing residents who have been recorded as having schizophrenia.

T he rating scores for nursing homes that have a pattern of inaccurately coding residents as having schizophrenia will be negatively

to help diminish the “shameful” experience for both patients and medical professionals?

Perhaps the most ironic thing about these dehumanizing medical procedures is the fact that we agree to these procedures, and so they are not being done against our will.

A s one of my friends colorfully described the diagnostic procedure for his prostate problem: “It’s like molestation but with consent.”

As we stand or lie there naked and helpless, the least we can expect is greater sensitivity to the privacy of the body during medical procedures and more respectful doctor/ nurse-patient interactions.

T hus, is it too much to ask healthcare professionals to be more considerate, to be mindful that patients are feeling, breathing people—they were before they came in to have a procedure and they are still people while they are having a medical procedure?

Maybe they should ask: “What if I was being asked to bend over so a finger can be inserted up my anus? What if I am the one lying on this table—how would I want someone to treat me?”

Actually, that was the point of a film I once watched about an arrogant, unsympathetic cancer spe-

impacted, CMS said in a statement released Wednesday, stopping short of threatening to levy fines against facilities.

T he agency does not have plans to immediately intervene in the patients’ care directly or notify relatives of residents who have been wrongly coded or given antipsychotics, according to senior HHS officials who insisted on anonymity to brief The Associated Press on the matter on Tuesday.

CMS will monitor the facilities to make sure the issues are corrected, officials said.

cialist who one day was diagnosed with cancer. In a reversal of roles, he became the patient experiencing the callous ways of his fellow medical professionals.

It has been established in some studies that “undignified care can have unfavorable impact on the patient’s recovery such as leading to depression and loss of will to live.”

T his is why even as we give importance to enhancing the quality of health care, we also must promote a culture of respect in our healthcare world.

Can old folks expect a little more dignity in care, which simply means being treated in a way that is respectful of them and as valued individuals? Which means being sensitive about modesty and privacy or not leaving them unattended or ignored. Which means not making jokes about the patient even if you think they are out of earshot. Which means answering the patient honestly and taking time to listen to his or her concerns.

We know at this period in our lives, we seniors have no choice but to bear the unbearable indignities of medical treatment. Help us make it through the experience as gently as possible, so we can keep the little self-respect that we still have.

Editor: Angel R. Calso

PAYOUT of the Department of Social Welfare and Development social pension for senior citizens in Barangay Felisa, Bacolod City in September 2022. Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes recently appealed to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to include full funding for the increased pension of indigent senior citizens in the proposed budget for 2024.

PHOTO FROM BARANGAY FELISA FACEBOOK PAGE

DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte

BusinessMirror

ADMU’s intl debate feat warrants Senate commendation—‘Jinggoy’

mapúa u wins phl’s first digital readiness gold award at Wharton-Qs reimagine educ.

Calling the Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) victory an “extraordinary accomplishment,” Estrada said “[it] is proof of the Filipino students’ capacity to stand alongside the world’s best young speakers and thinkers.”

The lawmaker has thus filed Senate Resolution 416, which recognizes and congratulates David Africa and Tobi Leung for topping the WUDC 2023 last January 3 in Madrid, Spain.

“Their mastery of the art of persuasion, critical thinking and creative formulation of ideas honed through years of dedication, study and discipline, even at such a young age, are positive characteristics…worthy of emulation,

especially for our students,” he added.

It was the first time a team from the Philippines or Southeast Asia clinched the top prize in the tilt, which is usually ruled by English-speaking countries.

ADMU also became the second higher institution of learning in Asia to bag the championship title. Bangladesh’s BRAC University won the same in 2022.

The duo from the Ateneo Debate Society, who are both students of Bachelor of Science

in Applied Mathematics with a specialization in Data Science, went head-to-head and succeeded against representatives from Princeton University (USA), Tel Aviv University (Israel), and Sofia University (Bulgaria) in the grand finals.

Estrada said Leung and Africa represented the country competently on the international debating stage, and have

shown the world the nation’s gift of eloquence, intellectual prowess and ingenuity.

Leung was named the second best speaker of the tilt— the highest rank ever achieved by a Filipino in the competition—while Africa was ranked eighth overall best speaker. (Read in the BusinessMirror, Jan. 7, 2023: ADMU tops world universities’ debate competition in Spain.)

PROFESSOR Steve Smith, United Kingdom’s (UK) International Education Champion, was recently in the Philippines as part of his visit to Southeast Asia.

SPANISH is gaining wider popularity in the Philippines, as many Filipinos from the younger generations are taking a huge interest in studying the language of Miguel de Cervantes, Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez.

For School Year 2021-2022, Instituto Cervantes de Manila had 3,412 students, compared to the 4,000 of its counterpart in New Delhi, India.

Dr. Javier Galvan, who is director of the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, told the BusinessMirror that he always believed the center’s popularity remains strong among the Filipinos as the “place to be” in terms of broadening their knowledge in the Castilian language and culture.

“We’re not really surprised, because we’re normally always in the Top 5 [among ‘Institutos’ worldwide],” Galvan proudly beamed.

He said the local business-process outsourcing (BPO) industry has also contributed to the growing popularity of Spanish, as several companies in the Philippines are hiring Filipinos who are both fluent in English and Spanish.

“Right now, [a growing number of] Filipinos are realizing the importance of Spanish,” Galvan claimed.

Moreover, he said the booming BPO sector will make Filipinos realize why Spanish is quite important in the digital age.

According to Babbel.com , Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world, next only to Chinese, with more than 450 million speakers around the world. The former is the third-most studied in the world, after English and French. Its 450 million native speakers speak Spanish as a second language.

In the United States, more than 43 million people speak Spanish as a first language, or about 13 percent of the population, and that number continues to grow. Moreover, the web site said the US is home to nearly 12 million bilingual speakers.

This makes the North American nation the second-largest Spanish speakers in the world, after Mexico, but one study predicts the former will be the largest by 2050.

Babbel.com revealed Spanish as the most studied language in the US. In fact, 50 percent of American college students, and more than 70 percent of K-12 enrollees, choose to learn Spanish.

This is significantly more than the 12 percent of college students and 15 percent of those in K-12 who chose French.

Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

While in town, Smith highlighted the importance of education cooperation between the UK and the Philippines. He met with officials of the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, to discuss the potential partnerships of the two countries.

They agreed to do several key strands of collaborative work. These include apprenticeship and standards for vocational careers, joint tertiary transnational degrees to cater to upcoming and green industries of the Philippines, teacher training and upskilling particularly to improve remote-learning capacity as well as teaching employable skills for future industries, and education technology (edtech) to improve hybrid learning.

“During my visit I have met an extraordinary range

of people, which has increased my understanding of the best way forward for linking the UK and the Philippines. With the British Embassy and British Council, we hope to build on the existing links with…key education actors in the Philippines through the deepening of partnerships and forming of new ones,” Smith shared. “The links…benefit both countries, seen in the development of partnerships, joint degrees and exchanges. Education really is one of the very strongest ways of linking societies.”

“UK-Philippines [tie-ups in Transnational Education, Chevening scholarships, technical education and in edtech are making a real difference in the lives of Filipinos],” Ambassador Laure Beaufils said. “I am delighted with the results we are seeing, and our joint commitment to take this to the next level. This is at the heart of the strong people-to-people links between [our countries].”

Smith also met with the Asian Development Bank to explore ways UK’s expertise on

skilled labor-force development can supplement the bank’s current flagship projects in infrastructure and green initiatives.

His meetings included a session with the Philippine Railways Institute to discuss further support to help develop the skilled workers required to construct, operate, and maintain the future extensive Philippine rail lines. A gathering with transnational education p artner-universities to discuss further potential partnerships in joint degrees also transpired.

The British professor also dined with business leaders for education to reinforce the UK’s intent to continue working with them, and further develop regional partnerships.

His visit concluded with the launch of Alumni UK, a network of Filipino graduates who have attended at least one semester of study in his country. Alumni of various British universities—some of whom were Chevening scholars, Newton fellows, and Transnational Education scholars participated in the launch.

Koinobori workshop for kids serves as path to climate-change discussion

CHILDREN nationwide learned the Japanese art of the koinobori —a carp-shaped windsock, in a free hybrid workshop headlined by Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, president of the Association for the Wa Culture Education.

Koinobori was initially flown in Japan to celebrate the national holiday Tango no Sekku (Day of the Children). The traditional event was later developed into a global cultural symbol, and a means of international exchange.

To introduce the rich heritage of the streamer to Filipinos aged 7 to 12, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, in collaboration with the Japan Foundation-Manila Office, hosted a Zoom webinar that allowed the participants to virtually meet the koinobori master.

The interactive activity allowed the children to design their own banners with kits provided by the expert. By inviting them to step outside and

hang their creations, the session helped the students grasp the idea that the decorative piece likewise served as an informative device on wind speed and direction.

