BusinessMirror May 18, 2024

BALANCING ACT

Relaxed visa entry policies attract Chinese travelers, data show, as Manila is torn between cracking down on applicants using fraudulent documents and ramping up tourist arrivals.

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

OUTBOUND travel in mainland China is gradually recovering, although the Philippines fails to land in most of Chinese travel plans.

This is not a surprise, as a joint web presentation by ForwardKeys and Dragon Trail International indicated that most Chinese are traveling to Asian countries that have relaxed visa entry policies. Those who have already booked their travels this year as of March 2024 are going to Hong Kong (32.6 percent), Macau (19.9 percent), South Korea (15.5 percent), Japan (14.4 percent), Thailand (12.7 percent), Taiwan (8.8 percent), Malaysia (6.6 percent), Singapore (6.1 percent), while Australia (5.5 percent) and the United States (4.4 percent), according to Dragon Trail’s Chinese Traveler Sentiment Report of April 2024. In contrast, the Philippines is tightening its visa application procedures, owing to recent findings that a growing number of Chinese

Continued on A2

Telecom

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

DIGITAL innovation has the potential to help achieve the majority of the targets under the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

As the world celebrated the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) on May 17, the ITU placed the spotlight on the critical role of digital technologies in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future. With the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development” this year’s WTISD focused on discussions on harnessing digi-

TBy Malou Talosig-Bartolome

ERESITA ANG SEE, a FilipinoChinese social activist, said legitimate Chinese tourists would be discouraged from coming to the Philippines if the government continues to impose stricter requirements on their visa application.

“Recently, professors from China missed three conferences in the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University because their visitors’ visas were not released in time,” Ang See said in a statement. Ang See, president of the anti-crime group Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order, said the Philippine embassy in Beijing and the consulates in other parts of China “are doing their jobs,” by scrutinizing visa applicants to prevent the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers who returned to China from coming back.

WHICH OUTBOUND DESTINATIONS HAVE YOU ALREADY BOOKED FOR TRAVEL IN 2024?

Source: Dragon Trail International

tal innovation as a driving force behind economic progress and global development.

“Digital innovation can help

tackle the world’s most pressing challenges—from fighting climate change to eliminating hunger and poverty, digital technologies can

help achieve 70 percent of targets under the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Now more than ever, building a sustainable future demands innovative thinking and action in the digital world,” the ITU said. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, innovation has become synonymous with opportunities for growth and solutions to pressing societal challenges.

According to the ITU, the celebration of WTISD serves not only to highlight the transformative power of technology but also to raise awareness about the global digital divide.

Despite significant strides, progress remains unevenly distrib-

“We already have a proper visa application process in place in our consular and embassy office abroad. That system ain’t broke,” she said.

What is broken, she alleged, are other government agencies in the country who “have failed to stop entry of illegal aliens and POGO workers, and stop POGO operations all together.”

“Bad elements and illegals can go through our front door through connections and bribes if they’re determined. Remember the pastillas scheme in 2020? Our immigrations officers accepted bribes to allow foreigners to enter our country while bypassing the proper immigrations process at the airport,” she said. She was referring to the anomalies unearthed by a Senate panel, whereby bribes by illegal aliens were rolled up in white paper like the pastillas native delicacy, hence, the name.

Ang See also cited reports of the Department of Justice in 2023 when blacklisted foreigners could enter and leave the country just by paying a penalty of P150,000.

Adding more requirements to Chinese tourist visa applications, she said, will only “drive away legitimate tourists, investors, students, teachers and professionals [including agricultural engineers, doctors and technicians] from coming.”

“Instead, we want to put up more roadblocks against legitimate visitors coming to our shores. Visitors boost the tourist trade, or bring needed knowledge in technology and investments. They are good for our economy,” she said.

Last week, DFA Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo said that they have uncovered attempts by some Chinese visa applicants to submit fake identification documents during their

WALTER

BALANCING ACT

applicants were submitting fake documents. As such, the Department of Foreign Affairs will now be requiring them to submit social security identification, while group tours will be expanded to 10 people from the current three. (See, “DFA to require Chinese visa applicants social security ID,” in the BusinessMirror, May 9, 2024.) Earlier, DFA suspended the electronic visa application system for would-be Chinese tourists ostensibly due to the difficult payment system.

The visa restrictions could end up denting the influx of visitors from China, according to Teresita Ang See, a Filipino-Chinese social activist. She said legitimate Chinese tourists would be discourage to come to the Philippines if the government keeps imposing stricter requirements on their visa application, and cited the recent case of professors who missed three academic conferences in large Philippine universities because their visas were not processed on time.

See related story, “Teresita Ang See: No need to tighten visa requirements for Chinese tourists.”

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been pinning its hopes of a Philippine tourism recovery on Chinese travelers coming in droves. In 2019, 1.74 million Chinese tourists arrived in the Philippines,

Laidback Visa Requirements Draw in Chinese Travelers International departures from China: % difference vs 2019

Source: ForwardKeys

spending more than $2.3 billion in the economy. Chinese citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel access to 88 countries, with the latest one being Singapore in February 2024.

More solo travelers BUT ForwardKeys’ Chinese travel expert Nancy Dai pointed out that relaxed visa policies are not just the main consideration for outbound travel by Chinese. Actual flight bookings in the first quarter of 2024 versus the same period in 2019 showed, “Thailand’s perfor-

mance has been below the average of Chinese outbound travel [-39 percent] likely due to the negative impact of the shooting incident last October. This suggests that while visa waivers are a major draw for Chinese travelers, other factors like safety concerns and flight connectivity also play a crucial role when they are choosing their holiday destinations.” A mass shooting occurred at the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok in October, where a Chinese tourist died. She noted that “outbound travel by Chinese is accelerating

in 2024, with the Middle East, and Central and Eastern European nations thriving.” Data on booked trips by Chinese travelers for the May 1-5 labor holiday, for instance, showed “a noticeable shift in passenger profiles is the decrease in group travelers for Asia, which has dropped by 53 percent compared to 2019 levels. In comparison, solo travelers [versus 2019] are showing a strong interest in exploring Asian destinations with a 9-percent increase.”

Meanwhile, Dragon Trail’s survey showed 64 percent of

the 1,000 respondents said they planned to travel this year; by March, 5 percent of them had already traveled outbound, 18 percent had not traveled yet but had booked a trip already, and 40 percent had not booked their trips, but did have plans to travel overseas this year. The rest either weren’t sure to travel or did not want to travel overseas.

Value-for-money

THE 5 percent who had traveled in the first two months of the year visited 27 destinations in six world regions, said Dragon Trail’s Director of Marketing and Communications Sienna Parulis-Cook.

“These include both Chinese tourism hotspots such as Thailand and Malaysia, as well as niche destinations like Kiribati, Belarus and Argentina.”

The survey also showed that Chinese travelers are becoming picky when they go on vacations abroad, even though they were the largest spenders until 2019. A substantial “58 percent stated that they would consider carefully when planning their outbound trips to get the best value for money, with another 14 percent indicating they would choose travel products with the best prices. In contrast, 11 percent are willing to pay a premium for the best products and services regardless of costs, with another 11 percent willing to increase their budgets to better travel experiences.”

World Telecom Day

Teresita Ang See...

visa application.

This is why, he said, the Philippine Embassy and consulates in China in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Xiamen will now require tourist visa applicants to submit social insurance IDs or certificates, which are verifiable.

Ang See said such measure mixes up the issues of POGO and China visitors, and “further fuels” anti-China sentiments amidst the geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“China has been very antiPOGO. Offshore gaming companies breed gamblers and criminals. They are also well-known conduits of illicit funds out of China, either from criminal activity or official corruption. The notion that China would use POGOs to ‘invade’ or ‘reconnoiter’ the Philippines is laughable…and dumb,” she stressed.

She welcomed the raids of POGO operations and deportation of Chinese POGO workers recently.

“We, at MRPO and Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, were resource persons for Senate hearings four times to propose the total banning of POGOs, which have created a lot of havoc in our society. But our government has taken no action, even after China has requested that we totally stop POGO operations,” she added.

The BusinessMirror sought the Department of Foreign Affairs’ reaction to Ang See’s insights, but no reply was given as of this posting.

shines a light on digital innovation’s role in attaining

uted, leading to what is known as the digital innovation divide.

“With 2.6 billion people still unconnected, glaring digital gaps hinder innovation across much of the world. Many countries—lacking key policies, investments, and digital skills—are struggling to keep up in today’s fast-changing digital landscape,” the ITU lamented.

Meeting diverse requirements

BRIDGING this gap is imperative to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or background, can benefit from the opportunities presented by digital technologies.

It noted, however, that it is pursuing a global mission for enhanced digital development through innovation, partnering with other institutions to reach this goal.

“Digital transformation creates convergence in the business of different industries and the responsibilities of different regulators, highlighting why ITU is so invested in bridging different areas of expertise with the support of partner UN agencies,” the ITU said.

Through initiatives such as the Digital Innovation Ecosystems portfolio and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, the ITU said it empowers communities and fosters collaboration to bridge the digital innovation gap and create a level playing field for all.

Leveraging international technical standards, the ITU said it supports innovation on a global scale, enabling access to technological capabilities and driving digital transformation across various industries. From energy and transportation to healthcare and agriculture, the ITU standards facilitate the adoption of digital technologies, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Furthermore, ITU serves as a key convener, bringing together experts, leaders and innovators worldwide to drive innovation. Initiatives such as the World Radiocommunication Conferences and AI for Good Global Summit provide platforms for collaboration and knowledge ex-

change, driving practical solutions to advance the UN SDGs.

“Innovation is key to unlocking the potential of technology and driving sustainable development. ITU’s efforts in bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation are instrumental in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. As we continue to harness the power of technology for good, collaboration and investment in innovation are essential to address the world’s most pressing challenges,” the ITU said.

Philippines continues to power through AS the world commemorates WTISD 2024, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that persist in ensuring universal access to digital technologies.

In many countries, including the Philippines, glaring digital gaps hinder innovation and sustainable development. Despite efforts to embrace digital transformation, insufficient policies, investments, and digital skills remain significant obstacles.

According to a recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Philippines is confronting head-on the disparities in connectivity that hinder socioeconomic progress.

Despite considerable strides in recent years, particularly in urban centers, significant gaps persist, especially in rural areas, the study, titled “Making Broadband Universal: A Review of Philippine Policies and Strategies,” found.

Authored by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Ramonette Serafica, along with Research Fellows Kris Francisco and Queen Cel A. Oren, the study emphasizes the need to address affordability, speed, and demand-side factors to bridge the digital divide effectively. While mobile data affordability has improved, network performance, especially speed, still falls short compared to regional peers. Despite near-universal 4G coverage and promising 5G penetration at 70-percent coverage, the Philippines lags in average broadband speeds, according to an Ookla

SDG targets

report. For instance, the average fixed broadband speed in the Philippines stands at 6.21 Mbps, significantly lower than Singapore’s 81.41 Mbps.

Furthermore, affordability remains a glaring issue, with the Philippines ranking among the lowest in mobile data affordability, according to the 2022 GSMA Connectivity Index. This poses a significant barrier to wider internet adoption, particularly in rural areas where access and speed are even more limited.

The study also highlights regional disparities, with rural areas experiencing notably slower internet speeds compared to urban centers.

To tackle this, the authors propose reducing device and data costs, improving network speeds, and tailoring online content to local needs. They stress the importance of comprehensive surveys, such as the National ICT Household Survey, to provide insights for targeted solutions.

Acknowledging the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges, the authors commend initiatives like the National Broadband Plan and recent reforms in the telecommunications sector. However, they urge a reevaluation of flagship programs like Free Wi-Fi for All to ensure effectiveness, especially in underserved communities. Furthermore, addressing the lack of electricity in certain areas is seen as a critical prerequisite for deploying fixed broadband networks. The authors suggest leveraging existing infrastructure, such as electric poles, as a cost-effective solution.

“It is important to foster partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society through comprehensive sharing agreements and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks,” the authors said.

They added that program and policy implementation must be strengthened through better monitoring and evaluation.

As the Philippines presses forward in its digital journey, stakeholders must innovate to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BSP chief’s goal: Cut RRR by 450 bps to spur lending

By Cai U. Ordinario

Sentral ng Pilipinas

F it were up to Bangko

I(BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., the Reserve Requirement Ratio (RRR) would be reduced by as much as 450 basis points (bps) to allow banks to lend more.

Currently, the RRR is at 9.5 percent and Remolona wants to reduce this to only 5 percent once the Monetary Board is no longer hawkish in its monetary policy.

Remolona said the Monetary Board may be more open to cut rates in August when inflation is firmly anchored on the government’s targets. This is one of two 25 bps rate cuts expected to come in the second semester this year. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/05/17/bsp-keeps-rates-buteyes-2-cuts-in-2nd-half/)

“We would like to reduce the reserve requirement by quite a bit, because think it’s distorting financial intermediation. But the timing is important. We don’t want to do it while we’re still hawkish,” Remolona

said in an interview with Bloomberg.

“Well, I have only one vote. But I would, you know, I would say we can reduce it to 5 percent. Right now it’s 9.5 percent but that’s still one of the highest in the region,” he added.

Remolona stressed that the Monetary Board will be monitoring both inflation and output growth when determining its next policy adjustment.

While inflation is expected to trend downward, except for May 2024 when it is projected to breach 4 percent, Remolona said the increase in commodity prices will be within target by the third quarter when they are expected to cut rates.

Remolona also said that unfortunately, the October off-cycle rate hike has affected and will continue to affect the country’s GDP growth, including economic performance in the second quarter.

“It’s possible that we’re beginning to be tighter than necessary for taming inflation. But these numbers are all imprecise. So we have to use some judgment in deciding

whether to ease or not,” Remolona said. Inflation, main factor “INFLATION, of c ourse, is the main factor. But we also look at output growth. We don’t want to unnecessarily reduce output just to tame inflation. So it’s a balancing act, as you know, for most central banks that’s the case,” he added.

Meanwhile, if the BSP cuts rates ahead of the United States Federal Reserve, there could be some impact on the Philippine peso.

However, Remolona said this has not been the case. The peso on Friday opened at P57.53 to the dollar which is only 7 centavos weaker than the P57.46 to the greenback close recorded on Thursday.

Nonetheless, the BSP Governor assured the public that the central bank is monitoring the peso and is ready to intervene should there be “stress” in the market.

He also said the BSP has been intervening in the foreign exchange market but only in small doses and enough to keep

the market orderly.

“Yesterday we didn’t intervene at all. We were happy with the movement of the peso, but if there’s stress, then we might come in. Stress means large offer sizes, high volatility, and then we might intervene,” Remolona said.

“We don’t have a target for the peso. We were more or less letting the peso float. But we worry about stress. And it hasn’t, it hasn’t happened yet in the last few months,” he added.

Remolona Jr. told reporters this may be delivered in increments of 25 basis points. This means, the maximum rate cut expected to be delivered by the Monetary Board is 50 basis points by the end of the year.

If the BSP will cut rates by a maximum of 50 basis points, this will place key policy rates at 6 percent by the end of the year.

On Thursday, the BSP decided to maintain key policy rates even as it expects inflation to slow and the economy to remain resilient.

The Monetary Board maintained the BSP’s Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) rate at 6.5 percent. This is the fifth consecutive meeting that the Monetary Board decided to maintain the RRP.

