BusinessMirror March 31, 2023

FOLLOWING the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address the shortage of nurses in the country due to migration, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Thursday presented solutions including the offering of shorter certificate programs and tracking of about 20 percent of nurses with “unspecified” practice.

In a press conference, CHED chairperson Prospero De Vera III said they have been aware of the “old” problem and that they are

already exploring ways to address the gap.

De Vera presented immediateterm interventions, a mediumterm approach and long-term solutions.

For the immediate intervention, De Vera said, there will be “redirection of non-practicing licensed nurses.”

“The proactive information campaign on the vacancies and permanent positions in public and private health sectors based on HRH [Human Resource for Health]

goals shall be considered in coordination with other government agencies [multisectoral effort],”

De Vera said.

Also, CHED will facilitate Memoranda of Agreements between the private sector and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to directly hire graduates to their health-care institutions, specifically those with a Nursing degree with exit credentials.

“There is a significant gap of nursing graduates who are not working in the health sec -

tor. About close to 20 percent of them,” De Vera said, noting that there were 121,688 nurses with unspecified practice.

“We have to do a better job tracking where they are because they are already nurses. They can be hired as nurses anytime ...Most of them are in the BPO sector,” he said. For underboard (repeaters and failed examinees), De Vera said they will provide “upskilling and reskilling.”

Business upbeat on next 12 mos

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

Based on the data, business confidence for the next 12 months rose to 61.9 percent from 46.2 percent in the last quarter of 2022.

However, the optimism of businesses was not as high as the 69.8 percent level recorded in the first quarter of 2022, as businesses expect more borrowings and higher inflation at least for the first quarter of 2023 and in the near-term.

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority said it is collaborating with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (Ibpap) on plans to attract foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country, which Peza deems an “essential tool” for the country’s growth and development.

Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga and his team met with Ibpap President and CEO Jack Madrid and some of the

Ibpap officials last Monday. During the meeting, Peza said officials from both parties discussed areas for “active collaboration and strategic alliance” for the creation of plans on effective investment attraction and facilitation in line with the goals of Peza, the industry and the whole government. For Ibpap’s part, Madrid stressed that two of their goals are aligned with Peza’s goals, noting that “we have the responsibility for delivering employment and export service revenues to the country.”

The Ibpap head disclosed that the IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry is experiencing a “severe talent demand-supply gap.”

With this, he said “We need to address our talent crisis. [Surely, we are a country with a rich pool of talent and] the result of that is many people want to continue to invest [in the Philippines]. But increasingly, the challenge is not the cost—it’s the people.”

Madrid emphasized the importance of working remotely.

In fact, he said, “It’s also the reason of people who are over

concentrated in the Philippines, they are also beginning to diversify outside. But for many [Ibpap] members, we’re still their main handler, but the main message here is the mismatch and the supply and demand of talent.”

For Peza’s part, Panga said the investment promotion agency is cooperating with the ongoing initiative of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to prepare the Filipino workforce for the Industry 4.0.

See “Amid,” A2

artista to paint the mural, which symbolizes the city’s solidarity in protecting Philippine biodiversity. NONOY LACZA

Gov’t eyes fishing bans in areas hit by oil spill

THE Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has recommended fishing bans in oil spill-affected areas in Oriental Mindoro.

The government has been evaluating contaminant levels in water and fishery resources to determine if fish and other seafood in these areas are safe for public consumption, and if fishing bans should be lifted by the local government units (LGUs) concerned.

The results were consistent with the findings of the DA-BFAR in its first batch of analyses: that

HIGHER consumer demand for various products and services as well as the reopening of the economy made businesses in the country optimistic about the next 12 months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

art FOr bIODIVErSIty Pedestrians walk past a mural at the Quezon memorial circle underpass in Quezon city on thursday, march 30, 2023. the local government partnered with Sentro

Chinese ships still sailing off KIG, challenge PHL Coast Guard boat

By Rene Acosta

Kalayaan being part of Palawan.

“During its MARPAT mission, BRP Malapascua spotted several foreign-flagged vessels—including a number of China Coast Guard Vessels [CCGVs] and a People’s Liberation Army-Navy [PLAN] Type 056A Jiangdao II Class Missile Corvette,” It said.

In Sabina Shoal, the PCG ship monitored the presence of at least 20 Chinese and Vietnamese vessels and “encountered” at least two CCGVs with bow numbers 5304 and 5305 near the shoal.

Fishing…

Continued from A1

minimal amounts of oil and grease and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels were present in fish and seafood from the affected areas.

bow number 649 within Pag-asa’s 12-nautical-mile territorial waters.

“The PCG vessel issued multiple radio challenges while the PLAN vessel responded with its own challenge,” the PCG said.

On its way to Buliluyan Port in Palawan and while patrolling Ayungin Shoal, the PCG vessel monitored the presence of CCGV 5201 and issued radio challenges.

close as 1.2 nautical mile from the grounded Philippine Navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre.

The PCG said its vessel, BRP Malapascua, carried out a maritime patrol mission (MARPAT) from March 16 up to 21 in the KIG wherein it encountered and drove away Chinese vessels—and even

Amid…

Continued from A1

Vietnamese ships. In those encounters, the PCG ships and Chinese vessels issued challenges against each other, although the Chinese ships were clearly inside the Philippine waters, with

“We are involving all our locators in the USAID survey and once this is done, we can work together with other stakeholders to invest in workforce training and institutional capacity building to narrow the jobs gap and

“Multiple radio challenges were issued by the PCG vessel but no response was received. Rigid-hull Inflatable Boats [RHIBs] were deployed to disperse the foreign flagged vessels in and around the shoal,” the PCG said.

On Pag-asa Island, Malapascua encountered a PLAN vessel with

address the critical skills shortage. We want to have the same parallel track for the IT industry,” the PEZA chief said.

As of 2022, Peza said there are 1,582 IT-BPM industry activities

However, the CCGV 5201 instead “proceeded to shadow BRP Malapascua at a distance of approximately 1,600 yards.”

Malapascua reported that during its encounter with CCGV 5201 at the Ayungin Shoal, it went as

registered in Peza which generated P337.593-billion investments and 1,095,622 direct jobs.

In 2022 alone, the ITBPM sector contributed about $17.005 billion of exports, Peza noted. For the first quarter of 2023, Peza said it approved six projects from the IT sector which it said are expected to bring P05.546-million investments, US$8.932million exports, and 624 direct jobs.

Through this collaboration, Peza and Ibpap said they remain bullish to achiev its 10-percent target for the year and contribute to the overall growth and development of the industry and the country in general.

Meanwhile, at an event that gathered the Philippines’s business process outsourcing (BPO) leaders on Thursday, Tonichi

Ched…

Continued from A1

Other data provided by CHED showed that 175, 900 nurses are working in private and public health facilities in the country; 3,905 in other practices such as health administration; 316,405 are permanent and temporary migrant health workers, for a total of 617,898 of licensed nurses.

For the medium -term approach, De Vera revealed their proposal of a nursing curriculum that will offer its graduates early exit credentials after just a year or two years of studies.

This, he said, is a stopgap measure that is part of CHED’s medium-term plan to address the nursing shortage.

“This is a straight BS Nursing program with exit credentials at every level,” he said.

He explained that the need for more nurses is not all for college or university graduates of BS Nursing, but includes those with "intermediate credentials" who can be easily hired.

Under the proposed BS Nursing program with exit credentials, after a year

The PCG said that reports of the incident were furnished to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, adding it was working with the military’s Western Command (WESCOM) and the Area Task Force-West (ATF-WEST) to monitor and respond to the presence of foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu emphasized the importance of PCG patrols and the need to promote peace and stability in the region.

Achurra-Parekh, Vice President of Concentrix and Board Director of Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), opined that the IT-BPM industry will meet the target for the Roadmap 2028.

CCAP falls under the umbrella of Ibpap, the flagship organization of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines.

Achurra-Parekh said, “We’re still in the learning stage, we’re still traversing a new terrain for us but we have so much more experience from two years ago.”

“In that respect, the confidence level of our current partners and potential partners are still there,” Achurra-Parekh told reporters on the sidelines of the said event.

However, she said that it is now up to the Philippine IT-BPM industry “to make sure that supply will be available.”

of schooling in which one will be equipped with basic nursing skills, one could become a nursing aid or assistant; while two years of schooling would entitle one to become a nursing associate, community health nurse or associate maternal or child nurse.

After CHED lifted the moratorium that prevents colleges and universities from opening nursing programs, De Vera revealed that over 50 schools have applied to offer it.

Assuming that these 54 schools will get approvals, De Vera estimated that over 2,000 nurses will graduate for Academic Year (AY) 2029-2030 and almost 3,000 for AY 20302031. The data is computed based on 5 percent attrition rate and 20 percent for succeeding years.

“Will this solve the problem of nursing shortage? In the long term it will,” De Vera said.

Although this solution will take 5 to 6 years, De Vera said that such is still a “necessary long-term solution.”

De Vera said their measures to address the shortage in nurses were already presented to President Marcos and the private sector. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

“Water samples collected and analyzed from the affected municipalities of Oriental Mindoro [Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Calapan, Gloria, Mansalay, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Roxas] and Caluya, Antique on March 9 to 12 showed minimal levels of oil and grease, within the standard stated by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in Administrative Order 2016-08 for fishing areas [less than 3.0 mg/L oil and grease],” the DA-BFAR said.

Meanwhile, fish samples collected and analyzed from the same areas on March 4 and 5 showed lowlevel contaminants or PAH, it added. PAH, which is harmful to humans and other living organisms, may accumulate in the flesh of marine organisms over time.

These samples were collected in the early days of March, making the current situation uncertain due to the possibility that the spill had spread further because of ocean current and wind direction, and more PAHs may have accumulated in marine organisms.

The DA-BFAR continuously analyzes and monitors the area to establish time-series results on the impact of the oil spill with regard to food safety.Succeeding analyses should be considered to ensure seafood is safe for public consumption.

“Rest assured that the bureau is fast-tracking the laboratory analyses without compromising the accuracy of data, which serves as the basis for its recommendations,” the BFAR said.

Findings and recommendations will be shared with the public and concerned government offices as soon as data becomes available.

Moreover, the DA-BFAR notes that the Bureau has been assisting LGUs, especially the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro, in terms of relief and livelihood aid since the onset of the oil spill.

To date, the bureau has already allocated P4.4 million worth of livelihood assistance in the form of post-harvest technology packages which will benefit 10 fisherfolk associations and cooperatives or 689 families.

About P1.5 million was also earmarked for food assistance to 5,000 affected fisherfolk in Mimaropa, while P580,500 was spent to help displaced fishing groups in Western Visayas.

The bureau has deployed monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) vessels, as well as PPE sets and other materials for clean-up activities.

Additional interventions are also being prepositioned based on rehabilitation proposals from the oil spill-hit areas. Raadee S. Sausa

BSP…

Continued from A1

“Business firms expressed stronger confidence in the economy for Q1 2023, Q2 2023 and the next 12 months as the overall confidence indices [CIs] during these periods significantly increased from the previous quarter’s survey result,” the BSP said.

“This means that the percentage of optimists increased and outweighed the percentage of pessimists during the reference periods,” it added.

Other reasons cited by the BSP for the rise in optimism were the increased business activities and sustained economic recovery as well as expansion and new business opportunities in health care, manufacturing, and construction subsectors.

In terms of inflation expectations, businesses said they expect inflation to breach the upper end of the national government’s 2 to 4 percent target for 2023 and 2024.

Businesses expect inflation for the first and second quarters of 2023 to average 7 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively. However, in the next 12 months, inflation is expected to be lower at 6.6 percent.

“Firms expected that their financial condition and access to credit to be less tight for Q1 2023 as their corresponding indices improved, but remained negative,” BSP said.

“The CIs [Confidence Indices] of all sectors [i.e., industry, construction, services and wholesale and retail trade sectors] increased in the first quarter 2023, suggesting a more optimistic business outlook for the current quarter,” BSP added.

The Q1 2023 BES was conducted between January 13 and March 6, 2023. There were 1,554 firms surveyed nationwide, consisting of 582 companies in the National Capital Region and 972 firms in Areas Outside the National Capital Region, covering all 16 regions nationwide.

Samples were drawn from the Top 7,000 Corporations, ranked based on total assets in 20162017 from the Bureau van Dijk (BvD) database.

The nationwide survey response rate for this quarter was slightly lower at 60.6 percent (from 61 percent in Q4 2022). The response rate was higher for the NCR at 61.3 percent (from 57 percent) but lower for AONCR at 60.2 percent (from 63.6 percent).

CHINESE military and paramilitary ships continued to loiter in the waters of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Thursday as it challenged the incursions.

The Nation

OPAPRU: Private armies, loose firearms hamper government peace efforts

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

THE proliferation of loose firearms and private armed groups continue to hamper peace efforts in the country, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

During the news conference at the launch of the Gawad Kapayapaan (GaKap) on Thursday, Acting Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Isidro L. Purisima disclosed the existence of both factors in a locality that can cause “horizontal conflicts” in the said area.

“That is why we now have a program for dismantling private armed groups and small arms and light weapons. The DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] is leading the security sector [in the government] to implement the program,” Purisima said.

The program started in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) amid the proliferation of loose firearms in the region.

“The plan now is for the government to expand it not only in Bangsamoro but in other selected areas,” Purisima said.

Fire on passenger-cargo vessel kills 12 in Basilan; seven others missing

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

Aside from dismantling private armies and disposal of loose firearms, OPAPRU said the government is also making significant gains in its campaign against separatist groups.

Currently, it is said there are 21 communist guerrilla fronts in the country. Of which, 3 are classified as “active,” while the remaining are deemed “weakened.”

Purisima said they hope to eventually remove all of incidents of insurgency in the country not only through peace negotiations, but also by removing the root causes of conflict such a poverty and inaccessibility of government services in an area.

He said the formal launch of their GaKap this year aims to further accelerate the anti-insurgency measures through the recognition of the groups or individuals, who are engaged in verifiable peacebuilding programs that have contributed and made a positive impact on the peace process.

“It is by paying tribute to their efforts that we will be able to push forward, sustain and build from the gains of peace that we all worked hard to achieve,” Purisima said.

GaKap is open to peace partners from the government and non-governmental organizations as well as civil society.

AT least 12 persons perished while seven others remained missing after a fire struck a passenger-cargo vessel in the waters of Basilan late Wednesday night, officials said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the blaze broke out on M/V

Lady Mary Joy 3 at around 11 p.m. in the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan while it was heading to Sulu.

The PCG, citing reports of its officers in the province, said that at least 10 casualties were recorded as of past 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

It also said that the search for the other passengers of the ill-fated vessel, which reportedly came from

Zamboanga City, was still ongoing.

Another report by the provincial government of Basilan, however, said the number of fatalities has spiked to 12 while seven other passengers are still missing.

Responders also rescued 23 other passengers who were brought to two hospitals in Basilan and Zamboanga City.

Interviewed over radio station

DZBB, Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman said that based on the report that he received, three of the fatalities were children. Hataman said some of the victims were asleep when the fire occurred.

PCG District South-Western Mindanao commander Commodore Marco Antonio Gines said the blaze started at the accommodation area located on the second deck of the vessel.

PSA reports decline in violence against women, children in ’22

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

PHYSICAL and sexual abuse

committed against women and children reported to the police contracted 98.6 percent in 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The data showed only a total of 136 cases were reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of January 31, 2023 from the 9,386 reported in 2021.

These are cases that violated Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Acts of violence under this law include physical, sexual, psychological, and economic.

The law seeks to address the prevalence of abuse of women and children by their intimate partners like their

husband or ex-husband, live-in partner or former live-in partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or ex-boyfriend/exgirlfriend, dating partner or former dating partner.

These cases along with other abuse cases contracted 69 percent to 4,282 cases reported to the PNP in 2022 from 13,831 cases in 2021.

These other cases include rape. The PSA reported that there was also an 8.3 contraction in the number of rape complaints filed with the police.

The data showed there were 1,667 rape cases filed in 2022, lower than the 1,818 cases filed in 2021. There were no attempted rape and incestuous rape cases filed.

Further, PSA data showed acts of lasciviousness cases also saw a decline at 0.8 percent to 1,612 cases in 2022 from 1,625 cases in 2021.

However, there was a 15.6 percent increase in other abuse cases reported to the PNP. There were 867 other cases reported in 2022, higher than the 750 cases filed.

LGBTQI persecution

MEANWHILE , United Nations Population Fund Executive Director Natalia Kanem recently issued a statement on the increase in attempted criminalization of homosexuality.

Kanem said attempts to criminalize same-sex relationships in some parts of the world, exposing millions of individuals to the risk of arrest, imprisonment or even death.

She said the persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people is a breach of their right to freedom of expression, to liberty, privacy and equality, to free -

dom from violence, discrimination and inhuman and degrading treatment, and to a fair trial.

“The oppression of LGBTQI people worldwide directly contravenes UNFPA’s mission of achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and realizing the rights of all people,” Kanem said.

“It leads to devastating public health consequences by effectively severing equitable access to life-saving services, raising stigma and discrimination, in particular for people living with HIV, thereby undermining efforts in controlling the HIV epidemic,” she added. Kanem also said this breach in the human rights of LGBTQI people also endangers the lives of those who help uphold these rights such as health workers, lawyers, journalists and humanitarian sector workers.

‘Back to the basics’: Neda outlines foundation for robust PHL growth

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Philippines’s economic growth goals could only be achieved with investments in foundational interventions such as basic education, primary health care, and child nutrition, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Neda Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno recently underscored the significance of investing in primary health care and nutrition in meeting the country’s long-term aspiration for the AmBisyon Natin 2040.

Capuno said these investments are fundamental to the transformational goals of the Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda.

“Achieving this would require a lot of investments in foundational interventions such as basic education, primary health care, and child nutrition. It is very hard to imagine how you can achieve high growth without these fundamental invest-

ments,” Capuno said. The strategies needed to do this, Capuno said, were already laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said PDP 2023-2028

Subchapter 2.1 is on Boosting Health and Subchapter 3.1 on Ensuring Food Security and Proper Nutrition. Balisacan shared this at the launch of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP). He said partnerships with stakeholders, like the PMNP aims to effectively deliver primary health care and nutrition services to vulnerable children and women.

“The PMNP is a timely and relevant initiative as it seeks to reduce the gaps in our efforts to attain proper health and nutrition for all. In successfully implementing the PMNP, we look forward to building strategies or stronger partnerships with national government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and our development partners,” Balisacan said.

Under boosting health, the PDP

aims to improve social determinants of health; enabling healthy choices and behaviors; improving access to quality and efficient health care; and strengthening health systems.

The PMNP project inputs include providing support for primary health care services; strengthening health and nutrition services; and providing access to clean water, appropriate sanitation, and improving hygiene practices.

Chapter 3.1, Balisacan said, includes the attainment of sufficient and stable supply of food commodities; expanding access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food; and improving nutrition across all ages.

The PMNP inputs that coincide with these are introducing social and behavior change; local government mobilization and convergence; providing early childhood care and development services; and providing access to 4Ps beneficiaries access to nutrition programs and services.

PDP Chapters 2.1 and 3.1 also include decreasing maternal mor-

tality ratio; increasing safe water supply and basic sanitation services; decreasing stunting among children under five years old; and reducing malnutrition among these children.

The PMNP inputs, meanwhile, aim to provide antenatal care services for pregnant women and increasing household participation in barangays for nutrition-related interventions.

“The partner agencies implementing the PMNP commit to supporting access to primary health care, strengthening health and nutrition services systems, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene access and practices,” the Philippine government’s chief economist said.

The PMNP is co-led by the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with support from the World Bank.

It aims for the adoption of a bold and multi-sectoral approach to delivering a coordinated package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across various local government unit or LGU platforms.

Pagcor heeds call to help families affected by oil spill in Mindoro town

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)

heeded the call to help the families and individuals who are gravely affected by the massive oil spill in the waters of Oriental Mindoro by joining a relief-giving mission on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

The state-run gaming agency distributed 6,000 food and nonfood packs to 3,000 recipients in

the town of Pola. Most locals in said town only rely on fishing as their source of livelihood. Pola was reported as the most affected among the 14 municipalities of the province after oil slicks from the sunken MT Princess Empress reached their shorelines and continue to deprive them of their livelihood and food supply.

Princess Go, president of the

organizer of the mission, NextGen Foundation Philippines Inc. (NGFPI), said they requested aid from various sources to help the distressed families of Pola as soon as reports came out that the town is suffering heavily from the effects of the oil spill. Pagcor was one of the agencies that they approached for relief assistance.

“We really needed all the help we can get to provide relief to those who were affected by this unfortunate incident. Thankfully, Pagcor agreed to partner with us to make this humanitarian event happen,” she stated.

Pola Municipal Mayor Jennifer Cruz led the distribution of the relief items to the beneficiaries at the town’s public market. She was joined in the activity by key Pagcor officers headed by VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Ramon Stephen Villaflor and Asst. VP for Community Relations and Services Eric Balcos and representatives from NextGen and Oceanus Conservation.

Fifty-year-old Annabel Fabula, village chief of distant Barangay

Buhay na Tubig, related that life had been extremely difficult for her constituents since fishing is temporarily banned in the areas devastated by the oil spill. With no other alternative source of livelihood, the residents of the community have been relying mostly on aid from the local government and various organizations for more than three weeks now to get by with their daily needs. The remote village, which can only be accessed through a 40-minute boat ride from the town proper, has a total population of over 1,000.

“Napakahirap po ng aming kalagayan mula nang pansamantalang ipagbawal ang pangingisda na siyang isa sa mga pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng napakaraming pamilya dito sa aming lugar.

Mabuti na lamang po at maraming tumutulong sa amin,” said the local official of the community, whose several residents help out in a daily cleanup operation supervised by a private company and Philippine Coast Guard personnel to wash away the slicks of oil that reached their shoreline.

By Samuel P. Medenilla   @sam_medenilla

TO help address the country’s nurse shortage, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is now “retooling” non-board passers and tapping non-practicing nurse graduates.

CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera III said they are also conducting exchange programs with other countries and adopting a nursing curriculum with exit credentials to increase the country’s pool of available nurses.

