BusinessMirror March 13, 2024

to 7 percent this year, this would still be a “good range” that will work toward the country’s economic development goals.

Balisacan also noted that high interest rates continued to persist. In the Philippines, lagged effects of the 450-basis-point rate hikes of the Monetary Board are expected to persist.

“There is a good case for revisiting the assumptions. We don’t have yet [the] first quarter results and that what would be a factor that we would have to consider,” Balisacan said.

“But even if we set it from the range of 6.5 to 7.5...to, say 6 to 7, that’s still to us, a good range,” he added.

Balisacan said other factors that would impact the economy adversely include the El Niño phenomenon which would increase inflation.

Nonetheless, Balisacan remained confident that inflation would continue to slow and that the temporary uptick in inflation in February 2024 was temporary.

Given this, the country’s Chief

Economist said if the global economy improves, the government could have a better chance of attaining a 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth.

“Achieving a growth of 6 percent would be, as I said, would be very impressive. And I think that 6 to 7 percent, if we can get that for this year,” Balisacan said.

“As the global economy improves next year, hopefully that we go back to the 6.5 to 7.5 or even 6.5 to 8. But I think for this year, I’m okay with the 6 to 7, it’s very much achievable,” he added.

Earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that as the economy is shelled by more supply shocks than before, monetary policy has become quite a

challenge.

In a recent forum hosted by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex), BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said supply shocks such as higher oil and food prices increase inflation. This would eventually create second-round effects such as wage hikes whose effects on inflation do not dissipate quickly. Combatting second-round effects is being done by the BSP through the appropriate monetary policy. These supply shocks, Remolona said, include increased electricity rates; higher transport charges, oil prices, food prices; and strong El Niño weather conditions.

Cai U. Ordinario

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE government chooses not to rest on its laurels and will continue efforts to boost exports amid the recent rebound in the country’s export growth in January, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade and Industry Officer in Charge Ceferino S. Rodolfo told reporters on Tuesday that the department welcomed the rebound in the country’s export performance in January 2024.

The country’s export earnings grew 9.1 percent in January, a rebound from the contraction of 0.5 percent in December 2023 and 10.6 percent in January 2023. Imports, meanwhile, contracted 7.6 percent, a deeper decline from the 3.5 percent posted in December 2023

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling on Congress to weigh the costs and benefits of the carbon tax and carbon trading system proposed in the Low-carbon bill as well as its potential impact on businesses financially.

House Bill (HB) 7705, currently the subject of Technical Working Group meetings by the House Committee on Climate Change, seeks to promote a lowcarbon economy by establishing an emission trading system and implementation mechanism to

achieve national climate targets.

In a statement on Tuesday, PCCI said the bill is looking to impose annual reduction targets and caps on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on industries that are seen to “materially contribute to GHG emissions as determined by the government.”

The business group said these include energy, transportation, building construction and operations companies, IPPC industrial processes and product use sectors such as cement, steel, glass

See “PCCI,” A2

FBy Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

ILIPINOS are making more travel plans abroad this year, after enjoying their trips last year to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand.

In a news briefing on Tuesday,

Klook Philippines and Thailand General Manager Michelle Ho said their latest Travel Pulse study showed 76 percent of respondents were planning international trips this year, from 46 percent who actually traveled abroad in 2023.

Filipinos plan their trips abroad carefully, “booking four to 6

months before their trip, while experiences [i.e., tours in the destination] are booked four months ahead,” she added. The study also showed that most Filipinos allocate a budget of P15,000 to P50,000 when they travel abroad, as they go on sightseeing tours, shopping and engage in outdoor adventures.

Domestic travel remains popular

THIS developed as Ho said Klook was able to sell its Taylor Swift The Eras Tour package (concert ticket and overnight stay) “in six hours,” with almost 2 million worldwide

See “Klook,” A2

‘PHL must leverage mineral wealth on chip firms needs’

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

AS a critical mineral-rich country, the Philippines should leverage on global semiconductor companies’ move to establish operations in other countries as they strategize to make their supply chains more resilient, according to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“The Philippines already has 13 semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging facilities. Let’s double it. It’s the moment now of growth. Your country has the talent. You have the historic and the you know expertise,” Raimondo said at a meeting with members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Management Association of the

PCCI. . .

Continued from A1

manufacturing and refrigerant producers and users, enterprises contributing significant biological and effluent waste emissions and enterprises with agricultural value chains with potential impact to deforestation and/or fugitive emissions from fertilizer use, methane emissions from biomass wastes, and enteric fermentation.

One provision, PCCI noted, is the establishment of a carbon

Philippines, the Makati Business Club, and the US-Asean Business Council on Tuesday in Makati City.

The US Secretary of Commerce also recognized the country being rich in critical minerals, saying these resources are “more important than ever” considering the rise of electric vehicles and the need for batteries, among others.

“So as companies are thinking about how to make their supply chain more resilient, they are looking for countries in the world where they can establish an operation...I believe you are at the top of the list,” she stressed.

For his part, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said doubling the country’s current number of semiconductor

trading system to compensate for GHG emissions.

In a position paper submitted at the recent TWG meeting on the measure, PCCI requested Congress to work with industry stakeholders to “study, simulate, and conduct” impact tests with economic modeling and cost-benefit analysis.

PCCI said this request is aimed at ensuring that the bill, once enacted into law, will be “fairly implemented and will not unduly increase cost for business and consumers.”

For his part, Edgardo G. Lacson,

assembly, testing and packaging facilities, is “doable.”

Rodolfo said that for the semiconductor industry, the BOI, the investment promotion agency attached to DTI, is focused on producing 128,000 engineers and technical-related talent related to semiconductors.

He noted that the goal to produce 128,000 engineers by 2028 came from a trilateral program between the US, Philippines and Taiwan.

Rodolfo stressed that the current Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) of the US is “anchored on talent development,” underscoring that, “The most important attraction of the Philippines is talent, talent, talent.”

“That’s why there’s a clear need for skilling and upskilling. Both in digital, green jobs, those

director of the PCCI’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, underscored the need to have a “comprehensive” collected data on the actual cross-industry sector to avoid: unfair competition among key players within an industry sector; increase in inflation rates; additional “pass-on costs” to consumers associated with cap-andtrade implementation; generating multiple forms of ‘stranded costs’ and increasing production costs for industries.

Citing transport and livestock agriculture which are both “major

are the important areas we must focus on,” the Trade official said at the sidelines of the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act.

As the Philippine government welcomed the US Commerce Secretary for the PTIM, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual underscored the Philippines’s potential to be a key player in the critical minerals sector with the country’s “significant” nickel, copper, and cobalt reserves.

“Leveraging these rich mineral reserves, the Philippines aspires to lead the global value chain for energy storage and electric vehicle [EV] production,” Pascual said on Monday.

Pascual also called for “swift” implementation of US government support in workforce development as part of the CHIPS Act to facilitate plans to expand its role in the semiconductor industry beyond assembly and packaging.

In 2023, Philippine electronics exports amounted to $41.90 billion, down 9.2 percent from the $46.15 billion export receipts in 2022.

contributors” to greenhouse gas emissions but are critical to livelihood and industrial competitiveness, PCCI said the bill needs to clarify how the policy will be equally and fairly applied to the aforementioned industries.

In the case of the energy-power sector—considered a major carbon generator—PCCI pointed out that the sector has been subjected to a long and well-studied process that has resulted in several pieces of legislation and regulations to reduce their use and hence, carbonemission.

These include the moratorium on new coal-fired power plants and the adoption of the Renewable Energy Act, the Energy Efficiency Act and the Biofuels Act, among others.

According to George Barcelon, PCCI Chairman and Director for Energy and Power, these measures encourage the use of green energy and in the case of the Energy Efficiency Act, impose penalties for violations.

PCCI also urged the bill’s proponents to “benchmark against what similarly-situated neighboring countries” in the Asean and Asian regions are doing to reduce their carbon footprints but still stay competitive in their cost of doing business and attracting foreign direct investments.

“Our country has gaps in the technology, expertise, experience, framework, and infrastructure to implement either carbon tax or carbon trading for a Low Carbon Economy. These components will have to be established and we may also adapt, if applicable, global best practices,” Barcelon said.

For her part, PCCI President Enunina Mangio underscored the need to have an “exhaustive and comprehensive” discussion and analysis to determine the “most appropriate system that will benefit us.”

“We do recognize the urgency of passing the bill on Low Carbon Economy as our country is the biggest victim of climate change as we experience severe typhoons that have devastated our economy. On the other hand, we need to be extra careful that our proposed solution will not bring greater harm to our country,” Mangio added, as she stressed the importance of weighing in on the economic and even the social impact of such a move.   Andrea E. San Juan

. .

and a reversal from the 4.2-percent growth in January 2023.

“We’re very happy that there has been a rebound. There has already been a rebound in our exports in particular driven by the electronics sector. But of course, we’re cognizant that headwinds continue in the global market so the need for collaboration continues on,” Rodolfo said.

Rodolfo said the government is looking at expanding exports in other sectors such as processed food. He also said the government continues to join expositions in other countries such as those in the Middle East.

The latest export data showed agriculture exports were topped by manufactured fertilizer, which posted a growth of 945.3 percent in January 2024. This is the fastest growth among all exported commodities.

This was followed by exports of Coconut Products which more than doubled or posted a growth of 181.5 percent; unmanufactured tobacco, 149.4 percent; and Other Fruits and Vegetables, 108.5 percent.

He added that representatives from the DTI and members of the local industry are now in the United States to explore opportunities in health information management systems.

“So  hindi lang  [it’s not just] electronics but we see opportunities [in other sectors],” Rodolfo stressed.

External trade

IN January 2024, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the country’s total external trade in goods declined by 2.1 percent to $16.09 billion from the $16.44 billion total external trade in the same period of the previous year.

In December 2023, PSA said total external trade in goods

Klook. . .

Continued from A1

waiting in queue. “We sold 60,000 seats...and the Philippines accounted for 10 percent of our Southeast Asian sales [on the Singapore leg], with the rest registering just single-digits [in percentage share].” Singapore was a popular destination for Southeast Asian fans of the pop star because of its visa-free entry, she explained, rather than Tokyo, Melbourne or Sydney—other cities where Swift performed.

This reflects many local travel agencies’ view that among the travel trends of Filipinos this year is “gig tripping,” where they go abroad to watch shows and concerts of bands or artists.  (See “‘Gig Tripping’, ‘Set Jetting’ travel trends for 2024–PTAA,” in the BusinessMirror, January 19, 2024.)

But, Ho said, the Klook Travel Pulse study also shows that domestic trips remain popular, with 92 percent of their Filipino respondents making domestic travel plans this year, from 93 percent who actually traveled locally in 2023. Most book their domestic flights two to six months before their trip while tours at the destination are booked one month ahead.

registered an annual decrease of 2.4 percent, while an annual decrease of 1.2 percent was recorded in January 2023.

“Of the total external trade in January 2024, 63.1 percent were imported goods, while the remaining were exported goods,” PSA said.

The country’s trade deficit also narrowed to $4.22 billion, indicating a trade deficit with an annual decrease of 24 percent. In December 2023, the trade deficit recorded an annual decline of 7.4 percent, while an annual increase of 24.1 percent was posted in January 2023.

The data also showed that in terms of exports, export sales in January 2024 increased to $5.94 billion from $5.44 billion in the same month of the previous year.

The commodity group with the highest annual increment in the value of exports in January 2024 was electronic products with $483.95 million.

This was followed by machinery and transport equipment with an annual increase of $37.76 million, and coconut oil with an annual increment of $29.25 million.

Meanwhile, PSA said total imported goods in January 2024 decreased to $10.16 billion from the $11-billion import value in the same month of the previous year.

In December 2023, import value recorded an annual decline of 3.5 percent, while it exhibited an annual increase of 4.2 percent in January 2023.

The commodity group with the highest annual decrease in the value of imported goods was mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with $733.27 million.

This was followed by electronic products, which declined by $254.43 million, and metalliferous ores and metal scrap with an annual decrease of $103.87 million.

in groups of three to four people, while Gen-Zs prefer to travel in groups of seven to eight people.”

Shorter, more frequent travels

LAST year, the most popular domestic destinations were Tagaytay, Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, and Palawan. “When traveling with friends, road trips were most preferred among Filipinos,” or 74 percent of Klook’s respondents, “although a majority of them also prefer to travel by air.” They also allocate a budget between P15,000 and P30,000 for local trips, which last about four to six days.

Compared to this year, Filipinos preferred to travel between six and nine days trips last year. Ho explained that there was still some “tentativeness” in Filipinos’ travel plans last year, as they felt their way around the newly eased restrictions, and many still worked from home. “Many were digital nomads,” she said, “so they went on longer trips to take advantage of the holidays—one time big time. This year, they prefer shorter, but more frequent trips.”

She noted that “shared experiences” have become the “new love language” of Millennials (born between 1981 to 1996) and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012), “with 9 out of 10 wanting to pursue trips with their immediate family and partners.” Millennials prefer to travel

She noted that while the staycation trend in many countries have already eased, it  remains popular in the Philippines with 73 percent of respondents having booked one “to maximize their work-free days,” especially the long holiday weekends. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has adopted the “holiday economics” strategy of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a bid to boost the country’s tourism sector. This involves moving holidays that normally fall on a weekday to the nearest weekend.

Klook is Asia’s leading travel and experiences platform, with some 4 million active users in the Philippines.

•

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

BOC seizes ₧238.2-M kush inside balikbayan boxes at Manila port

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Tuesday that it seized a total of P238.2 million worth of dried marijuana or kush hidden inside several balikbayan boxes from Thailand.

In a statement, the BOC said the balikbayan boxes storing the dried marijuana were intercepted last week at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) following an alert order issued by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso.

Enciso said that the CIIS-MICP had

requested to issue an alert order against the shipment containing the balikbayan boxes after it received “derogatory information” that it contained illegal drugs and other misdeclared and undeclared items.

After a thorough examination, Enciso said they found a hundred kilos of marijuana in a shipment originally declared to be consolidated balikbayan boxes and personal effects.

Last month, the BOC found five balikbayan boxes consigned to Gerard Cruz and Erika Cruz contained 126 packages of marijuana with a total weight of 65 kilos and an estimated value of P78 million.

Another batch of five balikbayan boxes

Filmmaker Castro, 3 others released after Quezon RTC thrashes arson case

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Catanauan, Quezon on Monday dismissed for lack of jurisdiction the destructive arson case filed against film director Jade Castro and his three companions in connection with the burning of a modern jeepney owned by the Gumaca Transport Service Cooperative on January 31 in the same town.

In a 16-page resolution, Catanauan RTC Branch Presiding Judge Julius Francis Galvez also ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) the immediately release Castro, Toriado Orcine, Noel Mariano and Dominic Ramos from detention unless they

are being held for other offenses.

The trial court granted the motion to quash the criminal case filed by the four on the ground of lack of jurisdiction due to the failure of arresting authorities to comply with Section 5(b), Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Also known as “hot pursuit,” Section 5 (b) requires that the offender has just committed an offense, and the arresting peace officer or private person has personal knowledge of facts indicating that the person to be arrested has committed the offense.

It can be recalled that Castro and his

was found containing 138 packages of marijuana with an estimated weight of 70 kilos worth P84 million. The boxes were consigned to BKKCHCF SHN, the BOC added.

More marijuana estimated to be worth around P76.2 million and weighing 63.5 kilos was also stashed in two balikbayan boxes consigned to Jonathan/Francis Ayala.

The dried marijuana was concealed in food packages and blankets.

The consignees, senders, and recipients of the balikbayan boxes will possibly face charges in violation of Section 118 (Prohibited Importation and Exportation) and Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) in goods

companions were arrested without a warrant in Mulanay, Quezon for supposed involvement in the burning of a modern jeepney Barangay Dahican in Catanauan.

The trial court pointed out that for a valid arrest effected in hot pursuit, it must be proven that the police officers have personal knowledge of facts, based on their observation and that the person sought to be arrested has just committed a crime.

Also to be taken into consideration, according to the trial court, is the element of immediacy from when the crime is committed up to the point of arrest.

However, the RTC said after its review of the circumstances relating to the initial police investigation and dragnet operation with the report from the Mulanay police, it perceives that the police personnel

declaration in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

The BOC said the physical examination was conducted from March 3 to 8 by the assigned Customs examiner and witnessed by the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD), ODC, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner

from Catanauan “have no probable cause based on personal knowledge or even on reasonable suspicion to proceed with their follow-up operation” on February 1, 2024 at the Micasa Resort where Castro’s group was staying.

The trial court noted that the arresting and investigating officers merely received from eyewitnesses the information about the physical description of the armed perpetrators and how they carried out the crime.

But, it added, the eyewitnesses did not provide them with vital information on how the four males escaped after burning the minibus, the means of transportation they used to flee from the place of the incident, and the direction where they proceeded to when they fled.

Likewise, the court said the report pro -

Juvymax Uy said that the boxes of marijuana were brought back inside the container that was then padlocked and sealed.

The BOC said the container will be in its safekeeping until the full inventory and will be then turned over to PDEA.

“While these groups and individuals regularly come up with an array of concealment methods to smuggle dangerous drugs into our country, the work shown by our agents this past week is one of the many reasons why they will not succeed,” said Uy in the statement.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in the statement that the operation

vided by the Mulanay Municipal Police Station (MPS) to their counterparts in Catanauan does not suggest any suspicious or incriminating actuation of the four accused at the Micasa Resort for them to be suspected as the perpetrators being referred to by the witnesses.

“Considering the absence of reasonable connections between the reports of the MPS Mulanay obtained through a dragnet operation and the initial statements given by the witnesses to the personnel of the MPS Catanauan, the latter have no probable cause and reasonable suspicion to go to the Micasa Resort, to conduct a follow-up operation, and then, to take pictures of the four accused for purposes of the witnesses’ identification and confirmation of the perpetrators in the persons of the four accused,” the resolution.

wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of key government agencies and the bureau’s well-placed sources.

“I want to reassure the public that our BOC officers will remain vigilant against smuggling attempts and dedicated [to] disrupting the flow of illegal drugs from entering our country and reaching our communities,” Rubio added.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto called on the BOC for the implementation of an integrated system for pre-border verification and cross-border electronic invoicing to curb smuggling, misdeclaration, and undervaluation.

“Consequently, the said report of the MPS Mulanay cannot establish the probable involvement of the four accused in the arson of the minibus,” it added.

Thus, the trial court ruled that the validity of the arrest of the four accused “cannot be sustained outright on mere witnesses’ actual identification of them at the police station, in view of the foregoing explanations.”

However, the RTC pointed out that its ruling does not prevent the case build-up of the MPS Catanauan to determine the actual involvement of the four accused.

“This ruling cannot be interpreted as a resolution of this case on the merits, which can be further strengthened by the MPS Catanauan and the prosecution thru a regular preliminary investigation,” it noted.

Joel R. San Juan

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Consolidated coastal management, greenbelt action plan bill pushed

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

AS the country grapples with the worsening impacts of climate change, fast-tracking the approval of a consolidated bill for coastal management is urgently needed to protect Philippine coasts.

Pitching the call for passage of such measure, Wetlands International Philippines, together with other conservationists and the University of the Philippines Diliman and Los Baños expressed support behind the passage of an Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and National Greenbelt Action Plan bill as the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change held its first public hearing on Senate Bill Nos. 125, 1342, and 2397, as well as House Bill No. 7677, which all seek to adopt ICM last March 5. The hearing was presided

by Senator Cynthia Villar.  The panel also discussed the bills seeking to establish a National Coastal Greenbelt Plan, particularly Senate Bill Nos. 113, 591, 1117, and 1237.

“The coastal zone has many ecosystems that provide many benefits to society, such as protection, food, habitats for biodiversity, livelihoods, and regulation of water and climate. Protecting these ecosystems through law is much needed to ensure sustainable development in the Philippines that is based on environmental conservation, economic development, and societal well-being,” Dr. Annadel Cabanban, Country Manager of Wetlands International Philippines said in a statement.

There can be many socioeconomic activities like aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, ports and shipping, mining, and salt making in the coastal zone. However, Cabanban warned that un -

managed these could significantly damage the coastal environment.