The experience guided the students into understanding wind as a component of weather and aided as a point of entry to discuss climate change.

The workshop was conducted simultaneously with partner institutions: Alitaptap Artists Community, Museo De La Salle-Bacolod, University of St.

La Salle-Bacolod,

It was held in line with the Tropical Climate Forensics: an ongoing online exhibition that provides an in-depth look at the anchors of the climate crisis. The digital showcase, which features a series of biomes by Filipino transdisciplinary artist Derek Tumala, was supported by British Council’s “Creative Commissions for Climate Action:” a global program exploring climate change through art, science and digital technology.

MAPÚA University’s “ÚO x” or “Ubiquitous Online Experience” program recently captured the Gold Award for Digital Readiness from the prestigious Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022.

It was the first time a Philippine higher education institution (HEI) has received a top-category award in the global contest, which honors groundbreaking approaches on digital learning, hikes student-learning outcomes and improve student employability.

According to a statement, the achievement attests to the technological and engineering school’s pioneering and innovative approach toward education, and a validation of Philippine HEIs’ capabilities and innovativeness. It also demonstrates digital education’s flexibility and effectiveness in ensuring the continuous learning in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, or “VUCA” world.

Mapúa ÚO x is a full, online asynchronous program that enables undergraduate and graduate students to pursue their education despite geographic, social, economic, and time constraints.

Its asynchronous classes, which include lectures, laboratory and field courses are delivered via a dedicated platform: the “Cardinal EDGE,” or “Education in a Digital and Global Environment,” so students can access all learning tools, resources, and coursework at their convenience.

ÚO x is the product of seven years of development and two online learning program precursors: “Digital Days,” which delivered synchronous online lectures to about 2,300 students in about 100 classes; and Digital Rush, online undergraduate courses held from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to help students

evade Manila rush-hour traffic. Their early conduct made Mapúa first in the country to conduct simultaneous online classes at scale to address local and context-specific needs.

“We have demonstrated that technology infrastructure is only secondary to the primary goal of addressing educational problems that beset students and teachers,” said Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto, director of the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning-Outcome-Based Education. “Mapúa ÚO x programs address difficult learning contexts: slow Internet connection, worsening traffic situations, geographic boundaries in this archipelagic country, and stressful travel experiences, in order to engender access, equity, and quality of education in the Philippines.”

At present ÚO x offers nine graduate and six undergraduate programs in engineering and information technology. Students receive the same high-quality education provided in traditional face-to-face classes through a 100-percent online, asynchronous learning modality.

“Digitalization allowed the university to be future-proof, most notably by being one of the most pandemic-ready universities in the country…It was able to continue [delivering] high-quality education with the least disruption through a seamless transition into online learning modalities during the pandemic,” explained Quinto.

The Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards 2022 is considered the “Oscars of Education.” The organization received 1,200 nominees in 18 categories, which represented 70 countries in 2022. A total of 400 judges participated in two rounds of screening, as well as a grand jury of 25 education and educational-technology experts determined the winners for each category.

USt incubates e-learning, pain management ventures

TWO incubatees from University of Santo Tomas (UST) Technology Business Incubator TOMASInno Center have successfully fulfilled an incubation program, and are now certified Department of Science and Technology-TIC incubation graduates.

First is Cerebro: an education-technology start-up that helps solve teachers’ workload issues with ready-to-use digital lessons and curriculum-aligned test banks. Having been implemented as an e-learning tool in 20+ schools during the pandemic, Cerebro was in the Top 2 of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Venture Pilipinas Startup Pitch Competition-People’s Choice Awards 2021.

Cerebro was started by its CEO Jonald Justine Itugot—a licensed professional teacher with more than 10 years of classroom teaching and school-administration experience in different private institutions before devoting his full attention to e-learning. He is an alumnus of the UST-College of Education Class of 2011.

The second is PainFree (Pain Management and Consulting Inc.), which helps people with musculoskeletal pain. Its products and services include biomechanical tapes and the fasciocutaneous release techniques. The incubatee mitigates and lessens the pain of those suffering from debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. The com -

pany has also put up a “Go PainFree” telerehabilitation platform.

PainFree is founded by its CEO Prof. Valentin Dones III Ph.D: the UST Center for Health Research and Movement Science research supervisor, who is also a College of Rehabilitation Sciences academic staff member.

Engr. Edward Paul H. Apigo Sr., who is the Science Research specialist of the Research Information and Technology Transfer Division, delivered the keynote address during the graduation ceremony.

TIC’s assistant manager Professor Michael Francis D. Benjamin, Ph.D proudly presented the graduates; while Associate Professor Michael Jorge N. Peralta, MS, MSPT, Ll. M., who is the executive assistant for Intellectual Property and Research; and also UST vice rector for Research and Innovation: Rev. Fr. Jannel N. Abogado OP, awarded the certificates.

TIC is UST’s Technology Business Incubator. Under the supervision of the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation and in partnership with the DOST, TIC was established in August of 2019 to assist start-ups, while promoting innovation and technopreneurship. Since its creation it has conducted two batches of the Incubation program with the guidance of mentors from the academe and Thomasian alumni.

FOR Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, the country’s historic first win in the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) deserves the highest accolade from the upper chamber.

and La Salle University-Ozamiz.

InstItuto Cervantes keeps spanIsh alIve and relevant among FIlIpInos

uk’s intl educ champ visits, renews collaboration pact

estrada Office O f Sen. Jingg Oy eJ e rcitO

mapÚa Úo X is a full, online asynchronous program that enables undergraduate and graduate education despite geographic, social, economic, and time constraints.

Tourism&Entertainment

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Siargao’S Sun iS riSing

Sunlight, the air, and an ample swell window make for a great day of surfing in this part of the world. The teardrop shaped island of Siargao is famous for world-class surfing and has introduced the sport to Filipinos.

After spending time on the island, I have learned to appreciate surfing as a lifestyle more than anything else. Almost every Siargaonon that I spoke with loved to surf during their free times. It keeps them fit and their mind at ease. t h e community here is tight and it was an honor to meet and hangout with new friends.

According to the Department of to urism r e gion 13/Caraga who toured us around, the island also offers cave explorations, nature hikes, and lakes apart from surfing.

Looking back, a year has passed since Supertyphoon Odette (International name r a i) has devastated Siargao. t h is year, our group traveled to the island with Sunlight Air. t h is boutique airline just recently added Siargao to their roster of routes that includes Manila, Clark, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Camiguin, San Vicente and Caticlan. Sunlight Air also played a key role in providing help and relief goods to the ravaged island. Last year, they were the first airline to respond to the call of the island after ty phoon Odette. Humanitarian flights were conducted by the airline to deliver relief goods and medical items, as well as bring much needed medical support.

Passengers who were stranded in Siargao were also brought back to Manila by the airline via their rescue flights.

ar rival at siar gao

Our flight was on time and we arrived at the Sayak Airport before lunchtime. We were picked up by Siargao Bleu resort’s van and the trip from the airport took about 30 minutes. It is just so refreshing to see the countryside, full of different hues of greens that include rice fields and mountain views.

siar gao Bleu re sort and sp a We were welcomed with a hearty lunch when we arrived at the full service beachfront property. A plentiful seafood meal was served and it definitely brightened my day.

t h e weather this December is not perfect, but we were still able to catch the rays of the sun every now and then. It is just a matter of making the best of our time in the island.

Our room was the resort’s terrace room. It had twin beds and had a veranda which offered great views of the pool and the rest of the property.

After checking in, we had time to explore the area and ended up

having smoothie bowls in Cloud 9 well before dinner.

siar gao’s tri island tour

We woke up and had breakfast early the next day as we got ready for our island hopping experience. t he van ride from the resort took us to the port of General Luna.

After checking in with the port authorities, we were then led to our boat by our guide named Zack. t h e boat is comfortable and big enough for our group.

Our first stop is Guyam island which is about 2 kilometers from General Luna. t h e island is full of palm trees and is surrounded by white sand and crystal-clear waters. You will have ample time to go for a swim and just chill in

one of the huts in the area.

Next stop is Naked island, about 20 minutes away. As the name implies, the 200-meter long white sand island is completely bare. Visitors can go for a quick swim, or just take photos. t h is is also a good opportunity to use a camera drone to capture the unforgettable surroundings from the air.

As the time for lunch nears, we headed to the last stop in the itinerary. Daku Island is the biggest of all three and where our iconic boodle fight meal will take place.

We were excited since we only saw pictures of the island’s buffet offerings before we went to Siargao. t h is one didn’t disappoint. We were served the ocean’s bounty

and it was more than we could finish. t h is is definitely one of the most memorable lunches I’ve had for a long time.

siar gao land tour tH er e was still a lot of time in the afternoon after we got back to the port. Our guide then took us to the coconut view deck where we were amazed by the human drones of Siargao. t h ese guys mimic the movements of a drone while they use a cell phone. We definitely had fun with the experience.