“Under the nursing curriculum with exit credentials, students could have several options: exit at the end of Level I or II, obtain the certificate or diploma in Nursing, or choose to continue and finish the four-year nursing program to become a registered nurse,” de Vera explained.

He said they are also trying to increase the number of instructors in nursing and medical schools by coming out with a flexible shortterm masteral program for those who want to teach in the said educational institutions.

By Raadee S. Sausa @raadeeboy

THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has signed an agreement that will allow the agency to maximize the utilization of its irrigation’s assets.

NIA Acting Administrator Eddie Guillen and PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to obtain the optimal value of NIA’s resources through PPP.

Furthermore, the partnership is to engage on other financial and revenue-generating activities that will strengthen the agency’s viability as a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC).

On December 31, 2021, NIA has recorded 65.28 percent of the total 3.12 million hectares of irrigable land nationwide.

With around 1 million hectares remaining to be developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to revital-

De Vera discussed the said measures after being ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the shortage during a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Health-care Sector last Wednesday.

“We have to be clever about the health-care manpower. Our nurses are the best, and we are competing with the entire world to keep them,” Marcos said.

“Lahat ng nakakausap kong President, Prime Minister, ang hinihingi is more nurses from the Philippines [All of the President, Prime Minister, whom I talked to are asking for more nurses from the Philippines],” he added.

He noted many Filipino nurses are opting to work abroad because of higher pay in other countries.

The government imposed a deployment cap for nurses and other medical professionals at the onset of the pandemic to ensure the country will have a sufficient number of health care workers.

The deployment cap is currently at 7,500 this year.

ize the country’s irrigation sector.

Thus, NIA eyes PPP to fast track irrigation development, which will further sustain the irrigation needs of greater Filipino farmers and will ultimately answer the President’s call to strengthen food security.

NIA data showed that the agency has identified 50 potential projects for PPP with seven revenue streams, namely, hydroelectric power, solar power, aquaculture, wind energy, bulk water supply, water treatment and carbon credits.

Moreover, PPP is not new in the agency. The Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) located in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija is a PPP project implemented by NIA. The project generates electricity through the 150-megawatt hydroelectric power plant and divert water through a 26.27-kilometer underground tunnel into the Pantabangan Reservoir.

In September 2022, NIA is pushing for PPPs for around P800 billion worth of irrigation projects nationwide.

CHED’s de Vera presents ‘retooling’ option to increase local pool of nurses

Pact allows NIA to open irrigation projects to PPP

SBMA chief Paulino declares ‘banner year’ for Subic Bay

By Henry Empeño Correspondent

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino declared record-breaking accomplishments for Subic in 2022, as he made his first State of the Freeport Address (SOFA) here in a ceremony hosted by the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

Comparing his administration’s undertakings against agency records in the last three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, Paulino presented a selection of successes under his “RCP” program that stood for revenue, customer-care, and plans and programs.

“2022 was a banner year for the SBMA despite the fact that the country was just recovering from the hiatus brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Paulino said.

“It was an opportune time to work together, so we could bounce back from the debilitating effects of the pandemic, [and] achieve our ultimate goal—to attract investments and, more importantly, cre -

PBBM aims to boost medicine production

By Samuel P. Medenilla  @sam_medenilla

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to finally complete the digitalization initiatives of its information systems (IS) by the third quarter of the year.

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) health-care sector group made the announcement during its meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last Wednesday.

The group reported that FDA’s overall digitalization rate of its 10 IS is now 72.5 percent.

The FDA is targeting to complete the process, which will include its electronic certificate of the product registration information system, by August.

Once the said its IS has been digitized, FDA will proceed the automation of its other systems, including its new chemical entity renewal, certificate of listing of the identical drug product (CLIDP), and postmarketing surveillance.

During the meeting, Marcos also instructed PSAC to boost the country’s local medicine production.

“Let’s maximize the local production. The initial reason why this came up is the supply problems that we encountered during the lockdowns so we need to be prepared. We should be able to produce the local supply of essential medicines,” Marcos said.

In response, the Department of Health (DOH) and FDA said they would coordinate with the private sector to determine the medicines that can be produced locally.

Other matters, which were discussed, include increasing the production capacity of local pharmaceutical manufacturers, identifying new medical technologies that can be used for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and the study of the feasibility of establishing remote diagnostics centers.

ate employment,” he added. According to the Subic chief, revenue collections by various SBMA departments “have increased compared to 2021 figures and even surpassed pre-pandemic performance” because of intensive revenue collection measures.

As a result, the SBMA was able to turn over to the National Treasury a total of P1.33 billion, an amount 20 percent higher than the 2021 dividends of P1.11 billion, Paulino said.

Figures from the SBMA Business and Investment Group (BIG) indicated that the Subic agency recorded revenue collections of P1.69 billion from January to November 2022.

Paulino was appointed chief of the SBMA in March 2022 at the tail end of the Duterte presidency. On the other hand, the 2021 SBMA report to President Duterte indicated an operating revenue for the agency in the amount of P3.47 billion, or P270 million higher than the 2020 revenue.

Paulino also said that in July 2022, the Subic Bay Freeport was named the top tourist attraction in Central Luzon and number five in the Philippines, with 9.4 mil -

lion same-day visitor arrivals in the free port.

SBMA figures indeed showed a growing year-on-year tourism growth, with the number of sameday visitors rising from 7.89 million in 2016 to 8.54 million in 2017, 9.23 million in 2018 and 9.56 million in 2019 before plunging to 5.19 million in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic curtailed tourism activities

globally. Recovery, however, started immediately in 2021, putting the annual record at 7.37 million.

In terms of investments, Paulino reported approving 133 new investment projects with total committed investments of P14.06 billion and 38 expansion projects with commitments of P36.34 billion.

“That is a significant jump from P591 million in 2021, let alone

P160 million in 2020,” he pointed out, crediting the accomplishment to “the aggressive marketing strategy of our Business and Investment Group.”

SBMA’s business group, according to its 2021 report, had recorded a strong performance at the tail end of the pandemic with P17.29 billion in committed investments in 2021, compared to P9.24 billion in 2019 before the pandemic, and P1.55 billion in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Paulino also said that with all the economic activities going on in Subic because of new investments, an additional 4,700 jobs will be created soon on top of the 149,681-strong free port workforce today.

The Subic work force has consistently grown in numbers over the years: from 137,547 in 2019 to 138,966 in 2020, the beginning of the Covid-19 health crisis, and to 142,177 in 2021. Majority of the work force belonged to the services sector, which had continuously increased because of the growth in the transshipment and logistics business here, the SBMA Labor Department said.

Meanwhile, Paulino said that in 2022, the SBMA had provided revenue shares to neighboring local government units (LGU). He said Olongapo City received a total of P74.88 million last year, while Subic got P48.77 million; Castillejos, P29.74 million; San Marcelino, P38.54 million; San Antonio, P27.45 million; Morong, P28.1 million; Hermosa, P33.81 million; and Dinalupihan, P39.98 million for a total of P321.27 million.

This remittance was bigger than the LGU shares given by the SBMA during the pandemic: P277.98 million in 2020 and P306.77 million in 2021, but still did not top the shares given by the SBMA in 2019, which was P378.87 million, or even in 2018 at P369.26 million.

For the rest of his report, Paulino vowed to continue to help business locators here in lobbying against the supposed “onerous” provisions of the CREATE law, which affects investors in special economic zones; to revitalize local tourism and make Subic conform with world-class standards; and continue to improve public safety and security in the Subic Freeport.

DTI bares plan to create ‘end-to-end’ value chain in mining, processing of green metals

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

TRADE Secretary Alfredo E.

Pascual said the Philippines seeks to create an “end-toend” value chain from the mining and processing of green metals to the local manufacturing of batteries, charging stations or units, and electric vehicles (EVs).

The trade chief issued the statement during the signing of a lease agreement between Envirotech Vehicles Inc. (EVT) and Berthaphil Inc. on March 28,2023.

“Your investment forms part of the Philippine EV manufacturing ecosystem we are developing. We seek to create an end-to-end value chain from the mining and processing of green

metals to the local manufacture of batteries, charging stations or units, and EVs,” Pascual said.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), EVT is now entering the Philippines and is geared to set up a manufacturing plant for electric vehicles at the Clark Freeport Zone.

EVT is a US-based transportation industry provider, specializing in allelectric vehicles for commercial and industrial use.

Apart from the global shift to green products, such as electric vehicles, Pascual also emphasized that through the use of EVs, the DTI aims to “aggressively” position the Philippines in the battery segment of the global market.

“Given the presence of abundant

nickel and cobalt reserves, the Philippine government is consistently promoting the country as a potential manufacturing hub for battery production,” Pascual said.

Meanwhile, Pascual underscored the “significant role” played by EVT’s investment and expansion in developing and realizing the potentials of the country’s EV industry.

“The growth and development of the EV industry is crucial in making green investments and jobs happen in the Philippines as we aim to generate stable, high-quality, and better-paying jobs for Filipinos, while achieving shared prosperity for all,” Pascual said.  The DTI said anew that several legislations have been passed to develop the local EV industry, such

as the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) and the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which will require the government to implement and allocate 5 percent of their fleet to EVs.

Meanwhile, under the EVIDA Act, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are provided to encourage the purchase and utilization of EVs by Filipino consumers.

Further, DTI said, through Board of Investment (BOI), it shall recommend an EV incentive strategy (EVIS) to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) for approval, similar to the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program to ensure the creation of an enabling business environment

for the country’s EV industry.

Aside from tax incentives available under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, DTI emphasized another legislation in relation to the importation of EVs, which it said are now duty-free under Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2023.

“The tariff rate of EV passenger cars, buses, minibuses, vans, trucks, kick-scooters, and bicycles are reduced to zero for the next five years,” DTI said, noting that this is “complementary” with DTI’s goal of encouraging EV investments by lowering its importation costs, introducing its “viability” to the public, encouraging shift to less oil-dependent transport options, and “improving the country’s energy security.”

Clark ecozone locators hit CREATE law misapplication

These assailed revenue regulations issued by the BIR “went beyond bounds and are contrary to the original intent of the CREATE Act,” the Manifesto stated.

CILA echoed this observation first made by Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of House and Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senators Pimentel III and Hontiveros, and former Justice Elpidio Vega, Head of the Office for Government Corporate Counsel.

“We continue to make an appeal for the government to cure the situation by ordering the review and amendment of the IRR and the immediate suspension of RR-21-2021,

RMC 24-2022 in order to preserve the original intent of the CREATE Act,” said CILA’s manifesto.

“While the CREATE Act passed by Congress, extended a sunset provision of 10 years  for all registered business enterprises [RBEs] currently enjoying fiscal perks, the IRR that was crafted by the DOF introduced a distinction between export enterprise [EE] and domestic market enterprise [DME] and prescribed different treatments for each category.

This has resulted in the loss of fiscal perks for several RBEs that were supposed to be covered by the CREATE Act,” the Manifesto noted.

The BIR issuances have led to the premature imposition of VAT on

investors in Clark and other Freeport and Economic Zones whose locators are to pay only 5 percent of their Gross Income Earned (GIE) as part of the incentives, the business group added.   These subsequent issuances after the adoption of IRR “negated the cross-border doctrine and created enormous confusion among investors and taxpayers alike and may lead to divergent interpretations in the treatment of VAT and all other related taxes.”

Failure by government to immediately address this conflict with the CREATE Act may, CILA added, lead to “further erosion of the Philippines’ competitiveness in com -

parison to its ASEAN neighbors and other comparative economies and the exclusion of small and medium enterprises [SMEs] outside of the freeport zones from participating in the global value chain.”

Hontiveros, who was guest speaker of CILA on March 27, said in her speech:  “I believe this is a serious issue, and risks driving investments away from the country, and deviates from the policy embodied in the CREATE Law which is, among others, to attract investments by developing a more responsive and globally-competitive tax regime.”

She added:  “The deviation of the aforementioned issuances from the intent of the CREATE

Joining CPTPP could net PHL $15B

“These are interesting and hopeful findings; given the projected global shift in employee qualifications from unskilled to skilled categories, supply changes may make unskilled workers relatively more scarce than skilled workers, warranting larger wage gains over time, in percentage terms,” it added.

The ADB report finds that

global value chains proved more resilient to the impacts of Covid-19 than expected, even as firms had to adjust to the disruption, given their dependence on only a few suppliers for essential inputs and goods. As such, the region needs to build stronger resilience in its global value chain segments while expanding trade, investment, and

regional integration. The report also found that the competitive advantage of employing low-skilled labor is diminishing as new technology continues to upgrade global value chains. The region, thus, must create a critical mass of workers apace with new technology and with technological skills.

In 2021, the Department of

PHILTOA: Most Holy Week destinations now fully booked

“There has to be some acceptance on the part of the client, that the rates, especially with air fare, will be pricey. If the client is willing to pay, it may be tight, but we may still be able to find good destinations and hotels for him.”

P63-M sales generated PHILTOA recently collaborated with the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) for a business-tobusiness travel exchange among their members on March 28 and 29 at the Manila Marriott Hotel. According to

Abling Yu, sales at the two-day travel exchange reached “roughly P63 million” including sales leads. The travel trade fair  gathered 115 travel agencies and tour operators as buyers and  87 sellers from HSMA member-hotels across the country.

continued from a16

She explained that because of the travel exchange, Philtoa members can offer hotel accommodations in the tour packages for their clients, and similarly, HSMA member-hotels will be able to provide their guests tour options at their respective establish-

continued from a16

Law risks directly and adversely affecting the cost of doing business for domestic industries.”

Former president now Pampanga congresswoman Macapagal-Arroyo, meanwhile, filed a resolution that calls for the congressional oversight committee on tax reform program to address the conflict.

Arroyo filed a separate resolution that urges the House Ways and Means Committee to look into the crossorder doctrine that should apply at Freeports which are separate customs territory. The resolution stated that that the cross border doctrine has been rendered “ineffectual and inoperative” and is inconsistent with the CREATE Act.

continued from a16

Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines is keen on engaging with the CPTPP members after expressing its intent to join the regional trade pact.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino

Rodolfo told reporters DTI is reaching out to CPTPP members to discuss requests on market access as Manila aims to be part of another

ment’s travel desks.

“I think the message we really want to bring out to everybody is that we need each other,” said HSMA president Loleth So (Belmont and Savoy Hotel Manila) at the event’s opening. “We cannot function on our own to

mega trade deal. He explained that the market access schedule differs in each country. CPTPP is a free trade agreement (FTA) among Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. It was signed on March 8, 2018 in Santiago, Chile.

make tourism go back. We need them, and they need us. So the collaboration sends out a stronger message that if we work together, we can definitely make tourism come back faster and stronger,” she asserted.

SBMA Chairman Rolen C. Paulino delivers his State of the Freeport Address before the Subic business community on Tuesday. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SBMA MEDIA PRODUCTION

Being the voice of our players within our fastgrowing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

a good attitude and motivation to learn.

YIN, XINXIN Gaming Support Specialist

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 95.

Being the voice of our players within our fastgrowing online/offshore gaming platform, stay on track with the game updates, implementing procedures to support players, work creatively across multiple projects and platforms at the same time.

Basic Qualification: A passion for delivering excellent customer service, Excellent communication skills in Chinese, both spoken and written, Previous experience in a similar role in the offshore/ online gaming industry or less experience but a good attitude and

Israel’s leader, Biden exchange frosty words over legal overhaul

By Josef Federman The Associated Press

JERUSALEM—Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday brushed aside criticism of his judicial overhaul plan from President Joe Biden, saying the matter was an internal Israeli issue and would not be influenced by outside pressure.

any discussions with the Americans about a Netanyahu visit to Washington. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he can’t discuss behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also tried to play down the disagreements, saying Biden’s comments about the judicial overhaul plan have remained “completely consistent.” He also dismissed suggestions they caused tensions in an “unshakeable” relationship.

“The great thing about a deep friendship is you can be that candid with one another,” Kirby said.

While they may get through this latest dispute, it will not erase the deeper differences between them.

After five Israeli elections in under four years, Netanyahu managed to cobble together a coalition government with a group of ultraOrthodox and ultranationalist partners late last year.

These include far-right partners who oppose Palestinian statehood and have strong ties to the West Bank settler movement— putting them at odds with US support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

House by addressing Congress to rail against a US-led nuclear deal between world powers and Iran. His close relationship with former President Donald Trump further alienated US Democrats.

Democratic lawmakers, particularly in the party’s progressive wing, have grown increasingly outspoken in their criticism of Israel.

A Pew poll published last May found Republicans expressing far more favorable views of the Israeli government than Democrats. The poll found that Democrats—especially young voters—have increasingly expressed favorable views about the Palestinians.

This gap has spread to the American Jewish community, a key base of support for Israel, which tends to lean heavily toward the Democrats.

A separate Pew poll published in 2021 found that Jewish Democrats, especially the younger generation, have lower levels of support and connection to Israel.

trip at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. China has threatened “resolute countermeasures” over a planned meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai and Speaker of the United States House Kevin McCarthy during an upcoming visit in Los Angeles by the head of the self-governing island democracy. TAIWAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE VIA AP

Taiwan’s president says island’s future a test for world on US trip

By Cindy Wang

TAIWAN President Tsai Ingwen said that the security of the world hinges on the self-ruled island’s fate, her first remarks on a US trip that may further escalate tensions in the already fraught relationship between Washington and Beijing.

“Taiwan is at the front lines of democracy,” Tsai said at an event Wednesday after landing in New York. “The more united Taiwanese are, the safer Taiwan will be, and the safer the world will be.”

give a speech and receive an award at an event hosted by the conservative Hudson Institute, according to Chang.

Trying to get ahead of further criticism from Beijing, Biden administration officials tried to play down Tsai’s transits through the US, but China said the trip would do further damage to the relationship. Inflaming matters more, Tsai is set to meet with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles on her return leg next week.

While both sides tried to play down their differences, it was a rare bout of public disagreement between the two close allies, and reflected what has been a lukewarm relationship between the Biden administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government. It also marked the latest sign of cooling ties between Israel and the Democratic Party.

The disagreement came after months of unrest in Israel over Netanyahu’s proposed overhaul of the country’s judicial system. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, says the plan is needed to rein in the powers of an interventionist judiciary. Critics say it will push the country toward authoritarianism by weakening an independent court system.

Following especially heavy protests, Netanyahu this week froze the plan and launched negotiations on a compromise with his political opponents. The timeout prompted Biden’s ambassador, Tom Nides, to tell Israeli media that he expected Netanyahu to soon be invited to the White House.

Asked about the legislation on Tuesday, Biden told reporters, “I hope he walks away from it.” He said Netanyahu’s government “cannot continue down this road” and called for a compromise. He

also said there were no immediate plans for a White House visit, saying: “No, not in the near term.”

Netanyahu responded with a statement expressing appreciation for Biden’s years of support for Israel and vowing to seek a “broad consensus” over the legal program. But he also dismissed the outside pressure.

“Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends,” Netanyahu said.

Members of his coalition reacted even more harshly, saying Biden had no business interfering in an internal Israeli matter.

Israel “is not another star in the American flag,” said National Security Minister Itamar BenGvir, leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Power party. “I expect the US president to understand this point.”

Netanyahu later tried to soothe tensions in a speech to the US

“Summit for Democracy,” a virtual gathering of global leaders, saying that while the United States and Israel have “occasional differences,” the ties between them are “unshakeable.”

A senior Israeli official, speaking to reporters, described the spat as a “tempest in a teacup” and said there have not been

Since taking office, there have been repeated run-ins with the Americans over Israeli settlement construction on occupied lands and comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who called for a Palestinian town to be “erased” and later said the Palestinian people don’t exist. Washington has called his comments “repugnant” and snubbed Smotrich during a recent US visit.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who enjoyed good ties with Biden during a brief period as caretaker prime minister last year, accused Netanyahu of harming Israel’s most important relationship.

“For decades, Israel was the USA’s closest ally,” Lapid wrote on Twitter. “The most radical government in the country’s history ruined that in three months.”

That relationship, however, has been repeatedly tested in recent years by a growing partisan divide in the US over support for Israel.

Netanyahu has long been seen as favoring the Republicans over the Democrats. During his 20092021 term as prime minister, he cultivated close ties with US evangelical Christian groups.

Netanyahu had several public spats with the Obama administration—in which Biden served as vice president—over Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians and the Iranian nuclear issue. In 2015, he infuriated the White

The Netanyahu government’s attempts to reshape the judiciary now risk accelerating these trends. Business leaders, top economists and former security chiefs have all come out against the plan, saying it is pushing the country toward dictatorship.

It has also drawn criticism from Israel’s supporters in the US, including American Jewish organizations, as well as Democratic members of Congress.

The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation’s judges. It would also give parliament, which is controlled by his allies, authority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court’s ability to review laws.

Critics say the legislation would concentrate power in the hands of the coalition in parliament and upset the balance of checks and balances between branches of government. They also say that Netanyahu has a conflict of interest while on trial.

After this week’s freeze of the overhaul, the rival sides have several months to find a compromise.

But Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul-general in New York who is now a columnist for the liberal daily Haaretz, said the damage has already been done.

“This is not about an invitation to the White House,” he wrote Wednesday. “This is about a fundamental crisis of trust. Worse, it is about asking whether a dependable US ally is becoming unstable, unreliable and untrustworthy.”

The Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed reporting

Speaking at a dinner banquet with hundreds of Taiwanese Americans from cities including New York, Boston, and Washington, Tsai discussed the increasing importance of Taiwan to the world. She said countries such as Japan and many European nations want to work with Taiwan as uncertainties over the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerate the restructuring of global supply chains.

Tsai’s visit comes at a sensitive time—hope for better Beijing-Washington ties following a meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping late last year was soon undermined by a dispute over an alleged spy balloon. US officials have indicated that a long-sought Biden-Xi call could take place after Tsai wraps up her travels.

Tsai is spending two nights in New York before heading to Guatemala and Belize, two of the few remaining nations that still recognize Taiwan as an independent country. That number of countries recently fell to 13 when Honduras switched ties to Beijing.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New York State Senator Iwen Chu were among the guests that joined Tsai’s event Wednesday night. Also in attendance were Taiwan’s representative to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim, and Laura Rosenberger, the head of the de facto US embassy to the island.

