BusinessMirror May 06, 2024

Asean+3 seen providing 45% of global growth till ’30

TBILISI, Georgia—The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus three (Asean+3) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors expect the region to contribute nearly half of global growth until 2030.

T he Asean+3

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors said over the weekend, that medium term growth in the region is expected to outpace that of the global economy and contribute 45 percent to global growth.

However, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors noted that monetary policy should continue to re -

main tight in many member countries to ward off rising inflation, deemed a threat to near-term growth.

Risks could affect Asean+3 prospects in the near-term, including potential geopolitical tensions, a spike in global commodity prices and transportation costs, and a slowdown in growth of major trading partners, as well as heightened foreign exchange market volatility driven by negative spillovers from external factors; in the medium to long term, these risks could include climate change and aging population,” the statement read.

T he Asean+3 region is expected to

post an average growth of 4.5 percent this year and 4.2 percent in 2025, but growth is threatened by high commodity prices, transportation costs, and geopolitical risks, among others.

“ We view that monetary policy should remain relatively tight as necessary in many member economies to ensure inflation expectations are firmly anchored in the view of the continued risks to inflation,” the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors said.

Fiscal policy

APART from a tight monetary policy, the Asean+3 Finance Ministers and

Central Bank Governors said the economies in the region must also prioritize fiscal policy to help restore buffers.

T he positive outlook for the region, they said, would help in this regard. Better growth prospects are expected to allow economies in the region to “rebuild” the policy space lost during the pandemic.

E arlier, the Bureau of the Treasury reported that the country’s outstanding debt had already reached P14.925 trillion as of the end of the first quarter of 2024.

DEBT PAYMENTS SURGE

TBy Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

HE national government disbursed a total of P986.036 billion in the first quarter of 2024 for payment of its domestic and external debts, with amortization outpacing interest payments for March, based on the latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

Data showed the government’s debt payments as of end-March surged by 74.30 percent, or P420.32 billion, from P565.716 in the same period in 2023. Broken down, amortization, or the repayment of loan principal over time, increased by 87.15 percent to P793.044 billion from the P423.739 billion made last year; while interest payments, or the payment determined by the interest rate of an account, also expanded by 35.93 percent to P192.992 billion from last year’s P141.977 billion. Under amortization, domestic amortization reached P699.673 billion as of the first quarter; while payments for external amorti -

By Cai U. Ordinario

TBILISI, Georgia—The Philippine government encouraged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide more support to local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase their competitiveness.

I n a written statement submitted through Department of Finance

Undersecretary Joven Z. Balbosa, the Philippines said help for the MSMEs is crucial to the country’s development. Balbosa served as Temporary Alternate Governor on behalf of Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

T he statement noted that MSMEs account for 99.58 percent of the country’s business sector. Helping MSMEs could also be an “enormous opportunity” for the Manila-based multilateral development bank, the statement read.

“ There is enormous opportunity for the Bank to develop and improve the capacities of our Micro Small and Medium Enterprises [MSMEs]

which comprises 99.58 percent of our business sector,” it added.

A part from help for MSMEs, Manila also urged the ADB to provide financial support for the longterm sustainable development aims of developing member countries (DMCs), including the Philippines.

T he national government sought more ADB grants and concessional financing resources for developing countries to address development gaps.

T he Philippines, as a Middle Income country that is poised to graduate to Upper Middle Income country, obtains financing from the ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources (OCR) which represents less concessional financing.

We hope that the ADB will make further headway on improving and enhancing its organization and structure, operational approaches, and financial capacit¡ies

AWESOME MAYON, THRILLING RIDE

DOE awards 92 offshore wind energy service deals

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a total of 92 offshore wind (OSW) energy service contracts with a potential capacity 65 gigawatt hours (GWh).

T hese are spread mainly in north of Luzon, west of Metro Manila, north and south of Mindoro, Panay and Guimaras Strait. The DOE said all OSW service contracts are currently under development stage, mainly preliminary wind data gathering, applications for endorsement, and request for system impact studies.

the World Bank said earlier.

A n environmentalist think tank released early this month a report citing three high-potential OSW development zones in the country.

A ccording to Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), these are located near Manila Bay, Tayabas Bay, and Guimaras.

“ To keep pace with its economic growth and energy security, Southeast Asian countries need to rapidly develop renewable energy, of which wind power has huge room for development.

T hese zones were also chosen for their high wind speeds of greater than 7 meters per second, proximity to major load centers in southern Luzon and western Visayas, areas with relatively shallow water depths that allow for fixed foundation wind turbine generator designs for the market’s first projects, and access to deeper areas for floating offshore wind farms.

T he government paid P138.878 billion in domestic interest payments, 45.69 percent higher than it did in 2023 at P95.325 billion.

M eanwhile, foreign interest payments rose by 15.99 percent to P54.114 billion from P46.652 billion in 2023.

D omestic interest payments comprised mainly interest payments for Fixed Rate Treasury Bonds at P91.714 billion, followed by Retail Treasury Bonds at P35.031 billion, Treasury Bills at P8.704 billion, and others at P3.429 billion.

March data

Manila Bay and Tayabas Bay have the potential for near-term—likely operational by 2035—OSW development, with wind farms using fixed foundation turbines and wind service energy contract (WSEC) leases of less than 300 megawatts (MW).

F our of the 92 OSW service contracts recorded as of March 25 were awarded to 100-percent foreign owned companies. OSW is the only renewable energy with its own Executive Order which directs the establishment of the policy and administrative framework for its development.

T he Philippines has immense OSW potential, with the World Bank estimating over 178 GWs of technical offshore wind potential. With a rapidly rising energy demand and goals to increase RE shares to 50 percent in the country’s energy mix by 2040, OSW is seen playing a key role in boosting energy security and decarbonization efforts in the Philippines. Building up the country’s offshore wind market can also spur job creation, local economic growth and low-cost sustainable energy,

This report explores potential offshore wind power areas for development in the Philippines and identifies specific challenges potentially preventing market readiness for large-scale offshore wind projects,” said Wini Rizkiningayu, Regional Director, RMI Southeast Asia Energy Program.

R MI partnered with the Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility (SEACEF) to conduct this study, funded by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Tara Climate Foundation.

T he three high-priority OSW zones were chosen for their potential to provide the Philippines’s first OSW projects and future opportunities for longer-term development as a floating OSW market matures.

T he waters surrounding Guimaras Province are recommended for near-term development for fixed foundation turbines. Available WESCs in this area have economies of scale with 600 MW or higher capacities, the report said.

T he report recommended a phased development based on where ports and transmission can best support smaller capacity OSW, or those more than 300MW, specifically near Manila Bay and Tayabas Bay, where substations are better equipped for interconnection and nearby ports would require minimal upgrades.

FOR the month of March, the government’s debt payments almost tripled year-on-year to P533.523 billion from P142.171 billion in 2023.  I nterest payments in March rose by 16.50 percent to P70.944 billion from P60.898 billion in the same month in 2023, with both domestic and external interest payments also up to P55.705 billion and P15.239 billion, respectively.

strong progress in areas that are key to achieving our priorities.”

T his allocable net income is defined as net income after appropriation of guarantee fees to the special reserve and certain adjustments reported in the cumulative revaluation adjustments account.

T he ADB said the bulk or $1.005 billion of the 2023 allocable net income will be allocated for ADB’s ordinary reserve to support the bank’s capital growth and provide an earnings base to generate income.

T his will be followed by the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which extends grants to the poorest Developing Member Country members worth $292.5 million.

to maximize the Bank’s potential in providing more grants and additional concessional financing resources to support developing countries in addressing the gaps and complex challenges in the global development landscape,” the statement read.

Nonetheless, the Philippine government recognized the approval of the enhanced Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF) that will provide $100 billion in additional lending capacity for the next decade.

M anila said it expects the ADB to use the CAF in order to maximize the support to alleviate and address ongoing crises as well as “unprecedented events” that could occur.

T he Philippines also said it looked forward to the implementation of the $10 billion in climate financing to be extended by ADB to the country in the next five year.

“ We encourage the Bank to scale up support in this area to countries similarly situated and bearing the brunt of the major effects of climate change,” the statement read.

T he Philippine goverment also “strongly encouraged” the ADB to “revisit and ensure” that safeguard standards and policies are streamlined to consider local regulations.

I n relation to this, the national government encouraged ADB to strengthen coordination with local authorities to ensure that project bottlenecks are addressed.

The Philippines remains firm that the way forward to bridge the Asia Pacific to our desired future could be achieved with strengthened international development cooperation,” the statement read.

“ The ADB has a significant role in supporting the developing countries, most especially the LMICs and MICs in realizing the path towards a sustainable and inclusive development,” it added. The ADB has provided an estimated $4.48 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the Philippines since 2022.

T he ODA financed key projects and programs related to business and employment, agriculture, inclusive finance, and funding of critical infrastructure projects. Cai U. Ordinario

A mortization payments in March, meanwhile, surged by almost a fifth at 469.17 percent yearon-year to P462.579 billion from P81.273 billion in 2023.  D omestic amortization rose to P455.910 billion in March year-onyear from P73.361 billion in 2023, while external amortization went down to P6.669 billion from P7.912 billion in March 2023. L ast year, the state reported a total of P1.603 trillion in debt payments, with amortization at P975.278 billion outpacing interest payments at P628.333 billion. A s of March 2024, the government has an outstanding debt of P14.925 trillion, with domestic debt amounting to P10.277 trillion and external debt at P4.648 trillion.

T he Department of Finance (DOF) raised the government’s borrowing plan to P2.57 trillion in 2024, higher by 4.47 percent than the P2.46 trillion target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

committed $23.6 billion in loans, grants, guarantees, equity investments, and technical assistance in 2023, a 15-percent increase from the previous year.

T his included a record $9.8 billion in climate finance from ADB’s own resources, representing 41.5 percent of total commitments.

A sakwa also said ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department committed $3.8 billion for non-sovereign operations, with a significant increase in lending for frontier economies.

It can be noted that ADF received a fresh replenishment of $5 billion from various countries, including the Philippines.

T he country contributed about $3 million to the fund.

(See: https:// businessmirror com.ph/2024/05/04/phl-contributes-us3m-to-adf-to-helpwith-climate-crisis/).

T he allocable income of ADB also provided $110 million to the Technical Assistance Special Fund, which provides technical assistance grants to borrowing members to help prepare projects and undertake technical or policy studies.

S ome $15 million of the ADB’s net income will also be allocated to the Asian Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which provides immediate post-disaster grants to developing member countries for restoring lifesaving services.

Operations

ASAKAWA said that last year, ADB

T his was 7.71 percent or P1.068 trillion higher than the P13.856 trillion posted in 2023.

(See: https:// businessmirror com.ph/2024/05/03/ng-debtup-7-71-to-p14-9t-as-of-2024q1s-end/).

“ The priority for fiscal policy across the region is to restore fiscal buffers and strengthen fiscal sustainability while providing targeted support for the economy,” the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors said.

Balance of Payment

Support

TO contribute to these efforts, the Asean+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors also agreed to reform the Regional Financing Arrangement (RFA) by transforming the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) to include a “new paid-in capital structure” to complement the Global Financial Safety Net.

T he Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) was in -

“ADB met its corporate financing targets for health, gender, and education, and we are on track to meet our ambition for food security financing,” Asakawa said.  He added that the ADF commitments reached $721 million in 2023 and are projected to increase to $865 million in 2024.  A DB, Asakawa said, also introduced favorable concessional lending terms to small island developing members.

T he Manila-based multilateral development bank also launched the Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific, a landmark guarantee mechanism to scale up the region’s climate investment.

A t the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, “we unveiled our Climate Change Action Plan for 2023-2030.  “ This will guide support to our DMCs in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions and mobilize finance to help countries transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies,” the ADB said.

structed to study new financing structures to analyze other modalities and the implication of paid-in capital options for the CMIM.

T he Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors also moved to establish the Rapid Financing Facility (RFF) that incorporates “eligible freely usable currencies” as currencies of choice. It will become a new facility under CMIM.

“ We are confident that the establishment of this new facility under the CMIM will significantly bolster the regional resilience of Asean+3. This will be achieved by enabling members to access emergency financing during periods of urgent balance of payment needs, possibly arising from sudden exogenous shocks including pandemics and natural disasters,” the statement read.

T he Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors noted that the CMIM reforms and RFF will be approved in their next meeting, expected to happen in December 2024. Cai U. Ordinario

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Companies slow in complying with law on waste disposal’

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

WITH only 900 of the 4,000 obligated companies having complied, a law -

maker reiterated the urgency for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to enforce the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law of 2022 to guarantee the proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste by major corporations.

While lauding the Marcos administration’s recent partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) on mobilizing communities behind the protection of the blue carbon ecosystem and the reduction of plastic pollution, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte believes that these efforts should be accompanied by strict enforcement of the EPR Law.

“The EPR Law will mean nothing in our country’s green quest for a circular economy unless the DENR implements it

in a more stringent manner in order to increase compliance by big companies with its mandate for them to sign up and commit to the sustainable way of disposing of their waste, especially single-use plastics,” Villafuerte said.

Both agreements on environmental protection were signed by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, on behalf of the Philippines, and WEF Center for Nature and Climate managing director Neo Gim Huay, for the Geneva-based organization, on the sidelines of last year’s 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He highlighted the importance of holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the disposal of their products’ plastic packaging after consumer use.

Failure to comply with the EPR Law could result in significant fines and the

TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is batting for a plastic-free mining industry as part of its campaign against plastic pollution.

The MGB’s PLASTIKalikasan program launched on Earth Day on April 22 in San Fernando, La Union, aims to address plastic waste management in mining sites and its neighboring communities with the help of various stakeholders.

The program serves as a platform for mining and mineral processing companies to collect, recycle, reuse, and dispose of plastic waste. The program is set to be integrated into a company’s annual implementation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (Epep) and ISO 14001:2015, allocated with sufficient budget.

“At the DENR, our thrust on climate change adaptation and mitigation is at the forefront of our efforts. PLASTIKalikasan is not just a one-day clean-up project, it is a cornerstone of our strategy to build resilience against the

suspension of business permits for offending enterprises.

Villafuerte also underscored the need for the DENR to prioritize the implementation of the EPR Law in alignment with President Marcos’s nationwide clean-up initiative, “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Citing a 2023 study conducted by the DENR and partner institutions, Villafuerte revealed alarming statistics regarding plastic pollution in the Philippines.

He said urgent action is required to address the environmental and health hazards posed by plastic waste.

Villafuerte was one of the lead proponents of Republic Act 11898, which institutionalized the practice of EPR in waste management that imparts on producers, in coordination with their distributors and retailers, the responsibility of properly and effectively disposing of their products after they have been sold to and used by consumers.

He explained that the goal of RA 11898, or the EPR Law, is to reduce waste generation and improve the recyclability or reusability of such waste as plastic containers or packaging materials as part of a holistic approach to switching to an eco-friendly circular economy.

“Sadly, though, this government drive to reverse the worsening plastic waste pollution appears to be suffering from perfunctory implementation after Yulo-Loyzaga herself

MGB bats for plastic-free mines through PLASTIKalikasan program

impacts of climate change,” Environment

Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said in a statement.

Environment Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones delivered the same message on behalf of Yulo-Loyzaga during the Earth Day celebration.

The annual Epep outlines the methods and procedures a company will employ to achieve its environmental protection and management goals throughout the lifespan of the mine. Under the Philippine Mining Act

of 1995 and its revised implementing rules, the EPEP should be prepared and approved before the commencement of mining.

Fifteen MGB Regional Offices spearheaded community clean-up drives during the Earth Day 2024 celebration to launch the PLASTIKalikasan program. Together with MGB offices, over 7,000 participants from mining contractors and permit holders, as well as volunteers from communities, local government, and nongovernment organizations joined the activity. The initial report showed around 47,000 kilograms of plastic and other solid

revealed last year that only about 600, or 15, of the 4,000 enterprises obliged to practice EPR have thus far registered, in compliance with the EPR Law.”

Reports said that DENR revealed that as of February, the number of obliged companies that have registered in compliance with the EPR has increased to 900.

But this number, as of February 2024, represents only 22.5 percent of the 4,000 obliged companies, Villafuerte said.

He explained that under RA 11898, enterprises obliged to practice EPR that fail to register or comply with this law face fines ranging from P5 million to P20 million and automatic suspension of business permits, depending on whether the violators have committed their first, second, or third offenses.

Villafuerte said that among the plasticbased products covered by RA 11898 are sachets, labels, laminates, and other flexible plastic packaging products; rigid plastic packaging products like containers for

waste were collected at several mining sites and its host and neighboring communities.

“I am delighted that our partners from the mineral industry, our local communities, and other stakeholders have partaken in this collective effort to restore, protect, and sustain our environment,” said Loyzaga.

“To our partners from the mineral industry, you play a crucial role in this endeavor. You share an equal responsibility in ensuring that your operations adhere to the highest standard of environmental protection and conservation,” she added.

MGB will officially incorporate PLASTIKalikasan in the EPEP for operationalization by 2025.

beverages, food, home, personal care, and cosmetic products, including their coverings, caps, or lids; and other necessities or promotional items such as cutlery, plates, drinking straws, or sticks, tarps, signage, or labels. Included, too, are plastic bags, particularly the single-use plastic ones used for carrying or transporting goods and provided or utilized at the point of sale; and polystyrene, which is a resin of synthetic origin used in making food trays or containers, disposable eating utensils, and foamed cups, bowls, and plates, he said.

Obliged enterprises are, under the law, required to establish and implement an auditing system to monitor and assess their compliance performance with RA 11898 and their EPR programs, he said, and are mandated to engage independent third-party auditors to certify the veracity of their respective reported plastic product footprint generation, recovery, and EPR program compliance.

A planned activity under PLASTIKalikasan is the implementation of an incentive program mechanism to motivate communities to actively participate in the reduction, recycling, or upcycling of plastic waste. The details of the mechanism, including the types of incentives and the criteria for eligibility will be developed by MGB.

Another PLASTIKalikasan activity is the forging of partnerships between mining companies and non-government and recycling organizations.

According to the MGB, there are 59 operating metallic mines, 61 operating non-metallic mines, and eight mineral processing plants in the Philippines.