Puregold eyeing four more store openings to reach 500th milestone

By John Eiron R. Francisco

LOCAL supermarket chain officials have revealed that Puregold is on track to inaugurate its 500th store in July, with just four more locations to reach this significant milestone.

The target was shared by Susan Co, the Chairperson of Puregold Price Club, Inc., at the opening of the Puregold Negosyo Convention 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City—with over 12,000 participants from their flagship program “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” (TNAP) in attendance.

Besides the annual convention of the aforementioned local supermarket chain, Puregold commemorated the 20th anniversary of its flagship program, which has reportedly aided over 850,000 “sarisari” (small convenience) store members and approximately 50,000 “karinderya” (local food stall) members. This collective support has fostered 900,000 micro, small, and medium-sized thriving entrepreneurs, with the figures continuously growing.

report for the first quarter of 2024 reflects its robust performance, with a 6.7-percent increase in consolidated net sales to P47.32 billion and a 3-percent rise in attributable net income to P2.48 billion.

Ferdinand Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., said the strong presence of both global and local brand partners, coupled with the attendance of TNAP members at the yearly sari-sari store convention, demonstrated the trust and confidence suppliers and members have in them.

He cited their commitment to proactively provide the program members with top-quality goods at competitive prices to empower them to better serve their communities.

Through cost-saving initiatives and innovative programs, the officials believe that Puregold continues to fulfill its promise of supporting businesses nationwide.

LProject TRANSFORM: Building resilience through collaboration this sentiment, expressing gratitude for national recognition of their environmental efforts and looking forward to more green, sustainable, and inclusive climate initiatives for QCitizens.

OCAL government units (LGUs) across the Philippines are commending the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) flagship program, Project TRANSFORM, a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to empower communities to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.

Project TRANSFORM has been launched in Ormoc City in Leyte, Malimono, San Francisco, and Burgos in Surigao del Norte, and Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in Bataan, Rizal province and Quezon City.

Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Marie TorresGomez, highlighting the city’s role as a pilot site, emphasized the program’s

effectiveness. Having personally experienced the devastation caused by typhoons and floods, Torres-Gomez has made climate change a top priority for her administration, noting that the program provides the city with useful resources like training on disaster management, greenhouse gas accounting, and biodiversity profiling.

“The ultimate gratification,” said TorresGomez, “is not only seeing the environmental, social and economic improvement in the lives of our constituents, but being recognized by the DENR as a successful case study for LGUbased climate action that can be replicated across the nation.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte echoed

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II cited the project’s importance in improving disaster preparedness and sustainable development through publicprivate partnerships.

Project TRANSFORM’s pilot testing areas include towns like Del Carmen, Burgos, Malimono, and San Francisco, all severely damaged by super typhoon “Odette,” demonstrating how important the project is in helping communities at risk.

Rizal Governor Nina Ynares underscored the transformative impact of Project

TRANSFORM on communities, saying, “It would help us based on the transformation of our communities into a more resilient and sustainable home, where our children, our future, and our dreams can be nourished and nurtured.”

“Project TRANSFORM is one concrete application of how local governments may move together and continuous consultation with the DENR and all the stakeholders in government and in the private sector as well as academia,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga said.

The project’s scope is broad, including land, air, and sea domains, with innovative land inventory systems and inclusivitydriven strategies.

A recent study by analytics startup Packworks showed sari-sari stores in the Philippines have surged in sales, reaching a record-breaking P8 billion that marks a remarkable 21.2-percent increase from the previous year’s total sales.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also revealed that a staggering 99.58 percent of businesses in the country are classified as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Experts emphasized the pivotal role played by these MSMEs in the country’s economic landscape, as they contribute to 65.10 percent of overall employment, offering a significant 5 million-plus job opportunities.

Moreover, the company’s recent financial

The convention, with support from over 120 partner brands like Monde Nissin, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Coca-Cola Beverages, offers exclusive value deals and bulk promotions, allowing small business owners to maximize their budgets.

Calls for Solidarity MEANWHILE, the company’s chairperson stated the ongoing challenges confronting sari-sari stores and small business owners amidst a challenging economic climate. She said that from the intense competition to fluctuating market trends, the journey to success remains arduous for many. However, Co highlighted the importance of solidarity, urging entrepreneurs to unite and share their knowledge and experiences. By fostering a network of support, Co believes that together, they can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Senators hold Baguio hearing on joint Cha-cha resolution, but signal caution

SENATORS continued hearing insights on proposed constitutional amendments on Friday, but signaled they will not be stampeded by any external deadline to approve anything without thorough deliberations.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, joining the Senate panel in Baguio on Friday, asserted: “With such a bold move in altering our current way of life, we must think clearly and precisely about our next steps.”

The Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, is spearheading the hearings in key cities around the country.

The senators are tackling Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution’s Articles XII, XIV AND XVI.

Zubiri: More investments with RBH 6

SENATE President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri explained the benefits of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 to the people during its first public consultation outside of Metro Manila.

Introduced primarily by Zubiri, RBH 6 seeks to amend Articles 12, 14 and 16 of the 1987 Constitution, addressing restrictions on foreign ownership in public utilities, educational institutions and the advertising industry. Zubiri said the Philippines needs to step up and make the country more conducive for investors.

“The first reaction of the people is that they don’t want foreigners to come in but we need more investments. [Like the] Texas Instruments, Philippines is here in Baguio City. Imagine if Texas Instruments will suddenly pull out of the country, how many thousands of jobs will be lost? We need more investments like this. We are already behind Vietnam and Indonesia because they offer very attractive incentive packages and they have no restrictions in their laws that prevents them from bringing all these investors,” the Senate President told resource persons in Baguio City Friday.

Texas Instruments Inc., is one of the top 10 semiconductor companies worldwide that designs and manufactures semiconductors and various integrated circuits.

Baguio City Rep. Mark Go said an Asian Development Bank study noted that in 2022, investments for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) totaled $224 billion, with Singapore getting $141 billion in foreign direct investments; Indonesia, $21.97 billion; Vietnam with $17.9 billion; Malaysia, $17.1 billion; Thailand, $9.94 billion and the Philippines $9.02 billion.

He said the Philippines got the tail end in terms of the total foreign direct investments in the Asean region because of the country’s restrictive policies.

Angara, facing local officials in the first out-of-town consultation, stressed that RBH6 focuses on the three provisions of the 1987 Constitution: public services, higher education and advertising. The senator explained that the Senate is just institutionalizing what Congress had recently amended in the eight-decade Public Service Act. He said under Republic Act 11659, telecommunications and other utilities can be opened to foreign investors “to encourage competition given the state of [our] utilities and, hopefully, to lower prices and provide better services to our countrymen.”

The second focus of RBH6, Angara said, is higher education, citing the joint degrees being offered between the National University of Singapore, Yale University, Harvard University, and Northwestern University. Angara also said there’s not much controversy in the advertising sector since there has been “cross-border” usage of talents and nationalities between local and foreign advertisers.

“Only the Philippines has economic policy regulations [enshrined in the Constitution], no one else in the world. Constitutions are meant to be general documents which survive centuries, organic and must evolve,” Angara said. “Constitutions should be general. [They]

should not limit the ability of a country to evolve and to develop as the Sen. environment or the world around it changes...,” he added.

Legarda, one of the authors of RBH No.6, underscored the importance of accurately and carefully reviewing proposed amendments to the Constitution.

RBH6 Legarda coauthored with Zubiri and Angara, proposes amendments to specific economic provisions on public utilities, basic educational institutions, and advertising industry.

RBH 6 will require the vote of three-fourths of all members of the Senate and House of Representatives, with each House voting separately.

“I stand in firm belief in having a bicameral Congress as it observes the checks and balances in government, which are paramount in a just and democratic society, just as we aspire for the Philippines,” Legarda said.

For his part, Senator Ronald dela Rosa said the senators attending the Senate committee’s sixth public hearing “want to know from the residents of Baguio City and nearby provinces present today the possible effects of the proposed amendments to the constitution.”

De la Rosa added: “Would these amendments create opportunities and improve the local economy?”

For his part, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, joining local officials from Benguet province in sharing their views, told the panel that “during travels abroad, I have observed how other countries, especially progressive countries,” have used innovation and constantly changing technologies to attain progress.

Some of these practices, he added, can be implemented in the Philippines, noting “that is why support legislation that advances economic opportunities for Filipinos.”

However, he stressed, he “completely” agrees with Zubiri’s stand that the Senate “will not cave in to any deadline” to pass the amendatory measures. Butch Fernandez

PIDS-Edcom

study flags ‘slow start’ in early childhood care

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

DESPITE the implementation of legislation such as the Kindergarten Education Act, the Enhanced Basic Education Act, and the Early Years Act, astudy conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed rather low participation in early education among Filipino children aged 3 to 4.

“There was a drastic decline in the percentage of children aged 3 to 4 years old attending school during the pandemic. While it recovered to 20 percent in 2022, it still fell below prepandemic levels,” according to the authors of“Behind the Slow Start: An Assessment of Early Childhood Care and Development in the Philippines,”

namely:Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep, Lyle Daryll

D. Casas, Aaron Carols G. Manuel, John Paulo D. Mendoza, Joy Bagas, and Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna. It was was published in support of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2).

Maternal and child undernutrition

THE study also explained how child health outcomes are impacted by maternal and child undernutrition and exposure to infections, which directly contributes to chronic malnutrition and increased risk of mortality.

Approximately 14 percent of Filipino women of reproductive age are undernourished and evidence shows that malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to infants with low birth weights, resulting in both short term and long term consequences.

Furthermore, access to most basic health services including prenatal care, child immunization, postnatal care and other

maternal and child services remains far from universal coverage.

Only 1 in 4 Filipino children meet REI

RESULTS of the study also showed that 1 out of 4 Filipino children oronly a quartermeet the recommended energy intake (REI). This finding indicates the persistent challenges in addressing nutritional needs of children, especially among aged 6-12 months, from low-income households.

Preliminary analysis using REI also shows no difference in terms of meeting total energy and protein intake between children who received supplementary feeding programs compared to those who did not, even after adjusting for selection bias. This finding suggests further investigation and potential adjustments to the program to ensure effectiveness in addressing the nutritional needs of children.

“Despite government efforts, access remains limited. We observe a higher percentage of children aged four years old receiving government feeding programs, which reflects the implementation of school feeding initiatives in daycare centers and kindergarten schools”, says Dr. Ulep, PIDS Senior Research Fellow.

To improve participation rates in early education and access to essential health and nutrition services, the study recommends the rollout of innovative financing mechanisms such as piloting public-private partnership models, and investing in science-based behavioral change communication campaigns and strategies to effectively reach and engage target audience.

Shared responsibility ACCORDING to the study, despite the

presence of multisectoral governing bodies that oversee early education and health and nutrition policies, implementation of genuine multisectoral collaboration to ”align” interventions remains a daunting challenge.

“Early childhood care and education should be a shared responsibility between education stakeholders and other members of our communities. Moving forward, local government units should also have more accountability in ensuring that the benefits of ECCD programs, including health and nutrition interventions, are felt by every Filipino child,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Edcom 2 Co-Chairperson, said.

Limewise, there are observed inefficiencies in implementation of nutrition and education interventions due to overlapping roles of government agencies, lack of clarity in responsibilities resulting in poor accountability, duplication of efforts, weak coordination, and fragmented financing.

Edcom 2 welcomes findings FOR his part,Edcom 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yeewelcomes the findings of the study conducted by PIDS.

“Our recommendations on the programmatic and legislative reforms to our education systems are based on empirical evidence from these kinds of studies,”Yee said.

He added thatEdcom 2 “stays true to its commitment to base the Commission’s program and policy recommendations on science and evidence.”

“We need to go the extra mile to understand the complexities of the underlying ills of our education system, so that our proposals are needs-based, responsive, feasible and sustainable. This would include identifying the right investments for our Filipino children,” said Yee.

Elderly, PWDs in Surigao

Norte town receive birthday cash gifts

BBy Alexander Lopez

UTUAN CITY—A total of 288 senior citizens and 63 persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are celebrating their birthdays this month were given cash gifts and medical assistance from the town government of Claver in Surigao del Norte on Tuesday.

The cash gifts and medical assistance were distributed at the town’s Ladgaron gymnasium.

Each senior citizen and PWD received P1,000 birthday cash gift, while the elderly received an additional P300 in medical assistance.

“The cash gifts are given under the Alay sa Kaarawan for PWDs and Senior Citizens program of Mayor

Georgia Gokiangkee,” the Claver local government said in a statement on Tuesday. It added that the initiative also served as a token of appreciation and recognition for the contributions of senior citizens and PWDs to their communities.

The distribution was led by Sofronio Correos, head of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in Claver; Ernesto Sulapas, president of Claver’s Federation of Senior Citizens Organizations; and Jovita Tambuli from the PWD groups.

“The program serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for and uplifting the most vulnerable members of the communities in Claver,” the federation leaders said in a joint statement. PNA

Salceda eyes new insurance scheme for senior citizens

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

HOUSE Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda is pushing for a specialized health insurance program for senior citizens to cover catastrophic health expenditures under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

He presented this proposal during his sponsorship speech for House Bill No. 52, the PhilHealth Reform Act, which was discussed by the Committee on Health on Wednesday.

“Our proposed framework is to allow PhilHealth to create a catastrophic health insurance program for senior citizens on top of the government’s sponsorship of coverage for senior citizens,” Salceda said in his speech.

Salceda said that the program is necessary because “seniors tend to pay a larger share of the hospital bill out-of-pocket.”

Data from PhilHealth claims, as cited by Salceda, shows that only

about a third of seniors’ hospital bills from Level 3 private hospitals get some level of insurance support and subsidy, making them the least supported sector as a share of total hospital costs.

“Those who have the least money are the ones who have to pay the most,” Salceda said, highlighting the financial strain on senior citizens.

Catastrophic health expenditures are those that consume a significant portion of a household’s income, such as costs for cancer treatments and major hospitalizations. Salceda pointed out that the median reported individual or conjugal income for seniors is P3,000

Cultural osmosis through foreign drama series

IBy Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

HAVE always believed that there is always something new and interesting to learn from what’s happening in our everyday life. This is why when I have some free time, I like to watch selected foreign drama series on a popular streaming platform. The fare includes Korean, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Nigerian or Turkish, be it comedy or soap-opera type.

In a typical household, it’s usually the female members of the family who watch teledramas but believe it or not my wife doesn’t share my interest and would often needle me in a slight mocking tone about what she calls my “obsession with trash dramas.” She said they’re lowbrow entertainment and I should know better.

Well, I think I know better. While it is true they are primarily entertainment driven and progressively more sensational, foreign dramas can still give you more substantial satisfaction, beyond merely providing you a way to pass the time or junk food for the mind. What substantial stuff can be squeezed out of these teledramas?

Am I just rationalizing, justifying, and puffing up what really is nothing more than a guilty pleasure of mine?

If you practice mindfulness and you know how to pay attention, if you know what to see and look for, spending two hours watching a foreign drama series is to me an opportunity for cultural enrichment. Foreign teledramas can help us gain a better understanding of various cultures and societies different from ours.

Someone said: “Nothing is significant if you don´t know it first.”

That can also pertain to other nationalities and their ways of life, values, beliefs, and customs. While we like to think we are cosmopolitan and worldly-wise, I’m afraid most of us have shallow or worse, biased knowledge and perception of other cultures. Personally, I used to get

most of what I know from books, magazines, chance encounters with foreign nationals and from what migrant friends and relatives tell me.