Tsai also met with Murphy before the dinner for around half an hour, according to Chang Tun-han, deputy secretary-general at Taiwan’s Presidential Office. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the state on issues including high-tech and green energy, Chang said.

On Thursday night, Tsai will

“What we hope to see here is a normal, uneventful transit by President Tsai Ing-wen, because that’s what’s happened before and there’s no reason for it to be any different this time,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said before the two-term president landed. “There should not be a reaction to this since it’s normal activity.”

During her 20-minute speech, Tsai said Taiwan’s partnership with the US and other democracies are more critical than ever as the world faces tremendous challenges.

“Taiwan has shown the world in the past few years that we won’t be provocative nor give in when we face threats,” Tsai said. “Taiwan is capable of maintaining regional peace and stability, and we are resolved to guard our values and lifestyles.”

Investments by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world’s biggest chipmaker, in Arizona not only demonstrate economic cooperation between the US and Taiwan, but also help extend the island’s strength in technology to the rest of the world, Tsai said.

Chinese officials pushed back on the US messaging that Tsai’s visit is a private one, saying the plan to meet McCarthy, a Republican, was particularly provocative because it will be the first time a House Speaker has met with a Taiwanese official in the US.

“The US keep saying that it is not a visit and that there are precedents but they should not use past mistakes as excuses for repeating them today,” China’s charge d’affaires, Xu Xueyan, told a briefing. “It will send the wrong signal to the world and will once again have a severe impact on the bilateral relationship.” With assistance from Iain Marlow/Bloomberg

U.S.-ASEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL BRINGS BIG GROUP TO VIETNAM

HANOI —The US-Asean Business Council (USABC) kicked off its major annual engagement with Vietnam on Monday, leading a delegation of more than 50 US companies to Hanoi for the 2023 Vietnam Business Mission and Health & Life Sciences (HLS) Industry Mission to Vietnam. This is USABC’s biggest delegation to Vietnam in decades, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership.

The delegation met with government officials and key stakeholders across several ministries and agencies to reinforce USABC’s dedication to advancing shared economic priorities with Vietnam. The delegation

was co-led by the USABC President and CEO Ambassador Ted Osius and USABC Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Ambassador Michael Michalak, both of whom are former US ambassadors to Vietnam.

During the Mission, USABC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Vietnam’s efforts in maintaining macro-economic stability and resilience and its support for Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy and green energy transition. In addition, members proposed new areas of cooperation and highlighted ongoing initiatives in various sectors including agriculture, aerospace, energy, healthcare, logistics, tourism, digital economy, financial services,

defense, innovation, and creative economy in Vietnam.

“The American business community considers Vietnam to be a strategic market in the region, and the strength of our delegation this year reaffirms our commitment to long-term investments in Vietnam,” said Ambassador Ted Osius. “Despite the projected headwinds for the global economy this year, US companies continue to maintain their high confidence in Vietnam’s growth prospects and the government’s leadership.”

The Vietnam Business Mission was immediately followed by the Council’s annual HLS Industry Mission to Vietnam. This two-day health-focused mission engaged

the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to discuss how businesses can continue to support the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare in Vietnam, and to share global best practices and publicprivate partnership models to support the development of sustainable health systems.

“As longstanding partners of Vietnam, the American business community stands ready to work with the Ministry of Health and support the development of Vietnam’s postCovid healthcare environment, including to increase efficiency and resiliency against future pandemics,” said Ambassador Michael Michalak. “The strong cooperation and regular engagement on health between

American businesses and the government of Vietnam stems from our mutual goal of bettering the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people.”

The two delegations met with Cabinet members and senior members of the Vietnamese government, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, Minister of Public Security To Lam, Chairman of the Central Party Committee on Economic Affairs Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan, and many other leaders from related governmental and health agencies.

Companies in the Council’s delegation include 3M, Abbott, AES, AIG, Amazon Web Services, Apple, Bay Global Strategies, Bell, Boeing, Boston Scientific, Citi, Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam, DKSH, Energy Capital Vietnam, FedEx, Ford, GE Healthcare, GSK, Illumina, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, KKR, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Mastercard, Medtronic, Meta, MSD, MSD Animal Health, Meta, Mondelez, Netflix, Novartis, Organon, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Proctor & Gamble, Reckitt, Roblox, Salesforce, Samtec, SpaceX, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, UL Solutions, UPS, Varian Medical Systems, Viatris, Vinfast Manufacturing US, Visa, Vriens & Partners.

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a weekly cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem on March 19, 2023. Netanyahu on Wednesday, March 29, rebuffed President Joe Biden’s suggestion that the premier “walks away” from a contentious plan to overhaul the legal system, saying the country makes its own decisions. ABIR SULTAN/POOL PHOTO VIA AP

IN this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen speaks before departing on an overseas

The World

Premier Li Qiang upbeat on economy; calls China ‘anchor for world peace’

PREMIER Li Qiang called China an “anchor for world peace” while expressing optimism about the recovery in the world’s second-biggest economy in a keynote speech at a forum that included business and government leaders from around the globe.

“Chaos and conflicts must not happen in Asia, otherwise the future of Asia would be lost,” Li said Thursday at the Boao Forum for Asia amid tensions between China and the US over issues including trade, technology and Taiwan. He also urged nations to “firmly safeguard the hard-won peaceful environment.”

“In this uncertain world, the certainty China offers is an anchor for world peace and development,” he said. “This is the case in the past and will remain so in the future.”

China’s economic recovery is picking up pace, and March will likely produce a better outcome than the first two months of the year, Li said, citing stronger consumption, investment and sentiment. He added that China will continue to pursue stability, expand domestic demand, open the economy and safeguard the financial sector.

Li said a China that’s “stable and dedicated to development” would be a pillar for the world economy in a time of uncertainty. “We do have the confidence and ability to sail the giant ship of the Chinese economy steadily ahead against all winds and waves, and make even greater contributions to the global economy,” he added.

Economists are forecasting growth of 5.3 percent this year, up from just 3 percent in 2022.

Morgan Stanley is even more bullish, predicting 5.7 percent expansion for the year, and saying in a report Thursday that the government is restoring confidence in private businesses with the return of Jack Ma to China and the swift announcement on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s restructuring.

Even so, global growth is slowing and foreign businesses remain cautious about doing business in China. The latest survey from the American Chamber of Commerce in China shows the country is no longer one of the top three investment priorities for US firms. Almost half of US firms already in the market plan no new investments, according to the survey.

The four-day Boao gathering comes as Beijing rolls out a charm offensive to court overseas business and investment and bolster its diplomatic efforts to portray China as a responsible geopolitical actor.

For foreign firms, operating in China in recent years hasn’t been easy. Many faced disruptions and supply chain logjams due to stringent Covid Zero controls, while consumer spending slumped and profits were squeezed.

More recently, US firms have faced more scrutiny for their business ties to China amid rising political tensions between the two countries.

The Boao event follows on the heels of the China Development Forum earlier this week in Beijing, with global executives like Apple Inc.’s Tim Cook and Standard Chartered Plc’s Bill Winters making their first visits to the country in years. Li urged foreign business leaders in a meeting this week to take a long-term view amid economic challenges.

US-China strains

WHILE strained China-US relations rarely came up during the China Development Forum earlier this week, the mood at a closeddoor panel was “somber,” said Scott Kennedy, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

At the session, which didn’t include Li or other senior officials, some Chinese participants complained about “a reflexive American opposition to China’s success,” while US participants expressed concern over an unintentional crisis erupting, Kennedy said.

Foreign companies are also having to contend with security risks. Japan is seeking the release of an employee of drugmaker Astellas Pharma Inc. who was recently taken into custody by Chinese authorities. A Japanese official told parliament this week that China had detained 17 Japanese citizens since 2015.

Also, five local employees at the American due diligence firm Mintz Group were detained last week, according to the New York Times. The company “is suspected of engaging in unlawful business operations,” the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said.

Debt relief

CHINA is also under pressure to provide more debt relief to developing countries. In a speech to the Boao Forum on Thursday, International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva underlined the importance of “countries in a relatively stronger position helping the vulnerable members of our global community.”

While she welcomed China’s participation in multilateral efforts to restructure debts of some developing nations, a number of Western nations including the US, the IMF’s largest shareholder, have accused Beijing of dragging its feet in providing relief.

The Ministry of Commerce has designated 2023 as the “Year of Investing in China,” with a series of promotional events planned to lure investors. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao last month said China welcomed foreign businesses to step up research and development spending in the Asian nation.

Chinese leaders have in the past used the Boao Forum to announce major steps to open the financial system, including the establishment and expansion of the stock connect program that links mainland exchanges with Hong Kong.

Bloomberg News

Australia makes biggest carbon polluters curb emissions or pay

The center-left Labor Party administration said the so-called Safeguard Mechanism reforms are essential to Australia reaching its target of reducing its emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by the end of the decade and netzero emissions by 2050.

Set to take effect on July 1, the reforms create a ceiling on the nation’s emissions and force Australia’s 215 most polluting facilities to reduce their emissions by 4.9 percent a year or reach the target with carbon credits.

The laws create Australia’s first price on carbon since a former Labor government created a carbon tax in 2012. A conservative government repealed that tax in 2014 and has since rejected any climate policies that would make polluters pay.

The bills passed the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 32 to 26, with Labor senators supported by the minor Greens party and unaligned legislators.

The Greens, who represent 11 senators, began negotiations with Labor with a demand that no new coal and gas extraction projects be allowed. But the Greens are satisfied that an agreement to strictly cap emissions would mean that half of the 116 new coal and gas projects proposed

in Australia would not go ahead.

The Liberal Party and the Nationals party, which formed the conservative coalition government that was voted out of office in 2022 after almost a decade in power, opposed the legislation.

Opposition climate change and energy spokesperson Ted O’Brien said capping emissions would drive Australian industrial investment offshore to China and India while increasing costs for Australians.

“This is a tax that will see prices go up in the midst of a cost of living crisis where every household across this country is feeling the pain of prices going up,” O’Brien told Parliament, referring to unusually high inflation and interest rates in Australia.

The government argues that without the mechanism, Australia would only reduce its emissions by 35 percent by the end of the decade.

Emissions won’t be able to exceed Australia’s current pollution level of 140 million metric tons (154 million US tons) a year, and that cap will decrease over time. Big polluters would be able to buy carbon credits to help achieve their emission reduction targets, but polluters that use carbon credits to achieve more

than 30 percent of their abatement would have to explain why they were not doing more to reduce their own emissions.

The reforms would reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 205 million metric tons (226 million US tons) by 2030, equivalent to taking two-thirds of Australia’s cars off the road in the same time, the government said.

The conservative parties created the Safeguard Mechanism when they were in power in 2016. But the emission limits were so high that the 215 major polluters, which account for almost 30 percent of Australia’s emissions, were able to increase their emissions by 4 percent.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his party was voted into power at 2022 elections to take action on climate change.

“Today’s a big step toward repaying that faith,” Albanese told Parliament. “Passing this legislation has put Australia on a realis -

tic path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 43 percent reduction by 2030.”

The previous government had set a less ambitious target of reducing Australia’s emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

The Climate Council, a leading climate communicator, described the reforms as the first Australian legislation in a decade that would regulate greenhouse gas pollution.

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, which represents oil and gas producers, said the reforms make it harder for gas to be used to transition Australia away from more harmful coal and provide reliable backup for renewable energy.

The House of Representatives, where Labor holds a majority of seats, passed Senate amendments 89 votes to 50 later Thursday. The House had passed the original draft of the laws on Monday.

Thai authorities battle spread of wildfires

BANGKOK—Thai authorities on Thursday ordered urgent action to stop the spread of a fire that engulfed forests on two mountains overnight in a province northeast of the capital Bangkok.

Firefighting vehicles had been deployed to extinguish the blaze, which broke out Wednesday night in Nakhon Nayok province, 114 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Bangkok, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said, adding that helicopters would be sent to provide further assistance.

The fire began on a high part of Khao Chaplu Mountain, where safe access

for firefighters was impossible, Anucha said. It then spread to the adjacent Khao Laem

Mountain. Local media said high winds fanned the flames.

Prime Minister Prayuth

Chan-ocha was closely monitoring the situation and had ordered officials and the army to mobilize to stop the fire’s spread, Anucha said. He added that Prayuth ordered officials to watch for anyone deliberately lighting fires to clear land for farming and other purposes, a practice that has been blamed for past fires. The cause of the fire in Nakorn Nayok was not yet clear, though some local media reports said it was set off by lightning.

Separate forest fires have been raging farther north, Anucha noted, including in Chiang Mai province, where water was dumped from the air Wednesday in an effort the dowse the flames. AP

UN atomic agency warns of rising combat near Ukraine nuclear plant

By Elena Becatoros

The Associated Press

DNIPRO, Ukraine—The head of the UN’s atomic energy watchdog crossed the front line in the war in Ukraine to visit Europe’s largest nuclear power plant Wednesday, and warned that it was easy to see evidence of intensified fighting in the area that poses a threat to the facility’s safety.

The increasing combat makes it urgent to find a way to prevent a potentially catastrophic nuclear accident at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“It is obvious that this area is facing perhaps a more dangerous phase,” he said of the facility, which is in a partially Russianoccupied part of Ukraine. “We have to step up our efforts to get to some agreement of the protection of the plant.”

Grossi has struggled to agree with Russian and Ukrainian authorities on a deal to secure the plant, which has been hit several times during the Ukraine war. The site has also suffered several losses of external power needed to cool its six shutdown reactors, forcing it to rely on emergency back-up generators.

Wednesday’s visit to the plant was Grossi’s second since the start of the war. He tried for months to negotiate on securing the whole

zone around the complex, but he said at a news conference during his visit that the concept “is evolving” to focus more on protecting the plant itself.

Grossi said he was working on “realistic measures” and had narrowed the scope in the hopes of reaching agreement on a mutually acceptable plan.

“Initially we were focusing on the possibility of the establishment of a well determined zone around the plant,” he told reporters during his visit. “Now the concept is evolving. It’s refocusing more on the protection itself, and the things that should be avoided, for example, in order to protect the plant, rather than on territorial aspects,

which pose certain problems.”

The IAEA, based in Vienna, Austria, has been rotating inspection teams at the power plant since Grossi’s visit in September. Grossi told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday that it is his duty to ramp up talks between Kyiv and Moscow aimed at safeguarding the facility and avoiding a catastrophic accident. He said a deal was “close.”

Grossi met Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would “most probably” head to Moscow in the coming days.

However, Zelenskyy said in a separate interview with AP that he was less optimistic a deal was near. “I don’t feel it today,” he said.

Speaking in the central Ukrainian city of

Dnipro after his visit, Grossi said he saw clear signs of increased military activity in the area and assessed damage the plant sustained in shelling last November, which he described as “quite severe.”

Buildings near two of the reactors were hit “wittingly or unwittingly... so this is very serious,” he said, adding that his visit allowed him to confirm “the gravity ... of the situation and the need for us to get to results as soon as possible.” He didn’t give details of the evolving security plan, but said that “not using the plant as a military platform is very important” as stationing heavy military equipment there can become a target.

Equally, he said, there should be “of course no attacks, no targeting. And we saw that at least until November, there were attacks. So I hope there won’t be another one. But the reality and the facts prove that there have been.”

The Kremlin’s forces took over the plant after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Zelenskyy opposes any proposal that would legitimize Russia’s control. Interruptions to the outside electricity supply due to the fighting required plant personnel to switch to emergency diesel generators six times during the 13-month war. When backup power supplies might be needed again is unpredictable, Grossi told AP.

CANBERRA, Australia—The Australian Parliament created landmark new laws Thursday that will make the nation’s biggest greenhouse gas polluters reduce their emissions or pay for carbon credits.

BAYSWATER Power Station, a coal-powered thermal power station near Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley, Australia on November 2, 2021. The Australian Parliament has created landmark new laws on Thursday, March 30, 2023, that will make the nation’s biggest greenhouse gas polluters reduce their emissions or pay for carbon credits. AP/MARK BAKER

FIRE and smoke rise from a forest fire at Nakhon Nayok province, 114 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The fire had engulfed large areas of two mountains by Thursday, and the authorities were trying to contain its spread. AP/NAVA SANGTHONG

Most wasted foods in PHL households

THe World Food Programme is the largest humanitarian organization delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities all over the world to improve nutrition. WFP said global hunger is not about lack of food because the world produces enough food to nourish every child, woman and man on the planet.

The WFP said food loss is one of the root causes of hunger worldwide. Nearly a third of all food produced each year is squandered or lost before it can be consumed.

The Food and Agriculture Organization said around 14 percent of the world’s food (valued at $400 billion per year) continues to be lost after it is harvested and before it reaches the shops; while UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report shows that a further 17 percent of our food ends up being wasted in retail and by consumers, particularly in households. According to FAO estimates, the food that is lost and wasted could feed 1.26 billion hungry people every year.

“We each waste on average 74 kilograms of food every year, in middle-income countries as well as in high-income countries,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “Halving food waste and cutting food loss is an important part of efforts to address the urgent climate and food crises.”

In the Philippines, rice, vegetables, and meat are the top three most wasted foods among Filipino households, based on the study “Does plate waste matter?: A two-stage cluster survey to assess the household plate waste in the Philippines” of the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

The study, which used the data from 20,151 Filipino households that participated in the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS), also found that households with the highest rice consumption were more likely to have rice wastage compared to households with the lowest consumption. It appears that there are more foods wasted in households with five or more members, and those residing in rural areas. Rice wastage is also more common in families with a household head whose age ranges from 50–69 years old, than those with a younger household head.

On the other hand, households with the highest vegetable consumption were more likely to waste vegetables compared to those with the lowest consumption. This implies that households incur more wastes when higher quantities are purchased, which most probably are not consumed and end up being thrown away due to spoilage.

Households composed of five or fewer members were found to have greater chances of wasting vegetables, which mirrors the results of a previous study that said larger households were more efficient in meal consumption.

The survey said fish, meat, and poultry plate waste was less likely in households with fewer than five members than in households with more than five members.

Households belonging to the richest quintile were found to have greater plate waste compared to the poorest quintile. Past studies showed higher income households wasted more food than lower-income households.

Plate waste in the Philippines is closely linked to hunger incidence. In the 2022 Global Hunger Index, the Philippines ranks 69th out of the 121 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2022 GHI scores. With a score of 14.8, the Philippines has a level of hunger that is considered moderate.

“Millions of Filipinos under poverty and experiencing food insecurity are struggling to be fed, and the food that is simply thrown away or discarded might actually be enough to feed them,” said Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, lead researcher, Director IV and Scientist IV of DOST-FNRI.

The study suggests that a more effective strategy for reducing food waste may be to train people to plan their meals and be conscious of the serving sizes of the food they prepare. Another way to avoid food waste is to store food appropriately. People also need to avoid overbuying of food items that easily spoil, especially at a time of inflated food prices.

Addressing the impacts of the Mindoro oil spill

critical marine habitats.

sonny M. angara

Better Days

IT has been over a month since the MT Princess empress sunk off Oriental Mindoro, causing a massive oil spill that has reached parts of Batangas, Palawan and Antique. Around 9,400 liters of oily water and 3,514 sacks of oil-contaminated materials have been collected from the oil spill that has directly affected 34,000 families in MIMAROPA and in Western Visayas, including no less than 13,600 fishermen and farmers, based on data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

We commend the quick response of all national and local agencies in addressing this catastrophe, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to this environmental disaster. We earlier called on the DSWD and DOLE to immediately utilize the appropriate funds under their respective budgets to provide aid to residents affected by the incident, particularly in providing cash aid and cash-for-work programs so that they can put food on their tables and pay for the medical expenses resulting from the incident. Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, which we sponsored as Chairman of the Committee on Finance, P37 billion was allocated to the DSWD’s

Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation. Another P20 billion was allocated for the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers

The task of cleaning up the spill and restoring the lives of the affected residents and businesses is undoubtedly very challenging considering that the oil tanker, which was carrying some 900,000 liters of industrial oil, was found to have suffered “extensive structural damage” before submerging with leaks found from all of its compartments.

In addition to the livelihood disrupted by this maritime incident, the oil leak has been severely detrimental to the country’s Nature-Based Tourism (NBT) as the spill breached many

NBT is an emerging type of tourism that “builds on the draw of nature” encompassing activities that include leisure travel largely influenced by the purpose of enjoying natural attractions and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

Considered as the most diverse country on a per hectare basis, the Philippines has identified 247 key biodiversity areas—covering 7.8 million hectares, including 147 terrestrial and 100 marine sites.

One of the many marine sites affected by the oil spill was the Verde Island Passage in between Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon. It is the prime center of the Coral Triangle or the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity. Another destination at risk and being closely monitored for possible breach is the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park in Palawan that was classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993 and recognized as a top diving site in the world. The Department of Tourism already expressed its grave concern as the agency is expecting more areas to be hit by the oil leak and at least 34 cruise ships are expected to arrive in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan this year.

sustainable NBT. It suggests that legislative frameworks that create incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources must be strengthened for the longterm success of the industry. Moreover, the resolution advocates for a sustainable management system in building a tourism industry aimed at promoting and capitalizing on the diverse environmental features and local biodiversity of the country. According to a World Bank Group report, NBT holds a key role in sustainable development as it can aid in poverty alleviation, support economic growth, and promote biodiversity conservation. What we should focus on now is how to fully maximize and harmonize existing interventions that promote sustainable NBT such as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System and instruments like the National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan and the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. While the oil spill’s full extent has yet to be determined, the country’s NBT would fully realize its potentials and be made resilient against unforeseen shocks if these frameworks are effectively in place.

Dr. Cristina M. Bautista

THe phrase “follow through” is a reminder I repeatedly got from my tennis instructor a long time ago. It is about the racquet swing and body position after hitting the ball. The reminder to focus, to position properly, and to follow through became a valuable lesson. Similarly, development outcomes, which take time to be realized, can be facilitated by constant and purposeful follow throughs.

