BusinessMirror March 23, 2023

WANING pent-up demand, high domestic inflation and rising interest rates are among the key economic challenges that the Philippines faces this year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a virtual roundtable discussion with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) on Wednesday, Neda chief and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said efforts to temper food and energy prices are considered “urgent imperatives” to sustain economic growth.

A huge 70 percent of the country’s GDP is accounted for by consumption, making the Philippine

THE national government is keen on privatizing most of the management, operation, and maintenance of the country’s railways, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

In a virtual roundtable with the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) on Wednesday, Neda chief and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said railway privatization has been included in the list of Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) to be undertaken by the administration.

Balisacan earlier said the Neda Board approved P9 trillion worth of infrastructure fl agship projects to be undertaken in the medium

term. e list covers 194 projects, mostly focused on physical connectivity and water.

“ ose are currently in the IFPs, in the infrastructure fl agship project, the privatization, the PPP arrangements of the management, maintenance and operations of many of these rail systems is on top of our agenda. It will happen,” Balisacan said in response to a question raised by former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson.

Balisacan stressed that IFPs are projects that will be prioritized by the administration when it comes to annual budget preparation. ese will also undergo “expedited approval processes consistent with current legal frameworks.”

At least 45 of these projects will be fi nanced through PPPs. Balisacan said the government’s limited fi scal space will make PPPs a mode of fi nancing to complement the government’s priorities in the medium term.

Currently, Balisacan said 97 PPP projects, collectively worth about P2 trillion, are already in the pipeline.

“Pursuing PPPs will allow the government to harness the private sector’s fi nancial and technological resources, the ability to respond to market risks and opportunities in an agile manner, and the capacity to manage large-scale projects,” Balisacan said.

Infrastructure is a cornerstone of the administration’s plans to

boost economic growth and generate jobs.

Balisacan said the government aims to spend 5 to 6 percent of GDP between 2023 and 2028.

For this year, the government intends to spend P1.248 trillion on infrastructure or 5.2 percent of GDP; and in 2024, the plan is to spend P1.37 trillion or 5.1 percent of GDP.

In 2025, the government aims to spend P1.43 trillion on infrastructure projects while in 2026, the administration will spend P1.57 trillion. In both years, infrastructure spending will account for 5 percent of GDP.

In the last two years of the adS “R,” A

YOUNG Filipinos bore the brunt of pandemic job losses but not all of them received any support during this time, according to the latest report released by the World Bank.

During the launch of the report “The Philippine Jobs Report: Shaping a Better Future for the Filipino Workforce,” World Bank Senior Economist Yoonyoung Cho stressed that 3.7 million young Filipinos aged 15 to 24 were not working or in school or training and 2 million more were either unemployed or underemployed.

In the report, the World Bank said 36 percent of the working age population was out of the labor force, and nearly 61 percent of the inactive population were neither in employment nor in education or training (NEET).

“Existing [unemployment] programs may cover only a fraction of this vulnerable population and youth group, only a few thousand bene ciaries. These fall short of the needs of the market. A few large programs exist but they sometimes do provide support only during a very short period of time, or one time support and transfer,” Cho said.

The World Bank said the country’s problems in the labor market such as high youth unemployment continued even after the lockdowns.

Apart from the lack of jobs, the World Bank also said the working poverty rate was higher for them even before the pandemic in 2019. In 2022, youth employment remained

@butchfBM

SAYING “it’s game over for the POGO industry,” the head of the Senate Ways and Means committee on Wednesday endorsed for plenary approval his panel’s recommendation for a permanent and total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Senator Win Gatchalian sought the immediate closure of POGOs in the country to, in his words, help maintain peace and order and sustain economic growth. He said in his sponsorship of the report, rendered after four hearings, that clearly, “the costs of POGOs outweigh their benefits.”

and Means conducted public hearings on the socioeconomic benefits of maintaining POGO operations in the country following numerous reports of crime attributed to the industry, notably the abduction of POGO players, the prostitution of illegally trafficked Asian women used to “entertain” POGO workers, and the bribery schemes involving corrupt immigration personnel expediting the entry of illegal workers.

Gatchalian serves as chairman of the committee.

Specifically, he urged for “the adoption of a resolution urging the executive department to immedi-

ministration, the government will spend P1.86 trillion or 5.4 percent of GDP in 2027 and P2.26 trillion or 6 percent of GDP in 2028.

“Building on the momentum gained from the work of past administrations, the Marcos Administration shall program between 1 and 2 trillion pesos per year through 2028 for infrastructure.

is program is the target committed by the Development Budget Coordination Committee last December 2022,” Balisacan said in a presentation.

In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito said legislating the Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Master Plan, a 50-year infrastructure master plan, is needed to boost the country’s growth and development to better guide the projects and programs of succeeding administrations.

Ejercito said a master plan, which will be “the plan of all plans,” will also allow the country to catch up with its neighbors.

However, Neda said that while it supports this proposal, there is the matter of passing a Land Use Act that could better facilitate the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Neda Assistant Secretary Jonathan L. Uy said implementing projects whether at the national or regional level depend on the local land use plans.

e proposed National Land Use Act has been languishing in Congress for over 30 years. Cai U. Ordinario

House ratifies bicameral report condoning ARBs’ unpaid debts

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report condoning the unpaid debt of farmerbeneficiaries of the government’s agrarian reform program.

The lower chamber rati ed the bicameral committee report on disagreeing provisions of the proposed New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which frees agrarian reform bene ciaries from nancial burden by condoning unpaid amortizations and interest and exempting payment of estate tax on agricultural lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Under the rati ed bill, the proposal shall

cover the condonation of P57.557 billion in principal debt of 610,054 agrarian reform bene ciaries (ARBs), tilling a total of 1,173,101.57 hectares of agrarian reform lands. The ARBs refers to farmers or farmworkers granted lands under the Presidential Decree 27, Republic Act 6657 and Republic Act 97000, and who have outstanding loan balances payable to the LandBank and to private landowners as of the e ectivity of this proposal.

The bill said the principal loan of P14.5 billion—including interests, penalties and surcharges—of the 263,662 ARBs tilling 409,206.91 hectares of agrarian reform lands, whose names and other loan details were already submitted by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to Congress, shall be condoned outright under this proposal.

However, the inclusion of the remaining P43.057-billion loan in this bill shall take e ect only upon submission by the LBP and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of details of the indebtedness to government of the 346,432 ARBs, tilling 763,894.66 hectares of agrarian reform lands, contained in a list, as provided for under this proposal.

Upon e ectivity of this proposal, the individual loans of ARBs, including interests, penalties and surcharges, secured under the CARP or from other agrarian reform programs or laws, are condoned and written o by the government, thereby relieving them from the burden of payment thereof, according to the bill—provided these ARBS shall have been indebted to government as of the e ectivity of

‘GAME OVER’ FOR POGOS? PANEL SEEKS PERMANENT BAN

this proposal.

The bill mandates the LBP and the DAR to submit the detailed list of their actual loans subject for condonation, under the collective Certi cate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA), together with the loan plus penalties, interests, and surcharges; location; hectarage, and other relevant information, to the concerned committees of the House and Senate within the threeyear period from the e ectivity of this proposal.

It also mandates the DAR to issue, whenever necessary, a Certi cate of Condonation which shall be annotated on the Emancipation Patent (EP), CLOA based on the applicable agrarian reform law.

The bill said all direct payments of compensation by the 10,201 ARBs, tilling 11,531.24 hectares of agrarian reform lands, to landowners under Voluntary Land Transfer and Direct Payment Schemes, amounting to P206,247,776.41 million are also terminated and payments of the remaining balance of compensation due the concerned landowners shall be paid by the government through the LBP and charged against the Agrarian Reform Fund.

PHL risks: Low demand, high rates, inflation

economy a consumption-driven one; thus, one vulnerable to infl ation-induced pressure. Balisacan said efforts to keep prices low would be the key to keeping the economy

afloat. “Tempering food and energy price increases is an urgent imperative to ensure the sustainability of consumption growth and, perhaps more importantly, protect the welfare of the poor and vulnerable whose consumption baskets are

disproportionately constituted by food,” Balisacan said.

However, Balisacan admitted that the careful balancing act of ensuring sufficient supply and a healthy demand for various products is difficult if there are many groups making opposing claims.

“ e infl ation we are seeing is largely domestic as opposed to the pandemic when that infl ation is largely imported amd we see that its not really the excess demand that is creating that push but the supply, the bottlenecks in the supply chain; that is one but there are also trade and policy issues,” he added.

Balisacan said this is the basis for creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Infl ation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO). e committee’s creation was approved by the President last March 7 and it is expected to draft measures to keep food and energy infl ation at bay.

e IAC, he explained, is tasked to monitor the drivers of infl ation, collect data on supply and demand conditions, and submit reports and timely recommendations to the President to ensure that the government addresses food and energy constraints.

Balisacan said the committee’s member agencies are already preparing for the analytical work it will conduct to better guide policies moving forward.

“ e data is clear—infl ation from food and non-alcoholic beverages contributes nearly half to overall infl ation. Infl ation in these essentials, combined with infl ation

in other items such as housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels and transport, contributes nearly 80 percent to overall infl ation,” Balisacan said.

Earlier, local economists said high commodity prices may continue despite the slowdown in infl ation in February 2023, according to local economists.

e Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said infl ation reached 8.6 percent in February 2023. Infl ation was at 8.7 percent in January and at 3 percent in February 2023.

e PSA also said the poorest Filipinos experienced a 9.7-percent infl ation rate in February, higher than the infl ation seen by all Filipino households. is is the fourth consecutive month when infl ation for the Bottom 30 percent of households was above 9 percent.

However, the month-on-month data showed the rise in infl ation was fl at since infl ation for the poorest households was also at 9.7 percent in January.

University of the Philippines School of Economics head of research Renato E. Reside Jr. told

that core infl ation is the indicator to watch as it reached 7.8 percent in February.

e PSA said this is the highest since March 1999 when it was at 8.1 percent.

Core infl ation measures infl ation for commodities that are not volatile and excludes certain food and energy items, according to Reside. e movements also lag those in prices of energy and food.

ately ban all POGO operations in the country with the end in view of upholding the safety of the Filipino people, and to sustain the path to growth and development consistent with the administration’s economic reforms.”

In the same report, Gatchalian also urged Congress to pass legislation that would separate the functions of regulation from operation in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (Pagcor) charter.

He said a new entity should be created to perform solely regulatory functions, authorization, and licensing of games of chance and other forms of gambling, while Pagcor will continue solely as a gambling operator.

He also urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to look for alternative employment placements for Filipino nationals employed by POGOs—estimated in the tens of thousands—taking into account their skills and capabilities with the possibility of being absorbed by other industries such as IT-BPOs and manufacturing through proper coordination.

e report further urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to collect the tax liabilities of Pagcor’s third-party auditor, POGO licensees, and their service providers which can be used to fi nance priority development projects of the government.

Last week, Pagcor, citing fraud and other criminal wrongdoing, fi red its third-party auditor after a review that began in September when the new management took over and assessed the contract it inherited from its predecessor.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian also directed the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to cancel and revoke the working visas issued to POGO foreign nationals employed in the POGO industry and implement the deportation of said foreign nationals following immigration rules and regulations.

“Kung susumahin ang lahat ng mga ebidensya at datos na isiniwalat na kaugnay sa operasyon ng POGO, lumalabas na puro perwisyo lamang at walang pakinabang sa bansa ang mga POGO. Panahon na para buwagin ito. [If we put together all the evidence an data that were exposed on POGO operations, it is clear that POGOs have brought us mostly problems and no benefits. It is time to dismantle these],” he concluded.

WB FLAGS LOW SUPPORT FOR JOBLESS YOUTH

low whereas overall labor market indicators recovered to prepandemic level.

“The youth group was disproportionately a ected by the pandemic shock on the labor market, and the scarring e ect may stay long after the economic activities return,” said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

“While conducive business environment policies will encourage quality job creation in the private sector, more targeted approaches to address youth challenges are urgently needed,” Diop said.

The World Bank said this is just one example of the challenges faced by the labor market during the pandemic. Covid-19, the Washingtonbased lender said, reversed the country’s progress in generating jobs.

The report found that the pandemic caused high productivity employment to be lost and low-paying occupations have actually lled the void in jobs.

With the strong rebound of the economy, the World Bank said employment indicators appear to have returned to prepandemic levels,

but the quality of jobs remains a concern particularly for young people.

“Active labor market programs including measures like skills training, job search assistance, wage subsidies, public works programs, and entrepreneurship promotion should be further strengthened,” Cho said.

“These can be complemented by modernizing labor regulations through simplifying labor rules and providing guidance on exible forms of work arrangement; expanding social insurance; and modernizing inspection and compliance veri cation systems through digital tools,” she added.

The report also notes the potential role of modernizing labor regulations, strengthening the management of international migration, and investing in skills in emerging green and digital sectors, to boost youth employment.

Continuing to utilize overseas employment opportunities while ensuring the welfare and safety of migrant workers remains critical, said the report.

Globally, there’s a growing emphasis on the “green economy” and the changing nature of work driven by digital technology, according to the report.

Green jobs come from activities to protect biodiversity, reduce waste and pollution, and conserve resources such as energy, materials, and water.

They can also be generated from strategies for greater energy e ciency and transitioning towards a decarbonized economy.

Digital jobs typically refer to those that use information and communications technology (ICT) including computing, Internet, and mobile phones; freelancing jobs accessed and traded through online platforms (online gig economy); jobs created by online platforms themselves (sharing economy); and digital penetration in real sector jobs especially through e-commerce. In the Philippines, the report says there are several areas where policies can enhance the country’s chances of bene ting from these trends, including operationalizing the Philippines Green Jobs Act of 2016. The law provides relevant incentives for rms engaged in green activities and generating green jobs; targeted skills development for youth incorporating green and digital skills; economic zones for green and digital job creation; and social protection for the digital workforce.

LTO caps driving school fees

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has placed a cap on the prescribed rates of accredited private driving institutions in the country for theoretical driving (TDCs) and practical driving courses (PDCs).

Under the new guidelines, the allowed maximum prescribed rate for TDCs will be P1,000, while the maximum prescribed fees for PDCs will vary depending on the license code—P2,500 for driver’s license codes A and A1, and P4,000 for license codes B, B1, and B2.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade said the new prescribed rates for TDCs and PDCs “will be included in the Omnibus Guidelines on the Accreditation, Supervision, and Control of Driving Institutions, and the Standardization of Driver and Conductor’s Education that will soon be issued by the agency.”

T he omnibus guidelines will also include directives on the standardization of drivers’ and conductors’ education.   “ Since last year, the agency’s technical working group held a series of meetings and consultations with the different driving schools’ associations and stakeholders, which led to the prescribed maximum rates that we are going to implement,” Tugade said.

He added: “The rates were computed to make sure that driving institutions still get a fair return of investments and at the same time make it affordable to the public.”

A side from the prescribed maximum rates, accredited driving institutions will be required to hold the mandatory 15-hour TDCs in two days, with the first seven hours on the first day and the remaining eight hours on the second day.

Meanwhile, the practical driving instructions shall not be less than eight hours per driver’s license code applied for.  PDC for light and heavy vehicles shall be conducted for at least two days, while eight-hour PDC for motorcycles may be conducted in one day, provided that the student-driver has proven to have already acquired the knowledge based on the assessment by a practical driving instructor,” the memorandum circular stated.

D riving institutions must also enroll the details of their clients to the LTO System using the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Client ID to determine the starting date of the TDC amid the issue of “non-appearance” by some applicants.

Registration of his/her biometrics before and after every session for attendance purposes is required. The Driving Institution shall provide and maintain an attendance sheet to record the actual presence of the applicant during the conduct of the face-to-face TDC and written examination or validation,” the memo read.

A fter course completion and passing the final exam for TDC and at least 8 hours of PDC, the Certificate of Course Completion will be issued to the applicant and shall be electronically transmitted in real time to the LTMS through the Driving Institution Portal.

BusinessMirror The Nation

Cybersecurity firm: Ransomware attacks in PHL rise by 57.4% in ’22

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

RANSOMWARE attacks in

the Philippines surged by 57.4 percent in 2022 with 11 reported cases across key sectors, including manufacturing, according to Unit 42 investigations by US-based cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks.

The Philippines took up the 4th spot in Southeast Asia, alongside Malaysia, with 11 reported ransomware attacks and a 57.4-percent surge, accounting for around 12 percent of the attacks in the region,” Palo Alto Networks said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

T he cybersecurity firm said the

Philippines “trailed behind” Thailand (28), Singapore (18), and Indonesia (14), on the list of the most attacked countries. In contrast, the firm said the Philippines was ahead of Vietnam (9).

Palo Alto reported that Manufacturing, Professional & Legal Services, and State & Local Governments remained the most targeted sectors in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, ransomware attacks increased by 35.4 percent to 302 within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Palo Alto said.

G lobally, it said ransomware demands continued to be a “pain point” for organizations the past year, with payments as high as $7 million or P383 million in cases

that Unit 42 observed.

“ The global median demand was $650,000 or P35.5 million, while the median payment was $350,000 or P18.9 million, indicating that effective negotiation can drive down to actual payments,” the cybersecurity firm said.

T he report revealed the extortion techniques being used by ransomware groups as these groups aim to apply more pressure on organizations to pay the ransom.

“ Some of these tactics include encryption, data theft, distributed denial of service [DDoS], and harassment,” Palto Alto said.

T he cybersecurity firm said data theft was the most common extortion tactic, with 70 percent of groups

using it by late 2022, which it said is a 30-percentage point increase from the year prior.

Every day, Palo Alto said Unit 42 researchers see an average of seven new ransomware victims posted on leak sites—equating to one new victim every four hours.

In fact, in 53 percent of Unit 42’s ransomware incidents involving negotiation, ransomware groups have threatened to leak data stolen from organizations on their leak websites, Palo Alto said.

Further, it noted, this activity has been seen from “a mix of new and legacy groups,” indicating that new actors are entering the landscape to cash in as legacy groups have done.

Established groups like BlackCat, LockBit, and others contributed to 57 percent of the leaks, with new groups trailing close behind with 43 percent,” Palo Alto said.

In the past year, the cybersecurity firm noted there have been “notable attacks” from ransomware groups, with a “particular spike” in attacks on schools and hospitals.

T his includes the attacks from Vice Society, which Palo Alto said was responsible for the data leaks from several major school systems in 2022.

T he cybersecurity firm said the group continues to be active in 2023, with nearly half of the incidents posted to their leak site impacting educational institutions.

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla  & Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the safety of Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. upon his return to the Philippines to face the ongoing probe into the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel R. Degamo.

I n an ambush interview with reporters following the 126th Philippine Army founding anniversary in Taguig City, the President said the government is willing to allow Teves to use the Philippine Air Force base for his arrival.

“He can land in the base, which will be surrounded by soldiers and no one will be allowed to go near him. So…that will guarantee his security,”

Marcos said in Filipino.  However, he said, the government currently has no information on any threat on the life of the lawmaker.

T he President made the pronouncement after Teves’ lawyers said their client decided to postpone his return due to supposed “grave threats” to his life and family.  Teves was allowed to travel to the United States by the leadership of the House of Representatives for medical reasons, but his travel authority expired last March 9.

T he lawmaker claimed there are orders from Malacañang to link him to e-sabong (electronic cockfighting), which Marcos denied.

“ This is about the killing of Governor Degamo. Pure and simple,” Marcos said.

S ix armed men who barged into the governor’s compound last March 4 killed Degamo, along with eight others.

A special investigation task group is probing Teves for his possible complicity in the crime.

Marcos urged the lawmaker to return home soon so he could avail of more options to defend himself from the allegation.

“ The only advice I can give to Cong. Arnie is that while this continues to drag on, his situation becomes more difficult. So the earlier he can go home, he will have

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

AS sessions adjourned for the Holy Week recess, House leaders on Wednesday said they have already approved 23 of 31 important pieces of legislation identified by the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Ro -

more options [for his defense],” the President said.

“But if [his return] is already too late, the government will have no choice but to move without any discussions with him,” Marcos added.

5 more suspects yield THE government is hoping to finally identify the mastermind in the March 4 killing of Degamo in the next couple of days following the surrender of five more suspects in the murder.

We expect that evidence will turn up against the mastermind in the next few days,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said during a news briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday where the surrender of the five suspects was announced.

T he briefing was attended by the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Department of National Defense Officer in Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. and police and military officials led by PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and military chief General Andres Centino.

Degamo’s wife, Janice, and all the other mayors of Negros Oriental were also present during the briefing. While he did not identify the five suspects, Abalos said the suspects, who have felt the heat of the ongoing operations by the government, surrendered to the military, which turned them over to the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday.

T heir surrender has brought to a total of 10 suspects already in government custody, all of whom are former military personnel, except one who has also been a former trainee-soldier.

C entino said it was “very fortunate” that all the suspects who have been arrested so far are former soldiers, having been dishonorably discharged from the military years ago.

We will find out,” he said when asked if the former soldiers are already members of crime groups.

According to Remulla, of the 10 suspects that are in custody, nine have direct participations in the killing of Degamo.

Eight others were killed in the

attack while 18 were also wounded, Abalos said.

R emulla added: “We expect much, much more results in the next few days as we are still finalizing their statements.”

T he justice chief said somebody helped and assisted the five suspects after the attack.

T he suspects, according to him, “withdrew from the site” and stayed in a safe house before they were “extracted.”

Case 80 to 90% solved DEGAMO’S wife, Janice, and nine other mayors from the province met with officials of the inter-agency task force task to resolve the killing of Gov. Degamo and eight others last March 4.

In separate interview, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Degamo’s widow expressed her appreciation for  the unrelenting effort of the task force to bring to justice all those responsible in the attack including the masterminds.

R emulla said the mayors also provided documents and other information about the current political landscape in Negros Oriental  that might help the task force in maintaining peace and order in the province.      T he meeting with the mayors, which lasted for almost three hours, was also attended by Secretary Abalos and some officials of the Philippine National Police.

They’re very appreciative that we’re not stopping at anything, that we are doing our work, and they’re giving us more details of things that were happing in Negros Oriental, they’re giving us documents that we can work on to start with because it’s a lot of work to do, regarding achieving lasting peace in Negros Oriental,” Remulla said.

Even Degamo’s widow, according to Remulla, expressed her satisfaction with how the task force is handling the case.

Remulla noted that the investigation in the Degamo killing is 80 to 90 percent complete, adding  they already have nine persons in custody who  were believed to have directly participated in the crime.

“ These nine people have been talking to the authorities about their

roles in the incident that happened last March 4,” Remulla said.

PBBM tells Rep. Teves to return, face probe into Degamo slaying PCG, Navy beef up presence in KIG

W hen asked if the task force had already established Teves’ direct link in the crime, Remulla said: “The conspiracy, the masterminds, it will come when it’s there. If things are already clear. We have ideas about it but it’s not enough for us to reveal anything that we discovered. We have to work on everything.”

Remulla also appealed to Teves to stop making excuses in delaying his return to the country.

T he DOJ chief said Teves should use official channels in answering allegations against him and not through other means.

Remulla added that Teves should also return to the country and file his counter-affidavit in the murder and  illegal possession of firearms charges filed against him.

‘Err on the side of caution’

MEANWHILE , Teves’ camp said they respect President Marcos’ call for the lawmaker to return to the country and answer all the allegations against him, including his involvement in several killings in the province in 2019.

However, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said  his client would rather err on the side of caution considering the threats to his life and his family.

Topacio said Marcos might not have been privy to intelligence reports  on the threats on Teves.    “ We will respect the statements of the President. As you know I am also a BBM supporter but of course we would rather err on the side of caution because he might not be privy about the intelligence information or there is a possibility, or there is this thing we call cordon sanitaire where information reaching him were already filtered,” Topacio said in an ambush interview after the first preliminary hearing  on the complaint of illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against Teves and several others.

He said this is the reason why Teves appealed to Marcos to listen to other sources of intelligence other than those given  by people around him. With Joel R. San Juan

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed one of its vessels in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) to further strengthen its presence there upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.

P CG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to Sandy Cay and Pagasa Island as the government moves to promote the KIG as a tourism area, particularly the islands of Lawak, Likas and Pagasa.

C oast Guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the vessel accommodated a repair and maintenance team for its command post in Lawak and eight members of the Philippine National Police Special Operation Unit-Maritime Group who will be deployed to Pagasa.