Our van then took us to Magpupungko r o ck Pools. It was already high tide in the afternoon, but we still did enjoy the beach and had snacks and bought souvenirs in the area. Well worth the visit.

Cloud 9

L A S t s top for the day is Cloud 9. Siargao is known for its surfing community and it just makes sense to come here and be a surfer for a day or two. A quick lesson on the beach will have you standing on a surfboard in minutes. If not, well, the experience is still very precious.

Will I return to Siargao? My answer is a big yes. t h e next time, I will make sure to have more time to explore inland and enjoy more of the food and the party atmosphere.

TradiTional Banawe Chinese new Year CeleBraTion BaCk wiTh a Bang

After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional Banawe Chinese New Year celebration will make its much-awaited return on Sunday (January 22) to welcome the Year of the Water r a bbit. t h e Quezon City Government through QC tou rism Department (QC t D) head te tta t i rona will lead the celebration, which will be held at the corner of P. f l orentino and Banawe Avenue. People’s r e public of China (Pr C ) Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian will serve as guest of honor and key -

note speaker.

Also expected to join the celebration are Quezon City Association of f i lipino Chinese Businessmen Inc. (QCA f C BI) President Joaquin Co and Quezon City Chinatown Development fo undation (QCCDf ) Chairman Charles Chen, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and District 1 r e p. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde.

t h e traditional event was put on hold due to the pandemic, but it will now be making its festive return with several face-to-face events and interactive activities after Mayor Joy Belmonte issued

e x ecutive Order No. 53, reconstituting the organizing committee for the Chinese New Year Celebration.

“ Ito’y isang paraan ng pagpapakita ng ating pakikiisa sa ating f i lipino-Chinese community na katuwang natin sa pag-unlad at pagpapatibay ng ating siyudad. [t h is is one way of showing our unity with the f i lipino-Chinese community, our partner in the development of our city],” said t i rona.

“ Nagpasya rin tayong gawin ulit ang Banawe Chinese New Year celebration p ara maipakita ang unti-

unting pagbalik natin sa normal mula sa epekto ng pandemya . [We decided to hold the Banawe Chinese New Year celebration again to signify our careful return to normalcy after the pandemic],” she added.

A Chinatown float parade, dragon and lion dance performance, food festival and bazaar and fireworks display will serve as highlights of the event.

Among those who will perform during the program are the Philippine Kong Han Athletic Club Lion Dancers, Philippine Cultural

Chinese 20-piece Orchestra, Chinese Cultural Dance Group, Philippine Institute of QC Children’s Glee Club.

Adding excitement to the event, singers Shiloh Choy and Shawn ta n will render solo performances while the Philippine Wushu Colleges and Clubs Association will conduct a wushu exhibition. r e nowned fe ng Shui Master r e v. f r. Wong Seng t i an will also give his predictions for the Chinese New Year.

r e p. Atayde also extended his full support to the event by pro -

viding actor e n chong Dee as event host and singer/artist Katrina Velarde and singer/actor Gian Magdangal as performers. Atayde will also give a short message during the program while Sotto will give the closing remarks.

t he Quezon City government earlier passed City Ordinance No. 2453-2015, formally designating the QC Chinatown in Banawe as one of its tourism districts, thus improving its accessibility, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing its infrastructure and amenities.

Story & photos by Ardee P. de los Angeles

We later passed by Maasin river and took pictures of the epic bent coconut tree which had a rope swing as an attraction to tourists.

From the view deck, the rich vegetation is a welcome sight to weary visitors.

The boardwalk in Cloud 9 has been rebuilt

su r Fers can take a break at the teardrop shaped island of guyam.

Tou C hdown at sayak airport, the closest major airport to siargao island.

siargao Bleu resort has recovered from super typhoon odette

g en eral luna port welcomes visitors to the surfing capital of the country.

The iconic lunch being served at daku island.

Consumer tech trends at CES 2023

an Afeela, you will be able to post anything from sports scores to Spider-Man animations on your flickering back lights—or maybe just flash them in an angry color to express your road rage.

QuantumSPATIAL 360 immersive audio with head tracking for spot-on accuracy.

ANEW YEAR means new gadgets, and for technology enthusiasts, the first week of the year has become synonymous with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Organized by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is a place where the impossible becomes possible, and where the future takes a tangible, attainable form on the show floor. Even as businesses and tech consumers strain against economic, political and pandemic challenges, they look to CES for discovery and inspiration. This year, a lot of new innovative gadgets and technology were launched. The event also focuses on fostering change at a global scale as a platform for genius, inclusion and connection.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen by many as the future of mobility due to their many benefits. They produce zero emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most hotly anticipated product launches this year at CES was Sony’s new electric vehicle. On the first night of the show, Sony rolled out a prototype, called the Afeela, which it developed in collaboration with auto giant Honda and the chipmaker Qualcomm. Screens soak the car’s interior, which makes it a massive multimedia entertainment chamber as well as a mode of conveyance. Thanks to Qualcomm’s input, Afeela owners will get to process what will presumably be tremendous amounts of road, navigation and safety information gleaned from their driving. But perhaps the most interesting part of the car is its emotive rear

Google, on the other hand, unveiled Android Auto with a new design that brings easier viewing and access to your favorite Android phone experiences (navigation, media and communication) on your car display. Cars with Google built-in will have Google Assistant, Google Maps and more apps from Google Play integrated directly into the car, so you can control the car temperature with just your voice and even turn on house lights from your car before you get home. There are currently seven brands that offer cars with Google built-in: Honda, Polestar, Volvo, Chevrolet, GMC, Renault and Cadillac.

The market for true wireless earbuds has become increasingly crowded with soc many brands vying for a share, making it challenging to distinguish between products in this category. JBL, however, looks to bring the next innovation in TWS earbuds via its charging case.

The JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds come with a charging case that feature a 1.45-inch LED touchscreen on the side which offers a convenient way to control the music, switch between songs, and even pick up calls and read messages. The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, and also allows you to check the time, battery level, and active noise cancellation settings of the earbuds. Additionally, these earbuds offer premium sound quality with ambient sound mode, spatial audio, and up to 40 hours of battery life, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality listening experience.

Also joining the new JBL Quantum Series lineup are headsets specifically designed for XBOX and PlayStation consoles—the JBL Quantum 100X/P, 360X/P and 910X/P, where X versions are compatible with XBOX and P versions with PlayStation. JBL is the only gaming headset manufacturer to offer players wireless spatial audio virtualization with head tracking specific to the console—the JBL Quantum 910X/P provides consumers with JBL’s

LG Electronics also debuted its own 2023 soundbar lineup, including the brand-new SC9 and SE6 models which deliver outstanding consumer value with powerful, nuanced audio, a range of practical, convenient features, and stylish designs. LG’s new soundbars models offer seamless integration with the company’s TVs bringing new features such as WOW Orchestra, which utilizes every one of the two products’ audio channels to create an expanded soundstage with improved height, depth and power. LG’s 2023 soundbars and LG TVs offer more synergy for outstanding multi-surround sound solution, allowing listeners to enjoy Dolby Atmos and IMAX enhanced quality powered by DTS:X.

These 2023 soundbar models feature an intuitive interface that can be accessed through the Home Dashboard on LG TVs, allowing users to easily manage soundbar settings and share sound modes with their TV. The WOWCAST feature allows for wireless connection with LG TVs, providing a clean and convenient setup without compromising on audio quality. The soundbars are equipped with Triple Sound Technology, which includes the world’s first Triple Up-Firing Speaker, providing accurate sound reproduction and enhanced clarity for a more immersive home cinema experience. The Triple Level Spatial Sound Technology creates a lifelike sound with a convincing sense of space, putting listeners at the center of an immersive audio environment. The soundbars also feature Triple Sound Optimizer, Smart Up-mixer, and AI Sound Pro, ensuring outstanding sound for any type

BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor

THE year 2023 has ushered a new foreign investment into the country with the announcement of Sansan, a cloud-based solutions provider from Japan, about the scheduled opening of its new cutting-edge facility early this year as it seeks to accelerate the expansion of its offerings abroad.

“We decided to establish Sansan Global Development Center Inc. in Cebu to strengthen our product development for overseas markets,” said Fujikura Shigemoto, executive officer, head of overseas establishment team of Sansan Inc.

Through its overseas subsidiary Sansan Global Pte. Ltd., the firm has been rapidly expanding availability of its products, including its namesake sales digital transformation or DX solution Sansan and online invoice receiving solution Bill One, with a focus on Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

To escalate its global ambitions, Sansan must increasingly respond to the needs of local customers in every location. This will require greater investments into multi-language support teams and development of unique functions in line with each country’s laws and regulations, systems, business customs, and workflows.

The Philippines, according to Shigemoto, is actively attracting and supporting information technology (IT) multinationals, and Cebu is globally recognized for its high-level IT education and large pool of talented engineers.