About 20 years ago, our graduate class Economics professor asked what we think are three development imperatives. If I were asked that question today, my answers would generally remain the same. These are: (1) wide-scale, unprecedented support for human resource development, (2) total commitment to clean up the government, and (3) strengthening entrepreneurship.

On the first item, most issues in the economy have a human development aspect. When we talk

about the Philippines being behind in technology, we think about who creates technology. When we talk about unhealthy children, we think about why their parents are unable to feed them. When we talk about low productivity, we think about capabilities and working conditions.

Standard development economics textbooks remind us that health and education are twin aspects of human capital. Health is an important factor in school participation, hence the importance of school

In relation to this threat faced by the country’s biodiversity, I filed Senate Resolution No. 472 to create policy reforms and budgetary expenditures aimed at developing the Philippines’s potential of becoming the leading country in the world for

Three development imperatives: Follow through

make people avoid dealing with government even if new processes have been put in place. Trust is slow to develop.

It is important for the government to regain the trust of its constituents, otherwise the lack of credibility will keep it permanently hostage to suspicion and cooperation from the private sector—both business and civil society.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 18 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 9 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.  E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara feeding programs. Healthier and longer lifetime raises the returns to education. Similarly, education contributes to overall wellness. Better educated people tend to benefit more from health programs. Moreover, there is a social aspect of human development to which education contributes. Businessman and economist Calixto Chikiamco, in a book chapter “Reconciling the Market and the State” (The State and the Market 1998, p.14), explains that “not only can education help national productivity, it can also strengthen civil society.… It raises the quality of democratic dialogue and strengthens democratic governance.”

The second imperative is a total commitment to clean government. One of the problems of the government is overcoming a bad reputation. One can look at the challenge as an illustration of path dependency, a historical approach to analyzing conditions where the effect of past events persists and weigh heavily in current decision making. For example, undesirable experiences with government offices, say, due to slow bureaucracy or corruption,

A clean government contributes to macroeconomic stability. The efficiency gains from less corruption and improved performance free up funds for better public goods and services. Judicious spending reduces fiscal deficit and the pressure to borrow, which may push up interest rates and crowd out investments.

If transparency and accountability are expected from the government, responsible citizenship is expected from the private sector. This means, among others, paying taxes dutifully, not tempting government employees to act unlawfully in their favor, respecting the authority of government employees in matters of their jurisdiction, and correcting and calling out government in

See “Eagle Watch,” A15

Dennis Gorecho

Pinoy Marino Rights

‘SeAfAR eRS’ claims for disability benefits should not be considered unreasonable and impelled by nothing but greed but rather, justified by their health considerations and a natural desire of every person to preserve his life for as long as possible. for being human, seafarers should not be penalized.”

Thus the Supreme Court cited in the case of United Philippine Lines Inc. v. Beseril (GR 165934, April 12, 2006) in relation to a case filed by a seafarer who suffered a heart illness while on board the vessel.

The same rationale should be considered by our lawmakers in the pending Magna Carta for Seafarers, which must give more protection to seafarers, rather than limiting their rights.

In a forum organized by the Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines, Gabriela Women’s Partylist representative Arlene Brosas underscored the danger of the inclusion of the escrow provision on the proposed Magna Carta, which is unconstitutional and anti-labor.

With 304 affirmative votes, the House approved the Magna Carta bill on March 6, 2022 where only four House members voted no, including Brosas, who authored one of the unconsolidated initial versions of the bill.

The employers and manning agencies proposed the provision, which in essence aimed to amend the Labor Code that will have significant impact on the “immediately final and executory” nature of decisions issued by National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).

They stressed that such move is necessary to ensure the restitution of monetary awards in case the appropriate appellate court annuls or partially or totally reverses the monetary judgment award.

The proceeds shall remain in escrow until such time the finality of the decision issued by the appropriate appellate court is obtained.

The amount in escrow shall not include claims for salaries, statutory monetary benefits, or those originally determined by the employer or manning agency to be legally due to the seafarer.

They proposed the provision while misleadingly blaming the dwindling numbers of deployed seafarers on the increasing number of litigated cases involving monetary claims for disability and death benefits.

Described as “ambulance chasers,” they have deliberately and sweepingly depicted seafarers’ lawyers as “unscrupulous” in an attempt to deflect the real issues why cases are being filed. They criticized most lawyers who go to lengths to push seafarers to file labor cases against their foreign employers.

They consistently used the phrase “balancing the interest of the seafarer and the company” on the premise that their proposals will ensure employment of Filipinos on board foreign ocean-going vessels.

“Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? This provision is cruel because (seafarers) don’t have the money to handle appeals from capitalists in the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. We should not burden maritime workers with wrong decisions by the NLRC,” Brosas said.

Eagle Watch

continued from A14

a constructive way.

My third item is on strengthening entrepreneurship. This not only generates employment and income, but also enhances competition leading to efficiency and excellence.

In a forum organized by the Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines, Gabriela Women’s Partylist representative Arlene Brosas underscored the danger of the inclusion of the escrow provision on the proposed Magna Carta, which is unconstitutional and anti-labor.

Brosas said she feared that seafarers, who need the money for their disability, would be held hostage by the provision, because the seafarer couldn’t get the award until legal proceedings are completed.

Some incur huge debts to sustain their medication while others die before the decision by the Supreme Court is released, forcing the seafarers into accepting an ex-gratia, miniscule amount.

In Oriental Shipmgt. Co. Inc. v. Bastol, (GR 168269 January 29, 2010), the Supreme Court said that “the sad reality is that the seafarer succumbed to his illness, died and cannot now enjoy the fruits of his long protracted struggle for what is right and what has accrued to him.”

A 2021 study by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in collaboration with Lawyers Beyond Borders, Philippines Inc. noted that in the period 2015-2019, it took 7.2 years on the average for an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) money claims case to go through the entire judicial process from the date of filing of the complaint in the NLRC/ NCMB up to the date of decision by the Supreme Court.

The process in the NLRC/NCMB is tedious and long winding enough. First there is the SENA or SingleEntry Approach where the seafarer and the company will negotiate, then the filing of the case with a Labor Arbiter/Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators. Then if the seafarer wins, the company can still appeal to the NLRC Commission consisting of three Commissioners. If the Commission affirms the Labor Arbiter’s decision, the company can still file a Motion for Reconsideration. In the NCMB, the company can file a Motion for Reconsideration on the decision of the Panel of Arbitrators.

Once a judgment has become final, the prevailing party can have the judgment executed as a matter of right. The seafarer can at last get his winning award even if the company files a petition for certiorari at the Court of Appeals, and later a Petition for Review with the Supreme Court, which will take additional years to resolve.

Unlike land based OFWs and local workers, Brosas noted that execution of decisions involving seafarer’s claims will soon change once an escrow provision is included in the pending Magna Carta.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

Creative and resourceful entrepreneurs can respond quickly not only to changing consumer preferences but also to changing business environment.

Entrepreneurship provides an economic safety net for people who lose their jobs from downsizing of large firms, from economic downturns or from external shocks. Not

This grave faith

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

The news was original. The act chronicled was even more unusual, fresh: a young man has reviewed a host. It was called the “Ostiya review,” with the wafer taken from a March 17 Mass. Which means the host was consecrated.

The review was all over the paper and online. The host was assessed in terms of design (“it should have been “centered,” a comment not quite articulated). Its crispness was also evaluated: “not soggy” and had a “satisfying crunch.” Then there was its taste—it was like a cornflake.

I must confess the first time I skimmed through the news, I found it amusing. It was irreverent alright, but being irreverent with an artifact related to the Catholic Church has, by this time, been already equated with a political act. This Church has its share of scandals, a condition that has opened the floodgate of criticisms against it.

It had become “alright” to critique the Catholic Church. The same situation has placed the said institution strangely enough on a higher ground. While other religious groups can retaliate against anyone who issues tirades against them, the Catholic Church has proven itself to be fair game and greatly fair and tolerant to its critics.

To a great degree, I am always proud that this Catholic Church—my church—can bear all attacks against its very being. It is very liberal and oddly enough capable of being meek. Or humble.

When this Ostiya controversy blew up, the Senior High School to which the young student belonged issued a statement that was not only strong but nearly confrontational: A period of Atonement was to be observed. With the said act, the proclamation also announced that no Masses will be offered in the said

high school. Then and there I realized I did profess to believe in a religion and this institution takes its dogma and doctrine seriously. That this church can go to the extreme—to suspend what the cardinal of the church and the great Swiss theologian, Charles Journet, has described as the “unbloody presence of the one unique bloody sacrifice of the Cross.”

What the boy thought to be a “cute” project has revealed much about the church. This is the church that has survived centuries of wars and conquest defending that “host” and beliefs in “transubstantiation” and the story of the Son of God becoming flesh. That this Church has this Mass, which returns us perpetually to the beginning of the Word makes the host even more powerful.

The act of the boy was declared a sacrilege and atonement was necessary to restore the order of the troubled spiritual space. Think of yourself as this boy and conjure a scenario where your community has been deprived of the Mass.

The gravity of the case has brought back the lessons about being Catholic. Related to these lessons is the question of how the boy was able to smuggle out the host.

It was easy to smuggle out the host. With Vatican II, it had become easy to smuggle hosts. Where before you had to kneel in front of the altar, and the priest was the only one who could touch the host, the radical changes in the church had enabled the communicant to handle the host itself. The rule is for the person to hold the host and bring it to his mouth. The whole process does not stop any Catholic from taking the host, walking with the head down back to one’s seat, kneeling, and slowly eating it.

Despite and maybe because of Vatican II and the reforms associated with it, the reaction of the Church to the Ostiya review showed a tough organization. The Church had once

was the rumored case of Jackie Kennedy when she married Onassis in the Greek Orthodox church.

Will the boy who took the Ostiya be excommunicated?

When the news of what was acclaimed as a desecration of the sacred wafer became more widespread, the primacy of the same became highlighted by the many previous incidents in the past. Once more Catholics were re-introduced to a whole repertoire of rituals effected when a consecrated host is desecrated or used in the most inappropriate way. It need not be directly defiled. The host falling down to the ground is considered, in many books, as defiled. Recovered, the host must be placed in what is known as a sacrarium, a special sink or vessel used for the disposal of sacred objects or substances. In some accounts, the host is expected to wither away in the vessel until it is not anymore recognized as host.

The action of the immediate community of the boy was not readily accepted by many as positive. There were responses from some sectors to forgive the Ostiya reviewer. That the time shall not be used for punitive purposes. But looking at the declaration of the church, playing with a consecrated host requires no less than a punishment.

more flexed its muscle. The desecration of the host carried with it the threat of excommunication. The last major excommunication in the country was that of Aglipay in 1899, with the permission from Pope Leo XIII. In the modern era, the closest to a controversial excommunication

The community is divided once more. More issues are raised about some other practices, like the hugging and kissing one witnesses when the priest merely asks us to give each other a sign of peace. Does this mean we are not anymore able to appreciate the improvisatory interpretation of our own belief? Or have we gone astray for so long from our church that we have begun to miss its punishment and our guilt?

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Mexico investigates 8 over deadly fire at migrant facility

By Fabiola Sánchez & Morgan Lee | The Associated Press

CIUDAD

JUAR

eZ, Mexico—Mexican authorities said Wednesday that eight employees or officials are being investigated for possible misconduct at a migrant detention center where a fire killed 39 detained men.

Anger and frustration in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez boiled over as hundreds of migrants walked to a US border gate hoping to make a mass crossing.

Mexican officials appeared to place blame for the deaths in the fire late Monday largely on private, subcontracted security guards at the detention center in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas. Video showed guards hurrying away from the smoky fire apparently without trying to free detainees.

No charges were announced, but authorities said they would seek at least four arrest warrants later in the day, including one for a migrant who was part of what they described as a small group that started the fire. They said a migrant also damaged a security camera inside the cell where the fire occurred.

Five of those under investigation for possible misconduct are private security guards, two are federal immigration agents and one is a Chihuahua state officer, federal Public Safety Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez said.

The investigation has centered

everyone can become an entrepreneur, but an environment that supports entrepreneurship provides economic resilience.

In the early 2000s, I assisted in a research-based collaboration between the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development. The col-

on the fact that guards appeared to make no effort to open cell doors for the detained men—almost all from Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and El Salvador—before smoke filled the room in a matter of seconds.

The deaths caused frustration, and may have played a role in a mass march late Wednesday afternoon by hundreds of migrants, who began walking toward a US border crossing in the belief that American authorities would let them through.

Adding to anger over the deaths was pent-up frustration of migrants who have spent weeks trying to make appointments on a US cellphone app to file asylum claims. Rumors spread among the migrants that they might be let in into the US.

Jorman Colón, a 30-year-old Venezuelan migrant, walked hand-inhand with his 9-year-old daughter, saying he had heard on social media that acquaintances had gotten through.

“We want to turn ourselves in,” Colón said, referring to the first step in the asylum process.

Several hundred of the migrants

laboration outlined action points to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These include strengthening entrepreneurship orientation of education, treating SMEs distinctly from micro-enterprises to address their differentiated needs, streamlining government procedures and requirements for business start-ups and overcoming disincen-

crossed the shallow Rio Grande from Mexico toward the US and approached a gate in the border fence that separates El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Armed agents stood guard at the US gate entrance.

Venezuelan migrant Victoria Molina, 24, complained that “the app never gives us an (appointment) date.”

A group of about 50 migrants initially approached a Border Patrol vehicle and personnel and sat or kneeled on the ground. About 25 of them were then led in single file through the gate into the US and onto a white school-bus style vehicle that drove away.

US officials said Wednesday night that a total of about 1,000 migrants had crossed the river and were being processed in an orderly manner. It was unclear if they would be allowed to remain or be bussed to a formal border crossing for expulsion.

Smoke began billowing out of the migrant detention center late Monday after a group of detained migrants set fire to foam mattresses, to protest what they thought were plans to move or deport them.

Immigration authorities said they released 15 women when the fire broke out, but have not explained why no men were let out.

President Andrés Manuel López

Obrador said Wednesday that both immigration agents and security

tives, forming strong associations and establishing resource centers, providing expanded mechanisms for financing and guarantees, improving technology support, facilitating access to inputs and markets, and developing synergy through linkages.

There are other development imperatives and I simply focused on three, which I have written a long

guards from a private contractor were present at the facility.

Also Wednesday, Pope Francis offered prayers at the end of his general audience for those who died in the “tragic fire.”

Leaked surveillance video shows migrants, reportedly fearing they were about to be moved, placing foam mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and setting them on fire.

In the video, later confirmed by the government, two people dressed as guards rush into the camera frame, and at least one migrant appears by the metal gate on the other side. But the guards don’t appear to make any effort to open the cell doors and instead hurry away as billowing clouds of smoke fill the structure within seconds.

It was unclear if the two guards actually had the keys, but authorities suggested Wednesday that they should have gotten them or broken the lock — a highly difficult task, given the quick spread of smoke.

US authorities have offered to help treat some of the nearly 30 people who are hospitalized in critical or serious condition, most apparently from smoke inhalation. Associated Press videojournalist Alicia Fernández and writers Maria Verza Guadalupe Peñuelas in Ciudad Juarez, Mark Stevenson in Mexico City, Sonia Pérez D. in Guatemala City and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.

time ago and which remain to be major challenges. They are continuing issues that need a follow through—a behavior that signals a commitment to see results.

‘For being human, seafarers should not be penalized’

Dr. Cristina M. Bautista is Associate Professor and former Chairperson of the Department of Economics under the School of Social Sciences of Ateneo de Manila University.

A16 Friday, March 31, 2023

Clark ecozone locators hit CREATE law misapplication

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

AT least three senators on Thursday weighed in on a mounting clamor by Clark-based businesses to push back the implementing rules and regulations of the CREATE law and certain issuances of the Bureau of Internal Revenue that are deemed as negating the intent of CREATE to rationalize incentives while attracting investments.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III threw his support behind the cause of the Clark locators, noting that in September 2022, he had introduced Resolution 244 directing the Ways and Means committee to investigate the imposition of value added tax (VAT) on the importations and local purchases of goods and services directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity of domestic market enterprises in Special Economic Zones.

“I agree with the Clark loca -

tors that the IRR of CREATE has not been totally consistent with the terms of the CREATE law,” Pimentel said in a viber message to BusinessMirror when sought for comment on the Manifesto by the the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA), calling “unfair and inequitable” some parts of the IRR as crafted by the Department of Finance (DOF). The organization said these questionable provisions contradict the intent of Republic Act 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises, enacted in

February 2021.

CILA also assailed BIR issuances Revenue Regulations 21-2021, and Revenue Memorandum Circular 242022 that were issued on December 3, 2021 and February 23, 2022, respectively.

One example of the misapplication, as noted by Pimentel, is this: “Those registered business enterprises granted incentives prior to CREATE have a 10-year sunset clause. They are allowed to still enjoy incentives. The CREATE law IRR and RR in effect removed the VAT incentives even during transition.”

Pimentel is linking up with his sole ally in the minority, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in prodding authorities to revisit this misapplication of CREATE law, expressing concern over its dire consequences on the performance of locators in ecozones like Clark and its dampening effect on investors.

Separately, Sen. Imee Marcos urged the DOF to guard against misapplying CREATE.

Wanted: Prudence–Imee

“ WHILE we agree that the passage of CREATE has amended all the ecozone laws, particularly Sec. 15 of RA 7227, as amended by RA 9400,

we call upon the DOF to exercise prudence in the interpretation of the law in its IRR,” Marcos said in a text message to BusinessMirror “CREATE does not remove the incentive of locators for duty-free importation of capital and raw materials for the exclusive use of registered projects and activities of registered business enterprises (RBEs). Removing these incentives is a clear misapplication of the CREATE law and will cause great harm to the investment climate of the country,” Marcos asserted.

In a Manifesto issued during the very first General Membership Meeting of CILA this year, last March 27,  the organization expressed fear of “massive opportunity costs for the Philippine economy in terms of job creation, foreign direct investments and exports.”

As of December 2022, there are 1,096  foreign and local investors in Clark. Possible closure of Clark enterprises could jeopardize around 128,000 jobs. “This would definitely put a setback to the nation’s economy as Clark Freeport investorfirms have combined investments of US$5.42 billion while the exports have been valued at US$5.47 billion,” CILA said.

PHILTOA: MOST

HOLY WEEK DESTINATIONS NOW FULLY BOOKED

HOLY Week is shaping to be the busiest time of the year for the tourism industry with most accommodations and destinations nearly booked to full capacity, thanks in part to the extended holiday until Easter Monday declared by Malacañang.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror , Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) president Fe Abling Yu said, “Navigable destinations such as Baguio, Clark, some parts of Calabarzon, Tagaytay … have been fully booked early on. As we know, any destination with an airfare component, tends to be expensive. But even then, places like Boracay are also full. Even Siargao, Palawan, the likes of El Nido, Coron, are likewise packed!”

She explained, Filipino travelers have already learned to plan their vacations ahead, “so as early as December or January, they have already decided where to go for Holy Week. If there is a flight component to their trip, they already purchased their tickets at the time when the airfare isn’t so expensive.”

Rush bookings will be ‘pricey’

THE declaration by Malacañang of regular holidays on April 6 and 7 (Maundy Thursday and Good Fri -

day), as well as April 10 (Day of Valor, which falls on April 9), gives Filipinos a five-day break inclusive of Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, she noted. “This not just benefits the tourists, of course, who are going on vacation to bond with their families, but also the accomodation establishments, as their guests will stay longer with them. So, this is a very good move on the part of the President to declare Monday after Easter Sunday as a holiday as well.”

Abling Yu asserted that if Malacañang continues with this “holiday economics” scheme, the entire tourism industry will benefit —from airlines and accommodations, to travel agencies and tour operators, as well as tour guides and souvenir shops, along with restaurants and tourist transport services, among others. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, there were 110 million domestic travelers, who contributed  over P3 trillion to the economy.

For those who still haven’t made up their minds where to go for the Holy Week, the veteran tour operator said there are still places and accommodations that may accept bookings, but they won’t be cheap.

Joining CPTPP could net PHL $15B

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

IF the Philippines joins the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP), the country’s gains could reach $15 billion by 2027, according to estimates by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand have already indicated their interest to join the regional trade bloc but are not yet members to date. Of the three Asean economies, Thailand is expected to see the biggest gain—$20 billion— while Indonesia, the least gain at $11 billion.

Expanding the CPTPP to include the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand is expected to generate $156 billion in gains for all members, incrementally adding $63 billion over CPTPP 2—which adds Chile, Malaysia, the UK and the Republic of Korea by 2024.

“We define the second enlargement of the CPTPP as adding three more members, Indonesia,

the Philippines, and Thailand in 2027. The results of the CPTPP3 scenario include CPTPP2, the first enlargement, so the net effects of adding the three economies can be calculated as the benefits of CPTPP3 less those of the CPTPP2,” the report stated.

“CPTPP3 generates $156 billion in gains for all members, incrementally adding $63 billion to CPTPP2. The marginal gains of Asean economies are significant, as all three new CPTPP members are Asean members,” added the report titled, “Asean and Global Value Chains: Locking in Resilience and Sustainability.”

Joining the CPTPP, ADB said, will improve the Philippines’s global reach, with exports seen growing by $27 million. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which the country recently ratified, could bring in an addition of $12 billion.

“The CPTPP2 and CPTPP3 enlargements are feasible and arguably likely. But is there hope—as there was only a decade ago—for a breakthrough agreement that offers an even more solid step toward

global liberalization,” the ADB said. These simulations include global estimates for increases in global employment from 2021 to 2035, especially for skilled workers in light of improvements in global value chains. The report said most 2035 employment levels are expected to exceed by 100 percent compared to 2021.

In the new normal scenario, for example, global employment of unskilled workers in 2035 is 13.4 percent higher; and for skilled workers, 65.3 percent higher than 2021 employment.

In terms of wages, scenarios showed spikes in global real wages from 2021 to 2035, especially for unskilled workers. Unskilled real wages rise by 38.3 percent and skilled real wages by 11.2 percent for the world; and by similar amounts in most regions.