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte

The Nation

China’s ‘new model’ for Ayungin Shoal claim a lie–Teodoro

By Rex Anthony Naval

HE Chinese Embassy in Ma -

Tnila’s claim that ranking Philippine officials are aware of a “new model” in managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is another falsehood, Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said on Sunday.

Teodoro said the claim, which National Security Adviser Eduard Ano also disowned, aims to distract Filipinos from China’s continued “unlawful presence and actions” at the Philippines’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“I am issuing this statement to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ,” the defense chief pointed out.

Earlier, China claimed that the Armed Forces’s Western Command made the deal with them with approval of ranking government officials, including Teodoro.

“I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is a party to any ‘new model’ is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila, and it is curious that it comes right after their actions were condemned in the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii,” Teodoro said.

Condemned where the hostile and aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and its maritime militia allies against Filipino ships going about the WPS, the latest of which resulted in the damaging of a Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels, on humanitarian mission for fishermen out in Panatag Shoal, following heavy water cannoning.

“I reiterate that I have disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since the courtesy call of Ambassador Huang Xilian, a few days after I assumed office in July of last year. During the said courtesy call, there was no discussion or briefing on any ‘gentleman’s agreement’ or ‘new model,’ which is contrary to the Chinese Embassy’s pronouncements,” Teodoro stressed.

The DND chief also reiterated that “such baseless charade must stop.”

“We advise our citizens, the media, and the international community to beware of China’s methods of manipulation, interference, and malevolent influence in furthering its own interests,” Teodoro added.

China’s ‘grey zone activities’

MEANWHILE , the new US Indo-Pacific Command chief, Adm. Samuel Paparo has cited China’s “grey zone activities” as acts the US must be ready to answer.

Paparo’s statement came right after he replaced Admiral John Aquilino as commander in chief of the US Indopacom during a change of command ceremony presided by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the Hawaiian island of Oahu on May 3 (Hawaii time).

“Our world faces a complex problem set in the troubling actions of the People’s Republic of China [PRC] and its rapid build-up of forces. We must be ready to answer the PRC’s increasingly intrusive and expansionist claims in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said.

“Some call it the grey zone. My friend General [Romeo] Brawner from the Republic of the Philippines has a phrase called ICAD and he has renamed grey zone, which sounds otherwise benign and dull into ICAD which is Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive,” he added.

Security and maritime law experts define grey zone operations as tactics or activities that are below the threshold of what constitute an aggression to prevent the attacked country from using self-defense.

In the West Philippine Sea, experts see Beijing’s dangerous use of coast guards and maritime militia vessels, and water cannons against Filipino civilian vessels as examples of grey zone tactics.

Paparo said the Indopacom will also concentrate on ways to help partners maintain peace while safeguarding their sovereign rights.

“We will safeguard the international order characterized by transparency, cooperation, fair competition, and the rule of law. We’ll bring all to bear in all domains, harnessing an integrated capability supporting

Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo Nominated for LSE Volunteer of the Year Award

ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO , the founder of Build Initiative and a leading advocate for inclusivity and sustainable development, has been honored with a nomination for the Volunteer of the Year Award by the London School of Economics (LSE).

Lamentillo’s pioneering use of artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve languages on the brink of extinction has marked a significant milestone in cultural preservation and accessibility. Her initiatives focus not only on enhancing communication across the

Philippines’s diverse linguistic landscape but also on saving critical heritage for future generations. In addition to her linguistic efforts, Lamentillo’s leadership in the Build Initiative has fostered key partnerships in four continents—Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the United States—enhancing global sustainability efforts.

These collaborations focus on combating climate change and promoting ecological sustainability through strategic use of technology and AI, with projects like Carbon Compass, which

SECRETARY Gilbert Teodoro

partnerships to maintain peace and security while safeguard sovereign rights,” he said.

Speaking before high-ranking foreign military leaders, including the AFP chief of staff, Brawner, Paparo said the US Indopacom under his command will continue working in concert with US allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“[W]e’ll strive for the peaceful resolution of any crisis or conflict but make no mistake, we will be ready to fight any adversary that threatens the peace, security, stability and well-being of the nation and of our allies and partners,” he said.

“The team is uniquely ready to shape the current strategic environment to our nation and our allies and partners’ advantage,” he added.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin likewise mentioned China’s “increasingly coercive behavior” in the East and South China Seas, along the Line of Actual Control with India, and the Taiwan Strait, among others.

“You know, the PRC is the only country with both the will—and, increasingly, the capacity—to dominate the Indo-Pacific and to reshape the global order to suit its autocratic vision. And that’s why the PRC remains the Department’s pacing challenge,” he said in his speech.

The Indopacom is America’s oldest and largest combatant command responsible for an area described by Austin as a “priority theater of operations” for the US.

It consists of at least 380,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, coast guardsmen, and US Department of Defense civilians.

Año: Chinese Embassy claims ‘ludicrous’

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who served as Armed Forces

helps individuals and organizations worldwide manage and offset their carbon footprints.

The LSE Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their communities through voluntary service. Lamentillo’s nomination recognizes her transformative impact on both local and international scales, embodying the spirit of innovation and compassion that the award celebrates. Her ongoing work and academic

chief of staff, during the previous administration, on Sunday called the latest “new model” released by the Chinese Embassy on May 4 “absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous.”

In the Chinese Embassy Statement last Saturday, Año along with Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. was said to have agreed with the proposal, reportedly raised by the Armed Forces's Western Command, as part of the efforts to reduce tensions in Ayungin Shoal.

“The Chinese Embassy’s claim of a ‘new model’ or ‘common understanding’ is absolutely absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous. After the courtesy call of the Chinese Ambassador to my office early last year, I have not talked to any official from the Chinese Embassy directly or indirectly on any matter, much more to discuss any arrangement or deal with regards to our rightful and routinary resupply operations in Ayungin Shoal," he added.

Año also said no one in the Philippine government has been empowered nor authorized to enter into or commit to any sort of agreement, understanding, or arrangement—more so informal ones, by President Marcos.

“Neither I nor any other principals or officials from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea have consented nor committed to any proposal that will compromise the National Interest from agents of a foreign power actively engaged in oppressing us in our territories and waters. Nor will we ever even entertain proposals principally premised or grounded on the illegal, debunked, and fabricated 9 or 10 dash line,’” he added.

Año also reminded the Chinese Embassy that Filipinos will never fall for their fabricated stories, bluffs, and fake exchanges of communication just to support their illegal territorial claims and harassment of Filipino ships and their crews.

He also questioned the timing of the Chinese Embassy statement as it seems aimed at distracting attention from the bigger story of the piling of dead corral ruble in Pagasa Cays 1,2,3 which is meant to create a high tide man-made geologic feature between Pagasa Island and Subi Reef in an attempt to reverse the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award.  With PNA

engagement at LSE continue to inspire global leaders and policymakers, driving forward policies and initiatives that ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Other nominees include Advait Kuravi, Anna Ward, Ava Lundell, Crystal Wong, Dzigbodi Christon-Quao, Elizaveta Dubova, Ella Sawhney, Ella Vermeil, Emily Ngai, Erika Huartos, Evgeniia Zen, Grecia CamachoDominguez, Hasti Modi, Helen Bourne, Jessi Reid, Joe Card, Joelle Lok, Johanna Zackenfels, Koshiki Chauhan, Kristen Holdsworth, Lea Bourguignon, Liz Nirei, Madeline Bryden, Madison Bryan, Mahmoud Al Hamdan, Princewill Umannakwe, Sabrina Daniel, Sofie Hesthaven Pultz, Teloni Nkhalamba, Valli Vasanth, Vishruth Dhamodharan, William Weston, Xinyuan Wang, Zoe Cordner.

For more information about Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo’s work and the Build Initiative, please visit https://www.buildinitiative. foundation/.

ENGLISH & LITERATURE ADVOCACY City of Biñan Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. and Philippines Graphic Executive Vice-President-General Manager Loida S. Virtudazo pose with copies of the Philippines Graphic Reader after signing the Memorandum of Agreement that will promote English Proficiency through Literature to Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in the city’s 14 public high schools.

Biñan mayor backs NJLA-local govt advocacy for English and Literature

THE province of Laguna has a history rich in prose and poetry. It’s roster of poets and literary geniuses include no less than novelist and poet Dr. Jose Rizal—born in Calamba and schooled during his early years in Biñan—and Fr. Modesto de Castro, a Biñanense considered as the father of Tagalog classical prose.

It is this historical tradition of literary excellence that Biñan City Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. said he “wants to revive by endorsing the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards-Local Government Unit [NJLA-LGU] Advocacy for English and Literature project to Biñan’s public high schools.”

The NJLA-LGU project is the brainchild of Philippines Graphic, initiator of the NJLA and the Philippines Graphic Reader, the only monthly magazine completely devoted to publishing the short stories and poems written in English by budding and veteran Filipino writers and poets.

Dimaguila said that “stories and poems written in English by Filipino authors will help young students imbibe good English usage. Students will likewise find the literature more relatable since they reflect local culture, traditions, and experiences.”

He added: “Reading literature from Filipino fictionists and poets can foster a sense of pride and connection to their heritage among

ABy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

PPARENTLY taking a leaf from his own home city’s practice, Sen. Sherwin Gartchalian is urging the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to come up with more granular and location-specific heat indices to guide schools and local government units.

This, he said, will remove the “arbitrariness” in class suspensions because of extreme heat.

Gatchalian made the pitch just after the city council of his home city, Valenzuela, amended City Ordinance 2022 or the “Automatic Class Suspension Ordinance to add the “dangerous heat index” in the guidelines for suspension of face-to-face classes and work. The updated guidelines prescribe specific considerations in accordance with the forecasted heat index.

“I would like to suggest to Pagasa to come up with location-specific temperature forecasts, and if we need to buy technology or to help you with technology, the Senate can definitely assist you to help improve the decision-making of our LGUs and our school heads,” Gatchalian said.

“It is important to provide the schools and local government units with the necessary information so they can respond because a lack of information may also lead to a lack of advanced and strategic response, which can be detrimental to our students,” he added.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, cited the examples of tropical cyclone signals, which serve as the bases for class cancellations.

Gatchalian hopes to see something similar to help school heads and local chief executives make more informed decisions on canceling classes and prompt the rest of the school community to make their respective adjustments.

students. Seeing their own experiences in the stories and poems can be empowering and validating.”

Dimaguila said that on the whole, the advocacy effort between NJLA and the City of Biñan holds great promise in enriching the literary landscape of the community and empowering students to become discerning readers, thoughtful writers, and active participants in shaping their own narratives.”

There are 14 public junior and senior high schools in the City of Biñan, for a total of 5,163 Grade 9 learners and 4,864 Grade 10 learners.

Loida S. Virtudazo, executive vicepresident and general manager of Philippines Graphic bared that the NJLA-LGU Project “is the beginning of a long-range effort to engage local governments and public high schools in the promotion of English proficiency and Literature Appreciation through the Philippines Graphic Reader.” Virtudazo added that the NJLA will hold its annual awarding of the best short stories and the Poet of the Year on May 7 at the Samsung Hall, 6th floor, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. “We and our LGU partners will be announcing the schools where the featured short stories and poems in the Graphic Reader w ill be studied and appreciated,” she said.

While Education Assistant Secretary for Operations Cesar Bringas acknowledges that Pagasa’s forecasts only cover specific cities or provinces, class suspensions remain arbitrary because the applicability of these forecasts to surrounding areas is still unclear.

Marcelino Q. Villafuerte II, Pagasa Deputy Administrator for Research and Development, said that while the agency has limitations on its observation network, it is already exploring methods to estimate temperature values without a sensor. Villafuerte added that the agency is also exploring other science-based approaches to determine or at least estimate the temperature and heat index for a particular location. Villafuerte added that PAGASA is also looking at developing an interactive map that can show the heat index forecast for up to seven days in a specific location. In amending Valenzuela’s Ordinance 1052, Series of 2022, city authorities now mandate that should the temperatures spike up to 42°C and above, the in-person or face-to-face classes and work in public and private schools from the Basic Education (Pre-school, Elementary, and Secondary Levels) shall be automatically canceled or suspended and shall shift to online synchronous and asynchronous mode. For the tertiary level, the face-to-face classes and work in public and private schools shall not automatically be canceled or suspended; unless declared by the local chief executive or at the discretion of the school administration based on their reasonable assessment.

The Ordinance defines the “Dangerous Heat Index” to one reaching 42°C and above as forecast by Pagasa; based on the nearest monitoring site, the agency’s Science Garden Station. The forecasted heat index will be the basis for in-person class suspension. Valenzuela authorities said that with “the extreme heat waves rendering on-site school facilities unconducive to learning and perceived hazardous to health, the local government pursues relevant action to protect its citizens while also upholding the quality of education for students.”

“We all know that during the rainy season, the process is very clear. We cancel classes based on the storm signal. It’s highly structured, with no room for arbitrariness. We want to avoid scenarios where a mayor or school head might have differing concepts regarding class cancellations,” Gatchalian emphasized.

ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

SRA: El Niño scorches sugarcane farms in PHL

THE

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said El Niño damaged sugarcane crops in top sugar-producing areas like Negros and Batangas.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the current El Niño episode affected sugarcane that will be harvested in October, or a month after the start of crop

year 2024-2025.

“This El Niño hit from November 2023 to present has greatly damaged the planted cane for the October 2024 harvest, and so far

in Batangas, South Negros, and Mindanao, the October 2024 harvestable cane is suffering,” Azcona said in a statement.

“We are hoping for the rains to come soon, so that the 2024 to 2025 season will be as good as well.”

The Philippine Sugar Millers Association said the country’s raw sugar output as of April 14 reached 1.863 million metric tons (MMT), 3.57 percent higher than last year’s 1.799 MMT. The figure is also higher than the SRA’s production estimate of 1.85 MMT.

“The [Marcos] Administration’s effort to move the harvest

cycle to September 1 from last year’s August to improve yield has proven its worth and we will continue to push for the original October 1 start of milling to further improve our cane quality,” said Azcona.

Despite the loss of area in Batangas, the SRA recorded a 3,000-hectare (ha) increase in planted area due to good farmgate prices from the past year’s crop, which he said encouraged more farmers to plant sugarcane.

“We were also lucky that El Niño only hit the tail end of the harvestable cane and the effect was negated by the increase in planted area,” said Azcona.

Loan products for agri sector expanded in 2022–report

TBy VG Cabuag @Villygc

HE share of agriculture loans and services rose to 18.1 percent in 2022 from 17.6 percent in 2021, according to the 2022 Countryside Bank Survey report released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The increase was mainly observed in rural and cooperative banks, or RCBs.

“It reflects an expansion in loan products related to various

agricultural needs, such as seeds, fertilizer, working capital, and farm equipment, sustainable projects, digitalization of farming activities, and agri-tourism activities,” the report read.

The 2022 CBS Report is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council and the BSP.

The report aims to examine lending trends and policy implications concerning agricultural financing by leveraging branch-level data.

It evaluates banking units’ agricultural lending activities in 2022 compared to 2021 and covers aspects such as loan demand, borrower profiles, interest rates, repayment dynamics, profitability, risk management, challenges, and future plans.

Administered electronically nationwide, survey respondents came from universal and commercial banks (UKBs), thrift banks (TBs), RCBs, governmentowned banks (GBs) and digital banks (DBs).

Demand for agricultural loans varies among different banking groups, with at least 40 percent of RCBs and 74 percent of GBs underscoring their lending support for small-scale agricultural borrowers.

“Distribution of loan borrowers across banking groups illustrates that RCBs maintained a strong commitment to supporting agricultural borrowers, including small-scale farmers and fisherfolk,” the report read.

In 2022, there was a 36.7-percent increase in the total value of

Meanwhile, PSMA asked the government to ensure that sugar imports would only fill the shortfall in domestic output and beef up buffer stocks.

“All we ask is that the volume to be imported is the deficiency in production including buffer stocks for contingencies and scheduled arrival of imports so as not to coincide with sugar milling,” PSMA President Terence Uygongco said in a statement.

agricultural loans compared to 2021. Survey responses attribute this rise to growing demand for agricultural loans.

In 2022, the average interest rates on agricultural loans ranged from 12 percent to 18 percent, higher than those on non-agricultural loans, which ranged from 7.5 percent to 16 percent. RCBs within Metro Manila reported the highest rates, ranging from 16 percent to 21 percent. RCBs outside the Metro Manila and TBs showed a slightly broader range of rates, from 13 percent to 20 percent.

In contrast, UKBs and GBs had

Uygongco said he expects that through Administrative Order (AO) 20, the SRA will carry out “a more predictable, simplified, transparent, and need-based import program.”

AO 20 is set to streamline administrative procedures and remove non-tariff barriers for agricultural commodities.

According to the Department of Agriculture’s latest price watch report, the average weekly price of sugar in the capital region is P84.59 per kilogram for refined; P76.60 per kg for washed; and P75.07 per kg for brown.

The Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) said local production of key commodities, including sugar would fail to meet domestic demand this year following the decline of sugarcane production in 2022.

lower interest rates on agricultural loans, ranging between 4.6 percent and 7.2 percent, and 3.3 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively. Most respondent banking units still require traditional loan securities from agricultural borrowers, mainly favoring real estate mortgages, it said.

To encourage increased lending to the agriculture sector, two-thirds of respondent banks stressed the importance of implementing credit support mechanisms, including credit guarantee/ loan insurance, access to borrower information, and agricultural/ crop insurance, the report said.