“The center’s opening will let us strengthen regional recruitment of engineers and improve our development environment overseas,” he added. With its mission of “turning encounters into innovation” and vision to “become business infrastructure” for companies across the globe, Sansan will continue developing world-class products in both its home market of Japan and internationally.

go to our Facebook page, you’ll see a lot of memes. We tackle current issues. You need to be fast. Sassa Gurl was instrumental in giving us content that was relevant,” Brandon Jon Limpe Aw, vice president for administration at Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., makers of White Castle Whisky.

At the time, some industry insiders and observers said Sassa Gurl would be White Castle’s downfall.

“The sales showed us that Sassa Gurl helped the brand in terms of sales. The bashers who said Sassa Gurl would kill the brand were wrong. We made the right choice,” said Brandon.

WHEN openly queer social media celebrity Sassa Gurl was named the calendar girl for a well-known liquor brand in 2022, the move was met with a lot of positive reactions online but the decision was not without its bashers. The brand saw it as opportunity.

The brand, White Castle Whisky, is known for its TVC showing a beautiful woman in a red bikini riding a horse on the shore of a beach. The brand always hired the hottest and most conventionally beautiful sexy stars as White Castle girls, which have included Cristina Gonzales, Carmi Martin, and Lorna Tolentino.

“It [taking on Sassa Gurl as White Castle calendar girl] gave us access to a new market, the LGBTQIA community, and it strengthened our social media assets because of Sassa Gurl’s followers and fans are people who are always online, either on Twitter and TikTok. That’s a big deal for an old brand like White Castle, which previously had the reputation of the whiskey that dads drink. We wanted to keep the name but appeal to a younger generation so if you

White Castle Whisky also broke tradition for their 2021 calendar, when they chose YouTuber Ninong Ry as their first calendar boy.

“We weren’t looking to take ourselves too seriously at the time. Coming from the pandemic and working with our tagline ‘Dapat Light Lang,’ we decided that we should feature someone that had also persevered and created a following during the pandemic,” said Aaron James Limpe Aw, executive vice president of Destileria Limtuaco. “Ninong Ry created some content for us during the year and we thought why not support those who supported us.”

“We try to stay relevant in the market. Our market 40 years ago has moved on. Our new market has different interests, so we try to keep up with content that’s relevant to them,” said Olivia Limpe-Aw, CEO of Destileria Limtuaco.

“Sexy calendars have become a contentious concept. The featured beauty standards have been deemed unrealistic and not representative of the everyday female,” she added.

Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. marks the 60th anniversary of White Castle Whisky with Ria Atayde as its 2023 White Castle Whisky Girl.

“I am grateful to White Castle for showing that big girls can. I am honored to be chosen as a White Castle Whisky Girl as the brand allows and supports me in my advocacy to empower each and every woman to embrace her femininity and celebrate her body. Beauty goes in all forms and sizes. You can be wholesome and sexy. You don’t have to show more skin to be sexy. You just have to show your confidence,” said Atayde.

While I am elated that those who belong to groups that were previously marginalized by society are now recognized and included in campaigns like this one (kudos to Destileria Limtuaco), I still wish for more representation and the normalization of hiring a big girl or an openly queer person for campaigns that previously excluded them. I also wish people wouldn’t say things like “buti naman kahit mataba siya nasali siya [it’s a good thing a fat girl like her was included].”

I remember a classmate telling me before (after a teacher had said I was fat), “If the first thing you see in a person is her being fat or thin, then something is wrong with you. Because have you not noticed the person’s smile or eyes or hands? Why did you just focus on weight?”

We have come a long way from the dark days but women and LGBTQIA still can’t walk freely or take public transportation without being heckled or catcalled, and they still can’t post pictures on social media without being harassed for the way they look. But we will get there, eventually.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DESTILERIA LIMTUACO

in both its home market of Japan

Japanese cloud-based solutions firm to open hub in PHL soon

Chinese New Year Special

Navigating the Year of the Water Rabbit

Lunar New Year rush starts in China after virus rules lifted

BEIJING—Hairdresser Wang Lidan is making an emotional Lunar New Year journey from Beijing to her hometown in northeastern China—her first in three years after the government lifted its strict “zeroCovid” policy that kept millions of people at home and sparked protests.

The relaxation of restrictions let loose a wave of pent-up travel desire, particularly around China’s most important time for family gatherings. Referred to in China as the Spring Festival, it may be the only time of the year when urban workers return to their hometowns.

The Chinese government expects over 2.1 billion journeys to be made during a 40-day travel period around New Year’s Day, which falls on Sunday.

“The restrictions are lifted, which made me relaxed. So I think it’s time to go home,” Wang said before heading into Beijing Train Station for a trip to Heilongjiang province.

In December, China abruptly dropped neardaily coronavirus testing and QR code monitoring of residents after public frustration boiled over into protests in Shanghai and other cities.

This month, it dropped most remaining restrictions, including the demand that travelers from overseas must go into lengthy and expensive quarantine.

Many local governments had also imposed their own quarantine on travelers from outside the area, and it was those that Wang said had deterred her from leaving Beijing.

“If there was an outbreak in Beijing, I would have to be quarantined in my hometown. And when I came back to Beijing, I would be quarantined again,” she said.

“I would miss the Spring Festival and delay my return to work if I was quarantined twice. So inconvenient!”

Hu Jinyuan, from the eastern province of Shandon, had managed to return home each year despite the hassles. He says he plans to continue with regular Covid-19 testing and other safety measures as infections surged and patients flooded hospitals following the lifting of restrictions.

“I do nucleic acid tests every now and then. When I arrive in my hometown, I will surely do a test as a way of self-protection. Otherwise I won’t know if I’m infected. If I’m infected, I will just isolate myself at home,” Hu said.

Wang Jingli said he decided to work through the holidays since his company would triple his overtime pay. With the Covid-19 restrictions canceled, his children and wife will visit him in Beijing from their hometown in Henan province.

“With the reopening, everyone is very happy about the Spring Festival because we can reunite with our families. But because of my work, I would spend my Spring Festival here in Beijing.”

While Lunar New Year has also become a popular time to travel overseas, airlines are still only gradually restarting international flights and government departments are just beginning to issue or renew travel documents.

Many countries have imposed testing requirements on travelers from China that the Foreign Ministry has protested, and worries remain about the spread of the virus in China since containment measures were lifted. AP

BY PAULINE JOY M. GUTIERREZ

THE Lunar New Year, the annual celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, officially begins this week. It marks the end of the Year of the Water Tiger and ushers in the Year of the Water Rabbit, the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

BUSINESSMIRRO� talked to feng shui expert and Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony principal Patrick LimFernandez to offer readings and insights for what the new year may bring.

“There are a few positive energies we can all look forward to. What we’re seeing for spring for the Rabbit is rebirth, reinvention. So things are looking more favorable from a reinvigoration perspective. There’s also strong creative energy from the Yin waters stem,” he said.

The Chinese zodiac system, which operates on a 60-year cycle, provides a detailed perspective of the world and the heavens. Each year is assigned a specific element describing the fundamental components of everything in the universe and how they interact. It corresponds to different seasons and months: Fire is summer, Metal is autumn, Water is winter and Wood is spring.

Spring represents the beginning of the year. The astrological cycle starts with the Tiger, which represents the wood element and the emergence of new life after the dormant winter season. The Rabbit is said to embody the wood element in its most robust and prosperous form. The Dragon represents the wet earth element, which slowly overtakes and covers the dying Wood preceding summer.

“These elements are present, but it’s really up to us how we want to harness or subdue the energy, or to circumvent that if it’s not looking very favorable [to us],” said Lim-Fernandez.

He noted the potential for romance this year.

“We also call the Year of the Rabbit the Year of the Romantic Water Rabbit because the [Rabbit is a] Peach Blossom star. In ancient China, this signifies romance. So, for single people, it’s time for them to put themselves out there.”

“In terms of relationships, there’s also liquid energy, so if you’re already married, [it can be an opportunity] to renew or strengthen bonds by doing selfless acts, putting the other person ahead of you.

And then also, in general, this can extend to other family members or even a filial type of love or care.

In the business setting, this would be a good time to deepen relationships with your business partners and your colleagues. Romance will be especially good for animal signs like the Tiger, the Horse and the Dog,” he said. On the other hand, it will be challenging for the Pig and the Snake. Lim-Fernandez advised being careful about communication breakdowns.

Another good energy for the year will come from the Nobleman star.

“In ancient China, the Nobleman star represents help when you most need it or someone who’s going to help you. And it could be requested or unexpected. So if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. And then it’s also good to extend help to others without them asking for it,” he said.

“For money and career, it’s looking particularly good for the Rat, the Rabbit, the Dragon and the Goat,” Lim-Fernandez said.

Meanwhile, the zodiac animals who need to mind their spending and watch out for financial loss would be the Monkey and the Rooster.

“Each animal zodiac has a certain clash sign, and for the Rabbit, it’s the Rooster. So, try not to overextend yourself or have big expenses. Generally, be a little careful [in your finances],” he added.