W hile in KIG, the Melchora Aquino sighted Chinese vessels in different waters of Kalayaan. “ PCG personnel also monitored eight foreign fishing vessels through Radio Detection and Ranging and Automatic Identification System [RADAR/AIS] with visual confirmation at the vicinity waters of Menzies Reef conducting fishing activities using superlight,” Balilo said.

They also reported the presence of two more foreign fishing vessels at the vicinity waters of Lawak Island,” he added.

M eanwhile, Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. also visited over the weekend soldiers who were deployed in different island stations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

A daci flew to the KIG and huddled with troops at Pagasa, Parola and Likas Islands, and led the ribbon cutting and blessing of the newly constructed administrative and research building at Parola and Likas islands. Rene Acosta

Romualdez reports accomplishments as House goes on Holy Week recess

mualdez said these measures were already transmitted to the Senate for its own deliberations.

T he 31 LEDAC priority measures, collectively called the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) of Malacañang, Senate, and the House of Representatives, were drawn up from dozens of measures that were filed in Congress to further stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, reduce poverty, and

provide better health-care services for Filipinos.

T he Congress went on a break from March 22 to May 7, 2023.

R omualdez, in a statement, said out of the 23 measures approved by the House, two had been signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., while the remaining eight bills in the LEDAC priority list are in the advance stages of deliberation.

“ We have done our share in passing important pieces of legislation that will help the country recover from the crippling impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and external shocks that adversely affect the economy and the nation,” he said.

That was our commitment during the series of meetings at LEDAC.

That is our continuing commitment to the Filipino people,” the House

leader pointed out. A side from having been identified by the LEDAC as priority measures, the approved bills were also among those enumerated by the President in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July last year, Romualdez said.

We have responded positively to the President’s call for legislation that would hasten the country’s recovery from the pandemic, sustain

our economic growth, and implement his Agenda for Prosperity,” the Speaker added.

T he two bills the President has signed into law are the mobile phone SIM (subscriber information module) Registration Act, which is now under implementation, and the measure postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October this year.

Vittorio V. Vitug

DTI chief Pascual spells out gains after Senate’s OTOP Act approval

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act of 2022, which recently got Senate’s approval will help promote the country’s cultural identity in the international market, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said on Wednesday.

Pascual thanked the Senate for passing the said legislation which he described as “very important,” noting this will increase the capacity of the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by “addressing gaps in terms of training and product development.”

O n Monday, the upper chamber passed Senate Bill No. 1594 or the OTOP Philippines Act of 2022 with 22 affirmative votes and no negative votes.  According to DTI, this measure “institutionalizes” OTOP as a program that aims to drive inclusive economic growth by supporting the small merchants in the country,

which it deemed as “the backbone of the Philippine economy.”

“OTOP Philippines Act of 2022 warrants the provision of assistance for MSMEs to develop new, innovative, and more complex products with significant improvement in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards and regulatory compliance, marketability, production capability, and brand development,” DTI said in a statement.

Likewise, DTI said rural communities would be given assistance to foster local economic development by creating higher quality and innovative products.

Meanwhile, the measure also aims to promote the combined initiatives from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Filipino-made products that can compete in the local and international market, DTI noted.

T hrough this, Pascual said the agency would be able to “customize interventions that will pave the way

for the development of new and innovative products from various regions of the country.” He added that this legislation would help promote the country’s cultural identity in the international market.

Further, through the establishment of OTOP hubs and as part of the national government’s inclusive economic growth agenda, DTI said budding MSMEs from the grassroots are given the opportunity to showcase their unique products in various locations and access larger markets and earning potential.

From 2017 to 2023, OTOP Philippines has already assisted 79,985 MSMEs, generated P10.9 million in sales, developed 39,815 products, established 111 OTOP hubs (52 in Luzon, 18 in Visayas and 41 in Mindanao), and conducted 1,390 trade fairs, DTI said.

T he trade department noted MSMEs were assisted in the form of standards compliance, product development, capacity building, and promotional activities.

A s the agency aims to onboard

UPS sees trade growth between PHL, 11 Asian markets by 2030

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

Filipino-made products in the international market, the trade chief has tapped the DTI’s standards arm, underscoring the need to assist MSMEs in terms of standards and market compliance.

“ We aim to preserve the OTOP brand as a mark of excellence and for that to happen, Filipino entrepreneurs must be capacitated in observing various standards and requirements. We need to make our products export quality, and this is where the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards [BPS] comes in,” Pascual said, adding that the BPS oversees the establishment of standards which he said “will increase the competitiveness of our products.”

The OTOP Philippines Program covers products that are known to an area or locality and those that are ingrained in the community’s cultural identity such as processed foods, agricultural-based products, home and fashion and creative artisanal products, and arts and crafts,” the DTI statement added.

PBEd: Australia firms up support to PHL’s education reform initiative

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) said the Australian Government has reinforced its commitment to Philippine education reform through a P98.7 million support.

W ith PBEd as their chosen partner, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM said, “We

will support the Philippines to achieve an education system that provides the skills and knowledge needed for future jobs.”

“Australia believes that quality education is key to a prosperous and productive nation,” the Australian envoy said, noting that they have been a “longstanding” partner to the Philippines and “strong supporter” of the country’s education reform goals.

To help address skills gaps and

unemployment, the Australian Government and PBEd said they will work on four focus areas: senior high school curriculum improvement, industry involvement in skills development, improving teacher quality, and enhancing education data collection and assessments.

On reviewing and revising the K to 12 curriculum, PBEd and the Assessment, Curriculum and Technology Research Centre, a joint venture between Australia’s University of Melbourne and the University of the Philippines (UP) will work together to support the plans of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“ These reforms will be important for ensuring that graduates have adequate skills and are more employable,” PBEd said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

In terms of better aligning the skills of workers with the demands of the industry, PBEd said A Future That Works, its workforce development program which is supported by the Australian Government, will “continue its existing efforts by establishing more Sector Skills Councils to undertake labor market studies.”

Meanwhile,toimproveteacherqual-

ity, PBEd said it will support the Australia-backed Research Centre for Teacher Quality, which it said is a partnership between the University of New England and the Philippine Normal University.

T he education reforms advocacy group stressed that the partnership will “further develop competencies of teachers and school leaders in curriculum and instruction, expand career progression for teachers, and strengthen the Teacher Education Council that looks into pre-service teacher education reforms.”

A s for enhancing education data collection, PBEd said it will also support DepEd to improve another Australia-backed initiative—the Enhanced Basic Education Information System and Learner Information System.

T his system, the advocacy group noted, serves as the “primary source” of Philippines education data on students, teachers, and schools. Further, PBEd said this collaboration will “enhance” DepEd planning and decision-making.

For her part, PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas underscored the role of quality education in having a “productive” future workforce.

TRADE between the Philippines and 11 other Asian markets could triple by 2030, according to the latest research conducted by a US logistics firm.

I n an industry study released by the Sandy Springs, Georgia UPS titled “Clearing the Runway for Intra-Asia Trade,”  trade growth drivers, potential headwinds, and multi stakeholder action were identified as the factors that could unlock the 2030 opportunity for the Philippines.

T he 12 key markets referred in the study were  Asia’s major trade markets, which accounts for 88 percent of intra-Asia trade today, and these markets are expected to consolidate the position further.

UPS said trade within these 12 markets could more than double in value from $6.4 trillion in 2020 to $13.5 trillion in 2030.

UPS said Philippines has the potential to build on the rapid growth in the previous decade, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which could see trade with the Asia 12 more than triple from $ 113 billion in 2020 to $393 billion in 2030.

“ There are also significant opportunities for Filipino businesses in areas such as digitalization, building supply chain resilience and multilateral cooperation in international trade,” UPS said in a news statement.

Four product segments—retail, industrial manufacturing and au-

tomotive (IM and A), high-tech, and health care—accounted for 75 percent of the Philippines’ intra-Asia trade in 2020 and are expected to boost growth.

The IM and A segment stands to be the largest by value in 2030, more than trebling from 2020 levels as the country aims to serve as a global and regional hub for the automotive and electronics sectors,” UPS said.

Meanwhile, trade in the hightech segment, which constituted 41 percent of the country’s intraAsia trade in 2020, could more than double in value, riding the wave of digitalization, which will create significant demand in this segment across Asia.

U PS said Philippine-based businesses can plan for both headwinds and opportunities by diversifying supply chains into resilient trade routes and targeting high-value and high-growth trade routes, such as IM and A, healthcare, and retail trade with economies like Japan, as well in the high-tech segment with Hong Kong and Vietnam.

T he company said intra-Asia trade holds incredible potential over the coming decade, anchored on the immense economic success that key regional economies have accomplished in recent years.

T he company also said its global network strength and extensive brokerage expertise has been helping Asian governments, industry partners, and customers navigate global trade over the last five decades.

Tesda aims to produce 500K iSTAR entrep grads by 2023

By Roderick L. Abad @rodrik_28 Contributor

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) said on Wednesday that it’s on track to meet the target of producing half-a-million graduates for its public-private partnership (PPP) initiative that gives training to micro-retailers. I n collaboration with Coca-Cola Philippines, the agency started to provide entrepreneurial skills training to Filipino women in 2011 through the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program.

D ue to the Covid-19 pandemic, they signed a memorandum of agreement in December 2019 to elevate this into a blended digital learning platform. Hence, the upgraded version called the iSTAR Program was inaugurated in March 2022.

Actually, we already surpassed the mark of more than 300,000 [finishers]. So by the end of this year, we will hit the mark of 500,000,” Aniceto D. Bertiz III, deputy director general for Tesda operations, told reporters in a sideline interview during the mass graduation of 500 iSTAR beneficiaries held at the Tesda Complex in Taguig.

Apart from this batch produced by the Tesda Women’s Center for Excellence who mostly comes from Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, a bigger number of completers from the southern part of the country are set to march in the next couple of months.

“ In May, we have more than 2,000 graduates that will be in Mindanao,” he said of such continuous program that is now more accessible to learners “because it transformed or evolved into a digital platform.”

B ertiz is hopeful to reach their goal since the program now caters not only to women but also across all genders and different sectors.

In fact, he revealed that around 19,000 of the 20,000 displaced overseas Filipino workers who enrolled to iSTAR last December have

already graduated.   T he program’s hybrid training consists of online study, self-paced learning sessions and business coaching classes developed by Tesda and Coca-Cola Philippines to help businesses that were badly hit by the health crisis.

I ntegrated into the Tesda Online Program, the iSTAR Program now offers modules, such as “Safe Stores Education,” “Building Business Mindset,” Planning the Business,” “Managing Business Operations,” “Ensuring Business Sustainability and Success,” and “Access to Business Coaching, Resources, and Peer Mentoring.”

A part from its education aspect, each graduate receives an initial capital of P10,000, either in kind or cash basis, for as long as they comply with the requirements. The amount helps start or expand the beneficiary’s existing business. Additional funding will be given to profitable enterprises for further expansion.

To date, around P3 billion seed fund has been extended to the beneficiaries, according to Bertiz. He cited that the program has been proven effective given its almost 98 percent success rate, based on Tesda surveys.

L auding the iSTAR graduates for finishing the online entrepreneurial skills training, Tesda Director General Danilo P. Cruz urged them to use their learnings to drive economic growth and create jobs for others.

Your micro-retail business is not only a source of income for you, but also a valuable service to your community, as you provide access to goods and services that contribute to the betterment of the quality of life,” he said.

Keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a journey, and there will always be new challenges to face. But as a successful graduate and entrepreneur, you have the skills, knowledge, and drive to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Keep pushing forward and continue to make a positive impact in your community,” he stressed.

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SEN. Pia Cayetano is pressing for a review of outdated laws that tend to discriminate women.

In enlisting the majority support of fellow lawmakers, Cayetano is banking on mustering enough votes for the passage of the long needed remedial legislation.

C ayetano has been sewing support of her colleagues to pursue “reviewing existing laws with provisions that are discriminatory against women.”

Delivering  a privilege speech, the lawmaker lamented  that the Philippines “still has laws that are discriminatory or contain distinctions, exclusions or restrictions against women, including some provisions in the Family Code and the Revised Penal Code.”

W hile Cayetano acknowledged that the Philippines often ranks as one of the most gender-equal countries globally, she warned, “The country has been regressing in gender parity in the last few years and as lawmakers, it is their job to introduce laws that advance the status and protect the rights of women.”

S he added: “As chairperson of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking, this representation is committed to building a more sustainable future for women and their children.”

At the same time, the senator affirmed that “the goal is not to give preference to women” reminding  that “the goal is to create gender partnership.”

PBBM orders Army to ‘recalibrate’ campaign vs Reds

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

WITH the reported dwindling number of communist rebels and sympathizers in the country,  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Army (PA) to “recalibrate” its anti-insurgency efforts.

I nstead of just focusing on “clearing our communities of internal security threats,” the President said Army troops should now also focus on community development

to end insurgencies.

We are now undertaking an even more challenging mission—one that is not yours to carry alone. Addressing the root causes of insurgency will entail a whole-of-nation approach,” Marcos said in his speech at the 126th founding anniversary of PA in Taguig City last Wednesday.

“ Take on the task of peacemakers—work with the national government agencies, the civil society groups, the private sector, and the communities themselves in keeping the peace,” he added.

To address external security threats, the Commander-inChief said the PA should continue to maintain close coordination with their counterparts from “like-minded nations.”  Share information, learn from the best practices in the region to make our military better,” Marcos said.

T he President also reiterated his commitment to modernize the Army so it can better respond to new threats from the complex and unpredictable “external security

‘Red flag is up’: House bill grants women 2-day paid menstrual leave

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE Gabriela Party-list on Wednesday filed a bill granting menstrual leave of a maximum of two days per month with 100 percent daily remuneration to all female employees in government and private sectors.

I n filing House Bill 7758 or the Menstrual Leave Act, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the bill seeks to provide women with the flexibility and support they need to manage their reproductive health without the fear of negative consequences such as losing pay, falling behind in work, or facing disciplinary action.

In the past few years, Brosas said menstrual leave has become a progressive legislation introducing new reproductive rights in many countries worldwide, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

L ast February 16, 2023, Brosas said Spain became the first European country to provide workers with three days paid menstrual a month with the option of extending it to five days.

home two days a month while they have their menstrual periods.

“ The executive order acknowledges the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of menstruation and recognizes its impact on women’s productivity,” said the lawmaker.

A lso, she added that the local government of Tangalan town in Aklan province also passed the “Menstruation Day Work-FromHome Privilege Ordinance” in December 2022, which entitles female employees of the local government to work in the comfort of their homes for two days during their monthly period.

“As many local government units in the Philippines lead the implementation of such pro-women legislation, the national government must also pass a law to institutionalize menstrual leave with 100 percent daily remuneration to all female employees in the private and public sectors,” Brosas added.

Menstruation-related symptoms (MRS) are diverse and widespread among women, said Brosas.

cal, mental, social, and occupational functioning.

“ Dysmenorrhea is often poorly treated and ignored by health professionals, pain researchers, and even women themselves, who may accept it as a normal part of menstruation,” she added.

H owever, Brosas said the painful and often unbearable symptoms of menstruation create considerable burdens on women and their families, such as over-thecounter medication.

In sum, there is a need to provide women with the flexibility and support they need to manage their reproductive health without the fear of negative consequences, such as losing pay, falling behind in work, or facing disciplinary action,” Brosas added.

Under the bill, menstrual leave granted under the proposal shall be non-cumulative and strictly nonconvertible to cash.

environment.”

We will continue to invest not only in modern equipment and materiel but also in your training, so you can keep abreast of concepts, doctrines, [and] strategies that we now need in the modern battlefield,” Marcos said.

He lauded the invaluable contribution of the PA in preserving the country’s peace and security for over a century.   “ Through the years, the Philippine Army has shown patriotism and bravery that allowed our country to

succeed and thrive in its pursuit of peace, of stability, and of democracy,” Marcos said.

The entire nation is grateful for the many sacrifices our ground troops have made to ensure our internal security,” he added.

P rior to delivering his speech in the anniversary event, Marcos also viewed the static and kinetic display of the Army’s land assets and equipment and led in the presentation of awards to selected uniformed and civilian personnel of the Army.

T he country is off track in attaining the indicator on material footprint which is increasing as opposed to the goal of decreasing while in hazardous waste, instead of decreasing, the progress is slow.

In terms of reducing domestic material consumption, the country is regressing since there was an increase to 7.8 tons per capita from 7.2 tons per capita.

A nother indicator where the country is regressing is the implementation of standard accounting tools to monitor the economic and environmental aspects of tourism. The country used to have two but now, there is only one.

While there are impressive national accomplishments across the 17 Goals, none of the countries in the region are on track to reach them and overall achievement is much lower than anticipated for the midpoint,” underscored Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations UnderSecretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

“ In developed and developing countries alike, persistent data gaps remain. Governments must renew their commitments to producing relevant, timely, granular, high-quality information to monitor and review the march towards the SDGs,” she added.

A n annual flagship publication, in partnership with seven other UN agencies, the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2023 uses the latest data for global SDG indicators to determine where additional effort is needed in the region and where momentum for future progress is building.

T his year’s report provides further analysis on Covid-19 impacts on sustainable development, the progress in countries with special situations as well as recommendations to bridge data gaps. Cai U. Ordinario

L ast October 18, 2022, Brosas said La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David signed Executive Order 25, which allows female employees of the provincial government to avail of Menstruation Day privilege to work from

By Raadee S. Sausa @raadeeboy

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) operatives have arrested a Turkish national who was allegedly carrying an estimated P28.8 million worth of powder and liquid cocaine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Tuesday, March 21.

T he physical examination of the suspect’s luggage at the Customs International Arrival Area at Naia was conducted by an assigned Customs examiner, together with an on-duty agent from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and other BOC personnel, while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) carried out the initial test.

C ustoms Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio immediately re -

He said the call for disciplinary action against Teves, who was implicated in the recent killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and several others, was a “pressing matter that warranted the chamber’s urgent and sound response.”

Under my leadership, the House of Representatives will never ever countenance any conduct unbecoming of a House member,” he said.

C iting Hum Reprod Update, Brosas said between 45 percent and 95 percent of menstruating women suffer from primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation.

She said MRS patients are also found to have lower scores in several domains of quality of life during their periods, such as general health, physi-

A lso, the measure said no employer whether in the public or private sector shall discriminate against the employment of women in order to avoid the benefits provided for in the proposal.

A ny person, corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or entity found violating the rules and regulations of the bill upon promulgation shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding P100,000 or imprisonment of not less than 30 days or nor more than 6 months.

sponded to the situation after receiving the report from CIIS Director Verne Enciso.

T his was based on the information received by the Naia-InterAgency Drug Interdiction Task Group (Naia-IADTG) from the Homeland Security. After the Naia-IADTG received the information, immediately we are on the lookout for this person and his luggage. An initial test done on the luggage showed it was positive for the presence of cocaine,” Rubio said.

The information we received and the quick action we took to stop the contraband’s entry led to the capture of the suspect in this case,” the Customs chief added.

T he suspect’s luggage yielded cocaine in powder form weighing more or less 3,945 grams and a

Moreover, the committee report said the Constitution requires that public officials and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.

It said Teves’s request for extension of his travel clearance was not given

white thick liquid substance that’s more or less 1,500 ml.

T he suspect was identified as Kemal Ozenir, a Turkish national who arrived via Emirates flight EK 332 on Tuesday afternoon from Dubai.

For his part, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said authorities are already investigating the suspect.

This particular seizure underscores how brazen individuals have become to try and bring illegal drugs on board flights. And while it also highlights the bigger battle, we have against the dangers of illegal drugs being out there on the streets, it also shows the resolve of our Customs officers in upholding the bureau’s border security mission and deny this smuggling attempt,” he said.

due course because of his own doing, as he failed to specify the foreign place/s and the specific period of travel.

In a video message last Tuesday, Teves denied anew his involvement in the killing of Degamo, saying he is also a “victim” by people with political agenda.  He, however, refused to return to the Philippines because of alleged serious threats to his life.

Pakistan-Philippines Bilateral

PAKISTAN and the Philippines have enjoyed reasonably good, rather resilient ties of friendship during last 74 years, regulated through 25 cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)/Memoranda of Agreements (MoAs) in political, economic, commercial, defence, cultural and social fields.

The recent one on ‘Defence Cooperation’ was signed 5 May 2022. Official bilateral relations between the two countries commenced with the establishment of the Philippines’ Consulate in Karachi on 9 September, 1949, followed by the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Karachi in 1956 and the Pakistan Embassy in Manila in September 1957. In 1954, both countries became alliance partners in the US-led Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). nPakistan’s relations with the Philippines form an important

component of “Vision East Asia Policy” envisaged in 2003 which aims at enhancing collaboration with the region in diverse fields.

The Philippines, a founding member of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been a steadfast supporter of our efforts to strengthen our institutional linkages with ASEAN including our membership to ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) and our quest to attain Full Dialogue Partnership (FDP) status with ASEAN.

Bilateral Visits at Leadership Level

nThere have been few exchanges of high level visits between the two countries in the last seven decades. These include:

From Pakistan side:

• Former Prime Minister Husseyn Shaheed Suharwardy in May 1957;

• Former Prime Minister Mohammad Khan Junejo in May 1988;

• Former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto 17-18 February, 1995.

• Former President Musharraf visited Manila on 18-20 April, 2005. It was the first visit by a Pakistani President to Manila.

From Philippines side:

• Former President Diosdado Macapagal visited Pakistan in 1962

• Former President Fidel V. Ramos visited Pakistan in 1997.

nApart from bilateral visits, there were regular contacts between the leadership of two countries on the side-lines of international forae. Former President Asif Ali Zardari and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met in New York on 12 Nov 2008. The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in political, economic, trade and other fields. Former President Gloria Arroyo also met former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in Tripoli on 1 September 2009, during Libya’s 40th Anniversary Revolution Celebrations.

nWorth mentioning is the fact that during the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly’s plenary meeting on 9 December 2014 under its agenda item 14 (Culture of Peace), the session adopted by consensus the resolution on “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue,

understanding and cooperation for peace”, which was jointly tabled by Pakistan and the Philippines. Pakistan and Philippines keep supporting each other on international fora.

nA five-member Senate Delegation of Pakistan led by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani participated in the 5th Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) Conference in Manila from 30th Jan to 2nd Feb 2013. Senator Ahmed Hassan, Senator Hamza, Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash and Mr. Muhammad Hassan Khan, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Senate were other members of the delegation. Bilateral Policy Consultation Talks (PCTs)

nBoth countries have a Policy

Consultations Talks (PCT) mechanism- 5th round of which was held in Islamabad in early 2018 during the visit by Undersecretary Foreign Affairs Mr. Enrique Manalo to Islamabad (Mr. Enrique Manalo is currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs). The Policy Consultation Meeting serves as a forum for the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, present the political and economic policies of both governments, coordinate joint efforts, explore new areas for cooperation, and facilitate the conclusion of bilateral agreements. The next PCT is expected to be held in Manila during 2023.

Philippines-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC)

nThe inaugural session of Pakistan- Philippines JEC was held in February 2018 after a gap of nine years after the conclusion of relevant MoU. Actions/followup on decisions of 1st JEC need to be ensured, especially on the decision to re-activate PakistanPhilippines Joint Business Council (JBC) and to conduct a feasibility study for initiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries. Both sides may explore to raise the JEC Chair to Ministerial level (Currently it is at Secretaries’ level). JEC sessions should be coupled with a B2B event of Pakistan- Philippines businessmen from both the public as well as private sector. Philippine side has confirmed to hold it during current year’s second half along with Bilateral Political Consultations at the Foreign Secretary level.

Economic Cooperation

nThe Philippines and Pakistan signed two (2) economic agreements, namely the PhilippinesPakistan Trade Agreement and the PhilippinesPakistan Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment, on 29 September 1961 and 23 April 1999 in Manila, respectively. The Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of

Amb. Dr. Imtiaz Kazi together with Hon. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Mme. Louise Araneta-Marcos (Jan.30 2023)

Amba. Dr. Kazi With ADB President Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa.