The socioeconomic activities in coastal zones, she said, must be regulated to ensure that the benefits from coastal ecosystems will be enjoyed by coastal communities and the society as a whole for many generations.

ICM enables agencies and local government units to regulate these activities through coordinated planning, development, and management to achieve sustainable development goals. Enabling a coastal frontier of mangroves.

Further, included in the ICM bills, the National Greenbelt Action Plan enables the establishment of a greenbelt of mangrove trees and beach forests along the coastline.

“The National Greenbelt Action Plan (NGBAP) is crucial to protect Philippine coasts from storm surges, especially during storms and typhoons. It will safeguard communities from erosion and flooding,” said Cabanban.

She explained that when a wall of mangroves lines the archipelago’s coasts, they serve as frontiers that absorb the force from wind and waves,

Go,

SVillanueva

lead

thereby reducing the impact of storm surges on communities.

“That’s why it’s called a greenbelt. Mangrove trees also provide habitats for crabs, fishes, and shellfishes that are sources of sustenance and bases of livelihoods for fisherfolk,” said Cabanban.

Rehabilitating and reforesting mangrove trees along the coastline and in abandoned, underdeveloped, and underproductive (AUU) fishponds are “sufficient provisions in the ICM and NGBAP to establish greenbelts.”

Meanwhile, Cabanban warned against planting mangrove trees in areas where they do not naturally occur, such as seagrass beds, intertidal mudflats, and reef flats because it will result in the loss of areas for harvesting edible fish, shellfish, sea urchins, and other plants and animals during low tide.

“These ecosystems and open spaces are important for shorebirds and migratory birds. Mapping and allocation of feeding and roosting of shorebirds in the coastal zone is also necessary,” said Cabanban.

“This way, conservation of the ecosystems and biodiversity has a part in the integrated coastal management,” Cabanban added.

During the hearing, Wetlands International Philippines also called for the long-term protection of greenbelts. “Rehabilitation of AUU fishponds takes about 5 years but it takes only days to cut the trees down.”

launch

ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, together with fellow Senator and Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, spearheaded the opening of the 161st Malasakit Center at the Joni Villanueva General Hospital (JVGH) in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Monday, March 11. The launch was also attended by

Think tank presses govt to speed up internet connectivity program

TO democratize the benefits of digitalization and further boost the Marcos administration’s Broadband ng Masa Program (BBMP), an international think tank urged the government Tuesday to make internet connectivity more affordable to promote economic inclusivity.

“This is a serious obstacle that must be hurdled,” said Stratbase president Victor Manhit. “Prohibitive connectivity costs cut off a large part of the population from the benefits of digitalization, because such costs now have to compete with other basic goods that must be obtained in order to live. This will ultimately negate other key factors such as infrastructure and consumer readiness.”

The Philippines is third lowest in terms of affordability of mobile data, scoring 47.01 out of 100, according to the 2022 Global System for Mobile Communications Mobile association Connectivity Index.

“This echoes a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, which warned that lower access to the internet especially in the rural regions leaves many people disconnected from the online world’s opportunities,” he added.

On a positive note, Manhit said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of allocations for the government’s digitalization program.

The DBM said that over P 2.4 billion will be earmarked for free internet Wi-Fi connectivity in public places. The remaining P50 million, on the other hand, goes to connectivity concerns

of 161st Malasakit

Center

Bulacan Rep. Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz Jr., Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Governor Alex Castro, Mayor Eduardo “JJV” Villanueva, Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna, former congressman Domingo Rivera, as well as Department of Health officials led by Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, among others.

This milestone marks the latest addition to the Malasakit Centers program, which now

for State Universities and Colleges (SUC).

The Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP) aims to provide zero-cost internet access in public spaces nationwide. Under the FPIAP is the construction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities like high-capacity networks, Middle Mile, and Last Mile ICT.

Public areas include convergence points such as national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions. They also include public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals.

Moreover, Manhit acknowledged the contribution of the private sector, even as such public allocations by the current administration are an immense improvement over its predecessors.

“In the first nine months of 2023, private telcos collectively spent P127 billion for their capital expenditures, showing their intention to still improve the way broadband services are delivered not just in key economic areas of the country but across the archipelago,” Manhit said.

“We are confident that the government knows the direction it should take: ramp up investments in digital infrastructure to be in step with the private sector’s drive to expand connectivity nationwide,” Manhit said. “This will transform the Philippines’ image as a laggard in connectivity into a globally competitive investment destination.”

Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

totals 161 nationwide, with 90 in Luzon, 30 in the Visayas, and 41 in Mindanao.

Within Region 3, this launch signifies the establishment of the 16th center in Central Luzon, and notably, the fourth in the province of Bulacan, alongside the existing centers at Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria,

in Bocaue, Bulacan and Ospital ng San Jose del Monte. Go was the principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 11720, An Act Establishing the Joni Villanueva General Hospital, with Senator Joel Villanueva serving as the co-sponsor. This legislation paved the way for the creation of JVGH, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and making medical services more accessible to the Filipino people.

Vote of trust, confidence: Lawmakers welcome $1-billion US investment commitment to PHL

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

LAWMAKERS on Tuesday welcomed the $1 billion in investment commitments from the inaugural United States presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines, considering such as a vote of trust and confidence in the government.

During an official visit to Manila, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced that American companies would invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines.

Raimondo led a two-day trade and investment mission, the first of its kind for the Philippines. The delegation includes executives from 22 companies, including United

Airlines, Google, Visa, KKR Asia Pacific, and Microsoft.

“This unparalleled commitment from American firms is not just a vote of confidence in the Philippine economy but also a clear reflection of the strategic and dynamic leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. [PBBM],” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez stressed.

“Under the President’s guidance, the Philippines has embarked on a series of diplomatic and businessoriented initiatives, including his strategic foreign trips and the introduction of the Maharlika Investment Fund, aimed at attracting global investors and cementing our nation’s status as a prime investment destination,” he added.

Romualdez emphasized the synergy between these investment plans and the government’s legislative reforms, particularly the proposed amendment to economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, designed to liberalize the economy and foster a more investor-friendly environment.

“These legislative measures are crucial in creating a conducive environment for foreign investments and in demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth,” he explained.

The planned investments from the US will support various priority sectors identified by the Manila government, including expanding

Yamsuan bill grants maternity benefits for women workers in informal sector

ALAWMAKER is pushing for the passage of a bill providing maternity cash benefits to working mothers in the informal economy in the amount equivalent to 22 times the prevailing minimum wage rate in the region where they live.

House Bill 10070, introduced by Bicol Saro Party list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, aims to extend maternity cash grants to women workers outside the Social Security System (SSS), including freelancers, the selfemployed, home-based workers, those under “no-work, no-pay” arrangements, and those engaged in unrecognized or unregulated employment activities.

“Working in the informal sector

leaves women without any form of social benefit. They have to continue to work while nurturing themselves back to health and providing for their newborn infant and their family because they are deprived of the most fundamental social protection—maternity benefits,” Yamsuan said.   “The eligibility for maternity leave and benefits under our laws is limited to those who are SSS members, thus excluding a considerable number of Filipino women workers who are nonmembers. This measure aims to address this gap,” added Yamsuan, who filed the bill last week in time for the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Based on independent estimates,

over 6.6 million women workers in the informal economy stand to benefit from the measure, which seeks to amend certain provisions of Republic Act 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave law.

Under the bill, women workers who are neither voluntary nor regular SSS members “shall receive, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development [DSWD], a one-time direct maternity cash benefit per delivery equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage rate in their region of residence multiplied by 22 days.”

This means that once the bill becomes law, an informal sector worker who lives in Metro Manila, where the prevailing minimum wage rate is P610, will receive

educational opportunities through digital and AI upskilling programs for over 30 million Filipinos. Special emphasis was placed on partnerships, such as Microsoft Corp. and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to train over 100,000 Filipino women in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Romualdez specifically commended upcoming projects, such as the establishment of an electric vehicle education center and investments in solar and nuclear energy projects aligning with the Philippines’ energy and climate objectives.

The announcement of a new airline route to Cebu was also welcomed as a significant boost to travel and tourism, thereby stimulating economic recovery and development.

The Speaker reiterated the Philippine government’s commitment to bolstering USPhilippine trade and investment ties, reflecting on discussions between

P13,420 from the DSWD after giving birth.  The DSWD is tasked under the measure to determine the requirements and eligibility of beneficiaries of the maternity cash grant.  Funds to implement the measure “shall be taken from revenues from excise taxes on sweetened beverages, alcohol, tobacco products, and vapor products and may be augmented under the General Appropriations Act.”

“More than alleviating the hardships and worries of working mothers-to-be, the provision of maternity protection has been linked to a number of positive outcomes for the mother, for her child, for the economy, and for communities and society at large,” Yamsuan said.

“Access to the benefit increases female participation in productivity, promoting workforce equality and ultimately, economic growth,” he added. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

HOUSE PANEL OKS BILL VOIDING SMNI FRANCHISE

Continued from A16

“The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings, in this committee, just shows that he has no respect for this committee. It just shows that he acts like God. He acts with impunity. He takes this hearing for granted. He is simply ignoring this hearing even though he is crucial here,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel noted Quiboloy’s absence from previous hearings on December 5 to 11, 2023, and February 7, 2024, despite being subpoenaed.

Quiboloy’s lawyers asserted that he hasn’t been involved in SMNI’s daily operations since 2018, holding only the title of

“honorary chairman.” However, lawmakers maintained that he’s the “beneficial owner” of Swara Sug Media Corporation. But Pimentel expressed frustration at Quiboloy’s continuous absence, saying Quiboloy has no intention of appearing before the panel.

“Therefore, Mr. Chair, under house rules, it is our obligation to show these people who take this committee for granted the sanctions that could be meted under our House rules. Therefore, Mr. Chair, I move to cite for contempt Pastor Quiboloy on the grounds which I have stated,” Pimentel said.  Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio stated they provided legal justification

for Quiboloy’s absence through a submitted letter, indicating his lack of involvement in SMNI’s operations for the past four years.

“The gist of it states that based on all the previous hearings of this honorable committee, we have an idea of the information being required, and we have stated in this letter very respectfully that Pastor Quiboloy, around 4 years now, has had no hand whatsoever in the running of SMNI, whose franchise is under consideration,” Topacio said.

Topacio mentioned three KJC officials better suited to respond to the panel’s queries and confirmed Quiboloy remains in the Philippines. Topacio also affirmed during the

House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing that Quiboloy is currently in the Philippines.

“Yes, of course [he is still in the Philippines], your honor, he is not going anywhere, your honor,” Topacio responded to the query about his client’s whereabouts from House Deputy Speaker David Suarez.

Topacio said he has a scheduled meeting with Quibuloy on Wednesday, March 13.

Responding to concerns raised by Suarez about rumors of Quiboloy leaving the country, Topacio assured, “No, sir. I will have my picture taken with him and send it to the committee members via Viber.” Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

275 BuCor personnel to lose jobs due to lack of eligibility

TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced Tuesday that some 275 of its personnel are likely to lose their jobs by weekend due to their failure to complete the required eligibility and educational requirements as mandated under Republic Act 10575 otherwise known as the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. appealed to the

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to further extend the implementation of BuCor’s attrition system under RA 10575 but the latter turned down the request.   Remulla stressed that extending the suspension further may compromise the overall effectiveness of the attrition system and the commitment to maintaining a qualified and competent workforce within the BuCor.  Remulla earlier imposed a one-year suspension on the

implementation of the attrition system to provide affected personnel with a reasonable timeframe to meet the requirement.   There were a total of 421 BuCor personnel originally listed for attrition but 41 filed their early retirement while 105 complied with the requirements, leaving only 275 personnel to be subjected for attrition.

Under Section 16 of RA 10575, a system of attrition for personnel of the BuCor will be established within five years from the effectivity of the law.

Philippine officials and Secretary Raimondo regarding infrastructure projects and priority sectors.

He also acknowledged efforts to renew the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, benefiting Philippine exports.

Romualdez expressed optimism about the potential of these investments to foster economic growth, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Filipinos. He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting the President’s “Build, Better, More” program and other initiatives that would enhance the Philippines’ position as a key player in the global market.

For his part, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. is optimistic that if Congress succeeds in removing constitutional barriers and warmly welcomes foreign investors, the President will be able to attract even more foreign investments.

“That’s why I believe that if we open up these economic provisions, a lot of

investors will truly consider investing in our country,” Gonzales said.

Deputy Majority Leader Margarita Nograles pointed out that the growing interest of foreign investors in the Philippines was a result of successful state visits by the President, which are now yielding positive results.

According to Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the investment pledges from American companies signify a growing trust in both the governance of the Philippines and its foreign policy architect, President Marcos himself. “It’s about a foreign country deepening trust not only in the way we handle things here in the country but also in the person who sits as the architect of our foreign policies,” Adiong said.

For his part, Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas underscored the significance of the investment pledges in bolstering trust in the country’s economic potential.

Davao del Norte Governor Jubahib grateful for US aid to flood victims

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Davao

del

DNorte Gov. Edwin

Jubahib welcomed the inclusion of his province to be among the places of the Davao Region in the nearly P70- million US assistance to flood victims.

This came as the government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development came up with an emergency cash assistance as another mode of assistance to the region’s victims of the succession of weather disturbance that killed more than 100 people and affected more than 600,000 residents.

Davao del Norte was the first province where the cash transfer was distributed, the DSWD here said.

Jubahib hailed the US government for providing assistance to communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Davao del Norte, the provincial information office reported.

Top-ranking officials of the US Agency for International Development (USAid), together with officials from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Action Against Hunger visited the province on Monday to determine the needs of the flood victims to completely recover from the disaster, the information office added.

It said Davao del Norte was included in the nearly P70 million humanitarian aid that the US government will provide through the USAid to communities affected by the succession of the weather shear line and the tailend of the low pressure area in late January, and the consequent landslide in neighboring mining area of Barangay Masara, Maco town of Davao de Oro.

The shearline and the low pressure

The system includes attrition by demotion in position or rank, attrition by non-promotion and attrition by other means, such as failure to complete the required career courses and/or

area caused several landslides and flooded a big portion of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Davao City.

Jubahib told USAid officials that the aid “would really have a big impact in helping the affected families build back better.”

“It really has a big impact to the families affected by the flooding, all those families really need assistance for their recovery. I can’t thank you enough,” the governor told the USAid delegation, headed by Regional Humanitarian Director Ben Hemingway.

The information office quoted Hemingway as saying the new funding would provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City.

“We will ensure that affected families have access to food, water, sanitation facility, livelihood restoration, and emergency shelter to help them recover, return to their homes, reestablish their lives and livelihood and hopefully become more resilient to predictable disasters like this in the future,” he said.

Jonas Tetangco, country representative of CRS, said part of the fund is allocated for cash assistance of P10,000 each for 2,000 families in Davao del Norte.

Jubahib assured that his office would see to it that the most-affected poorest families are the ones who will really receive the cash assistance.

The governor added that the provincial government was currently on its third round of relief distribution as he also appealed for additional humanitarian assistance, “as it would take around seven months for the almost 700,000 affected individuals to fully recover.”

“While

for his part, urged the personnel who will lose their jobs to recommend their relatives to apply for the vacant positions at the BuCor and assured them that as long as they are qualified for the job they will be accommodated.

UN envoy: Finding that some hostages were victims of sexual violence does not justify Israeli hostilities

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—The UN envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict warned Israel on Monday that the finding of “clear and convincing information” that some hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 attack in southern Israel were subjected to sexual violence “does not in any way legitimize further hostilities.”

“In fact, it creates a moral imperative for a humanitarian cease-fire to end the unspeakable suffering imposed on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and bring about the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” Pramila Patten told the UN Security Council where Israel’s foreign minister was also sitting and listening.

“Continuation of hostilities can, in no way, protect them,” she said. “It can only expose them to further risk of violence, including sexual violence.”

Patten was speaking at a council meeting sought by Israel and called by the United States, United Kingdom and France to focus on her recent report, which also found “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas committed rape, sexualized torture, and other cruel and inhumane acts against women during the October 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to 250 others being taken hostage. She told the council that the 134 hostages still in captivity and the more than 2 million civilians

in Gaza “share a common fate. For their common sake, there must be a humanitarian cease-fire now.” Israel’s ongoing offensive against Hamas has killed over 30,000 people, two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said he came to the council “to protest as loud as I can against the crimes against humanity” committed by Hamas in order to deter and scare Israeli society. He strongly criticized the Security Council’s failure in over 40

Ramadan kicks off in much of Asia, a day after most of the Middle

East

MUSLIM

By Niniek Karmini The Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia—The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, began at sunrise Tuesday in much of Asia, a day after many Muslims in the Middle East began their fasts.

In the Muslim lunar calendar, months begin only when the new moon is sighted, which can lead to variations of a day or two.

Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates declared the month would begin early Monday, but in the Asia-Pacific countries including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore began Ramadan on Tuesday after failing to see the crescent moon the previous night. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh also began Ramadan on Tuesday, as did Iran and Jordan.

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from sunrise until sunset. Even a tiny sip of water or a puff of smoke is enough to invalidate the fast. At night, family and friends gather and feast in a festive atmosphere.

The fasting is aimed at bringing the faithful closer to God and reminding them of the suffering of the poor. Muslims are expected to strictly observe daily prayers

and engage in heightened religious contemplation. They are also urged to refrain from gossip, fighting or cursing during the holy month.

In Indonesia, Ramadan means joy–and profit

IN Indonesia, where 90 percent of the population of 277 million practice Islam, celebrations ranged from colorful torchlight parades, to cleaning family graves, to preparing food for pre-dawn breakfasts and elaborate post-sundown meals known as “iftars.” Each region in the archipelago nation has its own way to mark the start of Ramadan.

The government set the start of the holiday for Tuesday after teams from more than 100 regions failed to sight the new moon Sunday. Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the timing late Sunday evening. Mosques flooded with devotees offering the evening prayers known as “tarawih” on Monday night. In Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, tens of thousands of worshippers crammed together shoulderto-shoulder.

It’s also an exciting time for business. Hotels, restaurants and cafes all prepare special Ramadan promotions, shoppers to flock shopping centers for new clothes and home decorations for

the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

In Malaysia, Ramadan calls to curb food waste

IN Malaysia, mosques began preparing bubur lambuk, a hearty traditional porridge dish made with meat and spices that is distributed for free to the public during Ramadan. But at the same time, critics urged people to keep their iftars to a reasonable size.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang said that food waste increases by up to 20 percent during Ramadan. Some 90,000 tons of food were reportedly thrown out across the country during Ramadan last year, it said.

“Ramadan is supposed to be a month of intense devotion for Muslims but for some, it has become a month of feasting and wasteful spending,” the association’s president Mohideen Abdul Kader said in a statement Tuesday.

“Now, more than 2 million Palestinians are facing starvation so we should not be throwing away huge quantities of food in the holy month,” he added.

Rozman Abdul Rahman, a security guard, said his wife will cook just enough to break the fast each day so that no food will go to the landfills. He said rising cost of living also means that essential food items have become more expensive.

Rozman said he enjoys the fasting season as it allows him to build his resilience. He’s removed all food and water containers from the security hut where he works to avoid temptation.

“I have been waiting for Ramadan. This is a tough period, but I enjoy it as it tests my faith and helps me to control myself. We cannot even scold people during this period,” said Rozman, 50.

The Associated Press writer Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report.

meetings since October 7 to condemn Hamas’ actions, saying the UN’s most powerful body should declare the extremist group a terrorist organization and pressure it to immediately release the hostages.

In a statement that surprised some diplomats, Katz noted that Monday was the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and said: “Let me take this opportunity to bless our Muslim brothers: Ramadan Kareem.” That means have a blessed or generous Ramadan.

“Hamas is not speaking on behalf of the Muslim world,” Katz

said, “and we are asking you to condemn the sexual violence crimes that these barbarians committed in the name of the Muslim religion.”

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, told the council that Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan but “in Gaza, death and suffering can be found everywhere. Food and hope can be found nowhere.”

He told the council that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t want a ceasefire because his “political survival requires for the onslaught to continue.”

