BusinessMirror May 11, 2024

By Cai U. Ordinario

DOMESTIC liquidity increased on the back of bank lending to companies and households, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Data showed domestic liquidity increased 5.7 percent to P17.18 trillion in March 2024 from P16.26 trillion in March 2023. Bank lending, BSP said, expanded 9.4 percent to P11.8 trillion in March 2024 from P10.78 trillion in March 2023.

“Domestic claims expanded by 10.8 percent year-on-year in March from 9.6 percent (revised) in the previous month,” BSP said.

“Claims on the private sector grew by 10.9 percent from 10.3 (revised) in February with the sus-

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STARTING them young, the 2024 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA) belonged to the Filipino hearts and minds of tomorrow.

Public high-school students experienced their first time to meet close to a hundred short story writers and poets in one gathering. The students came from various public schools in the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Biñan City and the municipality of Pakil, both in Laguna; and in the City of Manila. They were the first beneficiaries of the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards-Local Government Unit (NJLA-LGU) Advocacy for Proficiency in English through Literature Appreciation project.

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Nick Joaquin. Literature’s popularity may not be what it was once, but every year, around the birthday of the seminal Filipino writer on May 4, the luster of the written art form—those golden days—shines anew. The Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA) returned for its 2024 edition, celebrating once again the best of the best in Philippine literature today. Named after the late National Artist for Literature and former Philippines Graphic editor-in-chief, the NJLA is hosted by the magazine Philippines Graphic, and honors the most outstanding short story writers and poets.

“Sir Nick Joaquin conceptualized the Graphic Literary Awards, which was renamed in his honor after his passing in 2004, thus establishing the tradition that we proudly continue today,” ALC Media Group chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon said during the 2024 NJLA at Samsung Hall SM Aura Premier on May 7. Cabangon’s father, the late visionary businessman and philanthropist Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon-Chua, held a strong friendship with Joaquin, and appointed him the first editor-inchief of the Philippines Graphic in 1990.

“We owe it to Sir Nick Joaquin that the Philippines Graphic remains as a home for talented writers, inspiring and encouraging them to pursue their craft through initiatives like these awards,” Cabangon added. “I am confident that Sir Nick, along with my father, is looking down upon us with pride and joy, witnessing the fruits of our labor and the legacy that they have left behind.”

Back-to-back ‘Poet of the Year’ winner and other awardees

THE annual NJLA recognizes exemplary pieces published in the Philippines Graphic Reader, established in 2022 as the companion literary magazine of the Philippines Graphic. The Graphic Reader serves as the country’s first and only nationally circulated monthly magazine completely devoted to Philippine literature in English, featuring emerging and established Filipino writers and poets.

Hailed as the NJLA Graphic Salute Awardees for 2024 were all 82 short story writers and poets whose literary works were featured in the Philippine Graphic Reader ’s 2nd cycle, spanning February 2023 to January 2024. From this pool of writers, three winners were selected in the short story category, along with the Poet of the Year.

Aside from the individual awards, the 2024 Awards also recognized five local government units (LGUs) as partners of the NJLA in promoting literature at the grassroots level, particularly

Public high school students interact with National Artists, poets, short fictionists, members of the diplomatic community, and big business at NJLA 2024

D. EDGARD A. CABANGON, chairman of the ALC Media Group, welcomed NJLA’s more than 200 invited guests and thanked NJLA’S major sponsors and supporters.

TESTA

BANK LENDING GROWS 9.4% TO ₱11.8T IN MARCH

tained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households,” it added.

The BSP said net claims on the central government expanded by 15 percent from 12 percent (revised) due in part to the decline in the deposits of the National Government with the BSP.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 5 percent yearon-year in March from 3.6 percent in February. The BSP’s NFA grew by 6.2 percent. Meanwhile, the NFA of banks contracted on account of higher bills payable.

“The BSP will continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions remain consistent with the prevailing stance of monetary policy, in keeping with its price and financial stability objectives,” BSP said.

In terms of outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, BSP data showed it increased by 9.5 percent in March from 8.7 percent in the previous month.

The data showed outstanding loans to nonresidents went up by 9.1 percent in March after expanding by 6.5 percent in the previous month.

Outstanding loans for production activities increased by 7.7 percent in March from 6.8 percent in February, mainly due to the rise in loans to major sectors, particularly real-estate activities (11.5 percent).

The data also showed loans to electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (10.1 percent); wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (6.6 percent); construction (18.3 percent); manufacturing (4.9 percent); and transportation and storage (14.3 percent).

“Consumer loans to residents went up by 25.4 percent in March from a growth rate of 25.2 percent in February, driven by the increase in credit card, motor vehicle, and salary-based general-purpose consumption loans,” BSP also said.

NJLA 2024 makes good on its ‘Next Level’ promise

Biñan City Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte, Municipality of Pakil Mayor Vincent L. Soriano, and City of Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Cruz Nieto. The five officials were the first to support the NJLA-LGU Advocacy project, stressing that students will learn about good English and excellent Philippine literature by reading the Graphic ’s companion magazine

Philippines Graphic Reader— the first and only monthly literary magazine completely devoted to Philippine literature in English.

National Artists, Graphic Salute awardees

2022 National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee and 2006 National Artist for the Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera joined some 82 Graphic Salute Awardees composed of up-and-coming, as well as veteran short fictionists and poets whose works appeared in the Philippines Graphic Reader

The three-hour NJLA 2024— directed by noted film and television writer and director Rene “Sketch” Sabangan—started with a pre-event exhibit featuring colorful, framed illustrations of the 12 Graphic Reader covers from February 2023 to January 2024.

National Artists BenCab and Ricky Lee led in the exhibit’s ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Graphic Reader Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon and Creative Design consultant Ces Cabangon. The pre-event likewise included a painting exhibit by SM Group Marketing Manager Anne Ilada and a stamp exhibit by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).

Corporate role

CHAIRMAN D. Edgard A. Cabangon, who sets the policy direction and steers the course for the entire ALC Group of Companies, including the Philippines Graphic, warmly welcomed over 300 invited guests. He also thanked SM Supermalls, SM Investments Corporation, SM Aura, San Miguel Corporation, and the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) for their support.

NJLA 2024 guests included, among others: Grace Magno, SM Supermalls VP for Marketing; Anne Ilada, SM Supermalls Group Marketing Manager; film director Joel Lamangan, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) Postmaster General Luis Carlos, PHLPost chief-of-staff Mark Lauren, Ambassador of Columbia Marcela Ordoñez, Nikolay Shestakov from the Embassy of Russia, and Counsellor Ji Lingpeng and Second Secretary Zhang Min from the Embassy of China.

Representatives from the country’s pharmaceutical industries were also present—PHAP President Diana Edralin, PHAP Executive Director Teodoro B. Padilla, and PHAP CorpCom Director Marianne Pausanos.

Awards were given to outstanding men and women in the corporate sphere who generously supported the English and Literature Advocacy of the NJLA, in partnership with the LGUs. The awards included “Patron of the Year” for SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, “Literature’s Legacy Awardee” for San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, and “Literature Advocate” for

2024 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards: A continuation of a proud legacy

in schools. To further the cause, T. Anthony C. Cabangon, publisher of Philippines Graphic, Philippines Graphic Reader, and BusinessMirror, announced the launch of “NJLALGU Advocacy for English and Literature.” He said the partnership project serves as the corporate social responsibility of the Cabangon siblings, “to keep [our father’s] dream project alive.”

Diana Edralin, President of the Pharmaceutical And Healthcare Association of the Philippines.

Hailed as NJLA 2024 Support Champions were the following corporations under the ALC Group of Companies: Isuzu Gencars Inc., Citystate Properties & Management Corporation, Fortune Life Insurance, Fortune General Insurance, Asian Security & Investigation Agency, Eternal Gardens Memorial Park, Aliw Channel 23, DWIZ, Home Radio, BusinessMirror, and Pilipino Mirror

Food sponsors to the event included: Manila Grand Opera Hotel, Prego, L’Opera, Agings, Apag Marangle, and Italian Wines and Coffee Bar.

‘Safe harbor’ as CSR T. ANTHONY C. CABANGON publisher of the Philippines Graphic, Philippines Graphic Reader, and BusinessMirror, said it is the Graphic’s corporate social responsibility to “provide a safe harbor for the country’s best literary minds.”

“With the Philippines Graphic and its companion magazine, the Philippines Graphic Reader —we intend to set sail for the next generations of writers and poets. Most important of all, we want to reach the schools where these precious literary works can be appreciated and taught,” Cabangon said.

He added that local government officials can help the promotion and strengthening of Philippine literature by exposing students in public schools to literature materials.

Among the LGU officials present at NJLA 2024 were City of Sto. Tomas Mayor Marasigan, Biñan City Vice Mayor Alonte, and Pakil, Laguna Mayor Soriano.

Winners in NJLA 2024

RETIRED Philippine Daily Inquirer editor Rosario Garcellano won first prize and a cash prize of P50,000 for her short story, “The Heart Wants What It Wants.”

Second place and a cash prize of P30,000 went to Criselda Yabes for her short story, “Near Paradise.”

Third place and a cash prize of P20,000 was won by Yvette Tan for her short story “Horror Vacui.”

Named Poet of the Year was F. Jordan Carnice for “Two Poems for 2023.” Carnice also won Poet of the Year for NJLA 2023. The multi-awarded board of judges for NJLA 2024 was led by short fictionist, poet, novelist, and essayist Jose “Butch” Dalisay (chairman of the board of judges). Co-judges were short fictionist and essayist Susan Lara and tri-lingual poet and essayist Marra PL. Lanot. An “In Memoriam” was held for the poets, writers, lyricists and film directors who died in 2023. A special tribute was given to the late painter Edgar “Egai” Talusan Fernandez, whose painting Kahapon, Ngayon at Pangarap became the maiden issue cover of the revived Philippines Graphic on June 18, 1990.

A celebration and an alignment of stars THE NJLA is as much an awardgiving body as it is a venue where art titans converge. This year’s guests of honor included two recipients of the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts: National Artist for Literature Ricky Lee and National Artist for the Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera.

Aside from the awards and appearances of artistic luminaries, the 2024 NJLA also featured a special exhibition of all the 12 Philippines Graphic Reader covers to date. Every month, the publication features on its pages four short stories and four poems selected from literary submissions to the magazine. These literary pieces are then visualized by talented illustrators Randy Constantino and Ardie Aquino, with support from Graphic Reader Creative Director Ed Davad and Creative Design Consultant Ces Cabangon. Meanwhile, the Graphic Reader ’s inside illustrations are done by noted visual artist Jimbo Albano.

Long line of exemplary literature THE Philippines Graphic has always been a staunch supporter of literature. Since it first became a magazine in 1927, the outlet has carried on its pages the literary works of talented Filipino short story writers and poets.

In 1990, the Philippines Graphic was reborn through its third owners, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and his family. Appointed as the title’s editor-in-chief was the ambassador’s good friend, Nick Joaquin, who pushed for devoting precious publication space for short stories and poetry in English, written by young and veteran Filipino writers. Joaquin is widely regarded as the most distinguished Filipino writer in English, as well as the greatest Filipino writer of the 20th century. He was born in Paco, Manila, in 1917, and spent most of his life exploring the diverse heritage of the Filipino people across different forms of literature, from novels to poems, and more. His famous works include the 1966 play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino and the 1990 non-fiction My Manila: A History for the Young.

In 1976, Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature.

In a previous statement, ALC Media Group chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon said that his father, the late ambassador, and Joaquin “both cherished literature,” adding that the two “vowed to nurture excellent literary works on the pages of the magazine.”

True to the cause, Philippine literature in English blossomed on the pages of the Philippines Graphic The magazine featured the early works of writers who became the next generation of established Filipino fictionists and poets in the country. The impressive roster includes Charlson

Ong, Clovis Nazareno, Carlos Ojeda Aureus, Carina C. David, Angelo Rodriguez Lacuesta, Katrina Tuvera, Andrea Pasion, Ernesto Superal Yee, Luis Joaquin Katigbak, Lakambini Sitoy, and Erwin E. Castillo, to name a few.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Puregold’s Tindahan Ni Aling Puring propels economic empowerment for Filipino MSMEs

AMID fluctuating economic conditions faced by Filipinos, Puregold continues to fortify the foundation of local communities—sarisari stores and food establishments. Recognizing these entrepreneurs as pivotal to the Philippine economy, Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring program offers comprehensive benefits tailored to bolster resilience and support the growth of the micro, small, and medium business enterprises sector.

“We have seen record-setting volumes, thanks to more small business owners signing up for Tindahan ni Aling Puring,” said Ferdinand Vincent P. Co, President of Puregold. Members attribute this to Puregold’s offerings, including the convenience of a one-stop shop for all their business needs, the reliability of product quality, convenient locations, and competitive pricing.

With nearly 1 million members, the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program is the cornerstone of Puregold. One way that Puregold gives back to its members is through the annual Negosyo Convention, scheduled for May 16-18, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This year’s theme, “Asenso Tayo,” underscores Puregold’s commitment to boosting the profitability and long-term viability of Filipino sari-sari stores and other small businesses.