Technology businesses, particularly software, are seen to flourish, as well as communications, media, entertainment and events that fall under the Fire sign element. “The Metal industries are also looking

good. So, that will include industries like banking and finance, mining, metallurgy or even jewelry-making. In the medical field, health care and cosmetic care look pretty favorable,” Lim-Fernandez said.

“Usually, when talking about the Rabbit year, we also look at the feng shui energies and then we overlay that with data from the economy. In particular, we do a time series analysis. Here we combine data analytics techniques with feng shui trends to see what it looks like for the different years.

“True enough, the Tiger was below average in terms of returns. And we saw that happen to replay outside the world in different markets. Fortunately for the Rabbit, we’re already seeing some positive signs even this early in the year. It’s looking to be more like above average,” he said.

There is a lack of the Fire element for the year, which makes it a bit sluggish for the economy. “I think if we combine that with some of the economic forecasts we see for the year, that will line up with inflation, with energy prices, employment and some geopolitical uncertainties—it can be challenging. But on average, it should be a fairly good year compared to previous years,” he added.

This year also holds great promise for personal and professional growth and success for those born in the year of the Rabbit. The presence of an education star and an intelligence star suggests that they can absorb and utilize new information quickly and efficiently.

Lim-Fernandez advised to take advantage of this period by pursuing education or training in their field of work or in a related field they are passionate about. This can help them achieve greater career success and give them a sense of fulfilment and motivation. Furthermore, if they can apply their new knowledge immediately or even pass it on to others, their luck will likely increase in other areas of life.

CELEBRATING the Chinese New Year has always been a tradition among many Filipinos. More than bringing good fortune, it is also an opportune time for fun family gatherings and get-togethers with special people in our lives to feast on delectable meals and drinks.

Symbolizing longevity and peace, the Year of the Rabbit is believed to be a fluid yet rewarding year, manifesting opportunities to rest and prosper—a year where people can find the perfect balance in life coming from the fierce and fast-paced 2022.

What better way to bring harmony this 2023 than having cheerful toasts with our loved ones? Rémy Martin, a French spirits house best known for its winegrowing heritage and cognac expertise, bares its latest limited-edition gift collection that lets you unlock the harmonious aromas and flavors of its Cognac Fine Champagne.

Since 1724, the spirits brand has been passionate about pursuing excellence, inspired by the synergies between nature, soil, grapes, and talents all working together in harmony. The combination of all these

elements has led the house on an extraordinary journey.

“Harmony plays a big part in reaching excellence here in Rémy Martin, and it’s a pleasure to demonstrate this through The Rémy Martin Limited Gift Collection that will allow cocktail enthusiasts to embark on an aromatic journey and explore bestin-class flavors of our Cognac Fine Champagne, perfect for the coming Year of the Rabbit,” shared Rémy Cointreau Philippines chief representative Ed Guzman.

Celebrating the concept of harmony at the heart of the house, the collection highlights the Cellar Master’s signature, Rémy Martin XO. Its decanter is housed inside an innovatively constructed red box that opens to form a fan-like structure for an extraordinary unboxing experience.

The Rémy Martin XO spills a rich experience with lingering floral notes, flavors of juicy plums and candied oranges, hints of cinnamon and hazelnut, and a velvety feel found only in the most excellent of spirits. More information is www.remymartin.

The presence of a wealth star indicates that it is a good time for them to invest in assets, property and make wise financial decisions. However, individuals born in the year of the Rabbit should be aware of a tendency to become easily angered. They should try to maintain a level head and avoid conflicts with others to prevent discord.

In dealing with potential difficulties in the Year of the Water Rabbit, Lim-Fernandez put forth the notion that there are two different ways to approach the difference between a good year and not for certain signs or parts of one’s life.

The first approach is an internal one, where one must have the right mindset to accept and be aware of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“If you know that there are things that are coming that you can maximize, then you can have the right mindset to accept it, be aware of it—and then do the right thing when it happens,” said Lim-Fernandez.

He added that seeking out mentors, expanding one’s professional network and taking preventative measures for any health stars can help maximize opportunities.

The second approach is the external one, which deals with ownership and the luck of the person and their properties. “We call it metaphysics, some people call it astrology, but it has to do with the person’s luck based on their animal sign and elements,” he added.

Lim-Fernandez, however, emphasized that it is ultimately up to individuals to make the most of the energies present in the new year, and to strive for success and prosperity.

2023 YEAR OF THE WATER RABBIT

Elements of the Year: ■ Heavenly Stem is WATER element ■ Earthly Branch is WOOD element

Beginning of Spring: ■ February 4, 2023 at 10:47H, Saturday

First day of the Lunar New Year: ■ January 22, 2023, Sunday

Four pillars of destiny for the year 2023: ■ Year: Yin Water Rabbit ■ Month: Yang Wood Tiger ■ Day: Yin Water Snake ■ Time: Yin Fire Snake

Opening business day and welcoming wealth: ■ January 23, 2023, Monday

Favorable directions: ■ North, Center, South, West, Southwest

Unfavorable directions:

■ Northwest, Northeast, East, Southeast

Directions to avoid renovation work:

■ Northwest

■ East (82.5 O—97.5 O )

■ West (232.5 O—307.5 O )

Directions to avoid facing:

■ East (52.5 O—127.5 O )

Zodiac signs offending the Grand Duke or Tai Suey of the Year:

■ Rat, Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, Rooster

■ Attending the annual Tai Suey Blessing Ceremony will help ease the pressure of the Tai Suey. For details and dates, call the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony, 7752-5882.

PHOTO BY KARSON CHAN ON UNSPLASH

Lunar New Year tourism hopes in Asia fizzle as most Chinese opt to stay home

BANGKOK—A hoped-for boom in Chinese tourism in Asia

over next week’s Lunar New Year holidays looks set to be more of a blip as most travelers opt to stay inside China if they go anywhere.

From the beaches of Bali to Hokkaido’s powdery ski slopes, the hordes of Chinese often seen in pre-Covid days will still be missing, tour operators say.

It’s a bitter disappointment for many businesses that had been hoping lean pandemic times were over after Beijing relaxed restrictions on travel and stopped requiring weekslong quarantines.

Still, bookings for overseas travel have skyrocketed, suggesting it’s only a matter of time until the industry recovers.

“I think the tourists will return around the end of February or early March at the earliest,” said Sisdivachr Cheewarattaporn, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, noting that many Chinese lack passports, flights are limited and tour operators are still gearing up to handle group travel.

Covid-19 risks are another big factor as outbreaks persist following the policy about-face in China, he said in an interview. “People are possibly not

ready, or just getting ready.”

For now, the Chinese territories of Macau and Hong Kong appear to be the most favored destinations.

Just days before Sunday’s start of the Lunar New Year, iconic tourist spots in the former Portuguese colony, like historic Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s, were packed. Gambling floors at two major casinos were largely full, with groups of Chinese visitors sitting around the craps tables.

“I’m so busy every day and don’t have time to rest,” said souvenir shop owner Lee Hong-soi. He said sales had recovered to about 70 percent-80 percent of the pre-pandemic days from nearly nothing just weeks ago.

Kathy Lin was visiting from Shanghai, partly because it was easy to get a visa but also because she was concerned about risks of catching Covid-19. “I don’t dare to travel overseas yet,” she said as she and a friend took photos near the ruins, originally the 17th century Church of Mater Dei.

That worry is keeping many wouldbe vacation goers at home even after China relaxed “Zero Covid” restrictions that sought to isolate all cases with mass testing and onerous quarantines.

“The elderly in my family have not been infected, and I don’t want to take any risks. There’s also the possibility of being infected again by other variants,” said Zheng Xiaoli, 44, an elevator company employee in southern China’s Guangzhou. Africa was on her bucket list before the pandemic, but despite yearning to travel overseas, she said, “There are still uncertainties, so I will exercise restraint.”

Cong Yitao, an auditor living in Beijing, wasn’t worried about catching the virus since his whole family has already had Covid-19. But he was put off by testing restrictions and other limits imposed by some countries, including the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia, after China loosened its pandemic precautions.

“It looks like many countries don’t welcome us,” said Cong, who instead was planning to head for a subtropical destination in China, like Hainan island or Xishuangbanna, to enjoy some warm weather.

According to Trip.com, a major travel services company, overseas travel bookings for the Jan. 21 to 27 Lunar New Year holidays were up more than five-fold. But that was up from almost nothing the year before, when China’s borders were closed to most travelers.

Reservations for travel to Southeast Asia were up 10-fold, with Thailand a top choice, followed by Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia.

Travel to other favorite places, like the tropical resort island of Bali and Australia, has been constrained by a lack of flights. But that is changing, with new flights being added daily.

