BusinessMirror May 1, 2024

TBy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects that inflation may have risen further due not only to higher rice and oil prices, but also the recent depreciation of the Philippine peso.

In its Month-Ahead inflation forecast, BSP said inflation may have settled within the 3.5 to 4.3 percent range in April 2024. This is higher than the inflation target of 2 to 4 percent this year.

The BSP earlier forecasted that March inflation would average 3.4 to 4.2 percent, making the latest forecast the second consecutive time the central bank expected the inflation print to exceed its target this year.

“Continued price increases for rice and meat along with higher gasoline prices and the peso depreciation are the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month,” BSP said.

However, BSP said April may have also seen lower prices of fish, fruits, vegetables as lower electricity rates and the rollback in LPG prices could offset the upside price pressures.

In the Month-Ahead forecast of the BSP for March, the peso appreciation was cited as one of the factors that could help ease inflation. However, the peso has been taking a beating and closed at P57.8 to the greenback on Monday.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor developments

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes Asian central banks, like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), would be better aided in their monetary policymaking by tracking domestic demand than following in the footsteps of the US Federal Reserve.

In a briefing on Tuesday, IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan said it is better for Asian central banks to train their policies on local conditions that have significant impact on inflation.

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

FINANCE

Secretary Ralph G.

Recto is expecting the economy to have grown by at least 5.8 to 6.3 percent from January to March this year as the first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data is set to be released on May 9.

Recto told reporters on Monday afternoon that he is just being realistic in setting his GDP

expectations by starting the band from below 6 percent.

The Philippine economy posted a 6.4-percent growth in the first quarter of 2023, which the Finance chief took into consideration since it will start from a high base.

“So if we achieve 5.8 [percent],  maganda na rin yun  [that is good too] starting from a high base,” Recto said.

Recto added that there’s a

possibility of hitting 6 percent, and, when lucky, the economy’s growth could settle at 6.3 percent for the first quarter.

“There’s nothing I can do about the first quarter, not to say inflation…So we’re looking at how do we improve it in the second, third, and fourth quarter— moving forward,” Recto said.

The DBCC cut its GDP growth target to 6 to 7 percent from its

previous projection of 6.5 to 7.5 percent to take account of last year’s fiscal performance and recent developments in the global economy.

For 2025, the economic team also narrowed its real GDP growth targets to 6.5 to 7.5 percent from the previous 6.5 to 8.0 percent. The DBCC retained its growth

See “GDP,” A

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. has stressed that the actions taken by the US Federal Reserve are treated as “data” for the Monetary Board and will not solely define the actions of the monetary authorities.

“When faced with such volatility, central banks should focus on fundamentals and here, what I mean is that they should orient their policies to not too rigidly [adhere] to expectation about US interest rates,” Srinivasan said.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is now eyeing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).

In a sectoral meeting on Tuesday, the chief executive ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to introduce the MSMEs to the new technology to improve their efficiency.

“Don’t teach the theory that goes on behind it, but just teach what it is that they need to use the AI. That’s the whole point of AI, you just talk, that’s where we want to get them to,” Marcos said.

Several free-to-use AI systems such as ChatGPT can be used for

performing multiple tasks such as translation, content creation, data organizing, and research.

Under the fourth version of its Development Plan, DTI aims to expedite the “integration of technology and innovation” for MSMEs.

The plan includes providing MSMEs access to automated business regulatory processes and transactions, innovative financing methods, reskilling and upskilling for their management, access to public-private partnership (PPP).

It also includes connectivity; business resilience; circular

US reviews semiconductor supply chain for CHIPS fund

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

3 or Grade 4 student should attend classes in Sultan Kudarat or Laoag. It is for the parents to decide, and it’s for the school or academic institution to adjust their measures accordingly, ensuring learners are not placed at a further disadvantage,” Tolentino emphasized, adding that the long-term solution would be the plan to shift to the traditional school calendar of June to March next year.

economy and green growth; customized support per enterprise level; collaboration between local and national government; more women engaged in MSMEs; and the institutionalization of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) initiative of the government.  Marcos also tasked concerned government agencies to help nano businesses or those run by single proprietors to grow into MSMEs.  He stressed the importance of extending the necessary support to MSMEs due to their important role in the country’s economic growth.

Based on the latest data of the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), 99.59 percent of the 1.1 million establishments nationwide are MSMEs. Samuel P. Medenilla

THE United States is engaging with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to review the situation in its six partner countries, including the Philippines, to come up with a basis for the funding that will be allocated by the CHIPS Act.

According to Ramin Toloui, US Assistant Secretary for Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, “We’ve done this by engaging with the OECD to conduct a study of the assembly, testing and packaging ecosystem in each of these 6 partner countries including the Philippines,” Toloui told some members of the Philippine media in Makati City on Tuesday.

The US official said the Philippine government along with the private sector and other stakeholders have “really stepped forward to engage the OECD on this study, so that we have a strong basis for identifying what are the steps that the Philippines can take to maximize investments in the semiconductor sector.”

Toloui explained that before the study is made public, the results of the “interim report” will be used to make funding decisions.  He added, “Those should be available within the next couple of months.”

According to the US official, the focus of the funding is on the assembly, testing, and packaging

or the downstream manufacturing component of the semiconductor supply chain, which he said, the Philippines has been a “significant player” in.