With Former Prime Minister Mr. Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s visit to Manila, Philippines (July 2022)

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi

Prime Minsiter of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif

National Day

Bilateral Relations

MESSAGE

ON 23rd March 1940, PAKISTAN RESOLUTION was passed unanimously on 24th March 1940 and finally paved the way for an independent Muslim State called Pakistan which came into existence on 14 August 1947. Pakistani nation is proud of its forefathers’ political vision, struggle and perceptiveness which made possible the creation of Pakistan for the Muslims of India. Undoubtedly, this is a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing for whole Pakistani nation either living within Pakistan or abroad. Presently, the Government that came to power through Constitutional ‘Vote of Confidence’ in April 2022 and the nation together are working hard to overcome its current economic crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic as well as some inadequacies in handling of economic affairs of the country by the previous Government. Every Pakistani is confident that our country has the ability and capacity to come out of its current economic conditions and Insha Allah this will happen soon.

I am happy that an Agreement on Defence Cooperation was signed between Pakistan and Philippines on 5th May 2022 which will improve already existing excellent defence ties. Pakistan’s Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra delegations visited Manila and participated in the first mega event in the Philippines i.e. Asian Defence & Security Conference/Exhibition from 27-29 April 2022

The bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Philippines has been growing at steadily pace. In January this year, a 27-member delegation of Rice Exporters’ Association of Pakistan (REAP) visited Manila and met with senior Government officials and the private importers of Rice. Some good agreements have been concluded and the export of Pakistan’s

rice is expected to grow further under the reduced tariff duties applicable to ASEAN countries.

On this occasion,

Asakawa. (9 March 2023)

Investment has expired and text of a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) has already been shared with the Philippines side for their views/comments.

Philippines-Pakistan Trade Relations

nThe bilateral trade between Pakistan and the Philippines for the financial year 2021 stood at US$ 204.40 million. Despite COVID-19 this trend has shown an increase of 17.70% as the trend in 2019-2020 stood at US$ 157.13 million. Likewise, Foreign Director Investment from the Philippines also increased from US$ 0.2 million to US$ 2.0 million in the year 2020-21. Inflow of remittance from the Philippines to Pakistan remained US $ 4.9 million, under the Roshan Digital Account.

nThe Philippines is currently Pakistan’s 43rd largest partner while Pakistan is the Philippines’ 49th largest partner. Pakistan’s exports to the Philippines were recorded at US$ 141.92 million as compared to import from Philippines stood at US$ 62.47 million during period FY2021, thus making the Philippines the 5th largest export destination in ASEAN. The Balance of trade has been (in huge surplus) in favor of Pakistan at US$ 79.45 million.

nOn 21st May 2022 Philippines’

President issued Ex. Order (EO) extending exemption on import of Pakistani rice till 31st December 2022 which has now been extended upto 31st December 2023. The executive order brought a big relief on import of Pakistani rice to this country when import duties were reduced from 50% to 35% as applicable to ASEAN countries in the region.

nOf late, the Mission also organized public sector and private sector meetings for a week-long visit by a 28- member delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) to the

Philippines from 21st January to 26th January, 2023. The meetings at Ministerial level were held in the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade & Industry and with the President of Philippines Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A useful visit was also conducted at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on 24 Jan. wherein Director General of the Institute welcomed the delegation and a cooperative framework between REAP and IRRI was agreed upon. A large number of B2B meetings in the private sector were also arranged which resulted in conclusion of rice import from Pakistan to the tune of half a million MTs.

Investment

nThe International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is ports’ container and terminal services’ expert and the largest transportation entity in the Philippines. It has also been declared the best transport company in the Philippines. It contributes substantially to the Philippines GDP.

nICTSI have acquired the majority stake in Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT) at the Port of Karachi in October 2021 and invested an amount of US$ 20 million in Pakistan’s Blue Economy. The ICTSI increased its stake in PICT from 64.54% to 71.68%. It is worth recalling that the PICT was established in 2002 and became a subsidiary of ICSTI in 2012. It is located at West Wharf of the Karachi Port. Presently it handles 85% of the Arabian/GCC market including industrial scrap. PICT is among 25 top companies of Pakistan Stock Exchange.

nEntry into force of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between State Bank of Pakistan and Bangko Sentral NG Pilipinas (Central Bank of Philippines) w.e.f 28th January 2022 is another important development between the two countries.

Defence relations

nPakistan and Philippines

Armed Forces enjoy cordial and friendly bilateral relations that are manifested in various domains and fields like interactions and visits at senior military leadership level, participation in bilateral training, port visits by naval ships, professional interactions and knowledge sharing, etc. In this regard, both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in Manila on 5th May 2022.

nConsidering the requirements of AFP, especially of its air force, it is highlighted that aircrafts being manufactured by Pakistan

Aeronautical complex (PAC), Kamra could entirely meet Philippines’ requirements, both in terms of quality as well as financial impact. Pakistan could give serious consideration to the sale of arms and ammunition, drones and other security related equipment etc. to the Philippines armed forces and police to enhance its capacity to combat terrorism.

Pakistan Community in the Philippines

nCurrently, around 1,271 Pakistanis are living in the Philippines. The Embassy is actively engaged in extending consular and legal assistance to

Pakistanis in distress. As a result of Embassy’s efforts and host authorities’ cooperation several Pakistanis, who were jailed have been released or acquitted. Embassy keeps a regular contact with the Pakistani community and invites them at various events of national significance organized by the Embassy. This Mission also has an active and helpful participation in community related WhatsApp group as well as Mission’s own website which has the accessibility and interface with the community and was launched in March this year. Mission’s officers and staff are available to

community 24/7.

I thank the Overseas Pakistanis living across Philippines for the continued support and valuable contribution to the our economy by sending remittances through various channels such as Roshan Digital Programme, Sohni Dharti Programme, etc. I also appreciate our community in promoting Pakistan’s soft image, culture and cuisine in Philippines.

H.E

Last year, President of Pakistan extended an invitation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit Pakistan. I am confident that such a visit would materialize after firming up of dates in due course and the existing cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries will flourish further. Besides congratulating my Pakistani expats living in the brotherly country of Philippines, also take this opportunity to wish all the very best to our Filipino brothers and sisters.

Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay! Long-Live PakistanPhilippines Friendship.

Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul in November 2021.

nThe Ambassador Dr. Kazi administered oath to the newly elected President of Pakistan-Philippines Friendship Association (Mr. Shahzad Ahmad Kurshied) in Subic Bay city.

nIn July 2020, around 50 Pakistani nationals stranded in the Philippines were accommodated on a flight chartered by the Philippine Government for the purpose of bringing home Filipino nationals from Pakistan.

Meanwhile, an estimated 194 Filipinos were repatriated from Pakistan since the start of the Pandemic. Pakistan also helped in evacuation of Filipinos from

Filipino Communityexpatriate in Pakistan

n There are an estimated 2,000 plus Filipinos in Pakistan which includes few hundred permanent residents married to Pakistani nationals, around 1000 documented working visa holders (in IT, hotel industry, nurses, therapists, religious missionaries, those employed in textile mills and road construction projects, and workers from UN and other international organizations) and some irregular/undocumented residents.

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi , Ambassador of Pakistan Embassy, Philippines (March 23,2023)

Ambassador Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi chaired the 114th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) on 23rd February 2023 at the CPSC premises with Ambassadors of ember countries of CPSC and DG of CPSC(Colombo Plan Staff College) Dr.G.L.D Wickramasinghe

Japan’s PM offers Ukraine support as China’s Xi Jinping backs Russia

By Karl Ritter The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—Prime Minister

Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit Tuesday to Kyiv, engaging in dueling diplomacy with Asian rival President Xi Jinping of China, who met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote Beijing’s peace proposal for Ukraine that Western nations have all but dismissed as a non-starter.

The two visits, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) apart, highlighted how countries are lining up behind Moscow or Kyiv during the nearly 13-month-old war. Kishida, who will chair the Group of Seven summit in May, became the group’s last member to visit Ukraine and meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, after paying tribute to those killed in Bucha, a town that became a symbol of Russian atrocities against civilians.

Xi and Putin announced no major progress toward implementing the Chinese peace deal, although the Russian leader said it could be a basis for ending the fighting when the West is ready. He added that Kyiv’s Western allies have shown no interest in that.

US officials have said any peace plan coming from the Putin-Xi meeting would be unacceptable because a cease-fire would only ratify Moscow’s territorial conquests and give Russia time to plan for a renewed offensive.

“It looks like the West indeed intends to fight Russia until the last Ukrainian,” Putin said, adding the latest threat is a British plan to give Ukraine tank rounds containing depleted uranium.

“If that happens, Russia will respond accordingly, given that the collective West is starting to use weapons with a nuclear component,” he said, without elaborating. Putin has occasionally warned that Russia would use all available means, including possibly nuclear weapons, to defend itself, but also has sometimes backed off such threats.

Putin’s comment referred to remarks Monday by UK junior Defense Minister Annabel Goldie, who wrote:

“Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and

armored vehicles.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the plan shows that the British “have lost the bearings,” and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said “it marked another step, and there aren’t so many of them left.”

But weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of Britain’s Royal Tank Regiment, said it was “reckless” of Putin “to try and suggest Britain is sending nuclear material” to Ukraine. He said depleted uranium is a common component of tank rounds, possibly even used by Russia.

“Putin insinuating that they are some sort of nuclear weapon is bonkers,” he told The Associated Press.

“Depleted uranium is completely inert. There is no way that you could create a nuclear reaction or a nuclear explosion with depleted uranium.”

Beijing insists it is a neutral broker in Ukraine, and Xi said after his talks with Putin: “We adhere to a principled and objective position on the Ukrainian crisis based on the goals and principles of the UN Charter.”

The Chinese plan seeks to “actively encourage peace and the resumption of talks,” he said.

In a joint statement, Russia and China emphasized the need to “respect legitimate security concerns of all countries” to settle the conflict, echoing Moscow’s argument that it sent in troops to prevent the US and its Nato allies from turning the country into an anti-Russian bulwark.

“Russia welcomes China’s readiness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis” and the “constructive ideas” contained in Beijing’s peace plan, the statement said. It added: “The parties underline that a responsible dialogue offers the best path for a lasting settlement... and the international community should support constructive efforts in this regard.”

After meeting Kishida, Zelenskyy

told reporters his team had sent his own peace formula to China but hasn’t heard back, adding that there were “some signals, but nothing concrete about the possibility of a dialogue.”

Kishida called Russia’s invasion a “disgrace that undermines the foundations of the international legal order” and pledged to “continue to support Ukraine until peace is back on the beautiful Ukrainian lands.”

Hours before Xi and Putin dined at a state dinner in glittering Kremlin opulence, Kishida laid flowers at a church in Bucha for the town’s victims.

“Upon this visit to Bucha, I feel a strong resentment against cruelty,” he said. “I would like to represent the people in Japan, and express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones, were injured as a result of this cruel act.”

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel noted the “two very different European-Pacific partnerships” that unfolded Tuesday.

“Kishida stands with freedom, and Xi stands with a war criminal,” Emanuel tweeted, referring to Friday’s decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Putin, saying it wanted to put him on trial for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine.

Kyiv’s allies pledged more support. Washington is accelerating its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, sending a refurbished older version that can be ready faster, the Pentagon announced. The aim is to get the 70-ton behemoths to the war zone by fall.

The Russia-China front against the West was a prominent theme of Xi’s visit. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused Nato of seeking to become the world’s dominant military force. “That is why we are expanding our cooperation with China, including in the security sphere,” he said.

Putin is keen to show he has a heavyweight ally and market for Russian energy products under Western sanctions. He and Xi signed agreements on economic cooperation, noting Russian-Chinese trade rose by 30 percent last year to $185 billion and is expected to top $200 billion this year.

Russia stands “ready to meet the Chinese economy’s growing demand for energy resources” by boosting deliveries of oil and gas, he said, while listing other areas of cooperation, including aircraft and shipbuilding industries and other high-tech sectors.

Whether China will provide military support is a key question. Western officials “have seen some signs” Putin also wants lethal weapons from Beijing, though there is no evidence it has granted his request, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels.

Further contacts are planned. Xi said he invited Putin to China this year to discuss a regional initiative that seeks to extend Beijing’s influence through economic cooperation.

Moscow and Beijing have both weathered international condemnation of their human rights records.

The Chinese government is accused of atrocities against Uighur Muslims in its far western Xinjiang region. The allegations include genocide, forced sterilization and the mass detention of nearly 1 million Uighurs. Beijing has denied the allegations. Russia has been accused of war crimes in Ukraine, charges it denies.

Kishida rode a train from Poland to Kyiv just hours after he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and a week after a breakthrough summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yoel.

Both China and Japan have enjoyed recent diplomatic successes that emboldened their foreign policy.

Japan, which has engaged in territorial disputes over islands with both China and Russia, is particularly concerned about the Beijing-Moscow relationship. Both nations have conducted joint military exercises near Japan’s coasts.

Beijing’s diplomatic foray follows its recent success in brokering a deal between Iran and its chief Middle Eastern rival, Saudi Arabia, to restore relations after years of tensions. The move displayed China’s influence in a region where Washington has long been the major foreign player.

Kishida became Japan’s first postwar leader to enter a war zone.

Due to its pacifist principles, Japan’s support for Ukraine has been limited to nonlethal equipment and humanitarian supplies. It has contributed more than $7 billion to Ukraine and accepted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians, despite its strict immigration policy.

Tokyo joined the US and European nations in sanctioning Russia over the invasion. By contrast, China has refused to condemn Moscow’s aggression and criticized Western sanctions against Moscow, while accusing Nato and Washington of provoking Putin’s military action.

Japan fears the possible impact of a war in East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive and has escalated tensions around selfruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said of Kishida’s trip: “We hope Japan could do more things to deescalate the situation instead of the opposite.”

T he Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Jill Lawless in London contributed

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—A new report launched Tuesday on the eve of the first major UN conference on water in over 45 years says 26 percent of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water and 46 percent lack access to basic sanitation.

The UN World Water Development Report 2023 painted a stark picture of the huge gap that needs to be filled to meet UN goals to ensure all people have access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the report, told a news conference that the estimated cost of meeting the goals is somewhere between $600 billion and $1 trillion a year.

But equally important, Connor said, is forging partnerships with investors, financiers, governments and climate change communities to ensure that money is invested in ways to sustain the environment and provide potable water to the 2 billion people who don’t have it and sanitation to the 3.6 million in need.

According to the report, water use has been increasing globally by roughly 1 percent per year over the last 40 years “and is expected to grow at a similar rate through to 2050, driven by a combination of population growth, socio-economic development and changing consumption patterns.”

Connor said that actual increase in demand is happening in developing countries and emerging economies where it is driven by industrial growth and especially the rapid increase in the population of cities. It is in these urban areas “that you’re having a real big increase in demand,” he said.

With agriculture using 70 percent of all water globally, Connor said, irrigation for crops has to be more efficient—as it is in some countries that now use drip irrigation, which saves water. “That allows water to be available to cities,” he said.

As a result of climate change, the report said, “seasonal water scarcity will increase in regions where it is currently abundant—such as Central Africa, East Asia and parts of South America—and worsen in regions where water is already in short supply, such as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa.”

On average, “10 percent of the global population lives in countries with high or critical water stress”—and up to 3.5 billion people live under conditions of water stress at least one month a year, said the report issued by UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Since 2000, floods in the tropics have quadrupled while floods in the north mid-latitudes have increased 2.5-fold, the report said. Trends in droughts are more difficult to establish, it said, “although an increase in intensity or frequency of droughts and ‘heat extremes’ can be expected in most regions as a direct result of climate change.”

As for water pollution, Connor said, the biggest source of pollution is untreated wastewater.

“Globally, 80 percent of wastewater is released to the environment without any treatment,” he said, “and in many developing countries it’s pretty much 99 percent.”

These and other issues including protecting aquatic ecosystems, improving management of water resources, increasing water reuse and promoting cooperation across borders on water use will be discussed during the three-day UN Water Conference co-chaired by King WillemAlexander of the Netherlands and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon opening Wednesday morning.

There are 171 countries, including over 100 ministers, on the speakers list along with more than 20 organizations. The meeting will also include five “interactive dialogues” and dozens of side events.

KILLED AS STRONG EARTHQUAKE RATTLES PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN

By Munir Ahmed & Rahim Faiez

The Associated Press

ISLAMABAD—A magnitude 6.5 earthquake rattled much of Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday, sending panicked residents fleeing from homes and offices and frightening people in remote villages. At least nine people died in Pakistan and two in Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday

More than 200 people were brought to hospitals in the Swat valley and elsewhere in the region of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in a state of shock, Bilal Faizi, a spokesman for Pakistan’s emergency services told The Associated Press.

“These terrified people collapsed, and some of them collapsed because of the shock of the earthquake,” he said. Faizi said most were later discharged from the hospital.

Faizi and other officials said nine people were killed when roofs collapsed in various parts of northwestern Pakistan. Dozens of others were injured in the quake, which was centered in Afghanistan and also felt in bordering Tajikistan. The earthquake triggered landslides in some of the mountainous areas, disrupting traffic.

The nine people who died in northwest Pakistan included five men, two women and two children.

Taimoor Khan, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority in the northwest, said at least 19 mudbrick homes collapsed in remote areas. “We are still collecting data about the damages,” he said on Wednesday.

The powerful tremors sent many people fleeing their homes and offices in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, some reciting verses from the Quran, Islam’s holy book. Media reports suggested cracks had appeared in

some apartment buildings in the city.

In Afghanistan, Sharafat Zaman Amar, Taliban’s appointed spokesman for the public health ministry said, so far at least two people died and around 20 others were injured in the earthquake in Afghanistan.

Zaman Amar said, “Unfortunately, there could be more casualties as the quake was so powerful, in most parts of the country.”

All hospitals and health facilities are ready to save lives of people, he added.

The scene was repeated in Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan.

“The quake was so strong and terrifying, we thought houses are collapsing on us, people were all shouting and were shocked,” said Shafiullah Azimi, a Kabul resident.

Aziz Ahmad, 45, another Kabul resident, said: “In my life this was the first time I have experienced such powerful quake, everyone

was terrified.” He added he and all his neighbors stayed out of their homes for hours, afraid of aftershocks. “We couldn’t dare to get back to our homes.”

The US Geological Survey said the epicenter of the magnitude 6.5 quake was 40 kilometers (25 miles) south-southeast of Jurm in Afghanistan’s mountainous Hindukush region, bordering Pakistan and Tajikistan. The quake struck 188 kilometers (116 miles) deep below the Earth’s surface, causing it to be felt over a wide area. Physician Rakhshinda Tauseed was at her hospital in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore when the earthquake hit. “I quickly asked patients to move to a safer place,” she said.

The Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar and Abdul Sattar in Quetta, Pakistan, contributedtothisreport

People get drinking water from a water collecting point at a slum area in Karachi, Pakistan on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. World Water Day was observed on March 22, to aim to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of this vital resource. AP/FAREED KHAN

UN: 26% of world lacks clean drinking water, 46% sanitation

Agriculture/Commodities

PHL will export 54,000 MT of durian to China

By Raadee S. Sausa @raadeeboy

THE Philippines is expected to export at least 54,000 metric tons (MT) of premium fresh durian to China this year, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

T he DA said stakeholders are now beefing up their production to meet the high demands entailed by fruit export deal secured by Manila during the president’s state visit to China.

Davao City-based Eng Seng Food Products and Belviz Farms are just two of the private durian growers that are preparing for the Chinese market for Philippine durians.

“China is the biggest durian market, so we are very excited and expect that if the China market is open, our target is to have a container van export weekly,” Eng Seng Food Products CEO John Tan said in a statement issued by the DA.

Moreover, Eng Seng is targeting

to export 300 to 500 container vans of durian this year, Tan added.

T he preferred durian varieties for export are Puyat, Duyaya and D101 because of their golden yellow flesh and pleasant taste.

I think the Philippines has a very big potential in the export market especially with our good varieties like the Puyat and the Duyaya varieties,” said Emmanuel Belviz, Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) president and Belviz Farms owner.

He also said the DIADC is closely working with the government, particularly the DA, for the preparation of the required documents and protocols.

T hey are also helping the government assist other industry players especially small farmers to improve their production and comply with the export requirements, Belviz said.

This is both a blessing and a challenge. Blessing, because we have mar-

Group: Hiking fish output hinges on policy reforms, govt support

INCREASING the production of the country’s fisheries subsector will require policy reforms and adequate government support, according to fishers belonging to Tugon Kabuhayan.

T he group told reporters in a press briefing that boosting fish production would help the government achieve its goal ensuring the Philippines’s food security.

“ We are happy with the President’s focus on agriculture, including the fisheries and aquatic sector. This is a step in the right direction. The next possible step is the creation of a technical working group with government and the private sector to craft and draft policies to ensure the development of the sector,” it said.

Norbert Chingcuangco, co-convenor of Tugon Kabuhayan said “for the longest time, we’re just a mess with the BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries

AGLOBAL biofuel boom is set to drive a shortage of vegetable oils—used for cooking and now increasingly to power trucks and planes—intensifying a debate over food versus fuel.

From the United States to Brazil and Indonesia, governments are embracing energy made from plants like soybeans or canola, or even animal fat, to move away from fossil fuels and cut emissions. This has created opportunities for vegetable oils, especially palm oil, an ubiquitous but controversial ingredient found in products like pizza dough, instant noodles, chocolate and shampoo.

D emand is so hot that producers are hunting for used cooking oil and sludge, a waste product from processing palm oil, as feedstocks for biofuels.

T hese lofty ambitions may face challenges. War and extreme weather are limiting vegetable oil supplies. A severe drought has devastated production in Argentina, the top exporter of soybean oil. In Europe, restrictions on using bee-toxic pesticides will curb planting of rapeseed that relies on the pollinators, while Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine will slash sunflower oil exports.

With growth in vegetable oil production expected to slow, biofuels could push the global market into a deficit in the second half of the year, according to Thomas Mielke, executive director of Hamburg-based Oil World.

B iofuels account for a large share of the vegetable oil market but only a fraction of energy demand, Mielke said. He’s concerned that combined biofuel targets are

and Aquatic Resources], the BFAR is a mess with the DA.”

By putting up the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, we can prevent what happened last time when the importation of vital ingredients to fish feeds was unceremoniously prohibited. Structural reform in the sector will address so many problems. Even now, it is easier to import fish products than to import ingredients needed to produce more local fish.”

Policy reforms and strong government support, the group said will allow the fisheries subsector to immediately recover from accidents such as the Oriental Mindoro oil spill and fight illegal fishing which robs 2 million registered municipal fishermen of livelihood.

We should look at municipal fishing, commercial fishing, and aquaculture as a whole and not as different sectors. All provide food for

the country. The government should give support to our municipal fishermen because they are the backbone of our industry,” said Dennis Calvan, a member of Tugon Kabuhayan.

We ask President Marcos to address the issue of illegal fishing which causes annual losses of about 257,000 to 402,000 tons valued between P24 [billion] to P37 billion for our fishermen.”

T he group asked the government to “strengthen” fish landing centers by equipping it with cold storage facilities and ice plants as this will prevent fishermen from incurring losses.

Tugon Kabuhayan proposed other reforms for a self-sustaining fisheries and aquaculture sector: long-term permits for sea cages for bangus (milkfish) and tilapia which are now renewed every year, and improvement throughout the value chain from hatchery to nursery to growing to storage. Raadee S. Sausa

overdoing what the global market for oils and fats can satisfy.

T he US, Europe, Brazil and Indonesia are responsible for most of the biodiesel, renewable diesel and biojet fuel consumption growth. The US uses a mixture of feedstocks such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, used cooking oil and animal fats. Europe is producing from wastes, residues and rapeseed oil. Indonesia mainly uses palm oil to produce biodiesel, while Brazil relies on soybean oil.

T his trend is widely expected to benefit palm oil, a product that’s come under scrutiny in recent years amid reports of deforestation and forced labor. With rival oilseeds and vegetable oils being used increasingly in biofuels, some of the demand will spill over to palm, according to James Fry, chairman of Oxford-based agriculture consult -

ing firm LMC International Ltd.

But the palm oil market may not be able to keep pace. Production in Indonesia and Malaysia, which together account for 85 percent of world supply, are plateauing due to the slow replanting of old and unproductive trees, erratic weather, and as deforestation curbs limit landbank expansion.

T hreats to supply, particularly from climate change, will push up agricultural prices and slow the world’s efforts at converting food into fuel, said Dorab Mistry, an influential trader who’s worked in the industry for four decades.