“Behind nearly every sari-sari store in the Philippines is Puregold. We are honored to be their ally in their journey to success and financial independence,” said Vincent.

Puregold reiterates that its core mission will continue to benefit sari-sari stores and other businesses. Through strategic initiatives and robust support systems, Puregold pledges to remain a steadfast partner in the growth and success of Filipino entrepreneurs across the nation.

MPTC offers to buy out govt stake in SCTEx, but BCDA not biting yet

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

EW CLARK CITY—The Bases

NConversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has received a buyout offer from Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. for its stake in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

However, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said the offer was below what the government expects from its investment in the expressway.

The offer, he said, is “in the 10 digits,” confirming that it is more than P20 billion, or the amount of debt balance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

“From our end, in order for us to consider that proposal, our balance of debt to Jica is around P20 billion. So you want at least a minimum of that in order to be assured of your debt. You will have better sleep—that for the next 20 years, you are assured of paying the foreign lender. Right. So that will be the starting point,” he said at the sidelines of the One Clark Forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (Ejap) and the BCDA. MPTC, led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, holds the concession to operate and maintain the SCTEx. The BCDA has a 50-percent revenue share in the earnings of the tollway.

Bingcang explained that the BCDA wants “more” than P20 billion, which was roughly the initial buyout proposal sent by the Pangilinan-led company.

“[We want more] because P20 billion is just our investment. You want something for the government, for the public. Normally, how much returns would you want when you have made an investment? It should be at least 100-percent return or double your investment. So those are the numbers we are approaching right now,” he said. Already, the BCDA and MPTC are negotiating for better terms and Bingcang’s instruction is to complete the discussions by June.

“We met with them last week and we are yet to form a technical working group to come up with a proper valuation—the point is, we should come up with a good price for the government and we intend to contribute whatever revenues that we will raise for that arrangement with the Metro Pacific to the national government,” he said. In 2023, the BCDA recorded a P2-billion earning from the SCTEx.

Govt gives ₧100-M El Niño aid to Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato

By Samuel P. Medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended over P100 million worth of presidential assistance to Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato to help them cope with the effects of El Niño.

Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu and Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza each received over P50 million from the chief executive during the ceremonial turnover at the Sultan Kudarat Sports and Cultural Center on Friday.

“So this is the goal of my visit here. Not just to bring help but also the commitment that the

government will be with you in combating the harsh effects caused by El Niño,” Marcos said in Filipino in his speech at the event.

Each of the affected farmers and fisherfolk also received P10,000 worth of presidential assistance besides the other forms of aid they received from the other government agencies.

Among the interventions are the seedlings, fertilizers, pumping equipment and other agricultural machineries and the P5,000 financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance;

and the P10,000 financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also released P4,000 cash assistance each to 583 beneficiaries under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued P940,000 worth of certificate grants to three farm agricultural groups, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)

distributed 21 livelihood toolkits and allowances to their scholars. Marcos said he hopes the interventions will help in the swift recovery of both provinces from the dry spell and drought from El Niño. Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato were among seven provinces which declared a State of Calamity (SOC) as of April 30, 2024 so they can tap their calamity funds to help their El Niño-affected constituents. The other provinces under SOC are Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Basilan, Maguindanao Del Sur, and Maguindanao Del Norte.

Women dominate Top 10 PMA grads, female cadet is number 1

By Marilou Guieb

AGUIO CITY—Women cadets

Bdid it again. For the seventh time since females were accepted into the Philippine Military Academy in 1993, a lady cadet emerged as the top graduate of PMA Class. Seven among the top 10 are female.

PMA Class 2024—BAGONG SINAG (Bagong Henerasyong Gagampanan ang Tama: Serbisyo, Integridad at Nasyonalismo and Aming Gabay) is composed of 278 graduates with 224 male and 54 female.

Cadet 1CL Jeneth B. Elumba, 24 years old, from Surigao del Norte, will be graduating magna cum laude and will receive the Presidential Saber and the Philippine Army Saber among the seven awards she will be endowed with.

Elumba grew up in a farming community. “My father is a farmer and my mother is a barangay kagawad,” she said. Her father is the elected barangay captain but she still considers farming as their main source of livelihood as it had been since she was a child, she said.

Elumba is a phenomenon not only for graduating number one but also because she had a major setback which she hurdled through sheer determination. “I was operated on for appendicitis after a training in Bulacan during

my third year at the academy and was not able to do the physical activities and training for about a year,” she said. She was about to be discharged for medical reasons. “I thought it was the end of my cadetship but I persisted in prayer,” she said. Needless to say, more than prayers, she exerted her utmost and was able to cope with the required physical fitness standards.

Her father, who finished criminology, had a dream. He wanted to be a uniformed officer which was frustrated by personal circumstances. Growing up, she would listen to her father and this aspiration which became her own. For her, entering the PMA was an opportunity to make the dream come true.

The rankings and awardees were announced only before a press conference of the announcement of the Top 10 today and Elumba’s parents are also just to find out. If they are watching the live stream, I hope they are happy, Elumba said in her dialect.

Following ELumba and according to rank are the following:

Top 2—Cadet 1CL Mark Armeul U Boiles, 21, from Novaliches, Quezon City. He will be joining the Philippine Air Force. He is the son of a tricycle driver and graduated with honors from FEU High School. He will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, the Philippine Air Force Saber and the General Anto -

nio Luna Award among the eight that he will be garnered with.

Top 3—Cadet 1CL Kim Harold L. Gilo, 22, magna cum laude, will join the Philippine Navy. Hailing from Butuan City, he is a Born Again Christian, the son of a fireman. His mother is a midwife. He finished high scholl with high honors at the Agusan National High School. He will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber, Philippine Navy Saber, Natural Science Plaque among seven awards.

Top 4—Cadet 1 CL Cyril Joy J. Masculino, magna cum laude, the daughter of a retired soldier and a teacher. A Bicolano, she graduated valedictorian at Legazpi City High School. She will join the Philippine Army.

Top 5—Cadet 1CL Rosemel B. Dogello, 21 years old, a Hiligaynon from Jamindan, Capiz. She will join the Army. She is also the daughter of a soldier. Her mother is a homemaker. She finished high school with honors and attended some college courses at the Capiz State University.

Top 6—Cadet 1Cl Alexa Mye P. Valen, 21 years old, a Bisaya with address at Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. She is the daughter of a farmer while her mother works as a disbursing officer. She also graduated with high honors from the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School and will join the Army.

Top 7—Cadet 1CL Floyd Nino Arthur G. Roxas, 23, a Hiligaynon from Leganes, Iloilo Province. He was a college undergraduate before he joined the PMA. His mother is a civil engineer. He will be awarded the Information Technology Plaque, Department of Leadership Plaque and the AGFO Incorporated Award.

Top 8—Cadet 1CL Giselle G. Tong, 22 years old, of Itawes ethnicity from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. She will join the Philippine Navy. Her mother is a police officer. She will be awarded the Mathematics Plaque.

Top 9—Cadet 1CL Danica Marie D. Viray, 23, cum laude, will join the Army. She is from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City and is the daughter of a retired soldier and a teacher. She graduated valedictorian from Asia Pacific College.

Top 10—Cadet 1 CL Neriva C. Binag, 22, will join the Philippine Navy. Both her parents are teachers from Cabagan, Isabela. She graduated with honors from the Regional Science High School.

Of the 278 members of the BAGONG SINAG Class, 144 will join the Army, 62 will join the Air Force, and 72 the Navy.

PMA Class 2024 BAGONG SINAG is the so-called Covid batch and the new cadets had to bear the loneliness of not seeing their families for the duration of the two-year lockdown. But PMA Superintendent LTGEN Rowen S. Tolentino said the academy made sure to put in place programs to address the Covid isolation and loneliness of the cadets. Graduation r ites will be on May 18, 2024.

As Balikatan ends, Gibo says transforming AFP into a ‘multi-threat’ force will continue

By Rex Anthony Naval

S the 39th iteration of the annual

ASofitel Philippine Plaza workers will get nearly P300 million in separation benefits–hotel owner

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

PHILIPPINE Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), which owns Sofitel Philippine Plaza, has allocated some P230 million to P287 million for separation benefits of its 500 employees. The hotel, completed in 1976 in time for Manila’s hosting of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank meetings, will be closed at the end of business hours on June 30, 2024.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror, PPHI president Esteban Peña Sy said, “We are giving the employees more than what was provided in their union’s CBA [collective bargaining agreement]. It’s about US$4 million to $5 million.” He added that skills training will be provided to the separated employees in the “next month and a half, so we can better equip them, and we’ve also talked to DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment] to help in their placement, as well as the PHOA [Philippine Hotel Owners Association].”

With the current workers’ shortage in the hospitality industry, Peña Sy said the company is hopeful that their separated workers “will find jobs easily. We’re also asking Accor, because we have very good employees, maybe if they need workers in their other hotels abroad, to hire our separated employees.” International hospitality chain Accor has been managing the hotel since 2006, with its management contract renewed every five years.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and celebrities such as singer Erykah Baduh have stayed. “To be frank, the future of the hotel is very uncertain, because we don’t own the land. So we are still in the process of negotiating with GSIS, because if we want to renovate the hotel into a good condition, it will take a lot of investments. So the owners of the hotel are calculating, whether they can get their invested money back in a few years or what.”The proposed renovation will cost “roughly $150 million” or P8.6 billion ($1:P54.7) “so the owners are requesting if the lease on the land can be extended.”

“Balikatan” military between Filipino and American troops officially ended Friday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said efforts to transform the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a “multi-threat, multi-theater” capable force will continue.

“We have also witnessed on the Philippine side the shift towards, as I said, getting out of their comfort zones; and I have told the AFP that we will be increasing the pressure continuously for them to evolve as soon as possible into a ‘multi-threat, multi-theater”

operating Armed Forces consistent with the archipelagic doctrine nature of our country and the necessity for defending it in a proactive and not a passive manner,” he said during the closing ceremonies for “Balikatan.”

Teodoro added that exercises like “Balikatan” and all other drills must continue to keep the AFP and its units up-to-date and well trained for anything.

“In the same vein, exercises such as this should be continued because for us men who are consigned to [the] kitchen at home, we know the worst thing in a kitchen is dull knife and a good chef hones the knife everyday. This is what we should do and this is what we are going to do singularly, bilaterally and multilaterally,” he added.

Teodoro said nations in the Indo-Pacific Region must keep this footing so that the area will remain free and open.

He added, “no amount of malign or, for lack of a better term perverse, attempts to subvert our goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific and rules-based international order will stop our shared advance towards upholding [these] internationally accepted norms come what may,” he added.

In the same vein, Teodoro said President

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has congratulated all “Balikatan” participants for the successful conduct of the more than three-week exercise that started April 22 and ended on May 10.

“I was with our President yesterday [May 9] and informed him that today [May 10] would be the closing ceremonies of the ‘Balikatan’ and he extends his congratulations to both Armed Forces and all those who participated for the successful conduct of this year’s exercise and he looks forward to next year’s exercise which will believe [will feature a] full-battle simulation which will put to the test the combined capabilities in the most realistic of scenarios possible with safety in mind,” he added.

Some 16,000 Filipino and American troops took part in the exercises which was highlighted by the first ever multilateral maritime exercise between Filipino, American and French naval vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone from April 25 to 29; the counter-landing live-exercise at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City last May 6; and sinking exercise where a C-Star anti-ship missile was fired successfully, hitting a decommissioned naval oil tanker in Laoag waters on May 8.

‘An uncertain future’ THE PPHI executive confirmed B usiness M irror s story that they are asking for an extension on their lease contract with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for another 25 years, after its current contract expires in 2041. The pension fund for government workers owns the land on which Sofitel Philippine Plaza stands. (See, “Sofitel owner wants 25 years more on its lease with GSIS,” in the BusinessMirror, May 10, 2024.)

He could not say, however, what the future holds for the iconic hotel, where dignitaries like US President Barack Obama, former US

PClosed for ‘safety reasons’ PEÑA SY explained that renovations to the hotel are pressing, after having undergone several mishaps such as burst pipes, stalled elevators and escalators, leaking airconditioners, and a gas leak at its restaurant. “In the past two years, so many incidents have happened already. In fact, last September, we had to evacuate more than 1,000 guests and transferred to other hotels because the water pipeline burst. So, we want to close for safety reasons.” He described the closure as “sayang [a wasted opportunity],” considering business has been doing well, with 80 percent of the 600 rooms occupied. But safety auditors contracted by PPHI confirmed that the “buildings are too old, defects are existing.” The stateowned Occupational Safety and Health Center, he added, had also said that “preventive and precautionary measures need to be adopted, as we cannot afford accidents.” PPHI is fully owned by Allied Kajima of Hong Kong, a 50-50 joint venture between Allied Group of Hong Kong and the Kajima Group of Japan. Last year, GSIS President Jose Arnulfo “Wick”Veloso had proposed swapping the fund’s future lease income with shares in the offshore development arm of Kajima and Allied. “This was only mentioned by President Veloso but there was no serious discussion yet. Maybe that will come later. I’m not very sure about this one,” said Peña Sy. A government source told this paper that GSIS is asking for an “increase” in lease terms to protect its members. PPHI still has 17 years left on its lease contract with GSIS.