May 06, 2024

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

NO. ESTABLISHMENT

1 CONTOUR OPTIK PHILIPPINE INC.

Block 1, Lot 4, Phase 1, Suntrust Ecotown, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CAO, HAIDONG

Assistant Production Manager

Brief Job Description:

Lead the major process and check the quality of finish product of eye wear

2 DONG-AH GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Unit 1, The Junction Strip Mall, Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

3 DONG-AH GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Unit 1, The Junction Strip Mall, Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

4 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

KIM, HO SAENG

Construction Manager

Brief Job Description:

Monitor of compliance for construction and safety regulations

KIM, YUNJE

Construction Manager

Brief Job Description:

Monitoring of Compliance for Construction and Safety regulations

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite BONG WAI MAN

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHANDRA

5 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

6 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

7 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

8 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

AUNG MAUNG

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HTET HTET MAW ZIN

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Can speak fluently Mandarin, With eyewear manufacturing experience, indepth knowledge of production management, risk management, & safety regulations. Excellent organization, time management & leadership skill

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Must have a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

Salary Range: Php

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite KYAN CHWIN KYU

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

19

TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

20 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

21 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

22 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

HOANG THI DANH

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HOANG THI EM

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HOANG THI HONG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HOANG VAN NHAY

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

23 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

24 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

25 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

26 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

27 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

28 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LUONG THI HANG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LUONG THI HUONG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LUONG VAN DUC

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN HAI

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN QUANG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN TAM

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Qualification:

to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php

Covelandia

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista,

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

40 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

41 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

42 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

43 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

44 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

45 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

46 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

47 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

48 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

JENNY

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HTET HTET WAI

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MYAT JUE NGE

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HAU, VAN NGUYEN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

HOANG, THI THAM

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HUYNH, THANH HIEN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LANG, THI LEN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LY, THI VOI

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN, CHIEN THANG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

VI, THI LINH

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service

888B, Sumulong Highway, Mambugan, City of Antipolo (capital), Rizal

50 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

LEE, KUAN-TING

Purchasing Manager

Brief Job Description:

Handle procurement for better deals, cost-effective and high-quality bids abroad

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna BUI NGOC TAN Foreign Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description:

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna CHEN, JICAN

52 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

53 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

CHIU, JEN-HUA

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

CHONG KAR LEONG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna DINH NGOC HUNG

DONG, FENG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

Brief Job Description:

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

57 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

58 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

59 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

60 NEW WAVE INFOTECH

PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

LI, FENG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

LI, ZHONG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

LIN, HE

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

LIN, XIN

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

LIN, YONG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

61

62

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna LIN, YUANGEN

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna MO, BAOLAN

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

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

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

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

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

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

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

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

Basic Qualification:

Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

Basic Qualification:

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna TEO JUN QI

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

TRAN VAN DANG

INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a

66

INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna WANG, CHENGXIN

Foreign Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description:

67 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

68 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

69 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

WANG, SHUN

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

WU, TING

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

- Php 59,999

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company. Basic Qualification: Computer literate and having finished at least Secondary Education and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysia, Vietnamese, Indonesia or Indian language.

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

ZHANG, DAN

Foreign Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

ZHANG, WEILI

Foreign Customer Service Representative

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

Brief Job Description: Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

SUNG, BEAGJUN

Basic Qualification: Computer literate and having

TAN KOK LEONG

Foreign Customer Service Representative

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna

Computer literate and having finished at

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from foreign end users via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner, consistent with the company.

Bldg. 6, Panorama Compound, Calamba Premiere International Park, Batino, City of Calamba, Laguna

Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: In charge in identifying the organization’s marketing goals, creating various marketing materials and monitoring campaign results

72 SEO GWANG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, INC.

Lorenzo Sico Street, Burol, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite

73 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

74 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

75 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

76 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

77 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

78 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

79 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

80 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

CHOI, HYOUNGJIN

School Administrator

Brief Job Description:

Supervise the admission’s staff and certified agents to ensure that they are adhering to recruiting practices acceptable according to Education law and commissioner’s regulations. Basic Qualification:

WANG, YINGNAN

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WEI, JICHENG

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YANG, XIAOHONG

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YANG, ZHIWEI

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YU, WEIDONG

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, WENTAO

Chinese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LIANG, FENG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LIN, CHUNZHEN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Fluent in English both written and oral communication with 3 years’ experience in the same field

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Qualification:

to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range:

30,000 - Php 59,999

Qualification:

Covelandia

81 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LIU, JUNWEI

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

90 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

91 SQUARED ROUTE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite NGUYEN DANG NAM

to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Editor: Angel R. Calso | Monday, May 6, 2024

A11

Progress rePorted in gaza truce talks, but israel downPlays chances of ending war with hamas

By Sam Mednick & Jack Jeffery

The Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel—A Hamas delegation was in Cairo on Saturday as Egyptian state media reported “noticeable progress” in cease-fire talks for Gaza. But Israel hasn't sent a delegation and a senior Israeli official downplayed prospects for a full end to the war while emphasizing the commitment to invading Rafah. Pressure has mounted to reach a deal halting the nearly 7-monthlong war. A top UN official says there is now a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza, while the United States has repeatedly warned close ally Israel about its planned offensive into Rafah, the southernmost city on the border with Egypt, where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering.

Egyptian and US mediators have reported signs of compromise in recent days, but chances for a cease-fire deal remain entangled with the key question of whether Israel will accept an end to the war without reaching its stated goal of destroying the militant group Hamas. Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News TV channel said that a consensus had been reached over many disputed points but did not elaborate. Hamas has called for a complete end to the war and withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.

A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, played down the prospects for a full end to the war. The official said Israel was committed to the Rafah invasion and that it will not agree in any circumstance to end the war as part of a deal to release hostages.

Israeli media said that statement had been dictated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government could be threatened if he agrees to a deal because hardline Cabinet members demand an attack on Rafah.

The proposal that Egyptian mediators had put to Hamas sets out a three-stage process that would bring an immediate, six-week cease-fire and partial release of Israeli hostages, and would include some sort of Israeli pullout. The initial stage would last for 40 days. Hamas would start by releasing female civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Some families of hostages accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for his political interests. Daniel Elgert, whose brother Itzhak is held by Hamas, addressed Netanyahu at the latest rally in Tel Aviv: “Bibi, we call on you from here to announce the end of the war in exchange for the return of all the hostages. The war is effectively over, we know it's over, you can't fool us.”

The war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s local health officials, caused widespread destruction and plunged the territory into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

The conflict erupted on Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, abducting about 250 people and killing around 1,200, mostly civilians. Israel says militants still hold around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.

Israeli strikes Saturday on Gaza killed at least six people. Three bodies were recovered from the rubble of a building in Rafah and taken to Yousef Al Najjar hospital. A strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed three people, according to hospital officials.

In the last 24 hours, the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals, Gaza's Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its tallies but says that women and children make up around two-thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed 13,000 militants, without providing evidence to back up the claim.

It has also conducted mass arrests during its raids inside Gaza. The territory’s Health Ministry urged the International Criminal Court to investigate the death in Israeli custody of a Gaza surgeon. Adnan al-Borsh, 50, was working at al-Awda Hospital when Israeli troops stormed it in December, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Club. Jeffery reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

kenya’s president postpones reopening of schools as floods claim over 200 lives

By Evelyne Musambi The Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya—Kenyan President William Ruto has postponed next week’s planned reopening of schools until further notice, as heavy rains and floods that have killed more than 200 people continue.

The president in his state of the nation address on Friday said that “meteorological reports paint a dire picture,” citing the possibility of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal Kenya in coming days.

Kenya and other parts of East Africa have been overwhelmed by flooding, with more than 150,000 displaced people living in camps across the country. Schools originally were to reopen this week, but the education ministry postponed that by a week. Students will now wait for the announcement of new reopening dates as some schools remain flooded and others have been damaged. Some displaced people have been living in schools while the government prepares to relocate them to camps.

The government has ordered people living near 178 dams and reservoirs that are either full or nearly full to evacuate or be forcefully moved.

Water levels at two major hydroelectric dams have reached historic highs and the government has warned those living downstream along the Tana River. Last week, a boat capsized on the river, which flows to the Indian Ocean, leaving seven people dead and 13 others missing. A passenger bus was also swept off a bridge along the same river last month.

The government has been accused of an inadequate response to the floods. The flooding has left more than 155 people dead in neighboring Tanzania, where Cyclone Hidaya is expected to hit coastal areas. Hundreds of people have been affected in Burundi, Ethiopia and Somalia as well.

Japan and India reject Biden’s comments describing them as xenophobic countries

By Mari Yamaguchi | The Associated Press

TOKYO—Japan and India on Saturday decried remarks by US President Joe Biden describing them as “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants, which the president said

during a campaign fundraising event earlier in the week.

Japan said Biden’s judgment was not based on an accurate understanding of its policy, while India rebutted the comment, defending itself as the world’s most open society.

Biden grouped Japan and India as “xenophobic” countries, along with Russia and China as he tried to explain their struggling economies, contrasting the four with the strength of the US as a nation of immigrants.

Japan is a key US ally, and both Japan and India are part of the Quad, a US-led informal partnership that also includes Australia in countering increasingly assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.

Just weeks ago, Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on an official visit, as the two leaders restated their “unbreakable alliance” and agreed to reinforce their security ties in the face of China’s threat in the Indo-Pacific.

Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi also made a state visit to Washington last year, when business and political

leaders welcomed him.

The White House said Biden meant no offense and was merely stressing that the US was a nation of immigrants, saying he had no intention of undermining the relationship with Japan.

Japan is aware of Biden’s remark as well as the subsequent clarification, a Japanese government official said Saturday, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

The official said it was unfortunate that part of Biden’s speech was not based on an accurate understanding of Japanese policies, and that Japan understands that Biden made the remark to emphasize the presence of immigrants as America's strength.

Japan-US relations are “stronger than ever” as Prime Minister Kishida showed during his visit to the US in April, the official said.

In New Delhi, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday also rebutted Biden’s comment, saying India was the most open society in the world.

“I haven't seen such an open, plural -

This drone footage obtained by The Associated Press shows the village of Ocheretyne, a target for Russian forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine’s military has acknowledged the Russians have gained a “foothold” in Ocheretyne, which had a population of about 3,000 before the war, but say fighting continues. No people could be seen in the footage, and no building in Ocheretyne appeared to have been left untouched by the fighting. K H ERSON /G R EEN VIA A P

Ukrainian village battered to ruins as residents flee Russian advance

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—The Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne has been battered by fighting, drone footage obtained overnight by The Associated Press shows. The village has been a target for Russian forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Russian troops have been advancing in the area, pounding Kyiv’s depleted, ammunitiondeprived forces with artillery, drones and bombs.

Ukraine's military has acknowledged the Russians have gained a "foothold" in Ocheretyne, which had a population of about 3,000 before the war, but says that fighting continues.

Residents have scrambled to flee the village, among them a 98-year-old woman who walked almost 10 kilometers (6 miles) alone last week, wearing a pair of slippers and supported by a cane, until she reached Ukrainian front lines.

Not a single person is seen in the footage obtained late Friday, and no building in Ocheretyne appears to have been left untouched by the fighting. Most houses, apartment blocks and other buildings look damaged beyond repair, and many houses have been pummeled into piles of wood and bricks. A factory on the outskirts has also been badly damaged.

The footage also shows smoke billowing from several houses, and fires burning in at least two buildings.

Elsewhere, Russia has in recent weeks stepped up attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, in an attempt to pummel the region's energy infrastructure and terrorize its 1.3 million residents.

Four people were wounded and a two-story civilian building was damaged and set ablaze overnight after Russian forces struck Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, with exploding drones, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday. The four, including a 13-year-old, were hurt by falling debris, he said on the Telegram mes -

saging app.

Russian state agency RIA reported Saturday that Moscow's forces struck a drone warehouse in Kharkiv that had been used by Ukrainian troops overnight, citing Sergei Lebedev, described as a coordinator of local pro-Moscow guerrillas. His comments could not be independently verified.

Russian forces continued hitting Kharkiv and its surroundings on Saturday, according to updates posted by Syniehubov and other Ukrainian officials on the Telegram messenger app. One strike hit a civilian business in an industrial district of the city, wounding at least six people, Syniehubov said. A further attack killed a 49-year-old civilian outside his house in Slobozhanske, a village northeast of the city, the governor reported.

In the Black Sea port of Odesa, which has been repeatedly targeted in recent days, three people were hurt in a rocket attack on “civil infrastructure,” regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

Ukraine’s military said Russia launched a total of 13 Shahed drones at the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions of eastern Ukraine overnight, all of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses.

Ukraine’s energy ministry on Saturday said the overnight strikes damaged an electrical substation in the Dnipropetrovsk region, briefly depriving households and businesses of power.

According to Serhii Lysak, the province’s governor, falling drone debris damaged critical infrastructure and three private houses, one of which caught fire. Two residents were hospitalized.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed early on Saturday that its forces overnight shot down four US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles over the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The ministry did not provide further details.

Ukraine has recently begun using the missiles, provided secretly by the United States, to hit Russian-held areas, including a military airfield in Crimea and in another area east of the occupied city of Berdyansk, US officials said last week.

istic, and diverse society anywhere in the world. We are actually not just not xenophobic, we are the most open, most pluralistic and in many ways the most understanding society in the world,” Jaishankar said at a roundtable organized by the Economic Times newspaper.

Jaishankar also noted that In -

dia’s annual GDP growth is 7 percent and said, "You check some other countries’ growth rate, you will find an answer.” The US economy grew by 2.5 percent in 2023, according to government figures.

At a hotel fundraiser Wednesday, where the donor audience was largely Asian American, Biden said the upcoming US election was about “freedom, America and democracy” and that the nation’s economy was thriving “because of you and many others.”

“Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” Biden said. “Look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is

Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.”

Japan has been known for a strict stance on immigration. But in recent years, it has eased its policies to make it easier for foreign workers to come and stay in Japan as a way to mitigate its declining births and rapidly shrinking population. The number of babies born in Japan last year fell to a record low since Japan started compiling the statistics in 1899.

India, which has the world's largest population, enacted a new citizenship law earlier this year by setting religious criteria that allows fast-tracking naturalization for Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians who fled to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while excluding Muslims. AP writers Ashok Sharma in New Delhi and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.

Record-breaking floods hit southern Brazil, leaving 39 dead and 68 missing

By Gabriela Sá Pessoa

SThe Associated Press

AO PAULO—Heavy rains in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul killed 39 people, with another 68 still missing, the state civil defense agency s aid Friday, as record-breaking floods devastated cities and forced thousands to leave their homes. It was the fourth such environmental disaster in a year, following f loods in July, September and November 2023 that killed 75 people i n total.

The flooding statewide has surpassed that seen during a historic 1941 deluge, according to the Brazilian Geological Service. In some c ities, water levels were at their highest since records began nearly 150 years ago, the agency said.

On Thursday, a dam at a hydroelectric plant between the cities o f Bento Goncalves and Cotipora partially collapsed and entire cities in the Taquari River valley, l ike Lajeado and Estrela, were completely overtaken by water.

In the town of Feliz, 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the state capital, Porto Alegre, a massively swollen river swept away a bridge that connected it with the neighboring city o f Linha Nova.

Operators reported electricity, communications and water cuts across the state. More than 24,000 people had to leave their homes, according to the civil defense agency.

W ithout Internet, telephone service or electricity, residents struggled to provide updates or information to their relatives living i n other states. Helicopters flew continually over the cities while stranded families with children awaited rescue on the rooftops.

Isolete Neumann, 58, lives in the city of Lajeado in the Taquari River valley and told The Associated Press she has never before s een a scenario like the one she is now experiencing.

“People were making barricades in front of hospitals with sand and gravel. It felt like a horror movie,” she said by phone. Some people in her region were so desperate, she added, that they threw themselves into the water currents.

Neumann’s own neighborhood wasn’t inundated, but has no running water and she hasn’t showered since Tuesday. She said she’s c ollecting rainwater in a basin to be able to cook. A clothing store she owns in the city’s central area

is flooded, she added.

“I don’t even know how it must be. There must be nothing left.” The downpour started Monday and is expected to last at least t hrough Saturday, Marcelo Seluchi, chief meteorologist at the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters, told Brazil's public television network Friday. On Thursday night, Gov. Eduardo Leite alerted the state’s population—known as gauchos—about t he persistence of rains and floods. The situation was expected to worsen in Porto Alegre, he said. As a human being, I am devastated inside, just like every gaucho i s,” he said. “But as governor, I am here steadfast and I guarantee that we will not falter. We are doing everything with focus, attention, discipline, and outrage, to ensure that everything within our reach is done.”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva acknowledged the flood victims at a press conference on Friday a longside Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Brasilia.

“The first words from Minister Fumio Kishida in the meeting we held were of solidarity with the people of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, who are victims by one of the largest floods we have ever known. Never before in the history of Brazil had there been such a q uantity of rain in one single location,” Lula said. Weather across South America is affected by the climate phenomenon El Niño, a periodic, naturally occurring event that warms s urface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region. In Brazil, El Niño has historically caused droughts in the north and intense rainfall in the south.

This year, the impacts of El Niño have been particularly dramatic, with a historic drought in the Amazon. Scientists say extreme weather i s happening more frequently due to human-caused climate change.

Karina Lima, a 36-year-old scientist and PhD candidate in climatology at the Federal University of R io Grande do Sul, told The Associated Press that the state is located i n a region with certain characteristics that amplify El Niño’s destructive potential.

“ Models have long predicted that Rio Grande do Sul will continue to see an increase in average annual precipitation and extreme precipitation, meaning more concentrated a nd severe rainfall,” she said.

25 arrested at University of Virginia after police clash with pro-Palestinian protesters

By Philip Marcelo & Denise Lavoie

The Associated Press

wen T y-five people were arrested

TSaturday for trespassing at the University of v i rginia after police clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters who refused to remove tents from campus, and demonstrators at the University of Michigan chanted anti-war messages and waved flags during commencement ceremonies.

i n v i rginia, student demonstrators began their protest on a lawn outside the school chapel Tuesday. On Saturday, video from w vAw-T v showed police wearing heavy gear and holding shields lined up on the campus in Charlottesville. Protesters chanted “ f r ee Palestine,” and university police said on the social platform X that an “unlawful assembly” had been declared in the area.

As police moved in, students were pushed to the ground, pulled by their arms and sprayed with a chemical irritant, Laura Goldblatt, an assistant professor of e nglish and global studies who has been helping student demonstrators, told The wa shington Post.

“Our concern since this began has been the safety of our students. Students are not safe right now,” Goldblatt said.

The university administration said in a statement that the demonstrators were told the tents and canopies they erected were prohibited under school policy and were asked to remove them. v i rginia State Police were asked to help with enforcement, the university said.

i t was the latest clash in several tense and sometimes violent weeks at colleges and universities around the country that

Putin begins another term, wielding unchecked power and raising concerns at home and abroad

By Jim Heintz

The Associated Press

JUST a f ew months short of a quarter-century as Russia’s leader, v l adimir Putin on Tuesday will put his hand on a copy of the constitution and begin another six-year term as president wielding extraordinary power.