T he International Energy Agency has warned that swelling demand for biofuels and a looming feedstock crunch, if not addressed, will undermine the potential for biofuels to contribute to global decarbonization efforts.

ket already, good price. A challenge because this is an export market. We need to produce better durian fruits and a more food safe. So hopefully, the association, together with the DA, can help these farmers to reach that market,” he said.

Belviz said durian will be one of the country’s top export products in the next five years.

T he DA said the Davao regional field office is working on a five-year development plan for the durian industry that will “intensify technical support and the provision of quality planting materials, fertilizer and pesticide, equipment and tools, as well as the establishment of postharvest facilities.”

“ Plant more durian because ang market, ang demand ng durian ay napakalaki , especially with the opening of the Chinese market, sobrang laki at sobrang kulang ng durian natin dito. I encourage everyone to plant more durian,” Belviz said.

Camarines Norte ARBOs get motorized haulers from DAR

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) announced on Wednesday the distribution of motorized hauling vehicles to three agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) based in Daet, Camarines Norte.

T he delivery service vehicles worth P170,000 each will be used to transport the groups’ agri-products to private buyers and consumers.

T hrough the service vehicles, the three cooperatives can expand their operations and increase the income of the farmer-members as well as the organization, Meralyn Bongais, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer said in a statement.

DAR facilitated the signing of the Trust Agreement and the certificate of turnover for the official receipt of equipment to the San Jose Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, the San Pascual Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (SPARBO), and the Brgy. Maisog Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (BMARBO).

T he service vehicles were provided under the Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster Affected Areas and the Expanded Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty programs.

This hauler will help us in transporting our products to the market, where we can sell them at a reasonable price. That is one of the many things we are grate -

ful for. This would be a big help for agrarian reform beneficiaries like us,” said Marilyn Francisco, BMARBO officer.

BMARBO, a coconut producing organization, is also one of the organizations provided with a project under the Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas for year 2023.

Francisco added they will also receive a startup kit that would allow them to establish a broiler production project providing additional income for their families.

A licia Almacin, DAR chief for support services, said SPARBO’s rice trading business continues to generate significant gains, while SARA is fully involved in its profitable egg production venture.

TRANSFORMING agrifood systems is essential to adapt to human-caused climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said following the release of the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

T he Synthesis Report, the last of the Sixth Assessment report cycle, done in a collaborative effort between governments and scientists from all over the world, confirmed that human activities, mainly through emissions of greenhouse gases, have unequivocally caused global warming. These include unsustainable energy use, land use and land-use change, as well as consumption and production patterns.

T he report underlined that 22 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions right now come from agriculture, forestry, and land use.

T he synthesis also painted a clear way ahead, underscoring that the solution lies in climateresilient development and holistic measures to adapt to climate change that also reduce or avoid greenhouse emissions. Agriculture and food security are already threatened by climate change, in particular in Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Land-Locked Countries, affecting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, forest-dependent people, fishers, Indigenous Peoples and women,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo.

We need to act now at scale. Building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems is fundamental to tackling the climate crisis, food insecurity and biodiversity loss.”

Climate action through agri INDEED, the IPCC scientists highlighted with high confidence that many agriculture, forestry and land use options provide adaptation and mitigation benefits that could be upscaled in the near term across most regions.

For example, they said conservation, improved management, and restoration of forests and other ecosystems offer the largest opportunity to counteract the economic damages caused by climate-related disasters.

Examples of effective adaptation options include cultivar improvements, on-farm, water management and storage, soil moisture conservation, irrigation, agroforestry, community-based adaptation, farm and landscape level diversification in agriculture and sustainable land management.

T he IPCC also noted the importance of integrated approaches to meet multiple objectives, including food security, and underscores that shifting to healthy diets and reducing food waste, along with sustainable agriculture, can reduce impacts on ecosystems and free up land for reforestation and biodiversity restoration.

T he synthesis also pointed out that while climate change policies and laws have improved, policy cover-

age remains limited in some sectors such as agriculture, and the barriers preventing the implementation of mitigation measures in agriculture, forestry and other land use sectors are financial, institutional and governance-related.

The report shows how agriculture can be central to climate action. It highlights that Agriculture is already impacted by climate change, showing that its adaptation is urgent to ensure food security and nutrition leaving no one behind,” Semedo said.

“Agriculture including crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, offers solutions that contribute to both adaptation and mitigation.”

T he synthesis further highlighted how central water is to all sectors for their adaptation. In this context, FAO supports integrated water resources management to face waterrelated challenges in the context of climate change.

FAO strategy

FAO said it is already working towards the report’s recommendations, including fostering climate resilience and adaptation in the agrifood sector.

T he FAO Strategy on Climate Change looks beyond food production by considering crops and livestock, forests, fisheries and aquaculture and related value chains, livelihoods, biodiversity and ecosystems in a holistic manner, as well as embracing the indispensable role of women, youth and Indigenous Peoples, as essential agents of change.

People die of hunger in a world of plenty

Drought is a prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that can occur anywhere in the world. Somalia is currently enduring five consecutive seasons of failed rains, which has left five million people in acute food insecurity and nearly two million children at risk of malnutrition.

A new report released on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Health & Human Services of Somalia, WHO and Unicef suggests that an estimated 43,000 excess deaths may have occurred in 2022 in Somalia due to the deepening drought, a figure higher than that of the first year of the 2017–2018 drought crisis. The report said half of these deaths may have occurred among children under the age of 5.

Global aid agencies believe that a declaration of famine in Somalia is imminent. Famine declarations are only made under extreme conditions: when 30 percent of a region’s children are severely malnourished, or 20 percent of the population has no access at all to food and there are two hunger-related deaths per 10,000 people each day.

There have been only two famines declared in the 21st century. In 2011, in the midst of a severe drought and conflict, famine was declared in Somalia after an estimated 250,000 people died. In 2017, after years of civil war, parts of South Sudan were found to be experiencing famine.

“This seems to be an invisible famine,” said Gayle Smith, CEO of One.org, and former US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator under President Obama. “It’s on the horizon, it’s happening. There’s been plenty of warning from the Somalia authorities, from NGOs, from others. I think there’s some awareness, but it has not triggered the kind of international response that one would expect, and is in fact needed.”

The World Economic Forum said more than 100 million people today are on the run from conflict and disaster, and 340 million are projected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023. “The fact of the matter is, we’re dealing with more crises than we ever have before,” Smith said. “And stretching the funding, I think, risks elongating the crises and failing to assist people we can actually reach. To mobilize the kind of response that’s needed, you not only need to activate and get the attention of governments, you have to get the attention of the public.”

WHO Representative Dr. Mamunur Rahman Malik said: “We are racing against time to prevent deaths and save lives that are avoidable. We have seen, deaths and diseases thrive when hunger and food crises prolong. We will see more people dying from disease than from hunger and malnutrition combined if we do not act now. The cost of our inaction will mean that children, women and other vulnerable people will pay with their lives while we hopelessly, helplessly, witness the tragedy unfold.”

From Bloomberg: “There are around 7.8 billion people on the planet now, and each needs about 1.4 kilograms of food on average per day, not including water. That means we require about 3.7 billion metric tons of food a year to feed everyone. At the moment, the world produces about 4 billion metric tons of food per year—but about 1.3 billion tons go to waste, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). One international study led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh put that number even higher, suggesting that as much as 44 percent of agricultural production is never consumed.”

Bloomberg said without clearing any new farmland, we could feed two Earths’ worth of people.

Pope Francis knows there’s plenty of food in the world, just not where it’s needed. That’s why he has been encouraging leaders to take a stand against world hunger. “Many do not have food and are adrift while the few are drowning in the superfluous,” Pope Francis said. “This perverse tendency of inequality is disastrous for the future of humanity.”

Will the smartphone kill the market?

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Pearl “Polly” adler, of russian-Jewish origin and born in 1899, was sent by her parents to the uS in 1913 to escape the increasing pogroms in Imperial russia. By 1920 she was procuring prostitutes to work at brothels in New York City.

She opened a club in 1931 at the newly completed building “The Majestic,” which included a bar designed to look like Tutankhamun’s tomb. Her club’s reputation spread to include some of the most famous of New York society, theater people, politicians, and underworld until 1945. Ms. Adler’s brothels provided the finest smuggled alcohol, food from selected private chefs, and the best girls, “tall and beautiful, gliding down the staircase like swans on a mirrored lake.” Times and views on prostitution changed. Secret trysts often through the smartphone/computer and online pornography, made the business easy and inexpensively accessible. For the most part, elegant and glamorous grand “Gentlemen’s

Clubs” no longer exist. The US Securities and Exchange Commission deregulated the securities industry in 1975. The public reason was that the “Old Boy’s Club” and fixed commission rates did not address the needs of retail customers. That was not true. There was fierce competition.

Merrill Lynch was “Bullish on America,” introduced on television during the 1970 World Series. E. F. Hutton had the best research, so “when E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.” Boutique firms like Paine Webber offered high-net-worth client services, including lunch in corporate executive dining rooms.

Charles R. Schwab opened the first “discount brokerage” in 1975

with trading commission rates half of what the Old Boys charged. The firm did not provide research, a personal stockbroker, or the dining room. An investor could come in at lunchtime wearing “work clothes” from a construction job and feel at home. Wall Street had come to Main Street.

Trade*Plus was the first consumer-oriented online trading application in 1985. That was soon followed by the “Black Monday” crash in 1987.

Online “Day trading” took off in 1997. Between 1995 and 2000, the Nasdaq Composite index reached a price–earnings ratio of 200. In February 2000, the NASDAQ 100 index peaked (inflation-adjusted) at 8,300. By December 2000 it traded at 4,200. A “man on the street” stock favorite, Pets.com, began operations in November 1998—with a listing day price high of $11.00 in February 2000—and was liquidated in November 2000 at $0.20.

From 12 online brokerage firms in 1994, this increased to 140 firms by 2001. In 2022, more than half of American families, 58 percent, were invested in the market. That was an increase from 32 percent in 1989.

Perhaps most importantly investors 65 and older own 43 percent of the US stock market and the wealthiest 10 percent of American households

now own 89 percent of all US stocks. Making investing in the stock market more easily accessible and less expensive is beneficial. The stock exchange makes more income from transaction fees. Companies have a larger market for their Initial Public Offerings. More liquidity is created from an increased number of investors and that is good for the stockbrokers.

However, offering access—not just checking prices—to the market between Instagram and Twitter on a Smartphone is not about investing. It is all about trading the market. Just because everyone can access the stock market does not mean everyone should.

People used to get their music from the radio, and this created stars. The first music video broadcast on MTV in 1981 was The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Who now listens to the radio for their music? Who goes to a “Gentlemen’s Club” to fulfill their fantasies?

Maybe the Old Boys still have a hidden agenda that is not beneficial for the newbies.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Fox, Dominion face off over airing of false election claims

By Randall Chase & Nicholas Riccardi | The Associated Press

WIlMINgtoN, Del.—Fox News and a voting machine company that claims the conservative network defamed it by amplifying baseless allegations of fraud following the 2020 presidential election faced off in a courtroom tuesday during a key hearing over whether journalists have a responsibility to be cautious with explosive and implausible allegations.

Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems argued that Fox recklessly repeated false accusations from supporters of former President Donald Trump that its machines and the software used were responsible for Trump’s 2020 election loss. Documents released during the lawsuit have shown that top Fox executives and personalities didn’t believe the claims but aired them anyway.

“There was a deliberate decision by those responsible for the broadcasts … to let the story be out there,” Dominion attorney Rodney Smolla said, adding that Fox News was desperate to win back viewers infuriated that the network had correctly called Arizona, a key battleground state, on election night for Joe Biden. “What they did to get viewers back was start this new narrative that the election had been stolen and that Dominion was the thief.”

But Fox contended it was simply reporting on newsworthy allegations — a sitting president’s claim that the election was being stolen from him.

“We never reported those to be

true,” Fox lawyer Erin Murphy said. “All we ever did was provide viewers the true fact that these were allegations that were being made.”

The arguments, which are scheduled to continue Wednesday, came during a summary judgment hearing as both sides in the case asked Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis to find in their favor ahead of an April 17 trial date. It’s unclear when Davis might issue a ruling.

Davis told lawyers for both sides he hasn’t made up his mind.

“I need to be educated,” the judge said as the hearing began. “I haven’t pre-decided this.”

The hearing followed the filing of a separate lawsuit Monday by Fox News producer Abby Grossberg claiming that the network pressured her to give misleading testimony during her deposition in the Dominion case.

A producer on Fox’s Tucker Carlson Tonight show who previously worked for Maria Bartiromo’s show, Grossberg contends that Fox attorneys advised her against hiring a

Tuesday’s hearing was perhaps the most significant court action to date in a lawsuit that already has embarrassed Fox by revealing its personalities’ private disdain for former President Donald Trump and illustrating how political pressures can inform its coverage. The case also holds the potential for redefining libel law in the US.

personal attorney for the case and implied that she should not be “too candid” in her depositions.

“Ms. Grossberg convinced herself that discretion would be the better part of valor in this instance, and decided she would follow the directions of the attorneys who claimed they represented her best interests in connection with her deposition and kept her truth to herself,” Grossberg’s lawsuit contends.

Fox countered with its own lawsuit, trying to bar Grossberg from disclosing confidential discussions with Fox attorneys.

“Her allegations in connection with the Dominion case are baseless, and we will vigorously defend Fox against all of her claims,” the network said in a statement about Grossberg’s case.

Tuesday’s hearing was perhaps the most significant court action to date in a lawsuit that already has

embarrassed Fox by revealing its personalities’ private disdain for former President Donald Trump and illustrating how political pressures can inform its coverage. The case also holds the potential for redefining libel law in the US.

Dominion, which sells electronic voting hardware and software, contends that some Fox News employees deliberately amplified false claims by Trump allies that Dominion machines had changed votes in the 2020 election and that Fox provided a platform for guests to make false and defamatory statements about the company.

Dominion’s attorney began Tuesday’s arguments by rejecting Fox’s claim that it should not be held liable for reporting what Trump supporters were saying.

“If you repeat or publish a defamatory statement from someone else, you adopt it as your own,” Smolla said.

He added that Fox’s reputation gave statements being made by Trump allies Sidney Powell, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Lindell “gravitas.”

Smolla said Fox employees did not engage in neutral reporting, but instead “espoused and endorsed” false statements made by program guests.

Dominion attorneys argued that Fox employees allowed guests to falsely claim that the company had rigged the election, flipped large numbers of votes to Biden through See “Fox” A11

By Joseph Wilson | The Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain—Spain’s Parliament set aside the business of lawmaking on Tuesday to hold a marathon debate over a no-confidence motion against the government, which was brought by the nation’s far-right Vox party and is expected to fail.

Spain’s leftist coalition could instead be reinforced by the move that was intended to topple it.

The vote will be held in the 348-member lower chamber on Wednesday. No other party has said it would support the motion by Vox’s 52 lawmakers against the Socialistled government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

In a move that has been widely panned by other political parties and Spanish media, Vox leader Santiago Abascal has broken with custom and isn’t presenting himself as an alternative prime minister. Instead, in an attempt to lure votes from centrist and leftist legislators, Vox convinced a former communist party leader and university professor to lead the no-confidence measure as an independent candidate.

Ramón Tamames, 89, who was a lawmaker in the 1970s and 1980s, has pledged that if the vote were to succeed, his only act as prime minister would be to immediately call for a national election to coincide with a local election already scheduled for May 28.

Tamames has said that he doesn’t agree with many of Vox’s positions, which include its negation of climate change, unfounded charges that migrants are linked to more violent crimes, and its attacks on feminism. But he does share the party’s concerns regarding Catalan and Basque separatism and its patriotic defense of the flag and monarchy.

Vox announced its intention to bring the no-confidence motion after Sánchez’s government reformed laws on sedition and embezzlement to relieve the legal pressure on Catalan separatists last December.

“Señor Abascal, the candidate that you have presented is simply a decoy for you to hide behind and for you to hide your despicable political agenda,” Sánchez said to the organizer of the vote.

“Should I apologize?” Abascal asked, with irony, in his defense. “Our intention was not to degrade the historic legacy of this legislature. We cannot degrade it more than you already have.”

The traditional conservatives of the Popular Party, who lead the parliamentary opposition to the government, have said that they will abstain. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has criticized the vote as only handing a parliamentary victory to Sánchez, and as unnecessary with a general election due in December.

Sánchez’s coalition with the leftist United We Can party, which governs in a minority supported by smaller regionalist parties, and even separatists in the Catalonia and the Basque regions, is trying to recover from a recent split over what to do with

continued from A10

a secret algorithm, was owned by a company founded in Venezuela to rig elections for Hugo Chavez, and bribed government officials.

They pointed to deposition testimony and internal communications — including fact checks from a Fox “brain room,” indicating that, within days of the election, many Fox employees harbored serious doubts about those claims: “There’s no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election,” according to one fact check from Nov. 13, 2020.

But Fox’s attorney argued that the accuracy of the allegations isn’t the main issue.

“What matters is whether the

their own sexual consent law that has inadvertently led to reduced prison terms for hundreds of convicted felons. The partners are hoping to restore their reputation as executors of progressive, and effective, laws before Spain takes on the European Council presidency in July.

Political observers say that Vox is trying to gain traction before a busy election season. Vox aims to become key to conservative governments in town halls in May before the big prize at the end of the year when it hopes to enter a coalition with the Popular Party in the national government.

“The majority of no-confidence votes in Spanish politics are destined to lose from the start, but they are also known as a chance for the party that presents them to be in the spotlight,” Montserrat Nebrera, analyst and former lawmaker of the Popular Party in Catalonia, told The Associated Press.

This is the second time that Vox has brought a no-confidence vote against the current government. Its first attempt to oust Sánchez in October 2020 for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and replace him with Abascal flopped.

Tamames, a respected economist, was a leading member of Spain’s Communist Party who spent time behind bars as a political prisoner before the restoration of democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. He then began his journey across the political spectrum and joined a conservative precursor to the Popular Party.

Tamames has now completed his political metamorphosis by aligning himself with Vox, an upstart party that became parliament’s thirdlargest force in the 2019 election. He has described his radical shift as an evolution, saying that he is “not a fossil.”

“My presence here is one of my last tributes to this beautiful country,” he told the chamber.

Tamames deployed his erudition in his speeches. He showed sharp wit when chiding Sánchez for what he considered his long-winded rebuttals, but seemed to have failed to sway any votes his way.

While Sánchez saved his hardest language for Vox’s Abascal and the Popular Party, the leaders of smaller parties took aim at Tamames, calling the motion “ridiculous” and a “circus,” especially since Tamames’ beliefs only occasionally aligned with Vox’s.

“We, some 300-plus legislators, are extras in a campaign spot that señor Abascal has given to señor Sánchez,” said Ana Oramas of the Canary Islands Coalition. “This is not serious… The biggest scare we could give Vox is if we all agreed to make Tamames prime minister.”

press accurately reports the allegations, not whether the underlying allegations are true or false,” said Murphy, adding that the distinction between a factual statement and an opinion is also important.

She also contended there’s no evidence that Fox Corp. showed any malice — a key legal standard in libel cases — toward Dominion, because there is no evidence that any corporate executives were directly responsible in deciding to air the alleged defamatory statements.

However, as Murphy led the judge through a list of Fox broadcasts, it became clear that programs of former Fox host Lou Dobbs, aired shortly after the 2020 election, could be an issue for the network. “There seems to be a Dobbs problem,” Davis said. Riccardi reported from Denver.

By Jill Colvin | The Associated Press

NEW YORK—For 40 years, former President Donald Trump has navigated countless legal investigations without ever facing criminal charges. That record may soon come to an end.

Trump could be indicted by a Manhattan grand jury as soon as this week, potentially charged with falsifying business records connected to hush money payments during his 2016 campaign to women who accused him of sexual encounters.

It’s one of several investigations that have intensified as Trump mounts his third presidential run. He has denied any allegations of wrongdoing and accuses prosecutors of engaging in a politically motivated “witch hunt” to damage his campaign.

An indictment in New York would mark an extraordinary turn in American history, making Trump the first former president to face a criminal charge. And it would carry tremendous weight for Trump himself, threatening his long-established ability to avoid consequences despite entanglement in a dizzying number of cases.

Indictment, says biographer Michael D’Antonio, would be a “shocking event, both because of the fact that a former president is being indicted for the first time, but also because one of the slipperiest people at the highest level of business, whose devotion to abusing the system is so well established, is being caught.”

“Throughout his life, he has done things for which he could have been investigated and potentially prosecuted and learned from those experiences that he could act with impunity,” he said.

Trump first faced legal scrutiny in the 1970s when the Department of Justice brought a racial discrimination case against his family’s real estate business.

Trump and his father fiercely fought the suit, which accused them of refusing to rent apartments to black tenants in predominantly white buildings. Testimony showed that applications filed by prospective black tenants were marked with a “C” for “colored.” Trump countersued for $100 million, accusing the government of defamation.

The case ended with a settlement that opened the way for some black tenants but did not force the Trumps to explicitly acknowledge they had “failed and neglected” to comply with the Fair Housing Act.

Since then, Trump and his businesses have been the subject of thousands of civil lawsuits and numerous investigations. There have been probes into his casino and real estate dealings, allegations of bribery and improper lobbying, fraud allegations against the now-defunct Trump University and charitable Trump Foundation and a probe by the Manhattan district attorney into sales at the Trump SoHo hotel-condominium in Lower Manhattan.

Indeed, according Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a government watchdog group abbreviated CREW, as of November 2022, Trump had been accused of committing at least 56 criminal offenses since he launched his campaign in 2015, not including allegations of fraudulent business dealings. But he has never been formally indicted.

Trump is a master of delay tactics, “finding ways to endlessly delay in the hopes that the investigation and litigation will go away. And he’s had remarkable success,” says CREW president Noah Bookbinder, a former federal corruption prosecutor.

“It makes accountability absolutely essential because we can’t have people in a functioning democracy operating in positions of power with total impunity where they can commit crimes and never have to face any consequences,” he said.

Trump’s retort to such strong talk: He commits no crimes, so consequences would themselves be unjust.

As president, Trump continued to face legal scrutiny. For two years, the Justice Department investigated his 2016 campaign’s ties to Russia. While special counsel Robert Mueller never found direct evidence of collusion, his final report did lay out evidence for obstruction. He noted that, be-

cause of a department opinion that bars indicting a sitting president, he couldn’t recommend Trump be criminally charged, even in secret.

Since Trump left office, the investigations have circled ever closer.

In January, his namesake company was fined $1.6 million for tax crimes, including conspiracy and falsifying business records. The company’s longtime executive, Allen Weisselberg, is currently serving jail time as punishment for dodging taxes on job perks.

Additional cases are still being pursued. In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating whether Trump and his allies illegally meddled in the 2020 election. The foreperson of a special grand jury, which heard from dozens of witnesses, said last month that the panel had recommended that numerous people be indicted, and hinted Trump could be among them. It is ultimately up to Willis to decide whether to move forward.

In Washington, Trump is under scrutiny from special counsel Jack Smith for his handling—allegations say mishandling—of classified documents after leaving office, as well as for his much-publicized efforts to stay in power, despite his 2020 election loss. Justice Department lawyers in the documents probe have said they have amassed evidence of potential crimes involving Trump’s retention of national defense information as well as potential efforts to obstruct their work.

Some legal experts have questioned the wisdom of having the Manhattan case be the first brought against Trump, when more serious charges could be looming. Trump is expected to be charged with falsifying business records, a misdemeanor unless prosecutors can prove it was done to conceal another crime. And the case dates back years.

“Clearly it’s not the cleanest criminal case that could be brought of all of them that are existing right now,” said Michael Weinstein, an attorney and former Justice Department prosecutor, who said Trump would likely use its potential weaknesses to his political advantage.

“By this case coming first, it gives him a opening to go on offense and attack, which for him is the only way

he knows,” Weinstein said.

Spain’s government faces no-confidence vote brought by Vox Trump’s potential indictment caps decades of legal scrutiny

Still, he said the possible charges felt like a natural culmination of the “unbelievable array of investigations” the former president “has lived through and battled for the last 40 years.”

“There’s a history and pattern of him saying and doing things without resulting in any consequences,” Weinstein said. “After 40 years, do the criminal chickens come home to roost? He’s been fighting a long time, and it could be in the next 12 months he’s facing two or three criminal cases that carry serious criminal liability for him.”