“Focus of the funding is on ATP and that is the part of the value chain that will complement the investments that the US is making and fabrication at home and so the focus of our [International Technology Security and Innovation] ITSI fund, that’s gonna be the focus as opposed to other types of activities,” the US official also noted.

For the Philippines, Toloui hinted that the ITSI fund—which is appropriated under the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act of 2022—may also be poured into workforce development and the energy sector.

“The report is still in preparation but the kind of areas that are important and which came up in my discussions in Manila are workforce development,” the US official noted.

In particular, he said, “How can we make sure that the Philippine educational system is producing the engineers and technicians that are critical to these ATP facilities operating?”

Another sector that could be given importance by the funding to be allotted for the Philippine semiconductor industry, Toloui said, is the energy sector.

“The importance of making investments to assure reliable

GDP. . .

Continued from A

supplies of energy. And then there’s also the general importance of a strong investment climate and ease of doing business,” said Toloui.

Anticipating the increase in the demand for semiconductors  along with the United States’s goal to have an uninterrupted semiconductor supply chain, Toloui cited the importance of downstream manufacturing.

“With semiconductors’ demand poised to continue to grow because microchips are used in not only the devices that you’re using but in medical devices, automobiles, ubiquitous in our daily lives, the demand for that kind of downstream manufacturing is only going to increase,” Toloui explained.

“And we want to have a resilient and substantial capacity for that because we don’t want the kind of interruptions in the semiconductor supply chain. So the Philippines has the potential to play an incredibly important role in the semiconductor supply chain,” he added.

The ITSI Fund, appropriated under the CHIPS Act of 2022, provides the US Department of State with $500 million—at $100 million per year for five years—“to promote the development and adoption of secure and trustworthy telecommunications networks and ensure semiconductor supply chain security and diversification,” the website of the US Department of State noted.

Apart from the Philippines, other countries eyed are Vietnam, Panama, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

E-vehicle.

Continued from A

“It becomes a chicken and egg situation. You will buyan electric vehicle, but there is no charging station,” he said. Aside from initiatives for developing EV demand, DOE said there also efforts to reduce the cost of EVs through local manufacturing.

“So, part of the instructions of the Pangulo for DOST [Department of Science and Technology], DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] [is] looking for an investor to bring down the cost [of EV productiom] and at the same time, have a profit for sustainability,”Fuentebella said.

The Philippines is targeting to have 2.45 million EVs and around 65,000 EV charging stations (EVCS) by 2028.

Marcos earlier said the government will jump-start the wider use of EVs through the ongoingPublic Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is expected to push through with the end of its consolidation phase last Tuesday.

PUV. . .

Continued from A

Industry consolidation is just the first step in the 10-point PUVMP. Guadiz said the next step is the modernization of jeepneys after a three-year grace period. By 2027, he said, cooperatives should have replaced “one or two”units with modern jeeps that follow the new standard.

Challenge to Guadiz

FOLLOWING Tuesday’s developments, Morillo challenged Guadiz to empathize with commuters and see the real picture on the ground.

Contrary to the claim on oversupply, Morillo insists there not enough jeepneys to accommodate the demand.

“If that’s how confident Chairman Guadiz is, my suggestion to him is to sell all his cars—his, his wife’s, and his kids—and take jeepneys to work and school. If they can’t do that, meaning he does not believe what he’s claiming,” he said.

Morillo cited TPF’s 2022 survey: that79 percent of the Filipinos agree that their waiting time to get a ride is usually too long while 96 percent disagree that there are sufficient PUVs.

For several times now, Morillo warned the government of an impending transport crisis should it cut further the supply of jeepneys on the roads.

targets of 6.5 to 8.0 percent for 2026 to 2028.

Meanwhile, the Finance chief said the economic team expects the inflation rate within the year to settle within the range of 2 to 4 percent.

However, Recto said he prefers the rate to be at least 2.9 percent, adding, “closer to 2 percent would be better then the GDP growth will be higher.”

“Inflation is still the biggest worry. If we can reduce inflation [then] GDP would be higher. So we’re looking at that,” Recto said.

The country’s inflation rate was retained at 2.0 to 4.0 percent for 2024 until 2028 following the government’s assessment of recent internal and external developments that impact the prices of major commodity groups. He added that the economic

Inflation. . .

Continued from A

affecting the outlook for inflation and growth in line with its datadependent approach to monetary policy decision-making,” BSP said.

The BSP earlier blamed the recent depreciation of the Philippine peso on escalating tensions in the Middle East, even as he gave assurances they can manage “any unnecessary movement and excessive volatility.”

In a statement, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the escalation of the conflict has prompted “safe-haven” inflows to the US dollar.

Based on BSP data, as of April 26, the Philippine peso closed at P57.869 to the greenback. On a year-to-date basis, according to the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), the foreign exchange rate was at P57.71 to the US dollar, marking a 4.2-percent

IMF. . .

Continued from A

“The US dollar will be unrelated to Asia’s monetary stability needs. Instead they [Asian central banks] should try to focus on domestic demand conditions and its implication for inflation,” he also said.

Srinivasan said this recommendation is also timely given the improvement in the stronger position held by Asian central banks today compared to even 10 years ago.