Since becoming acting president on the last day of 1999, Putin has shaped Russia into a monolith—crushing political opposition, running independent-minded journalists out of the country and promoting an increasing devotion to prudish "traditional values" that pushes many in society into the margins. His influence is so dominant that other officials could only stand submissively on the sidelines as he launched a war in Ukraine despite expectations the invasion would bring international opprobrium and harsh economic sanctions, as well as cost Russia dearly in the blood of its soldiers.

w i th that level of power, what Putin will do with his next term is a daunting question at home and abroad.

The war in Ukraine, where Russia is making incremental though consistent battlefield gains, is the top concern, and he is showing no indication of changing course.

“The war in Ukraine is central to his current political project, and i don’t see anything to suggest that that will change. And that affects everything else,” Brian Taylor, a Syracuse University professor and author of “The Code of Putinism,” said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“ i t a ffects who’s in what positions, it affects what resources are available and it affects the economy, affects the level of repression internally,” he said.

i n h is state of the nation address in f e bruary, Putin vowed to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine, and do whatever it takes to “defend our sovereignty and security of our citizens.”

He claimed the Russian military has “gained a huge combat experience” and is “firmly holding the initiative and waging offensives in a number of sectors.”

That will come at huge expense, which could drain money available for the extensive domestic projects and reforms in education, welfare and poverty-fighting that Putin used much of the two-hour address to detail. Associated Press writer Jim Heintz, based in Tallinn, Estonia, has covered the entirety of Putin's tenure as Russian leader.

have seen dozens of protests and hundreds of arrests at demonstrations over the ongoing i sr ael-Hamas war.

Tent encampments of protesters calling on universities to stop doing business with i sr ael or companies they say support the war in Gaza have spread across campuses nationwide in a student movement unlike any other this century. Some schools have reached agreements with protesters to end the demonstrations and reduce the possibility of disrupting final exams and commencements.

The Associated Press has recorded at least 61 incidents since April 18 in which

arrests were made at protests, with more than 2,400 people being arrested on 47 campuses. The figures are based on AP reporting and statements from universities and law enforcement agencies.

Many encampments have been dismantled.

Michigan was among the schools bracing for protests during commencement this weekend, including i ndiana University, Ohio State University and n o rtheastern University in Boston. Many more are slated in the coming weeks.

i n Ann Arbor, the protest happened at the beginning of the event at Michigan

Stadium. About 75 people, many wearing traditional Arabic kaffiyehs along with their graduation caps, marched up the main aisle toward the graduation stage. They chanted “Regents, regents, you can’t hide! yo u are funding genocide!” while holding signs, including one that read: “ n o u niversities left in Gaza.”

Overhead, planes flew banners with competing messages. “Divest from i sr ael now! f r ee Palestine!” and “ w e s tand with i sr ael. Jewish lives matter.”

Officials said no one was arrested, and the protest didn’t seriously interrupt the nearly two-hour event, which was attended

by tens of thousands of people, some of them waving i s raeli flags.

State police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stage and university spokesperson Colleen Mastony said public safety personnel escorted the protesters to the rear of the stadium, where they remained through the conclusion of the event.

“Peaceful protests like this have taken place at U-M commencement ceremonies for decades,” she added. The university has allowed protesters to set up an encampment on campus, but police assisted in breaking up a large gathering at a graduation-related event f r iday night, and

one person was arrested. At ndiana, protesters were urging supporters to wear their kaffiyehs and walk out during remarks by President Pamela w h itten on Saturday evening. The Bloomington campus designated a protest zone outside Memorial Stadium, the arena for the ceremony. At Princeton, in n ew Jersey, 18 students launched a hunger strike in an effort to

Addressing loneliness in our aging population

The issue of loneliness among senior citizens in Asia and the Pacific is a growing concern that demands urgent attention from governments and societies alike. A recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights the significant impact of loneliness on the mental health and well-being of senior citizens, emphasizing the need for investment in health and community care strategies. The report sheds light on the factors contributing to this pervasive issue, including physical limitations, changing family dynamics, and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. (Read the BusinessMirror report: “The Lonely, Lonely Years,” May 4, 2024).

Loneliness among seniors is not solely a consequence of aging but is also influenced by shifting family structures. As societies modernize, older adults often find themselves living alone due to factors such as becoming widowed or having fewer children to provide companionship and support. Moreover, the migration of younger generations in search of work leaves seniors without the close connections they once relied upon. These changing family dynamics exacerbate the sense of loneliness experienced by older individuals and contribute to their vulnerability.

Physical limitations and the decline in functional abilities associated with aging further compound feelings of loneliness among seniors. The inability to perform daily activities, also known as Activity of Daily Living (ADL), restricts their mobility and independence, leading to increased isolation. The ADB report highlights the fundamental role of health in addressing this issue, as physical conditions significantly contribute to feelings of loneliness. It is crucial to prioritize healthcare services and interventions that can alleviate these limitations and enhance the overall well-being of seniors.

The report’s findings regarding the prevalence of depressive symptoms among senior citizens, particularly in the Philippines, are concerning. The data indicates that women aged 80 and over are the most affected, with nearly a third experiencing elevated depressive symptoms. Addressing this gender disparity and the overall mental health of seniors should be a priority for policymakers and healthcare providers. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by elderly women, tailored interventions and support systems can be developed to alleviate their loneliness and improve their mental well-being.

While the report focuses on the challenges associated with an aging population, it also highlights the potential benefits of harnessing the “silver dividend.” Older individuals can contribute significantly to society through their experience, knowledge, and productivity. By providing suitable work opportunities, lifelong learning programs, and flexible retirement policies, economies in the region can tap into this demographic’s potential and boost overall productivity. Moreover, supporting older adults in their pursuit of financial security, such as through pension plans and labor protections, is critical to ensuring their well-being.

To effectively address the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, governments must prioritize comprehensive policies and investments. Universal healthcare coverage, improved health infrastructure, and free annual check-ups are essential components of a holistic approach to support healthy aging.

Additionally, government-assisted pension plans and labor protections should be extended to older individuals, particularly those working in the informal sector. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can maximize the well-being and contributions of older people.

The ADB report serves as a wake-up call for governments and policymakers to take proactive measures to address the issue of loneliness among seniors. It is vital to prioritize investments in health, community care, and social support systems to create an environment where older adults can age with dignity and fulfillment.

By recognizing the value of our aging population and implementing comprehensive policies, we can ensure that seniors are not left to suffer in silence but are instead embraced with the care, support, and love they deserve.

Preserving Philippine heritage by celebrating our festivals

ARISING SUN

S a Filipino, I can sincerely say that festivals are important in preserving our culture. These celebrations aren’t merely events but living testaments to our rich heritage. They create a link between our past, present, and even our future. With a tapestry woven from diverse influences, from centuries of colonization to our indigenous roots, our country’s colorful festivals stand as a vibrant showcase of our resilience, unity, and identity.

Beyond their cultural significance, festivals are also economic engines that drive local economies and tourism. If you have been to at least one, you’ll know what I’m talking about. These festivals attract local and foreign visitors from far and wide, people who are eager to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Filipino culture. Market stalls are busy and the streets are pounding with local beats and rhythm. For sure, festivals create opportunities for local businesses to thrive and small com-

munities to prosper.

As we begin the month of May, let us not forget to make time to celebrate with our loved ones. Hot as it may be, May is adorned with a string of festivals, each offering a glimpse into the vibrant Philippine culture. From the colorful houses during the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, to the rhythmic dances during the Obando Festival in Bulacan, there is no doubt that May is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection.

Beyond their cultural significance, festivals are also economic engines that drive local economies and tourism. If you have been to at least one, you’ll know what I’m talking about. These festivals attract local and foreign visitors from far and wide, people who are eager to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Filipino culture. Market stalls are busy and the streets are pounding with local beats and rhythm. For sure, festivals create opportunities for local businesses to thrive and small communities to prosper.

The Pinya Festival in Calauan Laguna, the Manggahan Festival in Guimaras, the Pattaradday Festival in Mindanao, the Nueva Ecija Festival, and Flores de Mayo (“Flowers of May”), a month-long festival held to pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated along with the Santacruzan (“Holy Cross”) or the pageant held on the last day of the

Flores de Mayo—these are all testaments to the diversity and vitality of our cultural heritage; and they are all happening this month, too! Religion is a crucial aspect linked with these celebrations as festivals often serve as expressions of our faith. Whether it’s the dance of devotion at the Obando Festival or the jubilant celebrations of Santacruzan, festivals honor our patron saints and offer moments of reflection, reverence, and spiritual renewal. Festivals are like threads that bind us together in resilience, unity, and hope. As we gather in celebration together with our family and friends, let us try to embrace the richness and diversity of our traditions. For many Filipino families, these festivals certainly mean much more than a simple gathering. Often, they serve as an opportunity to hold a family reunion. These celebrations then become spaces where bonds are forged and memories are made.

Amid the noise and chaos, in the middle of every gathering over food, music, and conversations, we are sure to find moments of joy and belonging. Let it be a May to remember.

PBBM’s wage review order: A new era of innovative solutions for Filipino workers and businesses

TLITO GAGNI

he marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day to the government’s wage policy-making bodies to immediately review and adjust the wages of workers in the country may yet provide a new way of thinking on the impact of higher wages on businesses.

PBBM’s order, which mandates a timely review of the minimum wage rates in their respective regions within 60 days prior to the anniversary of their latest wage order, was meant to address the impact of inflation that affects the purchasing power of the consumers. The order was unequivocal and even provided for a timely review of the wages and provided the citizenry with the kind of transparency and governance that the President wanted implemented in

his administration.

In line with the wage review order, the President also called on Congress to enact laws uplifting Filipino workers’ conditions, including the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program law, the Revised Apprenticeship Program Act and the CREATE MORE law on Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy.

That call to Congress provides an

The wage review order undoubtedly originated from PBBM’s deliberations with Congressman Salceda and Secretary Go, highlighting the fact that Malacañang will continue to generate numerous innovative ideas for the betterment of the nation.

interesting facet to how businesses can absorb the higher wages that they will implement. It is a fact that hiking the minimum wages will affect the health of many businesses in the country. That may be true, but it is not absolute.

For there are ways by which the government can transform the lives of our employees and yet allow the businesses to recoup the costs of such higher wages.

Number crunching from the House Committee on Ways and Means headed by Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda shows that there is an innovative way by which businesses can increase wages and at the same time recoup the same by allowing the costs

of the power they consume to be deducted from their tax obligations. Thus, that wage order of President Marcos possibly stems from that financial scenario that allows workers to live on decent wages, provide pension funds such as the Social Security System longer actuarial life, reinvigorate the economy, and allow the country to move up to the uppermiddle income status.

The need for higher wages had been the concern of most legislators.

In fact, Congressman Salceda said that “the median Filipino worker is earning around P18,423 per month, or around P837 for every day’s work” while “the living wage for a family of five is P23,787.”

“So there is almost nothing left for savings, for decent retirement, for health care, or for housing. For our future it is essential that our wages are big enough to absorb bigger contributions to pension, housing and healthcare savings,” according to Salceda, who believes that PBBM has the makings of a successful president. “We

Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II

Philippines as a global tax leader

MJoel L. Tan-Torres

DEBIT CREDIT

Part 22

y recent online visit to the Asian Development Bank AsiaPacific Tax hub platform (https://www.adb.org/what-wedo/asia-pacific-tax-hub) resulted in a wealth of information on tax policy and administration materials. These materials would be handy references to the various tax stakeholders, including tax policymakers, administrators, taxpayers, researchers, and others.

I found interesting insights in a recently published ADB brief entitled “Mobilizing Taxes for Development”(https://www.adb.org/ publications/mobilizing-taxes-development). Published in February 2024, this paper cited that developing Asian economies have the potential to raise tax revenues by exploring untapped sources and improving compliance to help meet key development goals. There is an assessment of how progressive taxation can help reduce inequality and considers the benefits of environmental, health, property, corporate, and other levies. These various tax impositions provide not only needed revenues but also will be able to bring about social and economic outcomes that the government and society desire.

The article discusses how reducing the informal sector, making public spending more efficient, enhancing taxpayer compliance, and reforming taxation administration can contribute to a more equitable fiscal mix to support a country’s sustainable and inclusive growth.

There is an interesting discussion on tax effort, tax capacity, and the more commonly known ratio of tax collected as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). Tax capacity is the theoretical maximum tax revenue a country can mobilize and tax effort is the ratio of actual tax revenue to tax capacity. The paper, citing a 2022 study by Sanjeev Gupta and Joaov Tavar Jalles, indicated that, on average, developing countries in Asia have the potential to raise tax revenues by the equivalent of 3.6 percent of gross domestic product.

(https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/917331/adrvol40no2-9-strengthening-key-revenue-sources-asia.pdf)

I highlight the indicators of the Philippines in these three parameters. In 2022, our country’s tax effort is .0.75, tax capacity is 23.86, and tax as a percentage of GDP is 18 percent. While these numbers may not excel when compared to other Asian countries, the Philippines is doing well in terms of the tax effort and tax as a percentage of GDP. The study, however, indicated that the

continued from A14

under this President,” he said, citing PBBM’s pro-investment thrust and a rules-based order.

One bright note on PBBM’s proinvestment stance, according to Salceda, is the tweaking of the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) Code, which allows local government units (LGUs) to partner with the private sector for projects that will transform their localities into economic powerhouses.

The changes in the PPP Code effectively transferred as much as P16 trillion in net fiscal space, in present terms, over the next 30 years. Aside from this, the revitalized Code has a clause that allows blended financing with Official Development Assistance or ODAs. At present, there are many ODAs awaiting take-up, and allowing LGUs to reach for them will spell renewed vigor in our economic development.

Learning to do a modified Hammurabi

OI highlight the indicators of the Philippines in these three parameters. In 2022, our country’s tax effort is .0.75, tax capacity is 23.86, and tax as a percentage of GDP is 18 percent. While these numbers may not excel when compared to other Asian countries, the Philippines is doing well in terms of the tax effort and tax as a percentage of GDP. The study, however, indicated that the Philippines still has a large amount of tax capacity to mobilize or collect through more extensive tax administration efforts.

Philippines still has a large amount of tax capacity to mobilize or collect through more extensive tax administration efforts.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is doing well in these efforts.

The BIR, led by Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., has embarked on several tax enforcement efforts, such as the Run After Fake Transactions and raids of establishments storing untaxed excisable articles while using technology to facilitate taxpayer compliance, including the file-anywhere system, electronic submission of tax returns and attachments, and a host of others.

With this approach, the BIR can strive to become a global tax leader, that can have strong tax parameters and performances, as well as best administration practices for the world to emulate.

To be continued

Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held the various positions of Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He is now back to his tax and consultancy practice and can be contacted at joeltantorress@yahoo.com and his firm JL2T Consultancy.

President Marcos’ willingness to listen to the private sector is a positive aspect, as he has established institutionalized channels for receiving valuable inputs. This collaborative approach contributes to fostering a robust economy. For instance, the appointment of Secretary Frederick Go augurs well for the country. Deck Go, who used to be a business journalist before handling the property empire of the Gokongwei Group, is conversant with the quirks in the world of business, having pored over the financial highlights of losing and successful businesses, and gaining insights from them. He has also gone over the communication of companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which at that time allowed reporters unimpeded access to documents. The wage review order undoubtedly originated from PBBM’s deliberations with Congressman Salceda and Secretary Go, highlighting the fact that Malacañang will continue to generate numerous innovative ideas for the betterment of the nation.

Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.

THE

PATRIOT

n the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea, China has escalated its supposed acts of control if not dominance— from building concrete structures in selected islands to water cannon attacks to repelling Filipino fisherfolk in the area to dangerous maneuvers aimed to harass Philippine supply ships, including those owned by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. In 2024 alone, after at least 20 water cannon attacks by China, with perhaps as many diplomatic protests by the Philippines, which seem to be futile if not quixotic, tension in the region is at its peak.

A s a side note, water cannons are part of the ship’s firefighting capabilities designed to protect, not to destroy, contrary to how Chinese ships are using them in the disputed waters. International media has picked up its coverage as more countries are now openly participating with the “squad of a new alliance” of Australia, US, Japan, and the Philippines committing to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed waters. Operating like a neighborhood watch, the respective defense secretaries of the squad formally met in Singapore last year and in Hawaii this year to increase “interoperability” of their respective security forces and come up with a financial security assistance to augment the military modernization efforts of the Philippines. But despite this calculated and deterrent response, some sectors claim that the Philippines should do a “water cannon” response, invoking the timeless principle of “an eye for an eye,” to the relentless and unbridled attacks of Chinese vessels.

The exact Latin translation (lex talionis) of “an eye for an eye” is also termed as “The Law of Retaliation,” which states that a person who has injured another ought to receive the same injury in compensation. Flashback to my ancient history in high school, I remember one word when it comes to the doctrine of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”—Hammurabi. He was the king of Babylon and was the first ruler able to successfully govern all of Mesopotamia,

without revolt. Back in high school, I did not know that such doctrine has its biblical roots as well. The purpose of the exact verse as found in Deuteronomy 16:21, “Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” is to provide equitable retribution for an offended party. Applying this doctrine in the recent decision of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC), which convicted businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo, and two others of serious illegal detention for ransom, some say that the punishment of reclusion perpetua is too harsh of a penalty. Others in the camp of Lee and Cornejo are disturbed as the offense of serious illegal detention and the imposable penalty of 40 years are being compared with the more scandalous crimes of rape, murder, treason, etc. Not having seen the evidence presented nor heard the testimonies of witnesses, I cannot say whether the decision went beyond the limits of justice. After all, our Penal Code is clear when it comes to imposable penalties and the widely accepted doctrine of “an eye for an eye,” has influenced the appropriate penalty decisions of millions of legal cases all over the world.