Israel’s objective, Mansour said, “remains the forcible displacement of our people by making Gaza unlivable.”

He expressed hope that the Security Council, which showed an “unprecedented” reaction to Patten’s report by convening a meeting within a week, would respond equally to reports of sexual assault against Palestinian women and girls, men and boys.

Patten’s key recommendation is to encourage Israel to grant access to the UN human rights chief and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian territories and Israel “to carry out full-fledged investigations into the alleged

US pledges additional $100M for multinational force awaiting deployment to violence-hit Haiti

By Dánica Coto

The Associated Press

UNITED STATES Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday announced an additional $100 million to finance the deployment of a multinational force to Haiti following a meeting with Caribbean leaders in Jamaica to halt the country’s violent crisis.

Blinken also announced another $33 million in humanitarian aid and the creation of a joint proposal agreed on by Caribbean leaders and “all of the Haitian stakeholders to expedite a political transition” and create a “presidential college.”

He said the college would take “concrete steps” he did not identify to meet the needs of Haitian people and enable the pending deployment of the multinational force to be led by Kenya. Blinken also noted that the US Department of Defense doubled its support for the mission, having previously set aside $100 million.

The joint proposal has the backing of Caricom, a regional trade bloc that held Monday’s urgent meeting.

“I think we can all agree: Haiti is on the brink of disaster,” said Guyanese President Irfaan Ali. “We must take quick and decisive action.”

Ali said he is “very confident that we have found commonality” to support what he described as a Haitian-led and -owned solution.

Meanwhile, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the meeting was a work in progress.

“It is clear that Haiti is now at a tipping point,” he said. “We are deeply distressed that it is already too late for too many who have lost far too much at the hands of criminal gangs.”

Embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who faces calls to resign or agree to a transitional council, did not attend the meeting. He has been locked out of his own country while traveling abroad, due to surging unrest and violence by criminal gangs who have overrun much of Haiti’s capital and closed down its main international airports.

Henry remained in Puerto Rico and was taking steps to return to Haiti once feasible, according to a brief statement from the US territory’s Department of State.

While leaders met behind closed doors, Jimmy Chérizier, considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader, told reporters that if the international community continues down the current road, “it will plunge Haiti into further chaos.”

“We Haitians have to decide who is going to be the head of the country and what model of government we want,” said Chérizier, a former elite police officer known as Barbecue who leads a gang federation known as G9 Family and Allies. “We are also going to figure out how to get Haiti out of the misery it’s in now.”

The meeting in Jamaica was organized by members of a regional trade bloc known as Caricom, which for months has pressed for a transitional government in Haiti while protests in the country have demanded Henry’s resignation.

“The international community must work

violations” by Hamas. Mansour said the Palestinians would welcome these investigations and challenged Israel “to make a similar declaration of welcome.” He also invited Patten to visit Gaza and see for herself the plight of Palestinians.

Patten told the council that when she visited the West Bank she didn’t receive any reports of rape, but instances of sexual violence during the detention of both Palestinian men and women were raised.

These included invasive body searches, unwanted touching of intimate areas, beatings in the genital areas, threats to men of rape against their women family members, “and inappropriate strip searches and prolonged forced nudity of detainees,” she said.

Patten said she raised these reports with Israeli authorities, who provided her with information on their protocols to prevent such acts and “indicated willingness to investigate any alleged breaches.”

She expressed disappointment “that the immediate reaction to my report by some political actors was not to open inquiries into those alleged incidents, but rather to reject them outright via social media.” She did not name any of these “political actors.”

together with Haitians towards a peaceful political transition,” US Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Nichols will attend the meeting.

Concerns remain that a long-sought solution will remain elusive. Caricom said in a statement on Friday announcing the urgent meeting in Jamaica that while “we are making considerable progress, the stakeholders are not yet where they need to be.”

Mia Mottley, Barbados’ prime minister, said that up to 90% of proposals that Haitian stakeholders have put on the table are similar. These include an “urgent need” to create a presidential council to help identify a new prime minister to establish a government. Her comments were briefly streamed by Caricom, in what appeared to have been a mistake, and then were abruptly cut off.

The meeting was held as powerful gangs continued to attack key government targets across Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. Since February 29, gunmen have burned police stations, closed the main international airports and raided the country’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. Scores of people have been killed, and more than 15,000 are homeless after fleeing neighborhoods raided by gangs. Food and water are dwindling as stands and stores selling to impoverished Haitians run out of goods. The main port in Port-auPrince remains closed, stranding dozens of containers with critical supplies.

Late Monday, the Haitian government announced it was extending a nighttime curfew until March 14 in an attempt to prevent further attacks.

Henry could not be immediately reached for comment after Monday’s meeting. He landed in Puerto Rico last week after being denied entry into the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. When the attacks began, Henry was in Kenya pushing for the UN-backed deployment of a police force from the East African country that has been delayed by a court ruling.

A growing number of people are demanding Henry’s resignation. He has not made any public comment since the attacks began.

The Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Evens Sanon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, contributed to this report.

PRAMILA PATTEN, right, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, addresses a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the war in Gaza on Monday, March 11, 2024, at UN headquarters. AP/BEBETO MATTHEWS

SECRETARY of State Antony Blinken poses for a photo with Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, right, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and US Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry, left, during a meeting on Haiti at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday, March 11, 2024. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, POOL VIA AP

As Putin orchestrates his reelection, economy remains stable amid sanctions and price hikes

By David Mchugh & Vladimir Isachenkov The Associated Press

MOSCOW—Russians are finding a few imported staples, like fruit, coffee and olive oil, have shot way up in price.

Most global brands have disappeared— or been reincarnated as Russian equivalents under new, Kremlinfriendly ownership. A lot more Chinese cars are zipping around the streets.

Those who want a particular luxury cosmetic may be out of luck.

Other than that, not much has changed economically for most people in President Vladimir Putin’s Russia, more than two years after he sent troops into Ukraine.

That’s despite the sweeping sanctions that have cut off much of Russia’s trade with Europe, the US and their allies.

That sense of stability is a key asset for Putin as he orchestrates his foreordained victory in the March 15-17 presidential election for a fifth, six-year term.

Inflation is higher than most people would like, at over 7 percent—above the central bank’s goal of 4 percent. But unemployment is low, and the economy is expected to grow 2.6 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, double the previous forecast. That’s far above the 0.9 percent expansion predicted for Europe.

“There are difficulties, of course—they’re connected with the general situation in the world,” said Andrei Fedotov, 55, who

was walking down the Tverskaya Street central shopping avenue a few blocks from the Kremlin. “We know this very well, but I believe we’ll overcome them.”

Higher prices “bother me, of course—like any consumer, I see them going up,” said Fedotov, who works in education. “It’s connected to the times that we’re in, and which will pass.”

Brand manager Irina Novikova, 39, was upbeat despite higher prices in stores: “More domestic products have appeared, more agricultural products. Yes, we all see that some goods have disappeared.”

“Prices have gone up—if I used to buy three items for a certain price, now I buy one,” she said, but added, “Go look for Russian products, the shops with Russian goods.”

“Industry may have suffered, we know there have been some setbacks in that regard, but again, we’re adjusting and we’re reorienting our thinking, and

we’re starting to look to our Chinese friends,” Novikova said.

Massive Russian spending for military equipment and hefty payments to volunteer soldiers are giving a strong boost to the economy. Government-subsidized mortgages are supporting apartment buyers in a powerful kick to the booming construction sector, as evidenced by several mammoth high-rise developments going up on the banks of the Moscow River.

Inflation rankles, but it’s also nothing new. Russia became more self-sufficient in producing its own food after 2014, when it took over Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula and the resulting Western sanctions led the government to ban a broad range of food imports from Europe.

Planned government spending this year is roughly twice what it was in 2018. Yet the deficit remains manageable as taxes and oil revenue keep flowing in.

So-called parallel imports via third countries such as Georgia, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan have allowed Russians with money to keep buying Western products— from sneakers to mobile phones and cars—from companies that

no longer do business in Russia, usually for a significant markup.

A BMW SUV is still easily available, though at twice the price in Germany. IKEA shut its 17 Russian stores, but its furniture and home goods can be bought online—for a price.

Apple left, but an iPhone 15 Pro Max with 512 gigabytes sells for the ruble equivalent of $1,950 on Russia’s Wildberries retail site, about what the phone sells for in Germany.

Not that there aren’t strains on the economy. Companies face labor shortages after hundreds of thousands of men left the country after the start of the fighting in Ukraine to avoid mobilization, and hundreds of thousands of others signed military contracts.

Meanwhile, Russia’s oil exports shifted from Europe to China and India due to boycotts by Ukraine’s allies. To avoid sanctions and a price cap on oil shipments, Russia had to shell out billions to buy a shadow fleet of aging tankers that don’t use Western insurers who have to honor the price ceiling.

Russia also lost its lucrative natural gas market in Europe after cutting off most of its pipeline supply.

The auto industry was deci -

An expanding NATO uses its diversity as strength; Russia is closely watching

By John Leicester The Associated Press

BOARD THE FRENCH FRIGATE

ANORMANDIE—The French navy frigate, bristling with weaponry and powering through frigid Norwegian seas not so far from Russia, awoke at 7:30 a.m. sharp to what, in the circumstances, was a surreal sound.

The 1967 “ Summer of Love “ hippie anthem “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” was playing over the warship’s public address system. Singer Scott McKenzie’s voice reverberated through the passageways starting to bustle with sailors clutching coffee mugs: “All across the nation, such a strange vibration, people in motion.”

It was a slice of Americana rousing one of France’s most modern fighting vessels, beginning another day under Italian command, in war games involving 13 nations.

And that, in a nutshell, is NATO: a multinational alliance built around the idea that its 32 countries spread across three continents could turn their diversity into strength and fight as one if the need arose.

The Nordic Response 2024 exercises— bringing together more than 20,000 soldiers with different languages, equipment, habits and histories—are intended to foster the teamwork necessary for the alliance to function.

They are training with the knowledge that Russia and other potential adversaries are watching for any weaknesses in NATO defenses and unity.

Among the nations drilling is Sweden, NATO’s 32nd and newest member. Its

A

induction last week and the addition of Finland last year dramatically illustrated how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, shifted Europe’s post-Cold War security landscape.

From shunning military alliances, the two Nordic nations reached for NATO’s security umbrella and its guarantee that an attack on any one member would be considered as an attack on them all.

In the frozen extremes of northern Finland, Norway and Sweden, the NATO drills are a test for troops and their fighting machines. Participating nations are Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

The nearly two weeks of drills conclude this week. They are part of a months-long program of NATO maneuvers dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 that are its biggest since the Cold War, with 90,000 troops. The alliance says the intention is “to

demonstrate NATO’s ability to defend every inch of its territory”—an unmistakable signal to Russia.

Certainly, participating troops suspect that Russia is watching.

Aboard the French frigate Normandie, the crew of 146 scrambled to battle stations when an unknown aircraft that came from the direction of Russia strayed too close for comfort last week, in international airspace north of the warship’s Nordic Response patrol zone in Arctic waters.

The Normandie’s commanding officer, Capt. Thomas Vuong, told Associated Press journalists aboard that the flight appeared to have been a Russian test of NATO readiness.

Norway scrambled F-35 fighters to intercept the aircraft, which headed back in Russia’s direction, he said.

NATO regularly scrambles jets to scope Russian flights, taking to the skies for more than 500 interceptions in 2022. The number dropped but was still more than

300 encounters in 2023, the Brusselsheadquartered alliance says.

“These are maneuvers that are fairly standard, maneuvers where the Russians test the procedures,” Vuong said, speaking exclusively to AP. Russia has “resources in the skies, at sea that are employed and which enable them to test the alliance’s defenses.”

Listening to the NATO drills’ radio traffic gives a flavor of the melting pot of nations and cultures in the transatlantic organization. Communications are in English but accents betray the array of nationalities: French, Italian, German, British, American and more.

“We have a technical vocabulary and everyone uses it,” said Lt. Olivier, pilot of the Normandie’s submarine-hunting NH90 helicopter. The French military withheld his family name for security reasons.

“As you can hear, it’s not perfect English,” he said. “But since it’s always the same technical words, everyone is able to understand the picture, the situation, and to react if necessary.”

In the decades since its founding by 12 countries in 1949, NATO has worked to standardize procedures and equipment to enable troops to work and, if necessary, fight together more readily. The flight deck of the Normandie, for example, is equipped to receive other countries’ helicopters.

The alliance “functions because there are military headquarters developing interoperability within NATO, which means we ensure that we have systems that function together, that communicate together,”Vuong said. “This gives us the capability to operate together when we meet at sea.”

mated after foreign owners like Renault, Volkswagen and Mercedes pulled out. China replaced the European Union as Russia’s main trade partner, and Chinese vehicles swiftly took over half the car market last year, according to Ward’s Intelligence.

Many foreign companies also have left or sold their businesses to local partners at knockdown prices. Others, including Danish brewer Carlsberg and French food company Danone, have seen their Russian businesses seized by the government.

“The economy plays a very important role in all of Putin’s elections,” said Janis Kluge, an expert on the Russian economy at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. “For most Russians, who choose to ignore the war, the economy is really the biggest issue.”

Economic stability “is a signal that Putin can use vis-a-vis the other elites that he is still able to mobilize the masses. And for that, it has to be genuine and not just a manipulated number,” Kluge said.

“So it is still important that there is this genuine support, even though there is no chance at all for the voters to change who is in office,” he said.

Gross domestic product, the economy’s total output of goods and services, remains “an abstract number” to ordinary people, and the ruble’s exchange rate is less of a symbol than it used to be because most people can’t travel and there are fewer imported goods to buy, Kluge said.

“What matters is inflation,” he said. “And this is an issue where the regime actually did some preparation.”

The central bank has been fighting price spikes by raising interest rates to 16 percent. The government has supported the Russian currency by requiring exporters to change foreign earnings from things like oil into

rubles, holding down prices for remaining imports.

And a 6-month ban on gasoline exports from March 1 will help keep fuel prices down in Russia.

The government also has been offering apartment mortgages at drastically subsidized interest rates—a step that increases people’s sense of personal prosperity but that eventually will hit the government with a large bill.

Kluge said the key factor was Russia’s ability to keep exporting oil and natural gas to new customers in Asia. As long as the price of oil holds up, Russia can keep up its high level of spending on the military and social programs “indefinitely,” Kluge said. Russia earned some $15.6 billion in oil export revenue in January, according to the Kyiv School of Economics’ Russian oil tracker. That’s about $500 million a day.

Longer term, the economy’s prospects are less certain. A lack of foreign investment will limit new technology and productivity. Government largesse may one day exceed the central bank’s ability to manage inflation. To what extent generous policies will continue after the election is up to Putin.

The chief risk to today’s stability is a sharp drop in the price of oil, now trading around $70 a barrel for Russia’s Urals blend. Thanks in part to sanctions and boycotts, that’s a discount from around $83 for international benchmark Brent crude.

But for now, state finances are more solid than many had expected.

“I have no good news” for people waiting for Russia’s economy to collapse “tomorrow” due to sanctions, former Russian central bank official Alexandra Prokopenko wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s a big and resilient animal.”

McHugh reported from Frankfurt, Germany.

Houthi rebels target a Liberian-flagged ship in Red Sea with missiles; no damage reported

By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Yemen’s Houthi rebels have targeted a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea with missiles, producing an explosion near the vessel but causing no damage, authorities said.

The master of the vessel reported the explosion Monday and said no one was hurt, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. The UKMTO later identified the vessel as the Pinocchio, managed by a Singaporean firm.

The Houthis used two antiship ballistic missiles in the attack, the US military’s Central Command said.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack early Tuesday in a prerecorded statement, claiming the Pinocchio was an American ship without offering evidence to support the assertion.

He said the Houthis would continue their attacks, aimed at pressuring an end to the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, the Houthi attacks targeting vessel since November have increasingly had little or no connection to Israel, the United States or other nations involved in the war.

Monday’s attack comes after a Houthi missile struck a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden last week, killing three of its crewmembers and forcing survivors to abandon the vessel.

It was the first fatal strike in a campaign of assaults by the Iranian-backed group over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis say the attacks are intended to pressure Israel into stopping the war, but their targets increasingly have little or nothing to do with the conflict.

Other recent Houthi actions include an attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which later sank after drifting for several days, and the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.

The US has lead a series of airstrikes targeting the Houthis since January, but they have yet to stop the rebels’ attacks on shipping, which have disrupted trade through the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for energy and cargo shipments between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

On Monday, US forces carried out six strikes destroying an underwater Houthi drone and 18 anti-ship missiles, Central Command said. The Houthi’s Al-Masirah satellite news channel reported US strikes in Yemen’s Houthi-held Hodeidah and Saada provinces.

PEDESTRIANS walk past a mannequin in a window of a fashion store in Tverskaya Street in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The economy’s resilience in the face of bruising Western sanctions is a major factor behind President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power in Russia. AP/ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO

The World

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 A13

Aid ship sets sail to Gaza where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are starving

By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy & Menelaos Hadjicostis The Associated Press

RAFAH, Gaza Strip—An aid ship loaded with some 200 tons of food set sail for Gaza on Tuesday in a pilot program for the opening of a sea corridor to the territory, where the five-month-old Israel-Hamas war has driven hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the brink of starvation.

The food was gathered by World Food Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, and is being carried on a barge attached to a ship belonging to the Spanish aid group Open Arms. It is expected to arrive at an undisclosed location on the Gaza coastline in two to three days. Andrés and the Open Arms boat captain, Oscar Camps, confirmed the food was destined for northern Gaza.

The United States has separately announced plans to construct a sea bridge near Gaza in order to deliver aid, but it will likely be several weeks before it is operational. President Joe Biden’s administration has provided crucial military aid for Israel while urging it to facilitate more humanitarian access.

The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has killed over 30,000 Palestinians and driven most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people from their homes. A quarter of Gaza’s population is starving, according to the United Nations, because they cannot find enough food or afford it at vastly inflated prices.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt had tried to broker a cease-fire and hostage release ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began on Sunday. But the talks stalled last week as Hamas demanded that any temporary pause in the fighting come with guarantees for ending the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expand the offensive into the southern city of Rafah, where half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge, and to keep fighting until Hamas has been completely dismantled and all

the captives it is holding have been returned. Aid groups say it is nearly impossible to deliver aid in much of the territory because of Israeli restrictions, ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of law and order after the Hamas-run police force largely vanished from the streets. Conditions are especially dire in northern Gaza, which has suffered widespread devastation and been largely cut off by Israeli forces since October. Up to 300,000 Palestinians are believed to have remained there despite Israeli evacuation orders, with many reduced to eating animal feed in recent weeks.

On Monday, the first day of the normally festive month of Ramadan, children with pots lined up at a charity kitchen in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp. Each was given a small portion of cooked carrots and sweet potatoes to break the dawn-to-dusk fast.

“Our children can’t find anything to eat,” said Bassam alHaw, a volunteer. “No food, no water, no flour.”

The planned sea route has the support of the European Union, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and other countries. The US and other countries have also launched airdrops of aid in recent days, but such efforts are costly and unlikely to meet the mounting needs.

Once the Open Arms ship nears Gaza, two smaller vessels will tow the barge to a jetty that World Central Kitchen is building. World Central Kitchen then plans to distribute the food in northern Gaza.

Organizers said the jetty will be outside of northern Gaza

but declined to provide further details. Andrés told The Associated Press in a brief interview Saturday evening that they want to keep the location secret to prevent large crowds from disrupting the delivery.

Scores of Palestinians were killed last month during a chaotic aid delivery in the north organized by Israeli troops, who fired on the crowd. Israel said most of those killed were trampled to death, while Palestinian officials said most had been shot.

Israel, which controls Gaza’s coastline and all but one of its land crossings, says it supports efforts to deliver aid by sea and will inspect all cargo before it sets sail for Gaza.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen thanked Cyprus for setting up the corridor from the island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, calling the ship’s departure “a sign of hope,” in a posting on X. “We will work hard together for many ships to follow,” she added.

Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides said the inaugural voyage is “one of hope and humanity” and would provide a “lifeline to civilians.”