The New York case involves payments made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who served prison time after pleading guilty in 2018 to federal charges, to porn actor Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal. Cohen was reimbursed by Trump, whose company logged the reimbursements as “legal expenses.”

Politically, Trump allies believe the case actually will benefit the former president in the short term by energizing his base in a competitive Republican primary, and would provide another boost later on if it ultimately fails to yield a conviction.

“The prosecutor in New York has done more to help Donald Trump get elected,” says Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., echoing other GOP officials, who have also argued the probe will likely help Trump in the short term, even if it could prove damaging in a general election.

An indictment wouldn’t stop Trump from continuing his campaign. There is no prohibition against running while facing criminal charges—or even following conviction. Indeed, convicted felons have run for president before, including from behind bars.

“It boggles the mind to think that we have an ex-president on the eve of being indicted still the frontrunner for the Republican Party in 2024,” says presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. “You would have thought (potentially) being arrested would have been a disqualifying factor in presidential politics. But Trump constantly surprises people by his devious and inappropriate behavior that he transcends by turning it into being a victim of a witch hunt.”

Xi aligns with Putin against US, but hesitates on big gas deal

By Kari Lindberg & Stephen Stapczynski | Bloomberg Opinion

XI Jinping used two days of talks in Moscow to firmly align with Russia against the US. But the Chinese leader held back from offering Vladimir Putin something he’s been looking for: A commitment to buy a lot more gas.

The visit by Xi, his first to Russia since Putin invaded Ukraine just over a year ago, marked a political win for both leaders. Xi saw an opportunity to push back at the US and buttress his image as a global statesman after helping to broker a Saudi-Iran deal, while Putin can show he has the support of one of the world’s most powerful leaders even as the US and its allies try to isolate him.

Yet the lack of progress on any major energy deals—or specifics on other areas of economic cooperation—showed some hesitation from China on appearing too close to Russia. Xi wants to avoid facing more stringent economic sanctions that could damage China’s economy, while also keeping Russia on side as a partner that could push back against the US and its allies—and provide cover for countries that don’t want to pick sides.

Emphasizing that China-Russia ties “are not the kind of militarypolitical alliance during the Cold War,” one of the joint statements issued after the talks drew a more explicit boundary than a lengthy joint statement last year that hailed a “no limits” friendship between the countries when Putin visited Beijing just weeks before the invasion.

“Xi’s plan is to strike a balance: China wants Russia to survive, but doesn’t want to be viewed as completely supporting Russia,” said Dongshu Liu, an assistant professor specializing in Chinese politics at

the City University of Hong Kong. “The problem is when the war develops, if Russia becomes further disadvantaged and needs economic and military support from China in order to survive, what will China do? China will need to make a bigger choice then.”

The joint statements issued after the talks contained many of the principles China has long espoused in pushing back against the US. The two leaders vowed to prevent “color revolutions,” called for an investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline explosion, expressed concerns about US and UK plans to cooperate with Australia on nuclear-powered submarines and called on NATO to respect “diversity of civilizations.”

The increasing asymmetry in the economic relationship was evident in the statements on energy. Putin promised to deliver at least 98 billion cubic meters of gas a year to China by 2030. While that’s more than six times higher than what it sold to China last year via pipeline, it’s still well below what Russia delivered to Europe at its peak.

But Xi didn’t give Putin an explicit agreement or even a nod to minimal progress on the bellwether Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a crucial link as Moscow attempts to sell more gas to the east while its export infrastructure largely faces west. Putin said after the talks that the new pipeline, which would run to China through Mongolia, was discussed

and “almost all” parameters of a deal agreed. But the joint statements were far less explicit.

While that pipeline could supply China with a cheaper alternative to liquefied natural gas, Xi’s government remains focused on securing diversity of supply—essentially not repeating the European error of excessive reliance on Russia. And there’s a lot of countries seeking to sell gas at the moment, including the US, Qatar, Australia and Turkmenistan, according to Batt Odgerel, a senior research analyst at the Energy Policy Research Foundation, Inc.

“It’s a buyer’s market for China,” he said. “Unless Russia gives an extremely pleasant offer, China can wait as long as it wants. Additional gas from Russia is not required, especially after the lockdown-induced economic downturn.”

The extent to which China will continue this balancing act with Russia will be made clear in the coming weeks.  Xi is expected to soon hold his first conversation since the invasion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in order to further his vague proposal for a cease-fire, which has already been dismissed by the US and its allies.

“Many of the provisions of the peace plan proposed by China are in line with Russian approaches and could be used as the basis for a resolution when Kyiv and the West are ready for it,” Putin said Tuesday in his most detailed comments yet on the blueprint, speaking in the Kremlin alongside Xi.

John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, on Tuesday tore into Xi for flying “all the way to Moscow” without first speaking with Zelenskyy.

Cease-fire proposal

“NOW look, if he’s willing to talk to President Zelenskyy and willing to get the other side and, if any future potential negotiation can incorporate Ukrainian views and perspectives,” Kirby added, “then that’s something that could be seen as impartial.”

China’s cease-fire paper has little detail and largely consists of broader foreign policy positions long espoused by Beijing. While its embrace of the principle of territorial integrity won praise in Kyiv, which seeks to drive Russian forces back across the border, a cease-fire call that would freeze forces in current positions is a non-starter.

The Xi-Putin meeting is also being closely watched for any signs that China will provide Russia with overt military support. The two discussed military cooperation, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said, without providing details, according to Tass.

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that the alliance had seen “some signs” Russia had requested lethal aid from China for the war in Ukraine, but “we haven’t seen any proof that China is delivering lethal weapons to Russia.”

“This meeting wasn’t about a specific gas deal or not even about as much about Ukraine war,” said Alexander Korolev, senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales in Sydney who wrote China-Russia Strategic Alignment in International Politics. “It’s about consolidating China-Russia alignment in the context of deteriorating US-China relations.” ( With assistance from Lucille Liu and Vladimir Kuznetsov / Bloomberg )

A12 Thursday, March 23, 2023

PHL WILL TAKE 40 YRS TO ATTAIN SDG–REPORT

IF the current pace of progress in moving toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is maintained, it will take over four decades to attain the goals, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap).

I n a hybrid briefing on Wednesday, Unescap Statistics Division Director Rachael Beaven said the average progress toward achieving all SDGs has increased but at the slow pace of 14.4 percent in 2022.

T he pace of progress in 2017 was only at 4.4 percent. In 2021, the pace of progress was already slow, and Unescap initially estimated that it would take 35 years to meet the SDGs.

The rate of progress is slowing down. Indeed, based on the current rate, we should expect to achieve the SDGs in another 42 years,” Beaven said in a presentation. “We can see clearly that we are not on track to achieving any of the 17 goals by 2030.”

I n 2022, the areas of greatest progress for the Asia-Pacific region were affordable and clean energy (Goal 7) and industry, innovation and infrastructure (Goal 9).

P rogress towards achieving Goal 7 was largely driven by achievements in access to elec -

tricity and international support for clean and renewable energy, while there was little progress in the share of renewable energy consumption.

P rogress towards achieving Goal 9 was driven by successes in mobile network coverage and total official flows for infrastructure development in the least developed countries.

However, progress towards climate action (Goal 13) is slipping away. The region is both a victim of the impact of climate change and a perpetrator of climate change, with a responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Countries are not on track to achieve greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The region is also regressing on Goal 13 owing to the increase in deaths and missing persons attributed to disasters.

T he report also showed there are certain country leaders when it comes to achieving specific goals. Based on the report, the Philippines was actually identified as the regional leader in achieving SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production.

But even under this goal, the Philippines is not on track to achieve certain indicators and is also regressing in meeting other indicators.

Priceless marine assets, 7-M people at VIP now at risk–UP experts

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THICK black oil from the sunken MT Princess Empress continues to be released and is now seriously threatening priceless marine resources and famously pristine beaches of the Verde Island Passage (VIP), experts from the University of the PhilippinesCollege of Science’s Marine Science Institute (MSI) said.

B ased on Bulletin #10, as of March 21, 2023, the oil spill trajectory model forecasts that the spill will flow through the VIP for the rest of the week.

W ith the help of Japanese experts that used a remotely operated vehicle, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was able to capture images of the ill-fated vessel, exactly where it was earlier pinpointed by the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (Namria) using the sonar technology of BRP Ventura.

W ith the images, the Philippine Coast Guard along with support groups from Japan and US Coast Guard are expected to come up with the next plan of action. Experts said the leaks in the vessel where oil are seeping out should be sealed to stop the oil from further causing damage to marine ecosystems around it.

I n a statement, the UP-CS MSI said swaths of thick black oil from the MT Princess Empress are expected to hit the VIP by March 24 to 26, according to the UP-CS MSI.

L ocated between Batangas and Mindoro, the VIP is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to thousands of unique species.

A ccording to the UP-CS MSI, the number of people whose livelihood depends on the bounty of the VIP has reached the 7 million mark.  With some of the highest

Amid China’s protest, PBBM backs US military presence

By Jim Gomez | The Associated Press

T he Marcos administration announced in early February that it would allow rotating batches of American forces to indefinitely stay in four more Philippine military camps in addition to five local bases earlier designated under a 2014 defense pact of the longtime treaty allies.

M arcos said the four new sites would be announced soon and they include areas in the northern Philippines. That location has infuriated Chinese officials because it would provide US forces a staging ground close to southern China and Taiwan.

T he Biden administration has been strengthening an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to better counter China, including in any future confrontation over Taiwan. America’s moves dovetail with Philippine efforts to shore up its territorial defense amid a longseething dispute mainly with China in the South China Sea.

A side from the northern and

southern Philippines, Marcos told a news conference that under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), US forces would also be allowed to stay in western Palawan province, which faces the South China Sea. He underscored the moves were meant to boost the country’s coastal defense and added in reply to a question that opposition to the US military presence by some local Filipino officials had been overcome.

“ We explained to them why it was important that we have that and why it will actually be good for their province,” Marcos said, adding most of those who had objections had come around “to support the idea of an EDCA site in their province.”

G overnor Manuel Mamba of northern Cagayan province, where American forces may be allowed to stay with their weapons in up to two Philippine military areas, said Marcos has the prerogative to make the decision. But he added he remained opposed to allowing the Americans

to base in Cagayan, which lies across a sea border from southern China and Taiwan, because that could turn his province into a key target of the Chinese military if an armed conflict involving the US military breaks out over Taiwan.

It is the president’s call, not mine,” Mamba told The Associated Press. “But I maintain my stand against any foreign forces stationed in my province. Still, I am against EDCA sites in my province.”

M arcos spoke to reporters after delivering a speech at an army anniversary ceremony where he asked troops to prepare to face potential external threats after a half-century battle against communist rebels that he said “is coming to an end.”

“ The army must always be fully prepared and capable for any contingencies, especially considering you are the country’s last line of defense against any external security threat,” he said.

US and Philippine officials have said that American-funded construction of barracks, warehouses and other structures to be used by US forces would generate muchneeded local jobs and boost the economy. The US presence would help the Philippines respond to natural disasters, enhance combatreadiness and help deter Chinese aggression in Asia.

C hina, however, has repeatedly accused Washington of taking steps to contain it militarily and of driving a wedge between Beijing and its Asian neighbors like the Philippines.

Creating economic opportunities and jobs through military cooperation is tantamount to quenching thirst with poison and gouging flesh to heal wounds,” the Chinese embassy in Manila said in a recent statement. “Such cooperation will seriously endanger regional peace and stability and drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife and damage its economic development at the end of the day.”

US forces have intensified and broadened joint training, focusing on combat readiness and disaster response with Filipino troops on the nation’s western coast, which faces the disputed South China Sea, and in its northern Luzon region across the sea from the Taiwan Strait.

Next month, the allied forces are to hold their largest combat exercise, called Balikatan — Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder — which will include live-fire drills. One planned maneuver involves U.S. and Philippine forces firing rockets to sink a mock enemy ship in waters facing the South China Sea, the Philippine military said.

I f the ship-sinking exercise proceeds as planned, it would likely draw an angry reaction from China, which claims the strategic waterway virtually in its entirety and has repeatedly warned Washington to stop meddling in what Beijing says is a purely Asian dispute.  Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report

concentrations of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, seagrasses, and mangroves worldwide, the VIP is the main source of food and livelihood for people living on both sides of the strait.

T he UP-CS MSI noted that the area also encompasses Puerto Galera, whose white sand beaches are internationally-acclaimed tourist destinations that are another vital source of revenue for local communities. S o far, thick black oil has been found floating off the coast of Baco Chico Island near Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.  A photograph by Marion Cepillo, Blue Alliance Key Ocean Defender (BAKOD), Blue Alliance, was also released to the media by the UP-CS MSI.

E xperts from the UP-CS MSI have been working closely around the clock with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alongside other universities, government agencies, and stakeholders in a race to address the oil spill and stop it from spreading.

The VIP is home to endangered and threatened species including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams,” the UPD-CS MSI said in an update. “Damage from the oil spill may affect biodiversity (including endemic species only found in the Philippines as well as species yet to be discovered), tourism revenues, and food security in the area,” they added.

The Verde Island Passage represents a large portion of the country’s marine biodiversity, and is a vital resource for millions of people, past and present,” said UPD-CS MSI Associate Professor Irene Rodriguez. “If we work together, we can still hopefully safeguard it for future generations to come.”

House slaps Teves with 60-day suspension

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday slapped Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. with a 60-day suspension for disorderly behavior.

T his, after the plenary, with 292 affirmative votes and without abstention, adopted the recommendations of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges against

Teves, for his “disorderly behavior affecting the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives.”

I n committee report 472, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges Chairman Felipe Espares said “after a thorough deliberation and observance of due process, the committee on Ethics and Privileges hereby recommends to the House of Representatives the imposition of the penalty of 60 days suspension from the service upon Rep.

Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. for disorderly behavior.”

“ Let us not be mistaken or misled by numerous insinuations and beliefs as to the outcome of the investigation. We are at liberty to say that the real issue on the cases at hand is whether or not the conduct of Teves in staying abroad with expired travel clearance and his continued defiance to the orders of the House to return to the country and perform his duties as House Member constitute

disorderly behavior affecting the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives,” he said.

For his part, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday assured the public that the House of Representatives will not tolerate misconduct and wrongdoing among its members. He made the assurance in remarks shortly before Congress went on its Lenten break.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday defended his decision to allow a larger United States military presence in the country as vital to territorial defense despite China’s fierce opposition and warning that it would “drag the Philippines into the abyss of geopolitical strife.”

12.

NAKAYAMA, KANNA Sw/app/cloud Tech Support Analyst

Brief Job Description: The position will require candidates to take calls using any of the 6 languages to support our clients with their IT-related incidents and request.

Some of the roles and responsibilities for the role include perform initial triage for IT issues raised by customers log, track, and update incidents, attempt first time fix resolution for known issues, identify target resolver group and route tickets, do remote trouble shooting, install/uninstall applications for incidents raised by customers.

a diverse and multi-cultural environment. Willing and able to work on a shifting schedule.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any 4yr course, preferably IT or Engineering related. Strong working knowledge of the service desk function. Good knowledge level on multiple IT technologies. Excellent communications skills both written and verbal. Willing and able to work effectively in a diverse and multi-cultural environment. Willing and able to work on a shifting schedule.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

13.

EWANE, PIUS ENONGENE Sw/app/cloud Tech Support Analyst

Brief Job Description: The position will require candidates to take calls using any of the 6 languages to support our clients with their IT-related incidents and request. Some of the roles and responsibilities for the role include perform initial triage for IT issues raised by customers log, track, and update incidents, attempt first time fix resolution for known issues, identify target resolver group and route tickets, do remote trouble shooting, install/uninstall applications for incidents raised by customers.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any 4yr course, preferably IT or Engineering related. Strong working knowledge of the service desk function. Good knowledge level on multiple IT technologies. Excellent communications skills both written and

communicate using mandarin.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

46.

PIVKIN, KIRILL Senior Machine Learning Specialist Brief Job Description: Formulate conduct intensive research of all available company’s data sources including but not limited to marketing, financial and other data to identify features having significant effect on the company key performance; research state of the art machine learning and data analysis techniques and their practical applications for dynamic pricing and company’s marketing needs; drive machine learning projects on all scales from proof of concept to production: setting up objectives and road map, identifying key metrics for validation, implementing by all available means in collaboration with other analysts, data scientists and software developers, results validation; develop software automating dynamic pricing inference/optimization processes, as well as helping to improve company’s marketing and financial key performance metrics; present work results in clear and informative way to key project stakeholders.

Basic Qualification: Must have at least five (5) years of experience working with data and building machine learning models; must have a phd in a quantitative/math field with significant background in coding and statistics; with prior experience with statistical computing environments in python (pandas, scipy, scikit-learn, numpy); with prior experience creating and using advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics; with prior experience in designing, deploying, and analyzing statistical experiments and/or a/b tests; must have a strong knowledge and experience in sql; has experience working with databricks and modeling price optimization solutions; with deep interests in pricing, business strategy, and consumer behavior.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies

B1

Thursday, March 23, 2023

SMC infra unit to build ₧44-B Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

Ramon s Ang, the company’s president, said the Batangas provincial government granted sMC i n frastructure the concession for the n Be X , a four-lane, 61-kilometer toll road that he said will “further unlock the economic potential of Batangas.”

i’m glad that our company will have another opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration with Batangas, through the nBe X , and ensure that its benefits are shared broadly,” Ang said. “ we have committed to deliver 70 percent of the project’s profits

to the local government, once it’s operational, to be used to provide vital services for our kababayans in the province. t h is will be key to furthering the growth of the province and improving lives and livelihood.”

sMC and the Batangas provincial government signed on wednesday the joint venture agreement for the project in a ceremony held at the Balayan Government Center.

n Be X aims to improve travel across towns throughout Batangas, particularly the first district. Once complete, it will make na sugbu, Balayan, l emery, Bauan, the City of Calaca, and other municipalities, more accessible.

t he project has four sections: section 1 is a 10.78-km segment that stretches from Brgy. Kaylaway

NGCP spends ₧2.5B on social projects

to Brgy. Banilad in nasugbu town; section 2 is a 13.03-km segment from Brgy. Banilad to Balayan town; section 3 is a 16.3-km segment from Balayan to l emery, and section 4 is a 20.79-km segment from l emery to Bauan.

Cutting travel time from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes, nBe X will run parallel to tagaytay-nasugbu and PalicoBalayan highways.

And said target for substantial completion of the project is at 48 months, including the 12-month development of the detailed engineering design. Aside from nBe X , sMC operates the ta rlac-Pangasinan- l a Union e x pressway, the s k yway sy stem, the the south lu zon ex pressway, and the southern tagalog Arterial Road tollway.

Filreit hit by weak office demand

By VG Cabuag @villygc

Filinvest R eit Corp. (Filreit), the flagship commercial real estate investment trust of the Gotianun Group, said it recorded a net income of P1.31 billion in 2022, a drop of 29 percent from the previous year’s P1.85 billion.

t he office leasing segment had its fair share of new challenges last year brought about by the globally changing workplace environment,” Filreit President and CeO Maricel Brion-lirio said.

SynGen tA Group, the sw iss agrichemical giant looking to list in shanghai, said its China growth remains rapid as sales climbed 17 percent last year. the China business achieved sales of $8.6 billion last year, driven by higher contributions from its crop protection and seeds units. Revenue from MAP and digital operations, which help connect farmers to buyers across China, were particularly strong, rising 76 percent to $3.1 billion, the company said in a statement. the results augur well for syngenta, owned by state-owned China national Chemical Corp., or ChemChina, as it works toward a $10 billion initial public offering (iPO) on shanghai’s star Board. its products, such as genetically modified seeds, could allow it to benefit from China’s aim to boost the quality and quantity of its agricultural production to ensure self-sufficiency in food.

However, the iPO process has been slow. it’s been more than 20 months since the company filed its prospectus. the delay could be due to poor equity-market conditions in 2022, Bloomberg intelligence analysts said.

Other details from syngenta’s earnings statement:

n syngenta Group China’s crop protection sales grew 17 percent over the full year, while sales of seeds climbed 22 percent;

n Crop nutrition sales of the China unit were down 12 percent due to a new nitrogen distribution model;

n Overall syngenta Group sales rose 19 percent to $33.4 billion, with all business units seeing double-digit growth;

n the company said there was strong demand for products that promote yield increases and sustainable farming methods; and

n Group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased 20 percent to an all-time high of $5.6 billion. Bloomberg News

“Closer to home, the implementation of hybrid work set-ups in PeZ A [Philippine economic Zone Authority] zones like our northgate property affected our leasing patterns. Despite this headwind, FilRt demonstrated resiliency and forged ahead in growing the portfolio.”

Rental and other revenues reached P3.24 billion, the company said.

Average occupancy for the year was 89 percent, including the newly infused Boracay property that was added to the portfolio in December 2022.

Filreit signed new leases totaling

GlOBe has announced its participation in the ninth leg of the national telecommunications Commission’s (ntC) siM registration assistance program from March 20 to 24, deploying booths in 58 locations across the country to help customers who may face registration difficulties.

By participating in the initiative, Globe demonstrates its commitment to delivering exceptional service to all its customers regardless of location, and ensuring they meet the government’s April 26 deadline.

“Our primary objective is to provide seamless connectivity to our customers. By establishing siM registration booths across the country, we aim to streamline the registration process and make it hassle-free for everyone. we strongly advise our customers to take the opportunity to register at these booths so we can help them comply with the law and ensure uninterrupted connectivity services,” said Globe Channel Management Group Head Cleo santos.

Customers can drop by Globe booths in the following locations to get the help they need to register their siMs:

LUZON

Mountain Province

*March 23 - Paracelis (3rd Floor, Municipal/Multi-Purpose Building)

if ugao

* March 24 - Alfonso lista (Municipal Covered Court)

i locos sur

* March 23 - tagudin (3rd Floor, ti kanlu Hall, tagudin town Hall)

l a Union

* March 24 - sudipen (Municipal Covered Court)

Quirino

5,087 square meters and renewed 22,891 square meters or 96 percent of expiring leases in 2022.

t his year, new letters of intent were signed by traditional and BPO multinational companies to lease almost 9,000 square meters of office space and more than 13,300 square meters or 32 percent of the lease expiries for the year 2023 have already been renewed. t he balance is due for renewal during the remainder of the year.

t he company in December acquired a prime property with a gross leasable area (Gl A) of 29,086 square

meters in Boracay, Aklan.

t he acquisition resulted in an increase in its portfolio by 9.65 percent in Gl A terms. t he Boracay property, which is leased to the well-regarded Crimson Resort and spa Boracay, broadens Filreit’s income profile mix beyond office leasing and into the hospitality sector.

“Moving forward, F i l R t will continue to focus on diversifying its portfolio to improve the revenues of its existing prime office assets and to ultimately boost dividends for its shareholders,” the company said.

for SIM registration

* March 23 - Aglipay (Municipal Gym, Brgy. san l eonardo)

* March 24- Diffun (Diffun Municipal Gymnasium, Barangay Bonifacio)

Pampanga

* March 24 - san Fernando (Giant l antern tourist and information Center) nueva ecija

* March 23 - Bongabon ( town Plaza, Brgy. social)

* March 24 - Gabaldon (Municipal Covered Court)

Quezon

* March 23 - Cardona (Municipal Covered Court)

* March 24 - Binangonan ( ynares Covered Court)

Camarines sur

* March 23 - Presentacion (Municipal Hall)

* March 24 - Caramoan (Municipal Hall)

VISAYAS

Aklan

* March 23 - Malinao (Covered Court)

* March 24 - Batan (sports Complex)

Camotes

* March 23 - san Francisco ( western Covered Court)

* March 24 - tudela (Civic Center, southern Poblacion)

negros Oriental

* March 23 - Dauin (Municipal Covered Court)

* March 24 - va lencia City (Municipal Gym)

samar

* March 23 - sa lcedo (in front of Municipal Hall)

MINDANAO

Zamboanga sibugay

* March 23 - imelda (Municipal Hall)

Zamboanga del norte

* March 24 - l eon Postigo/Bacungan (Municipal Gym)

Misamis Oriental

* March 23 - Mambajao, Camiguin (Covered Court, Brgy Poblacion)

Bukidnon * March 23 - sumilao (Municipal Hall l obby)

* March 24 - Manolo Fortich (Barangay tangkulan Covered Court)

Davao de Oro

* March 23 - Monkayo (Municipal Dome)

* March 24 - nabunturan (Municipal Gym)

Maguindanao

* March 23 - Aleosan (Public terminal)

north Cotabato

* March 24 - Parang (Municipal Plaza)

surigao del norte

* March 23 - Malimono ( women’s tra ining and Development Center)

* March 24 - sison (Municipal Gym) to ensure a fast and hassle-free on-site registration process, customers are reminded to have their relevant information on hand, including their full name, date of birth, sex, address, governmentissued i D with photo, and mobile number.

i n addition to its participation in the n t C -led s i M registration, Globe earlier launched several onground initiatives to help make s i M registration convenient for customers. i t s online platform (https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg) and the GlobeOne app are also available 24/7 for s i M registration.