“You will see an increase, certainly, compared with last year, when China was still closed, but I don’t think you will see a huge surge of outbound travelers to different destinations within Asia-Pacific, let alone Europe or the Americas,” said Haiyan Song, a professor of international tourism at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Tourism Australia forecasts that spending by international travelers will surpass pre-pandemic levels within a year’s time. Before the disruptions of Covid-19, Chinese accounted for almost one-third of tourist spending, nearly $9 billion.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has increased staffing to cope with more than 140,000 arrivals a day during the Lunar New Year rush, though only individual Chinese travelers will be coming for now—group tours from China have yet to resume.

As a brilliant orange sun set behind ancient Wat Arun, beside Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river, a Shanghai man who would give only his surname, Zhang, posed with a companion in colorful traditional silken Thai costumes.

“It’s very cold in China, and Thailand has summer weather,” said Zhang, adding that he knew many people who had booked tickets to get away from his hometown’s cold, damp weather.

Still, for many Chinese, the allure of world travel has been eclipsed, for now, by a desire to head to their hometowns and catch up with their families, nearly three years exactly since the first major coronavirus outbreak struck in the central city of Wuhan in one of the biggest catastrophes of modern times.

Isabelle Wang, a finance worker in Beijing, has traveled to Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia. After three years of a slower-paced life during the pandemic, her priority is to be reunited with her family in Shangrao, a city in south-central China.

“There’s still a lot of time remaining in our lifetimes, and there will certainly be opportunities to go abroad later when we want to,” she said. AP

Editor: Angel R. Calso • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Oil heads for second weekly advance as China demand outlook brightens

OIL headed for a second weekly gain as optimism over stronger Chinese demand overshadowed a weaker outlook in other major economies.

West Texas Intermediate rose toward $81 a barrel, putting the US benchmark on course for a gain of about 1 percent this week. Chinese consumption has been picking up after the top crude importer abandoned harsh virus restrictions, with signs of increased buying by refiners in the physical market.

Still, weakness elsewhere has limited the rally. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde vowed policy would remain tight as inflation was still too high. In the US, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard, considered a dove, said Thursday that rates will need to stay elevated for a period.

Crude has been whipsawed in the first three weeks of the new year as investors took stock of the market’s opposing forces, as well as the outlook for Russian flows into 2023 as sanctions are tightened amid the war in Ukraine. Against that backdrop, there are widely divergent outlooks from banks on where crude is headed,

with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. arguing Brent could top $100 a barrel, while JPMorgan Chase & Co. is much more cautious.

“Prices gained as China optimism continued to reign,” said Charu Chanana, market strategist at Saxo Capital Markets Pte in Singapore.

“Reports that China’s Covid caseload has peaked further boosted optimism that demand will start to recover more sustainably.”

Trading activity in crude markets has been picking up after liquidity dwindled last year, exacerbating prices swings. Holdings of global benchmark Brent have climbed to their biggest since March as futures trading volumes grew, and open interest in US benchmark WTI has also gained.

In the coming weeks, traders will be looking for any impact on Russian refined-product shipments caused by a price cap and European Union ban on imports that start on Feb. 5. The moves follow a similar US-led measure on crude shipments introduced last year. Some European countries are pushing for the crude cap to be lowered, but the Biden administration is resisting. Bloomberg News

Asian markets rise after Wall St losses amid fears of recession

BEIJING—Asian stock markets rose Friday after Wall Street losses deepened as worries grow that the US economy is headed for recession.

Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong advanced. Seoul declined. Oil prices gained.

Traders worry the Federal Reserve and other central banks might be willing to tip Western economies into recession as they try to extinguish inflation that is at multidecade highs.

A Fed board member, Lael Brainard, and President Christine Lagarde of the European Central Bank in separate appearances Thursday affirmed plans to keep interest rates elevated despite market hopes central banks might scale back plans due to indications economic activity might be cooling.

“That again implies more hikes to come and then a long hiatus, not the imminent reversal markets are pricing for,” Rabobank said in a report.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.6 percent to 3,260.04 and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained less than 0.1 percent to 26,411.94. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong gained 0.9 percent to 21,844.98.

The Kospi in Seoul advanced 0.2 percent to 2,384.47 and Sydney’s S&PASX 200 was less than 0.1 percent higher at 7,439.50. New Zealand and Southeast Asian markets rose.

On Wall Street, the benchmark S&P 500

index lost 0.8 percent to 3,898.85 in its third daily decline.

More than 75 percent of the stocks in the S&P 500 closed lower.

Technology companies, retailers and industrial stocks were among the biggest drags. Chipmaker Nvidia fell 3.5 percent, Home Depot dropped 4 percent and Deere & Co. fell 4.1 percent.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 0.8 percent to 33,044.56. The tech-heavy Nasdaq tumbled 1 percent to 10,852.27.

Reports showed weakness in the US housing industry and manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region, though they weren’t quite as bad as expected and the job market appears healthy.

They followed worse readings than expected Wednesday on retail sales, a cornerstone of the economy, and industrial production.

The Fed and central banks in Europe and Asia raised interest rates aggressively last year to cool inflation that is multi-decade highs in some economies.

Forecasters expect a US recession this year but say it likely will be brief.

The Fed’s key lending rate is 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent, up from close to zero one year ago. Its next rate decision will be announced February 1. Investors expect an increase of 0.25 percentage points next month, smaller than previous hikes of up to 0.75 percentage points. zz

CIA Director William Burns traveled to Kyiv last week, where he sought to reassure Ukrainian leaders that the US would maintain support as the war drags on.

Burns, who last visited in November, reinforced that commitment in meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts, according to a US official.

The trip was in keeping with Burns’s occasional role as interlocutor with both Russia and Ukraine. He has made such trips to lay out US intelligence over the conflict, as he did with President Vladimir Putin before the invasion began last February, in an effort to persuade the Russian leader to change his mind and not go ahead with the invasion.

Burns’ visit was reported earlier by the Washington Post.

US officials have repeatedly sought to reassure Ukraine that money and weapons will keep flowing to the Kyiv government despite warnings from Republican leaders who now control

the House of Representatives that they will scrutinize the assistance more closely.

On Thursday evening, the US announced a major new package of aid for Ukraine, agreeing to send $2.5 billion of Stryker vehicles, Bradley armored vehicles, millions of rounds of ammunition and other gear.

The Pentagon announcement came on the eve of a defense ministers meeting on Ukraine at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

The US and its allies are looking to help Ukraine retake territory that Russia took after its Feb. 24, 2022 invasion, amid concern that Russia may launch a major new ground campaign in the spring.

Russian forces continues pressure on Ukrainian troops near the towns of Bakhmut and Soledar. Ukrainian troops repelled attacks near 14 settlements in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including Bakhmut and Soledar, over the past day, the General Staff said on Facebook Thursday.

Bloomberg News

Vietnam succession battle heats up after President Phuc’s ouster

OVER the past few years, Vietnamese Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong has won praise from investors for removing corrupt officials. Now as some big names fall, it’s becoming clear his campaign serves another purpose: strengthening his hand in choosing a successor.

This week Nguyen Xuan Phuc was ousted as president after assuming “political responsibility” for the “violations and shortcomings” involving two graft cases related to a manufacturer of Covid-19 test kits and repatriation flights.

The battle will take place in the run-up to a mid-term plenum in April, when a new Politburo member will be announced and there’s a chance the president may be revealed then. Usually the president is named in May after the National Assembly votes.

some 4.7 million officials, including a potential successor. While Xi vowed to catch “tigers” and “flies” as part of his crackdown, Trong has likened his to a “blazing furnace.” More than 530 party members were punished in 2022 alone.

“It is a fairly murky situation,” said Peter Mumford, head of Southeast Asia at risk consultancy Eurasia Group. “There is an ideological bent to Trong’s purges, along with desire to influence succession process, but he also views corruption as a major threat to the party’s legitimacy and one that needs to be tackled, even if somewhat selectively.”

There are a handful of candidates for president, which is one of Vietnam’s four most powerful positions along with party secretary general, prime minister and head of the legislature.

has become more assertive over disputed territory in the South China Sea. Trong, who was the only Vietnam Communist party chief to meet a US president at the White House, last year became the first foreign leader to pay an official visit to China after Xi secured a precedent-breaking third term in office, and he’s since conveyed a desire bring the relationship to “new heights.” Phuc had overseen a push to improve relations with the US and frequently met top executives and advocated for free trade during regular addresses to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Asked about Phuc’s resignation this week, a senior US defense official who asked not to be identified said the outlook for ties with Vietnam remained positive. Meanwhile, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi doesn’t see drastic policy changes coming.

ALIBABA Group Holding Ltd.

co-founder Jack Ma is in Hong Kong for a series of meetings with tech and finance executives, sustaining a recent flurry of activity that’s taken him round the world in the span of months.

The billionaire, who’s kept a low profile since Beijing in 2020 singled out first Ant Group Co. and then Alibaba for regulatory overhauls, has been meeting prominent figures based in the city, the Hong Kong Economic Times reported, citing anonymous sources. Ma arrived in past days but his exact agenda remains unclear, a person familiar with the situation said, asking to remain anonymous discussing private arrangements.