In the context of the justice system during the Old Testament days, Lex Talionis specifically addressed the issues of partiality and favoritism. Hence, this Law of Retaliation states the limits of payback: the punishment must be proportionate to the offense—no more, no less. Oth-

er parts of the Bible reiterates this principle— Exodus 21:23-25 states, “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” and Leviticus 24:1921 which says, “Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.” Hence, the judges in those days were guided to deliver justice and not advocate personal vengeance. For followers of Jesus Christ, they believe that Jesus condemned the practice of personal retaliation when He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:38-42). When Jesus paraphrased this “an eye for an eye” principle, He practically flipped the script! He taught us, not mere justice, but grace! Judges ought to be guided by Lex Talionis in the proper dispensation of justice, but for believers, living a life of vengeance is not the way Jesus taught us how to live. Grace, the act of giving unmerited favor, is very unnatural, if not illogical. Giving something undeserved simply does not make sense. Yet, when we people, especially leaders, are grounded in eternity, they are given the strength not to retaliate, but to give. Mahatma Gandhi once said, the non-violent response requires a far stronger person than the violent one does. Hence, by showing self-restraint in the West Philippine Sea, our policy makers are aligned with how Jesus taught us to respond. In relation to our ongoing maritime dispute against the obvious bully China, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said in a press briefing “we need to assert our rights but in a manner that safeguard the safety

World Intellectual Property Day

KuwEnTOng PEyuPS

The World Intellectual Property (IP) Day is celebrated every April 26, which coincided with  the anniversary of  the World IP Organization (WIPO) convention that came into force in 1970.

The term “intellectual property rights” consists of (a) copyright and related rights; (b) trademarks and service marks; (c) geographic indications; (d) industrial designs; (e) patents; (f) layout-designs (topographies) of integrated circuits; and (g) protection of undisclosed information.

World IP Day has been a unique opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by inventors and creators around the world and to explore how IP contributes to a flourishing of music and the arts and the technological innovation that helps shape our world.

As industries and technology evolve, intellectual property continues to play a prominent role. IP laws encourage investments in new ideas and inventions and stimulate creative efforts for the satisfaction of human needs. They speed up transfer of technology and industrialization, and thereby bring about social and economic progress.

The IP laws aim to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when ben-

eficial to the people, for such periods as provided in the law. Nobody else can copy or reuse that creation without the owner’s permission.

IP laws lay down the remedies available to the IP owner in case of a violation of his rights through administrative, civil and criminal sanctions against violators.

The Philippines officially joined WIPO in 1980.

The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (IP Code), or Republic Act 8293, authored by the late Senator Raul S. Roco, was signed into law on June 6, 1997 and took effect on January 1, 1998.

One of the persons who actively worked for the enactment of the IP Code was Atty. Ignacio Sapalo, who was then the director of the Bureau of Patents, Trademarks and Technology Transfer (BPTTT), now the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). He was the former managing partner of Sapalo Velez Bundang and Bulilan (SVBB) law offices.

The IP Code declares that “an effective intellectual and industrial property system is vital to the development of domestic and creative activity, facilitates transfer of tech-

of the Philippine armed force, which is the principal actor in the area.” Such posture is actually defensive, not offensive; long-term not shortsighted. Instead of launching a water cannon counterattack applying Hammurabi’s “an eye for an eye,” the better response to the bully who keeps slapping us in the face ought to be an act of grace. In the pursuit of a theory of victory, as posited by reputable defense and security analyst Admiral (Ret.) Rommel Ong, our leaders should adopt an end-game perspective where there is optimization of use of maritime resources, not militarization of activities. If we were to apply a Jesus-like approach, the opposite of “standing against” China is not “giving in” but coming alongside.” It is flipping the script where leaders are given the strength to act counterintuitively to the point of confusing or disorienting the adversary. Going back to Gandhi’s non-violent response, the approach becomes more effective when the goal is to win the other person over. Obviously, there’s no guarantee that this “act of grace” will work, especially when the adversary does not have a deep understanding of the Hammurabi principle in relation to how Jesus modified or extended it. But as I was taught, we never control the actions of others; we only control ours. Our leaders can either have a Hammurabi heart that is fixated in the cycle of “justice” or a Jesus heart that has been freed by “grace.” I prefer the latter, of course, in keeping with what the Bible says in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” May leaders of all countries invested in this maritime dispute choose grace over justice, peace over war, and good over evil.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.

As industries and technology evolve, intellectual property continues to play a prominent role. IP laws encourage investments in new ideas and inventions and stimulate creative efforts for the satisfaction of human needs. They speed up transfer of technology and industrialization, and thereby bring about social and economic progress.

nology, it attracts foreign investments, and ensures market access for our products.”

The law has adopted certain changes aimed at streamlining administrative procedures of registration and enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the country. One of its salient features is the shift from the “first-to-invent/ use” to “first-to-file” system.

The IP Code lays down the remedies available to the IP owner in case of a violation of his rights through administrative, civil and criminal sanctions against violators.

The IP Month is celebrated in the Philippines every April pursuant to Proclamation No. 190 signed in 2017, which aims to raise appreciation for the benefits that IP brings to Filipinos’ daily lives.

In Philippine Home Cable Holdings Inc. v. Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc./Filscap (GR 188933, February 21, 2023), my UP Law professor and SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen stressed that all intellectual property rights are not mere economic exercises. The Constitution and laws recognize their social function and benefit to the common good.

To encourage the creation, proliferation, and innovation of literary, artistic, and scientific works, Leonen underscored that our laws have designed a regime of protection that balances the incentives to an individual for disclosing their works and the eventual benefit to the public once the protections lapse and these works become freely available. An essential component of this balance is certainty of enforcing creators’ rights against unauthorized trespass. The Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines (IPAP) was founded on March 31, 1977 with the aim of professionalizing the steadily growing practice of IP law in the Philippines. IPAP is the sole Philippine national group recognized by the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), the Asean Intellectual Property Association, and the Association Internationale pour la Protection dela Propriete Industrielle. The Philippines will be the venue of the APAA council meeting this year in Pasay City, Metro Manila from November 18 to 21, 2024. The Philippines hosted the APAA council meetings in 1990 (Manila Hotel), 2000 (Cebu), and 2011 (Shangri-La Makati). An environment in which innovation and creativity thrive, and which is diverse and inclusive, improves our chances of addressing the major challenges facing humanity, driving human progress, and making our lives healthier, safer, and more comfortable.

Peyups is the

Gagni . . .

Dennis gorecho

A16

May 6, 2024

‘Tap e-system solutions for faster infra flagship rollouts’

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government offices to tap electronic system solutions to fast-track the rollout of infrastructure flagship projects (IFP).

T he chief executive gave the instruction in his Executive Order (EO) No. 59 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on April 30, but only released to the media last Sunday.  Under the four-page issuance, he directed national government

By Ada Pelonia

THE Philippines is looking to fill the domestic shortage of salt and remove the need for imports in the next five years, eventually competing with global suppliers of salt, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

I melda Calixto, BFAR officerin-charge for Fisheries Post-Harvest Technology Division, said government’s primary goal is to fill the domestic shortfall, pegged at around 600,000 metric tons (MT), in five years.

Once we’re salt secure, our next goal toward salt sufficiency would be exportation,” said Calixto, speaking partly in Filipino, in an interview with BusinessMirror

agencies (NGA) and local government units (LGU) to adopt an online an/or electronic submission and acceptance of applications  for, and issuance of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations relative to the implementation of IFPs pursuant to Republic Act No. 9485 or the Zero-Contact Policy.

T he government offices were also instructed to accept electronic copies of documentary requirements for IFPs.

M arcos also mandated NGA and encouraged LGUs to put up

payment gateway for acceptance of digital payments relative to applications for licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorization of IFPs such as  the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)regulated private and/or public Payment System Providers (PSP), or electronic Payment and Collection System Providers.

NGA and LGUs were also tasked to put up a One-Stop Shop for IFP processing in their respective offices.

T hey were also reminded to implement the provisions of Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red

Tape Act of 2007, particularly on its provisions on removal of redundant and burdensome procedures in their respective Citizen’s Charters and the maximum of three-signature from concerned officers rule.

Covered applications not acted upon within the prescribed period shall be deemed approved, provided that all documentary requirements have been submitted.

A t the moment, 185 IFPs worth P9.14 trillion have been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

PHL’S SALT ROADMAP: PLUG LOCAL DEMAND, THEN EXPORT

Data from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) showed locally produced salt accounts for only 7 percent of the country’s annual demand of 683,000 MT, while the remaining 93 percent is imported from countries such as Australia and China.

Calixto said she found the discrepancy between locally produced and imported salt alarming, and it’s exactly the factor that prompted the recent enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act.

A mong the priority areas listed as suitable for salt production are Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union,

Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Quezon Province, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, and Misamis Oriental.

T he selection criteria for suitability, according to NFRDI documents, were physical land variables (slope, land cover, distance from coastline, distance from rivers, soil type), meteorological factors (rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed), and supplementary factors (land classification, comprehensive land use plans, hazard susceptibility maps).

“Areas with land covers of mangroves, forests, and built-up areas are automatically classified as

not suitable for salt production,” NFRDI said.

T he agency, however, stressed that close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and BFAR is needed to further narrow down the most suitable areas for salt production since tenurial instruments of land, and land use and hazard susceptibility maps are not yet incorporated. Meanwhile, the environmental group Oceana is seeking amendments to the salt roadmap.

R ose-Liza Eisma-Osorio, Oceana campaigns, legal and policy senior director, said some

key provisions in RA 11985 may run counter to the Constitution.

Under Section 12 of RA 11985, “the already issued Fishpond Lease Agreement [FLA] shall be amended accordingly to reflect salt production; Provided, That the period in the amended FLA for salt production shall state the full twenty-five [25]-year period.”

If that FLA holder is already managing the fishponds for about 40 years and if it’s amended, he’s given an additional 25 years. That’s beyond 50 years already, the maximum provided under our Constitution,” Eisma-Osorio said.

A rticle 12 Section 3 of the 1987 Charter states that “private cor -

N eda reported in February that 74 IFPs were already being implemented, 30 had been approved for implementation, 10 were awaiting government approval, and 83 were undergoing either project or pre-project preparation.

There is a need to further streamline the process for issuance of required licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations to expedite the implementation of IFPs, consistent with RA 9485, as amended,” Marcos said.

porations or associations may not hold such alienable lands of the public domain except by lease, for a period not exceeding twentyfive years, renewable for not more than twenty-five years.”

Eisma-Osorio also noted the broad powers granted to BFAR to oversee implementation and allocation of public lands, including portions of municipal waters, as salt production areas despite the jurisdiction of local government units LGUs over municipal waters. The Philippine Salt Roadmap must provide safeguards, such as requirement of environmental impact assessments,” Eisma-Osorio said. Transparent, participatory processes and accountability mechanisms must be in place,” she added.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

The Manila electric Co. (Meralco) is expecting energy sales this year to grow by as much as 6 percent due to a surge in electricity demand that has already exceeded the forecast for 2024.

This year’s projected peak demand for electricity at 13,917 megawatts (MW) was already breached last April 24 by 99MW. The heat index remains extremely high in most areas of the country, resulting in an increase in demand for electricity. The higher demand in turn has been putting pressure on the prices of electricity in the spot market and the more expensive oil-based power plants have been dispatched.

“We actually forecasted initially a sales growth of 4.7 percent by yearend, but I think we’re looking at more than 5 (percent) right now, probably up to 6 (percent),” said Meralco First Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Ferdinand Geluz. In 2023, consolidated energy sales volumes rose by 4 percent to 51,044 gigawatt hours (GWh) from 48,916 GWh in the previous year. Meralco’s commercial segment held the largest share in the sales mix at 37 percent, while the residential segment maintained a 35-percent share. The industrial segment accounted for 29 percent. Meralco recently reported that energy sales volumes in the first quarter reached 12,307 GWh from 11,287 GWh in the same period a year ago. The company attributed this to higher temperatures, the additional

Th E Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it has filed a criminal complaint against Abra Mining and Industrial Corp.’s (AR) directors, officers, transfer agent and certain stockholders for the unauthorized and fraudulent trading of shares from 2015 to 2019. In a complaint-affidavit it filed with the Department of Justice, the SEC charged the respondents with 441

counts of violations of the Securities Regulation Code and the Revised Corporation Code (RCC).

The SEC also asked the DOJ to institute civil and criminal forfeiture, including the accessory penalty of asset preservation and other appropriate action, against the respondents under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.

The SEC included as respondents

day in February and the sustained recovery of the industrial segment.

“We also see a good second quarter. In fact, for April, we’re seeing around at least 8 percent growth and maybe until June, we will grow between 6 to 8 percent. That gives us good first-half numbers,” said Geluz.

Energy sales growth expected in the third quarter, meanwhile, could be tempered by La Niña. “Yes, we see still growth but a bit tempered if it will be La Niña. Remember that the third quarter towards the second half is actually the start of El Niño. They swing in terms of temperature as a variable, but all in all, I think we’re looking at a very good year now in terms of sales,” said Geluz.

By the end of March 2024, Meralco had a consolidated customer count of 7.9 million, 3 percent more than 7.7 million a year ago.

As part of its mandate to deliver sufficient, reliable, and stable electricity service at the least possible cost to customers, Meralco said it has been proactively implementing strategic sourcing activities and distribution network upgrades.

Consistent with its approved

Abra Mining President James G. Beloy, corporate secretary Amelia G. Beloy, directors Conde Claro C. Venus, Carmelo Rafael D. Tansengco, Joel Albert G. Beloy and Ma. Belinda T. Gaskell.

The commission also sued the officers of Asian Transfer and Registry Corp., including its chairman and president Arline B. Adeva, corporate secretary Premy Ann G. Beloy and treasurer Joel Albert G. Beloy, who

Power Supply Procurement Plan, Meralco completed in the first quarter the competitive selection process for 15-year power supply agreements covering 3,000 MW baseload requirements, and a 400-MW baseload interim power supply agreement effective until February 2025.

Notices of award have been issued to the winning bidders, and the resulting contracts have been submitted for review and approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission prior to implementation.

“The growth in our first quarter sales volume reflects the growing demand for power from across all customer segments with the improving economic prospects. In the month of April this year, we already reached record peak demand in the Meralco franchise area, which exceeded 9,000 MW.

With red and yellow Alerts hoisted over the Luzon grid several times this April, we anticipate a challenging power supply situation throughout this dry season, coincidental with the El Niño phenomenon,” Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie Aperocho said.

concurrently serve as directors at AR; assistant corporate secretary Joseph M. Acuesta; and director Ma. Agnes B. hoffman.

It also charged the stockholders, whom it said colluded with Abra Mining, Jubileum Air and Sea Logistics Inc., Andrei Vincent Freight Services Corp., Ferdinand U. Collado, Leila V. Collado and Susan May I. Gacelo. VG Cabuag

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

NLE x Corp. has allotted P12 billion in capital expenditures this year to fund expansion projects, its president said.

The funds will be used to complete Segment 3 and Segment 8.2 of the North Luzon Expressway, according to Nlex Corp. President Luigi Bautista.

A 22.2-kilometer stretch Segment 3 runs from San Fernando Pampanga to the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway.

Meanwhile, Segment 8.2 is an 11.5-kilometer section that will link Carlos P. Garcia Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City to Segment 8.1 in Novaliches.

Bautista said Segment 3 now has an approved detailed engineering design, which covers the widening of the lanes in each direction.

“The project proposal is with TRB [Toll Regulatory Board], and we are in discussion with them for its approval. Part of this project is to develop the interchange in

Mexico for better mobility. h o pefully, we get the TRB approval soon and start the project in the third quarter of this year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nlex is anticipating the delivery of right of way Segment 8.2, specifically Section 1a. Currently, Nlex already secured 78 percent of the easement for this section but will only start construction once 95 percent of the right of way has been delivered.

“The only remaining outstanding item is to complete the right of way. Today it’s about 78 percent. Once we get substantial right of way we will start building. The expectation there is we start building in the third quarter. We should be able to finish in less than one year,” Bautista said. Nlex will find this year’s capex through internally a “combination of external sources and operational revenue.” For 2024, Nlex expects traffic to rise between 5 percent and 6 percent to 370,000 vehicles per day from 350,000 daily traffic in 2023.

Banking&Finance

Perspectives

Beyond Savings: Cost optimization for the modern bank

COST management in the banking industry often falls into focusing solely on costcutting. However, for cost improvements to be successful, they should be sustainable. This requires a continuous review of spending, optimizing current resources, driving efficiencies and shifting savings to investments that deliver value to the bank and its customers.

In November 2023, KPMG International conducted a survey on banking cost transformation with over 250 banking leaders. The initial analysis of results indicates a consistent decrease in banks costto-income ratio (CIR) pre-Covid, followed by an increase during FY19-21 likely due to staff, technology costs, and loan loss provisioning. Recently, improvements in CIR have been observed, largely due to top-line gain from rising interest rates that have boosted profitability.

However, with rising inflation, cost management has become more crucial for banks. Services and people costs tend to increase in line with inflation, and the risk of reduced income is becoming a reality in many countries due to the cost of living or the borrowing crisis.

While CIR and return on equity (ROE) are widely used to gauge bank performance, a deeper focus is needed to measure performance more broadly.

By considering customer metrics such as the cost-to-serve (CTS) and full-time equivalents (FTE) per customer, banks can focus on productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Implementing new technologies, simplifying processes, and introducing efficiency initiatives can increase customer value.

Adopting a cost-culture mindset

IN the KPMG Banking cost transformation survey, 82 percent of respondents identified deep cultural challenges in achieving sustainable cost reductions, despite significant technology investments. Most banks aim to reduce costs, but their cost-reduction objectives often do not align with their broader ambitions, and a cost-culture mindset is not embedded throughout the organization.

Cost transformation in banks does not always permeate the entire organization, even when executives are compensated for meeting cost objectives. Some banks have implemented horizontal and vertical cost structures to align business needs with spending. Executives responsible for a vertical, such as retail banking, are also responsible for its associated costs.

Get ready for the next wave of cost transformation

THE KPMG Banking cost transformation survey showed that despite recent improvements in CIR, there is a clear need to deliver additional

value—and at a greater pace—in the next wave of cost transformation investments. Research suggests that this will be in the region of 10 percent in cost efficiencies over the next 12 months and as high as 20-30 percent over the next three years. Set against an inflationary headwind, these will be significant targets to achieve.

Based on the foundational work that many banks have already put in place, leaders are more confident about where the costs sit. Eightysix percent of bank executives feel they have strong cost-base mapping in place, with three out of four believing they have the right incentives in place for leaders to achieve their targets.

“As banking leaders have recognized, effective cost management extends beyond cost-cutting. It must also be sustainable and necessitates a cost and value transformation mindset. Success in this endeavor hinges on balancing value creation with cost reduction through strategic decision-making on business models, products and services, while enhancing productivity across operating models,” said KPMG in the Philippines Vice Chairman and COO, Head of Advisory, and Financial Services Sector Head Noel Bonoan.