He noted macroeconomic fundamentals of Asian countries have significantly improved as evidenced by better institutional frameworks, higher foreign direct investments and a robust domestic bond market.

Srinivasan said only when the actions of the US Federal Reserve lead to significant currency depreciation that leads to hyperinflation, will there be room to tighten monetary policy.

“So in many ways, central banks are better positioned to focus their attention on domestic conditions. And so that is where the emphasis I would say should be placed. Look at what’s happening to domestic inflation,” Srinivasan said.

“If exchanges depreciate and they lead to pass through the hyperinflation, then there is reason to tighten monetary policy. Otherwise, allow the exchange to act as a buffer against shocks. I think that could hold you in good stead,” he added.

Srinivasan said interest differentials admitted that it can

team will meet soon with the Department of Agriculture to discuss food inflation.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said Recto’s projection is better compared to the 5.5-percent GDP posted in the fourth quarter of 2023 as businesses and industries continue to recover from the pandemic, such as the tourism sector.

Ricafort said inflation and higher interest rates increase the government’s borrowing costs as well as the reduced economic and business activities due to the unusually hot weather are risk factors that drag the economy.

Ricafort forecasts that GDP in the first three months of the year would settle at 6 percent yearon-year and could normalize to around 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2024 and beyond amid the country’s favorable demographics and being among the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

depreciation since the beginning of the year.

RCBC Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the peso has been taking a beating in the past two years, or since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022.

Ricafort’s data showed the peso averaged P55.755 to the dollar in 2022. This marked a P4.76 or 9.3percent depreciation on the year Ukraine was invaded by Russia. However, the Philippines is not alone in this predicament. Other Asian currencies have also been affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Ricafort noted that based on net currency market changes, the Philippines is now in the middle of the pack.

The data showed the Indian Rupee depreciated the least against the US dollar at 0.2 percent, while the Japanese Yen depreciated the most at 12.3 percent since the start of 2024.

create a dilemma for Asian central banks, including the BSP. This can be due to the impact on importers.

Importers, in the short term, may not benefit from a depreciated currency. This is especially the case if they are “locked into transacting in dollars and have to pay a higher price for input from abroad.”

This, however, could be aided by policies that reduce deficits and debt as well as efforts to monitor the buildup of “risks associated with the pass-through of tighter monetary policies to corporate and household balance sheets.”

Overall, the IMF said the Philippine economy is poised to post a growth of 6.2 percent this year and next year. This is faster than the 6 percent estimate it released in January 2024.

The IMF also expects the country’s inflation to be within the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target. For 2024, inflation is expected to average 3.6 percent and will trend downward to an average of 3 percent in 2025.

Given expectations that inflation will start to cool, IMF expects interest rates to remain restrictive but poised to fall. This is also expected to fuel the appetite for acquiring assets in emerging market and developing economies, including the Philippines.

Further, IMF said sovereign spreads on government debts have already fallen from the peak recorded in July 2022. However, governments facing funding shortages are still expected to tap international debt markets in 2024. Cai U. Ordinario

Solons buckle down to bring rice prices to ₧30 per kilo

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

LAWMAKERS are moving to amend the 5-year-old Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to enable the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice to the public at approximately P30 per kilogram.

“Our target is that by June, we should bring the price of rice down by at least P10 or even P15, close to P30 per kilo,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said in an interview last Tuesday. “We will do this by having the NFA bring affordable rice to the market so that all citizens can buy rice at a price they can afford.” Romualdez said that the focus will be on amendments related to tariffs, taxes and the purchasing mechanisms of the NFA, an agency under the Department of Agriculture.

“These are the amendments we are expediting,” the Speaker said, urging “our friends in the Senate to make this urgent.” He added the Lower House will also coordinate with the Office of the President.

According to Romualdez, the House Committee on Agriculture and Food (HCAF) “will hold daily hearings to introduce these

amendments to ensure that we have a lower price of rice for everyone.”

HCAF Chairman Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga announced last Tuesday that the Lower House will give top priority to the approval of amendments to the RTL, or Republic Act (RA) 11203, before the legislative break on May 24. The decision comes as challenges stemming from the RTL, such as issues regarding rice supply and fluctuating prices, persist.

During a hearing on bills calling for amendments and repealing the law, Enverga said key provisions of RA 11203 will be revisited to enhance its effectiveness in supporting Filipino farmers and ensuring a stable rice supply for consumers.

Clamor for review SIGNED in 2019, the law was expected to “reduce the price of rice and supposedly help farmers who

would be hurt by the removal of quantitative restrictions [QRs] on imported rice.” The creation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) under law aimed to bolster rice productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers and their families.

Enverga emphasized the need to address existing gaps and challenges to enhance the effectiveness of the law. He said there is “overwhelming clamor” for a review before the mandatory deadline at year’s end.

He said his committee members raised points to further enhance productivity. These points include the inclusion of irrigation services under RCEF programs, increased funding for infrastructure and inputs and the proposal to reinstate the NFA’s role in stabilizing rice supply and prices.

Enverga said lawmakers emphasized the critical role of irrigation in rice production, highlighting the need for irrigation services to be integrated into the programs under the RCEF.