The war began when Hamasled militants stormed into Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage. Hamas is still believed to be holding around 100 hostages, and the remains of 30 others, after freeing most of the rest last year in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says the Israeli offensive launched in response to the attack has killed at least 31,112 Palestinians. The ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said women and children make up around twothirds of the dead.

Israel blames the civilian death toll on Hamas because the militants fight in dense, residential areas and position fighters, tunnels and rocket launchers near homes, schools and mosques. The military has said it has killed 13,000 Hamas fighters, without providing evidence.

Magdy reported from Cairo and Hadjicostis from Nicosia, Cyprus.

Indonesia set to deport Japanese man accused of $90 million investment fraud

BATAM, Indonesia—A Japanese man accused of helping to run a $90 million investment scam will be sent home after four years on the run, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday.

Yusuke Yamazaki, 43, was arrested off Bulan island in Kepulauan Riau province on Jan. 31, while attempting to cross into Malaysia in a small wooden boat, said Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, who heads the provincial office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. He’s expected to be deported by the end of the day. The boat also carried four undocumented Indonesian migrant workers and two crew, Mataram said. The others were detained by police for further investigation while Yamazaki was handed over

to the Immigration Office in Batam on February 2. Yamazaki initially gave a false name and detained on suspicion of visa violations, Mataram said, but police later identified him as an international fugitive. He was an executive at Nishiyama Farm, an Okayama-based company that ran farm tours across Japan and collapsed amid allegations of fraud in February 2019. Five people connected to Nishiyama Farm were arrested in October 2021 for suspected fraud worth around 13.3 billion yen ($90 million) and later convicted, but Yamazaki left Japan for Hong Kong in February 2020, according to Japanese media reports.

Aichi Prefectural Police listed Yamazaki as a fugitive on an Interpol Blue Notice in 2022. Mataram said Yamazaki

is believed to have arrived in Indonesia by way of Turkey in April the following year.

“Further legal process will be carried out by Japanese government upon his transfer to Japan,” said Batam’s Immigration Office Chief, Samuel Toba, at a news conference.

He added that Japanese Police on had dispatched investigators to Indonesia to assist in the deportation of Yamazaki, who will be flown to Jakarta at noon before he is sent on an overnight Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo.

In a lawsuit filed by 41 investors in Tokyo and four other prefectures seeking compensation from Yamazaki and others, the Nagoya District Court ordered the defendants to pay around 320 million yen (about $2.2 million) in February 2022.

PHL should remain vigilant amid global bird flu outbreaks

Winter is a bane for tropical countries like the Philippines where there are only two seasons—wet and dry. Of the four seasons in north American and european countries, winter can be both mesmerizing and dangerous. it is fascinating because the coldest season can create the most beautiful landscapes that can warm the hearts, but the falling snow can also signal danger.

For one, icy roads could lead to accidents in highways and the snow could damage homes. Also, the winter season is conducive for outbreaks of animal diseases that usually plague countries that experience snowfall. One of these transboundary animal diseases is avian influenza (AI), which strikes domestic and wild birds.

According to the Washington-based National Association of Federal Veterinarians, the H5N1 variety of the virus that causes avian influenza has led to the losses of commercial flocks in Wisconsin and a game bird production and hunting facility in Pennsylvania. Citing figures from the United States Department of Agriculture, NAFV said the H5N1 outbreaks and related culling operations have wiped out a record 79.3 million poultry across 47 states since February 2022. The toll of H5N1 has surpassed the 2015 outbreak of subtype H5N2, which hit about 49 million birds at US farms.

These outbreaks may have played a big factor in the spike of global meat prices last month. The meat price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations went up by 1.8 percent from January, driven by the spike in poultry prices. (See, “Global meat prices higher in February–FAO report,” BusinessMirror , March 11, 2024). Prices of pork, another meat product that the Philippines imports, also registered increases due to higher demand from China and a tight supply situation in Europe.

While the cold does not directly affect Filipinos, it can bother consumers who turn to imported poultry whenever supply is tight. And high international prices are bad news for a country like the Philippines where meat processors purchase imported mechanically deboned meat (MDM) in huge quantities. Spikes in the price of deboned poultry meat could lead to higher production cost and more expensive processed meat products.

The experience of these countries that continue to see bird flu outbreaks underscore the difficulty of defeating the disease. It also serves as a reminder for poultry-importing countries like the Philippines to never let their guard down to prevent outbreaks among the domestic bird population. Vigilance is crucial, particularly at this time when the country is also grappling with African swine fever that continues to undermine efforts to increase domestic hog production.

Until and unless we stop importing poultry, the Philippines will always have to keep an eye out for developments in countries experiencing winter. Shipments from abroad must be closely monitored to ensure that they do not carry items that would compromise the health of local poultry. The government must also see to it that poultry raisers get the assistance they need to improve their production and prevent the outbreaks of bird flu in their farms.

Since 2005 ✝

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder

Let us keep building

nMark Villar

THE BUILDER

O nation has achieved economic progress with a weak infrastructure. We all know that roads, bridges, rails and seaports contribute to increased mobility, facilitate trade and connectivity, and lead to economic inclusion.

Water, electricity and telecom infrastructure projects provide clean water, energize the rural areas and enhance productivity.

The Philippines has committed to building more and it just updated its list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), reflecting its commitment to paving more roads and building more projects to support sustained economic growth. IFPs are priority projects in line with the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

By updating the IFP list, the Marcos administration reaffirms its focus on infrastructure development as a key driver for improving people’s lives, continuing the efforts started under the Duterte administration.

As a former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), I remember receiving a mandate to execute hundreds of projects in line with the government’s goal to improve infrastructure spending to at least 5 percent

B817-2807.

(Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Printed by brown madonna Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila

MEMBER OF

of the gross domestic product (GDP). I am glad that this level of spending continues under the administration of President Marcos. The government budgeted nearly P1.2 trillion for infrastructure projects in 2023, representing 5 percent of the more than P24-trillion GDP. The amount should further rise in 2024 and in the coming years as the nation continues to register an annual economic growth of 6 percent to 7 percent, if not faster.

In 2023, our GDP grew 5.6 percent year-on-year, propelled by household spending and infrastructure investments. The government expects faster growth of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2024 despite domestic and external headwinds.

To sustain this level of growth, the government hopes to build more projects. A bridge alone, for example, has a multiplier effect of 1.5, which means that for every peso spent, there is an economic return of P1.50 that can be quantified in terms of enhanced productivity and new livelihood opportunities.

By Sujata Rao & Aline Oyamada

Ond investors are urging squabbling european Union leaders to get their act together on defense spending and make the bloc’s trillion-euro bond program permanent.

That means demand won’t number among the challenges faced by EU politicians at loggerheads over whether to boost shared military capabilities by issuing joint bonds.

Fund managers starved of AAArated securities say they’re clamoring for more European issuance.

Investors point out that these instruments would enable the spending boost that is becoming ever more imperative to counter Russian belligerence, but without loading more debt onto individual member states.

And there is also something in it for them, since EU bonds pay a premium over similarly rated sovereigns.

“Investors are thirsty for these bonds,” said Brian Mangwiro, a portfolio manager at Barings who owns EU debt.  The solution of a bloc-wide debt

program is starting to be taken seriously in some capitals as European security officials warn that Vladimir Putin could move on to target their territory if he secures victory in Ukraine, while a decades-long shortfall in military spending leaves the continent dangerously unprepared. Shared borrowing was described by EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni last month as “a sound way” to deal with crises. The plan’s being championed by countries whose defense industries would be wellplaced to benefit—like France— and countries whose proximity to Russia sharpens their sense of the threats—like Estonia—although it faces opposition from Europe’s more fiscally conservative states.

One reason investors are urging the holdouts to overcome these res-

Data from Neda show that as of the fourth quarter of 2023, 74 IFPs were under implementation, 30 were approved, 10 awaited government approval and 83 were in pre-project preparation. The Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, completed in June 2023, is one example of a finished IFP. Nineteen ongoing projects are slated for completion this year.

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) acknowledges the need for further investments and the execution of such projects as the country needs to catch up with other Asian nations.

The Philippines, for one, lags behind its neighbors in rail infrastructure. While the government plans to build 1,200 kilometers of railways, Indonesia already has over 8,000 kilometers; Myanmar more than 5,000 kilometers; and Vietnam, 2,600 kilometers.

The Philippines once had 1,100 kilometers of railways, but most were abandoned. Today, the country has a railway footprint of about 500 kilometers, with only 130 kilometers operational, including elevated light rails in Metro Manila.

The updated list of IFPs under the “Build-Better-More” program prioritizes high-impact infrastructure projects such as railways for immediate government support. Neda streamlined the list from 198 projects worth P8.79 trillion to 185 projects valued at P9.14 trillion.

Neda says rationalizing the list

Investors point out that these instruments would enable the spending boost that is becoming ever more imperative to counter Russian belligerence, but without loading more debt onto individual member states. And there is also something in it for them, since EU bonds pay a premium over similarly rated sovereigns.

ervations is that AAA-rated paper is highly prized—and even more so since the US was stripped of its toptier rating last year. An added bonus: for reasons that include the temporary nature of the issuance, existing EU bonds pay investors slightly higher yields than equally-rated Germany, and even than lower-rated France.

Bond-buyer enthusiasm is evident at virtually every sale. Last month, a €3 billion ($3.3 billion) EU bond received €81 billion in orders—at 27 times, that was the highest cover ratio ever recorded in Europe’s publicly syndicated debt market, according to

would ensure the implementation of as many important infrastructure projects as possible. Some of the shelved projects will still proceed as planned under regular government programs, per Neda.

Data from Neda show that as of the fourth quarter of 2023, 74 IFPs were under implementation, 30 were approved, 10 awaited government approval and 83 were in pre-project preparation. The Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, completed in June 2023, is one example of a finished IFP. Nineteen ongoing projects are slated for completion this year.

The Neda Board, chaired by President Marcos, committed to expediting the “Build-Better-More” program. It also identified human capital investment, accelerated housing development and job creation as other factors for long-term growth.

The Philippines recorded a 3.1-percent unemployment rate in December 2023, the lowest in two decades. However, the government aims to further reduce this by enabling investments in higher-quality jobs. Infrastructure development is one sector that could create many jobs for Filipinos. Construction had a substantial contribution to the economy, being the primary contributor to the GDP growth of 5.6 percent and absorbing 777,000 additional workers in 2023.

Aside from the national government and major development partners, the private sector has a crucial role to play in improving our infrastructure. Neda underscores the col-

See “Villar,” A15

data analyzed by Bloomberg. Even back in October 2020, the EU’s first joint issuance since the landmark pandemic bond deal recorded a €233 billion order book, the largest for any single deal in bond-market history.

The EU already has some €450 billion outstanding in bonds, mostly issued to finance the pandemic recovery fund. That program will cease to issue new bonds after 2026 but conviction is growing among investors that the EU bond issuance should become permanent.

That’s precisely what’s making some fiscally conservative countries skeptical. Many are opposed to anything that isn’t framed as a oneoff. That was the rationale that triumphed during the pandemic when an acute crisis forced Germany and other wealthier EU states softened their habitual opposition to pooled borrowing.  Investors know much will depend on what happens on the Ukrainian battlefield in the weeks ahead, and are watching for whether the See “Bond,” A15

Pentagon’s $850 billion budget would tap US stockpiles to arm Taiwan

By Tony Capaccio & Roxana Tiron

PresIdent Joe Biden’s proposed $850 billion Pentagon budget for fiscal 2025 sends less-than-subtle strategic messages aimed at China: It would tap Us stockpiles to arm taiwan and provide major funding increases for long-range, air-launched anti-ship missiles.

The Defense Department’s share of the $7.3 trillion budget proposed to Congress on Monday reflects only a 1 percent increase. The Pentagon is already in a tough spot because Congress has yet to pass a spending measure for this fiscal year, which started October 1, and hasn’t approved a supplemental security spending bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Although the Biden administration is staying within budget caps imposed by Congress, that didn’t deter critics who demand more for defense.

“Our defense budget should be built with the goal of deterring the threats facing our nation,” House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, an Alabama Republican, said in a statement. “Instead, we are forced to build a budget to meet an arbitrary number. I worry about the long-term impact this budget process will have on our national defense.”

The “first-time funding request” of $500 million to replenish weapons that would be provided to Taiwan would “address aggression in the region and ensure continued support to our allies” while enabling the Pentagon to replace its inventory of “munitions and equipment and maintain readiness,” the Defense Department said in budget documents released Monday.  Congress authorized the presidential drawdown authority in the latest defense policy bill, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks told reporters at the Pentagon.

It would be similar to the more than 50 Presidential Drawdown Authority packages that the US has used to replace weapons provided to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion. Taiwan’s supporters in Congress have called for a comparable level of urgency in providing it arms to counter China’s increasing aggressiveness toward the self-governed island it claims as its own.

In addition, the Biden administration’s budget proposal for the State Department includes $100 million for what it calls a “historic” investment in Taiwan’s security, including a new bilateral Foreign Military Financing request “to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.”

Along with the Taiwan funding, the Pentagon budget would seek to “deter attacks by the People’s Republic of China on the US, its forces” and allies by continued efforts to “enhance the capabilities and those systems that the PRC is most likely to target” and enhance readiness through combined exercises.

The budget calls for expanding anti-ship capabilities to “help us to neutralize the enemy’s strategy” to deny US forces and ships access to the Pacific. The services are pursuing development of the ship-destroying

Villar . . .

continued from A14

laboration between the private sector and the government in building concrete projects, such as infrastructure and housing units.

The government plans to expedite the rollout of its housing program by ensuring affordable construction materials, worker skills training, beneficiary and land identification and permit streamlining.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center also encourages private sector participation in major initiatives under the new Republic Act No. 11966, or the PPP Code of the Philippines. Private companies deserve rec-

Bike lanes: When safety gives way to forced mobility

AAlong with the Taiwan funding, the Pentagon budget would seek to “deter attacks by the People’s Republic of China on the US, its forces” and allies by continued efforts to “enhance the capabilities and those systems that the PRC is most likely to target” and enhance readiness through combined exercises.

Standard Missile-6, an anti-ship cruise missile built by Lockheed Martin Corp. and a Maritime Strike Tomahawk from RTX Corp. to fire from US subs. The Navy bought the first 50 anti-ship Tomahawks this year and wants to buy 342 through fiscal 2028.

The Army is projecting to significantly boost last year’s request for military exercises in the Pacific region, Major General Mark Bennett, the Army’s budget director, told reporters. The service is planning to fund 11 exercises in fiscal 2025, two more than this fiscal year, and is requesting $461 million.

The budget request includes $9.9 billion in spending on the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, up $800 million from this year, to enhance US forces and facilities in the region.

The push to counter China is also reflected in a proposal for increased purchases of extended-range antiship missiles.

Among other major provisions in the proposed Pentagon budget:

$826 million for 285 anti-radar missiles from Northrop Grumman Corp. for launch from Air Force and Navy fighter jets.

$697 million for 205 Lockheed Long-Range Anti-Ship missiles for the Air Force and Navy, up from 118 in this year’s request, most of which are a new longer-range version.

$676 million to buy 230 Lockheed long-range Precision Strike Missiles, up from 110 this year, to field with Pacific units.

$5.1 billion for Army and Navy ammunition procurement other than missiles, up from $4.9 billion proposed for last year, which includes US, Swedish and South Korean suppliers.

The Army is readjusting its strategy for one of its top artillery programs after prototypes fell short of expectations. The Extended Range Cannon Artillery program combined a 58-caliber gun tube mounted on the chassis of a Paladin Integrated Management howitzer made by BAE Systems Plc.

Microsoft Corp.’s night vision goggles get a boost in the request.

The Army is requesting $256 million in procurement funds and about $98 million for research and development. With assistance from Iain Marlow/ Bloomberg

ognition for projects like Skyway Stage 3 and the Nlex-Slex Connector Road, which improved traffic flow in Metro Manila. They are also actively participating in the development of ports, airports, railways, telecom and Internet infrastructure, as well as power projects requiring billions of pesos to build. Continued investment by the government and private sector in such worthwhile infrastructure projects is crucial for enhancing the mobility of people, goods and services nationwide and improving Filipinos’ lives and livelihoods. We will reap more if we build more.

For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

ng bungang hinog sa pilit kung kainin ay hindi matamis. I believe this Filipino saying accurately describes the policy of certain national and local government officials who generously allocate bicycle lanes, further narrowing our already limited roads.

Absolutely, our collective aspiration is for enhanced mobility. We envision a future where Filipinos experience the convenience of firstworld nations, freely navigating our urban landscapes with minimal reliance on private transportation. We strive for a safe and seamless transportation system that encompasses multiple modes of travel, including cars, buses, trains, subways, motorcycles, bicycles, and even pedestrianfriendly covered pathways.

During the pandemic, when social distancing made public transportation challenging, our cities, particularly Metro Manila, swiftly adopted the approach of incorporating bike lanes into our frequently congested two-lane city and national roads.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a directive, stipulating the reservation of

2.24 meters for bicycle lanes. Subsequently, the Metro Manila Development Authority and several mayors took proactive measures to implement this mandate, all driven by the common goal of enhancing mobility.

But with what motorists and even the bicyclists are now experiencing, we can easily draw one conclusion— those bike lanes were forced— hinog sa pilit.

Today, the roads, particularly in areas with only two lanes per direction, are plagued by rampant chaos and disorder.

Imagine this: you have a standard 3-meter wide lane that was split into two—one for the bicycle lane and the other, well, we really don’t know for what purpose already because the remaining space wouldn’t be able to accommodate a vehicle with a standard size of 1.8 meters. So on that

lane, the motorists, motorcycle riders, and bicyclists are literally doing a patintero (Block the Runner). The DPWH describes some of these lanes as Shared Roadway, which it defines as “a roadway that is open to both bicycle and motor vehicle travel.” Some were actually made exclusive bike lanes, defined by DPWH as a portion of roadway that has been designated for preferential or exclusive use by bicyclists or light mobility that is identified by pavement markings, physical separator and/or signs.

Again, with the narrow Metro Manila roads becoming narrower, a fifth grader can readily conclude that the result of this is further congestion. You just threw away better traffic flow straight into the trashcan.

And when a motorist loses his patience and sees a slight opening to the right, he would most probably transfer to the other lane and either take the space of the bike lane or somehow make sleek maneuvers to narrowly miss both the bicycle on his right and the car on his left. But as the case right now, this scenario causes accidents, victimizing both motorists and bicyclists. You just threw away safety straight into the trashcan as well.

Let’s face reality; we are not really ready for this.

In the desire to comply, we are actually putting the lives of bikers on the lane, line, I mean. It’s not that we don’t want to have

bike lanes; but having them should not be forced just for the sake of compliance.

This is like the case of wearing helmets; people use substandard or improper helmets just to comply.

Our top of mind should be the safety of everyone. Mobility is secondary. And how can you even invoke mobility when it only worsens traffic?

We ask our authorities to go back to the drawing board. Compliance should be done with careful consideration of the impact to traffic flow and safety. Don’t just give in to lobby groups that are making a lot of noise for these bike lanes.

People have probably observed that there are very few users of bike lanes these days. To many, this was like a pandemic craze. Now, there are so many places where you can literally count with your fingers the bicyclists using these bike lanes. Even the MMDA recognizes that these exclusive lanes, especially those on EDSA, are underutilized. We’re back to normal times so it’s time to reconsider this policy.

Please! Safety should never give way to forced mobility.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

Tension between Israel and US rising with Gaza death toll

By Ethan Bronner & Jennifer Jacobs

the almost-daily phone calls stopped months ago. now the tensions between Joe Biden and Benjamin netanyahu over Israel’s war on hamas have burst into the open as the two leaders bicker publicly.

Late last week, the US announced its army would build a pier to bring aid to civilians in Gaza, with food short and relief groups warning of famine amid Israel’s assault. Biden demanded the Israeli leader “pay more attention to the innocent lives being lost,” warning that “he is hurting Israel more than helping Israel.”

Netanyahu fired back the next day. “He’s wrong on both counts,” he said in an interview with Politico parent Axel Springer.