“Thus, real wage gaps between unskilled workers and skilled workers will tend to narrow. Also, there is much less cross-economy variation in real wage growth results than in the employment results,” the report said.

14 STATIONS Workers are seen at the MRT-7 construction site along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Progress of the construction has reached 60 percent and it is anticipated to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2025. The rail line will span from North Avenue, Quezon City, to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, with 14 stations along the way. NONOY LACZA

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, March 31, 2023

JG Summit income plunges even with revenue growth

By VG Cabuag @villygc

The company said last year’s attributable income included the P6 billion gains and contributions from its food manufacturing arm’s discontinued Oceania operations.

JG Summit said its core income, which included the portfolio management gain that the parent company realized from the sale of some of its shares in Manila Electric Co. Inc., registered a 2-fold increase to P6.2 billion.

Revenues rose 36 percent to P312.4 billion from last year’s P230.55 billion on the back of a reopening economy.

The company said they have

been proactive in protecting and preserving its margins through direct and indirect price adjustments, and the implementation of cost savings and productivity initiatives across its different business units.

“We experienced a surge in consumption which drove the strong demand for our products and services across our food, real estate and airline businesses. The demand was sustained throughout the year, this against the backdrop of significant inflation—with the volatility driven by the weaker peso and higher prices of oil and soft commodities,” JG

Summit President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei said.

“We continue to remain cautiously optimistic in 2023 given the lingering geopolitical and global economic risk. With inflation forecasted to slowly ease out on a sequential basis, we are hopeful that domestic consumption will remain buoyant while we expect to benefit from the reopening of China in our airline and petrochemicals businesses,” Gokongwei added.

The company said the group’s cost-saving measures translated to a significant profit improvements, which was evident on its airline Cebu Air Inc., which also benefitted from relaxed travel restrictions. Meanwhile, its petrochemical unit’s new product lines cushioned the adverse impact of subdued industrial demand globally.

JG Summit Olefins Corp. implemented a three-month facility shutdown in mid-2022 along with other petrochemical players in the region on the subdued global demand with China’s borders being closed.

Contributions from its recently commissioned aromatics and buta-

Govt awards MRT 4 contract to Aussie firm

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday it has awarded the “shadow operator consultant (SOC)” contract for the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT 4).

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the contract was awarded to Ricardo Rail Australia Pty Ltd., which will bring in its “experience and expertise… [to] elevate MRT 4 operations to international standards.”

“Designating a shadow operator consultant will help elevate MRT 4 operations to international standards because even at the design stage of the project, we have consultants of international caliber advising us how best to proceed, according to internationally accepted best practices,” Bautista said.

Having a key role in the eventual operations and maintenance

of MRT-4, the consultant’s contract is a 12-month agreement that aims to identify, define, and develop internationally accepted best practice operational and maintenance requirements.

Ricardo Rail is required to prepare for hand over to the “Operations and Maintenance Concessionaire” and to ensure that the designs of the engineering and architectural consultant are followed.

“The key words in the arrangement are ‘internationally accepted best practices’ in railway engineering,” Bautista said.

According to its website, New South Wales-based, Ricardo Rail offers “engineering consulting services and solutions built on sustainable technological innovation.”

It claims to have more than a century of engineering history working work across eight key market sectors:

aerospace and defense; automotive; energy utilities and waste; financial services; government and public sector; industrial and manufacturing; maritime; and, rail and mass transit.

An Asian Development Bankfunded big-ticket railway project, the MRT 4 is envisioned to be a 13.4-kilometer railway that runs Ortigas Avenue in Pasig and Taytay, Rizal.

The 10-station future line aims to alleviate traffic problem along Ortigas Avenue, in Pasig and Mandaluyong Cities, and encourage car users to take the train.

Once operational, it will serve roughly 400,000 passengers per day.

“Ultimately, we anticipate a smooth implementation of the project—from design to construction and eventually to the award of its operations and maintenance to a private operator,” Bautista said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Nissin pins losses on veggie meat biz

MONDE Nissin Corp. said last Thursday it incurred a net loss for 2022 of P13.01 billion from the previous year’s income of P3.24 billion, mainly due to its veggie meat business.

The company that makes “Lucky Me!”-brand noodles and “Sky Flakes”-brand biscuits said it incurred a non-cash, non-operating impairment of the intangible assets of Marlow Foods, which owns Quorn and Cauldron, the company’s alternative meat business.

Revenues grew 6 percent to P73.9 billion from the previous year’s P69.28 billion, aided by the recovery of noodles from the domestic market.

For the fourth quarter alone, it had close to 12 percent growth in sales to P20 billion. Net income for the quarter slid 10 percent to P958 million.

Net sales for the full year of the company’s Asia-Pacific branded food and beverage increased by 8 percent to P58.6 billion, mainly driven by price increases in all categories and especially strong volume growth in biscuits, beverages and culinary.

Domestic business grew 9 percent year-on-year to P55 billion for 2022, due to the growth surpassing pre-pandemic levels in biscuits, beverages and culinary, and the strong recovery in noodles.

International revenue, meanwhile, declined by 4 percent to P3.5 billion due to a temporary slowdown as measures to ensure global compliance were strengthened.

Core gross profit for the full year decreased by 7 percent to P18.2 billion with core gross margin down 520 bps to 31 percent due to commodity cost inflation,

diene extraction units cushioned the 11 percent decline in total revenues at P35.9 billion. The company ended 2022 with a P14.9 billion net loss.

Peak Fuel, its LPG trading unit, also provided an additional revenue stream and continued to expand. Its newly-completed PE3 plant will also allow the company to seize opportunities and capture value through more innovative product offerings, the company said.

The company’s share in Meralco’s earnings reached P7.8 billion, as the company registered higher profits from its Singapore power generation unit and larger sales volumes from its domestic energy distribution business.

The group also received higher dividends from PLDT Inc. amounting to P2.8 billion, a 43 percent growth.

For Singapore Land Group, the surge in hotel revenues and higher residential property sales, plus a larger share in the profits of its associates and joint ventures outpaced the slight decline in its leasing business.

As a result, equity earnings contribution to the company ended at P3 billion, 10 percent higher from 2021.

B1

Amazon subsidiary, DTI ink partnership

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced it has tapped Amazon Web Services (AWS) Inc. to provide “cuttingedge” digital services and solutions to budding Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Trade department said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to provide training workshops to upskill and reskill the Filipino workforce, help Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators adopt digital technologies to increase productivity and competitiveness, and collaborate with key public and private stakeholders to promote innovation and digital transformation in the country.

Trade and Industry Secretary

Alfredo E. Pascual lauded the “formalization” of the agreement and emphasized that “it is critical to forge partnerships with leading global innovators that would promote innovation among Philippine businesses and “accelerate” their adoption of digital technologies.”

In line with this, the Trade chief noted that encouraging research and development, innovation, and enhancing the digital economy can help meet government’s medium-term socio-economic agenda.

By collaborating with AWS, the DTI said it aims to leverage the multinational firm’s cloud capabilities, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), to fast-track innovation in the Philippines.

Julian Lau, head of AWS Asean Emerging Markets, Worldwide Public Sector, said they “believe the cloud can help unlock more opportunities for Filipino businesses and public sector organizations to deliver better outcomes for citizens and strengthen the country’s global competitiveness.”

Lau said they are “honored” to support the DTI to modernize Philippine industries by training up a digitally skilled workforce and helping local businesses harness the power of the cloud to “accelerate innovation.”

In line with this, DTI unveiled its recommendation to prepare the Philippines for the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 as the agency also aims to help accelerate the digital economy.

“It will be crucial to develop a digitally-trained workforce so they can be equipped to leverage cloud technology to drive innovation,” a statement by DTI issued last Thursday read. Andrea San Juan

partially mitigated by price increases.

Revenues of meat alternative was flat on an organic basis due to price increases, strong growth in foodservice and market share gain in the United Kingdom retail business.

On a reported basis, revenue for the full year increased by 1 percent to P15.4 billion.

“While retail sales remain challenged, Quorn UK and ROW grew 1.4 percent and 5.4 percent year-on-year on an organic basis for the full year, respectively. The foodservice grew 51.5 percent year-on-year for the full year,” the company said.

Core gross profit for the full year fell by 17 percent to P5 billion, while core gross margin declined by 710 bps to 32.5 percent due to the dilutive effect of price increases versus inflation, lower volume, and higher overhead cost, the company said. VG Cabuag

Monde

JG Summit Holdings Inc., the holding firm of the Gokongwei family, said its income plunged 86 percent to P700 million last year, despite a double-digit growth of its revenues that already surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Atty. Bert Reyno: Association Legal Eagle

IT was early Monday morning last week when I received the sad news that long-time friend and work associate, Atty. Alberto “Bert” Reyno, has passed away. Bert succumbed to lung cancer and its complications. He was 72.

I’ve known Bert for decades, starting when we were colleagues at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). He worked his way up the corporate ladder, from a research aide and to senior vice president over a period of 34 years. Being an economist and a lawyer served him well in his various leadership positions in the organization.

I left the DBP after 15 years and rarely met Bert for the next 20 years or so, only to be reunited again after his early retirement from DBP. This time, it was at the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) where I served as executive director.

With so much more to give in terms of experience and expertise in development banking, Bert, together with former DBP colleagues and friends, joined the ADFIAP Consulting group, the advisory service arm of the association.

Over his more than ten years at ADFIAP, Bert and I shared many happy memories traveling together, both for work and leisure. He was a stickler for order, transparency and discipline in the way he conducts himself in front of clients for consulting work, as well as in front of participants during training programs he conducted.

My “reunion” with Bert brought about another chance to work together. Three years into ADFIAP, I had the opportunity to start my advocacy work of helping associations here to be more professionally managed and governed that led me to the founding of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) in October of 2013.

Together with the ADFIAP Consulting team, Bert was one of the incorporators of the PCAAE and personally facilitated its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also became the mainstay speaker of the learning session on legal aspects of association management which is one of the topics of the six-module Certified Professional Association Executive credentialing program which has already produced 74 graduates since its inception nine years ago.

Being the only lawyer in the Board of Trustees of PCAAE, Bert was also our “go-to” person when it comes to all legal matters on associations. His most recent project for PCAAE was drafting a bill for Congress to recognize association management as a profession under the ambit of the Professional Regulation Commission. It’s still a work-in-progress and may take more time to get it done, now with the void that Bert has left behind.

For these valuable contributions to the association community, Bert stood tall and soared high as a legal eagle par excellence. He will surely be missed!

Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the UN Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

‘Climate financing needs incentives’

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) believes that efforts to finance climate change initiatives require incentives and policies.

In a plenary session at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Southeast Asia Development Symposium (Seads) 2023, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla said that in the Philippines this means including efforts to lighten regulation on single borrowers’ limits.

Medalla also said the BSP has also been telling banks to lend to farmers, particularly agrarian reform beneficiaries, and including climate change in their credit risk analysis to ensure that this important issue is at the top of the agenda of the banking sector.

“Of course, this involves a lot of things including measurement, disclosure. So the entire financial sector must say, okay, every large corporation must make a declaration of what it’s doing not just in relation to the safety of the money of the banks, for instance, but they must make a declaration as well with regard to greenhouse gases,” Medalla said.

The BSP Governor said that even if the Philippines is a small emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), the country stands to lose a lot under a business as usual attitude.

“If this thing doesn’t get solved, we will be one of the biggest victims because of our geography and our location in the overall global climate sphere. So that’s why we have decided that the Philippines must of course, visibly, play a good role,” Medalla said.

Part of the recent efforts of the Philippine government, particularly in adopting a whole of government approach to climate change, is in energy.

Medalla noted that the Department of Energy (DOE), through the recommendation of Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla, now allows 100-percent foreign investment in renewable energy such as wind and solar.

This is due to the declaration that these resources are not Philippine natural resources but are resources that belong to the world. This skirts the provisions in the 1987 Constitution that investments using natural resources should be 100 percent Filipino owned.

“These resources belong to the world therefore, we are open to 100-percent foreign ownership of renewable energy. I think we may also take the same view about transportation, because these are the two biggest sources of emissions,” Medalla said.

During the plenary, ADB Southeast Asia Department Director General Ramesh Subramaniam agreed with Medalla saying that policies and incentives will shore up financing for renewables and other climate change-related efforts.

As far as ADB is concerned, Subramaniam reiterated the message of ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa that the Manila-based multilateral development bank commits to extend $100 billion worth of financing until 2030 for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

‘Bankability’ of projects

HOWEVER, Subramaniam said there is the issue of “bankability” of proj-

ects. Climate Change-related projects can be challenging to do. Efforts to improve project preparation and implementation must be improved to maximize the available financing that ADB and other institutions are already offering.

He also noted the importance of including climate efforts in all the things governments and the private sector does particularly in energy, urban transportation, and economic transformation.

“For that, policy, legal, regulatory framework is very, very critical. The second is to mobilize skills and new ideas, new technology solutions because the technology landscape is rapidly changing and not all developing countries are equal there are lower income countries, even in Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] and they need our assistance,” Subramaniam said.

The ADB executive also said climate change messaging is also important. He noted the message of Indonesia Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati who said that the transition to green and climatefriendly solutions need to be just and affordable.

Transforming the economy into a green one could be a pain point, especially in terms of labor. And this

is where skills upgrading training are key as the transition could lead to significant job losses.

Economic rewards

HOWEVER, Subramaniam said, achieving success in this regard will lead to significant economic rewards, which are part of the findings of the latest ADB report launched on Thursday at the Seads 2023.

The ADB’s fourth Seads with the theme “Imagining a Net-Zero Asean” in Bali, Indonesia brought together decision-makers, innovators, and climate leaders from government, industry, academia, and the development sector to discuss practical ways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The hybrid event was held inperson at the Bali International Convention Center at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, with a simultaneous broadcast online. A total of 500 in-person and more than 5,000 virtual participants are expected.

The Seads 2023 builds on the successes of Indonesia’s G20 presidency in 2022, which placed the global transition toward a low-carbon economy at the forefront of the agenda. It is a key side-event of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting on 28–31 March, also in Bali.

Lawmakers see merger of LandBank, DBP as a cautionary tale

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM & Raadee Sausa

THE planned merger of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)—a move previously opposed but is now being advocated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.—is not a walk in the park, according to government officials.

Citing the “long history” of merger attempts between state banks, Senator Imee R. Marcos has cited the need to “first clarify the procedure to be undertaken” in the merger.

The result of the merger should see the surviving entity will adequately serve the functions of both LBP and the DBP, according to Marcos, replying to a query sent via SMS from the BusinessMirror.

The senator recalled that “talks of mergers of government banks have always been going, with UCPB [United Coconut Planters Bank] and LBP being the latest of these government mergers. LBP and DBP have a long history of merger attempts, with the latest in 2014 under EO 198.”

However, she added, “the Duterte administration halted the process, with then Secretary of Finance Sonny [Carlos G.] Dominguez citing the need for any intended merger to pass thru Congress, given the distinct nature and purpose of each of these two banks.”

Words of caution

SENATOR Marcos stressed there is a need to “first clarify the procedure to be undertaken for the merger of the two state banks and be guaranteed that the surviving entity will adequately serve the functions of

both LBP and DBP.”

LBP was formed under Republic Act (RA) 3844 in 1963, while DBP, originally called the Rehabilitation Finance Corp., was created under RA 85. These, she noted, mean “two different laws with differing powers and functions.”

A similar word of caution was aired earlier by Deputy Minority Leader Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros, who preached against rushing the merger given the disparate mandates of the two banks and their intended constituencies.

Hontiveros cited “a painful lesson” from the “2008 Global Financial Crisis” and argued that large banks are riskier and tend to introduce more systemic risk into the financial system.

Minority Leader Aquilino Martin “Koko” dL. Pimentel III also counseled caution, citing the massive displacement of workers in the two banks, notwithstanding a promise by President Marcos that those not absorbed in the surviving bank will be compensated well.

“Don’t rush as a lot of employees will be affected,” he said in an SMS to the BusinessMirror when sought for reaction to an announcement by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, that no less than the President himself is now pushing for the two banks’ merger, in order to create what is envisioned to be a big, stable bank that can carry out multiple mandates.

GCG recommendations

MEANWHILE, the Governance Commission for Government-owned and -Controlled Corporations (GCG) has committed to promptly submit to the Office of the President its recom-

mendation regarding the proposed merger of the state-run lenders.

The agency noted the President’s concern that should the two banks’ merger proceed, such must not result in the abandonment of any of the mandates of the two banks.

“GCG will have to look into the specifics of the merger as it involves two major banks that are stateowned. We want to ensure that the merger is seamless and will not disrupt or cause issues or concerns in their respective operations and processes,” GCG Chairman Alex L. Quiroz said.

“It is within the jurisdiction of GCG to ensure that the merger of LBP and DBP is beneficial to the state,” Quiroz added.

He said the GCG evaluation will “cover all areas and is considered of utmost importance,” as LBP and DBP have been named as sources of the start-up funds for the government’s proposed sovereign wealth fund, or the “Maharlika Investment Fund.”

Quiroz stressed that the GCG remains steadfast in its mandate as the central advisory, oversight, and monitoring body for GOCCs, to institutionalize transparency, accountability, financial viability and responsiveness in corporate performance by monitoring and evaluating GOCCs’ performance.

Redundancy, efficiency

HONTIVEROS also noted that the LBP and DBP carry out separate, and distinct, mandates: the DBP serves industry by financing infrastructure, logistics, and commerce. The LBP, on the other hand, has been the primary institution mandated by the State to finance the acquisition of

land estates, and assist small farmers, fishermen, and agrarian reform beneficiaries, among others.

“We have to understand exactly where the redundancies are and what efficiencies can be gained from this merger, and balance these against any risks that the merger may pose to the economy and financial system,”

Hontiveros was quoted as saying in a statement issued last Wednesday.

She recalled that in 2016, this was why then-Budget Secretary Diokno, together with Dominguez, opposed the merger when it was proposed at that time.

“What has changed since then?”

Hontiveros asked.

In 2016, even then-senator Marcos Jr. had opposed the merger, as Diokno himself recalled on Tuesday. At that time, Marcos was concerned about the possibly huge labor displacement among the two banks’ work forces. However, Diokno explained, now-President Marcos has changed his mind, after tracking international developments, including the spectacular collapse of three big banks in the west.

Hontiveros pointed out that the GCG itself, the regulatory body established for the purpose of monitoring and exercising oversight over GOCCs such as the LBP and DBP, has previously expressed doubts that the contemplated merger would produce a beneficial synergy.

Who gains?

THE senator asked aloud why two banks with vastly different missions and objectives should be merged.

The DBP, because of the nature of its mandate, “has also been historically embroiled in controversies

involving behest loans and other transactions tainted by undue influence and conflict-of-interest,” added Hontiveros. One such issue involved its funding facilities that were put up by government for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“Do we want to risk these same issues affecting LBP?” the senator wondered aloud.

“We need a bank that remains focused on agriculture because this is the sector that does not really interest private commercial banks,” Hontiveros said, adding that the merger “may result in funds being diverted to the more bankable commercial and industrial sectors already adequately served by the private sector.”

She continued: “At the end of the day, what is this merger truly for? Bakit gagawin ito? Sino ba ang makikinabang dito [Why do this? Who will gain from it]? Certainly not the employees, whose jobs are suddenly at risk,” she asked, adding: “I stand by the workers of the LBP and the DBP who report that they have not been properly consulted about the merger.”

As it is, Hontiveros quoted the two banks’ workers as telling her that “personnel and operational issues from the LBP and UCPB merger remain unresolved, and if this is true, these should be settled first before proceeding with this new merger.”

The senator added: “I am also preparing a resolution, for filing at the soonest possible time, to urge the Senate to safeguard the stability of the financial sector by exercising oversight over the proposed merger.”

GoTyme Bank upgrades annual savings interest rate to 5 percent

OPERATOR of payment system

GoTyme Bank Corp. announced that users can enjoy an upgraded 5-percent annual savings interest through its “Go Save,” an app that allows every client to open up to five separate savings accounts.

“In a country where less than 3 percent of the population has access to affordable credit and insurance, and financial security and stability remain an elusive dream for many, GoTyme Bank’s latest upgrade is definitely a game changer in the local banking industry,” the company said in a statement issued last Thursday. “Customers can more than just customize target timeframes based on their personal capacity and financial goals; they can also have greater

confidence in the future.”

“We want to help our customers protect the value of their emergency fund from eroding. We want to step up our game and ensure that our customers are afforded with a competitive, risk-free rate that only banks normally get,” GoTyme Bank Co-CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Albert Raymund O. Tinio.

“When we do things at GoTyme Bank, we make sure it is sustainable for both the economy and you—our customers. We want you to save, grow your hardearned money, and enjoy it. We want your savings to ensure the security and well-being of your family and loved ones in the years to come.”

According to the 6-month-old firm, the “Go Save” app doesn’t have deposit

caps, no missions, and no minimum balance requirements. “GoTyme Bank understands that people expect more from what is on offer from the existing banks. Our 5-percent simple savings is another big step to deliver on [our] promise to offer next-level banking that unlocks the financial potential of all Filipinos,” President and CEO Nate Clarke was quoted in the statement as saying. GoTyme Bank is a Gokongwei Fintech and a joint venture among entities of the Gokongwei Group and Singapore-based digital-banking firm Tyme Pte. It is one of six licensed digital banks regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, with deposits being insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. up to P500,000 per account.

Octavio Peralta

Association World

The allure of Sicogon Island

The main draw is the island’s creamy white beach and pristine azure waters. On the first day of our group’s arrival, I was literally the only one swimming and lazing about on the beach. I swam in the early afternoon and the water was perfect. It was pleasantly warm and super clear, you can see straight down to your feet and the sea shells nestled in the sand. The sand is quite grainy so it’s best to wear surf shoes if the soles of your feet are delicate.

kansi, with batwan being indigenous to the island; or an unforgettable steaming bowl of pancit molo? Also maybe more authentic bacolod chicken inasal and la paz batchoy (with noodles this time), and, for the vegetarians, a simple but delicious apan-apan or lumpiang ubod, the way it is made in Silay?