It is different when your experience of another culture is immersive. The appreciation and understanding of a foreign culture becomes deeper when you visit, work, or live in that country. It goes without saying, the longer the exposure, the better the appreciation and understanding. Since not everyone has the opportunity to do that, the next best thing for me is watching their teledramas. It is virtual cultural osmosis by way of popular entertaining drama. Watching a foreign drama series is like being transported to the country where it is set. The thing I like about them is that they are allowed to develop naturally at a slower pace than the usual movie, which has to end in two hours or so. I cherish the unhurried emphasis on character development, the single-minded focus that encourages the viewer to pay attention to nuances of behavior. With an average of 16 episodes per season, it’s as if you are living with them day after day.

tural biases or ignorance.

Most of all, I find it all educative: the locales where it is all happening, what the characters wear and eat, the way they talk to each other, how they relate to their elders or superiors and so on.

Sometimes, I am fascinated by similarities in our cultural values. If our Pinoy elite families like to sprinkle their conversations with lot of English phrases, in Indian dramas or movies for that matter, the dialogue of characters from the upper crust contains a lot of English phrases, probably the mark of people from the upper educated class.

Another badge of pride among Korean and Indian families are children going to colleges in US or England, or spending vacation in Europe, showing off pricey signature items, which is so “Pinoy” as we would put it.

Since most of what I watch at the moment come from Korea, which they brand as K-dramas, I’m learning a lot about Korean people and their way of life. They take every opportunity to showcase various facets of their culture and even history.

For instance, K-dramas like to use restaurants and coffee houses as settings. This is where I learned about teokbokki, kimbap, bimbap, blood sausages and of course the ubiquitous kimchi and soju. I am also now slightly familiar about their Silla, Goryeo and Joseon dynasties thanks to their lavishly designed historical dramas.

It is so engrossing to watch highly skilled actors unfold their characters’ lives before our eyes, allowing us plenty of time to put ourselves in the picture, like a fly on the wall. This is why I avoid dubbed foreign dramas. I like to hear actors speak in their own language. I have gotten so used to reading subtitles, I can’t watch anything without the subs or captions. Whenever I watch them I refrain from making assumptions and groundless judgments based on cul-

The Japanese are not too far behind. There’s a Japanese teledrama where the lead character gets to introduce us to various authentic Japanese dishes. I also learned about “izakaya” a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks where Japanese “salarymen” go to after a bout of drinking with colleagues at a videoke bar.

Meanwhile, I plan to expand my virtual immersion into other fascinating worlds by shifting to drama series from India, Egypt and Turkey. A few of them might have hidden gems. How I wish Iranian dramas were also

available on my streaming platform. I am especially interested in watching a highly recommended and supposedly binge-worthy Nigerian drama series that provide a firsthand glimpse into the world of Nigerian students as well as the vibrant Nigerian culture.

With their increasing popularity and availability on streaming platforms, Asian and African dramas are now starting to make a global shift in the transnational flow of culture from West to East, from North to South. Inevitably these transnational dramas will help pave the way towards multi-culturalism or plurality and social inclusiveness around the world.

By giving us a window into other cultures, they contribute to making us significantly more aware, understanding and appreciative of other human beings. Diversity is one of those things that make the world go round. They unintentionally instill in us positive global values, the most important of which is tolerance. I correct friends about biases and wrong assumptions of the Chinese, Korean, Muslim, and so on. One significant common theme that runs in many of them is that forgiveness leads to peace of mind.

Shorn of the settings, language, superficial trappings of these foreign teledramas, what we get deep down is the realization that we belong to only one race, which is the human race.

The characters—whether in China, Korea, Nigeria, Japan and Turkey—go through the same pain, suffering, joy that we Filipinos experience. I’m reminded of that monologue piece from William Shakespeare: “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?” His message about equality among all human beings was written in the 1590s, and it is a message that is still echoed in these modern dramas.

So to those who find it weird or beneath me to watch these foreign teledramas, my usual mantra is: why not? Aside from enjoying riveting and engrossing entertainment, we are at the same time culturally and humanly enriched. Because they dramatize universal human experiences, they help the world’s peoples become more empathetic to each other. This is what we all urgently need in this time of endless wars and conflicts.

per month, with 46 percent living below the poverty line as of 2018, according to the Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP).

“This results in a welfare gap of around P9.1 trillion to give senior citizens a decent old age. Around 18 percent, or P1.67 trillion, is the healthcare financing gap for quality care for senior citizens. I’m not saying we should cover the whole thing. But certainly there are ways to finance

the gap,” he said. He noted that while the proportion of households experiencing catastrophic health expenditures in the Philippines is declining, largely due to increased fiscal resources from the Sin Tax Law, these expenditures still disproportionately affect elderly households. To fund this proposed insurance scheme, Salceda suggested utilizing new sin taxes and revenue growth from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

He also mentioned that “PhilHealth’s excess funds can support this new program.”

“We have a duty to provide dignified old age and quality care for senior citizens. They didn’t get the best cards in life. So, they didn’t get to save enough for pension and elderly health care. But there are financial solutions to this fundamental problem of inequity,” he said.

Scammers drain

$3.4

billion from vulnerable older Americans last year, FBI report reveals

By Alanna Durkin Richer The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, according to an FBI report released Tuesday that shows a rise in losses through increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics to trick the vulnerable into giving up their life savings.

Losses from scams reported by Americans over the age of 60 last year were up 11 percent over the year before, according to the FBI’s report. Investigators are warning of a rise in brazen schemes to drain bank accounts that involve sending couriers in person to collect cash or gold from victims.

“It can be a devastating impact to older Americans who lack the ability to go out and make money,” said Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “People lose all their money. Some people become destitute.”

The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints by victims of scams over the age of 60 last year, with nearly 6,000 people losing more than $100,000. It follows a sharp rise in reported losses by older Americans in the two years after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when people were stuck at home and easier for scammers to reach over the phone.

Barnacle said investigators are seeing organized, transnational criminal enterprises targeting older Americans through a variety of schemes, like romance scams and investment frauds.

The most commonly reported fraud among older adults last year was tech support scams, in which criminals pose over the phone as technical or customer service representatives. In one

such scam authorities say is rising in popularity, criminals impersonate technology, banking and government officials to convince victims that foreign hackers have infiltrated their bank accounts and instruct them that to protect their money they should move it to a new account—one secretly controlled by the scammers.

Federal investigators saw an uptick between May and December of scammers using live couriers to take money from victims duped into believing their accounts had been compromised, according to the FBI. In those cases, scammers tell victims that their bank accounts have been hacked and that they need to liquidate their assets into cash or buy gold or other precious metals to protect their funds. Then the fraudsters arrange for a courier to pick it up in person.

“A lot of the fraud schemes are asking victims to send money via a wire transfer, or a cryptocurrency transfer. When the victim is reluctant to do that, they’re given an alternative,” Barnacle said. “And so the bad guy will use courier services.”

Earlier this month, an 81-yearold Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver he thought was trying to rob him after receiving scam phone calls, according to authorities

The man had been receiving calls from someone pretending to be an officer from the local court who demanded money. The Uber driver had been told to retrieve a package from the man’s home, a request authorities say was possibly made by the same scam caller or an accomplice.

The staggering losses to older Americans are likely an undercount. Only about half of the more than 880,000 complaints reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center last year included information on the age of the victim.

REP. Joey Sarte Salceda: “Our proposed framework is to allow PhilHealth to create a catastrophic health insurance program for senior citizens.”

SENIOR citizens and persons with disabilities whose birthdays fall in May receive P1,000 cash gift each in Claver, Surigao del Norte on May 14, 2024. A total of 288 senior citizens and 63 PWDs received cash gifts. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAVER LGU

UP-Mindanao expands degree programs, pushes for more inclusive admissions

THE University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao is set to boost its academic programs addressing regional and national needs, while it updates admissions policies.

These moves are aligned with UP president Angelo Jimenez’s push to ensure more equitable access to high-quality, state-subsidized tertiary education starting 2025. The initiatives, he explained, are “in response to the growing local demand for skilled human resources, aimed at helping address urgent social and development concerns in Mindanao.”

For Academic Year (AY) 20252026, UP-Mindanao will introduce programs under its Doctor of Medicine course, thus becoming the first state university in Davao City to offer such. It is considered to augur well for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,

which is among the regions with the lowest doctor-to-population ratios in the Philippines.

The higher education institution will also launch new programs in Civil Engineering, Associate in Entrepreneurship, and two inaugural Master of Science offerings. The MS in Quantitative Methods and Modelling will also be rolled out to help address industry requirements for upskilling the knowledge and skills of graduates in Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and BS Computer Science.

A new MS in Biology graduate program will open in AY 2024-2025, with four specialty tracks adopted from the Institute of Biology in

UP-Diliman. In the same year, the new Associate in Entrepreneurship under the School of Management hopes to enhance the culture of innovation and the local start-up ecosystem, and potentially driving Mindanao’s “new economy” and generating more jobs.

The launch of these new programs will kick off the R2-5K (“Road to 5,000 Students”) agenda of UP-Mindanao, with a goal to comprehensively improve the academic program of the campus, while increasing enrolment significantly from the current 1,400 students to 5,000 by 2029.

“UP has a mandate of public service; so here in Mindanao, we hope to build local capacities and expertise in order to have the

greatest impact on long-term development,” said Jimenez.

The state university’s president also pointed out the importance of inclusivity in admissions to help support applicants limited by geographic and socioeconomic conditions: “There is a need to update the current admissions system to ensure that Filipinos, especially the most marginalized, have greater access to quality education.”

The number of testing centers administering the UP College Admission Test will increase from 102 in 2023 to 113 this 2024, with the goal of establishing an UPCAT Test Center in all provinces by 2025. The university will also accept manually accomplished application forms in areas with limited Internet access.

Jimenez lauded Chancellor Lyre Anni Murao and the rest of the UP-Mindanao community for their commitment to national progress and development through transformative education initiatives, guided by the university’s motto of “Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation.”

Malayan Digital College has new biz-centric courses in IT program

HELPING prepare its students to level-up along with the country’s digital transformation, Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) has elevated its information technology (IT) degree program to provide advanced training that will fulfill the current professional landscape’s demands.

“With the economy calling for modern IT specializations that not only bridge the current skills gap but also anticipate the industry’s future needs, we are happy to introduce these new programs,” said Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, who is the president of Mapúa University and Mapúa Malayan Colleges-Laguna during the launch of MMDCs “Enhanced Business-Technology” programs held late in April.

An institution at the forefront of IT education, MMDC is proudly offering Marketing Technology and Entrepreneurship Technology as two new specializations for its Businessfocused IT track starting August this year. Not only did they add to the first specialized business path called “Data Analytics,” but also expanded the entire line up of IT courses of the “premier digital-first college in the Philippines.” It already includes the Development-focused track with degrees in Software Development, as well as Network and Cybersecurity.

“These programs are meticulously designed to address specialized roles and skills that are [key] to the current and future work force,” Dr. Maestrecampo noted. Understanding business processes and aligning technology solutions with organizational goals are crucial for companies to thrive in today’s tough market. By seamlessly incorporating technology into existing workflows, IT professionals can improve efficiency, bolster productivity, and drive cost savings.

What’s more, keeping technology in-line with business objectives allows organizations to gain strategic edge by innovating faster and responding to market changes more effectively, while still being able to deliver superior products and services to customers.

“Today, the job market is buzzing with opportunities for both businessfocused and development-focused IT [pros. Firms across sectors are seeking for workers] who can bridge the gap between technology and business needs,” said Engr. Dennis Tablante, who is MMDC’s executive director.

“Whether it’s analyzing data to drive strategic decisions, or building innovative software solutions, there’s a high demand for versatile IT experts who can deliver tangible results.”

Modern model

UNLIKE traditional education models with lengthy lectures, bookish approaches to learning that require more memorization, plus packed with reading and writing exercises, assignments and examinations, MMDC does things the other way around.

Its unique “Projects, Problems and Cases (PPC)” academic model emphasizes hands-on experiences, problemsolving, and analysis of local and global cases reflective of modern real-world dynamics. Rather than relying solely on conventional testing methods, it prioritizes outputs in-sync with the evolving demands of industries at present.

Knowing that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to education, Engr. Tablante pointed out that they’re “quite picky” when it comes to the kind of program they will use.

“IT definitely is a good fit,” he told the BusinessMirror in a sideline interview. “[Globally, IT can really be done fully online and skills-based. So, constructivism—or—learning by doing, is the PPC model with] the best approach.”

Catering to all types of learners, including working professionals, the learning model opens future career opportunities by fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Students can expect a challenging yet collaborative curriculum that arms them with necessary skills in navigating complex situations confidently.

“We put a context, a story, a problem that students will actually care about. That way, when we give them tasks to perform, they’re more inclined to try and find out and discover for themselves [the] information they need and, more importantly, get the chance to immediately apply and use that information to complete their tasks,” MMDC Instructional System Design director Noel Torregoza explained. According to Torregoza, they assess

students based on rubrics, which are essentially descriptives of performance: “There are different levels that allow us to gauge who’s living their standards, and who’s not.”

Judging by passing rates, the PPC learning model is extremely effective, as students who complete submissions land in the north of 85 percent.

He pointed out that it’s actually very hard to fail here—provided that they submit their outputs.

“This model hinges on [an iteration that gives students] feedback and opportunity to try again, so that they can improve on their work, versus a onetime submission and grading, which tells you how well or how poorly you did, but doesn’t give [the chance to] try again and apply your learning,” Torregoza explained. “For [those who submit their work and are willing to put an effort and try again, then the possibility of] passing is actually pretty good.”

Dream accelerator

FOR many years, working students in the country have been underserved. While a lot of organizations in the country employ high-school graduates, there’s still a need for more professionals with the right skills to help develop several businesses using technology toward digitalization.

With this in mind, MMDC calibrates its IT program, such that learners while employed will not be alienated, per Engr. Tablante. In fact, working students comprise 80 percent of the first batch of the said degree courses, and 75 percent for the current academic year.

He said, “the market is really looking for a flexible education, and they’re able to find it through MMDC.”

Encouraging more professional studying employees to take up any courses under its IT program, the digital school relaunched its “Step Up sa Pangarap,” which empowers and inspires working students to achieve

their professional and personal goals. The advocacy group keeps on expanding in its second year—thanks to the support of partners across various industries who share the goal of helping working students finish college and get a degree.

One of them is Concentrix, where new students can benefit from an exclusive “Work and Study” program that offers part-time jobs alongside parttime study opportunities. With salary deduction options aimed at helping learners sustain their education until graduation, the track is designed to provide working students the support they need to balance education and employment demands.

“We are fully committed to making sure that we will have talents in the future. One of the thrusts of this [IT-business process management] industry is to provide up to 2.5 million jobs by 2028,” said Concentrix Philippines vice president for Sales Delivery Tonichi Achurra-Parekh. “For us to be able to feed that talent pool, we also need to be engaged and participate in building the talent that we have. [We decided to partner with MMDC so that we could also cater to people who, at a younger age, probably graduated from senior-high school, did] a little bit of college, and had to work.”

Knowing that easier access to quality education is quite important, MMDC has tied up with digital banking firm GCash in offering “study now, pay later” options through GGives—an installment-payment service that allows students to borrow up to P125,000, with flexible settlement options for up to 24 months. Their team-up has also opened possible internship and work opportunities for learners with the mobile-wallet provider.