The public back-and-forth was a dramatic departure from Biden’s public embrace of Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks, the deadliest in the country’s history. The US president worked closely with Netanyahu to deliver sweeping military and diplomatic support. But with more than 30,000 dead, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, and Israel planning an assault on Rafah, the last major city in the enclave where residents are sheltering, tensions between the Israeli leader and his most important ally over the civilian death toll have become impossible to conceal.

Biden was caught on a hot mic Thursday telling a legislator that he planned a “come-to-Jesus” meeting with Netanyahu. That came just days after his administration hosted Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet but also Netanyahu’s main political rival, for top-level meetings

Bond . . .

continued from A14

advance of Russian tanks toward the EU’s eastern border forces a wake-up call. “Unfortunately it always takes a crisis in Europe to make much traction,” said Guy Miller, head of market strategy at Zurich Insurance Co. Germany and the Netherlands have rejected suggestions for a joint instrument to fund defense, and so far the increases in defense spending undertaken since Russian invaded Ukraine two years ago have been largely left up to member states themselves. That push has not without controversy, both domestically, and as EU members argue among themselves about who is—and

in Washington.

The Israeli leader smelled betrayal. “To the extent that Hamas believes that there’s daylight between us, that doesn’t help,” Netanyahu told Fox News Monday. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the US and European Union. For the moment, the Biden administration has kept up the flow of weapons and other support to Israel, even as it steps in to deliver humanitarian aid directly.

Biden, 81, and Netanyahu, 74, have differed for decades. But this time, the tensions are even more real. The US argues Israel isn’t doing enough to limit death and suffering among the millions of ordinary Palestinians who have no link to Hamas and its violent policies. In northern Gaza, US officials note, citing a World Heath Organization statement, a dozen children have starved to death while their parents eat grass and use animal feed for flour.

Biden’s under increasing pressure to do more to rein in his ally, both from other capitals and from key supporters at home, where liberal and younger voters are demanding an end to support for Israel.

“You have two people who are exquisitely skilled and exquisitely sensitive politicians, who, rather than trying to help each other, are trying to squeeze each other,” said Jon Alterman, director of the Mid-

isn’t—doing enough.

Earlier this week the commission allocated €1.5 billion from additional EU budget funds by way of joint spending, but that won’t get close to funding the step-change needed to repel Vladimir Putin from Ukraine —still less, to gear up for a putative attack on European soil in years ahead. EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton has urged the bloc to consider spending €100 billion.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Monday he will propose that Nato member states raise the minimum level of defense spending from 2 percent to 3 percent of economic output in his upcoming talks with US President Joe Biden, as the European nation seeks reinforcement of the defense alliance’s eastern flank.

dle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. The deaths of some 100 Gazans seeking aid from a convoy at the end of February became a turning point, US officials said. That event involved some shooting by Israeli troops but mostly, Israel says, trampling due to a stampede. It rejects the idea that it’s been careless toward civilians.

People close to Netanyahu argue that US policy is now aimed at separating the prime minister from his electorate in the hope of causing a political crisis in Israel that will lead to a more moderate government without Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners.

This was evident when Biden sanctioned extremist Jewish West Bank settlers, the key constituents of Netanyahu’s partners.

In a report to Congress Monday, the US intelligence community questioned “Netanyahu’s viability as leader.” It predicted “large protests demanding his resignation and new elections” that it said may lead to a more moderate government.

For his part, Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, made sure in his Sunday interview to argue that he’s not leading his nation anywhere it doesn’t wish to go. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found 75 percent of Jewish Israelis favor expanding military operations in Rafah.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Dalton said Monday that Biden’s decades-long ties with the Israeli leader allow the US president “to be direct and honest at a time where that’s needed. But there’s no change here in the strength of the two lead-

Superior returns

THE irony of any new, joint defense issuance would be that the very thing attracting investors to EU debt— its yield premium—may moderate slightly, were they to initiate a larger, joint-funding plan. The temporary nature of the Covid relief program is one reason why they ask for higher returns to buy the notes.

But that may constitute yet another advantage for the bloc. EU bonds due 2034 trade with a 2.9 percent yield, while German notes maturing the same year pay about 2.3 percent, and French 2033 securities yield 2.7 percent. That means at current bond prices the EU would incur an additional annual interest cost of about €6 million per €1 billion compared to Germany.

ers’ relationship.” Netanyahu says Israel will eventually invade Rafah, the southern Gaza city, where some 8,000 Hamas fighters, its leaders and the remaining 134 Israeli hostages are thought to be ensconced. Biden doesn’t want Israel to move forward out of fear that too many civilians will be killed.

“Our view is that no military operation should take place in Rafah if there is not a credible and implementable plan to take care of the safety and security needs of the more than a million civilians who are sheltering there,” Dalton, the White House spokeswoman, said Monday. “And we’ve seen no such plan.”

But when Gantz, a popular opposition politician, met officials in Washington last week, his message was clear: The attack on Rafah must proceed eventually.

The tensions extend beyond the current fighting. The Biden administration believes that it’s time to start planning for the day after the war, meaning a regional arrangement involving Saudi and Emirati aid for a Palestinian state to run Gaza and the West Bank.

This is anathema to Netanyahu who says if a Palestinian state is the result of the October 7 massacre, that rewards terror. Palestinians, he and his aides say, must learn the opposite—that violence will bring only harsh reprisal.

They also say something else: The more Biden tries to drive a wedge between the Israeli public and their prime minister, the stronger he will make Netanyahu because voters don’t appreciate such interference. With assistance from Courtney McBride and Peter Martin/Bloomberg

EU issuance would also reduce the need for individual sovereigns to raise borrowing. That’s crucial, given that interest payments already surpass defense spending in seven European Nato countries, according to Germany’s Ifo Institute. In highly indebted Italy, interest costs are three times annual military expenditure.

“The beauty of EU bonds is that the debt doesn’t appear in your national statistics, it doesn’t count toward Maastricht or the debt brake or anything like that,” said Moritz Kraemer, chief economist at German bank LBBW. “So in principle, you can get funding for whatever you think you need without having to incur the penalty.” With assistance from Paul Cohen, Lyubov Pronina, Ben Sills and Max Ramsay/Bloomberg

HOUSE PANEL OKS BILL VOIDING SMNI FRANCHISE

THE House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Tuesday approved House Bill 9710, aiming to revoke Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI) franchise and declared Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in contempt due to his repeated non-appearance at the lower chamber.

Aside from its failure to adhere to the terms of its congressional franchise, SMNI faces allegations of spreading “fake news” and engaging in red-tagging.

Lawmakers cited the alleged violation by Swara Sug, which operates SMNI, of Section 4 of its franchise, which prohibits the dissemination of false information to the detriment of public interest.

The measure also addressed breaches in Sections 10 (sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, or assignment of franchise), 11 (dispersal of ownership), and 12 (reportorial requirement) of RA 11422, particularly regarding ownership and controlling interest transfers without Congress approval.

Solons added that the Congress of the Philippines renewed the franchise of Swara Sug

Media Corporation in 2019, granting them another 25 years under RA 11422.

This act emphasized SMNI’s responsibility to the public, mandating the avoidance of deliberate dissemination of false information or willful misrepresentation to the detriment of public interest.

Contempt MEANWHILE , Surigao del Sur

Rep. Johnny Pimentel moved for the contempt citation, citing Quiboloy’s refusal to obey summons without a legal excuse and disrespectful behavior as grounds under Section 11 of the House rules.

Despite being issued a subpoena, Quiboloy did not appear at the committee hearing on Tuesday.

The panel has directed the office of the House Sergeantat-Arms to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bring the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader and SMNI honorary chairman to the House of Representatives following the implementation of the contempt order. The order is expected to be implemented after three days.

Continued on A5

Best traits of Pinoy workers anchor ‘Trabaho’ blueprint

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE national government intends to maximize the best traits of Filipino workers in all industries in the drafting of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan plan to boost the Philippine economy in the nearto the long term.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters that Filipino workers are in demand in many parts of the world because of their “genuine” service in healthcare industries and other sectors abroad.

Balisacan said this genuine service that puts Filipino workers abroad in demand can be applied to local sectors such as tourism to boost the industry and the economy in general.

“The traits that make us strong as a nation can also be the same traits that make us strong as an economy,” Balisacan said.

“[The exercise of crafting the plan] takes advantage and it seizes in a good analysis of what we are strong at and what we can [offer as well as] how we can further enhance that. How we [can] transform those [traits] into tradable products and services,” he explained.

The plan, which will be complet -

ed by the fourth quarter this year, will have a three, six, and 10-year outlooks on the strategies to create decent and quality jobs.

Balisacan said the TPB Plan will be able to address issues to achieve inclusive and quality employment. The results of the January 2024 Labor Force Survey revealed that several factors affected labor market participation.

These factors include women’s return to household duties as more employers gradually transition back to on-site work arrangements, age-related restrictions, permanent disabilities, and schooling.

He said the outcomes of the AmBisyon2040 will also be used as a guide to the master plan which espouses the goals and vision of the Filipino people such as living a comfortable life.

“What we describe there as aspirations of ordinary Filipinos have changed. I mean, they have been, you know, the kind of aspirations. Their circumstances have changed. The challenges have changed. But the end results, the outcomes that they want are still there. So it’s still very much

relevant. So we draw from that,” Balisacan said.

The plan is the next step after the completion of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The IRR will be available in the Official Gazette within 15 days from its signing.

Prior to the ceremonial signing, Neda conducted a public consultation for the development of the final IRR. During this process, representatives from employees, employers, the informal sector, and vulnerable groups provided their inputs and comments.

“Our pursuit of policies will be adaptive to the responsibilities of female workers and the evolving work landscape, with a focus on supporting vulnerable sectors, including those in the creative industry,” stated the government’s chief economic planner.

The TPB Act mandates the creation of a master plan for national employment generation focused on increasing both the number and quality of employment opportunities in the country, as well as enhancing the employability of Filipinos.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Jollibee profit hits ₧8.98B

By VG Cabuag @villygc

FastFood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) on tuesday said its attributable net income last year grew 16 percent to P8.98 billion from the previous year’s P7.33 billion.

Systemwide sales, a measure of all sales to consumers, both from company-owned and franchised stores but is not part of the financial statement, grew at the same pace at 16 percent to P345.32 billion from the previous year’s P296.82 billion.

“Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we will continue to focus on our priorities. We will scale the business with our four big focus areas,” said Jollibee CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong.

These focus areas include the expansion of the Jollibee brand internationally, growing its coffee and tea business, “exponentially” growing in China in multiple tier cities and sustaining its growth and market leadership in the Philippines.

“We will ramp up franchising to support our global expansion,” Tanmantiong said.

The Philippine business, which accounts for 61 percent of the company’s sales, delivered a 17-percent growth, while the in -

ternational business expanded by 14 percent.

“Notably, our Jollibee brand, which has over 1,600 stores globally and accounts for 49 percent systemwide sales grew by 18 percent in 2023,” he said.

JFC opened 658 stores during the year and grew store network by 6 percent to 6,885 stores at the end of 2023, both above its guidance of 550 to 600 new stores and a 5percent increase in store network.

Net income for the fourth

quarter alone jumped to P1.76 billion from a mere P31 million during the previous year, while systemwide sales rose 9 percent to P94.23 billion from the previous year’s P85.94 billion.

For the year, Jollibee said it expects full year systemwide sales growth to be in the range of 10 percent to 14 percent, same store sales growth at 5 percent and 7 percent and store network increase at 7 percent to 8 percent.

The company said it plans to open 700 to 750 owned and franchised stores in 2024 and expects capital expenditures to be in the range of P20 billion to P23 billion.

“We will also accelerate our digital transformation and bring capabilities on-par with global quick service restaurant leaders to increase operational efficiency and further improve customer experience and revenue management,” Tanmantiong said.

SM Prime seeks SEC nod for bond issue

Sh OPP i N g mall operator SM Prime h oldings i nc. filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the shelf registration of its P100-billion bond float.

The company said it will immediately issue P25 billion in bonds, of which P20 billion will serve as its principal float while the P5 billion is its oversubscription option.

i ts paper consists of the 3-year series V bonds due in 2027, 5-year series W bonds due in 2029 and 7-year series X bonds due in 2031.

SM Prime said its proposed bond issuance received the high -

est rating from a local credit rating agency.

“The rating for SMP h ’s outstanding bonds amounting to P135.43 billion was likewise maintained at PRS Aaa. Philratings assigned a stable outlook for the ratings of the proposed and outstanding bonds,” the company said.

SM Prime’s income last year grew 33 percent to P40 billion from the P30.1 billion recorded in 2022.

Consolidated revenues came in at P128.1 billion, some 21 percent higher than last year’s P105.8 billion. Consolidated operating

income grew by 24 percent to P61.3 billion from the previous P49.2 billion.

“The favorable result we achieved in 2023 reflects the strong support and trust from our tenants and

customers despite the economic challenges encountered in 2023.

We continue to see this growth momentum this year as we pursue our expansion plans in our key businesses, and explore new opportunities to expand our businesses,” SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim said. SM Prime’s mall business now accounts for 56 percent of the company’s consolidated revenues.

i ts revenues expanded by 30 percent to P71.9 billion in 2023 from P55.4 billion in 2022. The company’s mall rental income rose by 24 percent to P61.3 billion from the previous P49.7 billion. VG Cabuag

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

STRON g consumer patronage of grab Philippines’ services is propelling economic growth, creating livelihoods, while increasing household incomes, according to a study conducted by the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Center for Research and Communications (CRC).

During the media launch of the study titled “The i mpact of Rideh ailing and On-Demand Delivery Services on the Philippine Economy: A Focus on grab Philippines,” UA&P Professor and Economist g regorio Mabaggu said the research found that grab generates additional income for both the economy and households.

According to the study, grab has an economic multiplier of 3.42 and a household income multiplier of 0.44, which means that for every peso spent on the grab platform P3.42 is injected into the national economy and 44 centavos is added to household incomes. The fundamental idea is that with a hypothetical P100- grabCar ride, an additional P342 is generated for the economy. i n the same way, a P100- grabCar ride generates an additional P44 to household

incomes for laborers in the ridehailing and on-demand delivery industry nationwide.

Cid L. Terosa, UA&P associate professor, senior economist and input-output analysis specialist, added that grab’s multiplier effect surpasses industry benchmarks— positioning grab as a “leader in economic contribution within the transportation sector.”

With a total output multiplier of 3.42, grab ranks third among seven transport sectors next to railway and air transport. Moreover, compared with available multiplier studies published in local economics journals, this multiplier significantly outpaces heavy industries like mining.

“From a macroeconomic perspective, we can definitely say that his particular service is strongly aligned with the overall strategy of the government to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction— that is the greatest significance of that number, 3.42,” Terosa said in a press briefing. Furthermore, the study found that consumer patronage of grab services accounts for 0.07 to 0.3 percent of the national gDP. in absolute terms, this is estimated to be at $1 billion.

Continued on B2

Prof. Greg Mabbagu, University of Asia and the Pacific's resident industry and regional economist, discusses Grab’s economic contribution. Lorenz S. MaraSigan

DTI Region 11 launches first business legal shield program for small entreps

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

Philippine

work force ready for the future

N response to the rapidly evolving global working landscape, Bayan Academy with the support of J.P. Morgan, has undertaken an initiative called #InDemandPh. This transformative program has empowered more than 13,000 individuals, in underserved communities providing them with essential skills tailored to meet on-the-job demands of eight priority industries.  These eight priority industries, as identified through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the relevant industry associations, have been projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years: tourism, IT-BPM, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, electronics, transportation and logistics, and health and wellness. empowering the work force #InDemandPh understands the challenges currently faced by employees in the workforce and have put forward solutions preparing them for the increasingly complex demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as new jobs that may be in-flight to the Philippine marketplace.  Through targeted skills development, curricula that have been customized by partners in industry, employee adaptability and flexibility are prioritized. #InDemandPh

Out of the 13,000 participants, an impressive 11,000 have earned credentials, certifications, or licensure, significantly enhancing their employability. With this, the average monthly wage for those placed or promoted is $303 (approximately P16,665)—tremendously uplifting their and their families’ lives and paving the way for economic prosperity within their communities. Presently, over 10,000 beneficiaries of #InDemandPh are gainfully employed on a full-time basis.Journey to #indemandph

ThE seed for #InDemandPh had been planted in 2017 when Tesda initiated a cross-collaboration with various government, non-government and private stakeholders, including the former president of Bayan Academy, the late Dr. Eduardo A. Morato Jr. to formulate the 2018-2022 National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan (NTESDP). This blueprint strategically identified the eight priority industries, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

In 2018, Bayan Academy joined forces with Tesda, and with the generous support from J.P. Morgan, the project “Revamping the Vocational Schools System in the Philippines” was initiated and further aided TESDA in implementing the 2018-2022 NTESDP effectively.

Concluding in 2020, the project achieved significant milestones, including the delivery of industry-led training programs to over 1,200 beneficiaries, the development of action programs for the eight priority industries, and an organizational diagnosis of Tesda itself.

These milestones laid the foundation for TESDA’s shift from focusing mainly on providing education and training to becoming an organization that responds to the specific needs of the industries and the labor market. The Area-Based and Demand-Driven tech-voc education and training strategy of Tesda, formulated in April 2021, marked a pivotal moment in aligning the organization with the evolving needs of the work force.

In October 2021, Bayan Academy, with the continued support of J.P. Morgan, launched #InDemandPh aiming to institutionalize the area-based, demand-driven tech-voc education and training strategy at all levels of Tesda.  “Staying relevant and adaptable while acquiring technical and soft skills is essential in today’s global work environment. With the objective of growing the competence of Filipinos and improving their quality of life, we are continuing our support of Bayan Academy’s work force readiness programs,” said Carlos Ma. G. Mendoza, J.P. Morgan Philippines Senior Country Officer.

Prof. Jay Bernardo, current Chairman and President of Bayan Academy, attests to the positive impact of J.P. Morgan’s support on workforce readiness.  “We are truly delighted with the results of the #InDemandPh program. With the leadership of Tesda and the timely and tremendous support of J.P. Morgan, the lives of our fellow Filipinos are changed for the better, with their skills now in demand more than ever in the world market—they wouldn’t risk being shelved or become redundant.”

Transformation in action

Th E collaboration between Bayan Academy and Tesda, backed by J.P. Morgan, strengthened the ties between Tesda and local industry associations across different regions. This collaboration led to the development of localized industry-led curricula and enhanced competence at the regional and provincial offices of Tesda in delivering area-based and demand-driven programs.

In addition, Bayan Academy developed a Knowledge Management (KM) Roadmap for Tesda. It also conducted two industry fora—one for the introduction of the project and one for the conclusion of the project.

“Bayan Academy implemented various programs and a series of seminars, both face-to-face and online, in collaboration with regional industry associations. Pilot regions include Regions 3, 4A, 7, and the National Capital Region before reaching more areas and impacting thousands of lives and ensuring that workers are equipped to have decent and fulfilling work in demand-driven industries,” said Prof. Bernardo. “On the other side, this will assure that industries with high economic and employment growth potentials are provided with the required quantity of quality work force.”

For more information on the program, e-mail: inquiry@bayanfamilyoffoundations.org or call +63 (02) 89280064.

DAVAO CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office here entered into an agreement with a private legal organization to provide small-scale entrepreneurs with the needed legal services that would not drain them of money to pay the services.

The DTI-XI recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with LexMeet Inc., a legal technology company, on Business Legal Shield Program for micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the Davao Region.

The LexMeet Inc. said the DTIRegion XI was the first government agency in the country to seek this kind of legal services online with them to pilot a program that would protect the MSMEs’ legal aid requirements, the regional trade office said in a statement.

By Roderick L. Abad @rodrik_28 Contributor

LASh Group Company Ltd. is tar-

F

geting at least P23.7 billion revenue in the Philippines this year as it continues to expand its operations nationwide, amid the continued rise of the e-commerce logistics industry postpandemic.AR Polinar, marketing deputy director of Flash Express, hinted such a ballpark figure as they seek to reach an average volume of at least one million per day, or a total of 300 million in terms of parcel delivery by end of 2024.

“So if you will compute that we are operating at lowest or competitive shipping fee at P79, that’s our total target revenue,” he told reporters during their media briefing in Taguig City last March 7.