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the participation of more countries like France in holding joint drills will ensure the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In an interview with reporters in General Santos City last Friday, he said the involvement of more countries in conducting joint cruises in the WPS will help deter aggression from Chinese ships in that part of the South China Sea (SCS) within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“That is why we are thankful for those who are helping the Philippines in helping to keep the peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea,” Marcos said.

The President made the remark amid reports that the Philippines and France will negotiate for a visiting forces agreement this month, which will allow France to continue participation in the country’s joint military exercise with the United States (US).

French troops were able to join for the first time the Philippines-US military exercise last month. Philippine vessels passing through the WPS have suffered worse harassment from Chinese Coast Guard ships that started using water cannons against the latter last March.

The latest of such incidents happened on April 30, 2024 when two large Chinese vessels fired their water cannons against a Philippine vessel on patrol near the Panatag Shoal, damaging its railing and canopy.

Marcos stressed the importance of preserving the peace in the SCS since it is a major waterway for global maritime trade. Samuel P. Medenilla

PBBM: Countries like France help keep freedom of navigation in WPS

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Why being old is wonderful

By Nick Tayag

my

sixty-zen’s WORtH

THErE was this famous actress who was always unwilling to admit her real age. One time, a reporter asked her actual age and she said, “I’m sixty five.” The reporter immediately retorted: “But Ma’m how can that be when I just asked your son his age and he says he is sixty one.” Her quick reply: “My son lives his life, and I live mine.”

In fairness, I’ve never been ashamed to reveal my exact age when people ask me. I don’t dye my hair to hide my age. I don’t soft-edge my shame of being a senior citizen by retorting to witty euphemisms, like I’m not old, I’m gold or something along that line.

Truth be told, at first, I couldn’t believe I had become a senior citizen much less a grandfather. I still get a little surprised at times to see our children look middle-aged. Where did the years go, my wife and I would often ask each other. But what can’t be denied is the gradual positive change in me: the more I advance in age, the more I have come to accept my old-ness wholeheartedly.

Perhaps it’s because of the privileged vantage point that age has now given me. Parker J. Palmer, teacher, activist, visionary, mentor and author of the book “On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old,” says: “I like being old because the view from the brink is striking, a full panorama of my life—and a bracing breeze awakens me to new ways of understanding my own past, present, and future.”

As one character of Kurt Vonnegut’s novel “Player Piano” says: “Out on the edge you can see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center.” On my 73rd year to heaven, I am like a military commander watching the battle on a high terrain having a sweeping view of what’s happening.

As a senior creative consultant of a multi-media production team, (yes, I’m still work engaged) I am surprised sometimes why I always manage to see things more broadly and clearly than my younger team cohorts. It seems that I know all the answers but nobody asks me the questions. Like a drone in the sky, I can see the entire terrain and pinpoint the little spot where our project or task would fit in the “grand scheme of things.”

When there are minor squabbles within the team I can immediately sense where it’s coming from. I can connect the dots after observing the dynamics. It’s as if I’ve already encountered their types in my younger lifetime. I can sense the potential of each person in the team and I know it’s just a matter of time before they actualize it. I can now freely speak my mind and young people defer to me because they know I am the voice that says, “been there, done that.” At the risk of being a KJ or a balloon pricker, I temper their overzealousness and enthusiasm, helping them avoid costly mistakes, which I have seen happen so many times before.

Global aging population to hit 1.4 billion in 2030

AS people around the world are living longer, a significant shift in the global population is underway. The World Health Organization said that most individuals can now expect to live into their sixties and beyond, leading to an increase in the size and proportion of older persons in every country.

my white-haired

a room elicits an aura

But the splendid thing about it is there’s no generational wall that stands between us. Young people don’t feel threatened or intimidated. They would seek me and would love talking to me. They’re not ashamed to tell me their most personal problems because of my mellow aged-ness. They know I have seen enough of life’s problems. To them, I am like a confessional box and a psychotherapist in one, bound by unstated confidentiality.

Maybe they see me as approachable because I don’t project the feeling that I know it all or I know better. Even with seven decades of vast and deep experience compressed in my mind, I tell them I have not learned enough, and that I am learning from them as much as they are learning from me.

“Begin again” is in fact my guiding mantra after retirement. I wake up each day, eager to meet and embrace the new and the unexpected. I am open to be filled again, mindful of what a Buddhist master said: “You are perfect as you are, and you can use some improvement.”

I am staying engaged with the world because it’s where I get my soul nourished continuously. It’s also where I can listen and learn the lessons of this life. I like to stay open to tiny epiphanies via friends, family members, stories, and ordinary experiences.

These moments help me situate the events of daily life within a vaster perspective and experience them with greater serenity and deeper understanding.

Take the video my production team is working on about textile waste. The more I get informed, the greater my understanding of zerowaste as a way of life. I deeply believe that wonderful things can come from waste and everything should be re-used for another life in this world after it has done its previous role. There are no final exits, only rebirth, repurposing, upgrading. I never liked physics or the sciences because I was poor at math. Now in my old age, I am loving physics, especially astronomical physics. It’s only in old age that I can see the parallelism of modern physics and ancient eastern mysticism. I wouldn’t have arrived at this insight as a materially minded, restlessly distracted young man.

Being old is like putting on a pair of eyeglasses or a new lens after a cataract operation. You see things in a fresh, clearer way. You notice things you overlooked before. You get a second closer look at things you took for granted. I am now comfortable with just looking at things without judgment, allowing me to be present with what is, enjoying the oldness of me.

Fellow passengers on the predeparture lounge, we only get old once in our lifetime. So let’s enjoy the wonderful view while it lasts.

By 2030, it is projected that 1 in 6 people worldwide will be aged 60 years or over, with the number of individuals in this age group reaching 1.4 billion. Furthermore, by 2050, the global population of people aged 60 years and older is set to double to 2.1 billion, while the number of individuals aged 80 years or older is expected to triple to 426 million within the same time frame.

While population aging initially began in high-income countries, such as Japan where 30 percent of the population is already over 60 years old, low- and middle-income countries are now experiencing the most significant changes. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years old will reside in these countries.

At a biological level, aging is the result of the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage over time, leading to a gradual decline in physical and mental capacity and an increased risk of disease. However, the changes associated with aging are not linear or consistent and are only loosely associated with chronological age. Aging is often accompanied by other life transitions like retirement, changes in housing, and the loss of friends and partners.

As people age, they are more susceptible to common health con-

ditions such as hearing loss, vision impairments, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia. Additionally, older age often brings about complex health states known as geriatric syndromes, including frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium, and pressure ulcers. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience multiple conditions simultaneously as they age.

While longer life expectancy presents opportunities for individuals, families, and societies as a whole, it heavily depends on the maintenance of good health. Evidence suggests that the proportion of life spent in good health has remained relatively constant, implying that the additional years are often characterized by poor health. Therefore, living in a supportive environment and maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life are crucial for individuals to enjoy a fulfilling and active older age.

The physical and social environments in which people live play a significant role in their health and well-being as they age. Factors such as access to safe and accessible public spaces, transportation, and supportive communities contribute to healthy aging. Developing a com-

prehensive public health response to population aging requires considering individual and environmental approaches that not only mitigate the losses associated with older age but also promote recovery, adaptation, and psychosocial growth.

However, responding to population aging presents challenges due to the wide diversity among older individuals. Some 80-year-olds may have physical and mental capacities similar to those of much younger individuals, while others may experience significant declines at a much earlier age. A comprehensive public health approach must address the diverse experiences and needs of older people.

Ageist attitudes and discrimination against older individuals remain prevalent in society and can hinder the development of effective policies and opportunities for healthy aging. It is essential for public health professionals and society as a whole to challenge these stereotypes and promote a positive perception of aging.

Globalization, technological advancements, urbanization, migration, and changing gender norms are also influencing the lives of older people, both directly and indirectly.

Considering these factors is crucial when formulating policies and strategies to address the needs of older populations.

In response to the challenges and opportunities presented by population aging, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021–2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, with the World Health Organization (WHO) leading its implementation. This global collaboration aims to foster longer and healthier lives through collective action in four key areas: changing perceptions and attitudes towards aging, developing age-friendly communities, delivering person-centered integrated care, and ensuring access to quality longterm care for those in need.

The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing aligns with the United Nations Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development and seeks to reduce health inequities and improve the lives of older people, their families, and communities worldwide. By addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented by population aging, societies can enable older individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

Gene causes Alzheimer’s, not just raises risk

WBy Lauran Neergaard AP Medical Writer

ASHINGTON—For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease—in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.

Scientists have long known a gene called APOE4 is one of many things that can increase people’s risk for Alzheimer’s, including simply getting older. The vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur after age 65. But research published Monday suggests that for people who carry not one but two copies of the gene, it’s more than a risk factor, it’s an underlying cause of the mind-robbing disease.

The findings mark a distinction with “profound implications,” said Dr. Juan Fortea, who led the study the Sant Pau research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.

Among them: Symptoms can begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer’s.

An estimated 15 percent of Alzheimer’s patients carry two copies of APOE4, meaning those cases “can be tracked back to a cause and the cause is in the genes,” Fortea said. Until now, genetic forms of Alzheimer’s were thought to be only types that strike at much younger ages and account for less than 1 percent of all cases.

Scientists say the research makes it critical to develop treatments that target the APOE4 gene. Some doctors won’t offer the only drug that has been shown to modestly slow the disease, Leqembi, to people with the gene pair because they’re especially prone to a dangerous side effect, said Dr. reisa Sperling, a study coauthor at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Sperling hunts ways to prevent or at least delay Alzheimer’s and “this data for me says wow, what an important group to be able to go after before they become symptomatic.”

But the news doesn’t mean people should race for a gene test. “It’s important not to scare everyone

A section of a human brain with Alzheimer’s disease is displayed at the Museum of neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo, in Buffalo, n.Y., october 7, 2003. A long-feared gene appears to do more than raise people’s risk of Alzheimer’s: inheriting two copies can cause the mind-robbing disease, according to research published in the journal nature Medicine on May 6, 2024. aP PHOtO/DaviD DuPrey

who has a family history” of Alzheimer’s because this gene duo isn’t behind most cases, she told The Associated Press.

How do genetics affect Alzheimer’s?

MOr E than 6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, have Alzheimer’s. A handful of genes are known to cause rare “early-onset” forms, mutations passed through families that trigger symptoms unusually young, by age 50. Some cases also are linked to Down syndrome.

But Alzheimer’s most commonly strikes after 65, especially in the late 70s to 80s, and the APOE gene—which also affects how the body handles fats—was long known to play some role. There are three main varieties. Most people carry the APOE3 variant that appears to neither increase nor decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Some carry APOE2, which provides some protection against Alzheimer’s. APOE4 has long been labeled the biggest genetic risk factor for late-in-life Alzheimer’s, with two copies risker than one. About 2% of the global population is estimated to have inherited a copy from each parent.

Research points to a cause for a subset of Alzheimer’s

TO better understand the gene’s role, Fortea’s team used data from 3,297 brains donated for research and from over 10,000 people in US and European Alzheimer’s studies. They examined symptoms and early hallmarks of Alzheimer’s such as sticky amyloid in the brain.

People with two APOE4 copies were accumulating more amyloid at age 55 than those with just one copy or the “neutral” APOE3 gene variety, they reported in the journal Nature Medicine. By age 65, brain scans showed significant plaque buildup in nearly three-quarters of those double carriers—who also were more likely to have initial Alzheimer’s symptoms around that age rather than in the 70s or 80s.

Fortea said the disease’s underlying biology was remarkably similar to young inherited types. It appears more like “a familial form of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging. “It is not just a risk factor.”

Importantly, not everyone with two APOE4 genes develops Alzheimer’s symptoms and researchers need to learn why, Sperling cautioned.

“It’s not quite destiny,” she said.

How the new findings may affect Alzheimer’s research and treatment

THE drug Leqembi works by clearing away some sticky amyloid but Sperling said it’s not clear if carriers of two APOE4 genes benefit because they have such a high risk of a side effect from the drug—dangerous brain swelling and bleeding. One research question is whether they’d do better starting such drugs sooner than other people.

Masliah said other research aims to develop gene therapy or drugs to specifically target APOE4. He said it’s also crucial to understand APOE4’s effects in diverse populations since it’s been studied mostly in white people of European ancestry.

Modesty aside,

presence in

of “gravitas.”

Sen. Alan Cayetano prods Taguig youth: ‘Dream big!’

SEN. ALAN PETER CAYETANO has called on the Taguigeño youth to aspire for greatness for their city—much like he and his peers did three decades ago.

“Dream big, so that we can build Taguig City together,” Cayetano told the packed audience at the Taguig Music Festival, which elicited cheers from the crowd gathered at the TLC Park in Lakeshore.

The senator, who started in politics three decades ago as one of the youngest councilors in the country at age 21, reflected on the progress of Taguig over the past 30 years. He said in Filipino that the recent celebration was a vision of his batchmates. He urged Taguig’s young constituents to seek Divine Guidance in their aspirations for the city. The lawmaker also cited the need for community partnerships for issues like substance abuse and

‘Halo-halo’ research gab to sizzle at UST

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) is set to mix up quantitative and qualitative researchers on May 21 and 22 through a fair themed after a famous Filipino dessert.