“This is just Phase 1 of our partnership, wherein only eligible GCash users can get loans,” MMDC VP for Marketing Jenny Chua bared. “We will have Phase 2, [where one can get a loan as long as he or she is an MMDC student].”

The entire IT program of MMDC lasts for three years and two terms. Each term runs for 14 weeks. Classes are scheduled three days a week, with the first day being synchronous, and the rest as asynchronous. Finishing the whole program could cost around P200,000 to P220,000.

With the improved MMDC IT program, the school is bullish that it will help drive enrollment next school year. Chua said that “since we started in 2022—that’s our first year—we’ve been [exponentially growing at 100 percent. This] year, we’re targeting a 50-percent growth for August’s Term 1,” she said. Roderick L. Abad

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Low-key community school taps into its young learners’ talents

Story & photo by Manuel T. Cayon

DAVAO CITY—A littleknown school with different learning methods allows its students to shine in many fronts: from robotics in their grade-school years, to their licensure examinations as they end up being topnotchers.

The Apo Learning Village did that in an environment where grades and honors system take a backseat, and mastery of learning is prioritized, said Ana Maria Siapno-Gualberto, who is president of the board of directors of the school.

The learning center was initially formed in 2002 by alumni of the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Twenty-two years later, this small private educational endeavor weathered even the Covid-19 pandemic when 44 other similarly sized community-based ventures in middle to upscale villages folded up.

It has retained its reputation though as a school that lets personal preferences and choices of learners serve as the groundwork of a freer learning environment, while mixing them with the structured gradelevel subjects and competencies required by the Department of Education (DepEd).

“That’s [where we think we are different: We listen to students on what they want and what they like. If it’s K-pop, then we talk about K-pop. Then] learn Math, then K-pop, then Science,” Siapno-Gualberto explained.

“We mix. It’s the same when we teach Math: Experientially, we measure, [do surveys, go out, run, and] jump.”

That is what their learners’ parents admired with the Apo Learning Village’s brand of teaching. The school official added: “Our approach is to set up the child to succeed. We will look for their strengths. If they’re inclined to music, we’ll help them; if they like enterprises, we set [up such] to let them feel that they will really succeed, so that they will feel good about learning.”

Siapno-Gualberto said the school has mixed both structured learning in a classroom and the freer atmosphere under trees in the schools’ current backyard inside the Lutheran Church in Matina Aplaya. It transferred in 2022 to a wider space from their former location in Juna Subdivision.

When BusinessMirror visited the school for an interview, it witnessed a small class where a female duo performed a classical song in the schoolgrounds amid tailored grass under a mango tree.

“We are fortunate to have a nature-blessed backyard [where we] send our learners to a space conducive for learning, and a freer atmosphere for self-expression,” Siapno-Gualberto said. The school, though, is not a

sectarian facility. Its location was only offered by a learner’s parent when it was still in Juna Subdivision. The elder heard that the school was looking for a wider space to transfer after operating for a decade.

The Lutheran Church offered the space, with the assurance that it would renovate the multipurpose hall and the classroom for the school use. Its transfer, however, came with a tradeoff during the difficult Covid-19 contagion: From 80 students in the final year of its stay in Juna, the school learners’ population halved.

While inquiries keep coming lately, the school official said that “we still need some more marketing [efforts] to let people know we are now…in Matina Aplaya.”

Siapno-Gualberto disclosed that the school is listed in the DepEd, and its controlled students-to-teacher ratio remained its strength, along with its track record of getting the best to emerge from its learners.

“This is what I like most in this school: [It creates] the best environment for our children to like learning,” said Hiyasmin Herrera—a parent who always finds time to observe her son through the afternoon classes. “He always talks admirably of what has happened each day of school.”

In their grade-school level, learners could be seen tinkering with toy machines or gadgets, and are asked to think on improving or innovating capacity machines so that they could adapt to challenging work. Siapno-Gualberto shared that “the teacher may ask the learners to assemble the toy car based on the manufacturer’s instruction guide. [It is disassembled, then students find ways to improve on its electronic makeup. They… enable it to make other runs and turns.”

“Our learners have already been winners in several robotics competitions,” she said. “Our Grades 9 and 10 learners defeated Grade 12 presenters in one event.”

The school official went on to say that “through the years, we have produced doctors, [and even topnotchers in the LET or Licensure Exam for Teachers].”

“We are a small school, but even some of our teachers [who are] board passers would like to imitate our method,” she added. “One of our alumni was even asked where he took up his early education, and if it teaches advanced studies. He told them he came from Apo Learning Village, and described our school as having taught them to think and be independent.”

“Here, we do not have the ‘honors’ system. [We give grades, but do not place much value to them. We don’t even go into advanced studies. What we inculcate to students is…that they master the learning, however slow it may be],” she concluded.

MMDC’s Engr. Dennis Tablante (from left) and Noel Torregoza, Concentrix Philippines’s Tonichi AchurraParekh, Bianca Gonzalez, MMDC’s Jenny Chua, Microsoft’s Joshua Aquino as guest speaker, with GCash’s Ana Cua and XP Villa.

LUSH greenery at the backyard of the Apo Learning Village is a natural classroom for learners.

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

ISLAND BORN OF FIRE

One weekend is all it takes to be smitten by Camiguin’s mystique

Story & photos by Joseph Araneta Gamboa

WITH a land area of 241 square kilometers, Camiguin is the Philippines’ second smallest province next to Batanes. It consists of five municipalities that can easily be traversed from end to end in less than a day.

But we found out during a recent family trip that a weekend stay is not enough since there are so many places to visit in this so-called “Island Born of Fire.” Camiguin is blessed with abundant natural resources and a rich cultural heritage, which have made it a rising destination in the Northern Mindanao region amid the azure waters of the Bohol Sea.

Various types of accommodations are available in the provincial capital, Mambajao. As first timers, we decided to go for the newest destination in town: UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin, a 27-room resort that overlooks the iconic White Island headlined in all the tourism brochures of the province. From the new terminal of Mambajao Airport, it’s just a 10-minute ride to UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin on board the resort’s shuttle van. Room options range from luxury queen to executive suites, and even a PWD room. We enjoyed watching sunsets at the pool and lounge area while chilling to trendy music.

Our meals were taken at the resort’s fun Filipino restaurant called MAMSER! that has varied cuisines in a great dining setting with an ocean view. Beside it is WYP Bar, which has great booze offerings that elevate the nightlife scene on the island.

This latest UNWND Boutique Hotel is part of the Araw Hospitality Group owned by businessman Jean Henri Lhuillier. The homegrown hotel chain also operates resorts in Makati, Calatagan, Caticlan, Dumaguete, El Nido, and soon in Siargao. Its strategic location in Camiguin makes it an ideal jump-off point to the island’s natural and man-made

attractions, some of which we were able to visit recently during a long weekend.

VOLCANOES

CAMIGUIN’S fertile land and mild tropical climate are attributed to its having the largest concentration of volcanoes per square kilometer in the Philippines. It is known for producing the country’s sweetest lanzones due to its volcanic soil. Of more than 10 volcanoes on this island, only Mount HibokHibok and Mount Vulcan are considered active. Both are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and they last erupted in the early 1950s. Hibok-Hibok is the most famous volcano of Camiguin. Hikers need a permit from the local DENR office for the three or four hours climb to its summit. On a clear day at the volcano’s peak, one can see its mossy crater as well as the islands of Siquijor and Bohol from a distance. The DOST-Phivolcs regional office maintains an observatory on the foothills of Hibok-Hibok, and beside it is a new coffee shop called Utopia with stunning views of northern Camiguin.

Vulcan is a lava dome on Hibok-Hibok’s northwest flank that was formed during the 1871 eruption in the town of Catarman. It is accessible via the Walkway to the Old Volcano with Stations of the Cross depicting the Passion of Christ. Depending on one’s pace, the 14th and last station can be reached between 30 minutes to an hour.

WATERFALLS AND SPRINGS

DELVING into the heart of Camiguin’s lush interior, you will find cascading waterfalls and natural springs. The most popular is Ka-

tibawasan Falls, a majestic 76-meter curtain of water surrounded by verdant foliage in the outskirts of Mambajao. Another wonder of nature is the 20-meter-high Tuasan Falls in Catarman, which offers scenic surroundings and a refreshing swim on its two freshwater pools along the Looc River. Ardent Hot Spring has steamy, bubbling pools nestled on the foot of Hibok-Hibok in Mambajao. Santo Niño Cold Spring in Catarman is where picnic huts can be rented beside its crystal-clear waters. Nearby is Bura Soda Water Park featuring a large pool not only for swimming but also for drinking its overflowing water that tastes like soda.

CHURCHES AND RUINS

MAMBAJAO’S century-old San Nicolas de

‘SStory & photos by George P.

Ordoña

URF’S up!” quipped a local surfer. Ever since the late one-legged surfer, Poks Esquivel, became a sensation, La Union has been dubbed the surfing

Agoo ON board Mitsubishi Xpander, our group, organized by NLEX Lakbay Norte, first visited Agoo Basilica Minore, ecclesiastically known as Minor Basilica and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Charity. The Mexican baroque church was founded by the Franciscans and elevated to Minor Basilica in 1982.

La Union Grapes OUR next stop was Lakay Ago Nature’s Park for some snacks. This resort-restaurant is beautifully landscaped with a hobbit house for accommodation. Back on the main road, we learned about sustainable farming practices by Lomboy Farms. Across the street is Uvas Cafe which pioneered in growing grapes in La Union starting with 20 cuttings from Cebu in 1972. They grow

Cuisine, Halo-halo

San Fernando, La Union. This superb restaurant prides itself in using all the best ingredients from each La Union town into their unique

Tolentino Parish Church is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. Its compound is the site of the Parish Formation House and Memorial Bell as well as the giant statue of Our Lady of Fatima. In the town of Sagay lies the Santo Rosario Church built in 1882 and also known as Camiguin’s “green church” because of its environment-friendly materials. Another must-see attraction is the Spanish-era Guiob Church Ruins that stands as a silent witness to Camiguin’s tumultuous history. It is located in Catarman, where Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet supposedly dropped anchor in 1521. When Mount Vulcan erupted in 1871, the church was destroyed along with the entire town— including the iconic Sunken Cemetery, which is now a haunting reminder of the

mix of halo-halo. But what amazed me more than the halo-halo was the food. Ilocano cuisine is known for its simplicity but the chef did a good job in infusing additional ingredients for an exquisite taste. I was blown away by the pork binagoongan which had a slight sweet flavor and topped by thin slices of green mango. Overnight was at Patio de Balai Norte. This modern tropical boutique hotel, with friendly and accommodating staff, has good breakfast buffet, roofdeck bar and lounge, and an alfresco dining area.

island’s volcanic past topped by a giant cross that seems to float above the tombstones under the sea.

BEACHES AND ISLAND HOPPING

NO visit to Camiguin would be complete without going to the uninhabited White Island off Mambajao’s northern coast. This pristine, horseshoe-shaped sandbar is a short boat ride away from Barangay Yumbing where time seems to stand still amid panoramic views of Hibok-Hibok and the turquoise sea. The White Island Ferry Terminal is a mere three-minute walk from UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin.

In the southern town of Mahinog, forestcovered Mantigue Island is known for its powdery white sand beach and coral reefs that provide unparalleled snorkeling experi-

Immuki, Watchtower

THE following day was more adventurous.

First stop was Immuki Island in Balaoan. This rocky island, named after a sea creature, with several lagoons was reachable on foot during low tide. Next stop was Baluarte Watchtower in Luna, La Union. This 400 year-old structure served as a lookout for Chinese, Japanese, and Moro pirates and a communication tower during World War II.

On our way to our lunch destination, we passed by the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan and St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish. Interestingly, the old name of Luna is Namacpacan which means the one who feeds. Lunch was at the Don Segundo House of Antiques and Restaurant. This rustic lunch destination in Resurreccion, Luna has a lush garden with unique collections of vintage items. We totally enjoyed the appetizing Ilocano food.

Inabel Weaving

AFTER lunch, we proceeded to De Castro Loom Weaving. De Castro in Bangar is one of the country’s top producer of hand-woven products. Since the 1950s, they have been promoting the use of traditional weaving of inabel which has been passed from one generation to another.

Turtles and Surfing FROM weaving we went surfing but before that, we visited Curma Center which is a marine turtle conservation program. It stands for Coastal Underwater Resource Management Action. Curma is also sanskrit for sea turtle. During our visit, we were lucky to witness the releasing of sea turtle hatchlings.

Hip San Juan WE wrapped up the night at a hip beach front in San Juan, La Union. Mebuyan’s Vessel, an installation of 21 interconnected inhabitable pods, was awe-inspiring at sunset. This homage to the Bagobo goddess of the underworld is a masterpiece of contemporary Filipino

ences with the kaleidoscope of marine life thriving beneath the surface.

COME AGAIN TO CAMIGUIN

MORE than just a travel destination, Camiguin is an immersive journey through nature, history, and the human spirit. It captivates the senses and leaves an indelible mark on all who venture to its shores. Learning from its Covid-19 experience, the provincial government has maintained its official contract tracing system dubbed the “Isle Visit Camiguin” QR code even after the pandemic.

This is a place where paradise meets adventure—where every moment is infused with the magic of discovery. As one of its tourism taglines aptly declares: “Thank you, Camiguin!”

artist Leeroy. A few meters from the coastline is Waves Point, a unique beachfront experience featuring Peruvian cuisine which is a diverse mix of indigenous tradition as well as Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese flavors. This open-air beach restaurant is just the right joint to energize you with some techno-inspired music courtesy of their resident dj. It’s like the Poblacion vibe, beach version! We spent our last night at Awesome Hotel in San Juan, La Union. It lives up to its name with its modern facilities, all-day dining restaurant and manicured garden. Our room had a magnificent sea view but was

MAMBAJAO'S newest resort, UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin, is right across the iconic White Island

UNWND Boutique Hotel Camiguin’s executive suite A LARGE cross stands above the Sunken Cemetery, a haunting reminder of Camiguin’s volcanic past

SAN Nicolas Tolentino Parish Church in the heart of Mambajao

MOUNT Hibok-Hibok is the most famous volcano in Camiguin

KATIBAWASAN Falls is fed by streams of water making their way to Mount Timpoong, Camiguin’s highest peak

GUANGDONG, China—More than 570 kilometers run between France’s Palace of Versailles and Heidelberg Castle in Germany. In this corner of the world, the great distance is closed to a few meters, with only a well-curated, tree-lined stream separating the two European landmarks.

It seems to take all but one sharp turn in the southern city of Dongguan in China’s Guangdong province to be transported halfway across the world. Europe lives on the south shore of Songhan Lake, the location of Ox Horn Campus of Chinese tech giant Huawei. The sprawling, 1.4 million sqm. complex houses the global company’s research & development (R&D) departments spread across 12 areas, each one modeled a ter the estern continent’s popular regions, replete with prominent castles, cobblestone streets, and more.

e have more than enough Chinese architecture around [the country],” quipped a travel guide when asked about the peculiar design decision, before o fering a more serious explanation. [This look] is more relaxed.”

The answer, while simple, seems su icient.

Creativity is king in the pursuit of innovation, a cornerstone of Huawei’s business strategy. Inspiration plays a prominent role in the equation, and spurring it appears to come at any cost for the global tech giant, even if it means building an elaborate replica of a foreign world.