According to Flash Express PR & Partnerships Manager Reginald Rex Pumihic, the Thai e-commerce logistics firm has witnessed rapid growth since it started operations in the Philippines via Flash Express in 2021.

“In just more than two years, the company already hit 95 percent serviceable areas nationwide, disrupting the e-

WThe MOA was signed at the DTI Region XI office. The DTI said the Business Legal Shield Program “aims to digitalize MSMEs’ access to justice using emerging technologies. DTI 11 is the first government agency to pilot this program.”

Acting Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga said the partnership with a private firm “opens opportunities for local MSMEs as they acquire legal services online.”

“This collaborative program between DTI XI and LexMeet Inc. of-

fers a solution to the legal-related problems of our MSMEs. This can help those who do not have access to lawyers or are reluctant to hire one due to costs. With this program, getting legal advice becomes convenient for our MSMEs. More so, they do not need to pay since free LexMeet credits will be given to them,” Castañaga said.

The DTI said MSMEs commonly needed legal service pertaining to labor laws, taxes and licenses, environmental compliance, market access, customs law, intellectual property and other compliance to regulatory agencies.

The DTI said LexMeet Inc. offers ease of access to and delivery of legal services. “It provides many tech products that connect lawyers and clients to solve legal problems.”

It said that the company is a startup grantee of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) for their project called Prototyping and Pilot Testing of LexDocs Chatbot Legal Assistant for MSMEs and start-ups—A Legal Community Crowd-Sourced Online Legal Document Assembly powered by Artificial Intelligence

commerce logistics industry by providing excellent delivery services among Filipinos,” he noted. Seeing constant demand for logistics services in the country at present, the Group is ready to embark on greater heights this 2024 as it continues to disrupt the e-commerce with the addition of three more products and services, namely, Flash home that extends business opportunity to every enterprising Filipino through a partnership, Flash

The true The SaLeS LeaderShip CoaCh

Fulfillment that deals with goods storage, and Flash Pay that offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) automated financial services like electronic payment and monies.

To bring these new offerings closer to businesses like SMEs and end-customers, the company plans to build more facilities and grow its manpower, per Flash Express Country People head Alvin Chew.

As of January 2024, the firm has 28

weight of leadership

hy is it that most people seem to shy away from any leadership position?

When I asked around, I gathered these responses—it’s an added responsibility, they don’t want headaches, they are already busy as it is, they don’t have what it takes, and that leadership will simply complicate their lives.

And yet, someone has to take on that role. As John Maxwell puts it, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” And for those who are inclined to take on the challenge, it is best to know the true weight of leadership. here are four things that you need to know about leadership.

You need to keep on learning AS a leader, you need to learn at every turn. There is no single rule or technique in leading people, hence you must endeavor to become familiar with different kinds of behaviors and motivations, understand societal contexts, and appreciate generational and experiential biases. One of the keys to effective leadership

is relevance. And one can only be relevant if he or she is abreast with what’s happening around him or her.

You need to keep growing

TO sustain leadership, one needs to continually grow. This means you need to keep leveling up. A misconception on leadership is that leaders are supposed to enjoy a lot of benefits. There may be perks attached to certain roles, however, genuine leadership is not about benefits, rather it’s about making sacrifices—so that you can become even more effective. Think of leadership as if it’s a traditional hot air balloon—in order for it to move up, you need to cut loose some of the sandbags.

It’s the same thing in growing as a leader, in order to move up and grow, you need to give up some of the things that prevents you from performing at your best. And in case you feel that you’re already at the top of your game, don’t worry, because even the best can still get better.

You need to keep on caring ULTIMATELy, leadership is not about you. It’s about the people that you lead. And since leadership is about people, it also means that it involves relating with people, hence leadership is all about relationship. And this is why you should keep on caring about why they do what they do.

Always remember that at the very core of your role is to lead them towards their goal. And the moment you stop caring about is also the moment that your leadership diminishes.

Besides, Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care about what you know until they know how much you care.” So go ahead and keep on caring!

and Machine Learning for MSMEs and Start-Ups, also known as “Business Legal Shield Program.”

During the event, LexMeet showcased the Business Legal Shield program’s functions and objectives. It has two aspects: 1) research and study for MSMEs about their need for online legal services to assist them in their operations, and 2) pilot-testing of LexMeet products with MSMEs to help them in their legal services needs.

“LexMeet is not just a product; it’s a movement toward a more efficient, collaborative, and tech-driven legal industry. It is a global online community of lawyers and clients solving the world’s problem of access to justice with one common dream that one day, everybody will have access to justice whenever and wherever they are. We invite you to join us on this journey to reshape the future of legal practice,” Valderrama said.

The DTI said it intended to upscale and upskill MSMEs in the region and hoped “that a lot of legal questions of MSMEs can be answered and that this will help them improve their business operations with confidence and peace of mind knowing that legal expert has their back.”

sorting hubs, 736 distribution centers and 27 pick-up distribution centers in the Philippines.

“Site-wise, we are definitely looking to grow at 30 percent,” he said of their goal to have around 1,000 warehouses and distributions centers. “Of course, once we grow our operational sites by 30 percent, that’s when we need to increase our manpower as well,” Pumihic said.

The Group has 24,000 employees nationwide as of the first quarter of 2024. The headcount is expected to increase by 50 percent this year-end.

Its customers in the country has grown over the years, with 4,819 key accounts to date—thanks to major ecommerce clients like Lazada, Shopee, the Tiktok Shop, and Shein. Such number is projected to double by end of this year.

The company is bullish on its growth targets since demand for e-commerce logistics remains strong.

internet

$3.55 billion in 2020 per data reported by hootsuite

and

You need to keep moving forward

AS a leader, you are tasked to navigate the team towards the goal. however, there are times when the team gets caught in a bind. During these trying moments, people are confused and may be looking for reasons to bailout. your job is to find momentum and keep moving forward.

Bear in mind that “people do what people see.” And when they see their leader moving forward amidst the ruins, people will likewise march behind you.

PHL to veer away from China for funding of infra projects

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE national government is now veering away from securing Chinese Official Development Assistance (ODA) when it comes to a number of its infrastructure projects.

In a presentation at the Congressional Committee on the ODA (Cocoda), National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Assistant Secretary Jonathan L. Uy said the government only has one project that is up for financing by the Chinese government.

To date, only the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Solar Powered Irrigation Project is up for Chinese financing. Other projects, including the Philippine National Railway-South Long-Haul Project may be funded by other institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

last administration, been aggressive in trying to secure Chinese development assistance, particularly in regard to China Eximbank, People’s Bank of China, and also now the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the China International Development Cooperation, their equivalent to JICA of Japan. However, we are now reporting that we are on a slight holding back, Mr. Chair and Madam Chair,” Uy said. Uy said, apart from the South Long-Haul Project, projects that were initially marked for Chinese ODA financing—Davao City Expressway Project, Dupinga Bridge Project and Panglao-Tagbilaran City

Offshore Bridge Connector—may no longer be up for funding by China.

The list includes the design and build Package 1 for the South LongHaul Project and the Ambal-Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects.

Uy also said the government has already withdrawn its loan application for China Exim Bank Financing for the Minfanao Railway Project, Phase 1 and the Subic-Clark Railway Project.

“To put it in summary, right now we only have one active proposal,” Uy said. “We are veering away from China and hoping to secure other funding sources.”

Projects

IN the case of the South Long-Haul Project, Uy said the government is now in informal discussions with the ADB on how the Manila-based multilateral development bank can extend the government technical assistance for the project.

Part of the reason for this is that the government wants a design-build arrangement that will be faster to implement.

This means, Uy said, if the detailed engineering numbers will be good, the government can already start project implementation.

“If we can get actually very good estimates from the detailed engineering, we can move forward to the next phase which is approving the implementation itself,” Uy said.

He said detailed engineering is crucial given that the government now wants to increase the speed of the train to 80 to 100 kilometers per hour from the 40 to 60 km/hr.

This, Uy said, would require a change in alignment that would favor a “straighter” route to allow the train to speed up. The existing “meandering” route that the train follows.

Uy said there are four projects financed by the Chinese government that have already been completed, including the P4.5 billion worth Chico River Pump Irrigation Project funded by a loan.

There are also grant projects such as the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge Construction Project; BinondoIntramuros Bridge Construction Project; and the Marawi Firetrucks Donation Project.

Death, injury claims in vehicle accidents doubled

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE insurance industry regulator has doubled the benefits that may be claimed by third parties or passengers who were injured or died in accidents involving motor vehicles.

The policy was contained in a statement the Insurance Commission (IC) issued last Tuesday. In it, the IC said the benefits for compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance (CMVLI) coverage is being doubled to P200,000. The coverage, which previous had a liability limit at P100,000 each, is for all types of

motor vehicles. The Commission further cited that Insurance Memorandum Circular (IMC) 2024-01 guarantees and ensures that owners and/or operators of motor vehicles have the means and resources to indemnify the death and/or bodily injury of third parties or passengers, as the case may be, arising from the operation of their motor vehicle.

Under the IC’s first policy issuance for the year, death indemnity, including burial and funeral expenses, was also increased to P200,000 from the previous indemnity amount of P70,000.

The “No fault indemnity” was also doubled to P30,000. Under this provision, any claim for death or bodily injuries sustained by a passenger or third party shall be paid without the necessity of proving fault or negligence of any kind.

Other incidental expenses not provided under the indemnities for bodily injury and/or death shall be covered by the insurer subject to a maximum amount of P10,000, it added. Based on the memorandum, there would be no increases in the premiums to be paid for CMVLI, as the premium rates prescribed under the previous IMC 4-2006 issued in

2006 shall remain in force and effect based on the memorandum.

However, the IC said that premium adjustments arising from the above-mentioned increase in indemnities shall be subject to further study. “There is a need to continually improve/increase the benefits and insurance coverages under the CMVLI to make it more responsive to the welfare and development needs of the individuals who are victims of any vehicular incidents or mishaps,” read IMC 2024-01. IMC 2024-01 amends the policy on CMVLI coverage the IC issued in 2006 (IMC 4-2006).

BTr raises ₧30B on bonds sale as investors relent

THE national government on Tuesday successfully raised P30 billion from the sale of long-term Treasury bonds (T-bonds) on the back of easing yields sought by investors.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) made a full award of reissued 10-year Tbonds in an auction that reached P96.1 billion in total tenders, three times more than the programmed amount. The average rate for the government security, which has a remaining life of nine years and 10 months, stood at 6.227 percent. The average auction yield was slightly lower compared to the 10-year PHP BVAL yield at 6.25 percent as of March 11, 2024.

However, it was slightly higher than the 6.218 percent in the previous auction for the debt paper with the same tenor auctioned last January 23, 2024. The investors’ asking yields ranged from 6.198 percent to 6.240 percent, based on the Treasury’s data.

“With its decision, the committee raised the full program of P30.0 billion, bringing the total outstanding volume for the series to P65.0 billion,” said the Treasury in a statement after the auction. The Treasury has made a full award of a T-bonds tender for the second straight week after generating P30 billion from the auction of T-bonds despite higher

yields. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the lower average auction yield is “still strong” with demands totaling P96.1 billion. The latter Ricafort considers as “still relatively high.”

The RCBC executive explained that the matured P700-billion retail treasury bonds (RTBs) from March 9 to March 12 could have added to liquidity in the financial markets. The latter is expected increase the demand and lower the yields for government securities, as these excess funds could be reinvested, Ricafort said.

This month, the national govern-

Influencers–Rising Entrepreneurs?

HAT is an influencer?

WOr how do you define an influencer? There are so many definitions in the internet, but let me rephrase them and defined them in as simple terms as possible. Influencers are those that dominates social media. They have a specific expertise or skills or interesting story and have an audience who follows them consistently. They have a steady following of thousands or even million followers.

People trust what they say and reacts positively to their opinion. They are being seek out to endorse products or services because their endorsements are being bought not only by their followers but the public in general specifically those who are active in social media. And we know that people now use social media more than any forms of communication platform. According to datareportal.com, the Philippines was home to 86.75 million social media users in January 2024, equating to

73.4 percent of the total population. Companies and their marketing departments have a growing interest in these social media celebrities because of their large influence and popular presence. According to forbes.com (3 Reasons why Influencer Marketing is Still a Thing) brands are budgeting larger chunks of their marketing dollars to social media and within that ad spend, a rise in allocation of such budget goes to the influencers or influencer marketing. And with very good reasons.

First, consumers can relate more to the influencers. Celebrities, movie stars or famous people can be ben-

eficial in promoting your Company’s products because they are wellknown. But as to authenticity where people can see the everyday lives of the influencers for years and know that it is not just a put-on to promote a product, they will likely follow and buy the product if they are looking one in the market. They can relate more than with those advertising models in the ads. Consumers are even more encouraged when these influencers reply to their comments.

Second, influencers can yield better ROI. Influencers place direct links which can immediately translate to sales meaning faster return on investments. While your sales may go up when a celebrity shows your product in a print ad or TV, the effect may not be immediate and it is more difficult to tell by how much that particular ad had brought in to increase sales. And third, influencers forge more authentic connections with diverse audiences. People see their real lives with their

Retailers seek NG funding for senior, PWD discounts

By Andrea San Juan

THE group of Philippine retailers is pushing for the adoption of “government-supported” funding mechanisms to ensure that the discounts to senior citizens (SCs) and persons with disability (PWD) will not burden the retail sector, particularly for small-scale and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs).

In a position paper dated March 11, 2024, the Philippine Retailers Association (PSA) considers commendable the “well-intentioned” efforts of the government to provide SCs and PWDs with the “necessary support and privileges.” However, the retailers asserted: “We also believe it is essential to strike a balance between social welfare and economic sustainability.”

“Policies and laws, no matter how noble their intentions, must be carefully crafted to avoid undue burden on sectors that play a crucial role in our economy,” the PRA said through its position paper.

The group of Philippine retailers pointed out that the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010, “imposes a significant burden” on the retail sector and other related service industries.

The PRA said the current system places the entire financial responsibility of these discounts on establishments. In particular, the business group said SMEs operating on “thin profit margins” would have to shoulder the financial burden accruing to the provision of discounts. The group added these businesses may struggle to absorb the costs associated with the discounts mandated by law.

The PRA issued a position paper after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) posted on its website last March 6 the draft Joint Administrative Order (JAO) that increased the special discounts to SCs and PWDs from P65 per week to P125 per week, or a total of P500 per month. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) concurred with the JAO.

ment plans to borrow as much as P120 billion from the tender of T-bonds. The programmed amount is P30 billion lower than the P150 billion targeted amount last month. It is also targeting to raise P180 billion in March from the combined sale of T-bonds and Treasury bills (T-bills). The Treasury will tender a total of P51.050 billion worth of T-bills and P1.802 trillion worth of T-bonds this year.

Based on state budget documents, the national government aims to borrow a total of P2.46 trillion, P253 billion higher than the P2.207 trillion gross borrowing plan in 2022. Reine Juvierre Alberto

families in their Facebook or Instagram stories and when they show a product they use for themselves or with their families, they know that they are really using it and not just for show. I am also a follower of certain influencers. I subscribe to their channels and click likes to their posts because I want to encourage them to continue with their posts or vlogs or stories and I also learn a lot from them. I follow sermons and motivational speakers, too. One thing I observe, influencers who stick to their niche and authentic are the most successful. Look at Heart Evangelista—she is a successful influencer because even during pandemic times when people shy away from the luxury items, she continues with her posts and vlogs. She is not swayed by public opinion and I can tell that she is truly a creative person—the dress she wears, the bag she carries and even the shoes are not just curated by some

vocates for the adoption of government-supported funding mechanisms to ensure the “continued provisions” of discounts to SCs and PWDs “without unduly burdening the retail sector.”

“This may involve allocating appropriations specifically earmarked for these discounts or providing tax credits to retailers and establishments that extend these benefits,” read the PRA’s position paper.

The group of local retailers underscored the need to tap into government resources to support these welfare programs, adding that by doing so, “we can achieve a more equitable distribution of costs while safeguarding the economic sustainability of businesses.”

Specifically, the PRA recommended, “Direct appropriations or tax credits are potential avenues through which the government can assist retailers facing challenges in implementing discount programs.”

Direct appropriations, it noted, would involve allocating specific funds to subsidize the costs associated with providing discounts to SCs and PWDs.

On the other hand, tax credits would “incentivize” businesses by allowing them to offset a portion of their tax liabilities based on the discounts they provide.

The PRA has about 1,550 member companies comprising over 6,000 outlets nationwide, according to PRA President Roberto S. Claudio Sr.

At a briefing last Friday, DTIConsumer Protection Group (CPG) Assistant Secretary Amanda F. Nograles said the DA, DTI and DOE are aiming to sign the new set of rules before the end of March, after which the rules would then take effect immediately.

The CPG official revealed to reporters that some stakeholders have expressed concern on the issue of “tax treatment” on the 5-percent special discount on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

Illustrating the potential impact of the increase in special discounts on local retailers, the PRA said, “in many cases, the discounts provided to SCs and PWDs exceed the profit margins of the products or services being offered.” As such, it added, “establishments are forced to absorb losses or pass on the additional costs to other consumers through price adjustments.”

Moreover, the PRA said the practice of giving discounts at risk of revenue loss “undermines the competitiveness of businesses and may lead to adverse effects on employment, investment, and overall economic growth.”

With this, the group said it ad-

stylists (although stylists may also be involved) but we know that the ultimate decision comes from her. Her personality shows through everything she wears or carries. That is why brand products sees an effective marketer in her.

Influencers can be beneficial to brands but on the side of the influencers, while opportunities abound, challenges are not far behind. There is a growing saturation of the market and standing out as an influencer requires more than just beautiful posts or photos but a content “with substance”. It also takes time, dedication and strategic planning to build a loyal and engaged following. There is also a need for a healthy work-life balance while navigating issues such as transparency, authenticity, and integrity amidst the social media pressures.

But there is a bright future for influencers with emergence of new platforms and technologies. From immersive experiences to interac-

Nograles said while the 20-percent discount given by restaurants and services to senior citizen should be treated as tax deduction, RA 9994 is “silent” with respect to special discounts on BNPCs.

However, she said the issue of tax payment is within the mandate of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Nograles said the DTI already wrote to the BIR regarding this concern of stakeholders. (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/03/11/dti-prepspublic-hearings-on-bigger-senior-discount/ )

The public consultation on granting special discounts to SCs and PWDs on the purchase of BNPCs will run from March 11 to March 12, the DTI said in an advisory posted on its web site.

tive content, the possibilities are endless. They have truly transformed and will continue to transform the social media landscape, revolutionizing the way products and services reach consumers and promote them. Social media will continue to be a force and will continue to evolve in reaching audiences for the years to come and influencers will remain a marketing and sales force at the forefront not only being trendsetters and tastemakers but influencing behaviors and values to come. Those are endless possibilities but also coupled with great responsibilities for influencers to succeed. But who say success comes easy?

Wilma Miranda is the 2024 chairman of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines’s Ethics Committee, managing partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates, CPAs, and member of the Board of Directors of KPS Outsourcing Inc. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions and the BusinessMirror

have you paid attention to your pelvis lately?

it supports your upper body weight, helps you sit, stand, walk and run, and protects your intestines, bladder and other organs found in the area between your abdomen and legs. Yet few people realize just how crucial the pelvis is—and how we need to take good care of it until something goes wrong.

the goal of pelvic health is to ensure your pelvic floor muscles are strong,” states Ana Melissa H. Cabungcal, MD of the Department of Urology of the top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).

“When your pelvic floor muscles are strong, you can easily contract and relax them, thus allowing you to control when to release or withhold pee, poo and gas. For women, contracting the pelvic floor muscles enhances sensation during sexual intercourse. Strong pelvic floor muscles are also essential during pregnancy because they support the weight of your growing baby inside your womb.”

time and circumstances weaken these hardworking yet often overlooked group of muscles. “Childbirth and surgery can affect pelvic floor muscles’ strength, as can overuse from heavy lifting, coughing and constipation,” Cabungcal reveals.