“ Halo-Halo : The Filipino Mixed Methods Fair” will bring together novice and seasoned researchers to learn the basics of combining quantitative and qualitative methods in social science, health science and humanities research.

This hyflex event—to be held both at UST’s Thomas Aquinas Research Complex and via Zoom—will assemble 37 resource persons from 26 universities and two nongovernment organizations. The speakers come from three continents, from the three major Philippine island groups, and from various disciplines.

“Halo-halo…” will serve as the culturally aligned theme for mixed methods by Filipinos, with the mixing of ingredients to “concoct this summer dessert.” It is akin to combining quantitative and qualitative methods together and produce broader research findings and insights.

The fair also strives to reflect how Filipino researchers from disciplines—in the health sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, and other relevant disciplines—have been doing mixed methods.

Professor emerita of Psychology Elizabeth Creamer from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute State University in the United States will deliver the keynote.

President Loraine Cook of the Mixed Methods International Research Association and of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica will also provide remarks.

Registration fees are as follows: P2,000 for UST faculty members; P1,500 for UST graduate students; P1,000 for the university’s undergraduate students; P1,500 for non-UST participants based in Metro Manila; and P1,000 for non-UST participants based outside of Metro Manila.

For details and payment instructions, interested parties may reach the UST Research Center for Social Sciences and Education or RCSSED, which is the main organizer of “Halo-Halo,” at rcssed@ust.edu.ph, halohalo. mixedmethods@gmail.com , and at (02) 8731-3535.

unemployment, and that every missing aspect or gap has been duly addressed in their local gov

Cayetano ended his message by urging everyone to unite under their beloved city, and support the innate talents of its residents.

Pursuing education despite the odds:

SM scholar alumni now closer to their dreams

IN the Philippines, a significant number of students often face uncertain paths to higher education, especially those from low-income communities. Often, the pressing need to support their families leads them to consider skipping college altogether and entering the labor force straight out of high school.

At one point, this could have been the story of Prince Mangahas and Queenie Alfonso—SM scholars and alumni from Pampanga—whose lives took a turn through their scholarship opportunity.

Determined to defy odds MANGAHAS is not only excelling as a teacher, but also steadily building the life he always wanted for his own family.

His family background was a picture of hardship. With his mother back from overseas work and a struggling household, college education seemed out of reach.

“I felt I needed to step up for the family and be the provider,” he said, while contemplating enrolling in a short vocational course instead of going to college. “I was really determined to get an education no matter the odds, because I was heartbroken by the fact that my siblings had to stop going to school. As a kuya , [I wish that all of us will progress at the same time],” he shared.

A glimmer of hope emerged when Mangahas stumbled upon the SM Foundation scholarship program at Angeles University Foundation. For him, it was like a light at the end of the tunnel during the darkest time in his life.

“There were times when I couldn’t afford lunch, and had to walk for hours just to attend classes,” he recalled. “[But I didn’t lose heart be -

cause] I am an SM Scholar. SM had it all for me. All I had to do was immerse myself in my studies. And for me, this meant overcoming all hardships. Struggle was real, but I was not battling alone. SM was there,” he reflected, while citing the role the scholarship played in shaping his journey of becoming the accomplished educator he is today.

Education wasn’t just “Teacher Prince’s” ticket to a better life; it has now become his tool to empower students and give his family the kind of life he long hoped to have.

Motivated by the influence of education on his life, he now extends his influence beyond the classroom. Aside from his primary role as a Math teacher, he also takes on leadership roles as the Grade-9 coordinator, and does private tutoring for added income.

During the pandemic, he leveraged on his expertise as a Department of Education’s TV Math Teacher-Broadcaster, creating video lessons for students across the country. At one point, he was the lone tutor-volunteer for Mathematics 6 of DepEd’s ETUlay online tutorial program.

Mangahas sees education as a force for social good: “Through education, one becomes aware of the prevailing issues,” he says. He envisions himself not just teaching Math, but also using his story to inspire students to dream big and contribute to a better society. “Education plants a seed in someone’s heart…Nourish it until it bears the fruit of compassion.”

Following ‘Tatang’s’ footsteps MUCH like “Teacher Prince” was Kapampangan SM scholar Alfonso. While her parents strived to provide the best for their family, their combined income from selling street food and working as a driver was not enough to send her and her sibling to college.

Determined, she saw scholarships as her ticket to breaking the cycle of poverty. With the support of the SM scholarship, she made the most of every opportunity, even working part-time at The SM Store during breaks. This not only exposed her to the corporate world early on but also provided additional financial aid, enabling her to concentrate on her Management Accounting studies. Upon graduation, she immediately began her career in Accounting with The SM Store.

Tatang ’—[the late Henry Sy, Sr.]—once dreamed of fostering employment opportunities. Now, SM Supermalls and SM Stores are everywhere, transforming dreams into reality through job opportunities,” she shared.

“Inspired by Tatang’s vision, I too aspire to establish a business that generates jobs, with God’s grace,” Alfonso imparted. As he said: “You have to have a dream big or small, then plan very well, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goal.’”

FEU Alabang powers sustainable mobility with GET’s ‘COMET’

AR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

F(FEU) ALABANG is proud to collaborate with Global Electric Transport (GET), as the former introduced sustainable mobility solutions for its student community. Through this partnership, FEU Alabang facilitates easier access to quality education, while championing environmentally conscious transportation options. As part of this initiative, campus is included in GET’S Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport or COMET’s expanded Filinvest South route.

COMET is a zero-emission, fastcharging electric minibus that can accommodate up to 30 passengers. Equipped with a wheelchair ramp, the vehicle is also accessible for people with disabilities.

A flagship offering from GET, the COMET Bus represents a significant step toward sustainable transportation, and aligns with FEU Alabang’s commitment to fostering a greener campus environment.

“The partnership with GET underscores our dedication to providing accessible and eco-friendly transportation options for our students,” said Engr. Remelita Avenido, who is FEU Alabang’s executive director. “By integrating sustainable mobility solutions into our campus infrastructure, we are not only enhancing the commuting experience, but also contributing to broader environmental and social goals.”

FEU Alabang and GET will also provide a charging station tailored for COMET Buses servicing the Filinvest area, benefiting both the university’s

Iligan Jail offers computer literacy program to clients

NOWADAYS, nearly every facet of life—from landing a job to interacting with online communities—requires at least a rudimentary understanding of technology.

However, continuing computer literacy, including digital knowhow, is nearly impossible for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) since prisons and jails are designed to be technologically isolated places. Cell phones and Internet-connected gadgets are prohibited for detainees in all but the most lenient minimum-security facilities.

As a result, reentering the mainstream exposes returning citizens to the digital divide, and increases their risk of recidivism because they have limited opportunities to use technology while incarcerated.

This is the reason Iligan City JailMale Dormitory (ICJMD) and the College of Computer Science (CCS) of Mindanao University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) enrolled some PDLs to a computerliteracy class under the auspices of the project “Tech Behind Bars: A Digital Reformation for Inmates.”

The project, which includes a weekly class for PDL within the confines of the detention facility, started last April 29, where a team of professors from the CCS taught a total of 20 PDLs on keyboarding in batches.

Keyboarding, or the ability to input information smoothly using a keyboard while typing, is among the subjects of basic computer literacy. Soon, topics will have familiarization of an operating system, performing basic tasks such as using a word processor or sending emails, as well as troubleshooting basic computer issues.

“Remember, computer literacy enhances problem-solving skills, opens doors for career opportunities, and improves communication,” said associate professor Alquine Roy F. Taculin, who is one of the six teachers working on the project.

“Computer literacy is crucial in today’s digital environment for both web browsing and issues-solving.”

PDL “Chris” admitted that prolonged confinement and restricted access to technology could impede

students and the rest of commuters located in the area. This enhances the efficiency and convenience of charging for the electric vehicles, thereby ensuring reliable transportation for students commuting to and from the campus. This collaboration is in-line with FEU’s commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By prioritizing sustainable transportation solutions, FEU Alabang is actively contributing to the creation of more inclusive and environmentally conscious urban spaces.

To further enhance the commuter experience, the COMET bus operates from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. There is also an “FEU Alabang

his ability to adapt to a contemporary society. He wants to continue schooling after serving his fouryear jail term following a plea-bargaining agreement: “I need to keep myself digitally literate, because the digital world keeps on advancing. By doing so, I won’t be left behind when I enter school again.” Chris’s case is just among the problems the project wants to address. Prof. Taculin noted: “The CCS team thinks that program participants will be better prepared to handle the risks of social exclusion and digital vulnerabilities when they reintegrate into a culture that depends heavily on technology.”

However, the project was not as simple as it seemed. A lot of obstacles had to be overcome, including logistical ones, for it to succeed. “For instance, the keyboarding lesson was divided into two sessions: one in the morning, and one in the afternoon, due to the limited number of computers available,” shared JO1 Vanessa C. Manguilimotan, who is the alternative learning system instructional manager. “These included two facility desktops that are also used for operations, and eight laptops from CCS, bulk of which are individually owned by instructors.”

However, in many cases, rehabilitation programs such as skillsenhancement packages often get the least attention. “But it often has the biggest payoff,” said City Jail Warden Carlo F. Obrique: “To meet the rehabilitation needs of our clients, we need not just mobilize service providers such as the academe, but also potential donors that could provide for the [logistics] required by the many projects we are doing for our clients.” CCS’ initiative forms part of the “Behind the Bars” program inked between MSU-IIT and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region X in November 2023, and is expected to run for two years. It seeks to mobilize the entire MSUIIT community to help prepare ICJMD’s PDL for their ultimate reintegration into society by giving them skills linked to entrepreneurship, literacy, craftsmanship, and interpersonal relationships.

Mike Policarpio

SEN. CAYETANO (second from right), with Mayor Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano (center) and the youth of Taguig City

ernment unit.

THE SM Scholars at SM City Clark

JAIL wardens supervise the tech-based learning of PDLs.

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

UP, UP AND AWAY

‘Bicol Loco’ festival showcases music, culture and hot air balloons

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Photos courtesy of the Office of Rep. Zaldy Co

Bicol loco, the first hot-air balloon and music festival in the region, drew 165,000 attendees to the old legazpi Airport over the weekend, marking a tourism milestone for the Philippines.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who spearheaded the festival’s organization, said on Wednesday that this groundbreaking event was designed to showcase the captivating beauty of the Bicol Region, renowned for its iconic Mayon Volcano.

“We’re committed to showing Bicol’s charm to the world. My vision is to put Bicol on the world tourism map. The world needs to recognize the unparalleled beauty of Bicol. And at the forefront is the majestic Mayon Volcano,” he said.

“We want to share Bicol’s natural splendor with the world. I know we can be a premier tourist destination. And this will create jobs, jobs, jobs. Bicol’s landscapes are Instagrammable, our culture is vibrant, and our hospitality is warm. I want Bicol to emerge as a must-visit locale on the global tourism stage,” he added.

Co’s vision, coupled with the support of key figures like Capt. Joy Roa of Air Safari, ensured the festival’s resounding success.

“Set during the fiesta month of May, Bicol Loco aims to invigorate

tourism. This is because we know that tourism creates avenues for local development and global recognition. For years, tourists have overlooked Bicol’s potential. Now, with this festival, we are showcasing our region’s splendor and inviting the world to experience it,” he said.

Featuring breathtaking hot-air balloon displays, daring aerial acrobatics, pulsating musical performances, and exciting raffle draws, the three-day festival ignited the enthusiasm of both Bicolanos and tourists alike. Participants were treated to a diverse array of experiences, blending adventure, music, and the chance to win coveted prizes, including four units of house and lot each worth P1.5 million.

The festival’s opening day saw a throng of 80,000 enthusiastic fans at the Old Legazpi Airport, where they were treated to a stellar lineup featuring Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and a surprise appearance by Apl.De.Ap of the Black-Eyed Peas. The energy was palpable as attendees reveled in the electrifying atmosphere.

Mangan Taku celebrates Cordillera cuisine and culture

TO celebrate the rich cuisine and culture of the country’s highland provinces, the Department of Tourism–Cordillera Administrative Region in partnership with the City Government of Baguio recently ran the fifth edition of the Mangan Taku Cordillera Food and Wine Fair.

Held at the Burnham Park’s Rose Garden, the six-day fair showcased 32 exhibitors of diverse food and beverage items, restaurants, hotels, culinary schools, and partner agencies and local governments.

A daily feature is the Provincial Hour which had live cooking demonstrations on select indigenous dishes of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Adding to the excitement were Cookfest contests and Cordillera Wine Mixology competitions which pit home-grown cooks, culinary students and baristas.

According to DOT-CAR regional director Jovita Ganongan, Mangan Taku is a culinary journey

which celebrates the time-honored culinary traditions of the Cordilleras that must be appreciated, preserved, and promoted. She added that the event is also in line with the World Food Travel Association’s thrust of promoting food tourism to get a sense of place.  Mangan Taku, which literally means “let’s eat,” is a regional version of the DOT’s national food tourism program which highlights

the diversity and uniqueness of heirloom dishes in the grassroots.