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Ewan McGregor, 51; Christopher Walken, 79; Al Gore, 74; Shirley Jones, 88.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Question your motives before you act. Take the safe path when dealing with health, finances and close relationships. Choose your words wisely, and let your conscience guide you. Express your thoughts and promote equality. Gravitate toward making a unique contribution and a difference to your environment, surroundings and lifestyle. Your numbers are 3, 14, 25, 33, 39, 41, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stick to groups and organizations that share your goals. Aligning yourself with like-minded individuals will help you advance faster. Refuse to let anyone use manipulative tactics to push you in a direction that compromises your beliefs. Stand up for your rights. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take hold of whatever situation you find yourself in, and use your strengths to push forward. You will gain support if you are direct and honest about your concerns and intentions. Focus on self-improvement, not trying to change others. ★★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Double-check everything before agreeing to participate. Someone will try to take advantage of you if you aren’t careful. Use your intelligence, ask questions and don’t leave anything to chance. Avoid unpredictable people. ★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use the power of persuasion, and you will get your way. Show the people around you how you feel, and let them know your intentions. Update your image or appearance, and compliments will come your way. Romance is in the stars. ★★★★

BEFORE there was Boracay, there was Sicogon Island.

Located some 13.3 kilometers away from Estancia, on the northeast coast of Iloilo, Sicogon Island had its heyday in the late 1970s to the 1980s hosting a high-end resort, visited by tourists from as far as Europe. I knew its owner, Ed Sarrosa, when he was president of the Negros Prawn Producers Association in the 1990s, and after our questions on the industry’s problems, he would proudly tell us about his family-owned Sicogon Island Resort, painting a picture of a lush paradise that we salivated to visit.

The resort closed sometime in 1989 after 12 years in operation. “Maybe we were ahead of our time,” says Dave, the son of the late Sarrosa who I met over the weekend, after having finally made it to the island. “But we’re happy that we finally found a good partner [in Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp., or AHRC],” which is helping the Sicogon regain its allure as a hot beach destination in the country.

After its success in Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan, AHRC is similarly developing the 1,100-hectare Sicogon Island as a masterplanned tourism community, featuring commercial and residential establishments, including resorts, retail shops and a town center. With its own airport terminal and jetty port, the island is now accessible from Manila and, soon, other major tourist destinations. With responsible development at its core, Sicogon Island seeks to promote inclusive growth with the community through tourism.

Their flagship property is Huni Sicogon, a twostory, 52-room boutique resort located along San Fernando Beach, with a view of Islas de Gigantes from the shore. There is also a commanding view of Mount Opao, verdant with greenery, which is ironic since in Hiligaynon the name means “balding head.”

Fortunately, the infinity pool provides a lovely alternative for those unwilling to take a dip in the open sea. Just four feet deep all around, it made me brave enough to do a few laps across it. There is also a foot-deep kiddie pool dedicated to your little ones’ frolicking fun. (And after feeding the kiddies their snacks, send them off with yaya for their naps, so you Mommies and Daddies can enjoy buy-one, take-one cocktails at the pool bar at happy hour. Who says, you can’t have it all?)

The rooms at Huni are designed with the usual simple but elegant aesthetic for which Ayala properties are known. A comfortable relaxing bed or two (or three! as in the case of family rooms) anchors the entire room in hues of off-white and brown, featuring wooden furnishings and trims, with a balcony that has views of either the mountain, the garden, or the sea and the pool. The TV is fed by Cignal’s offerings, and the resort is mostly connected to the outside world via Internet, so you can Instagram, Facebook, BeReal, or Twitter photos of your latest vacation paradise almost instantly.

We also visited other AHRC properties such as Hatch Sicogon with 24 beachfront accommodations, in a spot along the San Fernando coastline that is meant to attract kiteboarders; and Balay Kogon, with 26 cozy rooms nestled among lush greenery, as well as direct access to Buaya Beach. We were wowed by exquisite views of the sea as we stood on Kogon’s view deck.

Meanwhile, there were a few hits at Huni’s all-day dining restaurant such as its baked scallops, kinilaw na tanigue, steamed alimasag (blue crabs), and a glorious coconut roll dessert, which I just had to take back to Manila. But I would like to see a better-edited menu featuring more authentic Ilonggo or Western Visayas dishes.

With tourists now prioritizing authentic regional cuisine and memorable dining options when they travel, how about offering guests a hearty bowl of

And with Roxas City—the country’s seafood capital—so near, wouldn’t it be amazing to have fresh oysters, alimango (mud crabs) and lobsters on the menu? Or how about some diwal (angel wings clams) for spaghetti vongole, instead of a generic spaghetti with meatballs? That, and just few select Filipino and international dishes give more appetizing options for guests.

It would also be helpful to have consistent Internet connection throughout the property; my room on the second floor had little or close to nil, I had to work on my news stories at the game center cum lounge area on the first floor. And with sustainability as AHRC’s ethos, developing a more reliable, environmentally-friendly electricity resource would be full circle for the company, considering the parent firm does have a renewable energy arm. The properties owned by AHRC currently run on diesel-powered generator sets, which accounts for a sizable chunk of expenses in running the island, I am told.

Sicogon Island is a little gem in the heart of Western Visayas, which allows visitors unlimited sea-to-summit activities. Aside from enjoying beach activities (swimming, volleyball, frisbee, etc.), guests can go hiking to Mount Opao, take a nature walk along an eco-trail through the ruins of the old resort, which leads to a lagoon for some birdwatching; go on an island tour via pump boat around Sicogon, or to Islas de Gigantes, as well as other nature-based pursuits.

Overall, we had a pleasurable stay, made more memorable by the excellent Ilonggo staff, all eager to learn and interact with guests. Most of them are hired from the island, which makes every guest a willing participant in growing the local economy, and uplifting the lives of its residents. That’s even more reason to visit this old-new hot beach destination.

■ You can travel to Sicogon Island directly via AirSWIFT (www.air-swift.com), or take any carrier flying to Roxas City, travel by van towards Estancia, then ride a pump boat to the island. For reservations,  contact 0917-8270445 or reservations@sicogonresorts.com.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You are a better leader than a follower. Don’t feel the need to back down or do something you don’t want to do because someone is bullying you. Make necessary changes that are within your budget. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t be shy. Do what you want to do, and get the response you want. Social events will give you a perfect setting to approach someone who interests you. A unique partnership looks promising. Romance will enhance your personal life. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be careful how you handle domestic matters. Getting along with the people around you will be challenging and require intellectual finesse, patience and discipline. Take good care of your health and well-being. Avoid gatherings that put you at risk. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Pick up the pace and be optimistic about your future. The right attitude will help you convince others to take a chance on you and support your efforts. A change is overdue, and working alongside someone unique is encouraged. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep an open mind, but don’t trust anyone who is exaggerating or controlling. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to get things done. If you count on others, you will be disappointed. Be smart when it comes to spending, investments and savings. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A domestic change will be a good investment. There is money to be made and more options to consider. Explore the possibilities, and make whatever move is necessary to secure your financial position. Love and romance are on the rise. ★★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Discuss sensitive issues with care. The information shared may be used against you. Listen and observe to avoid backing yourself into a corner. You’ll accomplish the most if you stick close to home. Take care of your emotional and mental health. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pay it forward. Offer to help those who don’t share your attributes. For what you put out, you will receive high returns. A partnership will prove to be lucrative and engaging. Be open to suggestions and quick to offer a unique twist. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are playful, secretive and insightful. You are changeable and progressive.

‘turn! turn! turn!’ BY ROSS TRUDEAU

The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

Solution to today’s puzzle:

GREAT news to all Voltes V fans. GMA Network gives a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the hit anime series via Voltes V Legacy: The Cinematic Experience on April 19.

This will show the special version of the first three weeks of the series before its much-awaited premiere on prime-time TV in May.

A touching story of love for family, the one minute and 30 seconds clip features Earth’s last line of defense—the Voltes team and their super robot, Voltes V—as they battle the evil Boazanian Forces that are about to invade and annihilate the Earth.

After GMA dropped the teaser trailer last Friday, netizens and fans of the popular 1970s Japanese animé took to social media to praise and express their excitement of its powerhouse cast, world-class set, and cutting-edge visual effects and animation.

Grabe, wala ako masabi, nakakaiyak dahil nakakaproud na Pinoy ang gumawa ng ganito kalinaw, kaganda at nagi-improve na talaga ang CGI at VFX ng Pinas. Only GMA Network ang nakakagawa ng ganitong serye,” a netizen commented on YouTube, amazed with the impressive and high quality special effects.

Expectations are high for the GMA shoes and everyone is looking forward to watch it on the big screen.

Voltes V Legacy is touted to be the network’s most expensive and biggest TV production to date. The live action adaptation is produced by GMA Network in partnership with Toei Company Ltd. and Telesuccess Productions Inc.

Acclaimed local animators from Riot Inc. and GMA’s Post Video Graphics and Audio team handled the program’s heavy CGI and other visual effects.

Produced by the award-winning GMA Entertainment Group headed by senior vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, director Mark Reyes helms the live-action series together with a talented creative team led by Aloy Adlawan and RJ Nuevas, with Suzette Doctolero as head writer.

Miguel Tanfelix as Steve, Matt Lozano as Robert or Big Bert, Raphael Landicho as Little

Jon, Radson Flores as Mark Gordon and Ysabel Ortega as Jamie Robinson lead the star-studded cast of Voltes V Legacy.

Voltes V Legacy: The Cinematic Experience will exclusively be shown in SM Cinemas from April 19 to 25.

ABUSED

A TRAGEDY involving a showbiz aspirant has brought the focus on the rumor that he was being physically abused by someone close to him. Before the tragedy happened, the

Show BusinessMirror

‘The Last of Us’: True love in a post-apocalyptic world

THERE will be endless debates as one gets to the end of this tremendously gripping series, HBO’s The Last of Us, as to which episode is the best. There is however one episode that will undoubtedly be remembered as the most moving of them all. This is “Long Long Time,” Episode 3 of the blockbuster series. People may quibble as to how this episode makes sense when placed against the other episodes marked by violence, suspense/surprise, and horror. No one can disagree, however, that this must be one of the tenderest stories ever placed within a series that is meant to be about the hopelessness in humans when they forget how nature can be forbidding when it goes berserk. Or when we forget that next to our gods, there is another almighty around us—the ecology tampered, the environment not only disregarded but taken for granted.

In musicals, some songs are showstoppers; in a series, what do we call an episode that “stops” the show?

A bit of context is needed: rebounding from a great loss (I am trying to avoid falling into spoiler traps) in the previous episode, Joel (Pedro Pascal) is continuing with his journey, bringing along with him Ellie (Bella Ramsey). This young girl has been discovered as bearing on her arm the marks of someone infected by the fungus that has nearly destroyed the entire world and remains to threaten the annihilation of the human race.

Joel needs to bring Ellie to the Firefly, a rebel group that has been formed during the pandemic, to show them this human that seems to possess immunity to the said fungus. The two have escaped a quarantine zone (QZ) and are now on their way to see Bill, a man who because he has long prepared for any global threat to humanity (he calls himself a “survivalist”) is now living alone in a small town barricaded against the world of the infected.

Like a fable, the journey of Joel and Ellie gives way to another tale, that of Bill and another stranger. No one, it must be said, is ever prepared as this story is disclosed to us—love amidst the time of dangers to life and men. It begins one day. Bill, self-sufficient, naturally grouchy and alone, hears the sound of an intruder who has fallen into one of the many traps he has set, this one a deep hole. From the pit comes this voice of

one man. Bill, as expected, is unwelcoming. For some reason, he gives this man a chance by lowering down a ladder into the hole. The man climbs out of it and into the arms of Bill. I am rushing of course. And, however silly that description is, that is really the crux of this tale, without the cloying sentiment one expects from and, surprisingly, without the unnecessary gravitas one always associates with a damn serious and honest narrative about men falling in love with men (now, there goes one spoiler I cannot avoid to make my point).

To rush (a necessary move) into the gist of this episode, Bill starts to believe in the sincerity of Frank. But more than that, there is this feeling created by the story of how we should believe in the story of one man, alone out there, seeking the safety of and with another man. In a world where humans are dying, another human becomes inescapably important. But, remember, Bill has always been alone. And it is not easy for him to trust another man—or anyone— coming from nowhere.

It is from this solitary existence that this episode has nurtured a plot development so magical that by the time we have realized we are viewing a chronicle of romance and love, we have forgotten the world is still on the brink of extinction.

There is almost a cabalistic sense in that scenario where Frank approaches a piano, declaring it antique and rare and in the process disclosing his own personality. Then the most cinematic artifice is set up: Frank rummages through piano pieces, finding the predictably “classical” “Für Elise,” quickly discarding it in favor of Linda Ronstadt hits and off we fly into neverland, where love wins over plagues and fungus,

albeit temporarily, and both kindness and sadness offer a respite.

The next scenes take us through summers and springs, a reassurance that the earth has never changed despite the deaths on it. Bill and Frank have grown old together. They have quarreled in between seasons; they have loved each other through new discoveries (the growing of strawberries because a gun has been bartered in exchange for seeds) and with each other witnessing personal frailties and increasing disabilities (a wheelchair now graces a table always set for fine dining).

As Bill, Nick Offerman, is a treat: from a grumpy dystopian gunslinger, he slowly turns into the tenderest, gentlest, most naive lover. As Frank, Murray Bartlett is a charmer from the very beginning and he never loses those sensual good looks even when the end is near. Together, the two actors rebuild in us the old belief that a good series, however dreary, should always have hope. Like art.

Lest we forget, Episode 3 resurrects Linda Ronstadt and her hit song “Long, Long Time.” Long after we have gotten used to deadly fungi creeping like wild flowers all over ruins of human civilization, there will be one last song syndrome for us all and it will sound like this:

‘Cause I’ve done everything I know/To try and make you mine

And I think I’m gonna love you/For a long long time….

Directed by Peter Hoar and written by Craig Mazin, The Last of Us streams on HBO Max and HBO Go. A full review of the series follows next week. n

Feel the Force: Hamill carries ‘Star Wars’ voice to Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine—“Attention. Air raid alert,” the voice says with a Jedi knight’s gravitas. “Proceed to the nearest shelter.”

It’s a surreal moment in an already surreal war: the grave but calming baritone of actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of Star Wars, urging people to take cover whenever Russia unleashes another aerial bombardment on Ukraine.

The intrusion of Hollywood science-fiction fantasy into the grim daily realities of war in Ukraine is a consequence of Hamill’s decision to lend his famous voice to “Air Alert”—a downloadable app linked to Ukraine’s air defense system. When air raid sirens start howling, the app also warns Ukrainians that Russian

missiles, bombs and deadly exploding drones may be incoming.

“Don’t be careless,” Hamill’s voice advises. “Your overconfidence is your weakness.” The actor says he’s admired—from afar, in California— how Ukraine has “shown such resilience...under such terrible circumstances.” Its fight against the Russian invasion, now in its second year, reminds him of the Star Wars saga, he says—of plucky rebels battling and ultimately defeating a vast, murderous empire. Voicing over the English-language version of the air-raid app and giving it his Star Wars touch was his way of helping out.

“A fairy tale about good versus evil is resonant with what’s going on in Ukraine,” Hamill said in an interview

showbiz aspirant was already reportedly considering running away from home because of the abuse. The abuser didn’t only hurt the showbiz aspirant but also blamed him for not earning money. This was why the boy joined show business. During the day the tragedy happened, the showbiz aspirant reportedly confided in someone close to him about what was really happening in his life.

KEPT WOMAN?

THERE are so many questions about this very young actress who is flaunting so many material things online. These include expensive cars and lavish parties. While it’s true that the actress has a show and a few endorsements, these aren’t enough to sustain her lifestyle. According to the grapevine, the cars and the lavish parties were paid for by a rich politician and kingmaker. So is the young actress his new flame?

with The Associated Press. “The Ukrainian people rallying to the cause and responding so heroically...It’s impossible not to be inspired by how they’ve weathered this storm.”

When the dangers from the skies pass, Hamill announces via the app that “the air alert is over.”

He then signs off with an uplifting: “May the Force be with you.” Hamill is also raising funds to buy reconnaissance drones for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. He autographed Star Wars-themed posters that are being raffled off.

“Here I sit in the comfort of my own home when in Ukraine there are power outages and food shortages and people are really suffering,” he said. “It motivates me to do as much as I can.”

Everyone knows he likes them young and the actress wouldn’t mind being in a relationship with him. The kingmaker is keeping things low key for his children’s sake. For the record, his kids are older than the young actress.

SHE NEEDS MONEY

HOW true is the rumor that the reason why this high-budget TV show ended was because the lead star was always missing in action? That’s because the lead star was busy with paid personal appearances. You really can’t blame her. The star needs money not just to live on but also to support the health treatments of a family member. So she would accept invitations for personal appearances in exchange for payments. People have the impression that the actress is rich but the truth is her career was supposed to have taken off in 2020 but the pandemic happened and her network

Although the app also has a Ukrainian-language setting, voiced by a woman, some Ukrainians prefer to have Hamill breaking the bad news that yet another Russian bombardment might be imminent.

On the worst days, sirens and the app sound every few hours, day and night. Some turn out to be false alarms. But many others are real—and often deadly. Bohdan Zvonyk, a 24-year-old app user who lives in the repeatedly struck western city of Lviv, says he chose Hamill’s voiceover rather than the Ukrainian setting because he is trying to improve his English. He’s a Star Wars fan, too.

“Besides,” he said, “we could use a little bit of the power that Hamill wishes us.” AP

encountered some problems. So she needs money and she is doing everything she can to get it.

IN DEBT

THERE are talks going around that the high-profile woman with a high-profile husband is deep in debt. For what, in case you’re wondering. It’s for luxury items like bags and jewelry. The lady is known for her love for luxury and in better times, she had a sizable credit line with most stores. But these days, money is tight. It’s not as tight for her as it is for most people but there’s still a need to tighten her belt and payments to these stores were the first to go. The stores are hesitant to go public with what they have on this woman because she was once a good customer but they also need money to keep their businesses going. What the high-profile woman owes is reportedly beyond tens of millions.

A SCREEN capture of the highly acclaimed third episode of the HBO ratings blockbuster The Last of Us. Titled “Long Long Time,” the episode starred Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett

‘VOLTES V LEGACY’ SNEAK PEEK TO BE SHOWN IN CINEMAS

Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant bags Silver Anvils on its 25th anniversary

LEADING food brand Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant has won its first-ever trophies from the Anvil Awards, the Oscars of the public relations industry in the Philippines. It’s also the first time the brand entered the annual awards.

The homegrown company founded 25 years ago by the Conti sisters of Batangas received not just one but two Silver Anvils for its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“We are very elated with this recognition from the prestigious Anvil Awards by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines,” says Patricia Tan, second generation Conti who’s at the helm of the company as general manager. She led the team from Conti’s and its public relations agency, Comm&Sense, that received the trophies at the recent awards ceremonies.

She adds, “These awards are a symbol

of our commitment to make a difference in the communities Conti’s is part of and to continuously drive excellence in delighting our stakeholders with purpose, particularly the farmers who are integral part of the Conti’s family and some of our youth beneficiaries who provide great inspiration and motivation to us.”

Conti’s won for its One Bag At A Time sustainability program and its Mango Farmers outreach initiative.

One Bag was part of Conti’s silver anniversary celebrations. It involved the upcycling of the company’s used tarpaulins, banners, and streamers into 100 school bags that were donated to scholars of Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid and ChildHope Philippines. The project was undertaken by Conti’s together with upcycling company Side B Upcycling and Comm&Sense.

One Bag reflected Conti’s’ passion to reduce its industrial waste by reusing and recycling its used assets.

Mango Farmers spotlighted a group of farmers behind the signature Conti’s Mango Bravo cake, paying tribute to their hard work and commitment to plant, nurture, and harvest only the best-tasting mangoes for Conti’s. It captured the critical role of the farmers in food sustainability. Not only did Conti’s champion the country’s mango industry but it also empowered small-scale farmers in the country. The project involved a surprise visit by a team from Conti’s to one of the company’s mango farms to bring an afternoon treat of Conti’s food and pastries to the farmers. The activity was the first time the farmers got a look and taste of the beloved Mango Bravo cake.

Tan adds, “But more than the awards and recognition, we value the number of lives that we have touched and delighted through these initiatives. These honors will inspire us to serve and delight more people in front and behind the Conti’s counters.”

Conti’s journey into the food industry always reflects its mission to achieve sustainability and perform ethical business practices. From sourcing materials from the best suppliers, down to prioritizing local farmers to boost the agriculture industry, Conti’s believes in working together with every stakeholder in the community to create a sustainable, healthy, and green environment for everyone.

Education and environment are two strong programs that Conti’s continues to prioritize and give back to the community as part of their commitment to nation-building.

PayMongo’s 4th anniversary marked by new leadership, overwhelming support from startup, business community

FILIPINO payment gateway

PayMongo celebrated its fourth anniversary, at its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, alongside their partners, merchants, stakeholders, employees and friends from various industries.

“We are happy to be celebrating PayMongo’s 4th anniversary with the key drivers of the Philippine fintech sector. We are grateful for the support and confidence not only in PayMongo but also in the collective spirit of the local startup ecosystem,” said Jojo Malolos, PayMongo’s newly appointed CEO, during the anniversary held on March 14, 2023.

“With their help and with the determination of our team, we aspire to further develop the country’s online payments infrastructure and continue to set a strong foundation for Philippine businesses,” Malolos added.

Launched in 2019, PayMongo is a financial technology company that helps Filipino businesses accept online payments from their customers and facilitate multiple modes of money movement online. PayMongo currently offers its services to more than 12,000 businesses in the country.

In February, PayMongo appointed

Malolos as its new president and CEO to implement plans for the company’s next phase of growth.

A key to Malolos’s transformational initiatives is to open PayMongo to the larger ecosystem through faster and more extensive collaborations with its partners.

“PayMongo’s impressive growth over the last four years is a testament to how much they have helped merchants grow their business online. We remain excited about supporting their efforts to drive financial inclusion and financial freedom in the Philippines. More power to the PayMongo team!” said Manny Ayala, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Endeavor Philippines.