Ma has since late 2022 gradually resumed the globe-trotting that once defined China’s best-known entrepreneur. He spent time in Tokyo and the Japanese countryside before making his way to Thailand, where he toured foodie spots and reportedly took in a Muay Thai boxing match. Before that, he visited the US and Israel, the Financial Times reported in November.

The executive—among China’s

most recognizable faces—has been on the move around the time signs emerged that Beijing was relenting in a campaign to curtail the influence and power of internet giants. This month, Ma ceded controlling rights to his Ant fintech empire, which many observers took as a signal that punishing crackdown was nearing an end.

Alibaba’s shares climbed as much as 3.4 percent in Hong Kong on Friday, outperforming the broader market.

Ma mostly disappeared from public view after giving a 2020 speech that criticized Chinese regulators— right before Beijing scuttled what would have been a record Ant IPO. It triggered a series or regulatory probes and actions that targeted tech giants from Alibaba to Didi Global Inc., wiped out growth at rivals such as Tencent Holdings Ltd., and forced private businesspeople to curtail their activities.

Many of Ma’s peers have since relinquished their formal corporate roles and increased donations to charity to align with President Xi Jinping’s vision of achieving “common prosperity.” Bloomberg News

Jack Ma lands in Hong Kong on latest stop of a global tour BIDEN TOURS STORM-HIT, DONOR-RICH CALIFORNIA AS HE EYES ‘24 POLL BID

PRESIDENT Joe Biden visited California on Thursday to tour communities devastated by deadly storms and flooding and to assess first-hand the need for additional federal aid in a state whose deep-pocketed Democratic donors will be important to any 2024 reelection bid.

“The country is here for you and with you,” Biden said at Seacliff State Park in Aptos, California. “We are not leaving until things are built back, and built back better than they were before. You can recover from storms. We’ll be with you every step of the way.”

Thursday’s visit took the President to a politically friendly state, one he carried easily in 2020 and which will be crucial to an expected 2024 campaign. In addition to its 54 electoral votes in the next election, California is packed with wealthy Democratic donors, and the President held a series of fundraisers there during an October West Coast swing.

But Biden still fac ed questions over a brewing political crisis involving the discovery of classified documents at a former office and at his home. The president defended his handling of the matter and criticized the media for its scrutiny.

“We’re fully cooperating, looking forward to getting this resolved quickly. think you’re going to find there’s nothing there,” Biden said. “I have no regrets. I am following what the lawyers have told me they want me to do—that’s exactly what we’re doing. There’s no there there.”

Damage assessment

BIDEN was met in California by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. The two boarded a helicopter for an aerial tour before visiting

an oceanside boardwalk in Capitola, where small businesses were damaged by the storm. The two spoke with residents impacted and first responders to thank them for their efforts.

“It ’s devastating what happened,” Biden said.

“We know some of the destruction is going to take years to fully recover and rebuild. But we got to not just rebuild, we got to rebuild better,” he added.

The visit put Biden in a setting in which he has performed well as president, assuring communities struck by natural disasters that the federal government will marshal its resources to help them recover.

He traveled to Florida in October to view storm damage from Hurricane Ian, temporarily sidestepping a political rivalry with that state’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 contender.

Biden and D eSantis largely ignored their past clashes over the president’s migration policies and other issues, the president did sneak in a jab at climate-denying Republicans: “I think the one thing this is finally ended is a discussion about whether or not there’s climate change, and we should do something about it,” he said.

T heir detente was short-lived. A month later, Biden assailed DeSantis as “Donald Trump incarnate,” arguing the governor was channeling the former president’s policies and mannerisms.

In Newsom, Biden also invites a sideby-side comparison with a high-profile governor who holds potential presidential aspirations. Like DeSantis, Newsom easily cruised to reelection in 2022.

Phuc—a familiar face to foreign investors who oversaw a booming economy as prime minister—was once seen as a strong contender to take over from Trong, who has been in the role since 2011.

But at a party reshuffle two years ago, Phuc lost out and was put in the largely ceremonial role as president. Trong, 78, kept his job for an unprecedented third term but failed to position his preferred conservative candidate as successor, all but assuring a leader from a rival faction seen as more reformist would one day take power.

Phuc’s ouster now opens the door for Trong to line up a successor to run Vietnam, which has recently attracted investment from companies leaving China and improved relations with the US.

“There’s definitely an element of conservatism in Trong because he sees the threat from those in government who are more directly involved in business,” said Linh Nguyen, lead analyst for Vietnam at Control Risks. “He has felt the need to reorganize the party to strengthen party ideology and not let those who make decisions in business policies hold important party positions.”

Like China, which is also one-party communist state, much of what happens in Vietnam is opaque. Without formal elections, corruption purges are frequently used to oust rivals and clear the way for allies to take key positions.

Vietnam’s anti-graft push is starting to look similar to one by Chinese President Xi Jinping that ensnared

WASHINGTON—FBI Director Christopher Wray said Thursday that he was “deeply concerned” about the Chinese government’s artificial intelligence program (AI), asserting that it was “not constrained by the rule of law.”

Speaking during a panel session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wray said Beijing’s AI ambitions were “built on top of massive troves of intellectual property and sensitive data that they’ve stolen over the years.”

He said that left unchecked, China could use AI advancements to further its hacking operations, intellectual property theft and repression of dissidents inside the country and beyond.

“That’s something we’re deeply concerned about, and I think everyone here should be deeply concerned about,” he said.

More broadly, he said, “AI is a classic example of a technology

where I have the same reaction every time. I think, ‘Wow, We can do that?’ And then I think, ‘Oh god, they can do that.’”

Such concerns have long been voiced by US officials. In October 2021, for instance, US counterintelligence officials issued warnings about China’s ambitions in AI as part of a renewed effort to inform business executives, academics and local and state government officials about the risks of accepting Chinese investment or expertise in key industries.

Earlier that year, an AI commission led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt urged the US to boost its AI skills to counter China, including by pursuing “AI-enabled” weapons.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment Thursday about Wray’s comments. Beijing has repeatedly accused Washington of fearmongering and attacked US intelligence for its assessments of China. AP

According to party rules, candidates for party chief must have served on the Politburo for at least one term.

One top contender is Public Security Minister To Lam, who has been carrying out Trong’s crackdowns.

Lam was also the subject of social media outrage in Vietnam when a TikTok video emerged of him getting served a gold-leaf encrusted steak in London during the corruption crackdown in 2021.

It’s unclear to what extent the political shakeup may impact domestic and foreign policy. Vietnam has leaned closer to the US in recent years, particularly on defense issues as China

“The main issue for the business community is that things—licenses, permissions, etc.—have been moving very slowly as there is a lot of paranoia throughout the government these days,” said Adam Sitkoff, Amcham executive director.

Investors so far have shrugged off the news. A day after Phuc’s resignation, the stock benchmark entered a bull market, though that was largely on expectations of easing monetary policy and China’s reopening. Foreign investment last year rose 13.5 percent last year to $22.4 billion.

FBI chief Wray says he’s ‘deeply concerned’ by China’s AI program

CIA director Burns assures Ukraine of US support in secret visit to Kyiv

MURRAY: I HAVE A BIG HEART!

MELBOURNE, Australia—The times on the clock shifted from p.m. to a.m., the day from Thursday to Friday, and Andy Murray never wavered, never relented, no matter that he faced a two-set hole at the Australian Open, no matter that he is 35 and possesses an artificial hip, no matter that this was the longest and latest-finishing match of his long, illustrious career.

H is explanation was simple: “I have a big heart.”

The three-time major champion and 26-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis stared down exhaustion and each other for five hours and 45 minutes of compelling theater in a second-round contest at Melbourne Park until Murray emerged with a 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 7-5 victory that ended a little after 4 a.m.

The match was obviously very up and down. There was frustration in there. There was tension. There was excitement and all of that stuff,” Murray told reporters gathered in a stadium hallway after his 11th career comeback to win after dropping two sets, the most among active players.

I mean, look, it is obviously amazing to win the match,” he continued with a chuckle, “but I also want to go to bed now. It’s great. But I want to sleep.”

How tight was this? Murray won 196 points, Kokkinakis 192. And how high was the quality of play?

They combined for 171 winners to only 107 unforced errors in the chill of a temperature that dipped below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), delighting the hundreds of enthusiastic and loud spectators who remained in the blue seats.

They waved flags and cheered raucously throughout, delighted by the extreme effort and excellence displayed by both men. No matter who folks were cheering for, they were sure to leave with a great story to tell.

Amazingly, people stayed until the end,” said Murray, who won the US Open in 2012, Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and is a five-time runnerup at the Australian Open. “I really appreciate people doing that and creating an atmosphere for us.”

He was, understandably, not pleased by the circumstances and the late hour.