Under the current law, the RCEF spreads out a P10-billion allocation to four component programs: mechanization (P5 billion); seeds (P3 billion); extension (P1 billion); and, credit (P1 billion).

In its proposed amendments, the Department of Agriculture (DA) advocates for the extension of the RCEF until 2030 and the reallocation of funds. The DA seeks 55 percent of the P10

billion allocated towards farm machinery, 30 percent towards seed development and 5 percent towards training and extension services.

Moreover, Enverga also said there was a call for increased funding to support various initiatives. The latter includes the construction of warehouses, the establishment of irrigation systems, the expansion of loan coverage and the provision of additional seeds and fertilizer for distribution.

Fulfillment of promises

ENVERGA said concerns were raised regarding the fulfillment of promises regarding stable rice prices and supply under the law.

“The promises of RTL on stable rice prices and stable supply remain to be realized. Hence, the proposal to reinstate the function of the NFA in stabilizing rice supply and rice prices,” he said.

Under RA 11203, the NFA’s mandate has been limited to providing emergency buffer rice stock to be sourced exclusively from local farmers, a statement by the Department of Finance (DOF) in 2022 read.

According to the DOF, before the RTL was passed in 2019, the NFA, which regulated all rice imports and was the chief importer of the grain in the country, received an average of P11 billion a year in tax subsidies from 2005 to 2018.

“A complete reversal of this

massive annual subsidy is the government’s earnings of P46.6 billion in rice import tariffs during the first three years alone of the RTL’s implementation,” the DOF has said.

The DOF added that such import tariffs collected beginning March 5, 2019, went to the annual P10-billion RCEF, which is used to finance programs that will sharpen the competitiveness of palay growers by way of providing them with easy access to fertilizer, farm machinery and equipment, high-yield seeds and cheap credit; and offering them skills training programs on farm mechanization and modern farming techniques.

“By opening the rice market, the RTL led to lower rice prices, and the removal of this staple food as a main contributor to the overall inflation rate,” the DOF has said.

Two years later, Enverga is saying lawmakers seek to harmonize RCEF components to ensure that beneficiaries receive a comprehensive set of interventions to “maximize the impact of the program.”

Importation power

SEVERAL bills as well as the proposed amendments of the DA were introduced for consideration by Enverga’s committee.

There’s House Bill (HB) 212 by Reps. Horacio P. Suansing Jr. and Mikaela Angela Suansing. HB 1562, meanwhile, aims to establish a special emergency fund

called the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance.

HB 9030, titled “An Act Providing for a National Rice Emergency Response and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” was introduced by Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo. HB 9547, titled “An Act Extending the Period of Implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” seeks to amend RA 8178 (Agricultural Tariffication Act).

HB 404, meanwhile, seeks to repeal RA 11203.

For its part, the DA proposed changes seek to empower the secretaries of agriculture and trade and industry to import rice under specified conditions, while allowing the NFA to secure buffer stocks through alternative schemes.

The export of rice during food security emergencies, as determined by the DA chief, would also be disallowed under the proposed changes.

The DA also proposes strengthening the regulatory functions of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), with measures including mandatory registration of grain warehouses and regular inspections to ensure compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

The DA also wants excess rice import tariffs exceeding P10 billion to be allocated to various programs, including financial assistance, crop diversification, water impounding and watershed rehabilitation and development.

More LGUs under state of calamity due to El Niño

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

OVER 20 local government units (LGUs) are now under state of calamity (SOC) due to the devastating effects of El Niño.

CBy Rex Anthony Naval

i lla r ama sa i d t h at w hi le t h e “cl i mate patte r n” i s expected to become i mp r ove by May, t h e gove r nment w i ll cont i n u e to p u s h

Bong Go to health officials: Be the first to follow ethical standards

HINACoast G u a r d (CCG) vessels on Tu esday f ir ed wate r cannons on Phi l i pp i ne Coast ( P CG) and B ur ea u of F i s h e ri es and A qu at i c Reso ur ces (BFAR) s hi ps tasked to p r ov i de f u el and food s u ppl i es to F i l i p ino f i s h e r men ply i ng t h e ir t r ade i n P anatag S h oal (Sca r bo r o u g h S h oal). P CG spokespe r son fo r West Phi l i pp i ne Sea Commodore Jay Ta rriela, i n a post on hi s X (formerly Tw itter) accou nt, ident i f ied t he ships as t he PCG’s BR P Bagacay (MRRV-4410) and BFAR’s BR P Bankaw (MMOV- 3 004). He added t h at ships were tasked to ca rr y out a leg it i mate ma rit i me pat rol i n t he waters nea r Bajo De Masi nloc (anot her name of Panatag S hoal) whic h l ies 124 naut ical m i les f rom Z ambales. “T he pri ma r y object ive of t hi s m i ssion was to d i st ribute f uel and food s u ppl ies, hi g h l i g ht i ng our comm itment to s u ppor t i ng t he f i sher men i n accordance w it h t he President’s food sec urity pol icy,” Ta rriela sa id. D uri ng t he pat rol, t he Phi l ippi ne vessels encou ntered dangerou s maneuvers and obst ruct ion f rom four CCG vessels and s i x C hi nese Ma rit i me M i l it i a vessels.

Philippine vessels, he pointed out.