THe national Grid Corp. of the Philippines (nGCP) said on wednesday it has spent P2.5 billion since 2009 to implement corporate social responsibility (CsR) programs that benefited some 13,722 residents in host provinces.

Ada l opez, head of nGCP’s Corporate in itiatives and Advocacies Division, said for 2023, several social infrastructure projects have been lined up, including the construction of classrooms for the Department of education.

s o cial responsibility is an essential component of n G CP’s corporate culture, and this is the reason why we established our Corporate i n itiatives and Advocacies Division or C i A D – our C sR arm – to respond to the development needs of our partner communities through projects that help improve the residents’ quality of life, build up their capabilities and protect the environment, as well,” she said.

l opez noted that a total of 130 social infrastructure projects were built to date such as footbridges; multipurpose halls that also serve as evacuation centers; classroom buildings; learning centers; multipurpose

covered courts; industrial arts buildings; and water systems including drainage repair and area backfilling in various host communities.

si nce 2017, nGCP constructed 39 computer laboratories utilized by some 6,240 learners and 273 teachers located in 25 provinces across the country. in the last three years, 16 health centers located in 14 provinces were constructed including the most recent one turned over in January for Barangay Zone 1 in sta. Cruz, Davao del sur.

we are not just a transmission facility. we aim to be a partner in nation-building by helping light up the future of Filipinos through our social infrastructure projects that provide access to education and healthcare services. we support progress and development in partnership with stakeholders who share our vision of empowering host communities,” said l opez.

s h e noted that the n G CP will “keep undertaking C s R projects… to improve the quality of life of Filipinos as part of their commitment to helping the country achieve sustainable growth and progress.”

Lorenz S. Marasigan

Crown Asia net income slightly higher in 2022

CROw n Asia Chemicals Corp., the supplier of pipes and fittings, said its net income last year reached P228.9 million, higher by a mere 2 percent from the previous year’s P224.3 million.

t he company said its revenues slightly grew to P1.76 billion, a 1 percent increase from the previous year’s P1.74 billion.

t he company said the relatively flat income and revenues were due to higher operating costs, offset by robust credit evaluation.

“Crown (Asia) looks forward to a better 2023 with the recovery of construction activities and infrastructure expenditures, both public and private, especially as the current administration advocates public private partnership,” it said.

t h e company—a supplier to the Metro Manila, Manila subway, north- s outh Commuter Railway, sk yway 3 extension, CBe X wawa Dam—has several years of revenue streams from major infrastructure projects.

t hese projects stretch up to years 2023 to 2028 and will either be partially completed or fully operational.

in the pipeline for 2023 and 2024 is the introduction of another Fili-

pino pipe brand “that will provide quality and safety to the construction industry.”

Crown pipes, having tested for quality and passing safety standards, has been the preferred choice of major infrastructure and premium private developments.

Crown Asia said it is slated to acquire a property and additional machineries to expand production capacity and increase storage facilities. “Crown is looking forward to the upward revenue trajectory and customer demands.”

t he company has also declared P0.09 dividend per share for the year. t he dividend will be paid in two tranches. t he first tranche has a record date of April 5, and payment date on May 3. t he second tranche has a record date of August 31, and payment date on september 25. listed on the Philippine stock exchange in April 2015, Crown Asia has consistently received international and local recognitions from the Forbes Asia, the Financial times and the Government of Bulacan. t he most recent is the 2022 Golden Arrow Award from the institute of Corporate Governance, which it received last January 20. VG Cabuag

DiversifieD conglomerate san Miguel Corp. (sMC) has been granted a 35-year concession to design, build, operate, and maintain the P44.77-billion Nasugbu-Bauan expressway (NBeX).

Syngenta says China growth remains rapid Globe deploys booths

The Pagbilao e x tra high Voltage (ehV ) Substation Project of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines in Quezon province. Photo from www.ngcP Ph

PSE turns to Unionbank for capital market devt

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. on Wednesday said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines to undertake projects related to capital market development.

The said agreement covers awareness initiatives specific to listing at the Exchange such as providing seminars and consultations on doing an initial public offering to corporates and small and medium enterprises under Union Bank.

“UnionBank is an ideal partner in our program to drum up interest in IPO listing given the pool of companies under its wing. A good number of these corporates are potential candidates for PSE LEAP [Listing Engagement and Assistance Program] and some of the names are likely ripe for an IPO,” PSE president and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said.

Under the deal, Union Bank will also help introduce companies that may be potential PSE LEAP, or listing engagement and assistance program, participants to the bourse. The PSE will also conduct investing in the stock market learning sessions to the said companies.

The PSE LEAP is a marketing program offered to interested and potential listing applicants for free. The program provides handholding guidance to clients via one-on-one advisory sessions, access to online pre-listing assessment tools, and assistance in connecting potential clients to seasoned IPO advisors.

Early this month, PSE LEAP companies that were IPO-ready attended the maiden masterclass with capital market regulators and a publicly listed company.

Aside from projects for PSE LEAP companies, the bourse also holds regular corporate connect meetings, in partnership with select financial advisors and business organizations to raise awareness and establish interest in fund raising through the stock market.

Another avenue tapped by the PSE to reach out to potential listing applicants is the Roadshow on Capital Formation for MSMEs by the Securities and Exchange Commission. PSE took part in the Davao and Cebu editions of the roadshow held on February 15 and March 17, respectively. The PSE will also join the Cagayan de Oro run of the said activity in April to discuss capital raising through the equities market and introduce CDO-based entrepreneurs to PSE LEAP.

EastWest exec named Young Global Leader

10% of tax allotment for LGUs sought to support agri sector

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

has weakened in the last two decades. Local government units [LGUs] can play a crucial role in transforming the agriculture and fisheries sector,” Lee added.

Under the Mandanas-Garcia case ruling of the Supreme Court, LGUs ought to have a higher budget that can directly provide interventions to their local needs. In this new fiscal regime, there is a strong case to be made for greater prioritization and just share of the agricultural sector for its growth and development, according to the lawmaker.

In filing House Bill (HB) 7597 (Local Agri-Fisheries Development Act), AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert

T. Lee said that the agriculture and fisheries sector must get its fair share of public funding to attain the coun-

try’s food security and redeem itself as an agriculture powerhouse, at par with other Asean countries.

“Our initial advantages in agricultural research and productivity have been lost and the agriculture sector

“Taking into consideration that the share of LGUs will be automatically and directly released to the provincial, city, municipal or barangay treasurer without need for any further action and shall not be subject to any lien or holdback that may be imposed by the national government, this measure shall ensure that the LGUs will be mandated to effectively participate in our serious

pursuit of agricultural development and include it as their priority with the necessary funding,” said Lee. Under HB 7597, local agriculture development programs shall focus on areas which contribute to the competitiveness of the sector. These include the following: availability and production of seeds, livestock, fingerlings and other farm and fishery inputs; mechanization and postharvest equipment and facilities; communal irrigation systems and maintenance; marketing of products; credit, guarantee and agriculture insurance; knowledge of better farming systems; and, knowledge of organic farming, among others.

The initial funding requirements to implement this proposal shall be charged against the current appropriations of the LGU. Thereafter, the needed funding for the implementation of this proposal shall be included in the yearly budget of the LGU from their NTA.

SEC warns vs investment scam operating on Facebook

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau

Chief

DAVAO CITY—The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised against dealing with another investment scheme asking for as much as P500,000 for a profit-sharing program but which must be locked in for the next six months prior to claiming a promised high investment return.

The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) issued the advisory this week against Davao Prime Summit Frozen Products Trading (DPSFPT). According to the regulator, DPSFPT operates

in the Davao Region, Soccssksargen, Cotabato City and the Maguindanao provinces.

The SEC said DPSFPT was headed by a certain Tom Caño Casas, the company’s purported chief operation officer and founder. It said the company was “enticing the public through social media.”

“As posted online, one can invest by contacting them first at https:// www.facebook.com/primesummitfrozen and by attending one of their scheduled orientation seminars at their office, then one can avail of their investment plans,” the SEC said.

The regulator said the company was offering investments to the public through its “profit share program”

with a minimal amount of P10,000 and up to P500,000. According to the SEC, DPSFPT promises that investors may earn up to 120 percent within the lock-in period of 6 months or 20 percent for every month.

“The scheme employed by Davao Prime Summit Frozen Products Trading has the characteristics of a Ponzi scheme where money from new investors is used in paying fake profits to prior investors and is designed mainly to favor its top recruiters and prior risk takers and is detrimental to subsequent members in case of scarcity of new investors,” it said.

The SEC said the offering and selling of securities in the form of

investment contracts using the Ponzi scheme “is not a registrable security.”

It added that the Ponzi scheme was fraudulent and unsustainable.

“The Commission will not issue a License to Sell Securities to the public to persons or entities that are engaged in this business or scheme,” the SEC said.

It said it would remind the public that those who act as salesmen, brokers, dealers or agents, representatives, operators, promoters, uplines, recruiters, influencers, endorsers and enablers of the DPSFPT may be held criminally liable.

Violators may be fined with P5 million or imprisoned for 21 years or both, the SEC added.

Solon hails Pagcor’s plan to address conflicted role

Privatization of casinos

EAST West Banking Corp. (PSE: EW) Vice President Isabelle Therese G. Yap has been chosen as a member of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) class of 2023 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the lender said in a statement issued last March 15.

WEF’s new YGL Class includes nearly a hundred promising political leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, game-changing researchers, and academic leaders who are accelerating positive and lasting change in their communities, countries and the world, EW said. Yap is one of only two Filipinos chosen for the Class of 2023, it added.

As a YGL, Yap will be part of a global community of leaders who will collaborate to tackle challenges in shaping a more positive, peaceful and prosperous society. She will have the opportunity to participate in events organized by the WEF to share her ideas and work together with other YGLs to create positive change.

The Forum of YGL was established by the WEF in 2004 to bring together young leaders from various fields to collaborate and address the world’s most complex and interdependent challenges. The YGL community now comprises over 1,400 members from all over the world, including artists, heads of state, CEOs of both Fortune-500 companies and trailblazing start-ups, activists, academics, researchers, journalists, and more. The YGLs are recognized for their

outstanding leadership qualities, and as part of the program, they have access to opportunities to collaborate, learn from each other, and engage with global leaders to address pressing global issues.

As EW executive director and vice president, Yap “has been instrumental in driving the digital transformation of the bank and enhancing its customer experience,” the lender said.

Among many other projects, Yap dedicated her time and expertise into leading the development of “Komo,” one of the first fully-digital banking services in the country, EW added.

Formally launched in August 2020, Komo helped Filipinos affected by pandemic to digitally access full banking services. Today, Komo embodies the Gotianun family’s vision of empowering the Filipino, and continues to increase financial inclusion in the country by providing banking services to underserved communities.

Prior to EastWest, Yap was formerly a consultant at McKinsey & Co. where she served multiple clients across the region. Prior to that, she was part of the management associate program with Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

Yap earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Double Major Finance and Marketing from the Singapore Management University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

THE signal by the state gaming regulator that it is now seriously considering breaking up its dual role as operator and regulator of casinos was hailed on Wednesday by the franchise-granting Senate public services committee chief, who noted this conflicting role had long hampered the agency’s effectivity.

“It’s high time” for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) “to break up its dual role as operator and regulator of the gaming sector,” said Sen. Grace Poe in a statement, a day after Pagcor announced it was “seriously considering” splitting its role.

“We have seen how its conflicting functions have resulted in its failure to do due diligence in the operations of POGOs and e-sabong, which have ushered in crimes and other social ills,” said Poe.

“While there is no disputing the fact that government needs revenues, generating and maximizing profits are better left to a separate agency, if not the private sector,” the senator added.

Poe suggested that Pagcor “train its sights” on efforts “to guarantee a level playing field among industry players, prevent illegal activities and ensure the people’s welfare is protected from potential social harm.”

Last Tuesday, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco disclosed the new management’s plans to focus more on Pagcor’s regulatory role, expand the agency’s reach and contribute more to nation-building.

KEYNOTING the opening of the Asean Gaming Summit in Marriott Manila on March 21, Tengco explained that under his term, the management hopes to privatize the state-run gaming firm’s selfoperated casinos nationwide.

Upon its assumption in August 2022, the current Pagcor Board has been open to talks about privatization but ensured that the welfare of employees who will be affected by such management decision, will be taken into consideration.

Meanwhile, apart from embracing a purely regulatory role, Tengco shared the agency’s plans and programs for 2023, which are geared towards benefiting gaming industry stakeholders, upholding responsible gaming, and contributing to the government’s nationbuilding efforts.

Among the programs that the Pagcor chief discussed were the following: creation of regulatory frameworks for online poker operations; enhancement of slot machine operations; destruction of outdated gaming paraphernalia and equipment (for suppliers); and, creation and updating of regulatory manuals such as Junket Licensing Regulatory Manual and Casino Regulatory Manual for licensed casinos.

Also, modernization projects for slot machines in Pagcor-operated gaming venues, slots information management system and casino management system, as well as Pagcor’s Technical Standards for Electronic Gaming Machines will also be enhanced.

“As we speak, our Licensing and Regulatory Group has already accomplished projects like the updating of suppliers’ regulatory

manual, implementing rules and guidelines for foundations, and crafting of Gaming Employment License regulations on prohibition on enter/stay/play,” Tengco said.

Law enforcement

TENGCO also mentioned that Pagcor has already revisited its policies and regulatory frameworks for online gaming after the offshore gaming operations became a subject of public concern last year. He adds that monitoring efforts were intensified to ensure lawful compliance by licensees.

“We acknowledge our limitations on the side of enforcement and on our capacity to address illegal gambling. Thus, we reinforced our partnerships with various law enforcement agencies to address this concern.”

As regards strengthening its regulatory functions, Tengco shared that Pagcor has forged partnership with various government agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others to update and revise the Mutual Cooperation Agreement, whose main objective is to combat illegal gambling, including those that are illegally operated online.

For domestic online gaming, Tengco explained that amendments were introduced to Pagcor’s regulatory frameworks to foster the growth of both online and onsite gaming.

Tengco also noted that Pagcor aims to capitalize in the booming industry of online gaming.

“We are studying the possibility of regulating other facets of the overseas gaming operations,

or the possible regulation of Special Class of BPOs or those who service legitimate operators licensed abroad and amending the processing of penalties imposed on overseas gaming operators and their service providers so as to discourage non-compliance and involvement in any irregular activity.”

Payment gateways

MEANWHILE for domestic online gaming, Pagcor plans to conduct an accreditation of payment gateway providers to curb the gray market. The agency also plans to expand its permitted game offerings and products such as eSports, Live Dealer games, Online Horse Racing, and Online Arcade (includes Perya) games to maximize player engagement and entice them to play more.

“Finally, to better regulate the fast-developing and volatile online gaming industry, we aim to revitalize our information technology systems. It is but right for us to level-up on our technological capabilities to be better in our role as gaming regulators,” Tengco explained.

He added that Pagcor acknowledges the challenge or competition posed by its licensed casinos.

“While we may struggle to be at par facilities-wise, I am of firm belief that we do not trail behind in terms of skill set and talent pool. The greatest asset Pagcor has ever had is its human resource; thus, to capitalize on our people is also part of our vision.”

All these put in place, Tengco said he sees a Philippine gaming industry with better safeguards and controls which address the social ills which come with the conduct of gaming operations.

LAWMAKERS filed a bill to strengthen local government participation in agriculture development by institutionalizing a minimum of 10-percent allocation from their National Tax Allotment (NTA) for the implementation of programs, activities and services for agriculture and fisheries.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Measles cases on the rise; DOH to conduct immunization drive in May

The rash lasts for five to six days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).

Measles-related deaths

M OST measles-related deaths are caused by c omplications associated with the disease.

Measles or tigdas is one of the most contagious diseases in the world.

On Tuesday, March 21, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that there is a 541 percent increase in measles and rubella cases in the first two months of 2023.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the DOH will conduct a supplemental immunization activity, in order for them to address the spike in cases. The activity will start on May.

“Let’s go back to the homes of the missed children so that we can vaccinate them. We will vaccinate those who are not only scheduled for vaccination but also those who missed their dose last year or the previous year. We have to do this so that they are protected against measles,” Vergeire said.

Transmission

A CCORDI n G t o the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air.

It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.

The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in animals.

The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. It can be transmitted by an infected person from four days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the rash erupts.

Symptoms

T H E first sign of measles, the WHO said, is usually high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts four to seven days.

A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage.

After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck.

Over about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet.

Serious complications are more common in children under the age of five, or adults over the age of 30.

The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhea and related dehydration, ear infections, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.

Severe measles is more likely among poorly nourished young children, especially those with insufficient vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been weakened by HIV/AIDS or other diseases.

Unvaccinated children, pregnant women at risk

Un VACCI n ATED young children are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death.

Also, unvaccinated pregnant women are also at risk. Any non-immune person, who has not been vaccinated or was vaccinated but did not develop immunity, can become infected.

Measles outbreaks can result in epidemics that cause many deaths, especially among young, malnourished children. In countries where measles has been largely eliminated, cases imported from other countries remain an important source of infection.

Treatment

T H ERE i s no specific antiviral treatment exists for measles virus.

Severe complications from measles can be reduced through supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake and treatment of dehydration with WHOrecommended oral rehydration solution.

This solution replaces fluids and other essential elements that are lost through diarrhea or vomiting.

Prevention R OUTI n E m easles vaccination for children, combined with mass immunization campaigns are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths.

The measles vaccine is often incorporated with rubella and/or mumps vaccines.

“It is equally safe and effective in the single or combined form. Adding rubella to measles vaccine increases the cost only slightly, and allows for shared delivery and administration costs,” WHO stated. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Regular screening, lifestyle change are best bets to prevent colon cancer

By Rory Visco | Contributor

HE is known and acknowledged as the trueblue “Iron Man” of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), having played a record 744 consecutive games. This record effectively eclipsed the previous mark of 596 games held by Alvin Patrimonio, a former league Most Valuable Player.

However, LA Tenorio’s streak was halted on March 1, 2023 when he failed to play because of a groin injury.

And even more unfortunate, Tenorio announced in a statement two days ago that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, already underwent surgery and will soon undergo treatment in the next few months.

The news reverberated in the entire basketball world. Even those who don’t follow basketball regularly but are aware of Tenorio’s superstar athlete status in the sport, were taken by surprise by this shocking development.

No change in status for cancer in the Philippines

BASED on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) with regard to the top three causes of death in the Philippines from January to September 2022, it showed ischemic or cardiovascular diseases, followed by cerebrovascular diseases, and neoplasms, commonly called “cancer,” as the top three killers in the country.

There were 77,173 cases recorded of ischemic heart diseases for a 18.5 percent share of the total deaths in the country, while cerebrovascular diseases was second with 42,890 deaths or 18.3-percent share. Cancer came a close third with 42,497 recorded cases for a 10.2-percent share.

The ranking was practically the same the previous year in the similar period, except that Covid-19 came in third at that time.

What’s surprising, however, was that colon cancer was recorded as the second most prevalent type of cancer in the country this year.

More common among other cancers

THE Cleveland Clinic says that colon cancer begins in the large intestine, when abnormal cell growths or polyps start to multiply in the colon lining and rectum. Like most cancers, when left untreated, this disease can spread to other parts of the body.

According to Dr. Kristine Monte, resident oncologist at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC), colon cancer is actually more common than we think. “We’re aware of all these cancers, breast cancer, of course, is the most prevalent. Then we have lung cancer, reproductive cancers like cervical, ovarian, and prostate cancer. However, colon cancer is actually more common than we think.”

She said that colon cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age group. “Even if a family has no history of colon cancer, an individual may still be at risk of developing it if he or she is prone to excessive drinking and smoking, consum -

ing too much processed foods and red meat, are overweight or obese or have Type 2 diabetes,” according to Dr. Monte.

Raising awareness about colon cancer

IN order to help provide vital information, CSMC held a lay forum on colon cancer recently as part of the celebration of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the country. The forum focused on dispelling myths surrounding the illness and emphasized on the value of spreading awareness and the importance of regular screening to the public.

Dr. Monte reiterated that in order to prevent the onset of colon cancer, it is important to make the right changes to one’s lifestyle. “It’s important to maintain a normal weight and avoid becoming overweight or obese,” she said.

Among her recommendations regarding diet or food intake is to reduce consumption of red meat such as pork and beef, plus high-fat food items such as deep-fried food or fast food. “It is best to Increase intake of green leafy vegetables like pechay, lettuce, legumes and herbs and fiber-rich fruits like papaya, pineapple or mango.”

Also, among the big ideas to prevent colon cancer is to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcoholic beverages, and to do physical exercises regularly. She said at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily will already be a big help in maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr. Monte strongly encourages patients to consult their doctor, especially if their family has a history of

colon cancer or they are experiencing unusual symptoms similar to those of colon cancer, such as persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel movement or rectal bleeding.

Early detection is key

WHEN asked how to detect colon cancer, Dr. Monte said colonoscopy remains as a recommended method. She said it helps doctors identify and diagnose colorectal cancers early on, which in turn, helps reduce cancer deaths and reduce the suffering experienced by patients. It is also advised, she added, that patients start regular colorectal cancer screening by the age of 50 and get Fecal Immunohistochemical Testing every year.

Other tests, like the Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, CT Colonography, and Double Contrast Barium Enema should be done every five years, and Colonoscopies should be conducted every 10 years, Dr. Monte stated.

She underscored that two of CSMC’s flagship specializations are Oncology and Gastroenterology, so it’s safe to say that the institution is very much invested in people’s colorectal health. “We offer a variety of services such as the standard Colonoscopy, and we are very proud of the world-class facilities and expert clinicians we have in-house.”

Finally, Dr. Monte stressed that colon cancer is very much preventable if medical providers are able to catch and treat it immediately. “That’s why it’s so important to encourage regular screening for colon cancer.”

BARMM officials endorse and launch period tracker app for Bangsamoro girls

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

DATA f rom the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2020-2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools monitoring report showed that one out of two girls have access to menstrual hygiene products in schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Likewise, there is also a lack of access to information on menstrual, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

On the occasion of Women’s Month, the BARMM government endorsed the new Oky Philippines Period Tracker App in Cotabato City developed by the Bangsamoro Government, UNICEF and Plan International.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed a 6.6 percent rate of teenage pregnancy among the 15 to 19-year-old Bangsamoro girls, higher than the national average of 5.4 percent in 2022.

Girl-led design, gamified approach

O K y i s the world’s first period tracker app that features a girl-led design and gamified approach to learning about menstruation and SRHR.

T he launch event, “Okay sa Oky: Ang Period Tracker para sa Babaeng Bangsamoro, mula sa Babaeng

Bangsamoro,” raised awareness on issues and challenges surrounding Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH), particularly in the context of BARMM, and gave a preview of the app co-created with and for Bangsamoro girls.

It also marked the start of a wider initiative in the country to make this innovative digital solution accessible to all Filipino girls and women and provide them with girl-friendly information on menstruation, puberty, and reproductive health.

The global app has been localized in the Philippines through a partnership between UNICEF, Plan International and the BARMM Regional Government, with support from the Australian Government.

“The launch of the localized Oky app reaffirms the BARMM government’s commitment to promote the welfare and rights of young girls in the region. By providing the right information about girls’ menstrual health in line with Islamic principles and cultural practices, we hope to create a supportive environment for their health and well-being and encourage their full participation in educational opportunities,” said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

Islamic content

T HE a pp comes with Islamic content developed through consultations with adolescent girls and boys in BARMM.