“With the support of its growing base of partners, merchants, and advisors, I have no doubt that this fourth year anniversary is just the beginning of even greater success for this company,” said Paulo Campos, Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders, one of the company’s Series B investors.

Other attendees in the anniversary include Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. former President and CEO; Alex Cabrera, PWC Chairman Emeritus; Raymond

Alimurung, Lazada Chairman; Gilbert Sta Maria, Philippine Airlines Former President and COO; Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for Philippines and Guam; Elfren Sarte, Robinsons Bank President and CEO; Arvie De Vera, Union Digital Bank CEO; Antonio Corro, UBP SVP, Consumer Finance Center; Gerardo Austria, UBP Vice President for Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway; Nate Clarke, GoTyme Bank President and CEO; Albert Tinio, GoTyme Bank COO and co-CEO; Nichel Gaba, PDAX Founder and CEO; Nel Laygo, Peddlr Founder and CEO; ER Rollan, Growsari Co-founder and CEO; Todd Schweister, Brankas Founder and CEO; Dexter Ligot-Gordon, Swarm Co-founder and CEO; Nina DizonCabrera, Colourette CEO; Franco Varona, Foxmont Managing Partner, and Victor Paterno, 7-Eleven Philippines CEO.

By strengthening its current payment offering and introducing its next generation of products, the company will seek to meet the financial needs of more businesses in the coming year. Moreover, with the company’s newly issued electronic money issuer license, PayMongo is set to drive significant impact in the digital financial services sector for small and medium enterprises.

CREBA GOLDEN JUBILEE LAUNCH. Senate Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Resettlements Chairman Sen. JV Ejercito graced the launch of the annual celebratory events to mark the 50th founding anniversary of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) at the Conrad Hotel last March 16, 2023. In his message to the members of the housing and real estate umbrella group, Ejercito acknowledged the tremendous role of CREBA and its leaders in the creation of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) thru Republic Act No. 11201 which was enacted during the Senator’s stint as head of the same committee in 2019. In the photo are, from left, VP-External Roberto A. Alvarez, Jr., Ejercito, CREBA National President Noel Toti M. Cariño, Executive VicePresident Elsie Chua and Vice-Chairman Jerry M. Navarrete.

LRMC announces 2023 Holy Week LRT-1 schedule

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) released its 2023 Holy Week schedule with a temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations from April 6 (Holy Thursday) to April 9, 2023 (Easter Sunday) to give way to its annual maintenance activities and necessary upgrades of the system.

The LRT-1 will follow normal operating hours from April 3 to 5, 2023 (Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday), having first trips to leave Baclaran and Roosevelt at 4:30am, and the last trips will be at 10:00pm from Baclaran, and 10:15pm from Roosevelt.

“The temporary suspension of LRT-1 operations this Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday will allow us to do necessary activities that include annual preventive maintenance works and upgrades to better serve our dear passengers. This is on the back of our commitment in providing safe, reliable, and convenient journey to commuters of LRT-1. We advise the public to plan their

trips in advance.” LRMC Chief Operating Officer Rolando J. Paulino III said.

Normal operations of LRT-1 from Baclaran to Roosevelt Station will resume on 10 April (Monday).

Premium comfort advocate Serta Philippines to bring the world’s premium brand of comfort closer to Pinoys

FILIPINOS have been classified as one of the most sleep deprived people in the world as stated in the recent survey result disclosed by Sleep Cycle, a sleep tracking application. Having only an average of six and a half hours of sleep a day, Filipinos are most likely at the critical level of being prone to serious health problems.

This March, the annual global celebration of World Sleep Day highlights the importance of sleep to one’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Carrying the theme “Sleep Is Essential for Health,” World Sleep Society calls out members of World Sleep Society, sleep experts, and community health advocates in over 70 countries to organize sleep health awareness activities on and around March 17, 2023.

In the Philippines, premium comfort advocate Serta Philippines is set to reach out to more Filipinos as it kicked off the World Sleep Day celebration in the country. Dubbed Follow the Herd: Life at Its Best with Serta, Serta Philippines held a Sleep Caravan in different key areas starting March 16, 2023.

“Serta is known for offering the world’s best mattress. We want every Filipino to fully enjoy their sleep and maximize its health potential, and with Serta mattresses and pillows, we can help them realize how having a good and healthy sleep can make them be at their best and stay healthy, focused and energized each waking hour,” Serta Philippines shared.

The Serta Sleep Caravan will commence at Greenbelt, where its first Flagship Store in the Philippines is located. The caravan will feature Serta’s premium mattress as well as pillows and other bedroom accessories from March 16 to 31. After this, the caravan will tour around Metro Manila and other provincial cities to promote healthy sleep and Life at Its Best with Serta.

“After we’ve opened our flagship store in Makati, we’ve witnessed how Filipinos are eager to include healthy sleep in their lifestyle. This Serta Caravan is a great opportunity for many Filipinos to personally see and feel the world’s premium brand of mattress and bed accessories. We hope we’ll be able to meet them in one of our caravans across the country and provide them a better understanding of our products that share healthy sleep with the world,” Serta Philippines added.

Set to showcase Serta’s world-class products, Serta Caravan will highlight the beauty of its Celestial Collection (Athena, Freya, Eleos), which is renowned for its lavish comfort due to its seven-zone Honeycomb Pocket on Pocket Coil that is made of Serta’s very own Gold Series Coil spring technology.

Made with precise calculation and attention to details, Serta’s Celestial Collection exhibits brand’s dedication of providing comfort all wrapped up in highly durable materials and astonishing design that suits Filipinos style and comfort need.

FROM left, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant Project and Business Development head Michael Martinez, general manager Patricia Marañon-Tan, marketing director Patricia Buzon-Chinjen, and Center of Excellence and Office of strategic management director Joan Despabiladeras

THE LARGER ECOSYSTEM. Leaders in the startup and various industries attended PayMongo’s anniversary held in the company’s office in

Attendees include executives from Peddlr, Penny Pairs, Colourette Cosmetics, PDAX, Growsari, Kumu, Brankas, Swarm, Kaya Founders, Foxmont Capital Partners, Endeavor Philippines, GoTyme Bank, Robinsons Bank, UnionBank of the Philippines, UnionDigital Bank, Visa, 7-Eleven Philippines, merchants, stakeholders, employees and friends from various industries.

SEN. EJERCITO GRACES

Gaston appointed PSC commissioner

MALACA Ñ ANG announced the appointment on Thursday of former basketball player Matthew “Fritz” Gaston as the fourth commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

His appointment completes the PSC board which is composed of chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco.

“I’m very thankful to God, our Creator, for keeping my body and mind healthy to be fitted in this job,” Gaston told BusinessMirror through internet call from his hometown Silay City in Negros Occidental on Thursday. “I’m also very thankful to President BBM’s [Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.] Administration for taking me in and for trusting my capability.”

Gaston was Games and Amusements Board commissioner from 2011 to 2017. Before that, he played seven seasons with various teams in the Philippine Basketball Association and was a top Ateneo Blue Eagle during his college days.

He told BusinessMirror that he applied for the position upon the prodding of his family and friends.

“I hope I can contribute well to the PSC to help our national athletes,” said Gaston, who coached the national women’s basketball team in 2003 and was himself a many-time national team player. Josef Ramos

2 pairs ahead in Southwoods Invitational tilt

THE Shinichi Suzuki-Teruhisa Taguchi and Justin TambuntingEric Escalona tandems posted 82s to share the overall gross lead even as the battle for the overall net crown headed to a wild finish with 10 teams matching 96s in the second day of the Southwoods Invitational at the Masters and Legends courses in Carmona, Cavite, Thursday.

The Shinichi-Teruhisa and the Tambunting-Escalona pairs took a two-point lead over the teams of Gen. Alex Ignacio-Edwin Sanchez and Marvin Caparros-Stephen King Stehmeier, who came through with identical 80s in Best Ball play at the Masters with John Molina and Regis Casquejo, and Brixton Aw and Raymond Co, who matched 76s, out to press their respective bids when action shifts to the Legends for the Aggregate format.

But focus is on the overall net race as 10 pairs, headed by MolinaCasquejo and Renie Floro and Kazuo Murakami, scored 96 points each, also in four-ball at the Masters.

They include John Cope and Iain Mcglen, Arsenic Villanueva and Diosdado Bautista, Bobby Iñigo and Venzon Paz, Inigo Golingay Jr. and Rolando Rabutin, Karlo Miguel and Juan Carlos Reyes, John Lopez and Kenney Tee, Gus Molina and Luis Rey Velasco, and Adrian Tan and James Lim.

Meanwhile, the Molina-Casquelo and Floro-Murakami also likewise tied for the Division I lead, two points ahead of Ryan Abdon and Wally Barzaga, while Marc Naval and Miguel de Asis stayed on top of Division II with 84 points, spiked by Naval’s ace at the Legends Wednesday.

But Pablo Olivarez and Roberto Ronin Leviste stalked them with 83 Aggregate points while Julienne Guintu and Samuel Gan Nasis took the third spot with 80 points as the battle moves to the Masters under the Best Ball format of the memberguest team event backed by yearround sponsor Royal Caribbean/ Baron Travel, hole-in-one sponsors Ogawa, Alpine Motors Philippines, Toyota Silang, Pagcor Casino Filipino and Klio International.

WHEN MANNY MEETS HIDI...

By Josef Ramos

WHEN Manny meets Hidi, you’re talking world class, two sports icons mesmerizing with their legendary accomplishments.

Ring legend Manny Pacquiao and Olympic and world champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo did just that during the Alaxan FR Grand Media Event “The Showdown of the Year ‘’ at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Pasig City last Wednesday.

Talk revolved around DiazNaranjo campaigning in the 59-kg class of weightlifting—a heavier division to the 55 kgs where she won the country’s first Olympic gold medal two years ago in Tokyo.

Asked for his comment, Pacquiao was in his comfort zone—sort of a “been there, done that” thing.

“Climbing up in weight is really tough for an athlete because it requires a lot of discipline and dedication,” said Pacquiao with DiazNaranjo sitting beside him at the head table of the event. “But I believe Hidilyn will make it.”

When Pacquiao fought the similarly legendary Oscar de la Hoya in December 2008 in Las Vegas, he had to move up in weight—from lightweight and light welterweight to welterweight.

De la Hoya, too, sacrificed in weight from light middleweight to welterweight.

Pacquiao was heavily criticized of his decision to fight a naturally heavier opponent but proved everybody wrong with his eightround technical knockout win against the Mexican superstar.

That made Pacquiao the Pacquiao of boxing. That cemented his lofty nook in the sport.

Pacquiao acknowledged that

WORLD boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Olympic and world weightlifting champion Hidilyn DiazNaranjo are swarmed by the media. weightlifting is as tough as boxing.

“Being a weightlifter is difficult job, you lift weights in proper positions,” he said.

Diaz-Naranjo was all ears as Pacquiao belted those inspiring words.

“I’m really motivated and inspired to hear it from one of the world’s greatest athletes—Manny Pacquiao,” Diaz-Naranjo said. “Just like what he said that ‘nothing is impossible if you work hard.’ I’m very thankful for this opportunity.”

Diaz-Naranjo has no choice but to

move to 59 kgs after the 55 kgs class was scrapped from the Paris 2024 Olympics program.

The transformation, she said, is no joke.

“There are many things you have to consider—from diet to your training routines and recovery,” she said. “You have to be smart in dealing with those things.”

“But if there’s one Manny Pacquiao that will inspire you, winning my second Olympic gold will be a possibility,” she added.

TNT GOES FOR FINALS SEAT

Lastimosa said.

Game 4 is set at 5:45 p.m.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson again played an all-around game in TNT’s huge 99-80 Game 3 victory with 40 points and 13 rebounds.

Mikey Williams was also outstanding on Wednesday night 29 points for TNT which won Game 1, 110-80, but lost Game 2, 124-117, in overtime.

Lastimosa reminded his players just how difficult it is to close out a series.

“For some reason, there’s just a different feel when you’re trying to close out [the series] because we know the other team is also desperate,” he said. “At the same time, we don’t want to force the issue. We will try to close it out and see how it goes.”

A victory by the Tropang Giga will pit them against early finalist and defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel which swept San Miguel Beer in their own semifinals duel.

Meralco coach Norman Black said they’ll put up a gallant stand in Game 4.

“Hopefully, we can play better as a team,” said Black, who lamented that TNT’s 56-30 halftime lead in Game 3 was “too much to take.”

Manzano: A ‘Carlos Yulo’ will rise from women’s ranks

PHILIPPINE gymnastics has always been Carlos “Caloy” Yulo—the two-time world champion, Tokyo Olympian and Southeast Asian Games multi-gold medalist.

But lurking in the shadow of the four-foot-11 Yulo are a phalanx of other gymnasts hoping to follow his illustrious—and still to be more illustrious—career.

Charlie Manzano included.

“I think everyone in Philippine gymnastics will rise,” Manzano told BusinessMirror during the recent Philippine Sports Commission Media Relations training for athletes at the Orchid’s Hotel. “Everybody is improving and we believe we can contribute in the medal tally.”

Manzano said that like all other Filipino gymnasts, she’s proud of Yulo’s accomplishments at the young age of 22.

Manzano is just one in the women’s stable of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines who are all potential Yulo heir apparent. The others are Aleah Finnegan, Chiara Andrew, Kursten Lopez, Lucia Gutierrez and Tina OnofreLoberanes, members of the women’s artistic team that struck gold at the Hanoi SEA Games last year.

Too bad for Manzano and co., they won’t be in Cambodia SEA Games in May where women’s artistic gymnastics isn’t in the program.

But they’ll be fielded in a bigger battle field in the  Asian Artistic Championships from June 10 to 18 in Singapore and the Hangzhou 20th Asia Games from September 23 to October 8.

“We started winning gold in the Vietnam SEA Games so our expectations are higher for the

two Asian competitions,” Manzano said. “It’s a step by step process although we’re going to face more competitive gymnasts there.”

Manzano is the only national gymnasts training at the GAP facilities while all her teammates are practicing abroad.

“I’m really working hard to improve my performance in the vault and beam,” said the only daughter of Inky and Noreen Manzano.

Manzano was one of dozens female athletes who attended the PSC media relations training headed by PSC chairman Richard Bachmann and supervised by commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo. Josef Ramos

TNT Tropang Giga expects a dogfight when it goes for a Finals seat against Meralco in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinals series in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’

Cup Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“For sure, it’s going to be a hard game, a dogfight, a battle and whoever comes out the winner, they will be bloodied,” TNT coach Jojo

“They were able to establish their game immediately and their import [Hollis-Jefferson] pretty much dominated the first half,” he said.

KJ McDaniels led the Bolts in Game 3 with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Josef Ramos

Top juniors resume hunt in Valle Verde net tourney

THE leading juniors and a slew of rising stars from Metro Manila and elsewhere take center stage as they clash for top honors and ranking points in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Valle Verde Country Club National Juniors Tennis Championships, which got under way Thursday in Pasig City. More than 200 entries make up the huge cast in the nine age-category Group I tournament presented by Dunlop with the boys’ 14-, 16- and 18-under classes luring 32-player casts each.

Tristan Licayan, Lexious Cruz, Gavin Kraut, Zachary Morales, Gabrio Serillo and Yñigo Naredo banner the 14-under field, while Kendrick Bona, Paul Gabriel, Licayan and Morales, along with Kean Enriquez and Kraut looming as the players to watch in the 16-under division.

Vince Serna, Mateo Rivas, Ivan Manila and Thomas Bernardo brace for a spirited battle in the premier division of the event under the country’s longest talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro. The title chase in the distaff side

SuBIT draws Asia’s best triathletes

ASIA’S best elite triathletes mix it out in a fitting celebration of the 30th year of the Subic International Triathlon (SuBIT)—the longest running Olympic distance triathlon in Asia—at the Subic Bay Freeport on April 22 and 23.

Hanoi SEA Games gold medalist Fernando Casares and Philippine 2019 and Malaysia 2017 SEA Games women’s champion Kim Mangrobang.

is also expected to be wide-open with Chloe Mercado, Jelena Jana, Beatrice Panganiban and Sandra Bautista gearing up for a challenging week as they lead the field in both the 16- and 18-under divisions.

Maristella Torrecampo, Ave Policarpio, Francesca Ong and Dania Bulanadi, on the other hand, are in for a fierce battle in the girls’ 14-under class with Torrecampo also eyeing a “twinkill” as she is also the top seed in the 12-under play of the event backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and Universal Tennis Rating.

The 71 men and 50 women led by the top finishers from the recent 2023 Asian Triathlon Cup Hong-Kong will be up for a tough challenge from a bunch of seasoned campaigners from Australia and Guam.

Sporting the title “2023 NTT AST Subic Bay Asia Cup,” SuBit’s top placers in the men’s and women’s elite category earn points for their world and continental rankings.

SuBIT also serves as the final tune-up race of the country’s bets to the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games triathlon competition in May 26.

Bannering the locals’ charge are

Because of the significance of this year’s SuBIT organized by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), TRAP—a World Triathlon standards-compliant organization— has been all the more exacting with its race course design with the safety of the participants as primary goal and more challenging bike and run courses as corollaries.

SuBIT presented by NTT and Asian Triathlon with Philippine Sports Commission, Standard Insurance and Asian Center for Insulation Philippines Inc. had its water quality-tested and its race director adhering to the letter the technical delegate’s instructions on the various steps and procedures.

GYMNAST Charlie Manzano with Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.

STOPPING TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a top concern for Meralco.

GASTON

Motoring

B8

Friday, March 31, 2023

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

HERE COMES THE KIA EV6 GT-LINE

Story & photos by Randy

S. Peregrino

KIA Philippines has joined the EV race in the country with the recent launch of its flagship model, a battery electric crossover SUV- the EV6 GT-Line. Being supported by the Ayala Group’s EV Ecosystem, the EV6 will cater to the discerning EV market, which expects a convenient and enjoyable user experience. With charging options manufactured by Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (part of the Ayala Group) and its partner Greenstrum, plus the expanding charging system network provided by Ayala Land, everything would be set and worry-free.

“It is truly our honor to introduce this latest innovation by Kia: A sustainable car with zero emissions and a step toward Kia’s ambitious yet important transition into a future mobility solution brand,” said Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada. “Our one true message to the public aims to open their eyes to the reality and potential of Fully Electric Vehicles and that Kia PH is here to make EV ownership convenient, worry-free, and enjoyable.”

The EV6 GT-Line

THE variant offered locally is the GT-Line RWD long-range fitted with a 77.4- kWh high-voltage battery pack. More than its impressive output of 225 hp and a staggering 350N-m of instantaneous torque from pure electric power, the driving range is rated at an exceptional 528 kilometers (based on EPA rating). The interior design benefits greatly from applying Kia’s dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) despite being compact segmentwise, but its 2,900-mm wheelbase provides space similar to midsize SUVs. The exterior’s futuristic look complements

the clamshell hood, highlighting the impactful design philosophy. There are also contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. The side profile displays an aerodynamic and modernlooking crossover-inspired silhouette. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors, curving upwards towards the rear wheel arches to visually elongate the car’s profile. The rear end, meantime, displays a

sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert that appears to extend the window glass. Above sits a prominent wingtype roof spoiler and a raised lower spoiler atop the rear light cluster.

First drive

AROUND a month ago, Kia Philippines hosted a series of test drives, and we got to experience this exciting EV for the first time. After the morning briefing, the

EV6 was set and juiced up at Seda Hotel’s charging station. While it was not our first encounter with this vehicle, we could not get enough of its seemingly striking and oversized hatchback form. Once we got inside, everything was all set and ready to go. While there seemed to be a lot to take inside, the broad touchscreen panel immediately drew attention with all the information needed, particularly the current battery charge level and theoretical drive range. With a 90 percent battery charge, we drove to the Ilustrado Restaurant in

Intramuros, Manila.

Several kilometers into our drive, the perks of piloting a futuristic cockpit design started to kick in. The vehicle’s wide frame did not pose any concern, thanks to the excellent vantage point and 360-degree camera view. To say that everything inside was smooth and quiet is an understatement. Even the worst traffic-stricken area was no match to the tranquility of having zero noise and vibration. Only the muffled external sound, cool aircon breeze, and crisp audio sound from the 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound. Noteworthy was the various sound dynamics available to match your mood, aside from the default mode matching the acceleration.

Do not even ask us about the vehicle’s driving performance. Having 350 N-m of instantaneous torque from pure electric power at our disposal was an absolute delight. This EV being fast at the same time quiet hits differently. It was that kind of exhilaration one could only experience in a premium EV. While the acceleration surge was there, the vehicle’s impressive handling took control and made everything seamless. Not to mention the significantly strong regenerative braking every time we let go of the accelerator pedal. Interestingly, the paddle shifters were there to control the level of regenerative braking force.

Equally satisfying was the attention we got from the public throughout the drive since our vehicle was unreleased and the only kind at that time. But all cars around us, even the luxury kinds, drivers, and passengers, could not help but glimpse this Moonscape-colored, gorgeous-looking, and full-electric crossover SUV. Truth be told, the experience was ultra-entrancing, and it was far better than the times when we drove luxury vehicles. To top it off, we returned to Ceda Hotel in BGC with an 80 percent battery charge level.

Peace of mind with minimal cost

THE EV6 is the recipient of the 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. Safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist Technology, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Safe Exit Assist, and 360-View Monitor. The enclosed Lithium-Ion battery cells (floor-mounted) are IP66 rated on water and dust resistance. Aside from having one of the most used electrical enclosures with plastic hinges and waterproof gaskets, the EV6 is also equipped with a water-sensing system. In the unlikely event of water intrusion, it will automatically shut off the EV system. Kia Philippines has all the tools and EV6-specific equipment to address any concerns, including locally-available parts and world-class trained technicians. Kia Philippines claims owning an EV6 is much more cost-efficient than conventional cars. There is no need for engine oil changes, oil filters, spark plugs, and other lubricants. Based on the estimate, only around P25,000 would be spent for five years versus an average of P110,000 for maintenance for a similar-sized ICE car. Interestingly, the EV6 is equipped with the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature beneficial during power outages or camping trips to power up gadgets and devices.