“At approx i mately 09:53 when t h e BFAR vessel was abo ut 12 naut ical m i les f rom BDM [Bajo De Masi nloc P] CCG- 33 05 ut i l i zed its water cannon, d irectly hitt i ng t he sta rboa rd aster n of t he BFAR vessel. W hen t he PCG vessel was approx i mately 1000 ya rds eastso u t h east of BDM, CCG- 3 105 and CCG-53 0 3 employed t he ir jet st ream water cannons, ta rget i ng t he PCG vessel f rom bot h sides, resu lt i ng i n damage to t he r a i l i ng and canopy,” Ta rriela sa id. T he damage ser ves as ev idence of the forcef u l water pressure used by the CCG in their harassment of the

SC decision on transfer of Quiboloy cases awaited

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Office of the Court Administrator

T(OCA ) has recommended to the Supreme Court ( SC ) the appro v a l of the re q uest made by the Department of J ustice ( DOJ) for the transfer of the chi l d abuse cases fi l ed against K ingdom of J esus Christ (KO J C ) founder Pastor Apo ll o Q uibo oy. T he DO J w ants to transfer the comp l aints fi ed against Q uibo oy before the R egiona Tria Court in Da v ao City to a court in Metro Mani l a.

I n an inter v ie w, Court Administrator

R au l V ll anue v a said he has for w arded his recommendation to the Court for appro v a l, but dec ined to specify the Metro Mani a court that shou d hand e the cases.

“Yes , the OCA a l ready submitted its recommendation and it s up to the Court to decide w hether to appro v e it or not ,” Vi ll anue v a said. When asked if he recommended the appro v a of the re q uest , V ll anue v a said

“Yes but we can on y recommend it ’s up to the Court.” H o we ver the Court is sti ll in recess and

wou d resume its regu l ar sessions on May 1 3. As of Tuesday the justice in charge

of the matter has yet to come up w ith a decision on w hether to appro ve the OCA recommendation.

“The justices in charge can a lways recommend actions on cases and the di v isions or en banc can issue reso utions if the di v ision chair or Chief J ustice [ for the en banc ] concurs w ith the recommended action. This w i ll be then confirmed during the next regu ar session ,” Ting said.

The DOJ is seeking the transfer of the chi d abuse cases from Da v ao to the R egiona Tria l Court in Pasig, w here the q ua l ified human trafficking case against Q uibo l oy is pending. Warrants of arrest ha v e a l ready been

“It i s i mpo r tant to note t h at t h e C hi nese Coast G u a r d h as once aga i n i nstalled a 3 80-mete r float i ng ba rri e r t h at cove r s t h e ent ir e ent r ance of t h e s h oal, effect i vely r est ri ct i ng access to t h e a r ea,” Ta rri ela noted.

Desp ite t h e h a r assment and provocat ive act ions of t he CCG, Ta rriela sa id t he PCG and BFAR vessels stood t he ir g rou nd and cont i nued t he ir ma rit i me pat rol.

“T hey were not deterred and w i ll persi st i n ca rr y i ng out t he ir leg it i mate oper at ions to suppor t F i l i p i no f i s h e r men and ens ur e t he ir safety,” he added.

issued against Q uibo l oy w ho is facing an indefinite detention once he is arrested considering that the q ua ified human trafficking case is a non - bai l ab l e offense. T he re igious eader a kno w n a ll y of former President Duterte is no w considered a fugiti ve for his refusa l to surrender.

The t wo crimina l cases were fi ed by one comp l ainant a then 17- year - o l d former member of KO J C.

Aside from the chi l d abuse and q ua l ified human trafficking cases Q uibo l oy has a so been indicted in the U S for sex trafficking a l ong w ith t wo co - defendants identified as Teresita To l ibas Dandan and Fe l ina Sa inas.

T he U S go v ernment has yet to seek Q uibo l oy s extradition in connection w ith the said case.

SENATOR C hri stopher “Bong” Go rem i nded t he off ic i als of t he Depa r tment of Healt h (DOH) to lead by example i n uphold i ng t he et hical standa rds w it hi n t he med ical profession.

Go i ssued t he wa r n i ng a day before t he publ ic hea ri ng on Tuesday, Apri l 3 0, to be conducted by t he Senate Comm ittee on Healt h and Demog r aphy whic h Go c h a irs. T he comm ittee seeks to sc

ph a r maceut ical

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su spected mu lt i-level ma rket i ng (MLM) sc heme by t he company Bell-Kenz Ph a r ma. See related story in A5 News, “Senators grill pharma exec on MLM scheme with doctors.”

T he DOH h as i ssued Depa r tment C irc u la r 2024-0141, rem i nd i ng healt h pr act it ioners to uphold professional and et hical standa rds.”

“We w i ll get to t he bottom of t hi s. Siguraduhin niyo lang po kung sino nag- i ssue ng mga memo na ito, na kayo rin po ay sumusunod sa et hical standa rds,” t he senator urged.

In hi s man i festat ion at t he Senate plena r y on Monday, Apri l 29, Go u nderscored t he urgent need to uphold pat ients’ rig hts and t he i nteg rity of t he med ical profession.