K ey government offices in BARMM including the Office of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro DarulIfta, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Services and Development, Bangsamoro yo uth Council, and Bangsamoro Information Office played a major role in vetting Oky’s Islamic content and ensuring its alignment to Islamic teachings.

The localization of the Oky app in the Philippines is supported by the Australian Government as part of its AUD 48 million Indo-Pacific Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Covid-19 Response Program.

T he program includes support for countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

“Australia is proud to play a role in supporting the BARMM, UNICEF and Plan International to provide girls with this much needed digital tool to manage their own health and take charge of their own lives. The Oky App is a great example of how innovation and transformative technology helps create positive change for young women and girls to make informed choices,” said Ambassador to the Philippines HK yu

Localized app

M EANWHILE , UNICEF Mindanao Field Office Chief Radoslaw Rzehak congratulated the BARMM government for helping localize the Oky app in the country

and championing every Bangsamoro girl’s access to evidence-based knowledge and information about menstruation.

“Ensuring access to trustworthy information on menstrual health is an important step in ending period stigma and ensuring adolescent girls’ right to health and dignity,” Rzehak said.

F or her part, Plan International Philippines Country Director Ana Maria Locsin said that their effort to provide a Filipino version of the Oky period tracker app is a fulfillment of their commitment to support girls and young women in the Philippines in realizing their right to manage their menstruation in a safe and healthy way, with dignity and without shame.

“How girls experience their period during those formative years can define their perception of life as a girl or woman in this society, and it is important that we take this step to make adolescent-friendly information on sexual and reproductive health more accessible,” said Locsin.

Oky Philippines is already available for download from the Google Play Store ( https://bit.ly/okyph).

To encourage more girls and young women to download the app and gain access to health and hygiene information right at their fingertips, the rollout of the app will follow in various communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

THE brain is the most delicate organ affected when stroke strikes. Once this medical emergency happens, arteries will either be blocked so that they fail to bring enough blood supply to the brain, or it can burst leading to internal hemorrhage in the gray matter.

Chances are limited to remedy this. First is by way of clots removal from the brain via thrombolytics. Second is by taking clot-busting medicines, which only works if the patient is brought in not later than three hours when the symptoms start to manifest. Beyond such time up to 24 hours, endovascular intervention like mechanical thrombectomy can remove the clot that is clogging up the artery.

In case the patient goes further the prescribed time, opportunities for medical treatment decrease. Surgical and medical options that are in place are all well and good, but they require time. So everyone is advised to think twice of their health now and bid adieu to their bad habits related to risks of having it. It’s a serious thing that should not be taken for granted.

Case of a British stroke patient

AT the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC), there came a 71-year-old man from Great Britain, who had a couple of stroke episodes within two weeks. He was incapable of moving physically upon his arrival. Other than that, he also had other complications, such as bladder cancer, heart problems, and a weak body because of his senior age.

Given his situation, the British post-stroke patient and his family could not wish for more than the stability of his condition anew. His case was handled by neurologist Dr. Josephine Tuason, who took note of all his medical history to determine the best medical option for him.

When he stabilized, she ordered a diagnostic test to find out the principal cause of the patient’s stroke. The finding was that an artery on the right side of his brain was completely obstructed, leading to lack of blood supply. If left untreated, it could cause permanent damage because of dead brain cells.

Seeing his past medical records, Dr. Tuason already knew that he could not survive another stroke. Hence, she gathered a multidisciplinary team of experts to search for a solution to save the patient without compromising his other secondary illnesses.

So he underwent to a cerebral catheter angiogram performed by Dr. Francis Santiago, an endovascular surgeon. An MR perfusion or a specialized magnetic resonance technique that helps diagnose conditions in the braind, likewise, was done. The team then identified one medical procedure that could bring him quality of life again and lessen the chances of a repeat stroke.

But such an operation is not widely performed for such cases in the Philippines, thus, making his wife initially reject it. Determined to cure the patient, Dr. Tuason and her team explained that this will not only stabilize her husband; it will also increase his chances to regain quality of life and combat post-stroke effects. Slowly, he will move again and the probability of a stroke will significantly decrease. All these had his wife take a leap of faith later, and then accepted the presented medical choice.

Advance method

AS the patient’s family finally agreed to medical team’s proposed procedure, Dr. Tuason sought for the conduct of a complete workup to check his eligibility to go through a breakthrough procedure at AHMC: cerebral bypass surgery.

This is aimed at restoring good blood flow to the brain by changing the blocked artery with a brand-new one taken from the patient’s scalp. This will, then, be linked to the brain arteries via tiny sutures using a very fine thread that’s hardly visible to the naked eye. Once connected, it should give the patient rapid improvement in blood flow.

Dr. Guillermo Victorino Liabres, the hospital’s cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, did the surgery. He is completely trained to do so and is the pioneer in consistently successful extracranial-intracranial bypass surgeries in the country.

“What we can do in the heart, we can now do in the brain,” Dr. Tuason said, while citing that akin to a heart bypass, they also stopped more damage to the patient’s brain by fully replacing the clogged artery that quickly restored good blood stream.

In return, it reduced the side effects of stroke and accelerate the patient’s recovery. In fact, he could feel movements on the left side of his body in just two days after the surgery. He could then move his lower extremities after two week. What’s more, the frequency of taking medicine became less, and the potential of developing another stroke attack tremendously went down—thanks to his new unclogged artery.

AHMC’s Asian Brain Institute continuously looks at advancing medical cures for neurologic conditions and guarantees that patients will have end-to-end treatment plans comparable with global standards while near their homes. For more details, call (02)8771-9000 local 5913.

In the Philippines, an estimated 2.4 million children under the age of five are susceptible for measles.

Cerebral bypass surgery is now an option for stroke patients

What parents and educators need to know about teens’ pornography and sexting experiences at school

By Megan K. Maas Michigan State University

Three out of four teenagers have seen online pornography—often before they even became a teenager. That’s according to a new report from Common Sense Media that examines the role pornography plays in the lives of today’s youth.

Some teens do more than just watch pornography. By way of “sexting,” teenagers are also creating and sending their own images and videos of themselves in the nude.

For the most part, it’s not the job of school staff to worry about what kids are looking at on the internet or sending over their phones. However, as an expert on human development—and as one who studies adolescent sexuality—I believe parents and educators should be prepared to address potential issues that might arise as a result of students’ engagement with pornography and sexting. This sort of preparedness is especially pertinent today because smartphones enable kids to look at porn and to sext during school hours. Here are five things that parents and educators should know as pornography use and sexting become more commonplace among students:

1. PORNOGRAPHY IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE. Fifty-two percent of teens have seen violent pornography. This includes acts such as choking, slapping, gagging, hitting and crying. This is because the internet changed the way pornography is distributed. There used to be more regulations on violent content and age verification to adhere to payper-view standards in hotel rooms and DVD sales. Now, self-produced and distributed content reigns on “tube-site” platforms that function similarly to YouTube.

Tube sites like PornHub allow for users to freely view and upload their own content. At its inception, many users assumed it was primarily “amateur content” or homemade and consensual content. However, one study showed that 1 in 8 titles of videos on the website described sexual violence. An investigation by the BBC and New York Times was prompted by victims who learned that video footage of their sexual assaults was being freely viewed on the website. The investigation uncovered millions of videos of suspected abuse and coercion, causing credit card companies to cut ties.

OnlyFans, another tube-site platform composed of user-uploaded content, also facilitates camming, or live sexual interaction, with content creators for a fee. Although there does not appear to be peerreviewed research on adolescents’ use of OnlyFans, there are some reports that minors are bypassing age verification and selling their own sexually explicit images on the platform.

2. PORNOGRAPHY IS A SOURCE OF SEX EDUCATION FOR TEENS. Without widespread comprehensive sex education in the US, young adults have identified pornography as a primary source of sex education. However, the pornography that teens have the easiest access to—tube-site pornography— tends to portray more sexual aggression, degradation of women and people of color, and lack of sexual consent.

For example, choking or strangulation during sex has been increasing in porn. This is concerning to

Anvil Award for #Green

ONE of the biggest direct selling companies in the Philippines, Personal Collection won an Anvil Award for the #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement.

The company received a Silver Award for Advocacy Campaign under the Specialized Public Relations Programs Category at the recent 58th Anvil Awards held on March 8. This category is for issue-based PR programs implemented from October 1, 2021 onwards. Personal Collection pioneered consumer goods with biodegradable packaging and formula in the Philippines in 2021 as part of its commitment to protecting the environment for future generations. In line with this thrust, the company launched the #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement, an environment-centric initiative

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID GIVING FURRY FAmILY mEmBERS HUmAN FOOD

IT can be hard to resist those pleading puppy eyes when your dog looks up at you while you’re about to dig into a delicious burger. However, feeding your pet with human food or table scraps is not the best choice for their nutrition and health. In fact, an inappropriate diet may lead to digestive issues, illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, and other health problems. In extreme cases, it can even cause their death.

Despite the risks, many pet owners continue to feed their pets table food. Social media is replete with examples of pet owners sharing their meals with their furry companions or offering them human food as treats. These can mislead other pet owners into thinking that such practices are normal, acceptable, or even correct, when in fact they are often harmful or unsafe.

To keep your fur babies in good shape, it’s best to keep them away from foods that are toxic to them and turn to trusted sources to ensure your pet is receiving the right nutrition. Examples of foods that harm your pet:

n RAW FOOD DIET Some pet owners believe that feeding their pets raw foods such as uncooked meat or raw eggs can help improve their skin, boost their energy, and shrink their stools. But according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee, there is no evidence that a raw food diet has significant health benefits over commercial or homemade cooked diets. In fact, it can lead to a foodborne bacterial infection of E. coli or Salmonella, which can be fatal.

violence researchers, neurologists and mental health professionals because recent reports indicate that 1 in 3 women were choked during their last sexual experience. Although the majority of women reported feelings of euphoria, strangulation during sex carries the same risk for brain damage due to loss of oxygen as being strangled in other contexts.

What’s also concerning is that male adolescents exposed to violent pornography are more likely to be higher in sexual aggression, and are two to three times more likely to have pressured a partner to engage in sexual activity the partner did not want to engage in than male adolescents who view less violent pornography or less pornography overall. For teen girls, their violent pornography exposure is associated with nonviolent risk behaviors, such as substance use, buying or selling sex, and sexual victimization.

3. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT WISE, SEXTING IS NOT ALWAYS HARMFUL. Although many adults cringe when they learn about teens sharing nudes with each other—many states still define sexting among teens as the distribution of child sexual abuse material—consensual sexting can be a normal and healthy part of adolescent sexuality. Some teens are motivated to use sexting to explore their sexuality by expressing their feelings and desires while practicing trust and vulnerability with intimate images. However, if sexting is coercive, or the sexts are shared outside of the couple without permission, it can be considered by law enforcement and violence researchers a form of sexual harassment or imagebased sexual abuse.

It’s important to note that, as with many issues related to teenage development, potential harms or benefits of sexting are dependent on factors such as maturity, the nature of the relationship between the individuals involved and gender. For example, one

study found that boys were more likely than girls to disseminate sexts to peers without the consent of those in the picture.

4. SENDING OTHER PEOPLE’S SEXUAL CONTENT IS OFTEN HARMFUL AND ILLEGAL.

Once an image or video is shared, it can be difficult to control how it is used or distributed, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment for the original sender. The sending of others’ sexual content can take many forms, such as sharing a nude image via small groups or posting an image more publicly to a website. Such images and videos can be shared widely or even secretly among private social media accounts and group email lists known as “slut pages.”

Slut pages have the ability to shape a school’s culture on sexual violence, as they are intended to make nonconsensual pornography seem amusing. This can encourage peers and even adults to minimize the emotional trauma a person may experience when they learn that their images are posted on a slut page.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE?

IN our study, we found that public school administrators, staff and educators overwhelmingly agree that education for school staff, parents and students needs to happen to improve the social lives of today’s digital natives. We found that when school staff received education that included facts about how teens engage with pornography and sexting and some examples of how to respond when problems occur, they were more confident and less embarrassed discussing these topics if they were to arise at school.

We also think if schools’ sexual misconduct policies address digital behavior, that could also play a major role in determining how schools both prevent and respond to nonconsensual sexting and pornography among students. THE CONVERSATION

’S DEATH TIED TO ONTAmINATED BREAST PUmP

l health officials are warning parents of newborns to sterilize equipment used for both bottle- and breast-feeding after a baby died last year from a rare infection tied to a contaminated breast pump.

The infant, a premature boy, was infected with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii, the same germ that sparked a recall and nationwide shortage of powdered infant formula last year, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released on Thursday. But this baby’s infection was not caused by contaminated formula. The child, who was hospitalized, had been fed a mix of breastmilk and liquid human milk fortifier through a tube. Genetic sequencing linked the infection to bacteria isolated from a breast pump used at home. Samples from expressed milk, a breast pump used in the hospital and the liquid human milk fortifier were all negative for the bacteria. An investigation found that the home breast pump was cleaned in a household sink, sanitized and sometimes assembled while still moist.

n DAIRY Although pets deserve a reward for exceptional behavior, take note that feeding them any dairy product such as ice cream or whipped cream as a treat is not wise. For both cats and dogs, lactose intolerance increases as they reach adulthood, so ingesting milk, cream, cheese, or the like may result in an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

n CAKE Celebrating your pet’s birthday wouldn’t be complete without a cake. However, cakes made for humans contain lots of sugar, fat and other ingredients that are unhealthy or even toxic to cats and dogs. While it’s true that some cakes are made specifically for pets, it’s best to give them to your pet in moderation. Also, take note that cats can’t taste sugar, so they won’t appreciate the sweet treat anyway.

n ONIONS AND GARLIC If you want to share your meal with your pet, think again. Onions and garlic are part of the allium plant family, which also includes leeks, chives, and shallots. While onions and garlic make meals for humans delicious, they can be toxic to cats and dogs, according to Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Fresh or cooked, allium vegetables, can damage your pet’s red blood cells, resulting in anemia and digestive issues.

n CHOCOLATES These are a huge no-no for cats and dogs due to caffeine and theobromine, the compounds responsible for the bitter taste in cocoa and chocolate. Chocolate can potentially lead to heart problems, seizures, restlessness, or even death in pets.

While knowing exactly which types of food are unsafe for your pet can be challenging, there are several ways to ensure they receive proper nutrition.

“Since there is a lot of misleading information about what your pets can and cannot eat, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat or dog anything you’re unsure about. And if you believe your pet has ingested something they should’ve not eaten, bring them to a vet immediately,” said Gerard Poa, Royal Canin’s Philippines market head “You can also discuss and consult on your pet’s diet with your vet to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients.”

It’s also a good habit to check the label on pet foods for which type of pet they’re designed for and the serving recommendations. It’s easy enough to tell dog food from cat food, but there’s more to it than that.

Royal Canin’s products are tailored for a pet’s breed, size, age, lifestyle, and medical issues, which means that each recipe is formulated with the right amount of essential nutrients to meet your pet’s unique health needs.

focused on making the world a better place. The company’s employees and dealers also took part in a series of coastal cleanups, tree and mangrove planting

activities. These activities focus on mitigating plastic pollution and promoting responsibility and love for the planet.

More information is available www.personalcollection.com.ph.

Dr. Julia Haston, a CDC expert in pediatric infectious diseases, said the case underscores that cronobacter bacteria are found widely in the environment and can lead to severe and deadly infections. “There are steps that people can take to prevent infections,” she said, including thoroughly washing, sanitizing and drying hands, equipment and all surfaces before feeding a baby. AP

PHOTO BY ANDRIK LANGFIELD ON UNSPLASH

WMOC Group of Companies draws praises for successful Expo Maritime

people for staging the event.

“It is good to be a part of this event because we get to present what the Liberian Registry is all about and debunk any notion that we are a flag-of-convenience registry, because we are obviously not. In fact, before the end of the year, we might even become the No. 1 ship registry in the world in terms of number of ships registered,” Buchanan enthused.

The Expo Maritime Philippine 2023 held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza last February 16 and 17 served as an eye-opener to the local maritime industry and provided what could be a possible solution to the looming European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) decision on the fate of almost 50,000 Filipino officers serving onboard European-flagged vessels.

o‘clock at SM as it rolls out a new Sunday habit—SM Sunday Market every Sunday of March

market their products to weekend shoppers.

Since 2020, SM Foundation has helped local farmers from different cities and municipalities nationwide by equipping them with modern and sustainable farming skills.

To date, SM Foundation has trained over 28,500 farmers.

WITH the successful holding of possibly the biggest event in the local maritime industry at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the hardworking men and women of a maritime service provider company is drawing heaps and praises and comments of “Job well done.”

WMOC Group of Companies, which provides documentation and other ancillary services to the maritime industry over the last 10 years, courageously spearheaded the holding of the Expo Maritime Philippines 2023 last month at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza amid skepticism from several quarters in the maritime industry. Truth be told and when the dust settled after the event, WMOC and its management led by its President and CEO Rachelle B. Lopez and Vice President Noli Lopez, got all the felicitations and congratulatory messages for putting together a maritime industry event that only a governmentprivate sector collaboration can match moving forward.

No less than Atty. Brenda Pimentel, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regional Coordinator for East

Asia, who supported and worked together with WMOC during the two-day event, expressed her elation for the success of the event. She was almost teary-eyed, hugging the Lopezes during the final day of the event for being brave enough to take on a formidable task and coming out of it with flying colors.

Capt. Juan E. Maltez, General Director of the General Directorate of Seafarers for the Panama Maritime Authority, who led a contingent that flew in from Panama just to be part of the Expo Maritime Philippines 2023, was also all praises for WMOC and its management for staging an international event.

“I am happy to be part of this event because it gives us the opportunity to speak about how Panama Maritime Authority can work together with Filipino seafarers and the Philippine maritime industry to take on future challenges,” Maltez said.

Gerry Buchanan, Managing Director of the Hong Kong office of The Liberian Registry, who also had a presentation during the two-day flag state convention of the Expo Maritime Philippines 2023, had nothing but good words for WMOC and its

The two-day event featured simultaneous conventions on flag states and ship-builders in addition to a separate local maritime expo featuring the products and services of some stakeholders in the Philippine maritime industry.

While the option of a possible solution to the EMSA problem of the Philippine maritime industry was not specifically mentioned, it was clear from the presence and presentations during the flag state convention of top officials of the Panamanian flag state and the Liberia ship registry as well as delegates from the Marshall Islands ship registry.

A former MARINA official, who also requested anonymity, said that “should the Philippines fail to make the EMSA audit and the license of Filipino ship officers onboard European-flagged vessels are noy recognized in the future, the same Filipino officers can opt to use their Panamanian license and continue serving onboard these vessels and the European shipowners will surely accept that.”

“It is indeed a good fallback and the maritime administration should really consider it as a viable option. Of course, we do not want to put the cart ahead of the horse but it is always better to be prepared that being left with no alternative and at the mercy of the decision of EMSA,” the same source added.

Emirates ramps up operations across continents with more booking options in the next couple of months

FILIPINOS planning to travel for their summer getaway and other special occasions in the coming months via Emirates will have more booking options, as the airline ramps up seat capacity in its latest published northern summer schedule starting March 26, 2023. The announcement follows successful efforts to boost its operations by 31 percent (total available seat kilometers) since the start of its financial year.

In the past months, the airline has planned and executed the rapid growth of its network operations – reintroducing services to five cities; launching flights to one new destination (Tel Aviv), adding 251 weekly flights onto existing routes; and continuing the roll-out of service enhancements in the air and on the ground.

“Emirates continues to expand its global network and deploy its capacity to meet travel demand across the world. Our financial year started relatively quietly as we held back our ramp up until the planned northern runway rehabilitation program at Dubai International airport was completed in June. From July 2022 onwards, it’s been non-stop expansion,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer.

“Customer demand has been very strong, and our forward bookings are also robust. Emirates is working hard on several fronts to bring back operating capacity as quickly as the ecosystem can manage, while also upgrading our fleet and product to ensure our customers always enjoy the best possible Emirates experience. So far, four of our A380 aircraft have been completely refurbished with our new cabin interiors and Premium Economy seats, and more will enter service as our US$2 billion cabin and service enhancement program picks up pace,” he added.

In the coming months, established routes to Europe, Australia and Africa

will be served with more Emirates flights, while in East Asia, more cities are seeing route restarts.

Emirates continues to scale up its A380 operations with the reintroduction of the iconic double-decker across its network: Glasgow (from March 26), Casablanca from (April 15), Beijing (from May 1), Shanghai (from June 4), Nice (from June 1), Birmingham (from July 1), Kuala Lumpur (from August 1), and Taipei (from August 1).

Upcoming route enhancements by region:

Europe

AMSTERDAM: from 14 to 19 weekly flights starting April 2.

Athens: Addition of a daily seasonal service to serve summer demand between June 1 to September 30.

Bologna: from five flights a week to a daily service starting May 1.

Budapest: from five flights a week to a daily service by June 1.

London: start of 2nd daily service to London Stansted on May 1. This will take Emirates’ London operations to 11 daily flights – including six times daily to London Heathrow and three times daily to Gatwick.

Venice: from five to six flights a week from March 26, increasing to a daily service from June 1.

Africa

CAIRO: from 25 to 28 weekly flights by October 29.

Dar es Salam: from five flights a week to daily flights starting May 1. Entebbe: from six flights a week to daily flights starting July 1.

Australia and New Zealand

EMIRATES’ non-stop Australia flights will return to pre-pandemic levels to Sydney from May 1, Melbourne from March 26, and Brisbane on June 1.

Brisbane: An additional daily service starting June 1 will take Emirates to 14 flights per week to Brisbane.

Christchurch: restart of daily service from Dubai via Sydney from March 26.

Melbourne: addition of 3rd daily service to Melbourne from March 26 via Singapore. This adds capacity to Melbourne and reestablishes connectivity between Singapore and Melbourne. The other two daily flights from Melbourne fly non-stop to Dubai.

Sydney: addition of 3rd daily non-stop service from May 1.

East Asia

BANGKOK: Addition of 5th daily service from August 1.

Beijing: To commence daily non-stop Boeing 777-300ER service from March 15, upgrading to an A380 effective May 1.

YOUR Sunday habits are about to change at SM Supermalls!. This March, SM Supermalls rolls out their SM Sunday Market offering fresh produce and fruits in season, fresh flowers and plants grown by local farmers, from 7 am until 2 pm.

The SM Sunday Market is a joint initiative of SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and the SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) which spotlights its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program. This helps thousands of local food producers by providing them with high-traffic locations at SM malls nationwide to display and

So if you’re thinking of what to do or where to go this weekend, drop by the SM Sunday Market with your family, friends, and furbabies, too! The initial rollout of the Sunday Market starts at SM City Cabanatuan, SM City Tugegarao, SM City Clark, SM City Pampanga, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tarlac, SM City Calamba, SM City Taytay, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Legazpi, SM City Cebu, SM Center Ormoc, SM CDO Uptown, SM City Butuan, SM City Iloilo, and SM Lanang Premier.

Support our local farmers and give your family nutritious farm to table dishes. Stay tuned for more updates about the SM Sunday Market by visiting www.smsupermalls.com or following @smsupermalls on social media.

Inzpect Technologies, Inc. joins PSMex 2023 backto-back with I-MTAP 2023 at World Trade Center

PHILIPPINE Subcon and Manufacturers

Exhibition 2023 (PSMex 2023) themed as "Make it in the Philippines” is a biennial exhibition that will be held from April 26 to 29, 2023, Hall B and C of World Trade Center Metro Manila.

It is an event that will cater to both local and international audience which covers whole business platform that will be beneficial to suppliers, distributors and end-users. It is an event that will showcase the capabilities of Philippine products and services to the world. It will be held back-to-back with i-MTAP 2023.

PSMEX 2023 is the venue to showcase Philippine capabilities to support local and international companies who can give assistance to their manufacturing plant, as the word Subcon implies. PSMEX 2023 is a platform to stimulate and invite international companies to locate in the Philippines with existing companies to support their operation and convers four major manufacturing industries such as: Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics and Motorcycle Inzpect Technologies, Inc. was pioneered in May 08, 2003 to meet the increasing demands of automation in local and multinational

industries. It is engaged in the design and manufacture of machines, system integration, machine rehabilitation and upgrade, vision development and integrations and other related services.