“For older women, menopause and aging cause pelvic floor muscles to lose their strength.”

the weakening of these muscles results in incontinence—the uncontrollable peeing, pooping, or passing gas when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or lift heavy objects. Untreated incontinence could escalate to pelvic organ prolapse, or the protrusion of the uterus, rectum, or bladder in the opening of your vagina.

now that you know how important pelvic health is, how do you keep your pelvic floor muscles strong and healthy for many years?

n MAINTAIN YOUR IDEAL WEIGHT.

“Being overweight places pressure on the organs in the pelvic floor. It also increases your risk of developing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse,” notes Cabungcal. Regular physical activity coupled with portion control and smart food choices benefits not just the pelvis but your overall health and well-being.

n DO KEGELS AND OTHER PELVISFRIENDLY WORKOUTS. Pronounced “kee-gulls,” Kegels are exercises aimed at strengthening pelvic floor muscles. “There are several whole-body Kegel exercises, but the key to knowing if you’re doing a Kegel right is if you can stop yourself from peeing midstream and passing gas at the same time, and hold them for 3 seconds before releasing,” says Cabungcal. Apart from Kegels, you can also practice yoga and perform lower ab exercises like bridge and wall squats, and the classic jumping jacks.

n BE MINDFUL OF YOUR REPRODUCTIVE AND DIGESTIVE HEALTH. Eating fiber and

Take a break

demands can become unbearable used to handle a team where we were required one weekend to report to work because we had to finish a project by Monday the following week. in the wee hours of the morning, my manager suddenly asked everyone to stop whatever we were doing and follow her. We got into her car and we drove to a nearby restaurant where she treated us for a meal and some chit chat.

Our little excursion was a welcome respite and when we went back to work, we realized that we were stuck in a problem that was not actually essential to the project. We were so tired that we were seeing problems where there were none. We realized that our physical exhaustion had reduced our creativity and decision-making. While some work better under pressure and come up with a solution right away, not everyone can do so at the drop of a hat. And even if they could, it would not be sustainable if they are forced to come up with solutions all the time.

if you have managed to control the stress of working under sustained pressure, congratulations! But i do hope you are able to sustain it without damaging your body or other aspects of your life. But for the rest of us, there must be a limit to how long and how much pressure we can take at work for us to still be functional and sociable outside the office. Some people just push themselves so much that they even suffer from mental exhaustion. If you often forget a lot of things, become irritable and are easily triggered, and always find yourself anxious and worrying for no reason, then you need to rest and take a break.

Rest is anything you do for relaxation and enjoyment. It is a time where you do not have to do anything for anyone, and you are just focusing on doing something you enjoy. There are those who take a break by surrounding themselves with people, things, or events that inspire them. And there are those who relax by disconnecting from everything and everyone just so they can get away from people and situations that drain them.

Rest can mean different things to different people. As an introvert, I find solace and relaxation by just staring out into the void and doing nothing. it also calms me to be in a quiet room and just be alone, or clean my room or fix my things. Some people find it helpful to get lost in a crowd surrounded by strangers and talk to people endlessly about nothing and everything, while others do physical activities to relax and unwind. Whatever you find helpful in unwinding, taking a break can help you reset and find renewed strength and motivation.

taking the time to rest heals your mind and body.

Unicef:

One of the most important things you can do to rest is to get a good night’s sleep because it renews the body’s capacity to fight off infection and diseases. While most doctors prescribe seven hours of sleep, it would still depend on the quality of sleep you get every night. Some would sleep more than nine hours and still feel tired, while some would sleep for only four hours but feel fully rejuvenated. If you get tired easily and take frequent naps during the day, you might need to rethink your sleeping habits.

Another way of resting is to take breaks when you are at work. One time management tool you can use to take breaks is the pomodoro technique where you focus on a task for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break after. This is especially effective for complex and difficult projects because you are forced to start and break down the entire project into bite-sized tasks which can be tackled one at a time. This is especially helpful for procrastinators who just need an extra push to get things working in the right direction.

taking breaks also reduces fatigue and gets you out of a stressful environment. taking a break by walking away from your desk allows you to gain a new perspective by putting the problem aside for a while. Even now, when I find myself in stressful situations and I need to think through things, I walk around just so i can get out of my head and distract my mind from overanalyzing and overthinking issues. If your office has a garden or an open space, take your break there

230 million females are

globally, 30 million more than in

By Noha Elhennawy The Associated Presss

CAIRO—Over 230 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation, most of whom live in Africa, according to a report issued on Friday by the United nations children’s agency. In the last eight years, some 30 million people have undergone the procedure, in which external genitalia are partially or fully removed, Unicef estimated in the report, which was released on international Women’s Day.

the percentage of women and girls who experience female genital mutilation is declining, Unicef said, but it warned that efforts to eradicate the practice are too slow to keep up with fast-growing populations.

so that you can view things differently. Vacation leaves are there for a reason. Whenever you see an opportunity to use your vacation leave, do so. Plan your vacations so that you can adjust your workload and finish your deliverables ahead of time. if not, plan it so that you can endorse remaining tasks properly.

One thing i learned from a mentor was to use my leaves across the year instead of one long leave because short leaves give you the added boost you need throughout the year. Some people think of work like a marathon where they push themselves so hard throughout the year that when they take a vacation, they are too tired to enjoy it. Think of work in terms of sprints where you get to rest more frequently and you have added energy to do your work for the rest of the year. think about it. You get to miss only a few days of work which means that when you get back, you hit the ground running because you are recharged. Whereas if you go for a long break, chances are that work has piled up and you will be overwhelmed with the amount of work you have left behind.

As they say, if you do not rest, your body will take one for you. Just as much as you need to schedule tasks within the day, you also need to schedule rest and deliberately take the time to just unwind. More so when everyone is stressed and becoming grumpy and irritated already. When you find yourself biting off people’s head without intending to, it might be a good idea to step back and rest. n

“the practice of female genital mutilation is declining, but not fast enough,” the report said. the practice, incorrectly believed to control women’s sexuality, can cause serious bleeding and even death. Girls are subjected to the procedure at ages ranging from infancy to adolescence. long term, it can lead to urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, pain, decreased sexual satisfaction and childbirth complications, as well as depression, low self-esteem and post-

traumatic stress disorder.

“We’re also seeing a worrying trend that more girls are subjected to the practice at younger ages, many before their fifth birthday. That further reduces the window to intervene,” said Unicef executive director Catherine Russell.

Some 144 million women and girls have been through female genital mutilation in Africa alone, followed by Asia and the Middle East with 80 million and 6 million respectively,

the report said. Somalia tops the list of countries where the practice, also known as female circumcision, is prevalent, with 99 percent of the female population between the ages of 15 and 49 having been circumcised.

Burkina Faso made the most significant progress, reducing the proportion of women between 15 and 49 who were circumcised from 80 percent to 30 percent over three decades. The report also showed that 4 in

every 10 survivors live in conflict-torn countries with high population growth rates, adding that political instability disrupts efforts prevent the practice and provide support to victims.

“Ethiopia, Nigeria and Sudan account for the largest numbers of girls and women who have undergone female genital mutilation in conflictaffected countries,” the report said.

Although the report hailed the progress made in some countries, it warned that the world is falling short of what would be needed to meet the n’s goal of eradicating the practice globally by 2030.

in some countries, progress would need to be 10 times faster than the best progress observed in history in order to reach the target by 2030,” said the report.

nimco Ali, CeO of the Five Foundation, a UK-based charity that fights female genital mutilation, said the Unicef estimates were “shocking” and “devastating,” and more funding is urgently needed to end the practice.

“We must use the last six years of this decade to finally get to grips with this abhorrent abuse of a girl’s human rights and save the next generation from the horrors of FGM,” the Somaliborn activist, author and female genital mutilation survivor said in a press release.

PHOTO BY KAYLAH MATTHEWS

BIG WIN FOR EPLDT’S CYBERSECURITY CULTURE PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES AT 59TH ANVIL AWARDS

THE ePLDT Cybersecurity Awareness Program (eCAP): Making Our Employees Cybersecurity Ambassadors was awarded the prestigious Silver Anvil under the Public Relations Program—Employee Engagement Category at the recent 59th Anvil Awards presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

The Anvil Awards is a symbol of Excellence in Public Relations awarded to outstanding public relations programs, tools, and practitioners after careful screening by select PR professionals and judging by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.

ePLDT, the ICT subsidiary of PLDT and the Philippines’ leading enabler of digital transformation, conducted internal cybersecurity information campaigns to empower its employees to be able to protect themselves and the organization from everevolving cybersecurity threats.

It launched the ePLDT Cybersecurity Awareness Program (eCAP), a mandatory eLearning initiative combining a training portal and simulation tests, to reinforce a cyber aware and cyber secure mindset amid escalating phishing threats worldwide

To effectively reduce cybersecurity risks, eCAP made sure vigilance is advocated from top management to middle managers, frontliners, shared services and operational teams.

“We understand that cybersecurity is at the center of every successful digital trans -

formation and we make it an integral component of ePLDT’s multi-cloud services and data center solutions. Safeguarding data and systems are part of our company DNA both in serving our customers and protecting our own organization,” said Victor S. Genuino, ePLDT President & CEO.

7s Super League, AIA to redefine football in the PHL

Ta new era of football excitement in the Philippines.

Organized by 7x7 Football Philippines, this revolutionary league promises to redefine football in the country with its unique seven-a-side format.

Embracing innovation and thrilling gameplay, the 7s Super League introduces a fast-paced and dynamic style of football. With a compact field and smaller teams, matches are expected to be high-scoring and action-packed, delivering an exhilarating experience for fans.

Elite teams comprising top-tier football talent from various cities across Metro Manila will compete in the league’s debut season. Among

the seven participating teams are the Alabang South Supers, BGC Soldiers, Pampanga Strikers, Paranaque Super Nets, Quezon City Heroes, Siniloan GOM Blues, and Pasig City Pirates.

With a blend of local and international players, the 7s Super League adds a global dimension to the competition, offering fans exciting matchups and diverse playing styles that contribute to the rich tapestry of football in the Philippines.

Anton del Rosario, CEO and Founder of 7x7 Football Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm for the league’s launch, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize football in the country. “This will be a game-changer for football in the Philippines,” said del Rosario. “The unique format, combined with

the caliber of players involved, promises to deliver an unforgettable football experience.”

He also highlighted the league’s commitment to its “7x7 Goals of J.O.Y,” focusing on creating Jobs, providing Opportunities, and nurturing the Youth through football.

AIA Philippines, a longstanding sponsor of the 7s Football League, is thrilled to extend its support to the new 7s Super League. The league’s founder, del Rosario, shared AIA’s vision of providing a career path to young football players, aligning perfectly with AIA’s mission of helping Filipinos live healthier, longer, and better lives. As a consistent sponsor of 7s Football events since 2018, AIA’s partnership with the 7s Super League underscores its dedication to supporting football programs nationwide and internationally. Through this collaboration, AIA aims to provide a platform for all players, offering them a continuous pathway to success in the world of football.

“AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, and investment,” said del Rosario. “Thanks to AIA, we are able to give players the opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger stage with the 7s Super League.”

Prepare for a football spectacle like never before as the 7s Super League takes center stage. Stay tuned for a season filled with intense matches, incredible goals, and unparalleled football excitement.

Century Park Hotel supports women empowerment

WE always hear of women empowerment but what exactly does this oft-used phrase entail? Women empowerment is believing that women can be catalysts of change, it is recognizing their strengths and qualities. Women need to be supported not just inside their homes but also in their chosen professions and advocacies.

Century Park Hotel (CPH) is known for supporting women; where else can you find a company that champions women in supervisory and management roles? Even among the back of the house and frontliners, you will see women ensuring that the hotel’s daily operations are running smoothly like

a well-oiled machine.

This March, in celebration of International Women’s month, CPH wants to emphasize that endeavor through their “Women’s Day Special!”

Every Monday of March, women of all ages can avail of a 25 percent discount at Café In The Park (starting price at P1,800net/head) and Century Tsukiji (from 1,499/pax) buffet for lunch or dinner. Café in the Park offers international cuisine that varies from day to day. This is one exciting gustatory adventure that should not be missed by the ladies. Café In The Park’s buffets are available from 11 am to 2:30 pm (Lunch) and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Dinner).

If you are in the mood for Japanese cuisine, head off to Century Tsukiji and experience for yourself what everyone has been talking about regarding the hotel’s Japanese food outlet. Sumptuous beef slices, juicy sashimi, yummy sukiyaki, succulent tempura and other delicacies are waiting for all the women in the family as well as in the workplace. Century Tsukiji’s buffets can be availed of from 11 am to 2 p, (Lunch) and 5 pm to 9:30 pm (Dinner).

For those ladies seeking to have a chill out session, the Atrium Lounge offers a 25 percent off on its ala carte menu from 9 am to 12 midnight The lounge is famous for its cozy vibe, sultry music and delectable snacks.

“Women have always played an important part in Century Park Hotel’s history. Time and again, when the hotel has faced challenges such as the pandemic, the women employees have been pivotal in turning things around, whether in making major decisions or implementing milestone projects. As we observe and celebrate International Women’s Month, this ‘Women’s Day Special!’ is our tribute to all the women who make our lives complete and special,” said Ana Dimagiba, Century Park Hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations.

To know more about the hotel’s “Women’s Day Special!” offers, visit ww.centurypark.com.ph or check out their social media accounts at IG: @ centuryparkhotelmanila or FB: Century Park Hotel Manila. You may also call +632 85288888 or +63 917 528 58888.

“Our continuous cybersecurity evangelization efforts and the eCAP are ways by which we make sure that ePLDT can walk the talk and practice what we preach to our customers,” he added.

The eCAP consisted of short impactful courses delivered through the ePLDT training portal accessible to all employees.

To cite a few of the courses, “Five Common Email Security Threats,” “Profile of a Phisher: Social Engineering,” “Profile of a Phisher: Credential Phishing,” “Credential of a Phisher: Mobile Devices,” “Credential of a Phisher: Ransomware,” “Credential of a Phisher: URLs”, and “Choose Your Phish.”

At the end of each course is a quiz that employees need to perfect before they can proceed to the next course.  Those who successfully completed the program requirements were awarded Certificates of Completion. This encouraged ePLDT employees to inspire cybersecurity awareness to friends, family and enterprise customers.

“We were able to achieve a 100 percent completion per business unit within ePLDT, with all employees completing the eCAP’s learning course. Getting everyone on board

is imperative to create a company culture of cybersecurity vigilance,” shared Ronald De Guzman, Vice President and Head of Cloud Service Delivery and Operations.  De Guzman’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance Team spearheaded the development and implementation of eCAP.

To further gauge the employees’ ability to recognize actual threats, phishing simulation tests in relation to the SIM registration effort and password checks were deployed.  Seven percent of ePLDT employees fell for phishing attempts in the first simulation test.  By the time of the second phishing simulation, the bait or fail rate dropped to five percent.  Repeat offenders were automatically enrolled to a General Phishing Course.

“eCAP demonstrated the pressing need for heightened awareness and training. Information Security must be a top of mind for all employees since they serve as the company’s first line of defense. Through this initiative, ePLDT will continue to aim in increasing employee resilience over time and strengthen the company’s cyber-aware culture,” said De Guzman.

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am MAD launches ‘Love the Volunteer Vibes’ campaign in Davao

SPREADING the true spirit and positive vibes of volunteerism, nonprofit I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. launched its newest campaign catchphrase “Love the Volunteer Vibes” at its annual volunteer reunion and 14th anniversary celebration held recently in Davao City. Dubbed as “MAD Meet,” this year’s gathering of volunteers took a major leap as it was held for the first time in Mindanao, at the serene Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park, the event’s venue partner.

“Hosting this year’s MAD Meet in Davao marks one of our organization’s greatest achievements, as it breaks away from our traditional Luzonbased gatherings since the inception of the annual reunion of volunteers,” said Big Jay Lagang, MAD Meet Davao convenor and Chief of Volunteers for Countryside Operations of am MAD. Under its new banner, “Love the Volunteer Vibes: I am MAD to the 14th Power,” the organization hopes to express an amplified level of positivity and enthusiasm associated with engaging in volunteer work.

Furthermore, the latest theme is also in support of the country’s “Love the Philippines” campaign as it has been a trademark of I am

‘G-REN

KOBY

MAD to visit local tourist spots after each outreach program. This year, I am MAD is set to conduct its flagship program MAD Camp in at least 12 schools across different provinces and explore seven tourist destinations for its MADventure initiative.

Lagang, a dedicated member of I am MAD for nearly a decade and presently serving as a news anchor/reporter at People’s Television Network (PTV) Davao, expressed the hope that both existing members and newcomers will wholeheartedly embrace and embody the spirit of “Love the Volunteer Vibes” that this kind of event fosters.

Meanwhile, aside from unveiling its latest campaign and plans for 2024, the two-day reunion also highlighted the organization’s accomplishments in 2023, including its 11 MAD Camps around the Philippines; MAD Talks Padayon, a volunteerism and mental health forum; MADx, an employee engagement program for corporate partners; and its newest social enterprise, MADventure, among others.

Through these accomplishments that reflect the organization’s commitment to helping and inspiring young people to be a part of nationbuilding, I am MAD was likewise recognized by the Department of Education as one of its “MATATAG” Agenda partners.

Motor Oil Racing’ Team: A Thrilling Addition to FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024

THE Philippines recently presented its newest contender in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship 2024 season-the “G-REN KOBY Motor Oil Racing” Team. Set to make waves in the highly anticipated ARRC UB150 category, this team is poised to showcase one of the best Philippine racing talents on the international stage.

KOBY, a prominent name in the motorcycle care products industry with its new product KOBY Motor Oil, assumes the pivotal role of Team Principal, forming a dynamic partnership with G-REN, renowned for its mag wheels trusted by motorcycle enthusiasts and racers alike. The collaboration brings forth a winning combination to redefine standards in the UB150 category.

Fueling the team’s machines is the powerhouse expertise of 4S1M, a distinguished brand with a proven track record in local and international racing. With a focus on building competitive engines, 4S1M Racing joins forces with the “G-REN KOBY Motor Oil Racing” Team as the technical support, ensuring a formidable presence on the racing circuit.

In a strategic move, SEC Motosupply lends its unwavering support by providing the team with all necessary racing gear and equipment. Their

commitment reflects a shared vision of success, contributing to the team’s competitiveness.

Behind the handlebars is none other than Masato “the Chairman” Fernando, a champion in various local and national championships in the country and the pride of Philippine racing. Making a comeback to the ARRC, Fernando previously secured the Philippines’ multiple podium finishes [1st Place-Sepang, Malaysia Rd., 2nd Place-Zhuhai, China Rd., and 3rd PlaceBuriram, Thailand Rd.]. He placed 6th in the Overall Rider Standing during his ARRC UB150 debut a few years ago. His expertise and determination mark a formidable force within the team.

With Koby and G-Ren at the helm, supported by 4S1M Racing and SEC Motosupply, the “G-REN KOBY Motor Oil Racing” Team is aiming for the top, striving to prove the Philippines’ mettle on the international racing stage. Adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season, the team proudly introduces KOBY Motor Oil. The team’s commitment extends to using the new KOBY Motor Oil for their race bikes, showcasing the quality and performance under the most intense racing conditions.

IN the photo are, from left, Melissa Henson-AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer; Anton Del Rosario-Founder & CEO 7x7 Philippines and Ethan Lee-Executive Director 7x7 Philippines.

AM MAD volunteers in their themed shirts and crochet heart corsage at Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park.

THE ladies of Century Park Hotel at Café at the Park.

Editor: Tet Andolong

Smart homeS from amaia Land

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

Am A i A Land (Amaia), the affordable housing unit of property colossus Ayala Land inc. (ALi), recently set the bar in its market segment when it introduced the Amaia Home Solutions in its Amaia Scapes project in Pandi, Bulacan.

“Actually, Amaia Land as one of the residential brands of Ayala Land is catering to the middle income Filipinos. It will actually communicate the value proposition of this smart home technology through our units here that Amaia Scapes will have and that is actually going to be highlighted in our marketing campaigns,” Jeanette C. Satutnino, marketing, recruitment and training division head of Amaia Land told reporters in an interview on the sidelines of their open house event. She pointed out that the objective of Amaia is really to provide improvements in the products that it offers to the market to ensure the company would be able to maintain its competitive edge, “drive business and provide value to our clients in this ever evolving and changing real estate landscape.”