The fair also included the Indigenous Food Forum which served as a platform to delve deeper into indigenous and heritage food.

Featured guest speakers were food scholar Guillermo Ramos, Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco of Gypsy Baguio who talked on sustainable food production and mindful consumption, Slow Food International Southeast Asia and Pacific Regional coordinator Elena Aniere, Rowena Gonnay of the Slow Food Community of Pasil, Kalinga who shared on the town’s heirloom Rice, and Chef Chavi “Baguio Mountain Man” Romawac who discussed the revival of indigenous food and entrepreneurship.

In photo at the closing and awarding ceremonies are Baguio City mayor Mayor Benjamin Magalong, DOT-CAR regional director Jovita Ganongan, and culinary heritage advocate Ige Ramos, with winners of the Mangan Taku Cookfest and the Cordillera Wine Mixology contests.

WITH over 6.5 million same-day visitor arrivals in the fourth quarter of 2023, Tagaytay City has emerged as the top local government unit for tourism in Cavite province, the Office of the Provincial Tourism Office reported last Monday, April 29.

Data released by the same office also said there were 268,065 tourists who went to Tagaytay for an overnight trip from October to December of 2023.

Known as among the country’s most popular destinations due to its scenery and cool climate, Tagaytay boasts several go-to places such as the People’s Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, Pink Sisters Convent and Skyranch, among others.

Most importantly, the city provides a picturesque view of the world-famous Taal Volcano Island, as it overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas.

“It is the city’s majestic views everywhere especially the great view of the world’s famous Taal Volcano and the people’s very hospitable approach that welcome visitors coming from different places. Everybody’s welcome to Tagaytay City,” Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino said.

“We are expecting the numbers to grow this year as Tagaytay will always be the city for everybody including to foreigners,” he added.

“They can treat their loved ones in various restaurants here that serve different great dishes like the famous bulalo [beef broth soup] and others.” The city

Tagaytay is most visited Cavite LGU in Q4 2023

Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco at the Indigenous food forum L A

yA

haven Community of Tuba, Benguet

Cook Ing demo on Ifugao sweets by 7th haven Cafe

BusinessMirror

Retraining and flexibility enable EMS to thrive

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES

THE electronics manufacturing services business is very competitive and requires a high degree of agility and flexibility to survive.

As far as Gruppo EMS Inc. is concerned, EMS Group CEO and chairman Perry Ferrer told BUSINESSMIRRO� in an interview that retraining the workforce has been the key to thrive and survive. Ferrer pointed out that the culture of retraining is quite pervasive in EMS’s

DNA as it has been ingrained to all the workers of the company from the managers to the people in the production line.

“When we started EMS, we were only assembling optical disk drives for compact discs [CDs]. Imagine, we have to retrain people because technology has been rapidly changing. If we did not train, I would not be talking to you right now,” Ferrer explained.

Further, Ferrer said the culture of retraining is very strong and the employees are quite aware because their

jobs would be at stake. “Retraining goes hand in hand with sound management and sound culture,” Ferrer explains.

According to Ferrer, retraining enabled the company to hurdle the challenges in its 20-year of existence. Moreover, Ferrer said flexibility also helped EMS overcome the turbulent periods of the global economy.

Aside from developing the cultural training, the workers have to be trained to be multi- skilled,” Ferrer added.

The move gave a positive result as EMS was able to turn around the business in

a faster time as compared to the other players in the market. “Training makes ordinary people produce extraordinary results,” said Ferrer.

“With the training that we have provided to our people, we were able to cope with the changes that have rapidly occurred in the technologies and products that we produced,” Ferrer pointed out.

Gruppo EMS, a 100 percent Filipinoowned provider of innovative and cost-effective manufacturing services including human resource solutions, has gone a long way since it was founded in

Review: ‘The Idea of You’ on Prime Video

IDON’T normally watch romantic comedies but I will make an exception for actors and actresses who I like. One of those artists is Anne Hathaway, whose The Idea of You streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

I love Anne Hathaway and I think that at 41, she is at her most beautiful. I am saying this because this is the one compelling reason why I watched of You until its end. In the film, 40-year-old single mom Solène Marchand (Hathaway) meets and falls for 24-year-old boy-band member Hayes Campbell (played by Nicholas Galitzine) while taking her teenage daughter to Coachella where his group August Moon is performing. What follows is a whirlwind summer filled with love, sex and romance, which takes place when Solène’s daughter is conveniently away at summer camp.

One of the things I love about The Idea of You is that Hathaway and Ella Rubin, who plays her daughter Izzy, could really be mother and daughter.

When I started watching The Idea of You, I didn’t know that people were saying that it was fan fiction. But as I was watching it, that’s what I was asking myself: “Is this fan fiction?” Because there is no way that a 24-year-old rich pop star, who is still so popular that he’s stalked by fans and paparazzi everywhere he goes, would pay attention to a 40-year-old woman in Coachella, look for her and actively pursue her. I still believe it won’t happen in real life, no matter how hot the woman is. That can only happen if the woman looks like Anne Hathaway and no one looks like Anne Hathaway in real life.

After I watched the movie, I learned that my X (formerly Twitter) mutuals refuse to watch the movie because it sexualizes Harry Styles. They claim that it is fan fiction and is based on the romance of Styles and Olivia Wilde. I will be honest: After I watched the movie, I thought, “This is a thirsty matrona’s fantasy.” But being a journalist, I did my research and

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learned that the book from which the movie was adapted was written by a woman who was a fan of Duran Duran when she was young.

In an interview with People magazine, author Robinne Lee said the idea for The Idea of You came to her during a political fundraiser interrupted by an earthquake. “I had been joking around with my husband and told him that I was going to run off and leave him and our two kids for a guy in a band who was half my age. He laughed at me and was like, ‘You are crazy...but that would make a great book.’ And as he said it, it just all came together,” Lee told People In another interview with Economictimes.com, Lee said the inspiration for Hayes was several artists, including Harry Styles, Michael Hutchence, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Duran Duran.

I did enjoy watching The Idea of You before knowing that people thought it was fanfic inspired by Harry Styles but I skipped the steamy parts not because I am a prude. I am not comfortable with huge age gaps between men and women in relationships Solène was not old enough to be Hayes’ mother unless she had him at 16 but she was certainly old enough to be his aunt. I was also not comfortable with the thought that

Hayes lived with Solène in her house while Izzy was around and he was walking around shirtless. Again, I am not a prude but Izzy was a minor at that time.

Aside from these parts that made me uncomfortable, I think The Idea of You was entertaining. Hathaway and Rubin had a natural rapport than translated to the screen. In real life, Nicholas Galitzine is 29, not 24, so that made things better. I just wish the writers did better research. For example, if you have a meet-and-greet ticket, only you would be allowed onstage. Your mother, no matter how gorgeous, would not. You also have a few seconds or a minute max for that meet-and-greet moment. You certainly cannot go back and forth between artists. I also liked August Moon’s songs. They were cheesy, yes, but they are boy-band songs so that was understandable. Galitzine was perfect for the role of Hayes. I just wish the role of Daniel (played by Reid Scott), Solène’s ex-husband, was less of a caricature. Overall, it wasn’t a bad movie. I would have watched The Idea of You on a larger screen and paid for admission just to see Anne Hathaway. Now, I wish Robinne Lee would do a spin-off, this time with Izzy as the main character. ■

February 2014. It has also deployed some of its personnel overseas upon the request of its clients in Japan, Right now, EMS has deployed over 1, 500 personnel in Japan, Malaysia, Hungary, India and Malta. Jobs being handled by Filipinos range from forklift operators, assembly people, software engineers and machine operators.

This year, EMS plans to send 500 to 600 workers to address the labor shortage in the countries that are experiencing such.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS WITH FOODPANDA

THIS Mother’s Day, it’s time to give back to the remarkable women who have shaped our lives with love and unwavering support. Foodpanda (www. foodpanda.ph) is celebrating this day by expressing appreciation through the joy that delicious food brings.

Foodpanda knows how important it is to show thanks for the endless efforts and love of mothers. That’s why the food delivery service is offering the gift of vouchers for Mother’s Day. Treat your mothers to the wonderful array of flavorful dishes foodpanda has to offer, and allow her to indulge in her favorite dishes from the comfort of her own home.

Here are ways we can show our appreciation to our moms and honor her on her special day:

■ A FEAST MADE FOR A QUEEN. Let the service take care of your Mother’s Day feast and create an unforgettable experience for her. Whether she longs for gourmet delicacies, comforting home-cooked meals, or exotic international flavors, the restaurants in foodpanda guarantee that specialness for a special loved one. You get free delivery on a new customer’s first foodpanda order or by using the code NANAY to get P150 off from a minimum order value of P599 on May 11 and 12.

■ SPENDING THE WHOLE DAY TOGETHER. After a delightful day spent with your mom, why not extend the joy by picking up her favorite meal? With foodpanda’s pick-up service, not only is it convenient but you’ll also receive a FREE Pau-Pau plushie when you order at least P770 from participating Pizza Hut branches such as McKinley, GA Tower, Panama Kalayaan and more from May 9-12.

■ CREATE A HOMEMADE DINNER. End Mother’s Day on a delicious note by preparing a homemade dinner for your mom. Get the best help on Mother’s Day and use foodpanda, to get your groceries right outside your door. Make your homemade meal better and use the code BESTMOM to get P500 cashback a minimum order value of P1,499 and get up to 25-percent off on your groceries on May 11 and 12.

■ GIVE HER THE BEST DAY OFF. For new moms celebrating their first Mother’s Day, it can be overwhelming to raise a newborn. Show how thankful you are for her incredible dedication and love they’ve poured into their newborns by giving them a full day of relaxation and self-care. Have their favorite meal delivered right to their doorstep with foodpanda. Let them enjoy a day of gratitude for all their love and hard work.

■ PRESENT A THOUGHTFUL GIFT. Wrap up Mother’s Day with a thoughtful gift and let her know just how much she means to you, making her feel cherished and appreciated not just on Mother’s Day but every day. A perfect way to show that is to give her a membership to foodpanda, giving her code vouchers for 6 months. Make it better by using the code PROYOUMOM and get 50-percent off on a 6-month pro subscription (for a limited time only).

Gerard S. Ramos

ANNE HATHAWAY and Nicholas Galitzine star in Prime Video’s The Idea of You. IMAGE

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Google,

Apple now threatened by the US antitrust laws that helped build their technology empires

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO—The US Justice Department’s double-barreled antitrust attack on Google’s dominant search and Apple’s trendsetting iPhone is reviving memories of the epic battle that hobbled Microsoft before it roared back to yet again become the world’s most valuable company.

The parallels to the Justice Department’s landmark antitrust case in 1998 could provide a window into the potential breakthroughs that could be unleashed if regulators succeed in their attempts to crack down on Google and Apple. Federal lawyers have even gone as far as to assert Google and Apple may never have created so many popular products or become as powerful as they are now if Microsoft hadn’t been reined in a quarter century ago.

In closing arguments of a Washington, DC, trial that began last September, regulators Thursday will apply the finishing touches to a case alleging Google has turned its search engine into an illegal monopoly that stifles competition and innovation. The Apple case, which was only filed a month ago, is still years away from its resolution.

Although regulators have lodged separate complaints against Google and Apple, the two cases are shadowed by Microsoft’s legal saga that began when both those were mere specks on the technology landscape.

When they went after Google in October 2020, regulators compared the lucrative deals that the company cut with Apple to lock its search engine into the iPhone and Safari web browser to the same tactics Microsoft deployed in its personal computer software to block competition.

And in the antitrust lawsuits that they filed against Apple last month, the Justice Department pointed back to complaints that company co-founder Steve Jobs had raised in 1998 against Microsoft’s “dirty tactics” while urging regulators to take steps to force the PC software maker “to play fair.” And that is what the Justice Department did in an antitrust case against Microsoft that caused massive distractions that opened the door for Google’s search engine to become the internet’s main gateway. It also culminated in a series of concessions that paved the way for Apple to extend the reach of its iTunes music store that increased the popularity of the iPod that spawned the iPhone.

The Microsoft case “created new opportunities for innovation in areas that would become critical to the success of Apple’s consumer devices and the company itself,” the Justice Department crowed in the lawsuit that casts the iPhone as an illegal monopoly.

After years of mostly fruitless attempts to compete against Google’s search engine and the iPhone under the leadership of Steve Ballmer, Microsoft began to regain its stride when Satya Nadella became CEO in 2014.

Earlier this year, Microsoft’s market value hit $3 trillion for the first time, surpassing Apple as the world’s most valuable company while taking the early lead in artificial intelligence technology that’s expected to reshape the world.

It’s an odd juxtaposition that has thrust regulators into battling two companies they helped create when they caged a colossus now angling to seize the mantle in technology’s next frontier.

But it’s also a tableau that antitrust experts cite as evidence that the system is working to unlock more robust competition that hatches innovations. And then those breakthroughs sometimes serve as the building blocks for new monopolies that must eventually be challenged by regulators, even as fallen empires like Microsoft can still find ways to reinvent themselves.