In KPMG professionals’ experience working with bank executives, many examples point to the impact of these executives’ investments on the operating expenses of contact centers and branches that shift to digital channels, the front-to-back digitization of core value streams such as personal lending and mortgages, and the consolidation of functions to drive scale. However, unanticipated headwinds, changes in customer demands and the challenges of stopping to do certain things means that all too often the gains made are reversed as other costs are added.

As banks look at the next wave of cost transformation investments, the themes are consistent as the strategy begins to extend beyond traditional frontline functions into the FTE base in corporate-headquartered departments and functions such as Finance, Risk and Compliance and Marketing.

This excerpt was taken from the KPMG Thought Leadership publication: https://kpmg.com/xx/en/home/insights/2024/04/beyond-savings-cost-optimization-for-the-modern-bank.html. © 2024 R.G. Manabat & Co., a Philippine partnership, is a member firm of a global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG Int’l Ltd. All rights reserved. This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the BusinessMirror , KPMG International or KPMG in the Philippines.

Banks given a year to comply with sustainable finance rules

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

TBILISI, Georgia—The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is not keen on imposing immediate sanctions on banks that will fail to comply to the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines (SFTG).

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi

G. Fonacier told reporters at the sidelines of the 57th Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Meeting that the guidelines is a living document that can change depending on the needs and capacities of banks.

Fonacier said the idea is to assist banks in their transition plans through the release of the taxonomy guidelines. This is part of the hand-holding efforts of the BSP for financial institutions.

“That’s why we have this entire year to pilot the implementation. Wala munang paluan ,” the BSP official said. Fonacier stressed this will also help address concerns on “proportionality” in terms of the capacity development concerns of all banks.

Part of the efforts to increase sustainable and green financing in the country is the creation of the Philippine SFTG for banks that is set to take effect in 2025.

The taxonomy uses a traffic light system -- Green, Amber, and Red -- will be assigned to financing activities. Green will be the as-

signment if the activity is aligned; amber, for partially aligned; and red for not aligned.

“We wanted them to craft their own transition plan, taking into account their unique circumstances, their own business models,” Fonacier said.

Nonetheless, Fonacier said almost all Philippine banks are now keen on financing sustainable projects and activities this year and next year.

She said 90.3 percent of banks for the 2024 to 2025 period are open to financing sustainable activities from 79.3 percent in 2021.

Fonacier said since 2017, Philippine banks have issued a total of P173.2 billion peso-denominated financing and $1.5 billion for foreign currency denominated funding such as sustainability bonds.

“We’re also in the process of amending our existing prudential reporting requirement para ma-capture namin yung granular data. This will not only help us in our surveillance analysis, but also para makita namin how much banks really are contributing to

climate and sustainable development goals,” Fonacier said. Given these numbers, Fonacier said the Philippines is “figuring prominently” among ASEAN banks. She said both the awareness and willingness to contribute to achieving climate and sustainability goals are already there among banks.

Efforts to extend incentives could help but, she said, what is important is that banks, not only Philippine banks, have a “buy in” in terms of financing these kinds of projects.

Fonacier said this is the reason the BSP is making sure the top brass of Philippine banks are on board in terms of sustainable and green financing.

“At the onset, when we rolled out the sustainable finance framework, that’s where we wanted to start, with high level principles. Because we really need to get the buy-in of the board. Board talaga ang senior management. Because we don’t want to view this as something like compliance lang,” Fonacier said.

She said it’s not enough for banks to comply to this because of the country’s previous experience with the Agri-Agra Law or Republic Act (RA) 11901. The latter repealed the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009 (RA 10000) in 2022. The Agri-Agra law required banking institutions to set aside 15 percent for the agriculture sector and 10 percent for agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Previous studies have cited the high risk associated with lending to the farm sector making it

difficult for banks to comply to this provision. As a result, banks merely paid the fines to essentially “comply” with the loan provisions.

Earlier, the BSP explained that an “Amber” classification includes activities that are in transition to remedy an actual or potential harm done. This also includes activities that are considered enablers of climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives.

“If an activity classified as Amber, remedial measures to transition (RMT) will be implement but only within a 5-year timeframe from the assessment date or an independent verification supports a claim that reinediation will take 10 years or less,” read the BSP Circular 1187 issued last February.

“The taxonomy stated that any expected reinediation beyond 5 years without independent verification, or beyond 10 years is not eligible for the ‘Amber’ category and will be classified as ‘Red,’” the circular added.

A “Red” classification means that the activity does not meet the higher ambitions of the SFTG, but these activities may still be eligible for ‘unlabeled’ financing.

The BSP provides an observation period until the end of 2024 to give banks ample time to increase familiarity and understanding of the SFTG principles.

During this period, a pilot testing exercise will be conducted in partnership with the industry. The results of the exercise will also inform the development of additional guidance on the use of the taxonomy.

Spend, LGU-share rise bump up fund release

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE national government’s disbursements from January to February this year rose by 16.4 percent to P722.5 billion from P620.7 billion recorded in the same period a year ago, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

A DBM report explained that the “significant expansion” resulted mainly from higher interest payments, larger transfers to local government units (LGUs), as well as higher maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

Broken down, notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) disbursements reached P513.4 billion as of endFebruary, higher by 11.6 percent year-on-year than the P459.9 billion in 2023. This is due to the increases in current operating and capital expenditures of the government and the release of the prior year’s shares of LGUs from the proceeds of national taxes, the DBM noted.

Non-NCAs disbursements, meanwhile, stood at P209.2 billion for the two-month period, up by 30.1 percent from the P160.8 bil-

lion posted in the same period last year as a result of higher interest payments and check floats.

The bulk of the funds disbursed went to current operating expenses consisting of personnel services at P186.9 billion on account of the salaries and benefits of newly-hired teaching personnel of the Department of Education, and the requirements of higher premium rates of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and contributions for the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) this year.

Combined allotment and capital transfers to LGUs also increased to P179.9 billion, higher by 21.9 percent year-on-year from P118 billion due to the release of the P21-billion Fiscal Year 2023 “Special Shares of LGUs in the Proceeds of National Taxes-Tobacco Excise Tax” in February.

The DBM also noted that national tax allotment shares of LGUs went up by 6.23 percent to P871.4 billion from P820.3 billion in 2023 due to the recovery of tax revenues in 2021.

Furthermore, MOOE rose by 16.5 percent year-on-year to P99 billion from P84.9 billion in 2023

as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) doled out pension for indigent senior citizens and implemented its, social protection programs such as the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” program (4Ps).

The utilization of the DSWD’s Quick Response Fund for the relief operations in Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur as well as the encashment of payouts for educational grants and subsidy programs of DepEd also contributed to the higher maintenance spending, the DBM added.

Subsidies extended to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to P12.7 billion from January to February, 20.9 percent more yearon-year due to the Buffer Stocking Program of the National Food Authority.

“Spending for the year will continue to be underpinned by sizable investments in both public infrastructures and social sector programs acting as fiscal stimulus to help shore up economic growth and secure gains from poverty reduction initiatives,” the DBM said.

Ensuring food security, reducing transport and logistics costs, reducing energy costs, improving health, and addressing learning losses are the DBM’s spending priorities, based on the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act. For 2024, the national budget stood at P5.768 trillion. The DBM targets to disburse at least P5.630 trillion this year, equivalent to 20.6 percent of gross domestic product.

Moreover, interest payments rose to P122 billion in the first two months of the year, 50.5 percent higher than the P81.1 billion recorded in the same period in 2023 on account of coupon payments for issuances of fixedrate treasury/ benchmark bonds and retail treasury bonds, higher treasury bill rates and interest in global bonds, and larger foreign interest payments. Infrastructure and other capital outlays rose by P7.5 billion or 6.7 percent to P120.5 billion from P113 billion, mainly due to higher disbursements posted by the DPWH and the Department of National Defense for their road infrastructure program and defense modernization projects, respectively.

Globe’s fight vs illegal online gambling prompts 967% surge in blocked domains

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said on Sunday it recorded a 967-percent surge in blocked domains in the first quarter of the year, as it intensifies efforts to stop illegal online gambling. In absolute figures, Globe blocked 1,345 domains. Globe has been escalating efforts to clamp down illegal online gambling operations since 2021, when it blocked 52 sites, a num-

ber that increased to 396 the year after. In 2023, it blocked 4,237 sites.

“Illegal online gambling can have devastating financial and social consequences, fueling problematic gambling behavior and exposing users to potential fraud, malware and cybercrime. We have an ethical obligation to make the internet safer and are continuing our relentless push to identify and prevent access to these unlawful sites on our network,” said Globe Chief Information Security Officer Anton

Reynaldo M. Bonifacio. Bonifacio explained that Globe’s measures encompass a multifaceted approach, incorporating network-level blocking mechanisms and content filtering systems.

This sophisticated infrastructure, bolstered by an investment exceeding $2.7 million, Bonifacio said, allows Globe to swiftly detect and restrict access to websites promoting not only online gambling but also nefarious activities such as child pornography and online piracy.

The government earlier warned the public against illegal online gambling sites as these are hotbeds of scams, including credit card fraud and identity theft. It said the public should only use licensed online-based games.

In December last year, the telecommunications company announced it blocked a total of 404,730 sites and links in the first nine months of 2023.

“The figure marks a substantial 45-percent hike in barred URLs [Uniform Resource Links]

and domains compared to the 278,555 registered in the same period last year following an upgrade of its filtering capabilities in both mobile and broadband services, underscoring Globe’s commitment to creating a safer online environment,” a statement issued by the firm read. The company said this increase “was even more pronounced in the third quarter of [2023], where the number of malicious sites cut off by Globe soared by 70.8 percent to 267,985, compared to 156,857

reported in the same quarter of 2022.”

“Delving deeper into the January-September figures, Globe blocked 397,637 URLs, a significant rise from 275,720 in 2022. It has also successfully restricted 4,795 domains in 2023, more than three times higher than the 1,432 blocked in the previous year. Focusing on child pornography, one of the most heinous online crimes, Globe barred 2,298 domains by the end of September 2023, compared to 1,403 during the same period last year.”

Explainer

Unveiling China’s Hip-Hop Evolution: From censorship challenges to authentic expression

By Huizhong Wu The Associated Press

CHENGDU, China—In 2018, the censors who oversee Chinese media issued a directive to the nation’s entertainment industry: Don't feature artists with tattoos and those who represent hip-hop or any other subculture.

Right after that well-known rapper G a I missed a gig on a popular singing competition despite a successful first appearance. S peculation went wild: Fans worried that this was the end for hip-hop in China. Some media labeled it a ban.

The genre had just experienced a banner year, with a hit competition-format TV show minting new stars and introducing them to a country of 1.4 billion people. Rappers accustomed to operating on little money and p erforming in small bars became household names. The announcement from censors came at the peak of that frenzy. a silence descended, and for months no rappers appeared on the dozens of variety shows and singing competitions on Chinese TV.

B ut by the end of that year, everything was back in full swing. “Hip-hop was too popular,” says Nathanel a m ar, a researcher of Chinese pop culture at the French Centre for Research on Contemporary China. “They couldn’t censor the whole genre.”

W hat had looked like the end for Chinese hip-hop was just the beginning.

ROOTS IN THE WESTERN CITY OF CHENGDu

S IN C e t hen, hip-hop’s explosive growth in China has only continued. It has done so by carving out a space for itself while staying clear of the government’s red lines, balancing genuine creative expression with something palatable in a country with powerful censors.

Today, musicians say they’re looking forward to an arriving golden age.

M uch of the energy can be found in Chengdu, a city in China's southwestern Sichuan region. Some of the biggest acts in China today h ail from Sichuan; Wang y i tai, Higher Brothers and Vava are just a few of the names that h ave made Chinese rap mainstream, performing in a mix of Mandarin and Sichuan dialects. W hile hip-hop in Chengdu started out with the very heavy sounds of trap, its mainstreaming has meant artists have broadened out to l ighter sounds, from R&B to the trending afrobeat rhythms popularized by Beyonce.

a l though Chinese rap has been operating underground for decades in cities like Beijing, it is the Sichuan region—known internationally for its spicy cuisine, its panda reserve and i ts status as the birthplace of the late leader Deng Xiaoping—that has come to dominate.

“There’s a lot of rhymes in rap. a nd f rom a young age, we were exposed to language with a lot of rhymes. a nd I feel like we’re its origin,” says Mumu Xiang, who is from Sichuan and

attended a rap concert recently held in the city.

The dialect lends itself to rap because it’s softer than Mandarin Chinese and there are a lot more rhymes, says 25-year-old rapper Kidway, from a town just outside Chengdu.

“Take the word ‘gang’ in e n glish. In Sichuanese, there’s a lot of rhymes for that word fang, sang, zhuang,’ the rhymes are already there,” he says.

Chengdu is also welcoming to outsiders, says Haysen Cheng, a 24-year-old rapper who moved to the city from Hong Kong in 2021 to work on his music at the invitation of Harikiri, a British producer who has helped shape the scene and worked with Chengdu’s biggest acts.

Part of the city’s hip-hop lore centers around a collective called Chengdu Rap House or CDC, founded by a rapper called Boss X, whose fans affectionately call him “Xie laober” in the Sichuan dialect. The city has embraced rap, as its originators like Boss X went from making music in a run-down apartment in an old residential community to performing in a stadium for thousands. a t B oss X’s performance in March, fans sang along and cheered i n Sichuanese. ev en with a ban on the audience standing up, standard at all stadium performances in China, the energy was infectious.

When I came to mainland China, they showed me more love in like three or four months than I ever received in Hong Kong,” Cheng says. He got to collaborate with the Higher Brothers, one of the few Chinese rap groups who also have global recognition. “The people here actually want each other to succeed.”

The price of going mainstream, though, means the underground scene has evaporated. Chengdu was once known for its underground rap battles. Those no longer happen, as freestyling usually involves profanity and other c ontent the authorities deem unacceptable.

The last time there was a rap battle in the city, rappers say, authorities quickly showed up and shut it down. These days it’s all digital, with people uploading short clips of their m usic to Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese version, to get noticed.

Kidway says he learned to rap from going to these battles and competing against ot her rappers his age. He once worked at a renovation company but ditched it to pursue rap full time.

But even though the rap battles are gone, the field has more rappers than ever. That's a good thing. “The more players there are," he says, “the more interesting it is.”

FINDING A CHINESE VOICE

W I TH t ight censorship on the entertainment industry and a ban on mentions of drugs and sex in lyrics, artists have reacted in two ways. e i ther they wholeheartedly embrace the displays of patriotism and nationalism, or they av oid the topics.

Some, like G a I , have fully taken on the government’s mantle in the mainstreaming of hip-hop. He won “The Rap of China” w ith a song called “Not Friendly” in which, in classic hip-hop fashion, he dissed other rappers that he didn't name. “I’m not f riendly. I can break your pen at any moment. Tear down your flashy words.…My enemies you better pray for you to have a good e nd.”

Just a few years later, Gai is singing about China’s glorious history on the CCTV’s Spring Festival New ye ar’s Gala broadcast, a tightly scripted entertainment show with comedy sketches, songs and dance performances that is watched by families while celebrating Chinese New ye ar.

“Five thousand years of history flows past like quicksand. I’m proud to be born in Cathay,” he sings, wearing a Qing Dynastyinspired Tang jacket.

A MAN walks past graffiti art at a trendy district popular with youths in Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern China’s Sichuan province, Sunday, March 17, 2024. AP/Ng HAN guAN

A TV SHOW THAT GAVE BIRTH TO A GENRE

Ra R e ly can a single cultural product be said to have originated a whole genre of music. But the talent competition/reality TV show “The Rap of China” has played an outsized role in building China's rap industry.

The first season, broadcast on IQiyi, a web streaming platform, brought rap and hip-hop culture to households across the country. The first season’s 12 episodes drew 2.5 billion views online, according to Chinese media reports.

In the first season, the show relied on its judges’ star power to draw in an audience—namely Kris Wu, a Chinese Canadian s inger and former member of the hit K-pop group e X O. a t t hat point in time, Wu was at the height of his fame, and his comments as a judge that season even became internet memes. “Do you have freestyle?” he asked a contestant, dead serious, on e p isode One—a moment that went on to live in internet infamy because people doubted Wu's rap credentials.

Two winners emerged from the first season: G a I and PG One. Shortly after their win, the internet was awash with rumors about the less-than-perfect doings of PG One’s personal life. The Communist yo uth l e ague also criticized one of his old songs for content that appeared to be about using cocaine, very

much violating one of the censor’s red lines.

Then came the 2018 meeting where censors reminded TV channels of who could not a ppear on their programs, namely anyone who represented hip-hop. PG One was finding that any attempts to release new music w ere quickly taken down by platforms. The platform, IQiyi, even took down the entire first season for a while.

But by late summer 2018, fans were excited to hear that they could expect a second s eason of “The Rap of China,” though there was a rebrand. The name in e n glish stayed the same, but in Chinese it signaled a new direction. The show’s name changed from “China H as Hip-Hop” to “China Has ‘Shuochang,’” a term that also refers to traditional forms of storytelling.

Regulators had given the go-ahead for hip-hop to continue its growth, but they had to follow the lines set by the government censors. Hip-hop was now shuochang and a symbol of youth culture; it had to stay away from mentions of drugs and sex. Otherwise, though, it could proceed.

“It was a success for the Chinese regulators …They really succeeded in coopting the hiphop artists,” a m ar says. “It’s like a contract: If you want to be popular, if you want to be on TV shows, you have to respect the red line.”

The red lines have also pushed artists to be more creative. For Chinese rap to thrive, artists have to find original voices, they say. 32-year-old rapper Fulai describes his own music as chill rap or “bedroom music”—not in the euphemistic sense, but the type of music you listen to as you lay in bed. His upcoming album, he says, is about ordinary things like fights with his wife and washing dishes.

S till, Fulai says he talks about sex a lot in his lyrics. Chinese is a language with countless sayings and a strong poetic tradition: There’s nothing you can’t touch,” he says. yo u just have to be clever about it.”

Developing a genuine Chinese brand of rap remains a work in progress. Hip-hop got its start from New yor k’s boroughs of Brooklyn and the Bronx, where rappers made music out of their tough circumstances, from shootouts to crime to illegal drug dealing. In China, the challenge is about finding what fits its context. Shootouts are rare in a country where g uns are banned, and the penalties for drug use are high.