“It is the State’s mandate to ensure the integ rity of our entire public health system and to assure our people that those g iven the priv ilege to exercise their medical profession remain faithf u l and true to our laws and their ethical standards,” declared Go.

Senator Raffy Tu lfo r a i sed t he alleged MLM sc heme duri ng a comm ittee hea ri ng on Apri l 2. Go emph asi zed t he c rit ical nat ure of t he allegat ions, stat i ng, Dapat po unahin ang kapakanan ng pasyente, hindi po ang ph a r maceut ical compan ies. Kalusugan po ang nakataya dito. Katumbas po ng kalusugan ay bawat Pilipino.”

H ig h l ig ht i ng t he g r av ity of t he sit u at ion, Go c rit ic i zed t he alleged MLM pr act ices as a severe et hical breac h , potent i ally exploit i ng v u lner able pat ients. Hindi masamang magnegosyo. Pero ito mukhang network i ng o py r am id i ng na po. Kapag pumasok na ang negosyo sa kalusugan ay hindi na po tama ‘yan,” he added. Despite t hese allegat ions, Go expressed hi s deep respect for t he med ical commu n ity, acknowledg i ng t he professional i sm of most doctors. However he wa r ned of t he det ri mental effects of t he few who m ig ht abu se t he ir posit ion, potent i ally lead i ng to publ ic m i st ru st.

“Most of our doctors a re ver y professional...Napakasensit ive ng trabaho nila kaya napaka-importante rin ng integridad sa kanilang propesyon,” he rema rked.

T he senator also cla ri f ied t h at he i s not related to t he CEO of Bell-Kenz, Lui s Go. “M r President, gusto ko lang pong linawin t he CEO ng Bell-Kenz, Lui s Go, for t he record, hindi ko po kamag-anak ‘yan...At lalong hindi ko ka-anu-ano ang GO na ‘yan na nagsasamantala sa ating mga kababayan,” Go add ressed t he Senate.

T he hea ri ng on Tuesday also a i ms to tackle ot her pressi ng healt h i ssues, i nclud i ng t he i mplementat ion and f u nd i ng c h allenges of t he Healt h Emergency Allowance (HEA), t he f u nct ional ity of Malasak it Centers, and t he deployment of resources to healt h fac i l it ies suc h as Super Healt h Centers and Reg ional Spec i alty Centers.

T he comm ittee w i ll also rev iew t he adequ acy of healt h fac i l it ies i n major touri st a reas and t he DOH’s st r ategy aga i nst d i seases suc h as per t u ssi s and r abies, whic h h ave seen sign i f icant case nu mbers i n recent mont h s.

T he hea ri ng u nderscores Go’s comm itment to safeg u a rd i ng publ ic healt h i nteg rity and ensuri ng t h at t he welfa re of t he

Fi l ipi no people, espec i ally t he u nder priv i leged, i s not sidel i ned by t he i nterests of power f u l ent it ies.

“Rest assured, magiging patas tayo sa hea ri ng na ito. Pakinggan natin ang lahat ng i nvolved,” assured Go. Ang importante, lumabas po ang katotohanan, mapanagot po kung sino po may kasalanan, at patuloy na naisusulong natin ang interes at kapakanan ng mga kababayan natin, lalung lalo na po ‘yung mga mahihirap nating kababayan na nagkakandahirap pa po maghanap ng pambili ng kanilang gamot. Mahirap pong maging mahirap. Dapat po tulungan sila, hindi pagsamantalahan,” he concluded.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 A5

Senators grill

pharma exec on MLM scheme with doctors

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

AS senators on Tuesday grilled an official of the controversial Bell-Kenz Pharma nc.

at a hearing, Hea th Secretary Teodoro Herbosa admitted that he is unaware of the alleged multileve marketing (MLM) scheme of the firm and some doctors.

When asked by Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, if he has any knowledge of the alleged MLM scheme, Herbosa admitted that he was just aware of the “perks” given by the pharmaceutical companies to the doctors.

“[What I’ve heard of are] trips to foreign conferences, and probably mea s in expensive restaurants,” Herbosa said, partly in Fi ipino.

“ t’s only now that I’ve earned of this mu ti- evel marketing. And it’s on y now that I’ve learned how exorbitant the gifts are,” the health chief added. Herbosa revea ed that he became aware of the alleged scheme when it was mentioned in a previous Senate hearing and he received a message from someone through socia media about it afterwards.

List of doc tors, bank check s ME ANWHIL E Sen. Raff y Tulfo, who brought with him a list of doctors invo ved in the alleged multilevel marketing scheme, grilled the official of Bell-Kenz Pharma present at the hearing.

Tu fo asked Dr. Luis Raymond Go, chairperson and chief executive officer of Bell KenzPharma nc., whether they give commissions to doctors as incentives for prescribing their medicines to the patient.

Go denied this and said their company follows the aws, regulation, and ethical standards as they offer “high- quality ” but affordab e medicines.

“Mr. Chair, in recent days, our company has been found [ ] and smeared in a web of misinformation through various media channe s,” Go said as he refuted before the panel what he called “base ess accusations” and asserted their group’s “commitment, integrity and compliance.

However, Tu fo claimed he ho ds severa bank checks proving that the pharmaceutical company is providing incentives to its member-doctors.

A so present at the Senate panel on hea th and demography’s hearing were Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada.