The company’s vision is to be the best in machine automation and the foremost in Systems Integration in the Philippines that provides best design quality and costeffective manufacturing and test equipment in excellent service in accordance with International Standards to our clientele.

See them at PSMEX 2023 at Booth no. 118 and “TOGETHER WE BUILD A BETTER FUTURE for the Philippines’ Manufacturing Industry”

To register online visit https://psmex.weebly. com or email psmex01@gmail.com or mai_mgt@ compass.com.ph or call +63-2 8985-3375

Westin Hotels & Resorts celebrates its brand re-entry in the PHL with opening of Westin Manila

WESTIN Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City partnering with Robinsons Land Corporation. The new hotel is set to deliver industry-leading wellness experiences designed to empower guests to be the best version of themselves. The much-awaited opening ceremony was attended by the property owners, key executives from Marriott International, local government officers, media, and corporate clients.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of The Westin Manila, marking the brand’s re-entry in the Philippines as well as

another milestone in its expansion in AsiaPacific,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “With its signature programming, the new hotel will bring to life the Westin brand promise that delivers complete wellness experiences for travellers and locals alike.”

The Westin Manila is situated in the Ortigas CBD in Mandaluyong, the gateway to Metro Manila’s top corporate centers, shopping malls, healthcare establishments as well as dining and entertainment hotspots. The hotel is located approximately 10 kilometers or about 23 minutes’ drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and a 10-minute walk to the MRT3 Shaw Boulevard Station, allowing guests to explore attractions in nearby areas of the city.

The 32-storey hotel features 303 rooms including 57 suites, with stunning views of the Metro Manila skyline and thoughtfully appointed with amenities that underline the Westin’s holistic approach to well-being. Guestrooms and suites feature the plush Westin Heavenly® Bed for a great night’s sleep, Nespresso coffee machines, Bluetooth speakers, complimentary Wi-Fi and 55inch flat Samsung TVs. Guests staying in the Westin Club rooms and suites, which feature separate living rooms, also enjoy access to the exclusive Club Lounge which serves afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and evening cocktails.

It‘s green

VP Duterte: PHL to reinforce links on education with Lao PDR, Czechia

In a social-media post, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte said ambassadors Sonexay Vannaxay of Lao PDR and Jana Šedivá of Czechia visited the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and discussed significant matters related to common interests.

Duterte, who is also the education secretary, said in Filipino that she and Vannaxay agreed to strengthen the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Laos even more as member-nations of Asean.

Aside from improving bilateral linkages, the Lao diplomat also expressed interest in education and health care, as she added that the OVP is ready to help Lao PDR in

identifying local government units that have best health practices which they can assess and adapt.

For her part, Šedivá pressed on her country’s support for local education that is currently on a recovery path following the pandemic.

Duterte expressed her gratitude for Czechia’s efforts in the Philippines, especially in disadvantaged areas.

The education chief said the European nation had just donated 20 computers for learners in a small town in Bohol, and thanked its government for the support.

The Philippines is celebrating 50th years of fortified diplomatic ties with Czechia in 2023.

Stephanie Sevillano/PNA

Mexico-PHL multilateral sphere coincidences in gender equality

By Daniela Gil Sevilla Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Mexico (Exclusive to Envoys&Expats)

LAST March 8 we commemorated International Women’s Day—a date to remember the ongoing struggle for the rights of women and girls worldwide.

Within the framework of the United Nations (UN), the date was initially recognized in 1975 as the “International Women’s Year” when the First World Conference on Women was held in Mexico City, which addressed the importance of gender equality and the contribution of women to development and peace.

Mexico is on the list of countries with a Feminist Foreign Policy—locally, “PEF” or Política Exterior Feminista. It was the first nation in Latin America to adopt one. The PEF was announced in September 2019 at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, and formalized in early 2020 during the annual meeting of Mexican ambassadors and consuls.

The PEF seeks, among other objectives, to make visible the contributions

GIL SEVILLA

of women in foreign policy from a gender perspective, and with a transversal approach to human rights and intersectionality. Mexico’s PEF was recently acknowledged as one of the three best in the world by the Feminist Foreign Policy Index of the International Center for Research on Women, or ICRW.

Mexico and the Philippines have coincided at the multilateral level in the promotion of women’s rights, such as in the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women or CEDAW, which monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and has

among its experts Doctor Leticia Bonifaz (Mexico) and Ambassador Rosario Manalo (Philippines).

Another example of the two countries’ collaboration in this area can be seen in the Generation Equality Forum, which was organized by Mexico along with France and UN Women in 2021. It brought together representatives of government, international agencies and civil society organizations to identify initiatives and sources of funding to ensure the realization of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

In the framework of this important forum held in Mexico City in March 2021, three Philippine experts participated in the thematic roundtables on women’s and girls’ human rights in the context of Covid-19, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women.

Among the results of the Generation Equality Forum were the launch of a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality, the formulation of the Com-

Austria, DICT, UP-NISMED, EURAXESS ASEAN launch PHL’s first

SEEKING to inspire and encourage more women to break barriers as they take the path toward “STEAM” learning and careers, the Austrian Embassy in Manila, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), University of the Philippines-National Institute for Science and Mathematics Educa-

tion (UP-NISMED) as well as EURAXESS ASEAN successfully staged the “Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics” summit on March 8.

The summit was launched online in celebration of International Women’s Day and the United Nations’ International Day of Women and Girls in

pact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, as well as the Mexico-UN Women Initiative for an alliance for Care Work.

More recently Mexico and the Philippines participated in the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, celebrated from March 6 to 17 in New York City. On that occasion and following the theme adopted by the UN for this year’s International Women’s Day, the CSW67 discussed the relevance of “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

Certainly, the occurrence of the pandemic in 2020 has negatively impacted the advances in gender equality, driven by the UN 2030 Agenda, with women and girls being among the most affected. So today, more than ever, we must continue to work together to promote an equal world.

In that sense, let us make International Women’s Day a date to reflect on the progress made so far, and the road ahead in terms of gender equality.

‘Women in STEAM’ summit

STEAM. It underscored the need and call for more equal opportunities for women in science and technology.

Present to signify their steadfast support for the need for more women to be involved in STEAM-related industries are women advocates and champions from government institutions, the diplomatic corps and the

academe. Among them were Ambassador Johann Brieger of Austria, Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez of the UN, Executive Director Kristine Yuzon-Chaves of the Philippine Commission on Women, Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the DICT, and Dr. Sheryl Monterola who is UPNISMED’s executive director.

By Nicholas Moore Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia (Exclusive to Envoys&Expats)

AUSTRALIA is embarking on a new chapter to deepen economic engagement with Southeast Asia.

I was recently appointed by Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese to lead a Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. This week I will be in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines to listen to business and political leaders and hear their perspectives on ways Australia can work in partnership to bolster bilateral trade and investments.

In 2021 Australia’s two-way trade with Asean surpassed AUS$127 billion—nearly 14 percent of our overall trade. This is greater than that with Japan or the United States, but I am confident there is more we can do together.

In November 2022 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that nations cannot achieve economic progress alone. We know that the number of middle-class households in Southeast Asia is expanding, following several decades of strong and sustained economic growth.

In the Philippines, Australia has built a strong reputation of being a supplier of quality products, technology and services. Over 300 Australian firms operate locally. They employ more than 44,000 Filipinos in the energy, business-process outsourcing, infrastructure, banking, telecommunications, and education sectors.

Australia has long been a trusted and reliable supplier of high-quality grain, meat, fruit and vegetables to Southeast Asia. In 2021 and 2022 Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry trade with the region totaled AUS$20 billion. We have invested in sustainable, resilient and productive agriculture as well as food systems, which pave the way for a strong future for these sectors to continue exporting to Asean.

In countries like the Philippines, rising incomes open opportunities for consumerfocused products and services. The fastest growth categories are set to be premium goods and services, plus nondiscretionary services including hotel and hospitality, catering, leisure and recreation. My

country is well-placed to engage in these industries.

More broadly, Australia’s experience in the services sector provides further prospects for our countries in areas such as health, mining, finance and accounting.

There are already more than 2,000 Australian companies exporting to the Philippine market, mainly in the agrifood sector. Many Filipinos who have studied in Australia are coming back to create foodrelated start-up businesses. Australia is also one of the top destinations for education and training, with an increasing influx of Filipino students choosing to study in Australia. In 2022 there were around 18,000 of them in Australia—the highest number in any given year since 2005. People-to-people connections Australia shares with the region run deep. One in two compatriots are either born overseas, or have parents who were born overseas. Many are from our region.

The Philippines-born and Filipino communities are some of the fastest-growing in Australia, and are in our Top 5 migrant populations. Said Filipino-Australians provide deep contributions to Australian society, and a wealth of talent to further drive our economic links.

Our future economic growth with the region will depend on how we address trade and investment barriers, as well as ways we fulfill partnerships and opportunities. Diversification of such will be key to our shared future prosperity and economic security.

Both our countries have learned together and grown together as partners. This is only the beginning, and there is still untapped opportunity for us to unlock.

I invite interested stakeholders to share their knowledge on economic barriers and opportunities to help inform the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Submissions close on March 31, 2023.

For more information, visit www.dfat.gov.au/southeastasiaeconomicstrategy.

HERALDING HOPE Taipei Economic and Cultural Office representative Michael Peiyung Hsu (front row, in white polo) invited childless Filipino couples to consider Taiwan as their place of treatment, particularly the island-state’s Lee Women’s Hospital, whose officials in a recent event disclosed plans of establishing a branch in Manila soon.

MEDIA EXECUTIVE AND ENVOY CNN Philippines and BusinessMirror president Benjamin V. Ramos received US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson during her March 17 interview in the network’s “The Final Word,” where the American envoy highlighted the significant role of women in today’s societies, especially in the diplomatic field.

BREAKTHROUGH APPOINTMENT Businessman Juan Andre Lacson (right) was appointed on March 14 as the first honorary consul of the Republic of Poland to Palawan, which will serve Region 4-B or Mimaropa. Charge d’Affaires Jarosław Szczepankiewicz (left) foresees that the newly appointed official will help further mutual ties of the Philippines with the European nation. FB: PL IN THE PHILIPPINES

THE Philippines will further boost diplomatic ties and collaboration on education with Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and the Czech Republic (Czechia).

VICE President Sara Duterte with Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT/PNA

Australia, SE Asia: Partners for greater economic growth

Cambodia SEAG torch relay leg in Tagaytay City

TAGAYTAY City will host the Philippine leg of the torch relay for the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Monday (March 27), according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

The torch relay began Tuesday (March 21) around the World Heritage Site Angkor Wat in Siem Reap with 45 days to go before the SEA Games Opening Ceremony on May 5.

The torch relay will be staged at the Tagaytay City BMX and Skatepark near City Hall starting at 7 a.m. with Tolentino and POC officials welcoming Cambodia’s Ambassador to the Philippines Phan Peuv.

The POC welcomes the Philippine leg of the torch relay, a solemn ceremony that formally signals Cambodia’s first-time hosting of the SEA Games,” Tolentino said.

A lso gracing the event are embassy representatives from the SEA Games member countries, national athletes, para athletes and Tagaytay City students.

The torch relay left Cambodia Wednesday (March 22) for Vietnam before heading to the Philippines. The relay will proceed to Brunei, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos before returning to Cambodia on April 27.

C ambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen led the torch-lighting ceremony at the famed Angkor Wat temple.

The host country is expecting 11,453 athletes and officials with the Philippines fielding more than 800 in the 608-event, 38-sport Cambodia Games that end on May 16.

The POC scheduled a formal sendoff ceremony for Team Philippines on April 15 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Jrs tennis circuit on in Ormoc City

KIMI BRODETH sets out for a sweep of the Leyte swing of the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) circuit while Gerald Gemida and Kenzo Brodeth go allout to upset top seed Cyd Villamar in the boys’ side of the Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez National Junior Tennis Championships beginning Thursday at the Ormoc Midtown Tennis Club (OMTC).

Brodeth pulled off a pair of twotitle romps in Maasin and Baybay the past two weeks with Ormoc’s rising 16-year-old star all primed for another “double” in the Group 2 tournament against the likes of Kate Imalay, Sanschena Francisco and Ma. Nina Torrejos (16-under) and Corazon Lambonao, Joy Laguna, Davanee Velasco and Francisco in the centerpiece division.

K enzo Brodeth, on the other hand, faces a stiff challenge in the 14-under category which he ruled

UY AHEAD BY 3 IN ILOILO GOLF

in Maasin and Baybay as Christian Laguna, Urciano Villa and Claudwin Toñacao seek to stop his run, along with the rest of the bidders in the 32-player draw of the tournament presented by Dunlop.

He will also try to make up for his failed title bid in 16-under play the last time out and foil Villamar’s own two-title drive in the tournament serving as part of the OMTC’s youth sports program spearheaded by president Dr. Bingcol Rodriguez.

G emida also braces for a tough outing against the top-seeded Villamar from Lanao del Norte in the 18-U category which also features Ariel Semblante, Jr. and Randy Pausanos, while fellow homegrown bet Ma. Caroliean Fiel is fancied to stretch her winning run in the 10-unisex and girls’ 12-under class after topping the Maasin and Baybay stops of the circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Taekwondo summer program up

THE Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) Smart/MVP

Sports Foundation summer program for kids simultaneously open in all PTA-affiliated clubs nationwide from March 27 until June 3.

R egistration is now in full swing in all affiliated clubs in Metro Manila as well as from Regions 1 to 12, Cordillera Autonomous Region, Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao, CARAGA, Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces

protégé Ramos aims high

By Josef Ramos

ANOTHER Olympic gold medal potential appears to be coming out of Barangay Mampang—Rosegie Ramos.

Ramos, only 19, is training alongside the Olympic and world champion, who happens to be a neighbor in that now famous community in Zamboanga City and also a distant relative.

Idol,” Ramos says of Diaz-Naranjo. R amos is with Diaz-Naranjo at

the Power and Grace Gym—home to US and Canada Olympic and world champions in Suwanee, Georgia. They’ve been training there since March 8 and are coming home for a brief rest before proceeding to Tokyo for another 17-day training camp.

I’m also hoping to get Olympic points and qualify for the Summer Games,” said Ramos, who, like her idol, is skipping the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games in favor of the Asian championships also in May in Jinju, South Korea.

R amos has all the raw ingredients to be Olympic and world champion someday—she won gold medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Tashkent and a bronze at the Hanoi SEA Games last year.

I nterestingly, Ramos, who’s competing in the 49-kg class, is also diminutive like Diaz-Naranjo—she’s an inch short of five feet.

R amos has all the raw ingredients to be Olympic and world champion someday—she won gold medals at the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Tashkent and a bronze at the Hanoi SEA Games last year.

R amos said she’s full of enthusiasm to follow the Team HD template.

DANIELLA UY flourished off the mound at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club and with a three-under 67 posted a three-strike lead over Harmie Constantino and top amateur Rianne Malixi after 18 holes of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power on Wednesday. Uy worked on her 270-yard driving clip all day and complemented her superb driving with iron shots that set up birdie opportunities, finishing with four—the last on No. 18 that negated her lone mishap on the par-three 16th.

With Malixi reeling with back-toback bogeys from No. 15 and settling for a 70, the former Junior World champion opened a cushion she hoped would be enough to spike a second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour win. I missed three fairways and three greens. Yes, there are some reachable (par-4) holes, so it really helps kung malakas ka mag-drive,” said Uy, who ended up fifth in last week’s ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf

Classic topped by Chanelle Avaricio in big fashion.

I was hitting it better today compared to last week and I was putting really well,” said Uy, who claimed her first LPGT win at RivieraLanger in 2021. “But I wasn’t really expecting anything. I just want to hit the fairways and greens, and my goal is to stay calm and not get too emotional on the course.”

M alixi, also out to redeem herself from a mediocre stint at Marapara where she tied for third with Pamela Mariano, kept Uy within sight in a marquee matchup with Avaricio, shooting four birdies against two bogeys after 14 holes in hot conditions.

But the current toast of amateur golf wobbled and failed to rescue pars on Nos. 15 and 16, ending up with a pair of 35s to slip to joint second with Constantino, who rebounded from a two-bogey frontside game with three birdies in the first four holes at the back.

But the inaugural ICTSI Match Play champion yielded strokes on the next two holes before birdying the 16th for a 38-32.

I think I’m playing better this week. I kind of fixed my driving and irons also. Just need to be less aggressive when attacking the flags,” said Constantino, who launched her pro career with two victories in bubble setup in 2021. “But I have to play better numbers this week.”

Sarah Ababa, out to atone for her final round meltdown at Marapara, also appeared headed for another good start the way she did at Marapara before fading in the clutch. She birdied No. 5 but struggled the rest of the way, finishing with three bogeys for a 72.

Zaragosa bucks shaky start for 1-shot lead in men’s play

of the Philippines.

I nterested parties may contact the PTA through telephone numbers 85220518 and 85220519 or e-mail your applications at philtkd@gmail. com  and philippinetaekwondo@ gmail.com.

The summer program is part of the grassroots activity of PTA under the auspices of World Taekwondo and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo.

Maroon bombshells

THIS week, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons dropped multiple bombshells in the supposedly placid basketball scene right in the middle of the collegiate volleyball season.

A series of floaters teased the arrival in Diliman of a bunch of new blue chip recruits. Then came the flurry of breaking news, tweets, social media posts and finally, the formal announcements.

First, a news item that Luis Pablo, Philippine National Collegiate Athletic Association’s juniors MVP had already

Lady Spikers wield broom vs NU ladies

DE LA SALLE University finally got one over National University (NU) with a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 victory on Wednesday to sweep the first round eliminations of the University Athletic Association Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory didn’t only keep the Lady Spikers’ record clean in seven matches, but also snapped a fourmatch domination—all straight sets—by the reigning champion Lady Bulldogs in the previous season. “ I didn’t expect to go straight sets against them,” De La Salle interim coach interim head coach Noel Orcullo said. “My instructions to the girls was to merely stick to the plan.”

M ars Alba tossed 20 excellent sets for the Lady Spikers, who drew double-digit performances from Angel Canino (14 points with eight excellent receptions), Fifi Sharma (12 points on 10 attacks, one block and one ace) and Jolina Dela Cruz (11 points with 10 digs).

M hicaela Belen was the lone NU player in double digits with 12 points she laced with nine receptions and seven digs.

RUPERT ZARAGOSA popped up as the only player from a band of top guns that figured in a final round shootout last week to go low at the start of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power with a five-under 65 for a one-stroke lead over Ferdie Aunzo at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club Wednesday.

Z aragosa scorched the backside of the short but demanding par-70 layout with five birdies in a stirring windup that more than made up for a shaky start of two bogeys in the first three holes.

He also dropped two strokes on the par-three No. 5 but gunned down

committed to the University of the Philippines broke the silence.

The open-ended item also asked, in so many words: if Pablo is taking his talents to Diliman, would his 6-foot-8 La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) twin tower Seven Gagate be far behind? And is there also room for the third member of their LSGH troika, Josh Coronel?

I n less than 24 hours, speculation ceased. An honest to goodness news story announced that the three Greenies would be donning maroon jerseys in the coming season.

Kinda like the transfer to UP in 2020 of a trio of National University Bullpups named Gerry Abadiano, Carl Tamayo and Terrence Fortea, don’t you think?

Does UP believe in the saying “it comes in threes”?

But there was one more bombshell to drop. Over the weekend, fresh news about another prized recruit—this time, a two-time state champion from Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque Mexico—committing to UP filled online and social media.

Sean Alter, who had been to the Philippines in October last year, was a much sought-after prospect, with several schools knocking on his doorstep. But the 6-foot-8 Fil-Am with a six feet and 11 inches wingspan chose UP.

L et’s not forget that in January, 6-foot-5 Francis Lebron Lopez, already presumed to be practicing his wings as an Eagle in Loyola Heights, crossed the Katipunan border to

birdies on Nos. 4, 6, 7 and 9 to draw level at the turn.

S ustaining his 280-yard driving norm, he then waxed hot with his putter in the last nine holes and got past a mix of unfancied rivals to snatch first day honors in the P2.25 million tournament capping the two-leg Visayan swing of the Philippine Golf Tour.

“ I played good at Marapara so it boosted my confidence coming over here,” said Zaragosa, who closed out with a 68 to tie for second with Tony Lascuña in last week’s ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic ruled by Ira Alido in come-from-behind fashion.

Despite going 3-over after five holes, I played good and made birdies on Nos. 6, 7 and 9. Then my putting

clicked at the back,” added Zaragosa, still in pursuit of a breakthrough victory after finishing tied for second at Pradera Verde in 2020.

Ferdie Aunzo, meanwhile, launched another strong start he hopes to sustain this time as the former amateur hotshot seeking to snap a long, long title spell fired five birdies against a bogey to gain solo second at 66 while Elee Bisera and Reymon Jaraula likewise bounced back from so-so showing at Marapara with a pair of 67s.

R ichard Sinfuego carded a 68 for solo fifth while Dino Villanueva and Paul Echavez matched 69s as the lesser lights made quite an impact in a day of floundering fortunes for majority of the fancied bets.

begin the procession of prized rookies to Diliman.

W hy are they coming to UP?

Even as we speak, there are other young gems already in the sights of the UP periscope. Why has UP transformed from ghost town to boom town when it comes to attracting superb basketball talents?

For one, the UP Fighting Maroons have made a 180-degree turn in their basketball program, and with their overall sports program as well. Ever since that pathetic bonfire that the Maroons and the UP community held for their solitary win over Adamson University in 2014, the basketball gods lit a fire under the UP alumni and the UP leadership and inspired them to turn the Maroons’ sports program around.

Not a ningas-cogon type of thing, but a sustained, consistent and spirited  endeavor through the past eight years, the UPrising, executed to the hilt by the nowheretogobutUP Foundation, had already produced their proof of the pudding: the UAAP basketball championship in Season 84 and two Finals appearances in Seasons 81 and 85. Now the UP program is being hailed by the player recruits themselves.

Then there’s the Pied Piper who has been described as a magnet of young basketball talents. Coach Goldwin Monteverde has long been a molder, teacher and nurturer of young basketball materiel.

A lyssa Solomon had eight points for NU, which dropped to a 7-2 wonlost card in a tie for second place with University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University, which beat University of the Philippines (UP), 25-18, 25-17, 25-23, to close its firstround campaign also on Wednesday. K ate Santiago was outstanding for Adamson University with 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks and a service ace.

The exodus of talents to UP has largely been due to young players wanting to grow and get better under him.

In a virtual press conference held Tuesday by the Fighting Maroons, Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo both said they have always wanted to play under Coach Gold. Besides the NU Boys in UP—Tamayo, Abadiano, Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Cyril Gonzales, Janjan Felicilda, Reyland Torres—do you know that juniors standouts, University Athletic Association of the Philippines high school MVP Reinhard Jumamoy and Andrei Gemao are Golden protégés as well?

O f course, UP education still has its lure. But one key secret to UP’s success at attracting and keeping its recruits is the team’s down to earth and mindful approach.

Fighting Maroons team manager Atty. Ags Uvero says “UP has a Pinoy style of courting players. We are patient, we do the little things, we take care of what counts, not just with the players but more importantly, with their families.”

Personal ties are very important, so being recruited by friends (as Lebron Lopez was by Carl Tamayo) and being able to trust people (as team management and the community stood solid behind Tamayo in his decision to turn pro) counts a lot for the players.

Gusto ko ring mafeel yung nafeel ni Carl (Tamayo) and ni Xavier (Lucero) when they played for UP. That kind of support,” said Seven Gagate. I g uess you’d have to factor in the UP crowd as well.

ENRIQUE RAZON JR. makes a quick stop at the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Iloilo Golf Challenge at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club on

Wednesday after attending the inauguration of MORE Power’s 30/36 MVA substation at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District in Iloilo City with MORE

Power chairman Stephen Paradies and director Jose Eduardo Alarilla and Michael Ray Aquino, Solaire Resort and Casino VP for Security. Photo shows Razon Jr. (second from right) and Iloilo Golf and Country Club president Herminio Maravilla II (right). ROY DOMINGO

DANIELLA UY complements her superb driving with iron shots that set up birdie opportunities. ROY DOMINGO

ANGEL CANINO again stars for the Lady Spikers.

HIDILYN DIAZ-NARANJO (right) and protégé Rosegie Ramos.