The rap crews in Chongqing, another mega-city in the Sichuan region, had a taste of g ang culture reflected in their music as artists wrote about fights and vows of brotherhood. But most of today's biggest acts don’t r ap about topics like knifing someone or drug use anymore. Wang y i tai, who was a member of Chengdu’s rap collective CDC, is now one of the m ost popular rappers in China.

C HINESE rappers Fulai, left and Kidway react during an interview in Chengdu in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, Saturday, March 16, 2024. AP/Ng H AN guAN

Style

Sheynnis and Chantal:

Body Butter Melt. Meanwhile, there is the refreshing and lightweight body care range infused with yuzu extract. The range includes the Yuzu Shower Gel enriched with the extract of yuzu peel, cultivated in Japan, as well as calming aloe vera sourced through The Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade program; the refreshing and moisturising Yuzu Water-Gel Body Yogurt in a lightweight gel texture; and complete the routine by spritzing the Yuzu Fragrance Mist from head to toe to lock in that summer glow. The Body Shop’s new collections are available at its eponymous stores and online at www.thebodyshop.com.ph.

and fake it until I make it to the point where I didn’t have to fake it anymore.’ And so the whole masking was very, very symbolic in that sense, also.

“And then for my evening gowns, those were by Val Taguba, of course. And he really is my fairy godmother. He really believed in me, and he really worked on my gowns for so long. We actually had another gown that was supposed to be my prelims gown, and it was an entirely different design.

“I think one and a half to two weeks before I left, we experienced a major malfunction with that gown, and we had to scrap the whole design. Any other designer with one week and a half left before I leave would have panicked and say, ‘I cannot do this anymore.You have to find someone else.’

“Or any other designer would have just given me an old gown of theirs, which is completely acceptable. But Val went up and beyond. He made me so many spare gowns. So that in the event of the preliminaries, with even the finals gown not turning out the way we

AS a mother, I would rather get gifts that I can use (such as personal care products and makeup) than flowers, cakes and chocolates. Personal care products and makeup are stuff that I use regularly so they are, to a practical person like me, gifts that I really appreciate.

So I have put together a list of gifts that any mother would appreciate. By mother, I am not just referring to moms who gave birth but also those who have adopted, are teachers, nannies and babysitters, dog and cat moms, and others.

A rose I would appreciate very much is Naturals by Watsons’ new Prestige Rose variant, a luxurious blend infused with certified organic French, Bulgarian, and Moroccan rose water. The line includes shampoo, hair

Best in Evening Gown, because we both persevered when we could have gone the easy way out. We both went up and beyond. For that, I want to thank him so much.”

The Philippines has consistently done exceedingly well at Miss Eco. In only its fourth edition in 2018, we won our first crown courtesy of Thia Thomalla. Maureen Montagne finished first runner-up in 2019, the same feat achieved by Kelley Day in 2022. Then Kathleen Paton won our second crown in 2022.

Last year, Ashley Subijano Montenegro ended her campaign at Top 21. Chantal’s second-place achievement put the Philippines again in the winning circle. Incidentally, Miss Eco International 2024 Anjelina Usanova from Ukraine previously competed at Miss Universe 2023, won by....

SHEYNNIS PALACIOS CORNEJO: FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD

EVERY student who is educated in schools under the

conditioner, hair oil, and soothing gel.

The star product is definitely the soothing gel with Prestige Rose and niacinamide, which has certified organic French Rose renowned for its softening properties. This gel is for post-sun exposure care with its gentle yet effective formula, which soothes and rejuvenates the skin leaving it refreshed and revitalized. Infused with niacinamide, the gel enhances the skin’s radiance, giving a healthy glow. I don’t know if it’s just me but this gel has a cooling effect.

Watsons introduced the Naturals line over 10 years ago, a time when natural and affordable beauty options were scarce.

“Back then, if you found natural products, they were expensive and only available in high-end stores and malls,” said Jared de Guzman, customer director at Watsons. “Naturals by Watsons has always been about offering affordable natural products without compromising quality.”

All Naturals by Watsons products are dermatologically-tested, 100 percent vegan, and formulated with safe, effective ingredients. The brand also prioritizes eco-conscious packaging, minimizing its environmental footprint.

Naturals by Watsons products are available at all Watsons stores and online via the Watsons app, with

“I’m very proud in my religion, and I practice my religion in every single country that I visit. I respect other religions. And I pray every night, not just for my journey as Miss Universe. I pray for all the people to follow my journey as Miss Universe and believe in me.

“And thanks to my family, thanks to my scholarship in the university, which gives me incredible values that I practice today as a real person, as a human, because our society needs more humans to promote the reality, to promote who we are and what we’re going to do for the future.

“I’m so proud to have studied at the Universidad Centromericana. And the Jesuits gave me the opportunity to finish my bachelor’s degree in communications with a scholarship.

“And it’s time to be something great and huge for all of us, that all the people believe in something, and it’s the reason, and I know that, that I’m here as Miss Universe because I have a huge mission that God gave to me.”

prices starting at P189.

A voucher for a massage would also make an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Hydra Skin Clinic BGC (Level 3 of SM Aura Premier) is offering a Mother’s Day Special Promo, the Radiance Facial and Foot Reflexology Package for P5,000. Hydra Skin Clinic BGC is a state-of-the-art medical aesthetics, laser center, and wellness spa, offering a diverse range of treatments and a roster of Board-certified doctors. You can’t go wrong with haircare products, at least if I am the mother you’re giving the gift to. One of my favorites is the Cynos Argan Oil Thairapy Curl Cream. My hair is more wavy than curly but without a curl cream, it becomes frizzy. I use this curl cream after I shampoo, when my hair is still damp and I style as usual. The cream doesn’t make your hair oily. It just defines the waves and curls and makes your hair softer plus it smells so good. I also would not mind a bottle of the Equave Instant Detangling Conditioner from Revlon Professional. I use this on days when I am in a hurry and can’t condition my hair after washing it. This spray conditioner also helps detangle my hair after I wake up. I have colored hair so it’s really a mess

MICROBLADING PENS FOR BUSHIER, FULLER BROWS IT’S a no-brainer that Filipino beauty is on fire. If you’re looking to achieve those gorgeous, full brows that frame your face perfectly, then it’s high time to ditch the tweezers and check out these micro blading eyebrow pen recommendations.

■ EVERYDAY-FRIENDLY FIND. Ever Bilena Pro Studio Finish Eyebrow Pen (P199): This drugstore favorite boasts a three-pronged tip for creating natural hair-like strokes. Choose from Wood (cool brown), Tweed (warm brown), or the new on-trend Graphite (grayish brown) to match your hair color.

■ SMUDGE-PROOF LUXURY. Spotlight Megahit Eyebrow Pen (P325): This pen features a fine tip for precise application and a formula that’s both smudge-proof and waterproof. Perfect for busy days, it comes in three versatile shades: Defining Brown, Defining Black Brown, and Defining Taupe.

■ LONG-WEARING CLASSIC. K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner 24H (P845): A cult-favorite for a reason, this pen delivers on its promises. The price tag might seem steeper, but you’re getting a long-lasting, classic liner that will become your holy grail brow product.

Remember, with any brow product, practice makes perfect. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different strokes and techniques to find what flatters your face shape the most.

EVER Bilena Pro Studio Finish Eyebrow Pen

FULLERTON HEALTH REVOLUTIONIZES PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH MWELL

FULLERTON Health, a leading vertically integrated healthcare platform with an extensive network across nine markets, is proud to announce the opening of the Philippines’ first Executive Health Screening center in Bonifacio Global City. This state-of-the-art facility equipped with Advanced Diagnostic Imaging services from Radlink Philippines, sets a new standard in preventive healthcare with a touch of Filipino hospitality.

As it redefines personalized healthcare from Singapore to the Philippines, Fullerton Health has partnered with mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). This partnership enables convenient access to Fullerton Health’s services through mWell HealthHub, a cutting-edge feature on the mWell app which serves as a digital gateway to everything health and wellness. App users can easily browse Fullerton Health’s wide range of Executive Health Screening packages and radiology services, and schedule appointments to enjoy world-class care with just a few taps on their smartphones.

RadLink Philippines’ Country General Manager and Fullerton Health’s EHS Lead PH Carmie Pascual de Leon expressed her excitement on

revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the country.

“We aim to serve the Philippine market in a radically, delightfully different way. With mWell HealthHub, our Executive Health Screening and Advanced Diagnostic Imaging will be communicated and made available faster and more efficiently to thousands of Filipinos.”

MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer and mWell President and CEO Chaye CabalRevilla said the partnership represents a significant step in reshaping the healthcare landscape.

“We are honored to work with Fullerton Health Philippines in creating an innovative gateway to world-class healthcare services. mWell HealthHub is designed to empower our users to conveniently access a comprehensive range of health and wellness services offered by our partner providers.”

Fullerton Health, located at 32nd St. corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, guarantees a remarkable three-hour turnaround time, allowing patients to proceed directly to dedicated “pods” for swift tests and evaluations, completing their healthcare journey within two to three hours. Business Class Pods which offer unparalleled comfort and privacy and technologydriven clinic management are also part of the

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Hilton Manila with Heartfelt Indulgences

Pink Moscato and floralthemed confections available at P2,800++. Madison Lounge and Bar beckons guests to savor the sweetness of the occasion with its exclusive Mother’s Day offerings such as the Duo Chocolate Brownie Fudge Whole Cake, priced at P2,500++, or opt for the divine Flower Mango Cream Whole

UCC Philippines Redefines Coffee Culture with the Opening of Clockwork One Ayala

U

CC Philippines, a pioneer in elevating coffee experiences, unveils its newest venture, UCC Clockwork One Ayala. Located in the bustling Makati Commercial Business District, this groundbreaking establishment promises to redefine the coffee scene with its innovative offerings and exquisite ambiance.

Media guests were treated to an exclusive sneak peek of UCC Clockwork One Ayala during the soft opening event held on April 5, 2024. Renowned coffee aficionado and premiere coffee guru, Robert Francisco of the UCC Coffee Academy Philippines, conducted an awe-inspiring demo, showcasing the artistry and skill behind UCC’s renowned brews.

This latest UCC Clockwork branch is poised to captivate a diverse range of customers, offering a new menu concept tailored to meet the evolving taste and preference of trend-savvy Millennials and younger generations. With fresh choices and unparalleled service, One Ayala seeks to cater to the discerning tastes of urban dwellers and coffee lovers, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

UCC Clockwork reflects the pursuit of high precision and timeliness, akin to the intricate workings of a clock, from selecting the perfect coffee roast to determining the exact brewing time and measure -

ments, until the coffee is served to the guests. Every aspect of crafting and serving food and beverages is meticulously planned and observed. Highlighting an array of standout menu items, UCC Clockwork One Ayala invites guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other. From a selection of specialty blends to delectable treats, each item represents UCC’s dedication to quality and innovation. Customers can indulge further with food selections including the BBQ Wagyu Beef Burger, Miso Mushroom Risotto with Salmon, S’mores Feast, Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti, and Meatloaf with Gravy, all of which were featured items during the recent media event.

You can take a sip of signature drinks like UCC Sumiyaki, UCC Special Blend, Kori Kohi, or try newest concoctions such as Black Sesame Cream Cheese Iced Coffee, Tiramisu Latte, Clockwork Iced Tea, Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee and other delightful beverages. Interestingly, One Ayala is thrilled to introduce Lion’s Mane coffee which is now gaining traction due to its purported benefits. This distinct coffee creation, made from a rare nootropic mushroom, is not only flavorful but also rich in antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation, enhance focus and increase energy levels, pre -

service innovations that address market gaps and satisfy the need for better quality of care. Using HealthHub, mWell app users may easily discover Fullerton Health’s services and conveniently book an appointment.

Through its partnership with accredited clinics and wellness centers, mWell HealthHub enables access to top-notch care from trusted providers, ensuring the overall quality and reliability of health and wellness services. Users may search for a wide range of health and wellness services such as dental, eye, skin, and wellness services, filter results by location, and set appointments with just a few taps on the mWell app.

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s mWell, is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health and wellness mega app which makes healthcare accessible, available, and affordable for Filipinos anytime, anywhere. It offers 24/7 access to mWell partner-doctors online. Family doctors, specialists, and mind health experts are just a tap away. Home care and emergency services are also available. For preventive healthcare for improved productivity, the app offers free fitness and nutrition programs and the mWellness Score which tracks physical activity for long-term health.

Cake at P2,900++. Additionally, the decadent Box of Chocolate Rose and Six Pralines, priced at P888++, is also available for those wanting an extra touch of sweetness.

General Manager John Lucas states, “At Hilton Manila, we take great pride in curating exceptional experiences that pay tribute to the love and dedication of mothers everywhere. This Mother’s Day, guests are invited to join us in honoring these extraordinary women and creating cherished memories filled with love and warmth.”

For reservations and inquiries, please contact Hilton Manila at +63 2 7239 7788 or email MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com or visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mnlphhihilton-manila/.

senting valued customers with a healthier and more nutritious option.

Step into the One Ayala branch and savor its unique charm, while enjoying a truly distinct dining experience. The café’s interior design exudes modern elegance, with sleek furnishings and inviting spaces that beckon guests to unwind and appreciate every moment. Whether seeking a quiet retreat or a dynamic gathering spot, UCC Clockwork One Ayala offers the perfect vibe for every occasion.

At the heart of UCC Clockwork One Ayala lies a showcase of cutting-edge coffee machines and equipment, curated to enhance the coffee-making process. From state-of-the-art champion machines like the Tempo Eagle Espresso Machine, the Marco SP9 Twin Head, and the Marco Friia to advanced brewing methods, each element embodies UCC’s commitment to excellence. Witness the artistry firsthand as skilled baristas expertly craft each cup with precision and care.

“Coffee holds a significant place in Filipino households, offering an opportunity to educate consumers about its diverse potential. UCC aims to be the epitome of premium quality coffee, enriching the Filipino coffee experience. With 24 years in the market, UCC has fostered a shared passion for coffee culture, bringing joy to every cup. Today, UCC proudly offers accessible, premium-quality coffee to Filipino homes, from bean to cup, as we strive for coffee excellence,” according to Hubert U. Young, Chief Executive Officer, UCC Ueshima Coffee Philippines, Inc.

PhilHealth warns public vs heatstroke; says agency ready to assist members

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has cautioned the public amidst the scorching heat in many parts of the country after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to record high temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius.

Based on PAGASA’s heat index, temperatures ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius are classified as “extreme caution,” while 42 to 51 degrees Celsius are classified as “danger.”

With such temperatures, the prevalence of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion is high during the hot and dry season, placing certain populations such as outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions at high risk of heat cramps or heat stroke.

PhilHealth Chief Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. reminded members that heat stroke is a medical emergency. “If members or their dependents need to be admitted to any PhilHealth-accredited health facilities due to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, PhilHealth provides a benefit package amounting to P8,450.00,” Ledesma said.

To avoid the health hazards brought about by exposure to extreme heat, Ledesma encouraged the public to take precautionary measures by paying attention and prioritizing safety at all times. “Let us stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water; avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas; and take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas,” he further stressed.

The state health insurance chief also encouraged the public to avail themselves of consultations and check-ups for free under the Konsulta or

Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama package of PhilHealth.

“At the first instance when one shows signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and lightheadedness, it is best to seek medical a ttention. This is where our Konsulta Providers can help by checking up on the patient. If the patient needs hospitalization he can be referred immediately to our health facilities,” explained Ledesma, adding that members should be able to register with a Konsulta Provider of their choice to avail of primary care services which include any of 13 laboratories and 21 drugs and medicines for various health conditions.

“Call our (02) 8662-2588 and mobile numbers 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987 and 0917-1109812 so that we can assist you with your chosen Konsulta Package Provider,” he ended.

ECOGNIZING how important mothers are to each and every one of us, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila put together a longer, and more grand celebration in honor of the queen of the home, and what she holds closest to her heart, in May.

Award-winning Lung Hin created a mouthwatering 10-dish

with Sweet and Chili Sauce, flavourful Steamed Black Grouper, Parma Ham and Shitake Mushroom in Premium Oyster Sauce, and the bestselling Baked Macau Egg Tart dessert. Gather the family on Sunday, May 12, for a memorable buffet lunch or dinner at the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Cucina, as it showcases Asia’s best dishes. Regional favorites, including Thailand’s Pad Thai Noodles, Singapore’s Laksa Soup, Indonesia’s Chicken Satay with Peanut Butter Sauce, Vietnam’s Rau Muong Xao Toi, China’s Suckling Pig and India’s Lamb Rogonjosh take centerstage on the lavish culinary table. Appetizers and salads, newly baked bread and delicious charcuterie, fresh seafood on ice, Japanese sushi and sashimi station, noodles station, premium meat carvings, and extensive dessert spread completes the exceptional culinary experience.

Book a table for five, and Mom dines for free! Likewise, children below seven years old are free of charge.

Cafe Pronto offers a delicate cake that speaks volume of maternal love. Let Mom

In the photo (Front Row, from left to right) mWell Marketing Specialist Dan Isidro, mWell Business Specialist Eliza Santos, , mWell Doctor Acquisition Specialist Mae Awid, mWell Head of Creatives Myra Carabeo, mWell Chief Strategy Officer Albert Padin, mWell Head of Enterprise Rommel Galapon, MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer and mWell President and CEO Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Group Chief Commercial & Sustainability Officer for Fullerton Health Margareta Laminto, RadLink Philippines’ Country General Manager and Fullerton Health’s EHS Lead PH Carmie Pascual de Leon, RadLink Philippines Corporation Director of Operations Reynalyn Tomada, Fullerton Health Senior Nurse Manager Mullai Vellasamy, Clinical Director Christine Ang, and Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Lifestyle Group Manila Aika Buenavista; (Back Row, from left to right)

mWell User Growth and Marketing Head Gary Dujali, Fullerton Health Senior Vice President for Strategy Darren Lim and Chief Radiologist Dr. Don Santos.

PHILHEALTH chief Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr.

the Mother’s Day buffet at Cocina

Getting to know—and work with—generations

AS communicators, we deal with people of all ages, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. That is vital as relationships are at the core of our work, and knowing how to understand and talk to them is essential.