A TESTAMENT TO A COMMITMENT

HUA EI recently hosted media members from around the world to its campuses in China. Part of the stop was the Ox Horn Campus, which opened in 201 a ter only ive years of construction. hile the place serves as an o ice complex, it feels akin to a wondrous theme park. A great deal of attention to detail was put into every nook and cranny, all designed to keep the 25,000 Huawei employees on the campus working at their best. They get around the complex via a 7.8-kilometer tram system imported

from Swit erland, dine in bu fet style at massive food halls, and enjoy the spoils of working for one of the most coveted employers in China.The massive investment of Huawei in its human resources and impressive o ices re lects the company’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation. As of end-2020, Huawei lists 105,000 employees under its R&D department, accounting for more than half of its total global workforce at 53.4 percent. Meanwhile, the company has spent 23.4 percent of its total revenue in 2023 back into R&D, amounting to CNY164.7 billion, or $22 billion. The mammoth igure brings Huawei’s total spending for innovation to around a whopping $156.8 billion over the past decade.

THREE GROUPS, ONE MISSION

ASIDE from developing personal handset items and smartphones, the budget also funds Huawei’s two other major business segments. First is the Carrier Network Business Group, which provides wireless networks and other related services to major communications carriers worldwide. A

perfect complement to this is the second segment, the Enterprise Business Group. This deals with the storage and analysis of data on Huawei’s data center and storage products.

Together, these two business segments, heavy on R&D, allow Huawei to establish vital interconnections between information and communication technology with real-life, data-oriented solutions. These are showcased at the Huawei Enterprise Business Von Neumann Exhibition Hall, located at another Huawei Campus in Shenzhen.

Displayed in the spacious hall are manifold applications of Huawei’s technologies across di ferent sectors and public services. In transportation, for instance, Huawei delivers facial recognition-based security checks to “smart airports,” improving the travelers’ experience and driving overall operational e iciency. The technology is applied at the Shenzhen Baoan International Airport.

In its pursuit of building the foundation of an intelligent world, Huawei also remains active in striking partnerships with like-minded innovators. The company lists more than 40,000 partners in di ferent industries.

The third of Huawei’s three major business segments, of course, deals with the company’s push into the personal handset and smartphone segments—the Consumer Business Group. Under this cluster are Huawei’s wide range of wearables, which the company takes great pride in. The company’s data shows that in the booming wrist wearables segment in China, Huawei ranks irst in shipments and brand awareness. Meanwhile, the brand slots third in terms of global market share of smartwatches. Huawei presents ive categories of smart wearables. The top-tier ultimate segment presents premium materials as the perfect outdoor partner. Then there are groups focused on o fering smart technology, classic versatility, fashion trends, and healthcare, respectively. Among the brand’s o ferings is the “wafer-thin” Huawei atch Fit 3, positioned as “larger than life, but slimmer than ever” at just 9.9 mm and 26 g. Huawei puts each product of every segment to the

test in its research centers and health labs, focused on product R&D in sports, itness and health. The company has three health labs around the world, two of which are located in China (Xi’an and Dongguan), and another in Europe in the Finnish capital of Helsinki.

Huawei invited its global media guests to its 4,680 sqm-Dongguan health lab. The visit began with an overview of Huawei’s high standing in the wearables segment, before proceeding with a tour of the facility rigged with high-speed cameras for performance measurement. This data—along with others collected from controlled simulations of swimming, running, and other physical activities—is analyzed to develop innovative digital capabilities. This allows Huawei to generate on its wearables daily health tips, AI-generated weekly reports and other features, all designed to guide the user to live a healthy lifestyle.

Aside from spotlighting its wearable devices, Huawei also granted a hands-on experience to its newest lagship smartphone line, the Huawei Pura 70 Series.

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CYCLE THE Huawei Pura 70 Series takes over the celebrated P Series that ran for 12 years.

“Twelve years is a milestone in Chinese culture. e want to move forward,” said the presenter of the Pura 70 Series in a media brie ing at the Huawei Shenzhen Campus. “ e are determined to provide an aesthetic design in an innovative product, one that’s more fashionable and iconic.”

To start, Huawei gave the Pura 70 Series a distinct triangular camera module, easily identi iable from what’s been the industry’s bland, cookie-cutter handset design. The form comes with impressive functions, as it presents the Ultra Speed Snapshot feature that conveniently and e fectively captures fast moments. It’s enabled by a new generation of Ultra Lighting camera system, combined with the industry’s irst Huawei XD Motion Engine.

on Facebook and Instagram. In related news, Atakol also announced Beko’s merger acquisition of Whirlpool’s Europe business. “We’re set to make a profound impact on our industry worldwide with strong positions across multiple markets in different geographies,

THE Huawei Pura 70 Pro, shot at the European-style Huawei Ox Horn Campus in Dongguan.

Data privacy a shared responsibility

P OTECTING data and information is not the sole task of cybersecurity experts.

According to Liz Adeniji, Regional Vice President of Segment, Asia Paci ic and apan at Twilio, data privacy and compliance will become a shared responsibility across departments and teams, as evolving regulatory standards require organizations to constantly balance data-driven strategies with ethical considerations.

“This is particularly true in the Philippines where trust among customers is a challenge, as 55 percent of Filipino marketers report reluctance from customers to share personal data with brands,” Adeniji told B M in an e-mail interview.

Adeniji stressed that 2024 will see a renewed focus on transparency around data collection, use and sharing, holding organizations more accountable than ever before.

She also pointed out that data literacy will become a core component in employee upskilling and recruitment, and organizations will take on a more proactive role in consumer data privacy education—including providing easy-tounderstand privacy notices and guiding consumers options to control their data.

She said privacy consent and governance, together with attribution, measurement and personalization at scale, will become key considerations for marketers and data practitioners.

“This will fundamentally impact their operations and strategies,” she said.

According to Adeniji, data platforms will serve as a unifying force in organizations that will lead to the cra ting of a common data strategy and become a shared responsibility among key leaders.

She emphasised the emergence of customer data platforms (CDPs), composable CDPs, data clean rooms, and warehouses driving a signi icant shi t in organizational dynamics in 2024.

According to IDC, 50 percent of Asia’s top 1,000 organisations will adopt CDPs as the enterprise customer data service for real-time transactions by 2024.

Modern data platforms may dissolve traditional silos within business divisions, bringing diverse teams and functions together under the common language of data.

As data becomes more integral in driving decision-making and new opportunities, organisations will prioritize developing a uni ied data strategy.

Further, Adeniji said Twilio expects expect key leaders, including the chief technology o icer, chief marketing o icer, chief product o icer and chief revenue o icer, to expand their roles and work more closely together to shape the data vision of organisations, fostering a more comprehensive perspective of a company and its business practices and facilitating informed decision-making and growth.

Adeniji underscored that 2024 will see organisations seek to resolve the data conundrum and mitigate data privacy risks by exploring data minimization and other approaches.

She said debate between data minimization against maximisation will dominate boardroom discussions in 2024 as organisations continue to explore how to harness arti icial intelligence (AI) to drive impactful business outcomes.

Amid data breaches and data privacy concerns, Twilio believes organisations will be shi ting toward data minimization as a tactic to mitigate risks and adhere to privacy standards. Data minimization means being deliberate about the data collected and deleting data no longer needed.

Experience tranquility in doing laundry

AND just like that, I’m just two years away from being a golden boy. Now, when you reach a certain age, inding peace amid the daily hustle becomes critical—especially for the people around you. Because as much as I try to deny it, there are days when I just feel extra grumpy, especially when there are several deadlines and projects and impossible clients to deal with.

That’s why weekends are my sanctuary, the only time where I get to unwind, tackle some chores, catch up on social media, and recharge for the week ahead. Honestly, doing laundry has become unexpectedly more therapeutic, thanks to my trusty LG Objet ashTower. The irst time I saw it, I knew it was going to be my new favorite gadget. Now, laundry weekends have become the highlight of my week!

A STYLISH COMPANION IN EFFICIENCY

MY weekends have been jiving seamlessly since I installed this sleek, stylish and user-friendly LG Objet WashTower at home. Saturday mornings are tranquil when I enter my laundry room because of its cool nature-inspired colors and smooth surface. There are a lot of things that I love about LG WashTower, but visually I am obsessed with the matte inish, modern style, and its up and down layout.

When I enter the laundry room, I want my washer to never just give the bene it of the doubt if it can really function well. I want it to give the irst impression just with its physique. With its matte velvety inish, it is easy to clean and maintain, and mattes are better for lighting as it re lects less light (just a personal preference of mine). Although it looks muted, it never looks dull, it really stands out in the room because of its uniqueness.

Second, it just makes our home lean more on the modern/futuristic side as its design is very distinct from any other washers. It’s quite rare to ind a vertical washer that looks and feels new every use. It saves so much space, which made my laundry room look smarter as well. It’s more than simply a machine it’s a well thought-of, functional, and stylish appliance that makes doing laundry more fun.

SMART FEATURES FOR SEAMLESS OPERATION

WHO doesn’t want simplicity a ter a week of hard work That’s exactly what the LG Objet WashTower o fers. Laundry is a breeze with its easily accessible controls and simple operation.

Located at the center of the machine, the control panel puts everything I need right at my ingertips. Whether I’m adjusting the wash cycle or setting the drying time, it’s all just a few button presses away. There was a time when I always needed to go back and forth the wash area to check on my laundry, or it’s time to add some fabric conditioner. This can be a bit annoying if I’m binge-watching on a new series, playing some video games, or when I’m editing some reels for my social media content.

When I started using LG Objet WashTower, I can

now trust that the AI DD technology will take good care of my garments with just a few simple button presses and a chosen wash cycle, giving me the peace of mind to concentrate on other duties. I just let the machine do the rest. It’s like having a personal laundry assistant right in my own home. Now, doing laundry is becoming less than a chore anymore.

CARE BEYOND CLEANLINESS

AS someone who occasionally battles with allergies, I need to make sure that our clothes are kept clean and free of dust mites. I always need to be prepared as allergy symptoms may just come unexpectedly. I need to stay in my best form so I don’t miss out on important launch events or meetings. LG Objet WashTower’s commitment to care beyond cleanliness is a game-changer for me.

Let’s be real, laundry isn’t just about cleaning anymore. It’s about feeling good in what you wear and knowing that your clothes are free from all the stu f that can irritate your skin or set o f your allergies. I will never think twice again whether to wear my favorite shirt or not because I know that LG’s Allergy Care Cycle can give my clothes the royal treatment that will always leave me feeling fresh and con ident every time you put them on.

EFFICIENCY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

HAVING my laundry tasks taken care of quickly means I can spend more time doing what I love—like unboxing my new toys and rearranging them on my shelves or testing new gadgets. I’m always looking for ways to make my tasks go more smoothly, and this laundry powerhouse accomplishes exactly that. For me, the fast drying and washing cycles are a huge plus. The quick wash and dry option completes tasks quickly, whether I’m washing a load of my regular clothes or cleaning the linens. It functions at my pace, just at the right timing. And let me just say that it’s incredibly convenient. It’s never been easier to do laundry with its simple controls and hassle-free functioning. With just a few easy clicks, I can change

the settings and then kick back while the LG Objet WashTower takes care of the rest.

RELIABILITY FOR THE LONG HAUL

THE Objet WashTower is an investment, and the 10-year warranty gives me some peace of mind and the con idence that it’s built to last. I know I can rely on this machine to continue producing clean clothes for many years to come because LG is known for its dependability and durability. Another thing that I like about this Objet WashTower is its quiet operation and economic e iciency, thanks to the advanced DUAL Inverter Heat Pump dryer and Inverter Direct Drive Motor. It ensures consistent, dependable running every time, much like having a high-performance engine beneath the hood of my laundry machine. With that, as a person advocating for sustainability, I won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

BETTER (LAUNDRY) DAYS AHEAD WITH THE LG OBJET WASHTOWER

I’VE always considered doing laundry as an escape and because of the LG Objet WashTower, washing laundry has evolved from a chore to a therapeutic ritual. My life has been much simpler and my weekends have been much more about enjoyment because of its smart features, seamless design, and excellent quality. I don’t even have to complicate it too much because it can be navigated with a breeze.

Of all the product reviews I’ve done, the LG Objet WashTower is probably one the easiest recommendations—especially if you’re one of those who value e iciency and style. With its ergonomic and space-saving layout, it not only looks great but is a long-lasting and sustainable option. This is the premium lagship of washers and I’m never settling for anything else, because with it “Life is Good” indeed.

More information about the LG Objet WashTower can be found at the company’s socialmedia pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok( lgphilippines).

Huawei on keeping its innovation edge, opening a new chapter with the Pura 70 Series

of vegan leather, available in Green and Black. Huawei announced recently that Pura 70 series pre-orders are now available online and in-stores in the Philippines with a starting price of P47,999. A ter experiencing Huawei’s new lagship smartphones, immersing in their China campuses, and

THE LG Objet WashTower

PHL volleyball secures full support from

Smart strengthens partnership with POC

Ppartnership, Smart will provide a P5-million funding for the qualified Filipino athletes homestretch training for the Olympics that open on July 26.

As the official telco partner of the POC, Smart will also provide connectivity via Smart GigaRoam to the athletes, coaching staff and officials.

Smart is also an official broadcaster of the Paris Olympics, bringing Filipino fans closer to the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

“We are grateful to have the support of Smart at this very important stage of our Filipino athletes’ lives,” POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said. “We are hopeful that our national athletes can make our country proud in the Olympics this year.”

Among the national athletes bound for Paris so far are Smart ambassadors EJ Obiena (pole vault), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics) and MVP Sports

Foundation (MVPSF)-backed boxers

Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Eumir Marcial, weightlifters John Ceniza, Vanessa Sarno and Elreen Ando, gymnast Aleah Finnegan and the first Filipina rowing Olympian Joanie Delgaco.

“We’re hoping to confirm more names in our delegation as the Olympic Games draw nearer,” Tolentino said.

Supportive of sports development, PLDT and Smart, together with the MVPSF, have launched many initiatives to help discover, develop and train Filipino athletes and teams from the grassroots to collegiate, amateur and professional levels.

Pangilinan, also chairman of the MVPSF and a key figure in Philippine sports, has always believed in the unifying power of sports.

“Our regional loyalties dissolve when we watch our athletes play,” Pangilinan said. “We carry our greatest faith in our strongest hearts when we cheer for our national athletes as the Filipino identity transforms us into a single team— Team Pilipinas.”

From basketball to badminton to weightlifting to esports and many others, the MVPSF and Pangilinanled companies have been investing in and empowering 19 national sports associations, backing hundreds of athletes and contributing to nationbuilding through sports development, fueling the Filipino dream of producing another Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

Yulo bags all-around gold medal in Tashkent

By Josef Ramos

CARLOS YULO won the men’s all-around gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Men’s Artistic Championships on Friday at the Gymnastics Sports Palace in Tashkent.

It was the Paris Olympicsbound Yulo’s first all-around title at the Asian level.

Yulo, 24, garnered 84.931 points in ruling the event that features all five artistic gymnastics apparatuses—floor exercise, rings, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar.

“Carlos Yulo has proven to be the best in Asia,” Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion told BusinessMirror on Friday. “All of Asia are here.”

A total of 50 gymnasts from Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, China and Japan are competing in Tashkent.

Yulo—accompanied by local coaches Aldrin Casteñeda and Reylan Capellan—topped the qualification round for the floor exercise with 15,233 points and vault with 15,066.