I don’t know who it’s beneficial

for,” Murray said. “A match like that, we come here after the match and that’s what the discussion is: Rather than it being ‘epic Murray-Kokkinakis match,’ it ends in a bit of a farce.”

Somehow, it was not the latest finish in Australian Open history. A 2008 match at the tournament between Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis concluded at 4:34 a.m., the record for any Slam.

Th is was Murray’s second consecutive five-setter: He eliminated No. 13 seed Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday. Kokkinakis is ranked 159th and has never been past the third round at a Grand Slam tournament.

He could have closed out the proceedings far earlier, having taken the opening two sets and been up a break in the third. But serving at 2-0, 40-all, he was cited by the chair umpire for taking too much time before a serve and let it get to him.

First Kokkinakis lost the argument, then he lost his focus, getting broken there and destroying his racket by spiking it on the court.

Still, he served for the match at 5-3 in that set, and came within two points of victory, before Murray pulled it out when Kokkinakis flubbed a volley to cede the eventual tiebreaker.

I n the fourth, Murray was the aggressor and never seemed sapped of energy, at one point waving his arms and even doing jumping jacks to fire up his supporters. His mother, Judy, repeatedly rose to her feet to clap and yell; his coach, Ivan Lendl, did not, sticking in his seat.

W hen Murray delivered a secondserve ace at 2:59 a.m., more than 4 1/2 hours into the proceedings, he owned the fourth set and forced a fifth. He was angry that the chair umpire would net let him take a bathroom break in the late going, saying afterward: “It’s 3 in the morning, and I’ve been drinking all day.”

Th at last set was, appropriately, even as can be for 10 games. There were zero breaks of serve until Murray finally converted his eighth chance of that set with a forehand winner to lead 6-5. He strutted to the sideline, shaking his neon-colored racket.

A ll that was left to do was serve it out, and Murray managed to do just that, wrapping up the long day’s night with a backhand winner. After meeting Kokkinakis at the net for an embrace, Murray screamed. AP

Deadly stampede could affect Iraq’s World Cup hopes

IRAQ won the Gulf Cup for the first time since 1988 with a 3-2 victory over Oman on Thursday but the triumph was marred by a deadly stampede outside the Basra International Stadium.

The disaster could have repercussions for the country’s 2026 World Cup hopes.

A s fans tried to get into the stadium hours before kickoff, there was a crush that killed at least two people and injured dozens, a health official said.

It was a blow for organizers of the first international soccer tournament hosted in Iraq since 1979 as the bigger prize of hosting 2026 World Cup qualifiers seemed

to be within reach.

D ue to security concerns, Iraq has staged only two World Cup qualifiers since the US-led invasion of 2003, against Jordan in the northern city of Erbil in 2011 and Hong Kong in Basra eight years later. All other competitive games involving the national team have been played in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

B aghdad last staged a competitive international game in September 2001 against Bahrain but was finally scheduled to host a 2022 World Cup qualifier against United Arab Emirates on March 24 last year. After a missile attack on Erbil 11 days before the game was to be played, however, the venue was switched from the Iraqi capital to Saudi Arabia. AP

Young chess ace Racasa thanks ALC Grp head Cabangon for help

WOMAN National Master Antonelle Berthe “Tonelle” Murillo Racasa thanked ALC Group of Companies Chairman and CEO D. Edgard A. Cabangon for supporting her campaign in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Rated International Open set from January 27 to 29 at the Gunadarma University Karawaci in Tangerang, Indonesia.

“ It’s a prestigious tournament and I’m excited,” said Racasa, a pride of Mandaluyong City. “I would like to thank the ALC Group of Companies, led by Chairman and CEO D. Edgard A. Cabangon, for supporting me.”

The 15-years-old Racasa, a student of Victory Christian International School, is also expected to lead a

team to the World School Chess Championships 2023 set April 13 to 23 in Rhodes, Greece.

R acasa will also see action in the World Youth Chess Championships in Montesilvano, Italy, on November 12 and 25.

She aims to follow the foot step of Janelle Mae Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster so far. I’m hoping to become a woman grandmaster in two to three years time,” said Racasa, who is coached by his father Roberto Racasa.

R acasa also thanked Raffy Garcia of Pasig Rotary Club, Hotel Sogo, Philippine Racing Commission Chairman Aurelio “Reli” De Leon and Mandaluyong City Executive Secretary “Tatay” Vic Victoria.

PAGCOR remits over P250 million to PSC

the state-run gaming firm’s remittances to newly-appointed PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann in a simple turnover ceremony at the PAGCOR Executive Office in Malate, Manila.

With the amount that we remitted, we hope to contribute significantly to the training of our national athletes for various international competitions and to the further development of Philippine sports,” Tengco said. “Our future remittances will be bigger as our operations are slowly easing back to normalcy.”

Bachmann, on the other hand, thanked PAGCOR for its latest remittances to the PSC, saying they would be very beneficial especially to the players representing the country in the Cambodia SEAG set from May 5 to 17.

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) recently turned over a check worth P256.38 million in remittances to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the training of athletes bound for the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in May.

The amount represents PAGCOR’s mandated contributions to the PSC for the months of November (P124.45 million) and December (P131.93 million) last year.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco personally handed

This is definitely a big help to us as there are already a lot of requests coming from the NSAs [National Sports Associations] for equipment that they need for the training of their athletes for the coming SEA Games,” Bachmann said.

B esides remitting its mandated shares to PSC, PAGCOR also hands cash grants to athletes and coaches who win in international competitions under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

The agency played a vital role in the successful staging of the 30th SEAG in 2019 by donating P842.50 million to the PSC for the rehabilitation of major sports facilities utilized for the Games.

‘New-look’ Bulldogs in harness for tough Spikers’ Turf Open tilt

WITH a virtually new and young roster, National University (NU) isn’t expecting too much on its chances in the Spikers’

NEW DELHI—Top India

wrestlers led a sit-in protest near the parliament building late last week accusing the federation president and coaches of sexually and mentally harassing young wrestlers.

Sakshee Malikkh, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia led about 100 protestors in demanding the immediate removal of Wrestling Foundation of India President Brij Bhushan Charan Singh and other officials pending an inquiry against them.

Protesters at Jantar Mantar carried placards reading “Dictatorship can’t go on,” “We will fight for our rights,” and “Boycott the WFI president.”

Singh, a lawmaker representing the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, rejected the accusations and said he

India female wrestlers allege sexual harassment by officials

was ready to face any probe.

“ If there were complaints against me or some coaches, they should have come forward earlier,” he said.

Some wrestlers later left to meet India

Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur.

The ministry on Wednesday asked the wrestling body to answer the accusation made by the wrestlers by Friday “otherwise, the ministry will proceed to initiate action against the federation.”

Phogat said she knew of at least 10 to 20 female wrestlers who were sexually exploited by Singh and others and she will reveal their names when she gets to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah. AP

Turf Open Conference unfolding Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

But the team is keen on making the most of its stint against the best teams in the fold.

“I think we will be the youngest team that will compete since our top players won’t be able to play due to their commitment to the UAAP [University Athletic Association of the Philippines],” said Dong dela Cruz, assistant coach of NU, which will now carry Archipelago Builders banner.

Behind the likes of star spiker Nico Almendras and top playmaker Joshua Retanar, the Bulldogs bucked the odds and stunned the seasoned Cignal HD Spikers to clinch the 2022 Spikers’ Turf crown then out-dueled University of Santo Tomas to claim the V-League Collegiate Challenge title.

A lmendras and Retanar, however, along with the other aces, won’t be around to anchor the team’s title-retention bid since the Sports Vision-organized tournament will be held almost simultaneously with the UAAP men’s tournament set to open in February. But we’re ready to compete against the best teams,” said Dela Cruz, who will be pinning his hopes on holdovers Mac Bandola, Ahmad Abdul, libero Marco Maclang and setter Joseph Bello and newcomers Jan Abanilla, Joelbert Doromal, John Estrada, Edgar Florescan, Zulrich Gonzalez, Michael Hernandez, Bryan Jaleco, Leo Ordiales, Rhoy Parce and Rwenzmel Taguibolos.

C ignal and newcomer Imus and Cotabato are tipped to contend for the crown in the tournament, which drew 11 teams, including Sta. Rosa, PGJC-Navy, Army, Air Force VNS Volley Club, Iloilo and Vanguard Volleyball.

ANDY MURRAY plays his second consecutive five-setter emerging winner of the match that ended a little after 4 a.m. AP

WOMAN National Master Racasa engages ALC Group of Companies Chairman and CEO D. Edgard A. Cabangon in a friendly match.

INDIAN wrestler Vinesh Phogat speaks during a protest against Wrestling Foundation of India President Brij Bhushan Charan Singh and other officials in New Delhi, India, Thursday. AP

PHILIPPINE Amusement and Gaming Corp. Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco (left) turns over to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann the checks amounting to P256.38 million.