She pointed out that the Amaia Home Solutions provide the potential property seekers a glimpse of future living that these buyers might have missed when they

were young. By visiting the model units, Saturnino said Amaia would be offering a memorable and engaging experience for them when they visit the unit. In return, she said Amaia is expecting satisfied clients to refer the latest product to their friends and families and of course help boost the sales and also increase loyalty to the brand.

Vic Katigbak, project technical manager of Amaia Land said the company also had to look for a reliable and affordable supplier for their smart homes. “To test the effectiveness of the products, Katigbak and his team tested the devices. I practically did the installation, and Integrated Google Alexa and Siri,” he said. After the trials, he said, the company was very happy with the results and urged him to pursue the project “The management told me why not offer it as an innovation?,” Katigbak recalled.

Interestingly, Katigbak said Koreanovelas played a big role in the increase in demand for smart

Phinma group ground breaks high-end residences in Davao City

FRoM

By Manuel T. Cayon

Dhere is carving out an elite community of only 94 designer townhomes at the northern suburbs only 8 kilometers from downtown Davao.

The company said that this exclusive community would demonstrate “Filipino craftmanship and innovation.”

“Likha Residences Davao is more than just a luxury development: it is celebration of Filipino heritage and artistry,” the company said, as it disclosed of tapping the services of celebrated Mañosa and Co., the architectural firm founded by the late national artist for architecture Francisco Mañosa. Set at price range upwards of P20 million per unit, the Likha Residences Davao of the Phinma group of companies said the townhomes would be constructed from indigenous materials to traditional motifs “as Likha Residences pays homage to the country’s architectural heritage.”

Alice dela Peña Villanueva, the company’s head of sales and marketing, said the

homes as their buyers were visually impressed by the presence of these gadgets in Korean homes. “The people have seen these technologies and they liked them,” he said.

“That is when Amaia decided to offer them to the buyers because we wanted the people to enjoy their investment bought from their own hard-earned money,” he added.

Nowadays, Katigbak said the smart home solutions are not considered a luxury but a necessity. He added buyers also think investing in Amaia’s smart homes as an upgrade.

As a member of the ALI family, Amaia is also doing its share in

championing sustainability which is one of the advocacies of the parent company Ayala Corp. Amaia has also developed a campaign with an acronym called ACCESS which stands for accessibility, convenience, comfortable daily living, energy efficiency,security, and safety. Aside from innovation, Home Solutions also prioritizes sustainability in Amaia Scapes Bulacan Sector C. This integrates various eco-friendly features, including heat-reflective roofs and light-colored facades that minimize violet emissions. The home solutions will be offered to Single Homes 60 house

types of Amaia Scapes Bulacan Sector 3C.

The home solutions function include:

Smart outlet: A home automation outlet with a USB port that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone. It offers unique connectivity for an enhanced home functionality and convenience.

Smart Touch Glass Switch: A unique touch-sensitive type of electrical switch that is activated by a human tap. It can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi that adds a layer of sophistication and convenience to your home.

Smart Smoke Sensor: A type of smoke sensor that offers an advanced approach to smoke detec -

tion and enhancing home safety.

Smart CCTV: A weatherproof camera designed for outdoor use. It is equipped with powerful lenses and infrared LEDs to enhance the security of the home.

Smart Door Lock: A door equipped with smart technology that enhances security. It allows homeowners to use multiple ways to unlock the door through their smartphone, fingerprint, RFID, passcode or access card.

Multimode Gateway: A versatile network device that acts as a central hub that connects your mobile device to all smart home features. Further, it allows multiple connectivity to smart devices via WiFi and Bluetooth.

Creba keeps on pushing for housing advocacies, legislative reforms

By Roderick L. Abad

THE Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations Inc.

(Creba) reported the developments on its various advocacies and legislative agenda meant to advance not only the business interest of each member, but also to create a lasting impact on the society and the economy.

Velez, Jiolo Velez (Joint Venture Partner)

construction would continue the legacy of strength of its two previous projects here which she said had been tested of their resilience to the series of strong earthquakes during the decade.

The strong earthquakes of magnitude of more than 6 during the last five years led to the collapse of one floor of a 5-story condominium, abandonment of two high-rise condominium buildings over dangerous cracks, and the damages to the other high-rise commercial buildings here.

Villanueva said the company’s decision to construct the pricey townhomes indicate the posturing of business families and corporate individuals to a “revenge spending” after the Covid-19 pandemic. “It could be likely, aside from there are already inquiries and interest from all over to own their own units here.”

The Phinma Properties first established its foothold in Mindanao here in 2013 when it constructed in Dona Pilar, Sasa, the mid-rise Arezzo condominium, which sold out by the middle of 2022. Last year, it ventured into its second project, a combination of townhomes and single attached units in Tugbok, northwest of downtown.

Outside of Metro Manila, the Phinma Properties have also residential and township projects in Bacolod and Cebu in the Visayas.

“As the sounding board of the housing sector, Creba has carried the torch as the voice and vanguard of the Philippine property sector marked by the consolidation of its collective experiences and expertise of all its members in pushing for the Five-point Housing Agenda, drafting various bills and recommendations to either amend, rationalize, streamline or beat up existing laws and policies on housing,” Creba National President Noel Toti

M. Cariño said during their General Membership Meeting & Election of National Directors for 2024 to 2026 held recently in Makati City.

Under the previous board for 2022 to 2023, the chamber succeeded in getting the Congress to include in the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act) Act its proposal to raise the VAT (value added tax) exemption threshold for residential properties to P4.2 million. While this was vetoed, Cariño said that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulation No. 12024, which raised the threshold to P3.6 million.

On complaints of its developermembers about the implementation of the Housing Escrow Fund, which was established by the HLURB in 2017 as a fund pool comprised of contributions by developers in compliance to the mandated balanced housing requirement, Creba went to DHSUD in May 2021 to clear its position questioning the fund’s legality and propriety.

“A few months later, Senator Risa Hontiveros called on the Commission on Audit to keep close watch on the funds that we have contributed [to]. Later, we learned that the escrow

operations have been suspended in view of a pending proceeding before the Department of Justice. This is part of our governance initiatives,” he shared.

As regards the mandated balanced housing requirement, one of the bills proposes the replacement of the Housing Escrow Fund with direct donation by the developers to local government units.

Considering the lack of adequate safeguards, conditions and parameters in the implementation of this proposed law, Cariño, without going into details, bared that they submitted and discussed with the Technical Working Group its recommended reformation of the bill. While Creba has been successful in blocking the enactment of the National Land Use Act (NLUA) since it was first proposed in Congress in 1999 due to many of its provisions that are blatantly bias against the real estate sector, the group has changed its stand on this law.

“We have revised our position on the NLUA bills to make it more relevant and responsive to the times,” he underscored. “As part of our campaign, we have updated our supporting statistics with respect to the land area, which is actually used for agriculture versus the

build upland area forest lands so that the lawmakers can really see what the real situation is.”

Creba is also seeking a change for the bills still pending before the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development, which require developers to allocate an area for the construction of an information technology (IT) infrastructure such as towers and the like in development projects at no cost.

“This requirement imposes unreasonableness burdens, of course, on our industry, and poses an adverse impact to our homebuyers. We have submitted to the House Committee our propose reformulation of the provisions that we found to be untenable,” Carinõ cited.

To keep up with the current times, Creba believes that Republic Act 6552, otherwise known as the “Realty Installment Buyer Act,” or more popularly known as the “Maceda Law,” which protects real property owners from inequitable conditions imposed on sale transactions involving real estate purchase financed through an installment basis, must be revised at present.

The chamber’s top official revealed that some of their developer-members have called upon them to move towards the amendment of the antiquated law

that was approved on August 26, 1972.

“We share their view that this law imposes unjust burdens on developers and has been abused by many property buyers on installment. Maybe a review on this impact should really be revisited,” he said. Amid incessant public clamor for more efficient and fast delivery of services around land ownership, the Land Registration Reform bill has been filed in the Lower House proposing to reorganize the Land Registration Act and amend the Property Registration Law with respect to the reconstitution of titles, administrative correction and disposition of adverse claims.

“From our analysis, these bills will actually worsen the prevailing situation by dismantling the safeguards against the fraud in the existing laws. Thus, we have to come up with an alternative draft bill that fully addresses these issues,” Cariño said. “We anticipate the incoming Creba board to present this draft bill soon to the membership for consensus.”

The last undertaking pursued by Creba’s previous board, in support of the group’s Five-point Agenda for Housing, is the proposed revision of the Centralized Homebuyer Financing Program (CHFP). Initially proposed by the chamber in 1998, it has been designed to continually generate funds exclusively for home lending, without too much dependence on budgetary support from the government.

“Considering that it has been more than 25 years since the CHFP was first conceptualized, we need to revisit its features to make them conform to the realities of the times,” he said, while encouraging all their members to continue to band together to chart the future of their association and the general trajectory of the Philippine real estate industry. “We hope that our entire membership will rise up to the occasion and react with equal zeal. If Creba had made a difference in the last 50 years, expect Creba to make a far bigger difference now in the years to come.”

PARIS Olympics qualifiers Aira Villegas (left) and Nesthy Petecio (right) with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Q-School grads Kakeru, Salvador lead ICTSI Apo Classic with 72s

Tat nearby South Pacific, turned a floundering start into a flourishing finish by birdying three of the last four holes to salvage a 38-34.

Edmar

late birdies, Kakeru acknowledged the stifling weather conditions and vowed to sustain his form for the upcoming rounds.

“Very hot but made birdies late,” said Kakeru in halting English. “Same thing tomorrow [Wednesday], go for par and try to make birdies. I’ll do my best.” Salvador, on the other hand, emphasized his strategy of targeting fairways and greens while aiming for efficient putting.

“I hit my mark, my target were the fairways and greens and go 2 putts,” said the nephew of former PGT Order of Merit (OOM) winner Elmer Salvador. The duo seized a one-stroke lead over notable contenders in the P2.5 million championship put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., including reigning OOM winner Jhonnel Ababa, Zanieboy Gialon and Korean Gwon Minwook, another recent

Nesthy & Aira Paris-bound!

By Josef Ramos

MAKE that six Filipino athletes so far who are going to the Olympics after Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas hurdled their opponents with relative ease in the Paris boxing qualifier in Busto Arsizio, Italy, on Tuesday morning.

“I did my best to secure the first and second rounds, but I had to endure exhaustion in the third round and my monthly period came at the same time,” Petecio told BusinessMirror following her 4-1 victory over Turkey’s Esra Yildiz at the Maria Piantanida Sports E-Work Arena.

Petecio now has the chance to improve on the women’s featherweight silver medal she clinched in Tokyo 2020 as she returns to the Olympics along with Eumir Felix Marcial, who bagged a men’s middleweight bronze medal

Q-School graduate.

Homegrown talents Elmer Salvador and Jay Bayron posted identical 74s for joint sixth with Russell Bautista and Nilo Salahog after 18 holes of the tournament supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.

but will be fighting as a light heavyweight in Paris.

Villegas, 28 and like Petecio a battle-scarred veteran, beat Bulgaria’s Zlatislava Chukanova, 5-0, to become a first-time Olympian in the company of the other Paris qualifiers pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and another first-timer, Aleah Finnegan.

“It was really tough, but I listened to my coaches to create a separation and used my jabs in the third round,” said Petecio, the world champion in 2019. “I’m thankful that I survived with that strategy of coach Reynaldo Galido. I just kept my focus since I knew what’s on the line in this fight.”

If Petecio and Villegas are on cloud nine, so was Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“My heartfelt congratulations to

deserve to be in Paris,” said Tolentino, who was at the stands cheering the Filipino boxers hoarse at the Maria Piantanida Sports E-Work Arena in Busto Arsizio, Italy.

“And to our athletes who have yet to qualify, and those who missed Paris here, never say never!” he said. “You still have all the chances to make it to the Olympics.”

Tolentino’s charm with lady luck further reverberated as the world celebrates Women’s Month.

“It’s a good timing because we are celebrating Women’s Month in March…imagine two women made it to the Olympics,” he said. “I’m really proud of Nesthy and Aira.”

Yildiz, 26, a bronze medalist at the 2016 European championships, did all the tricks in the book to overcome the 31-year-old Petecio—she wrestled, clinched and distracted the Filipino through her head gear. But Petecio hung tough and got scores of 29-28 from four judges

Despite a challenging start, Tony Lascuna, who dominated the elite field here in 2019, rallied in the latter part of the round, gaining two strokes in the last five holes to rescue a 75 and land in a tie for 10th spot with Ira Alido, Keanu Jahns, Mars Pucay, Japanese Kei Matsuoka, Dutchman Guido van der Valk, Rupert Zaragosa, Korean Min Hyeok Yu and last year’s Q-School topnotcher Hyun Ho Rho, also from Korea.

Ababa ahead by 1 stroke over Fortuna, Singson

S

ARAH ABABA nailed a long birdie putt on No. 17 to spike a gutsy 72 and pull ahead by one over Mikha Fortuna and rookie Mafy Singson in an unpredictable start to the P1 million International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Ladies Apo Golf Classic Thursday in Davao City.

Ababa’s dramatic putt from 24 feet on the penultima hole of Apo, where she honed her skills, brought stability to a rollercoaster round where the leaderboard witnessed constant changes.“The course conditions are challenging. I didn’t set a goal, just enjoying it because this is my home course,” said Ababa, who’s aiming to break a long nine-year title drought on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. She credited her father-caddie for providing valuable support.

“My father was a big help. I played relaxed,” she said. “In fact, after I bogeyed No. 1, he told me that it was a good start.”

Ababa, who edged Chihiro Ikeda and Korean Hwang Min Jeong at Sherwood Hills in 2015 for her career breakthrough, birdied the par-five No. 3, yielded another stroke on the next then broke a run of pars with that big putt on the 17th. But hot on her trail were two former national team standouts as Fortuna endured a tough frontside test, finishing with a birdie on the last hole to salvage a 73.

Singson, on the other hand, bogeyed the 18th for a 38-35 and missed joining Ababa at the top. “The course is narrow and the greens are pretty hard. It was colorful but tough day,” said Fortuna, eyeing a follow-up to her victory in the season-ending ICTSI Match Play Invitational last year. “I had a challenging start, I only made two

Tiger’s son Charlie

CHARLIE WOODS has his father’s penchant to dream big early on in life. That’s the screaming commonality between Charlie and Tiger Woods.

But in his first foray at aiming for an early shot at fame, Charlie Woods stumbled.

That’s because Charlie’s still basically wet behind the ears, so to speak.

He is 15. In a game as complex as golf, Charlie’s still raw. Since golf is essentially a war, Charlie still has to face more battles that could help hone his approach to the sport.

I suspect Tiger has his departed father’s own set of rules that he wanted handed down to Charlie. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Tiger’s Dad was a paragon of discipline.

pars on the frontnine,” added Fortuna, who fumbled with five bogeys against two birdies in the first nine holes.

But she stayed patient throughout, picking up strokes on Nos. 10 and 13 and recovering from a mishap on the 17th with a closing birdie.

“With how I played, I think it was okay. I’m proud of myself, how I was able to stay composed,” she said. “It was a tough battle throughout, it requires a different strategy and I hope for the best tomorrow [Wednesday].”

JAPANESE Ozeki Kakeru and Edmar Salvador Jr. surely did their homework. NONIE REYES SARAH ABABA’S at home in Apo. NONIE REYES

favoring Yildiz, 29-28.

Villegas, meanwhile, was knocked down in the third round but had piled more than enough points to escape with the victory and the ticket to Paris.

“It’s her destiny and timing, Aira is not a newbie in boxing,” said Petecio of Villegas. “She’s been boxing for years and she’s one of the hardest working boxers in the gym. I’m really happy for her.” Tokyo Olympics featherweight silver medalist Carlo Paalam, light welterweight Mark Ashely Fajardo and women’s middleweight Hergie Bacyadan didn’t accomplish their goal in Italy but they still have a final opportunity in the last Paris qualifier in Bangkok from May 23 to June 3. Unlike in previous Olympic qualifying tournament, the Busto Arsizio event didn’t offer medals to the top boxers but ceased operation once the Paris qualifiers were determined.

Record field seeing action in Southwoods Invitational

THE Southwoods Invitational unwraps Wednesday with the initial batch of the recordbreaking 325-team field aiming for strong starts at the Masters and Legends courses.

The sequential tee times start at 6 a.m. featuring the Best Ball format at the hazard-laden Masters and the Aggregate format at the bunker-riddled Legends layout.

Play will be under the Stableford Points scoring system with applied course handicaps.

Participants on Wednesday will play their second round on Friday while Batch 2 takes the stage Thursday and on Saturday.

Jake P. Ayson and I had the rare honor of drinking beer with Colonel Woods in the clubhouse of Presidio Hills in San Diego, California, while we waited for Tiger to finish his round in the World Juniors.

The Colonel said: “Tiger and I went to Tiger’s usual afternoon practice after school. But he forgot his golf shoes. Tiger pointed at the pro shop for me to buy him a pair. I told him, ‘No way. No shoes, no golf.’”

They left immediately—with Tiger quiet as a mule on the way home.

In the recent pre-qualifier for the Cognizant Classic, Charlie bombed out so badly he finished 110th among 112 hopefuls.

Charlie, 15, had a 12 on one hole and shot 86. He saw it coming. He quickly ran into two bogeys and a double bogey on the par-5 fifth. On 7, with water on the right and water behind the green, Charlie’s 12 signaled farewell. With his 47 going out, two bogeys and a double bogey coming home, his 86 was way behind the leader’s

hole-in-one feats in one of the country’s biggest member-guest tournaments backed by Platinum sponsors CWC International Corp., Calamba Doctors Hospital and Calamba Doctors College. These include brand new cars from Mitsubishi Motors In case no one scores an ace, all prizes will be raffled off during awards ceremony on Saturday. Hyundai Motors Phil. Is offering an exclusive prize, a Stargazer X, for an ace. In addition to the overall gross and overall net crowns, the competition will also see teams vying for titles in Divisions I, II, III, IV and V, while the Sponsors and Guests will dispute the title in their own category. The Gold sponsors of the four-day tournament are Federal Land Inc. and The Turf Company while making up the Silver sponsors list are Abomar Equipment Sales Corp., Agrexplore Corp., Le Chef Inc., Leads Agricultural Products Corp., City of Cabuyao, City of Carmona, Mit-Air Inc., Pacsports Phils. Inc. and Regent Travel Corp.

65, with a 67 advancing. Charlie’s campaign totally paled in comparison to his Dad’s. Before he turned 17, Tiger had

The Philippine boxing team was due to fly home late Tuesday.

POC Golf

A

T least 40 legislators from the House of Representatives are set to tee off for the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Golf Cup II that aims to boost the National Athletes’ Trust Fund on Wednesday at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Cainta, Rizal.

“We’re very happy that this POC Golf Cup legislators’ edition will be attended by congressmen and congresswomen who are very passionate about golf and sports and are very enthusiastic in helping our national athletes,” POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.The trust fund will provide incentives and bonuses to athletes who will make the podium in the Paris Olympics this July-August.

Philippine participation in Paris has risen to six athletes following the qualification of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas in Italy on Monday—they join pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

Among the early birds are Reps. Mike Dy of Isabela, Richard Gomez of Ormoc City and also the POC Second Vice President and Aniela Tolentino of the Eighth District of Cavite.

“We’re very thankful to House Speaker Martin Romualdez for helping our initiative for our athletes especially for those who will compete in the Olympics and bring home pride for our country,” Tolentino said.

The POC under Tolentino has consistently provided cash bonuses to athletes who won medals in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Hangzhou 19th Asian Games and the Cambodia and Vietnam Southeast Asian Games.

Tee off is 7 a.m. and the awarding ceremony will be held before noon.

The first POC Golf Cup was held last November 27 at the Luisita Golf and Country in Tarlac.

appreciated.

Cup solons edition set in Valley