Serdenia, Lee capture crowns in Junior PGT Luzon Series I in Splendido Taal

CHARLES SERDENIA survived a thrilling back-nine duel against Zachary Villaroman to clinch a four-stroke triumph with a closing 74 in the boys’ 15 to 18 years old division of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Luzon Series I at the Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas, Friday. Serdenia’s victory was cemented by a crucial two-shot swing on No. 13, which he birdied from six feet for a stunning fightback from being three strokes down with nine holes to play to seizing a one-stroke lead.

He then capitalized on Villaroman’s faltering performance, including a disastrous triple-bogey on the 14th, to secure the win with a 311 total. Villaroman failed to recover from that costly 7 and ended up with a 79 for second with a 315, while Alexander Crisostomo placed third with a 323 after an 81. In the girls’ division, Jiwon Lee dominated with a whopping 13-stroke victory over Lia Duque, finishing with a 75 for a 17-over 305 total over 72 holes. Duque faltered with an 82 for a 318 while Anna Fernandez claimed third place with a 343 after an 81. “This win is memorable. It’s my first time becoming a JPGT champion,”

Bike festival rolls off in Imus City

said Serdenia, who turned 15 Thursday. “I told myself that I wouldn’t let go until I secured the win. Fortunately, I birdied both Nos. 12 [12 feet] and 13.”

Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi—last year’s world championships bronze medalist in Antwerp—bagged silver with 84.632 points, while Uzbekistan’s Asimov Abdulla clinched bronze with 82.431 points and booked a ticket to Paris via the Olympic quota.

“However, heading to No. 14, I was extremely nervous because I was 1-up, so I just decided to aim for the green and two-putt,” he added.  Lee said she didn’t expect to win and was focused on finishing around 15-over over 72 holes.

“I wasn’t really expecting to win. But I’m very grateful,” Lee said. “I was just trying to keep my score and do better than my previous tournaments. My goal was to finish around 15-over for four days.”

“I didn’t quite meet that expectation, but I learned from this experience, and now I’m confident I can manage my score better in the future,” she added.

He was fourth place in the rings with 14,033 and bars with 14,233 and seventh in the high bar with 13,500 points.

Cambodia Southeast Asian Games gold winners Ivan Cruz and Miguel Besana placed third in the floor exercise and vault to also advance to the finals set this weekend.

The margin of victory in the boys’ division belies the intense duel between the two contenders.

Serdenia, trailing by three shots after the front nine, mounted a determined recovery, while Villaroman, who started the day strong, crumbled under pressure, bogeying three of the first four holes at the back and virtually blowing it all on No. 14.

The triumph marked a significant comeback for the Junior World-bound Serdenia, who initially led with a 75 in the first round but stumbled with an 86 in the second, falling six strokes behind Villaroman. But a 76 in the third round, coupled with Villaroman’s 81, brought Serdenia back within one stroke, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.

Santor,

Melencio, Evangelista lead swimfest winners

Santor, 16, who competed in the Asian age group championships in Clark last February, topped the girls 16-under 400 meters individual medley (IM) in five minutes and 21.84 seconds, beating Ilustre East Aquatics Club teammate Alyssa Khim Cabatian (5:40.87) and Joana Mae Avergonzado (5:53.81).

The trio got their second podium finished in the 200 freestyle with Sator claiming her second gold in 2:18.47. Cabatian again finished second in 2:23.04 and Avergonzado was third in 2:23.53.

“I’m very happy and although I failed to better my personal best, still I achieved my goal on the first day of competition,” said the Grade 11 student at the University of Santo Tomas.

Melencio, a freshman at Ateneo, topped the girls 18-over 400 IM (5:30.21) and 200 freestyle (2:17.63), respectively, in the three-day tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PSI) and supported by Speedo and the Philippine Sports Commission.

A two-time Southeast Asia Age Group campaigner, Melencio beat Dianna Celyn Cruz (5:45.87) and Shairinne Floriano (5:43.30) in the 400 IM event before leading the 200 freestyle against Samantha Banas (2:21.75) and Dianna Cruz (2:24.99). Thr 14-year-old Evangelista’s victory for the Betta Caloocan Swimming Team was tinged with drama. With the tournament’s proceeds dedicated to his family in honor of his late father and COPA member coach Elcid, Evangelista swam inspired and topped the boys 14 category in the 400 IM (4:53.63) and 200 freestyle (3:03.58).

The Alas Women is composed of Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Faith Nisperos, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jia Morado De Guzman, Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, Cherry Nunag, Jennifer Nierva, Sisi Rondina, Aly Solomon, Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Casiey Dongallo, Julia Coronel and Thea Gagate.

YULO

Editor: Angel R. Calso

US military says first aid shipment rolled across newly built US pier into Gaza Strip

By Lolita C. Baldor & Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip rolled across a newly built US floating pier into the besieged enclave for the first time Friday as Israeli restrictions on border crossings and heavy fighting hinder food and other supplies reaching people there.

The shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day entering the Gaza Strip as Israel presses in on the southern city of Rafah as its 7-month offensive against Hamas rages on.

But the US and aid groups also warn that the pier project is not considered a substitute for land deliveries that could bring in all the food, water and fuel needed in Gaza. Before the war, more than 500 truckloads entered Gaza on an average day.

The operation’s success also remains tenuous due to the risk of militant attack, logistical hurdles and a growing shortage of fuel for the trucks to run due to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. Israel’s offensive since then has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, local health officials say, while hundreds more have been killed in the West Bank.

The US military’s Central Command acknowledged the aid movement in a statement Friday, saying the first aid crossed into Gaza at 9 a.m. It said no American troops went ashore in the operation.

“This is an ongoing, multina-

tional effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature, and will involve aid commodities donated by a number of countries and humanitarian organizations,” the command said.

Troops finished installing the floating pier on Thursday. Hours later, the Pentagon said that humanitarian aid would soon begin flowing and that no backups were expected in the distribution process, which is being coordinated by the United Nations.

The U.N., however, said fuel deliveries brought through land routes have all but stopped and this will make it extremely difficult to bring the aid to Gaza’s people.

“We desperately need fuel,” U.N. deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said. “It doesn’t matter how the aid comes, whether it’s by sea or whether by land, without fuel, aid won’t get to the people.”

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said the issue of fuel deliveries comes up in all US conversations with the Israelis. She also said the plan is to begin slowly with the sea route and ramp up the truck deliveries over time as they work the kinks out of the system.

Aid agencies say they are running out of food in southern Gaza

and fuel is dwindling, while the US Agency for International Development and the World Food Program say famine has taken hold in Gaza’s north.

Israel asserts it places no limits on the entry of humanitarian aid and blames the U.N. for delays in distributing goods entering Gaza.

The U.N. says fighting, Israeli fire and chaotic security conditions have hindered delivery. Israel also fears Hamas will use the fuel in its fight against Israeli troops.

Under pressure from the US, Israel has in recent weeks opened a pair of crossings to deliver aid

into hard-hit northern Gaza and said that a series of Hamas attacks on the main crossing, Kerem Shalom, have disrupted the flow of goods. There’s also been violent protests by Israelis disrupting aid shipments.

Israel recently seized the key Rafah border crossing in its push against Hamas around that city on the Egyptian border, raising fears about civilians’ safety while also cutting off the main entry for aid into the Gaza Strip.

US President Joe Biden ordered the pier project, expected to cost $320 million. The boatloads of aid

will be deposited at a port facility built by the Israelis just southwest of Gaza City and then distributed by aid groups.

US officials said the initial shipment totaled as much as 500 tons of aid. The US has closely coordinated with Israel on how to protect the ships and personnel working on the beach.

But there are still questions on how aid groups will safely operate in Gaza to distribute food, said Sonali Korde, assistant to the administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, which is helping with logistics.

“There is a very insecure operating environment” and aid groups are still struggling to get clearance for their planned movements in Gaza, Korde said.

The fear follows an Israeli strike last month that killed seven relief workers from World Central Kitchen whose trip had been coordinated with Israeli officials and the deaths of other aid personnel during the war.

Already, the site has been targeted by mortar fire during its construction, and Hamas has threatened to target any foreign forces that “occupy” the Gaza Strip.

Biden has made it clear that there will be no US forces on the ground in Gaza, so third-country contractors will drive the trucks onto the shore. Cooper said “the United Nations will receive the aid and coordinate its distribution into Gaza.”

The World Food Program will be the U.N. agency handling the aid, officials said.

Israeli forces are in charge of security on shore, but there are also two US Navy warships nearby that can protect US troops and others.

The aid for the sea route is collected and inspected in Cyprus, then loaded onto ships and taken about 200 miles (320 kilometers) to a large floating pier built by the US off the Gaza coast. There, the pallets are transferred onto the trucks that then drive onto the Army boats. Once the trucks drop off the aid on shore, they immediately turn around the return to the boats.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Pentagon officials have made it clear that security conditions will be monitored closely and could prompt a shutdown of the maritime route, even just temporarily. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, a deputy commander at the US military’s Central Command, told reporters Thursday that “we are confident in the ability of this security arrangement to protect those involved.”

THE image provided by US Central Command shows

soldiers assigned to the 7th

Putin focuses on trade and cultural exchanges in Harbin, China, after reaffirming ties with Xi

By Huizhong Wu & Emily Wang Fujiyama The Associated Press

BEIJING—Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on trade and cultural exchanges Friday during his state visit to China that started with bonhomie in Beijing and a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping that deepened their “no limits” partnership as both countries face rising tensions with the West.

Putin praised China at a ChinaRussia Expo in the northeastern city of Harbin, hailing the growth in bilateral trade. He will also meet with students at Harbin Institute of Technology later Friday. Harbin, capital of China’s Heilongjiang province, was once home to many Russian expatriates and retains some of those historical ties in its architecture, such as the central Saint Sophia Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church.

Though Putin’s visit is more

symbolic and is short on concrete proposals, the two countries nonetheless are sending a clear message.

“At this moment, they’re reminding the West that they can be defiant when they want to,” said Joseph Torigian, a research fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute.

At the exhibition in Harbin, Putin emphasized the importance of Russia-China cooperation in jointly developing new technologies.

“Relying on traditions of friendship and cooperation, we can look into the future with confidence,” he said. “The Russian-Chinese partnership helps our countries’ economic growth, ensures energy security, helps develop production and create new jobs.”

Putin started the second day of his visit to China on Friday by laying flowers at a monument to fallen Soviet soldiers in Harbin who had fought for China against the Japanese during the second Sino-Japanese war, when Japan occupied parts of China.

At their summit on Thursday, Putin thanked Xi for China’s proposals for ending the war in Ukraine, while Xi said China hopes for the early return of Europe to peace and stability and will continue to play a constructive role toward this. Their joint statement described their worldview and expounded on criticism of US military alliances in Asia and the Pacific.

The meeting was yet another affirmation of the friendly “no limits” relationship China and Russia signed in 2022, just before

Moscow invaded Ukraine.

Putin has become isolated globally for his invasion of Ukraine. China has a tense relationship with the US, which has labeled it a competitor, and faces pressure for continuing to supply key components to Russia needed for weapons production.

Talks of peacefully resolving the Ukraine crisis featured frequently in Thursday’s remarks, though Russia just last week opened a new front in the Ukraine war by launching attacks at its northeastern border area. The war is at a critical point for Ukraine, which had faced delays in getting weapons from the US.

China offered a broad plan for peace last year that was rejected by both Ukraine and the West for failing to call for Russia to leave occupied parts of Ukraine.

In a smaller meeting Thursday night at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leaders’ residential compound, Putin thanked Xi for his peace plan and said he welcomed China continuing to play a constructive role in a political solution to the problem, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. They also attended events to celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia has increasingly depended on China as Western sanctions have taken a bite. Trade between the two countries increased to $240 billion last year, as China helped its neighbor defray the worst of Western sanctions.

European leaders have pressed China to ask Russia to end its invasion in Ukraine, to little avail. Experts say China and Russia’s relationship with each other offer strategic benefits, particularly at a time when both have tensions with Europe and the US.

“Even if China compromises on a range of issues, including cutting back support on Russia, it’s unlikely that the US or the West will drastically change their attitude to China as a competitor,” said Hoo Tiang Boon, who researches Chinese foreign policy at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “They see very little incentive for compromise.”

Xi and Putin have a longstanding agreement to visit each other’s countries once a year, and Xi was welcomed at the Kremlin last year.

Wu reported from Bangkok. AP writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Tallin, Estonia, contributed to this report.

Taiwan now selling more to the US than China in major shift away from Beijing

By Didi Tang The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—Wheth-

Wer it’s tapioca balls or computer chips, Taiwan is stretching toward the United States and away from China—the world’s No. 2 economy that threatens to take the democratically ruled island by force if necessary. That has translated to the world’s biggest maker of computer chips—which power everything from medical equipment to cellphones—announcing bigger investments in the US last month after a boost from the Biden administration. Soon afterward, a Taiwanese semiconductor company said it was ending its two-decade-long run in mainland China amid a global race to gain the edge in the high-tech industry.

These changes at a time of an intensifying China-US rivalry reflect Taiwan’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Beijing and insulate itself from Chinese pressure while forging closer economic and trade ties with the United States, its strongest ally. The shift also is taking place as China’s economic growth has been weak and global businesses are looking to diversify following supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.

In a stark illustration of the shift, the US displaced mainland China as the top destination for Taiwan’s exports in the first quarter of the year for the first time since the start of 2016, when comparable data became available.

The island exported $24.6 billion worth of goods to the US in the first three months, compared with $22.4 billion to mainland China, according to Taiwan’s official data.

Meanwhile, the island’s investments in mainland China have fallen to the lowest level in more than 20 years, dropping nearly 40 percent to $3 billion last year from a year earlier, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. Yet, Taiwan’s investments in the US surged ninefold to $9.6 billion in 2023.

Washington and Taipei signed a trade agreement last year, and they’re now negotiating the next phase. US lawmakers also have introduced a bill to end double taxes for Taiwanese businesses and workers in the US.

“Everything is motivated by...a desire to build Taiwan’s deterrent capability and their resilience, all in support of maintaining the status quo and deterring China from being tempted to take... action against Taiwan,” Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink said.

A WORKER walks past the logo of the factory of King Yuan Electronics Co. after work in Miaoli County, western Taiwan on May 9, 2024. In late April 2024, King Yuan Electronics Corp., a Taiwanese company specializing in semiconductor testing and packaging, said it was ending its two-decade-long run in mainland China by selling off its entire stake, worth $670 million, in its venture in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou. AP/CHIANG YINGYING

The world’s biggest computer chip maker, TSMC, announced last month that it would expand its US investments to $65 billion. That came after the Biden administration pledged up to $6.6 billion in incentives that would put the company’s facilities in Arizona on track to produce about one-fifth of the world’s most advanced chips by 2030.

Apart from its US investments, TSMC is putting money into Ja-

pan, a staunch US supporter in the region. Foxconn, a Taiwanese conglomerate known for being Apple’s main contractor, is building manufacturing capacity in India, while Pegatron, another Taiwan business that makes parts of iPhones and computers, is investing in Vietnam.

King Yuan Electronics Corp., a Taiwanese company specializing in semiconductor testing and packaging, said last month that

it would sell off its $670 million stake in a venture in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou. KYEC cited geopolitics, the US export ban on advanced chips to China and Beijing’s policy of seeking self-sufficiency in the technology.

“The ecological environment of semiconductor manufacturing in China has changed, and the market competition has become increasingly severe,” KYEC said in a statement.