Ejercito, meanwhi e, expressed concern that the reported practices invo ving unscrupulous pharmaceutica companies and doctors would drive up healthcare costs in the country.

Ejercito noted ethical lega and policy concerns over the alleged collusion between some doctors and Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., supposedly resulting in pricier and unnecessary prescriptions.

The scandal undoes our efforts to make healthcare more affordab e,” said Ejercito, who stressed that aws such as the Universal Hea th Care (UHC) Act were passed to reduce the F lipinos’ hea th expenses. “What’s the purpose of this if one individua prescribes pricier medicine?” he asked a oud, in Fi ipino.

The senator said the UHC Act has reduced out-of-pocket payments to 44 percent in 2022.

On the other hand, Estrada asked the DOH to act immediately on the alleged unethical practice of some doctors colluding with a pharmaceutica firm in the prescription of medicines.

This hearing is an opportunity to recommit ourse ves to the Hippocratic oath and the sacred re ationship between hea er and hea ed. Let it serve as a reminder of our responsibilities and va ues,” Estrada said.

Get to bottom of the controversy

SENATOR Go vowed to get to the bottom of the controversy as he sought the protection not only of patients’ rights, but a so of doctors over the alleged collusion with pharmaceutica firms. “We don’t wish to see the day when the peop e lose their trust in our doctors’ prescriptions, and their medical advice, just because of a few scoundrels. A grave danger is to have an unintended consequence of creating a public perception that all pharma companies and doctors are unc ean,” Go said.

Herbosa, meanwhile, said that doctors invo ved in the alleged scheme may face charges.

DOT Usec in chat with ‘bestie’ resigns

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to

the BusinessMirror

TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s chief of staff (COS) Mae Elaine T Bathan has resigned from her post as Undersecretary for Legal and Special Concerns, almost a month after netizens piled on her for ha ting an officia meeting to respond to a friend’s messages.

A BUSINESSMIRROR source confirmed that Bathan tendered her resignation on April 26, Friday, and effective at the close of business hours on Tuesday, April 30. “Yes, she did [resign last Friday]. She did not state any reason for her resignation,” said the source. Bathan, who is a “partner on leave” of Divina Law, will be going “back to private practice,” the source added. A graduate of the University of San Jose-Recoletos School of Law, Bathan has expertise in itigating intracorporate disputes, family law, torts and damages, estate and intestate proceedings, adoption, to name a few. Prior to her resignation, Bathan went on eave shortly after her post on Facebook went viral; it was a screenshot of her conversation with her “bestie,” Mandaue City Treasurer Rega O iva, also another awyer, who was asking for help in using Google Trans ate. The atter was visiting Japan and hungry, but couldn’t read the menu of restaurants, which were all written in Japanese.

No comment from Frasco, spox I N her Faceboook post, in which she also tagged O iva, Bathan said: “When your best friend calls you because she needed he p on Google Translate so she can eat and thrive in Japan, all e se will have to stop. Even if it’s about the airport takeover and privatization.” She ater apologized for her post, adding on Facebook that, I wou d like to assure everyone that I wou d never brush aside my duties and responsibi ities as a public servant—these will always be my priority.” Whi e Bathan was on eave, Frasco appointed Undersecretary for Tourism Regu ation, Coordination and Resources Generation Shahlimar Hofer Tamano as her COS. The source didn’t know “about the decision of the Secretary ” if Tamano will keep the COS position. Tamano is concurrently Regional Director of Centra Visayas. Frasco and DOT Spokesperson Czarina Zara-Loyo a have yet to comment on Bathan’s resignation as of press time.

May 1, 2024

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

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

NO.ESTABLISHMENT

1 ATLANTIC GULF AND PACIFIC COMPANY OF MANILA, INCORPORATED

AG&P, Special Economic Zone, San Roque, Bauan, Batangas

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

MANDAL, APURBA BIKASH

PHLNG, Maintenance Head

Brief Job Description:

Coordinate with contractor and FSU provider for commissioning of the terminal as joint responsibility

2 D.J.T.Y. INT’L TRADING CORP.

E. Jacinto St. Cor. J.p. Rizal St., Lot 2, Block 3, Rizal Technopark, San Juan, Taytay, Rizal

3 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

4 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

5 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

6 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

YAO, SHAOYU

Mandarin Speaking Quality Control

Brief Job Description: Strategize and lead the company to

SAI KYAW NAING SOE

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

SEIN PHYO PAING

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THET THET PHOO

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite YAN TI PHANE

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

7 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

8 GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

TRAN THI NGOC PHUONG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

15 years relevant experience in Operations & Maintenance and LNG terminal projects, with excellent track record in managing large terminals with oil and gas majors

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

Must have proven experience as Chinese Speaking Quality Control

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmar language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmar language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmar language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmar language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

16 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

17 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

JUNJIE

WU, QINGJUN

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite ZHANG, XIANTAO

MERIT

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

THI HUE

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

LE VAN THANH

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

22 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

23 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

24 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

25 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

26 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

27 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

28 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

29 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LE, THI KIM XUYEN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LUONG, THI MON

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN DANG CHUYEN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN HOAN

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN VAN VIET

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN, MINH HOANG

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN, PHI DUC

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

E JOHN

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee productivity by providing useful feedback and training.