“It’s not about an agenda about trying to pursue and destroy companies, it’s about trying to restore competition in a market,” said Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a Vanderbilt University law professor who focuses on antitrust law issues. “What has happened with the Microsoft case is a success story that can also provide a blueprint for Apple and Google when people ask why is America trying to destroy its most successful companies? Microsoft has done great after it had a major antitrust claim against it.”

BusinessMirror

What’s next for Grab?

BEFORE the pandemic, I honestly didn’t even have a food delivery app on my phone. But when Covid-19 struck, just like many of our friends we wouldn’t have made it through those without Grab bringing us food.

Now, as we eagerly return to our favorite dining spots, Grab isn’t just bringing us back to our beloved tables; they too are making the pivot by making their app even more relevant with the launch of new features that blend the ease of digital transactions with the charm of in-person dining. At the recent Grab NEXT 2024 conference, the superapp explained its strategic shift to enhance its omnicommerce approach, transforming how we interact with the local culinary scene.

“The essence of dining out has evolved, blending traditional charm with digital sophistication. At Grab, we recognize that the successful revival of our local food merchants hinges not just on attracting customers back to their favorite tables but on sustaining the digital connectivity that became a lifeline during the pandemic,” says Grab Philippines director for deliveries Greg Camacho.

Grab was instrumental in supporting MSMEs with on-demand delivery services during our lockdown era. With the resurgence of dine-in culture, Grab is pivoting to support the shifted consumer preferences that now seamlessly integrate in-person dining and digital convenience.

“Our aim is to equip MSMEs with innovative tools that cater to this new hybrid consumer behavior, ensuring that every interaction—whether in-person or online—translates into lasting relationships and growth opportunities. By intertwining digital efficiency with the authentic dining experience, we are setting a new standard for what it means to dine in the digital age,” adds Camacho.

Grab Philippines is redefining the dine-in experience and advancing its omnicommerce approach to align with the changing preferences of consumers and the needs of its merchant partners, expanding its online-to-offline offerings, such as Pay With Grab and Instant Deals to enrich the integration of physical and digital consumer interactions.

Pay With Grab is a streamlined payment solution that allows diners to pay via the Grab app, integrating the convenience of digital payments with the pleasure of dine-in experiences. It addresses the growing consumer preference for contactless transactions while enhancing operational efficiency for restaurants.

Specifically designed for the revived dine-in culture, the Instant Deals feature enables restaurants to offer customizable and timely promotions that attract both new and returning customers. These deals can be adjusted in real-time to reflect dining trends, special events, or even weather conditions, ensuring maximum customer engagement and satisfaction.

Grab’s enhanced omnicommerce strategy supports MSMEs by maximizing both walk-in traffic and the digital clientele built during the lockdowns.

For example, LA Bakery, a popular bakery chain in Pampanga, has been able to expand their business without adding more physical stores thanks to Grab.

With consumer habits evolving to include both online and in-person engagements, Grab is focused on ensuring seamless integration through its omnicommerce enhancements:

Unified Management Platform: A comprehensive tool that helps MSMEs manage dine-in, pickup, and delivery services effectively.

Advanced Analytics: This tool provides MSMEs with data-driven insights to better understand customer preferences, peak times, and sales patterns, aiding strategic decisions like menu adjustments and promotional activities.

Financial Flexibility: Enhancements in financial services such as GrabFin Loans and quicker settlement times improve liquidity for MSMEs, enabling them to pursue growth opportunities and maintain stability in a dynamic market.

Marketing Tools: The revamped Marketing Manager tool allows MSMEs to create and deploy

marketing campaigns efficiently, targeting both digital and dine-in customers, thus expanding reach and enhancing customer loyalty.

The company is also expanding its food delivery services to at least seven new areas this year.

According to a report from Google, Temasek Holdings, and Bain & Company, the Philippines’ digital economy is expected to reach a whopping $150 billion by 2030. This growth is mirrored in projections for the internet economy to grow by 20 percent annually, reaching $35 billion by 2025, with transport and food delivery services expected to grow by 19 percent annually.

BEATING THE HIGH TEMPERATURES WITH HAIER

AS the summer of 2024 ushers in unprecedented heat across the Philippines, with recorded heat index levels reaching dangerous peaks, the importance of reliable air conditioning cannot be overstated. In response to these scorching conditions, Haier Philippines has introduced a cutting-edge solution tailored to enhance the comfort and safety of Filipino families during these intense summer months.

Haier Philippines recently launched its Split Type Deluxe Inverter series, named UV Cool Connect Pro. Available in various capacities, including 1.0HP, 1.5HP, 2.0HP, and 2.5HP, this new series is engineered with several standout features. It incorporates Smart Control, allowing users to manage their air conditioning through Wi-Fi from any location, and comes equipped with UVC Sterilization technology, utilizing pre-installed UV lights that eradicate viruses in the air, ensuring the circulation of clean, safe, and fresh air.

Additionally, this series employs DC Inverter Technology, which facilitates up to 63 percent energy savings compared to non-inverter units, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. The inclusion of Self-Clean Technology automates the cleaning process, achieving a 99.9 percent efficiency rate in sterilizing the interior of the unit, thereby minimizing dirt accumulation and preventing malfunctions.

The series also features the Hyper PCB, a robust and durable circuit board design that is resistant to corrosion, moisture and insects. Moreover, it utilizes Eco-Friendly R32 Refrigerant, embracing the latest advancements in refrigerant technology which not only enhances efficiency but also reduces environmental impact.

Recognizing the high quality and durability of their products, Haier is offering extended warranties for the UV Cool Connect Pro, including 1 year for parts and labor, 3 years for the outdoor PCB, and 10 years for the compressor.

Yan Xuhong, CEO of Haier Philippines, shared his excitement about the new series, stating, “At Haier, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The UV Cool Connect Pro is a testament to our commitment to providing products that not only offer superior performance and convenience but also contribute

to a healthier environment. We believe this series will make a significant difference in the lives of our consumers, particularly in areas facing extreme heat challenges.”

Francis Serrato, director of air conditioner business unit at Haier Philippines, elaborated on the benefits during his presentation: “Haier’s new UV Cool Connect Pro offers a lot of advantages to consumers.

It can do self-cleaning without the user doing it; it can use the Haismart application on mobile phones where users can connect to their ACs at home and control it at their convenience anytime, anywhere. With inverter plus and eco mode activated, the customer can enjoy a significant amount of savings on electricity. And with triple airflow, turbo mode and smart dry, consumers can enjoy a more relaxing comfort and so much more at a price that is competitive in the market.”

The UV Cool Connect Pro is priced starting at P39,495 (SRP) and is available at nearby home appliance and air conditioning specialist stores.

Shoppers can also order the product through Haier’s official online stores at www.shopee.ph/haierofficialstore and www.lazada.com.ph/shop/haier ■

GRAB Philippines director for deliveries

Cool Smashers a win shy of All-Filipino title

ONE triumph does not crown a champion team and Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses knows pretty well Choco Mucho will be back a more prepared opponent in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) AllFilipino Conference (AFC) Finals.

“The battle isn’t over yet. It’s just 1-0,” said Meneses the day after the Cool Smashers escaped with a 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 victory in Game 1 at a packed Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night.

“We need to secure two wins, so there’s really no reason to celebrate just yet,” added Meneses as he prepares his wards anew for Game 2 set at 6 p.m. Sunday also at the Big Dome.

BBy Josef Ramos

ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia start their quarterfinals showdown in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Saturday at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

And Gin Kings coach Tim Cone wants to finish off the Hotshots early.

“We didn’t want to see Magnolia this early in the playoffs. They are just too good and too dangerous and wellcoached,” Cone told BusinessMirror via texted message on Friday.

“We don’t want to prolong the series to avoid exhaustion—that’s the plan and we’re hopeful to beat them right away,” he added.

The Gin Kings square off with the Hotshots with a twice-to-beat advantage starting at 6:15 p.m. after the 3 p.m. game between eliminations top-notcher and also twice-to-beat San Miguel Beer and No. 8 Terrafirma at 3 p.m. Magnolia packs a pesky defense led by the tandem of Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon and with workhorse Calvin “The Beast” Abueva around, that’s a headache for Cone and his wards.

Ginebra finished the eliminations behind San Miguel Beer with a 7-4 won-lost record, while Magnolia ranked seventh with a 6-5 card.

“So we just have to take their challenge,” said Cone, who won’t have Jamie Malonzo on the bench for the rest of the conference because of a left calf injury. “Jamie [Malonzo] just had his surgery this morning [Friday] at 5 a.m. and he’s expected to be out a number of months,” he said.

Magnolia, meanwhile, are bringing their best as they prepare for the against Ginebra and its enormous fans.

“There’s no room for errors when you face Ginebra team. We have to give our very best because they are strong offensively and defensively and the crowd is behind them,” said Barroca, who averaged 15 points and 5.1 assists in the elimination round.

The Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel, on the other hand, said they are hardpressed against the Beermen, who lost only once in the eliminations.

“All 15 players are superstars, everybody can contribute,” said Cardel of the Beermen. “But anything can happen. We will just give our best.” Terrafirma is in the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

NLEX’s Robert Bolick, meanwhile, continued to lead the Best Player of the Conference race with averages of 27.4 points, 7.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in the elimination round for a frontrunning 44.5 statistical points (SPs).

Top rookie pick Stephen

After a shaky performance in the preliminaries and a loss to Choco Mucho in the semifinals, Creamline emerged as the slight underdog entering its 11th PVL Finals appearance.

But the Cool Smashers showed unparalleled resolve and championship composure by rallying in three sets to clinch a morale-boosting triumph en route to a potential third consecutive AFC crown and eighth championship overall.

“It’s important that we got Game 1, but we need to buckle down and focus on the next game,” he said. As they prepare for practice, the Cool Smashers are expected to display iron-clad determination knowing that every serve, spike

NU-UST titular duel for UAAP volleyball tiara on at Big Dome

NATIONAL University (NU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) open their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women’s volleyball Finals series at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The men’s teams of both schools are also figuring in the championship series set at 2 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs and Tigresses, who finished 1-2 in the eliminations, are even in their head-to-head duel this season and coaches Norman Miguel of NU and Kungfu Reyes of UST are working double time to gain a huge psychological edge in the race-to-two series.

NU had a short preparation after having to beat Far Eastern University twice in the Final Four to reach the championship for the third straight year. UST, on the other hand, unseated De La Salle in a five-set thriller to secure its first Finals stint since 2019.

“It was a case of we’ll be ready regardless of who we’ll face in the Finals,” Reyes said. “And we’re embracing the fact that we’re facing a veteran NU team.”

Super rookie Angge Poyos and lefty sensation Jonna Perdido powered the Tigresses deep this season.

“We had a series of pre-season tournaments and I credit those stints on how the team’s playing now,” Reyes said. “The players became mature and gained more experience from those tournaments.”

UST is gunning for a 15th title and the first since 2010 with a Shaq delos Santos-coached squad and led by Aiza Maizo and Ange Tabaquero.

De los Santos is back with the Tigresses as part of Reyes’s staff, but adding interest is the fact that Miguel was one of Delos Santos’s assistants in the Tigresses’ most recent championship run.

LAUREN HOFFMAN and Eric Cray won their events with ease on Friday in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Philippine Athletics Championships but for both Filipino-Americans, the Paris Olympics remain as their ultimate goals.

Kristina Knott shared the day’s spotlight when she broke the 24-yearold national record of 11.30 seconds in the women’s 100 meters set by Lerma Bulauitan Gabito in the 2000 open by one-tenth of a second in the morning heats.

“The goal is always to win but we have to work on some technical things and we’re just halfway in the season so there are more opportunities to hit the Olympic standard,” Hoffman told BusinessMirror after the race. Hoffman burned the PhilSports track in Pasig City to a new national record of 55.92 seconds that erased her previous mark of 56.39 in the women’s 400 meters hurdles she set last month in the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational in Florida.

“I’m just a little half a second away from the Olympic standard but I believe I can still make it,” she said. The Paris standard for the 400 hurdles is 54.85 seconds.

Hoffman’s national teammate Roby Crisostomo Brown was two seconds off for the silver medal in 57.27 while University of the Philippines-Diliman’s Josie Inemedo was third in 1:04.69. It was her second gold medal and national record—after the 100 hurdles last Wednesday—in the competition organized by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association led by Terry Capistrano. Cray, meanwhile, ran some two seconds short of hitting the Olympic standard of 48.70 with his winning time of 50.51 seconds in the

crossed further back for the bronze in 54.43. Josef Ramos

and dive must be executed with precision and purpose.

There are no shortcuts, more so, no room for complacency, especially against a formidable opponent like Choco Mucho.

Meneses’s tactical mind outshone his counterpart, Dante Alinsunurin, leveraging the full potential of his support cast while fostering composure during critical moments.

Yet, Choco Mucho remains a force to be reckoned with and despite missed opportunities in previous encounters, the Flying Titans are poised to retaliate. Alinsunurin will undoubtedly devise plays and strategies to halt the Cool Smashers, fueling a more intense clash of power, styles and poise.

While Sisi Rondina and Royse Tubino spearhead Choco Mucho’s offensive, the team seeks greater support from players like Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz.

This guarantees a nerve-wracking battle where every point becomes a testament to resilience and determination.