Exports of semiconductors, electronic components and computer equipment from Taiwan to the US more than tripled from 2018 to reach nearly $37 billion last year. It’s not just tech: The island more than tripled exports of tapioca and its substitute, key ingredients in boba milk tea, to the US between 2018 and 2023 and is shipping more fruits, tree nuts and farmed fish.

The recent trade data reflect “the strategy from both Taiwan and the US to reorient that trade in an effort to de-risk from China,” said Hung Tran, a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center.

The share of Taiwan’s exports to mainland China and Hong Kong fell from about 44 percent in 2020 to less than one-third in the first quarter of 2024. That was “a very big movement,” Tran said. “And I think that the share (of exports to mainland China and Hong Kong) will probably continue to decline.”

Since the 1990s, Beijing has tried to balance its claim over the island with favorable economic

and trade policies, aiming to foster closer ties that could make it harder for Taiwan to break away.

When the independent-leaning Democratic Progressive Party gained power in Taiwan in 2016, the new government put forward a policy to distance the island from the mainland and boost economic ties with other countries in the region, especially in Southeast Asia. Unhappy Beijing turned to its economic leverage to try to bring Taiwan to heel.

It has restricted travel by mainland tourists to the island and suspended imports of Taiwanese seafood, fruits and snacks. In 2021, China banned Taiwan-grown pineapples over biosecurity concerns, devastating Taiwanese farmers whose exported fruit nearly all went to the mainland.

Ralph Cossa, president emeritus of the Honolulu-based foreign policy research institute Pacific Forum, said Beijing’s actions have helped push the island away.

Chinese President “Xi Jinping is tactically clever but strategically foolish in many of the decisions he has made; his loyalty tests on Taiwan businessmen and other heavy-handed business practices and decisions have been a major contributor to the success of Taiwan’s” policy to distance itself from China, he said.

And that policy will continue with Lai Ching-te, the island’s new president, Cossa said.

AP data reporter Aaron Kessler in Washington and videojournalist Johnson Lai in Taipei contributed.

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Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea causes power cutoffs in Sevastopol

KYIV, Ukraine—A massive Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea early Friday caused power cutoffs in the city of Sevastopol and set a refinery ablaze in southern Russia, Russian authorities said.

The drone raids marked Kyiv’s attempt to strike back during Moscow’s offensive in northeastern Ukraine, which has added to the pressure on outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian forces who are waiting for delayed deliveries of crucial weapons and ammunition from Western partners.

The Russian Defense Ministry said air defenses downed 51 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, another 44 over the Krasnodar region and six over the Belgorod region. It said Russian warplanes and patrol boats also destroyed six sea drones in the Black Sea.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the governor of Sevastopol, which is the main base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, said the drone attack damaged the city’s power plant. He said it could take a day to fully restore energy supplies and warned residents that power would be cut to parts of the city.

“Communal services are doing their best to restore the power system as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement.

Razvozhayev also announced that schools in the city would be closed temporarily.

Earlier Ukrainian attacks damaged aircraft and a fuel storage facility at Belbek air base near Sevastopol, according to satellite images released by Maxar Technologies.

In the Krasnodar region, the authorities said a drone attack early Friday caused a fire at an oil refinery in Tuapse, which was later contained. There were no casualties.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted refineries and other energy facilities deep inside Russia, causing significant damage.

Ukrainian drones also attacked Novorossiysk, a major Black Sea port. The Krasnodar region’s governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, said fragments of downed drones caused several fires but there were no casualties.

Belgorov Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone struck a vehicle, killing a woman and her 4-year-old child.

Another attack set a fuel tank ablaze at a gas station in the region, he said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops were fighting to halt Russian advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region that began late last week.

The town of Vovchansk, located just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Russian border, has been a hot spot in

the fighting in recent days.

Ukrainian authorities have evacuated some 8,000 civilians from the town. The Russian army’s usual tactic is to reduce

towns and villages to ruins with aerial strikes before its units move in.

Russia has also been testing defenses at other points along

the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line snaking from north to south through eastern Ukraine. That line has barely changed over the past

18 months in what became a war of attrition. Recent Russian attacks have come in the eastern Donetsk region, as well as the Chernihiv and Sumy

regions in the north and in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. The apparent aim is to stretch depleted Ukrainian resources and exploit weaknesses. AP

Vatican updates norms to authenticate visions of Virgin Mary, weeping statues and stigmata

By Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

ATICAN CITY—The Catholic Church

Vhas a long and controversial history

of the faithful claiming to have had visions of the Virgin Mary, of statues that purportedly wept blood tears and stigmata that erupted on hands mimicking the wounds of Christ.

On Friday, the Vatican will announce new

norms to help determine whether and when these seemingly supernatural events are authentic. It’s stepping in amid a boom in claims and concern that apocalyptic prophecies are spreading online faster than ever before, causing confusion among the faithful.

When confirmed as authentic by church authorities, these otherwise inexplicable divine signs can lead to a flourishing of the faith, with new religious vocations

and conversions. That has been the case for the purported apparitions of Mary that turned Fatima, Portugal and Lourdes, France into enormously popular pilgrimage destinations.

Church figures who claimed to have experienced the stigmata wounds, including Padre Pio and Pope Francis’ namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, have inspired millions of Catholics. A plaster statue of the Madonna that purportedly wept blood in the garden

of a family in the Italian city of Civitavecchia counted St. John Paul II as a devotee, even though the event was never officially confirmed as authentic.

But the phenomena can also become a source of scandal. That was the case when the Vatican in 2007 excommunicated the members of a Quebec-based group, the Army of Mary, after its foundress claimed to have had Marian visions and declared herself the reincarnation of the mother of Christ.

Francis himself has weighed in on the phenomenon, making clear that he is devoted to the main church-approved Marian apparitions, such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, who believers say appeared to an Indigenous man in Mexico in 1531, and Our Lady of Fatima, who believers say appeared to three illiterate shepherd children in 1917.

But Francis has expressed skepticism about more recent events, including claims of repeated messages from Mary

to “seers” at the shrine of Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, even while allowing pilgrimages to take place there.

“I prefer the Madonna as mother, our mother, and not a woman who’s the head of a telegraphic office, who sends a message every day at a certain time,” Francis told reporters in 2017.

On Friday, the Vatican’s doctrinal office will issue a revised set of norms for discerning apparitions “and other supernatural phenomena,” updating a set of guidelines first issued in 1978.

Those guidelines largely left it in the hands of the local bishop to investigate purported visions or supernatural events to determine if they were worthy of belief among the faithful, and tended to err on the side of caution.

“I say we have to believe in these apparitions that they’re possible, but we also have to have a type of healthy skepticism,” said Robert Fastiggi, who teaches Marian theology at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan and is an expert on apparitions.

He noted that the 1978 norms identified plenty of reasons for proceeding carefully, such as whether the purported message received during the apparition contradicted the faith or whether the person claiming it had an economic interest in drawing believers in.

The general rule of thumb, Fastiggi said in an interview, is to follow the biblical advice: “Test everything, retain what is good.”

The Vatican has generally refrained from intervening, leaving it in the hands of local bishops and offering its approval to fewer than 20 reported apparitions over several centuries, according to Michael O’Neill, who runs the online apparition resource The Miracle Hunter.

Last year however, it announced the creation of a special commission, or observatory, within the Pontifical International Marian Academy to study the phenomenon and provide consulting services to bishops.

The commission is made up of a scientific committee of experts, including Fastiggi, from a variety of disciplines. Its director, Sister Daniela Del Gaudio, will join the Vatican’s doctrine czar in announcing the new norms at a news conference Friday.

The observatory’s mission statement says experts will analyze and interpret apparitions, lacrimations, or weeping statues, stigmata “and other mystical phenomena that are in progress or have already occurred, but are still awaiting a pronouncement of the ecclesiastical authority on their authenticity.”

“It is important to provide clarity, because often alleged messages generate confusion, spread anxious apocalyptic scenarios or even accusations against the pope and the church,” said the academy head, the Rev. Stefano Cecchin.

There has been no shortage of controversy surrounding reported apparitions or other supernatural phenomena.

In 1951, for example, Pope Pius XII confirmed a decision by the then-Holy Office that purported visions of the Madonna at a Carmelite convent in Lipa, Philippines, which were said to have been accompanied by a shower of rose petals, had “no sign of supernatural character or origin.”

The Vatican came to that decision after the convent prioress confessed to having participated in the “deception” at Lipa, and some of her nuns testified that they had seen deliveries of roses to the convent and had received orders from the prioress to burn the petal-less stems.

But for decades, Filipino bishops glossed over the definitive nature of the Vatican ruling, suggesting in their communications to the faithful that the jury was still out on whether the apparitions were authentic or not, according to documentation made public last year by the Filipino bishops conference.

As a result, some Filipino faithful have continued to venerate the image of the Madonna at Lipa, prompting the Vatican in a series of increasingly exasperated decrees to demand that the Lipa archbishop heed the original 1951 ruling and put an end to the devotional events.

The latest decree, from July of last year, demanded the Lipa archbishop cancel plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the purported apparitions, saying “it would not be advisable for you to authorize the aforementioned celebration under any form.”

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Severe storms kill at least 4 in Houston, knock out power to 900,000 homes and businesses

HBy David J. Phillip, Lisa Baumann & Christopher Weber The Associated Press

OUSTON—Fast-moving thunderstorms pummeled

southeastern Texas on Thursday for the second time this month, killing at least four people, blowing out windows in high-rise buildings, downing trees and knocking out power to more than 900,000 homes and businesses in the Houston area.

Officials urged residents to keep off roads, as many were impassable and traffic lights were expected to be out for much of the night.

“Stay at home tonight. Do not go to work tomorrow, unless you’re an essential worker. Stay home, take care of your children,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in an evening briefing. “Our first responders will be working around the clock.”

The mayor said four people died during the severe weather. At least two of the deaths were caused by falling trees, and another happened when a crane blew over in strong winds, officials said.

Streets were flooded, and trees and power lines were down across the region. Whitmire said wind speeds reached 100 mph (160 kph), “with some twisters.” He said

the powerful gusts were reminiscent of 2008’s Hurricane Ike, which pounded the city.

Hundreds of windows were shattered at downtown hotels and office buildings, with glass littering the streets below, and the state was sending Department of Public Safety officers to secure the area.

“Downtown is a mess,” Whitmire said.

There was a backlog of 911 calls that first responders were working through, he added.

At Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, the retractable roof was closed due to the storm. But the wind was so powerful it still blew rain into the stadium.

Puddles formed on the outfield warning track, but the game against the Oakland Athletics still was played.

The Houston Independent School District canceled classes Friday for some 400,000 students at all its 274 campuses.

The storm system moved through swiftly, but flood watches and warnings remained for Houston and areas to the east. The ferocious storms moved into neighboring Louisiana and left more than 215,000 customers without power.

Flights were briefly grounded at Houston’s two major airports. Sustained winds topping 60 mph (96 kph) were recorded at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

About 900,000 customers were without electricity in and around Harris County, which contains Houston, according to poweroutage.us. The county is home to more than 4.7 million people.

The problems extended to the city’s suburbs, with emergency officials in neighboring Montgomery County describing the damage to transmission lines as “catastrophic” and warning that power could be impacted for several days.

Heavy storms slammed the region during the first week of May, leading to numerous high-water rescues, including some from the rooftops of flooded homes.

Baumann reported from Bellingham, Washington, and Weber from Los Angeles. HO USTON Police

move a fallen tree out of the street at Prairie and Travis Street downtown after a strong thunderstorm moved through on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Houston. KAREN WARREN/HOUSTON CHRONICLE VIA AP

Deadly US oil blast exposes risks of pushing profits over safety

By Chunzi Xu & Robert Tuttle

THE explosion that rocked

Marathon Petroleum Corp.’s Galveston Bay oil refinery one year ago trapped Rigoberto Guillen 75 feet in the air. Stranded on a metal platform, he and a colleague crouched low as black smoke engulfed them. “I couldn’t see my coworker,” Guillen said. “I couldn’t even see the sun.”

When the men were finally able to scramble down three flights of cage ladders—the soles of their boots liquefying on the hot metal—they emerged with burns on their wrists, hands, faces and ears.

“I saw my coworker’s nose basically melt off,” said Guillen.

They were relatively lucky. Scott Higgins, a 55-year-old machinist, burned to death. It was the Texas refinery’s worst tragedy since 2005, when an explosion killed 15 and injured scores more.

The source of the blast was a leaking pump that the company had identified as needing maintenance, according to an internal Marathon investigation shown to

refinery workers and described to Bloomberg. But the work, along with other vital upkeep, got pushed back amid the company’s drive to maximize production.

Marathon, the largest fuel producer in the US, had for two years been deferring maintenance at its plants, in part to take advantage of historically high refining margins. They weren’t alone. When gasoline consumption rebounded after the worst of the pandemic, many refiners postponed maintenance as profits to turn oil into fuel shot to a record high.

“When margins are high, there’s a lot of financial pressure not to shut the refinery down

for maintenance,” said Daniel Horowitz, a former managing director at the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.

“That can lead to accidents.”

Marathon, which is facing litigation related to the blast, declined to comment on the matter.

But a spokesman said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues,” adding, “We operate our facilities with the highest commitment to the safety and health of our workers and the community.”

What happened at Galveston Bay highlights a challenge faced

by fuelmakers across the country. The US refining system — already stretched to the limit after the pandemic shuttered more than 1 million barrels a day of capacity—is scrambling to meet everhigher fuel demand with an aging fleet of plants that require costly and regular overhauls. Maximizing fuel production when margins are high is common industry practice, with refiners trying to ensure worker safety while maintaining their fiscal responsibility to their shareholders.

They don’t always strike that balance. Deferred maintenance is a root cause of refinery deaths in the US, according to a 2006 report from insurer Swiss Re. But while the pattern is well-documented, US oversight is floundering: Government data on injuries and deaths is patchy, and penalties for violating safety regulations often amount to little more than a rounding error in company balance sheets.

In the lead-up to the Galveston Bay explosion, Marathon deferred a type of maintenance that, according to the company’s internal investigation, would have helped to catch  a crack on a pump near a gasoline-making unit. Instead, the pump continued running— and eventually leaking—highly flammable chemicals. A nearby sprinkler system was also broken, an OSHA inspection showed.

Marathon, in a statement, characterized its internal investigation as “part of our comprehensive process for continuously improving personal and process safety across our operations.”

“We strive to provide a work environment where our employees and teams are empowered to take whatever action is necessary to achieve our goal of an injury-free workplace,” the company said.

Yet days before the May 15 explosion last year, the company’s then-Chief Financial Officer Maryann T. Mannen characterized delayed repairs as “good decisions” that enabled Marathon to meet rising fuel demand after the pandemic. Indeed, Marathon’s refining profits, as well as its annual net income, were the highest on record the year before the explosion.

Legacy of deadly cost-cutting

TO be sure, the Galveston Bay refinery had a deadly record well before Marathon purchased the plant in 2013. It was also the site of the 2005 Texas City explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 180. The cause of that blast, according to a CSB investigation, was cost cutting by then-owner BP Plc.