Price points and warranty

The EV6 GT-Line, with all its inclusions, retails at P3.788 million. It includes a portable charger; 5 years or 160,000-km vehicle warranty and eight years or 160,000-km HV battery system warranty, whichever comes first; 5 years of free Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS); and five years of free 24/7 Roadside assistance. Body colors are Moonscape, Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Yacht Blue, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Freeways forever partners of growth

I’VE said it before but I’ll say it again: America’s freeway system was born because of cars.

It was Henry Ford who pioneered it. The innovative American thinker said the business of cars will never prosper without a road project spanning America. With willpower, most dreams do become real.

That’s why every time I see Ramon S. Ang (RSA) launch an expressway dream, heartily applaud. He must be the country’s Henry Ford?

Already, RSA had built the TPLEX going up North, the SLEX, Star Tollway, CBEX coming down South, and the Skyway in the metropolis connecting the SLEX to NLEX, to name just a few.

All his efforts could only mean one thing: Improving the lives of Filipinos through job opportunities, comfort and safety in travels, and spurring economic growth.

Now comes RSA’s new road map: the NBEX (Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway) to chiefly

benefit the highway system between the eastern and western portions of Batangas.

“This project will further unlock the economic potential of Batangas,” said RSA, the President/CEO of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) that will undertake the P44-billion project.

So ambitious is the 61-km plan that it will also expand growth to the vast, untapped resources of Bicolandia via Southern Tagalog once the venture is completed in 2027 as the road map is hatched in partnership with the Batangas provincial government through Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas.

In a statement, SMC’s Francene F. Callueng said the signing of the 35-year concession at the Balayan Government Center came on the heels of RSA being named an adopted son of Batangas.

“This project will drive a lot of development for our province,” said Mandanas. “Marami itong maibibigay na tulong sa ating mga mamamayan. Tunay pong partner in development ang San Miguel hindi lamang

posaBatangas,kundisabuongPilipinas.”

In response, Ang said: “Batangas province has always been very close to my heart. It is home to many of our facilities. It has always been a valuable and reliable partner of San Miguel and as such, it is vital to our efforts to support our national economy and uplift the lives of many Filipinos through regional development.”

RSA added: “I’m glad that our company will have another opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration with Batangas. We have committed to deliver 70 percent of the project’s profits to the local government to provide vital services for our kababayans in the province. This will be key to furthering the growth of the province and improving lives and livelihood.”

Ang said the NBEX will cut travel time by half from Nasugbu to Bauan from 1.5 hours to just 45 minutes, and from 5 hours to just 2 hours from Manila to Batangas and back.

The terminus of NBEX at Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, connects the expressway to another SMC Infrastructure project, the CaviteBatangas Expressway (CBEX), which leads to Tagaytay City and Silang, Cavite.

RSA’s newest babe is targeted to open in four years.

May his tribe increase.

PEE STOP Isuzu Tagum of Image Motors Davao del Sur Inc. celebrated its second anniversary recently that featured a truck fest led by its best-seller Isuzu Travis. An ecstatic Tetsuya Fujita, the Isuzu Philippines Corp. president, has sent his congratulatory message in praise to the successful occasion. Cheers!

EVERYTHING inside is high-tech

SLOPING C-pillar with glossy inserts, wing-type roof spoiler and a raised lower spoiler atop the rear light cluster

PEZA

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY

PEZA AT 28

Setting higher investment records, growth targets

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) celebrated its 28th anniversary last February 24, 2023, commemorating milestones achieved and challenges surpassed for the past years in making the Philippines the investment destination in Asia.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga described PEZA’s growth over the past 28 years as phenomenal, as PEZA “continues to be relevant and vibrant with the mandate to spread the development of ecozones nationwide.”

“Given the growth mindset of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and where the Philippines is in a sweet spot to benefit from the changes around the world, we must continue our shared efforts to contribute to the overall growth

and development of our country through the strengthening of our economic development program,” Panga said. This was seconded by Deputy Director General Vivian Santos who added that she was confident that PEZA is off to a good start considering the agency’s achievements in the first two months of 2023.

A leading investment promotion agency (IPA) and pioneer in the implementation of the ecozone program, PEZA accounts for at least 80 percent of the

country’s total annual exports of goods and services.

February investments

JUST last February 23, 2023, the PEZA Board approved 12 new expansion projects expected to bring in a total of P3.80 billion in investments. This is a 112 percent increase when compared to the P1.792 billion approved during the same period last year.

Of the approved projects, five are for export manufacturing, three for facilities, one for IT, one

for logistics, one for utilities, and one expansion for manufacturing ecozone. These projects will be located in Taguig City, Laguna, Batangas, Tarlac, and Palawan.

“As of 2023, PEZA has endorsed to the Office of the President a total of 21 ecozone development projects pending their proclamation. Once proclaimed, these projects will bring in P21.207 billion in investments,” Panga said.

Following PEZA’s positive performance for 2022, the agency has recorded an increase of 83.69

percent in investments with the approval of P6.39 billion of investments from 19 projects du ring the first Board meeting last January 2023.

Agency performance

During the agency’s anniversary celebration, Panga reported that PEZA had accumulated a total of P4.177 trillion in investments and US$998.519 billion in exprts from 4.,346 locator companies located in the 420 ecozones.

To date, there are a total of 420

PEZA ecozones nationwide hosting 4,346 locator companies and creating 1.8 million direct jobs.

At the rate PEZA is going, Panga is confident that “PEZA has achieved the level of annual investments approved in 2018. That means that the country’s ecozones and high-performance investments are back to the pre-pandemic, even surpassing the 2018 level. This also indicates that we have survived the recovery period and is anticipating an upturn in our economy.”

“A total of 29 new and expansion

Continued on C4

Tereso O. Pangan, Director General of the Philippine Export Zone Authority

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and PEZA employee awardees.

Philippine Economic

PEZA CONFIDENT OF MORE JAPANESE INVESTMENTS IN ECOZONES AFTER PBBM’S STATE VISIT

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General

Tereso O. Panga, who was part of the delegation to Japan with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last February 8 to 12, is upbeat with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr.’s continuous efforts to forge partnerships and explore more investment deals with various Japanese firms in a bid to make the Philippines an investment haven in Asia.

“We thank President Marco for promoting the country as the smart destination in the region and for drawing $10 billion in investment pledges as he assured the Japanese investors that their businesses will thrive in the Philippines,” stated Panga.

He added, “In support of the government's investment

and export-led growth strategy, PEZA continues to enhance its business ecosystem in the ecozones to be able to attract more investments, jobs, exports and other economic opportunities for the country.”

Panga also shared that he is expecting more Japanese business partners and companies to come as the

REINFORCING PARTNERSHIPS FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION

IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid turns over the Philippine IT-BPM Industry Roadmap 2028 to PEZA Director General Theo Panga.

On behalf of the Philippine IT-BPM industry and its 1.57 million employees, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on their 28th year anniversary.

PEZA has been a crucial growth and transformation partner of the sector and the association for many years, and we are honored to have played a part in their rich history of nation-building and economic development. Reaching this new milestone is a testament to their continuing significance to the Philippines and the Filipino talent.

We would also like to share our pleasure in the well-deserved appointment of Mr. Tereso O. Panga as the Director General of PEZA. Since assuming the role of Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in June 2022, Mr. Panga has demonstrated a strategic approach to reinforcing the country’s global competitiveness through sound policies, compelling incentives, and a business-friendly environment. Under his leadership, IBPAP is confident that PEZA will remain a pillar of growth and transformation for the IT-BPM sector as it aims to become a US$59 billion industry with a 2.5 million-strong workforce by 2028.

Our best wishes to PEZA and DG Theo!

President continues to market the Philippines hand-inhand with PEZA, the Board of Investments (BOI), and other investment promotions agencies (IPAs) at the forefront of promoting the Philippines as one of the best long-term business locations in South East Asia.

State visit to Japan

THE Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced that “about US$10 billion or around P500 to P550 billion in investment pledges were acquired during the President’s visit to Japan.”

Meanwhile, about US$13 Billion or P708.2 billion investments were obtained from the Japanese government and investors that will create more than 24,000 jobs in the country.

This came after Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual mentioned that “35 key [investment] deals were signed between the Philippine and Japanese government and business leaders.”

With the Signing of Letters of Intent (LOI), various business sectors such as in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications are ‘ready

to go’ to boost trade and strategic partnerships between the two countries.

According to the President, the Japanese government and business leaders that he has met with are very open to discussions for the plans to help increase the development of the Philippines.

“We look forward to future projects in the following sectors from both portfolio and foreign direct investors as we are certain that these will materialize into a fair return to both parties. The Philippines is a great investment area as it leads economic recovery and performance in the Asia-Pacific Region, not only in the [said] region, but also in the whole world,” Marcos said.

The goal is for the Philippines to focus on the fields of knowledge and technology sectors, green metals, digital transformation, modernization of food and health sectors, artificial intelligence, biomaterial research and development, data center, as well as animation and game development.

Leading PEZA locator

PEZA records indicate that Japan has been the leading country in investing in the

Philippine economic zones.

Of the total investments and locators, Japanese companies accounted for revenues totaling P745.637 billion or 27.42 percent of total PEZA generated business.”

“The 884 Japanese companies have weathered the pandemic and continue to provide much needed jobs for Filipinos. They have committed to sustain their operations in our economic zones because of conducive business climate that the PEZA provides. These despite strong competition from other offers among ASEAN member states,” Panga said.

“We have already received more inquiries from interested Japanese companies who will greatly add to the exports of the Philippines in the amount of US$15.865 Billion US Dollars,” he added.

Notable Japanese locator companies that took part in PBBM's working visit-business forum like Murata, Brother, Epson, Minebea, Tamiya, Mitsubishi Motors, TDK, Toyota group, Japan Tobacco Inc., Sumitomo, Marubeni, Yokowo, Ibiden, and Nidec are in for the long haul with their bigticket investments, increased employment and production capacities in the pipeline.

Panel discussion on the Philippine Economic Performance and Outlook.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, PEZA Board Member Robert Aranton, Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairman Pablo Gancayco, Federation of Ecozone Service Providers Association President Perry Ferrer and other representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the working visit in Japan.

Economic Zone Authority

PEZA lauds the recognition of Ecozone Logistics Services as an eligible activity in the SIPP

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has welcomed the recognition of the ecozone logistics services enterprises (ELSEs) as an eligible activity in the new Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) which lists the priority industries, sectors, and business projects that may qualify for investment incentives under Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

“We thank the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for finally resolving our pending concern on the recognition and eligibility of ELSEs for registration with the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) with incentives,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga.

ELSE as qualified activity

THE BOI recently released Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023001 dated January 31, 2023, which clarified the coverage of logistics services as one of the activities in support of exporters under the 2022 SIPP pursuant to Section 300 of the CREATE Act and Sections 2 and 3 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations. The same has been circularized by PEZA through MC No. 2023010 and the BIR under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 15-2023, both dated 03 February 2023.

Initially, PEZA made a case to the Board of Investments (BOI) for the inclusion in the SIPP of other ecozone locators (other than those into export manufacturing and IT services) that provide support to export activities such as ecozone developers/ operators, utilities, facilities and logistics service enterprises. These are the types of enterprises that PEZA are authorized to register under R.A No. 7916 otherwise known as the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 or the PEZA Charter.

“While the BOI has adopted our recommendation with the inclusion of support to export activities in the SIPP, we encountered a problem with the BIR RMCs that limited the grant of incentives to only those registered business enterprises whose activities are covered by their definition for export enterprise. This ‘limitation’ has effectively barred both existing (prior to CREATE) and new locator investors (under CREATE) providing support to export activities from enjoying their incentives,” Panga said.

“With the clarification issued by the BOI and BIR, the existing ELSEs can now enjoy their incentives (i.e., Zero VAT rating on qualified local purchases) pursuant to the sunset provision. For new ELSEs, they may be entitled to the incentives under the CREATE Act,” he explained. The MC affirms the entitlement to VAT zero rating incentives on local purchases of ELSEs registered under type (3) of Board Resolution No. 97-366, as amended, or the Guidelines for Registration and Operations of Ecozone Facilities Enterprise Engaging in Warehouse Operations”. However, to be considered exporters under the definition of Section 293 (E) of the CREATE Act, ELSEs shall render at least 70 percent of their output/ services to another registered export enterprise either through direct or constructive exports.

Production related raw materials

ELSEs are traders supplying production-related raw materials and equipment that cater exclusively to requirements of ecozone locators. It provides a critical support particularly to export manufacturing companies with their requirements for logistics support to facilitate their import and export shipments, sourcing of raw

materials, inventory management, just in time deliveries, localization and process customization.

“Together with the ELSEs and other locators that provide support to export enterprises, PEZA ecozones have long been a participant in the global value chain by attracting global manufacturing and ICT industry leaders to set up their facilities in the ecozones, thus generating the much-needed jobs, investments, and export revenues for the country,” noted Panga.

To date, PEZA has registered 340 ELSEs with total investments of P11.154 billion. Of these, Japanese FDI share in ELSE accounts for P3.499 Billion.

Among the leading Japanese ELSEs are Nagase Philippines International Services Corporation; Inabata Philippines, Inc.; Lima Logistics Corporation; Tokai Electronics Philippines, Inc.; and NX Logistics Philippines, Inc. This is a welcome development particularly for Japanese Investors as they look forward to PBBM’s state visit to Japan this week.

Overall, the 884 Japanese locator companies continue to be the biggest investors in the PEZA zones accounting for P745.637 billion investments or 27.42 percent of the total investments in PEZA. These companies also generated US$15.865 billion exports and 315,619 direct jobs as of November 2022.

“We hope the BOI and BIR will issue as soon as possible a similar clarification on the eligibility of the other ecozone locators that provide critical support to export locators such as the ecozone developers, embedded ecozone power, water, and telecommunications utilities, environmental management facilities with their inclusion in the SIPP. These enterprises complete the ecosystem in the ecozones without which our RBEs cannot operate efficiently,” Panga said.

PEZA vows to strengthen EODB

WITH this, PEZA resolved to further strengthen its ease of doing business (EODB) and digital transformation especially with the inclusion of the ecozone development program in the newly launched Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, and in support of the DTI Science, Technology, Innovation-Driven Industrialization Strategy.

PEZA’s EODB has received recognitions from investors and even various organizations such as the UNCTAD-ASEAN and the US Department of State.

Likewise, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President George Barcelon highlighted the ease of doing business in PEZA, among others, and how it correlates to the country's ability to attract investments. He likewise emphasized the reason behind investors wanting to invest in the country through PEZA thus the need for LGUs to adopt the DNA of PEZA.

“I think our solution is for the local government to have the DNA of PEZA. If you talk about growth [and] inclusivity for the country, the growth should be throughout the Philippines and I think the local government plays a key role in making things easy for people to want to invest in the area of their jurisdiction,” expressed Barcelon.

Panga has committed to strengthen the agency’s investment promotion and facilitation efforts by remaining true to its mandate and aggressively promoting the Philippines as an investment haven in Asia.

In 2022, a total of 29 ecozone development projects were approved by the PEZA Board and are now awaiting presidential proclamation.

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

PEZA AT 28

Setting higher investment records, growth targets

competitive and vibrant as it carries out its mandate to develop ecozones particularly in rural and new growth areas to generate more and high-impact investments, jobs, exports and other economic opportunities for the country.”

To complement the Agency’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business (EODB) particularly in the zones, PEZA is strengthening its investment promotion efforts to attract strategic and big-ticket investments in the country.

for those who will be assigned by their LGU’s and NGA’s as frontliners in investment promotions pursuant to EO 18.

“The integration of SMEs into the ecozone value chain is also one of our priorities for they are supporting operations of our locator companies,” Panga said.

SME integration

projects for ecozone development forecasted to bring in P96.215 billion investments have been approved by the PEZA Board from January to December 2022,” he said.

The bulk of the investments, or about P90.646 billion, are from the 11 approved projects during the July to December 2022 period.

On key reforms

PANGA also shared that for 2022,

the total payment of dividends amounted to P1.542 billion, making up for the overall P26.889 billion of remittances to the national government from 1995 to 2022.

Further, from October to December 2022, PEZA signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) namely with Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. (UGEP), Quantum Global Corporation, Entoria Energy, and Junca Global Partner, Inc. and two Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with Securities and Exchange

Commission and AIM.

The automation of systems and processes are also ongoing such as for eLOAs, e-payment system, surveillance, visa processing and visa ID, digitization, supply chain marketplace, financial system and EPAMs, and cyber security solutions.

“The implementation of minigrid and solar energy development in Baguio City, Mactan, and Cavite Economic Zones will make PEZA a model in terms of compliance and eco-industrial parks, ” he said.

Employee recognition

For the period 2021 to 2023, PEZA awarded the Milestone Anniversary Awards to its employees who have been with the agency from 10 to 45 years.

For the 2023 Anniversary Award, 82 PEZANs were awarded; 35 PEZAns for 2022 Anniversary Award, and 17 PEZANs for 2021 Anniversary Award.

Further, the agency also gave out the PEZA Employee of the Year Award to 20 PEZAns from the Head Office and clusters 1 to 3 for their dedication, service, and exemplary performance.

“For the past 28 years and even during the EPZA years, it is not only our investment partners, the government, and private sectors that have helped us in performing our mandate to our utmost. PEZA and our economic zones also flourish upon your existence, PEZANs. You have all poured blood, sweat, tears, and joy to build PEZA to where it is today,” Santos said. 28 years and beyond MOVING forward, Panga said that “PEZA will continue to be relevant,

As such, PEZA also expects more projects this year as a result of its investment missions in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Switzerland, Mongolia, the USA, and the other upcoming trips.

“PEZA is lobbying for the revisit of the CREATE Act and the amendment of the 28-year-old PEZA law to better adapt to the changes in the market and the current movement of the country’s investment and business climate,” Panga said.

New ecozones WITH the inclusion of the ecozone development program in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, Panga is positive that “more ecozones will be proclaimed by the President and created especially in the countryside and we can expect more investments to come through our economic zones.”

Additionally, PEZA welcomes the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 18 for its “whole-of-government approach” in easing the conversion of investment pledges to actualize on the ground presence of foreign investors’ companies and facilities. With this, PEZA is committed to knowledge transfer and conduct of best practices training

THE SME integration is also in line with the Agency’s main strategies to strengthening its investment promotions and facilitation through the creation and registration of New Frontiers in Ecozone Development such as aerotropolis, biotech centers, e-commerce zone, free trade zones, aquamarine parks, halal and food production hubs, high-tech parks, and jewelry parks.

Thanking Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual on the ratification of RCEP by the Senate, Panga said, “PEZA hopes to attract more FDI from the RCEP member economies and especially from non-traditional trading and investment country sources such as China, Australia, and New Zealand.”

“In the process, this will expand the ecozone FDI sources, diversify export products and markets, and contribute to infrastructure development that will address the gaps in the supply chain,” Panga said.

As for their growth targets, Panga said the agency is targeting a growth of eight percent for jobs, nine percent in exports, and 10 percent in investments which are all aligned with other industries: IBPAP (10 percent), SEIPI (nine percent), and the Philippine GDP growth rate target of six to seven percent this year.”

PEZA lauds inclusion of ecozone development in PDP 2023-2028

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) management is grateful that the economic zone development program has been included in the PDP 2023-2028.

“This solidifies the strategic role of economic zones in the country’s economic progress as mentioned in the 1st State of the Nation Address (SONA) of PBBM,” said PEZA Executive Director Tereso O. Panga.

“As we welcome the new year, we in PEZA are preparing more initiatives and synergy with other government agencies to strengthen the country’s economic zones in line with the PDP of the Marcos administration in the next five years. With the inclusion of the ecozone development program, we are positive that more ecozones will be approved and created especially in the countryside,” said Panga.

“We in PEZA have lobbied through NEDA to include economic zones in the PDP as for a time in the previous administration that it was forgotten or excluded. Strengthening our ecozone development initiatives is a must as this will serve as a catalyst for growth in the country.”

“Ecozones can be shields to soften the landing of the headwinds, the external constraints, and all these global disruptions happening especially during this time. The other side

to this is that ecozones can be economic drivers to accelerate economic recovery and growth,” he explained.

PDP 2023-2028

Under the PDP 2023-2028, PEZA is tasked to expedite the implementation of the ecozone transformation roadmap which expands the different types of special economic zone registrable under PEZA. This includes the new frontiers for ecozone development which PEZA has been advocating as a catalyst for growth and development.

According to the plan, “the creation of ecozones will… maximize investments and promote industrial dispersion especially outside metropolitan areas. Further, the ecozones will be integrated into the local economy by relaxing the requirements, facilitating the free flow of parts, components, and other inputs, and increasing open trade between zone locators and firms outside the zones.”

Aside from the ecozone development, the amendment of the 27-year-old PEZA Law and the promotion of co-location of industry and services, including academic institutions through the development of KIST parks[2] have also been included as initiatives to revitalize the industry by transforming production sectors to generate more quality jobs and competitive products.

Ecozone Approvals in 2022

In 2022, PEZA has approved a total of 29 ecozone development projects amounting to PhP 96.21 billion, 11 of which were registered during the first six months of the Marcos administration and amounting to P90.65 billion or 94% of the total investments.

The largest investment among the said projects is a mixed-used special economic zone for manufacturing and tourism to be located in Pangasinan, with a project cost of about P81.648 billion.

Of the total approved ecozone projects, 13 were information technology (IT) parks and centers, 12 were manufacturing ecozones, two in tourism, one (1) in agroindustrial and one (1) in mixeduse for manufacturing and tourism ecozone.

Most of the projects registered in 2022 will be located in CALABARZON with eight (8) ecozone development projects.

To date, there are a total of 421 PEZA ecozones nationwide hosting 4,346 locator companies and creating 1.8 million direct jobs.

Panga said, “With our enhanced investment laws and strengthened ecozone development programs, we remain bullish that we will be able to jumpstart the economy and keep up with the strong competition worldwide.”

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga and 20 years PEZA Service Awardees.

Continued from C1

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga presents his accomplishment report during the agency’s anniversary celebration