In an article in Nice News, Julia Liddy says that according to the Pew Research Center, “categorizing people into different generations provides a means of analyzing perspectives over time.” Global events, technological advances and social shifts, can influence how people see the world, particularly when those experiences take place during one’s formative years. Here, she shares with us Alpha to Z: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Generations, which PR Pros can learn a lot from.

The Greatest Generation (born approximately 1901-1927) W H IL e many of these greats are no longer with us, we can learn much from them and their example. After all, as Diddy notes, “in the US, many from this generation weathered the struggles of the Great Depression, only to find themselves faced with World War II.”

Interestingly enough, the term “The Greatest Generation” is actually a modern invention which caught on following the publication of journalist Tom Brokaw’s 1998 bestselling book of the same name. In his work, Brokaw highlights how the individuals from this era were participants in and witness to the sacrifices of the highest order.” That’s what makes them great. What we can learn from them: Their courage, resilience, generosity, and ability to face challenges with grace.

The Silent Generation (born approximately 1928 to 1945) M AN y o f our parents and elders

LA UNION, PHILIPPIN e S —Over

170 volunteers united with Blackbough Swim, an international swimwear brand based in the Philippines, to remove a truckload of trash from the nesting beaches of endangered sea turtles in Bacnotan, La Union. The one-day coastal cleanup, coinciding with e a rth Day celebrations, underscored Blackbough Swim’s dedication to ecological preservation. Building on the success of its inaugural cleanup in 2023, which saw over 100 sacks of trash removed from Malinao Beach, Siargao, this year’s event marks Blackbough Swim’s continued commitment to marine conservation, a core tenet of the brand’s sustainability journey. As per a study in 2021 reported by ScienceDaily, removing plastics from our beaches is vital because it stops them from be -

coming microplastics that endanger marine creatures.

The shores of Bacnotan, a sanctuary for the endangered pawikan (sea turtles), were the focal point of this initiative. As part of its ongoing mission to champion marine conservation, Blackbough Swim joined forces with CURMA (Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions), whose leadership in marine turtle conservation in the Philippines has been crucial for coastal forest restoration and waste management practices to protect this vital habitat. Blackbough Swim’s cleanup was a comprehensive day of environmental education and action. Volunteers did more than just clear trash by learning, contributing, and making a difference. The team conducted the cleanup on the coastal grounds surrounding Alpas, the official hatchery partner of CURMA in Bacnotan, home to one of La Union’s protected sea turtle nesting grounds.

Volunteers removed over 50 sacks of trash and dangerous debris in an hour, including plastic waste, shoes, tires, and barbed wire. By keeping this habitat clean for ocean wildlife, baby sea turtles can safely return to the ocean dur -

were born in this generation, where Diddy says “caution was the order of the day.” They were, as per Forbes, “born just too late to be World War II heroes and just too early to be New Age firebrands.”

In 1951, Time Magazine referred to them as “The Silent Generation,” noting their tendency to keep to stay quiet and keep to themselves, both literally and figuratively.”

But they were lucky enough to experience the post War economic boom right out of high school.

What we can learn from them: Values like hard work, determination, perseverance, optimism. Also, their serenity and restraint.

Baby Boomers (born approximately 1946 to 1964)

T H e e xplosive and prolonged birth rate after World War II led to what is called the “baby boom.”

We can understand this generation which was shaped by “numerous social, political, and world events including the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the moon landing, and LGBTQ activism.” The world was changing and this generation was changing the world.

According to History.com, the baby boom and phenomenon of “suburbia” or suburban life went hand in hand. Starting in 1944, the GI Bill assisted soldiers returning from World War II by subsidizing low-cost mortgages, so it was typically cheaper to buy a house in the suburbs than rent an apartment in the city.

What we can learn from them: e m bracing change and emerging the best out of it.

Generation X

(born approximately 1965 to 1980)

O FT e N s een as a bridge between the older generations and the younger ones, Gen X falls right around the middle of baby boomers when it comes to demographic

ing the hatching season.

Post-cleanup, CURMA conducted a lecture called “Turtle 101,” which enlightened participants on the types of turtles in the Philippines, their nesting habits, sea turtle conservation, and how simple daily actions can protect our oceans.

As a token of appreciation for their commitment to environmental preservation, volunteers were also given free rein on Blackbough merch and eco-friendly goodies from e a rthy Kit and Magwai.

“Our commitment goes beyond the brand; we are a community that cherishes our natural world. This cleanup reflects our ethos, our commitment to turn the tide towards a sustainable future for all marine life and our future,” said Blackbough Swim Brand Director Misha Bernardino.

CURMA representative Carlos Tamayo added, “Our collaboration with Blackbough Swim has been so much fun for our cleanup community. It’s heartening to see such enthusiasm for conservation, which is crucial for the survival of our beloved pawikan.”

Champ Lui Pio, President of Alpas La Union and Siargao, said, “To -

measures like diversity, religious affiliation, and technology use.

JSTOR Daily says that sociological trends played a big role on Gen Xers during their formative years, especially in the US: divorce rates doubled between 1960, resulting in an increase of single parents.

What we can learn from them: Managing turmoil and learning to bridge the differences between diverse generations.

Millennials (born approximately 1981 to 1996) M O ST m illennials came of age during the explosive growth of the internet and entered the workforce during a significant economic downturn. “Their personal, professional, and financial choices are in many ways shaped by these two events,” says Liddy.

At the same time, they grew up in a time of turmoil—the aftermath of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and most have memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, “all events that have played a role in the modern- day climate of political polarization.”

This generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse until Generation Z came along, says Pew Research.

What we can learn from them: Their technological expertise and advocacies

gether, we’ve taken a step towards a cleaner and healthier beach for all to enjoy. Let’s continue working together to preserve and protect our precious coastal ecosystems.”

In anticipation of International Coastal Cleanup Day in September, the company is gearing for another beach cleanup, continuing its advocacy for ocean conservation.

Blackbough Swim is currently donating 10 percent of net profits from the e a rth Day 2024 Collection’ to CURMA. e a ch sale of two bikini sets supports a day of care for 60 to 70 sea turtles in La Union, Philippines. Check out the e a rth Day 2024 Collection here. For more information about Blackbough Swim and its sustainability initiatives, please visit the Blackbough Swim PH website.

n f ore S T f ound AT i on p h ilippine S f or G e S pA r

on effor

MANILA, PHILIPPIN e S —The Philippines and Canada recently unveiled a new climate change adaptation program that leverages nature to minimize climate impacts. The

Generation Z (born approximately 1997-2012)

T HI S i s the first generation to have no concept of life before the internet. According to Stanford News, their Chief characteristics are “the value they place on diversity and forging their own unique identities.”

Likewise, research out of the university’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences found them to be “highly collaborative”, deeply caring about the needs of others, and pragmatic about inherited issues like climate change,

Not surprisingly, Liddy observes, the research also determined that the internet’s impact upon the “speed, scale, and scope of human communications” has dramatically influenced how this generation works, plays, shops, finds friends, and learns about other people.

What we can learn from them: Technological savvy and highly collaborative character

Generation Alpha (born approximately 2010-2014)

I T w as author and social researcher

Mark McCrindle who first coined the nickname Generation Alpha in 2005. After Generation Z, it was evident to him that a new age group was starting to emerge and

Philippines-Canada Partnership on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS), an initiative led by Forest Foundation Philippines in partnership with the e mbassy of Canada, seeks to enhance the climate resilience of communities, empower women, and ensure that the strategies implemented benefit natural resources and promote healthy ecosystems.

PCP4NbS will pilot good practices on nature-based solutions (NbS) in the Philippines by improving the knowledge base for evidence-based decision making, creating platforms for learning exchange and capacity enhancement, and conducting research on the nexus between biodiversity, gender, and climate adaptation. The program will also develop learning modules and implement gender-responsive, communitybased NbS, and co-create policy recommendations to mainstream NbS for climate adaptation. These solutions not only address climate challenges, but also provide valuable ecological services.

NbS are cost-effective actions that protect, regenerate and enhance ecosystems while responding to the needs of the community and

needed to be named. He took the Greek alphabet route. Many of these are children of millennials, this generation’s members are still being born, so it’s difficult to say what world events will influence them most.

But McCrindle has this to say:

“This generation of children will be shaped in households that move more frequently, change careers often, and increasingly live in urban, not just suburban environments.”

While this may provide guidelines in dealing with different people, it will also be good to keep in mind that each person is unique. And we have to treat each one with respect, graciousness, and understanding.

PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chairman.

We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.

safeguarding biodiversity. The fouryear program aims to utilize these solutions by collaborating with communities, civil society, government agencies, private sector, and other stakeholders. This will involve jointly identifying and implementing innovative NbS initiatives tailored to address environmental and social challenges of climate-vulnerable communities in both terrestrial and coastal areas. Implementation will be supported by a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that resources will be maximized towards achieving the program’s goal.

“PCP4NbS offers a chance to recommit ourselves to science, community involvement, and inclusivity in decision-making. Protecting individuals, communities, and biodiversity is at the heart of NbS,” said e d wina Garchitorena, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Forest Foundation Philippines.

“This partnership, in championing solutions designed by and for local communities, will make a lasting contribution to the health of ecosystems and livelihoods in areas of high biodiversity in the Philippines,” emphasized David Hartman, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines.

SAINT-DENIS, FRANCE —Just like the Olympic athletes, the cyberwarriors that will be crucial for the success of the Paris Games are deep into training for the big event.

They have turned to friendly hackers to probe their cyberdefenses, like boxers who use sparring partners to ready them for a championship fight. They have studied and analyzed the strengths, tactics and weaknesses of their opponents. Those could be anyone from teenage showoffs and ransomware gangs to Russian military hackers with a track record of malicious cyberattacks.

But unlike the 10,500 Olympians who will converge on France’s capital in July, the cybersecurity engineers behind the Games are hoping to stay out of the spotlight. For them, the equivalent of a medal will be getting through the Olympics—and Paralympics—without a major incident. It would mean that their layers of digital defenses stand up to attempts to paralyze computer and information systems v ital for the Games.

“ My dream for the Olympics is that technology and cybersecurity aren’t talked about, because that will mean it was a non-issue,” said Jérémy Couture, who heads the Paris Games organizers’ cybersecurity hub. Its job of spotting, analyzing and responding to cyberthreats is so sensitive and critical to the Games’ success that event organizers keep its location secret.

W hile those in charge of fending off cyberattacks during the Games aren’t willing to divulge much detail about their work, they have no doubt malicious hackers are going to keep them busy this summer. Those could range from cybercriminals to thrillseeking teenage troublemakers to Russian military intelligence operatives with a track record of damaging cyberattacks.

Targets are not limited to the Games themselves but also infrastructure essential for them, such as transport networks or supply chains.

Attackers could include “hacktivists” seeking to make a political statement and cyberextortionists bent on lucre. And often these days, it can be difficult to distinguish a hacktivist from a state-sponsored cyber operator posing as one.

A mong the most threatening cyberadversaries are countries who might want to embarrass and exact costs on France and the International Olympic Committee with proven offensive hacking chops. Russia tops the list of suspects.

B ecause of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Olympic organizers have barred it from competing in team events at the Paris Games and will only allow some individual Russians to compete as neutrals. Russia also has beef with France for supplying Ukraine with weapons and military training and because it has become one of Moscow’s fiercest critics in Europe.

V incent Strubel, who heads France’s national cybersecurity agency, known by its French initials, ANSSI, called the cyberthreats level facing the Games unprecedented. AP

Paris Olympics cyberwarriors undergo pre-Games training

B8 Monday, May 6, 2024

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Bate, Jeong rule Subic Bay International Triathlon

AUSTRALIA’s Luke Bate and South Korea’s Jeong Hye Rim dominated the elite category in the 2024 Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Freeport Boardwalk on Saturday.

The 6-foot-1 Bate, No. 8 in the Australian rankings, claimed victory in the men’s division, clocking 54 minutes and 25 seconds in the race held over 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. Christopher Deegan, also from Australia, w as second in 54:32 while Japan’s Amu Omuro (54:38) was third.

Australians Rory Thornhill (54:48) and Jack Chrome (55:00) ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, followed by Japan’s Satoshi Iwamoto (55:13), Hokuto Obara (55:28) and Kenshin Mori (55:34), Korea’s Kim Jusin (55:41) and Australia’s Samuel Mileham (55:47). I’ve been racing for eight years so I really wanted to win,” said the 25-year-

CRISS CROSS made it to the finals in its Spikers’ Turf Open Conference debut after a tough win over league-leading Cignal, 18-25, 21-25, 25-22, 2522, 17-15, on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. M arck Espejo had 29 points, including 21 on attacks, as the King Crunchers ended the HD Spikers’ 10-match winning streak. Both teams ended the round-robin semifinals with 2-1 won-loss records. T he first match of the best-ofthree title series is on Wednesday at 6 p.m. PGJC-Navy earlier won,

old Bate, who was born in Perth but is now residing in Wollongong City.

C ebuano Andrew Kim Remolino, bronze medalist in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games, clocked 56:09 for 13th place, while provincemate Matthew Justine Hermosa ( 56:38) was 16th.  Joshua Ramos of Baguio Benguet Triathlon clocked 56:53 for 19th place, while Filipino-Spanish Fernando Jose Casares, a two-time SEAG gold winner, was 23rd with a time of 57:44. Meanwhile, Jeong registered 1:01:22 to secure the women’s title in the event organized by the event presented by NTT and Asian Triathlon and organized by Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with SBMA. E dda Hannesdottir of Iceland clocked 1:01:32 to take the silver medal while Chloe Bateup of Australia bagged the bronze medal with a time of 1:01:47.

I ndonesia’s Martina Ayu Pratiwi (1:02:11) was fourth followed by Japan’s Manami Hayashi (1:02:15), Filipino Raven Faith Alcoseba (1:02:20), G uam’s Manami Iijima (1:02:31), Japan’s Himeka Sato (1:02:38) and South Korea’s Kim Gyuri (1:03:19) and Kim Ji Yeon (1:03:50).

Jeong, who hails from Daejon City, placed 20th last year and was only hoping for a podium finish.

I did not expect to win. It’s been six years since I first joined the tournament, so I am very happy that I won the gold medal,” said Jeong, who pocketed the bronze medal in the junior division of the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Cozumel, Mexico.

Narváez steals show in Giro opener, outsprints Pogačar

TURIN, ITALY—Ecuadorian cyclist Jhonatan Narváez marred Tadej Pogačar’s Giro d’Italia debut as he edged the Slovenian star to victory in the opening stage on Saturday.

N arváez took the leader’s pink jersey that Pogačar is heavily favored to be wearing when the race ends in Rome in three weeks.

R arely has the Giro had such an overwhelming pre-race favorite as Pogačar, with the two-time Tour de France winner targeting an audacious Giro-Tour double.

Pogačar had never competed in the Italian grand tour before and he was hoping to ride into pink right from the start but Narváez beat him and Max Schachmann in a sprint between the three riders at the end of the 140-kilometer (87mile) route from Venaria Reale to Turin.

S chachmann also edged out Pogačar.

Following the best guy in the world on the climb was really hard, so it’s a special victory today,” Narváez said. “It’s still hurting me now. It was really hard. Really, really hard. But in the end, I make it.”

I think he [Pogačar] went too long in the sprint, 200 meters after a really hard stage and I did a short sprint and in the end I took the victory.”

Narváez was swiftly embraced by Ineos Grenadiers teammate Geraint Thomas, last year’s runner-up, who is likely to be Pogačar’s main challenger. Thomas and most of the other GC contenders finished within 10 seconds of the leading trio. But there was disappointment for another Ineos Grenadiers rider i n Thymen Arensman as he finished more than two minutes behind Narváez.

Jeong debuted at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games where she won the silver medal in the mixed relay. At the 2022 Hangzhou Asiad, she was seventh in the individual event.  Hoffman,

R omain Bardet and Luke Plapp also

both lost more than a minute after all three were dropped on the secondcategory Colle Maddalena. They were expected to be among the challengers for a podium finish.

There was a special pink jersey as the stage commemorated the 1949 Superga air disaster involving the Torino soccer team. The maglia rosa had the words “Solo il Fato li vinse,” or “Only Fate defeated them,” written on the inside of the collar, in Torino’s colors.

T he opening leg went over the Sup e rga hill where the Torino team’s plane crashed, to mark the 75th anniversary of the tragedy. All 31 people on board the plane died.

A s well as the Superga climb there were two other categorized climbs plus two rides up a steep but uncategorized ascent—including once shortly before the finish—as the Giro got off to an unusually difficult start.

It was on that final climb that Pogačar made his move, upping the pace so that only Narváez and Schachmann could stay with him. They swiftly caught the remnants of the breakaway and then leader Nicola Conci and Pogačar and Narváez crested the summit together before being joined by Schachmann on the descent, setting it up for the sprint to the line. Sunday’s second stage will also be challenging. There are three classified climbs, including a top category uphill finish, in an undulating 161-kilometer (100-mile) route from San Francesco al Campo to Santuario di Oropa.

It will be the earliest mountain finish at the Giro since 1989 when the race began in Sicily and went up Mount Etna. The Giro ends in Rome on May 26. AP

Four Pinoys seek Olympic berths in SEA table tennis

Fegory, while Jann Marie Nayre and John Russel Misal play in the men’s division. I’m confident these four

can make

to the

Olympics although it’s not going to be

because of the new qualification system,” Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) President Ting Ledesma told the BusinessMirror. “Our four athletes have trained abroad to hone their skills.” The first Filipino to reach the Olympics was Yan Lariba, who competed in the R io Olympics in 2016 but unfortunately lost her battle against leukemia in 2018.  Si ngapore, Malaysia and Thailand are among the top contenders in the tournament. The gold medalists will earn berths to the Paris Olympics. “ Before there were 11 spots for the Asian regions, but now only one each in the Southeast Asian region will qualify for the Paris games,” Ledesma added. “It’s like passing through the eye of the needle. It’s very tough. But our players will do their best.” W ith the players in Bangkok are coaches Lauro Crisostomo and Johanne Remaneses.  Cruz trained in Sacramento, California in January to train, capturing the singles title in the Sacramento Winter Open Table Tennis Championship. Nayre, on the other hand, trained in Indonesia also early this year. Josef T. Ramos