The BP explosion, known as one of the worst refinery disasters in US history, became the first in a string of major incidents that forever marred the company’s safety and environmental record. Just months after the Texas City fire, while BP was still contending with

finery deaths for 2005, although 15 workers died in the Texas City explosion that year. OSHA doesn’t keep refinery-specific injury and fatality statistics, and the data it does collect is often incomplete. In order to find those 15 fatalities in the OSHA database, one must know which contractor employed each worker, and under which regional OSHA office the reports were filed.

the fallout, company pipelines spilled more than 5,000 barrels of crude in Alaska. In 2010, an explosion at the offshore Deepwater Horizon drilling rig killed 11. The company eventually sold the Texas City refinery to Marathon – which renamed it Galveston Bay – to help cover the costs of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

After Marathon acquired the refinery, the company made strides in improving safety, according to current and former workers. But after the pandemic decimated fuel demand, the cost cutting began again. Post-pandemic, Marathon eliminated dozens of refinery operator positions and combined processing units to consolidate supervision, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named for fear of retribution. The gasoline-making ultraformer that blew up on May 15, 2023, was one such unit, said the people. Before 2021, the ultraformer was monitored by a single operator. After that, it was combined with two other units, meaning a single operator had to manage all three simultaneously.

The cutbacks came at a time when workers were already leaving the industry at a faster-thanusual pace according to Faisal Khan, director of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center at Texas A&M. Many senior operators retired early in 2020, and the industry is struggling to replace them with younger workers. Workforce shortages, along with deferred maintenance, are the top two risk factors for deadly accidents, he added.

To fill the gap, companies are increasingly relying on third-party contractors such as Guillen. Contractors are cheaper than employees—they’re usually not unionized and they aren’t full-time. But they do some of the most dangerous work in the plants.

Meanwhile, the Galveston Bay plant has recorded more emissions events than any other Texas refinery last year, according to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality data compiled by Bloomberg. Those are often the result of unit breakdowns that can lead to unsafe conditions for workers.

“Every time you have a breakdown, eventually, it’s going to cause a fatality,” said Norman Lieberman, an engineering consultant who worked at Galveston Bay in the 1970s.

Failing oversight

DEATHS in the refining sector are relatively rare compared with professions like logging. But the data are deceiving, according to Jordan Barab, former deputy assistant director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, called OSHA, under the Obama administration, and a vocal critic of the oil industry.  Bureau of Labor Statistics data, for example, show zero re-

Enforcement is an issue, too. OSHA’s refinery safety rules were written in 1992 and haven’t kept up with changes to plant operations, said Mini Kapoor, a partner at Haynes & Boone who’s an expert on OSHA. And while the agency hired more inspectors and issued new directives for the industry under President Barack Obama, some of those changes were reversed under President Donald Trump.

Even when plants are found in violation of the rules, the fines levied often do little to change how companies operate.

Marathon’s Galveston Bay was among the most heavily fined refineries by OSHA last year. For last year’s deadly fire, OSHA initially fined the refinery $62,500 but after Marathon disputed the penalties, OSHA withdrew two of four citations, along with half the fines, according to documents obtained by Bloomberg through a Freedom of Information Act request. Before that, the plant hadn’t paid a fine since 2018.  OSHA declined to comment.

No choice but to go back IT’S only through a fluke that Guillen and his colleagues are able to sue Marathon for their injuries.

Marathon, like most Texas refiners, asks contractors to sign onto an owner-controlled insurance program, called an OCIP, which ties the contractor’s insurance to the refinery’s workers’ compensation program. Under Texas law, workers’ comp precludes litigation, except in certain extreme circumstances. So contractors under OCIP can’t sue even if they’ve been gravely injured.

The system “severely limits the rights of contractors to pursue a claim against the property owner even if it’s entirely the property owner’s fault,” said Muhammad Aziz, a lawyer representing Guillen and other workers injured in last year’s blast.

But Guillen’s contract company, Mistras Group, hadn’t yet signed an OCIP with Galveston Bay when the fire occurred. Guillen and five other injured coworkers will seek more than $1 million each in damages.

Three months after the fire, Marathon’s Mannen acknowledged the event in an earnings call. “An incident that occurred at one of the refinery’s catalytic reformers,” she said, “resulted in approximately 2.5 million barrels of crude throughput reduction and an approximate 1 percent reduction to capture.” She did not mention Higgins’ death, or the injured workers.

Marathon’s margins that year fell from a record high, but only slightly. This year, margins have remained elevated.

Guillen is still not fully healed. Aside from the burns, he says he has chronic back pain and a throbbing in his ears. He also has nightmares, although they’ve gotten better. “I used to try to go to sleep and close my eyes and all I could see was red around,” he said.

But he’s still planning to return to refinery work. Shortly after the fire, he had a baby, and the bills are piling up. “I feel like I have no choice but to go back,” he said. “But, honestly, I’m very frightened.” With assistance from Mia Gindis and Lucia Kassai/Bloomberg

GUILLEN suffered severe burns during the May 15, 2023, Marathon explosion. CALLAGHAN O’HARE/BLOOMBERG

More ultra-rich are worth over $100 billion than ever before

By Diana Li & Jack Witzig

THE world’s super-rich club now has 15 members with fortunes over $100 billion, the most on record, as they ride the waves of artificial intelligence, luxury goods and geopolitical shifts. The combined net worth for these people

is up 13 percent this year to $2.2 trillion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, beating the pace of inflation and the broader stock market. Between them, they hold nearly a quarter of the wealth of the world’s 500 richest people. While the 15 have crossed $100 billion before, this is the first time all of them have

held fortunes of that size at the same time.

L’Oreal SA heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, Dell Technologies Inc. founder Michael Dell and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim all initially reached the threshold in the past five months and some have fluctuated around that level, crossing it multiple times. Bettencourt Meyers became the first

woman to amass a 12-figure fortune in December after shares of the luxury cosmetics company posted their best year since 1998. Bettencourt Meyers, 70, ranks 14th on the index with a net worth of $101 billion. Dell, 59, also recently saw his wealth crest the $100 billion mark after demand for AIrelated equipment boosted Dell Technologies’

share price to record highs. He’s now 11th on Bloomberg’s wealth index with a fortune of $113 billion.

Other new joiners include Slim, 84, who ranks 13th with $106 billion. The richest person in Latin America added about $28 billion to his net worth in 2023 amid a boom in the Mexican peso that’s helped to boost the stock of companies in his business empire, which range from construction to operating restaurants and shops. There are also old names coming back to the club. Gautam Adani, 61, recently returned to the elite group after a short-seller attack caused him to lose more wealth than anyone in 2023. Shares of his flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd. rose as global investors increasingly focus on India businesses.

Leading the pack is LVMH founder and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Arnault, 75, with a net worth of $222 billion. He derives most of his wealth from his stake in the world’s largest luxury-good maker. Bloomberg News

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22. LU, ZHENJUN

23. MAN, FENGSHENG

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

24. NING, LIANGYAN

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

25. WEI, TAO

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

26. XIE, QINING

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

27. ZHONG, DAOYAO

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

28. KERRY ENJELINA

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

29. TAN TONG HONG

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

30. CHU, THI HANH

Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

Php

Able

Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese language.

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Able to speak, read and write in Burmese language.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese language.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese language.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese language.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese and Indonesian languages.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese and Malaysian languages.

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Able to speak, read, and write in Chinese and Vietnamese languages.

technical support and resolve queries.

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JOY TECH CORP. 2/f Bachrach Bldg. Ii, Cor. 23rd Cor. Railroad, Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

120. DENG, YANPING comments and complaints.

At least 1-2 yrs. of working experience in customer support.

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121. LI, QI Manager results. At least 1-2 yrs. of working experience in customer support.

122. LIN, ZIJIE Manager results.

KREYENHOP AND KLUGE FOOD TRADING CO. LTD.

123. MAURER, ANTOINE Business Development Manager

follow-up with suppliers and development and supervision of private label project.

LIFU INNOVATION COSMETICS INC. 4th Flr. Stg 1 Bldg., 190 P.tuazon St, Socorro, Quezon City

124. CHEN, PEI

Analyze market needs, develop account strategies,

M.L.L EGROUP CORPORATION

125. HE, MING

TOMKEVICH, SOFIYA

MAKATI SHANGRI-LA HOTEL & RESORT, INC.

127. WANG, YUANYUAN

128. MURANAKA, NORIHITO

bakery items, pastries and desserts. Responsible for the cost control hygiene and cleanliness.

MAYEKAWA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Pasig

129. KAMIYA, TSUTOMU Managing Director procedures, policies and standards and authorizes

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At least 1-2 yrs. of working experience in customer support.

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College graduate. With previous working experience in France and Germany. Polish and English languages.

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graduate. With at least 8 years of work experience in an Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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AWONFOR, FRANKLYN

CHOE, ELVIS FORBANJONG

ETONGWE, ALLEN NEBOTA

178. CHICK, RODRICK NGAH French Sales Specialist

179. NGOH PERKINS, ROSTAN NDEDI French Sales Specialist responsibility.

180. NJANG, NELSON ACHA French Sales Specialist responsibility.

181. CHENG, HUIPING

182. LIU, JIE responsibility.

183. LIU, XIAOJUAN

184. ZHANG, JINXIA Mandarin Sales Specialist responsibility.

185. KETUM NEMBO, SMITHKLINE Translator (French) language

LIU, JINGXIA Translator (Mandarin) language to

DOF signs 5 financing accords for ₧539-M projects under PSF

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

THE People’s Survival Fund (PSF) has been fully appropriated by the Department of Finance (DOF) to provide long-term financing of adaptation projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change.

This, after Finance Secretary and PSF

Chair Ralph G. Recto signed five financing agreements for local adaptation projects and approved two new projects.

In a social media post on Thursday, the DOF said the five climate adaptation projects signed by Recto, amounting to P539.4 million, were approved by the PSF board in October 2023.

These projects will be implemented in Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Mountain Province; Maramag, Bukidnon; and Catanauan, Quezon, the DOF added. Meanwhile, the amount to earmark the two new climate adaptation projects reached a total P432 million, which will

benefit Surigao del Sur and Ilocos Norte. In 2023, 11 projects and six project development grants were approved. With the two new projects, the PSF appropriation of P1 billion has been fully committed, the DOF said.

To finance adaptation programs and projects of local government units (LGUs) and accredited local and community organizations, the PSF was established under Republic Act 10174 in 2012.

The DOF, as the PSF Secretariat, initiated measures to expedite the use of funds and

streamline the project proposal process, which resulted in the formulation of a Financing Agreement template.

The DOF collaborates with the Climate Change Commission PH (CCC) on projects and programs, including the PSF and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The CCC is the government’s lead policy-making body tasked to coordinate, monitor and evaluate government programs and ensure mainstreaming of climate change in national, local and sectoral development plans towards

a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines.

The fund is managed by a multisectoral PSF Board, composed of the Secretary of Finance as Chair, the Vice Chairperson of the CCC, the Budget Secretary, the Socioeconomic and Planning Director-General, the Interior and Local Government Secretary, the Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), representatives from the academe and scientific community, the business sector, and the nongovernment organization sector.

Huang hails Imelda Marcos’s role in trailblazing PHL-China relations

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

FORMER First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos was the guest of honor at the opening of the new chancery of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Thursday.

Despite being on a wheel chair, the 94-year old mother of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appeared to be in good spirits, smiling at Chinese Embassy officials and other Filipino-Chinese guests.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian greeted her with a red carpet welcome at the new chancery in Forbes Park, Makati City.

In his speech, Ambassador Huang paid tribute to Imelda’s role in paving the way for Manila-Beijing official diplomatic relations.

Fifty years ago, in September 1974, Imelda led the diplomatic mission to Beijing and met with then China’s leader Chairman Mao Zedong.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first visit of Madam Imelda to China in 1974. Thus, a historic visit during which she opened the diplomatic ties and paved the way for the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975,” Ambassador Huang said.

According to Huang, the Chinese people still remember Imelda singing, “Wo Ai Beijing Tiananmen” (I Love, Beijing Tiananmen) in 1979 during the visit of President Marcos Sr.

“As we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties next year, it is highly opportune to walk through the ice-breaking journey as we witnessed just now, draw experience from history and seek inspirations for the present and future,” he said.

SBy Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

HOULD there be no improvement in the services for HIV/AIDS prevention in general and People Living with HIV(PLHIV) support in particular, the the projected number of Filipinos living with HIV may “increase significantly” from an estimated 215,400 in 2024 to 401,700 by 2030, the Department of Health (DOH) has warned.

“Given current conditions, projections modeled through the AIDS Epidemic Model [AEM] and Spectrum suggest a continued rise, with HIV new infections expected to reach 36,700 by 2030, a year when supposedly the global target for ending AIDS is achieved,” the DOH said.

Data from the HIV & AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) Registry of the Philippines (HARP) showed, from January to March there were 3,410 newly diagnosed cases, with 82 reported deaths.

Of these newly diagnosed cases, ages ranged from less than 1 year old to 66 years old with a median of 28; eight out of 10 (81 percent) were males having sex with males (MSM).

In the month of March 2024 alone, there were 1,224 newly diagnosed cases with 12 reported deaths.

Ages of newly diagnosed cases for March 2024 ranged from less than 1 to 55 years old, with a median age of 28 years. Close to half (46 percent) of the new cases for March 2024 were aged 25-34 years old, while almost a third (31 percent) were among youth aged 15-24 years old.

“Seeking help at general primary care facilities linked to and coordinating with HIV treatment hubs can make a significant difference in managing the disease and improving the quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

Based on the data, from 1984 to March 2024, there were 129,772 cumulative diagnosed cases of HIV. There is a concentrated epidemic among key and vulnerable populations.

Of the total cases, 82 percent were MSM, 2 percent were people who inject drugs (PWID), 0.2 percent were females engaging in transactional sex, and 0.3 percent were children. Notably, 89 percent of new infections oc-

He said the Philippine-China bilateral relationship “still needs to be delicately nurtured and guided by pioneers, wholeheartedly safeguarded by us now, and passionately inherited by future and younger generations.”

In her brief remarks, Imelda congratulated the Embassy for its new chancery.

“Let’s continue working together to achieve our shared goals and objectives for the betterment of both our nations and its people. Xiexie,” Mrs. Marcos said.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos also sent her congratulatory remarks in a video message played during the intimate ceremony.

curred among MSM, with nearly half (47 percent) of the new infections from the youth aged 15-24 years old.

The National Capital Region and Regions III, IV-A, VI, and VII comprised 74 percent of the total cases.

Among the 122,255 diagnosed HIV cases who are still alive, only 64 percent (78,633) are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

“The data we have shows the way for what we do. Better health literacy including age- and culture-appropriate information and commodities for safe sex, routine HIV testing at primary care, and early access to antiretrovirals are clear directions to take,” said Herbosa.

“Resilient and sustainable systems for health can and should serve all peoples for all health conditions—starting with the vulnerable,” added Herbosa.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

THE DOH, through the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and the San Lazaro Hospital National Reference Laboratory-Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Cooperative Central Laboratory (NRL-SACCL) joins the world for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM), set on the third Sunday of May (May 19, 2024).

The IACM is an annual event observed worldwide to honor those dedicated to helping people living with and affected by HIV.

“The best remembrance we can do for IACM is to gather the light of our collective talents and resources, and scatter this light to scale up evidence-based solutions to our problems in HIV/ AIDS. We can create a safer and healthier future together, tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” the health chief said. The theme for this year’s IACM is “Put People First: Kandila ng Pagkalinga, Liwanag ng PagAsa.” It affirms stakeholders’ commitment to prioritizing the well-being and rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.

There are currently 224 treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities nationwide as of May 2024.

AMBASSADOR Huang Xilian chats with former First Lady Imelda Marcos at Thursday’s private reception and opening of the new Chinese Embassy chancery. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL LONG

Number of Pinoys with HIV could almost double in 6 yrs