Petro Gazz, meanwhile, sets its sights on sweeping Chery Tiggo in their own series for the bronze medal in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

THEIR expressions say it all—Creamline’s (from left) Jema Galanza, Bea de Leon, Alyssa Valdez and Kyle Negrito—as they celebrate their victory in Game 1.

The Lady Bulldogs led by Season 84 Rookie-MVP Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are hoping to capitalize on their championship experience.

“You can’t take UST for granted,” Miguel said. “We need to counter their technical skills.”

Belen said: “UST is a fighting

Jr golfers

set sights on JPGT success

THE Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) features looming young golfers who will plunge into action on Tuesday at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas. Mona Sarines, a finalist in the girls’ 11-12 division in last year’s inaugurals that featured drive-chipand-putt competition, is revved up for the competition.

“I’m focusing on refining my short game and strategic course management to ensure I’m at my best when it counts,” Sarines said.

Set apart from other junior golf organizations, the JPGT—organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services Inc.—represents a new frontier for young golfers.

Top contender Race Manhit is maximizing every moment to fine-tune his game for the upcoming campaign.

“Just finished school, so practice is still limited,” said Manhit, who is also competing in the boys’ 11-14 category. “We focused on perfecting my short game since the yardage will be longer than last year.”

The 14-leg circuit, featuring 18-hole tournaments, is open to all youngsters aged 15 to 18 vying in four-round clashes.Those in the 8 to 10 and 11 to 14 divisions will compete in 36-hole and 54-hole tournaments, respectively. The tour moves to Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga, from May 28 to 31 while the Pinewoods Golf Club in Baguio will host the third leg from June 10 to 13.

The circuit will culminate in the Philippine Junior Match Play Championship at The Country Club in October.

Javie Bautista, riding high on a wave of recent victories, emerges as a standout contender in the boys’ 11-14 category with the Ateneo standout poised to make his mark in the circuit and cement his status as a rising star in Philippine golf.

La Salle retains D-League title at CEU’s expense

THE Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup championship trophy stays with EcoOil-La Salle after the Green Archers beat the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions, 96-66, in Game 2 of the best-of-three titular showdown on Thursday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. CJ Austria picked up his rhythm early and hit 10 points as EcoOil-La Salle set the tone of the rout, rolling to a 33-16 advantage after one quarter and was never challenged the rest of the way.

The “three-peat” champions kept the margin wide after two quarters as the Scorpions continued to struggle with their shots.

CEU connected just 33 percent of its field goal in the first quarter and made just five of 23 attempts in the second period for a woeful 21 percent clip.

Without injured big man AbdulWahab Olusesi for the second straight game, CEU had a tough time defending the middle against La Salle’s Nigerian center Henry Agunane, who repeatedly scored on dunks and easy shots.

EcoOil-La Salle finished the tournament without a loss in nine games and became only the second team to win three in a row after NLEX, which won four consecutive titles and six overall.

SBP, Uratex Dream team up for FIBA Women’s Series

THE Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3x3 Team

Symbolic moment Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska lead a group of European athletes carrying the torch for the Paris Olympics through the Mediterranean city of Marseille on Thursday in an important symbolic moment for her war-ravaged country. AP

Netanyahu on US threat to withhold weapons: Israel will fight with its ‘fingernails’ if needed

By Joseph Krauss & Josef Federman The Associated Press

JERUSALEM—Prime

Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that a US threat to withhold some arms would not prevent Israel from continuing its offensive in Gaza, indicating it might proceed with an invasion of the packed city of Rafah against the wishes of its closest ally.

President Joe Biden has urged Israel not to go ahead with such an operation over fears it would exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave.

On Wednesday, he said the United States would not provide offensive weapons for a Rafah offensive, raising pressure on Netanyahu.

But in a statement released Thursday, Netanyahu said, “if we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails.”

Israel’s top military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, also appeared to downplay the practical impact of any arms holdup. “The army has munitions for the missions it plans, and for the missions in Rafah, too—we have

what we need,” he said in response to a question at a news conference.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to invade Rafah, where some 1.3 million Palestinians—over half the population—have sought refuge. The city in southern Gaza is also the main hub for humanitarian operations, which have been severely hindered by the closure of Gaza’s two main crossings this week.

Israel says Rafah is the last stronghold of Hamas and that the army must go in if it hopes to dismantle the group and return scores of hostages captured in the October 7 attack that triggered the war.

In an earlier response to Biden’s decision, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar BenGvir wrote a post on the platform

X with a heart emoji between the words “Hamas” and “Biden.” He and other ultra-nationalist members of Netanyahu’s coalition support a large-scale Rafah operation and have threatened to bring down his government if it doesn’t happen.

Aid groups say a Rafah invasion would be catastrophic. The UN says most of the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians suffer from hunger and that northern Gaza is already experiencing “full-blown famine.”

Even the limited operation Israel launched earlier this week, in which a tank brigade captured the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, has thrown humanitarian operations into

crisis.

It also complicated what had been months of efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to broker a cease-fire and the release of hostages. Hamas this week said it had accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel says the plan does not meet its “core” demands. Several days of followup talks appeared to end inconclusively on Thursday.

Some analysts said Biden’s tough line against Israel, and the rift between the allies, threatened to weaken Israel’s negotiating position and harden Hamas’ stances.

Hamas has demanded guarantees for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as

part of any deal—steps Israel has ruled out.

“It sends a discordant message at a time when Hamas is holding out on a hostage deal in the hopes that pressure will grow on Israel and it will gain a cease-fire without having to give anything in return,” said the Israel Policy Forum, a pro-Israel organization based in New York.

The war began with Hamas’ surprise attack into southern Israel, in which it killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 250 hostage. The militants are still holding some 100 captives and the remains of more than 30 after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year.

The war has killed over 34,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel’s offensive, waged with US-supplied munitions, has caused widespread devastation and forced some 80 percent of Gaza’s population to flee their homes.

Israel’s capture of the Rafah crossing Tuesday forced the closure of a key entry point for fuel, and it’s unclear when it will reopen. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said it only has enough stocks to maintain operations for a few days and has started rationing.

Israel reopened its side of the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing— Gaza’s main cargo terminal—after

UN to vote on resolution that grants Palestine new rights and revive its UN membership bid

By Edith M. Lederer

The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—The UN General Assembly is expected to vote Friday on a resolution that would grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine and call on the Security Council to favorably reconsider its request to become the 194th member of the United Nations. The United States vetoed a widely backed council resolution on April 18 that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent, and US deputy ambassador Robert Wood made clear Thursday the Biden administration is opposed to the assembly resolution. Under the UN Charter, prospective members of the United Nations must be “peace-loving,” and the Security Council must recommend their admission to the Gen -

eral Assembly for final approval. Palestine became a UN non-member observer state in 2012.

“We’ve been very clear from the beginning there is a process for obtaining full membership in the United Nations, and this effort by some of the Arab countries and the Palestinians is to try to go around that,” Wood said Thursday. “We have said from the beginning the best way to ensure Palestinian full membership in the UN is to do that through negotiations with Israel. That remains our position.”

But unlike the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the 193-member General Assembly and the resolution is expected to be approved by a large majority, according to three Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations were private.

The draft resolution “determines” that a state of Palestine is qualified for membership—dropping the original language that in

the General Assembly’s judgment it is “a peace-loving state.” It therefore recommends that the Security Council reconsider its request “favorably.”

The renewed push for full Palestinian membership in the UN comes as the war in Gaza has put the more than 75-yearold Israeli-Palestinian conflict at center stage. At numerous council and assembly meetings, the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinians in Gaza and the killing of more than 34,000 people in the territory, according to Gaza health officials, have generated outrage from many countries.

The original draft of the assembly resolution was changed significantly to address concerns not only by the US but also by Russia and China, the diplomats said.

The first draft would have conferred on Palestine “the rights and privileges necessary to ensure its full and effective participation” in the assembly’s sessions and UN conferences “on equal footing with member states.” It also made no reference to whether Palestine could vote in the General Assembly.

According to the diplomats, Russia and China which are strong supporters of Palestine’s UN membership were concerned that granting the list of rights and privileges detailed in an annex to the resolution could set a precedent for other would-be UN members—with Russia concerned about Kosovo and China

about Taiwan.

Under longstanding legislation by the US Congress, the United States is required to cut off funding to UN agencies that give full membership to a Palestinian state—which could mean a cutoff in dues and voluntary contributions to the UN from its largest contributor.

The final draft drops the language that would put Palestine “on equal footing with member states.” And to address Chinese and Russian concerns, it would decide “on an exceptional basis and without setting a precedent” to adopt the rights and privileges in the annex.

The draft also adds a provision in the annex on the issue of voting, stating categorically: “The state of Palestine, in its capacity as an observer state, does not have the right to vote in the General Assembly or to put forward its candidature to United Nations organs.”

The final list of rights and privileges in the draft annex includes giving Palestine the right to speak on all issues not just those related to the Palestinians and Middle East, the right to propose agenda items and reply in debates, and the right to be elected as officers in the assembly’s main committees. It would give the Palestinians the right to participate in UN and international conferences convened by the United Nations—but it drops their “right to vote” which was in the original draft.

a rocket attack over the weekend, but UNRWA, the main provider of aid in Gaza, says aid cannot be brought in on the Palestinian side because of the security situation.

A recently reopened route in the north is still functioning, but only 60 trucks entered on Tuesday, far below the 500 that entered Gaza each day before the war. The first aid ship bound for an American-built floating pier to be installed in Gaza departed early Thursday. But it’s unclear when that corridor will be up and running, and even then it won’t be able to handle as much aid as Gaza’s two main land crossings. Maj. Pete Nguyen, a Pentagon spokesman, said Thursday that parts of the pier are still in the Israeli port of Ashdod awaiting more favorable seas before being moved into position off Gaza. He said the US vessel Sagamore, which left Cyprus, would transport aid to another ship, the Roy P. Benavidez, which is off the coast of Gaza.

“In the coming days, the US will commence an international community-backed effort to expand the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza using a floating pier,” he said.

The Associated Press writers Sam Mednick in Jerusalem, Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia, Cyprus, and Ellen Knickmeyer and Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.

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West Bank village feels helpless after Israeli settlers attack with fire and bullets

By Jack Jeffery The Associated Press

DUMA, West Bank—Charred homes and cars dotting this hilltop village surrounded by olive groves are a searing reminder of Palestinians’ vulnerability to rising violence from Israeli settlers.

The trail of wreckage along Duma’s main road is the aftermath of a three-hour attack in mid-April that left 15 homes damaged by arson and six residents injured by bullets, the head of its village council said. It was one of nearly 800 settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, according to the UN.

The burnt remains in Duma also highlight the village’s limited resources to clean up and rebuild, let alone defend itself from future incursions, which seem inevitable as gun-toting settlers patrol the area roughly 20 miles north of Jerusalem.

“We as the village of Duma...do not have the power to defend ourselves,” said Suleiman Dawabsha, chairman of the village council for this community of more than 2,000 people. He estimated the attack caused five million shekels ($1.3 million) in damage.

The rampage on April 13 echoed a similar event that took place almost a decade ago. In 2015, three Palestinians from Duma were killed, including an 18 month-old baby, after settlers firebombed a home there. An Israeli man was later convicted for murder.

The latest attack against Duma was part of a wave of settler violence touched off by the death of a 14-year-old Israeli who went missing on the morning of April 12. Authorities found his body the next day and they have arrested a man from Duma who they say was connected to the boy’s alleged murder.

On April 15, two days after the attack in Duma, two Palestinians were shot dead by settlers near the town of Aqraba, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. And in a related spurt of violence, a man was killed by Israeli fire on April 12 in nearby al-Mughayyir, though it remains unclear whether the fatal bullet was fired by a soldier or settler.

There have been 794 settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7—from stones thrown at passing cars to bullets fired at residents, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. At least 10 Palestinians have been killed by settlers in these attacks, it said.

Attacks by settlers aren’t the only form of violence on the rise in the West Bank.

Since the war in Gaza began, nearly 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the territory, according to the health ministry based in Ramallah, which says the overwhelming majorities have been shot dead by soldiers. Palestinians in the West Bank have killed nine Israelis, including five soldiers, since October 7, according to UN data.

The war has undoubtedly heightened tensions between settlers and Palestinians. But Israeli human rights groups blame the far-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for fueling settler violence by promoting an ideology of total Israeli supremacy in the West Bank.

The Associated Press video journalist Imad Isseid contributed to this report.

Countries struggle to draft ‘pandemic treaty’ to avoid costly mistakes made during Covid

By Maria Cheng & Jamey Keaten

The Associated Press

GENEVA—After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.

A ninth and final round of talks involving governments, advocacy groups and others to finalize a “pandemic treaty” is scheduled to end Friday. The accord’s aim: guidelines for how the WHO’s 194 member countries might stop future pandemics and better share scarce resources. But experts warn there are virtually no consequences for countries that don’t comply.

WHO’s countries asked the UN health agency to oversee talks for a pandemic agreement in 2021. Envoys have been working long hours in recent weeks to prepare a draft ahead of a self-imposed deadline later this month: ratification of the accord at WHO’s annual meeting. But deep divisions could derail it.

US Republican senators wrote a letter to the Biden administration last week critical of the draft for focusing on issues like “shredding intellectual property rights” and “supercharging the WHO.” They urged Biden not to sign off.

Britain’s department of health said it would only agree to an accord if it was “firmly in the UK national interest and respects national sovereignty.”

And many developing countries say it’s unfair that they might be expected to provide virus samples to help develop vaccines and treatments, but then be unable to afford them.

“This pandemic treaty is a very high-minded pursuit, but it doesn’t take political realities into account,” said Sara Davies, a professor of international relations at Griffith University in Australia.

For example, the accord is attempting to address the gap that occurred between Covid-19 vaccines in rich and poorer countries, which WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom said amounted to “a catastrophic moral failure.”

The draft says WHO should get 20 percent of the production of pandemic-related products like tests, treatments and vaccines and urges countries to disclose their deals with private companies.

“There’s no mechanism within WHO to make life really difficult for any countries that decide not to act in accordance with the treaty,” Davies said.

Adam Kamradt-Scott, a global health expert at Harvard University, said that similar to the global climate agreements, the draft pandemic treaty would at least provide a new forum for countries to try to hold each other to account, where governments will have to explain what measures they’ve taken.

The pandemic treaty “is not about anyone telling the government of a country what it can do and what it cannot do,” said Roland Driece, co-chair of WHO’s negotiating board for the agreement.

There are legally binding obligations under the International Health Regulations, including quickly reporting dangerous new outbreaks. But those have been flouted repeatedly, including by African countries during Ebola outbreaks and China in the early stages of Covid-19.

Suerie Moon, co-director of the Global Health Center at Geneva’s Graduate Institute, said it was critical to determine the expected role of WHO during a pandemic and how outbreaks might be stopped before spreading globally.

“If we fail to seize this window of opportunity which is closing…we’ll be just as vulnerable as we were in 2019,” she warned.

Some countries appear to be moving on their own to ensure cooperation from others in the next pandemic. Last month, President Joe Biden’s administration said it would help 50 countries respond to new outbreaks and prevent global spread, giving the country leverage should it need critical information or materials in the future.

Yuanqiong Hu, a senior legal and policy adviser at Doctors without Borders, said it’s unclear what might be different in the next pandemic, but hoped that focusing attention on some of the glaring errors that emerged in Covid-19 might help.

“We will mostly have to rely on countries to do better,” she said. “That is worrisome.”

Cheng reported from London.

MEN in personal protective suits cremate the bodies of Covid-19 victims as the number of deaths rise near Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal on May 5, 2021. AP/NIRANJAN SHRESTHA

Pinoy seafarer on Iran-seized vessel is freed, comes home

By Nonie Reyes

Samuel P. Medenilla

&

TThe returning OFW was one of four Filipino crew of MSC Aries, which was seized by Iranian authorities last month.

Cacdac attributed the workers’ release to the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to negotiate the release with Tehran.

“We send our sincerest thanks to Secretary Enrique Manalo and his

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) head Arnel Ignacio, welcomed the Filipino seafarer who was released by Iran on April 13, 2024 after their captivity on board a Portuguese-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

entire team at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who spared no efforts to secure the release of our brave seafarer,” Cacdac said.

He said DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and DFA coordinated with the ship agent and licensed manning agency on the released Filipino seafarer’s repatriation.

DFA is also still in talks with Iranian officials for the release of

the remaining three Filipino crew of MSC Aries.

“The DMW will continue working with the DFA, the ship agent and licensed manning agency to secure the release of the three Filipino crew men who remain in the custody of Iranian authorities,” Cacdac said.

He hopes the three seafarers will be released soon.

OWWA has provided aid to the families of the affected Filipino

seafarers upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The MSC Aries, with its 25 crew members, was boarded and held by Iranian naval authorities on April 13 as it was crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Its supposed links with Israel was tagged as motive for its seizure. Iran and Israel have recently engaged in attacks against one another after the latter mounted an airstrike on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian Capital of Damascus on April 1, 2024. On Friday, the returning Filipino seafarer was welcomed by his wife. The DMW asked media not to identify the seafarer and blur photos for security reasons. Interviews were barred. The seafarer arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on board Emirates Air via Dubai.

DOF backs tax perks expansion under CREATE to keep pace with neighbors

TBy Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has proposed to expand the tax incentive packages in the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act to make it more competitive compared with other neighboring countries.

In a presentation at the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Thursday, Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group (FPMG) Undersecretary Renato E. Reside, Jr. said investment incentives significantly longer in tenor will reinforce the competitiveness of the country’s tax incentive system.

To amend CREATE, the DOF’s proposal through the Create More Maximizing Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy), or CREATE MORE bill, includes providing longer income-based incentive periods and allowing the perpetual availment of non-income based incentives.

Under the DOF’s version, income tax holidays are proposed to be extended from 4 to 10 years with an option to avail the special corporate income tax (SCIT) or enhanced deduction (ED) at the onset.

The 5-percent SCIT is proposed to include exemption on local fees and charges, except real property tax on land owned by developers and extended up to 20 to 30 years.

The DOF also supported the reduction of the corporate income tax (CIT) rate of 20 percent and additional types of EDs for up to 20 to 30 years.

On VAT zero-rating on local purchases, the DOF recommended the perpetual availment of VAT incentives provided that registered export enterprises (REEs) maintain at least 70 percent of

their total annual production as export sales and continue to meet requirements of their registration.

Domestic market enterprises (DMEs) may avail themselves of VAT incentives perpetually as long as their investment capital exceeds P15 billion or fulfills the required annual export sales of at least $100 million and continue to adhere to the registration terms.

“There’s an implicit recognition that exporters remain the top priority for incentives, which they should. There’s also a tax preference for big investments,” Reside said.

For presidential approval, the DOF proposed to give RBEs the option to avail themselves of the SCIT or ED at the onset, as reckoned from the start of commercial operations (SCO) instead of the ITH.

Moreover, to bolster the country’s investment climate, the DOF suggested to streamline the VAT refund system to improve the efficiency of the VAT refund process.

It also proposed to create the Registered Business Enterprises’ Taxpayer Service within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to facilitate registered investors’ tax filing and payment concerns as well as granting a special investor’s visa to foreign nationals who possess highly specialized skills and hold executive positions.

Issues on VAT RESIDE said that one of the concerns raised by RBEs is the VAT refund process which requires tedious documentary requirements to claim.

The DOF proposed to amend Section 112 (D) of the National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code), which will now only require minimal documentary requirements to expedite processing time.

On the duty exemption on importation, the DOF’s version include shifting the phrase “direct and exclusive use” to “directly attributable to” for VAT exemption on importation, and VAT zero-rating on local purchases.

Furthermore, Reside said several RBEs, including petitions filed before the courts, question the distinction made between REEs and DMEs as for the availment of incentives since it lacks basis in law.

With that, the DOF proposed to allow the DMEs to enjoy VAT exemption on importation and VAT zero-rating on local purchases provided their investment capital exceeds P15 billion and annual committed export sales of at least $100 million.

“This will incentivize critical DME’s significant investments in the country and their contribution in terms of export sales,” Reside added.

According to the DOF, the country’s net foreign direct investments (FDI) reached $12 billion, higher by 75.7 percent from 2020 after the CREATE Act’s enactment.

CREATE-approved projects with a committed investment capital of P1.1 trillion underscore a potential FDI amounting to P413.59 billion, the DOF added.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, presided the hearing on Thursday. Gatchalian filed Senate Bill (SB) 2654, or an “Act Enhancing Philippine Tax Incentivess” or CREATE MORE.

“The measure aims to clarify the rules and policies on the administration of the fiscal regime incentives in the hope that such a move would pave the way to a more stable investment climate and attract new investors,” he said.

‘Full digitalization’ to further streamline mining permits processing–DENR chief

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is further streamlining the processing of mining permits this year with the full digitalization of exploration permit (EP) and Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) processes, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said.

The event, co-organized by the DENR and the advisory and research consultancy firm Stratbase, on Friday gathered various stakeholders in the mining industry, including government regulators and officials of mining firms and their representatives.

Loyzaga noted that the Marcos administration has ushered in a renewed focus on revitalizing the mining sector and that the message is clear—the Philippines must leverage its status as one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations to drive economic growth.

She noted that in the administration’s first 100 days, the DOF had stressed that the mining industry holds unparalleled potential to steer the Philippines toward both economic recovery and sustained development.

“In the past year alone, the country has generated a total of P160 billion in the production of copper, gold, and nickel. Recently, Oceana Gold turned over to DENR the government share of more than one billion pesos as part of its FTAA agreement,” she said. Moreover, the DENR chief said the social development and management plan or SDMP for 2023

exceeded P1.35 billion of direct expenditures of mining operations to benefit their host and neighboring communities.

“The contributions from the mining sector are bound to significantly increase in the years to come,” she noted.

During the conference dubbed Revitalizing the Philippine Mining Industry: A Pillar for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Growth and Development, Yulo-Loyzaga said DENR has enhanced the efficiency in processing mining permits.

“For the period 2020-2022, a total of 34 EPs and MPSAs have been released. For the same length of time during this administration, we’ve increased the processing and release of EPs and MPSAs by 29 percent. This includes the MPSA of a gold mine and an aggregates project in the north, and a nickel mine in the Visayas as well as EPs for nickel and gold exploration in other parts of Luzon,” she said.

She said they hope to move forward, starting with the full digitalization of EP and MPSA processes this year.

Loyzaga said the DENR had embarked on a couple of projects with PwC and Deloitte in digitizing Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) data and mapping the MGB procedures to find how to further reduce the processing time.

“Significantly, we are committing to explore the possibility of parallel processing of permits and

Bong Go helps vulnerable sectors, displaced workers in Tiaong town

ON his visit to Quezon province on Thursday, May 9, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally provided additional support to thousands of struggling residents from vulnerable sectors as well as displaced workers at the Tiaong Convention Center in the municipality of Tiaong. Go partnered with the local government led by Mayor Vincent Arjay Mea to assist residents, particularly those facing significant economic hardships.

“I don’t pick any day for working. I will serve you all to the best of my capacity. That’s all I offer you, my perseverance in service,” said Go, speaking partly in Filipino.

A total of 2,000 beneficiaries were provided with financial assistance by the local government through a support fund that Go earlier advocated for to help the town and its people.

At the same time, 600 displaced workers qualified for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa

Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)—an initiative that Go has supported.

Aside from the assistance provided, Go and his Malasakit Team also distributed grocery packs, meals, vitamins, masks, and shirts to the beneficiaries. He gave away basketballs, shoes, bicycles, mobile phones, and a watch to select recipients.

In his speech, Mayor Mea warmly thanked Go for his significant contributions to the people of Tiaong, noting his recent support in securing financial assistance for the town, which has greatly aided local development and provided essential assistance to its residents.

Highlighting Go’s commitment to service, Mayor Mea remarked on the senator’s dedication: “Ganyanpoangkanyangbisyo,angmagserbisyo.” Dubbed as ‘Mr. Malasakit’ for his consistent, compassionate service to people experiencing hardships, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 420, which

approvals by different government agencies instead of the sequential process which requires awaiting compliance with one before proceeding forward to acquire another,” she said.

Nevertheless, Yulo-Loyzaga said the streamlining of mining permits would not exclude the deeper evaluation of the impacts of resource exploration and development on livelihoods and communities, ecosystem services, cultural identities, and historically significant natural systems and built heritage. For instance, she said the DENR has for the first time required the proximity to protected areas and historically and culturally important sites in the application for Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs).

She said the DENR is also consulting with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA), and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on the safeguarding of rights and important historical and cultural sites.

“We are also consulting with NEDA and DOLE on ways to identify and value the contributions of the mining and mineral resources industry beyond taxes fees and royalties, to account for the social and economic impact of 233,000 direct jobs and the associated value of infrastructure such as road networks, health services, education, housing and the service sectors on economic growth and development,” she said.

aims to institutionalize a Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP). If enacted, the primary objective of REAP is to furnish temporary employment avenues for individuals meeting specific criteria, including economic hardship, poverty, displacement, or reliance on seasonal employment. Earlier that day, Go also aided almost two thousand other indigents from various sectors at the Tiaong Town Plaza.

Meanwhile, as Chairman of the Senate

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RAMIREZ MORENO, CARLOS RODRIGO Executive Support Analyst

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Basic Qualification: Advanced French language proficiency. French-Canadian proficiency is an advantage. Written and spoken ability to communicate in English language for Accenture interaction.

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NYAMI TABIT, HUBERT Record To Report Ops Senior Analyst

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

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ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

14. NING, LIANGBING Chinese Customer Service Representative

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16. WANG, JINHU Chinese Customer Service Representative

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57. NOVA NOVITA ANGEL Indonesian Quality Control

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58. ANGGI PRATIWI Indonesian Retention Specialist

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HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. (HOME CREDIT) 15th Floor, Ore Central Building, 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

59. KLEPETKO, VITEZSLAV Risk Portfolio Management Manager

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Basic Qualification: At least 1-2 yrs. of working experience with customer representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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232. YASINTA Customer Service Representative

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236. CHEN, GUILONG Business Development Analyst

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