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Computer literate and must have reached at least Bachelor Degree and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian or Indian language.

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

31 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

30 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

6th, 7th, 9th-12th Floor, 2, San Francisco, City of Biñan, Laguna LI, HONGYANG

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee productivity by providing useful feedback and training.

32 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

SHI, HUIXI

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee productivity by providing useful feedback and training.

TAN WAN INN

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Computer literate and must have reached at least Bachelor Degree and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian or Indian language.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee productivity by providing useful feedback and training. Computer

33 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

Computer literate and must have reached at least Bachelor Degree and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian or Indian language.

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

34 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

TAN WAN QI

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

and training.

ZHANG, HONGYANG

Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

feedback and training.

35 NEW WAVE INFOTECH LIMITED PHILIPPINES, INC.

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

36 PANASONIC MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

ZHANG, NANA Foreign Customer Service Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Monitor employee productivity by providing useful feedback and training.

Ortigas Avenue, Extension, AKIYAMA, HIROSHI Country Head of Electric Works Group Brief Job Description:

37 PILIPINAS KANEKO SEEDS CORPORATION

Batangas

WATABE, TAMAMI

Product Development Coordinator

Computer literate and must have reached at least Bachelor Degree and must be able to speak, write and read Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian or Indian language.

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

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

foreign nationals.

8.

6.

17.

18. CHEN, HUIZHI Assistant Consultant To

19.

21.

22. CHEN, JIANPING

To

23. DENG, CAIPING

To

24.

25. CAI, JINXING

26. CHEN, TIANCI

To guide clients through all procedures required

27. GAN, XIAOJUN

ideas,

BusinessMirror

59. ZHOU, DI plans and works to meet sales quotas.

ideas, and research to strategies and can help to detail, design, and for each product or service

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

EG HEALTHCARE, INC. 14/f Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Boulevard,076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

60. LIN, PO-TING Sales Supervisor

Responsible for preparing skincare product

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 58. XU, PILIANG

plans and works to meet sales quotas.

ideas, and research to strategies and can help to detail, design, and for each product or service

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

College graduate. Excellent Mandarin and English languages. With at least 3 years of work experience as Sales Supervisor and with at least 5 years of working experience in the healthcare industry.

Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

ETRANSS REMITTANCE INTERNATIONAL CORP. G/f Jx Tower Block 2 Lot 17 Fuentes Cor. San Pedro Street, Aseana, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

QINGSHUAI

61.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

62.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

63. TANG, THE PHUONG Ensures that every contract signed by the company Fluent in Mandarin and English languages,

BusinessMirror

In-depth understanding of

BusinessMirror

158. ZHENG, PEICHAO

planning and scheduling various workloads. Gathers

Evaluate current procedures and recommends changes

In-depth understanding of management principles. Must have understanding in cost planning and contracts management in Mainland China and the Philippines.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 RRA ONE GLOBAL CONSULTANCY CORP.

Blk 1 Lot 6 Progressive St., Lucky Homes Subd., Barangay 168, City Of Caloocan

159. HUANG, WEI Business Development Analyst management when required.

160. QIN, SHUYUAN Business Development Analyst management when required.

161. LIU, GUANGRONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Familiarizing yourself with all products and services

At least college graduate, and can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

At least college graduate, and can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

At least college graduate, and can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

162. LIU, HU Finance Manager data. Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

163. CAI, YAPING Mandarin Speaking Consultant

164. CHEN, YUEHONG Mandarin Speaking Consultant

165. SUN, LUQI Mandarin Speaking Consultant

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

166. WANG, JIAN Mandarin Speaking Consultant At least college graduate.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

167. ZHANG, WEIHUANG Mandarin Speaking Consultant At least college graduate. Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

168. CHEN, JIAWEN

At least college graduate. Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

169. WANG, WEI At least college graduate. Can speak, write and type in Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION

170. SAE-O, SUREERAT and work assignments.

-

59,999 SEEKTOP SERVICE MANAGEMENT INC.

171. BERNARD LAU PUONG KHONG Handle service support

Evaluate

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving, Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

212. OUYANG, ZHIHAO

trucks and vans.

213. SHEN, WENCONG

trucks and vans.

SHI, TIANSHENG

214.

trucks and vans.

215. WANG, YUEKUN

trucks and vans.

216. WENG, CHAOQUN

trucks and vans.

217. XU, QINGNAN trucks and vans.

211.

and

KE, TIANZENG

trucks and vans.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving, Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like problem-solving,

Time management also helps long each repair will take.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Time

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Must develop skills in areas like

• Editor: Angel R. Calso

US military builds $320 million floating pier to boost aid delivery to besieged Gaza Strip

By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

JERUSALEM—A US Navy ship and several Army vessels involved in an American-led effort to bring more aid into the besieged Gaza Strip are offshore of the enclave and building out a floating platform for the operation that the Pentagon has said will cost at least $320 million.

Sabrina Singh, Pentagon spokeswoman, told reporters the cost is a rough estimate for the project and includes the transportation of the equipment and pier sections from the United States to the coast of Gaza, as well as the construction and aid delivery operations.

Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press on Tuesday show the USNS Roy P. Benavidez about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from the port on shore, where the base of operations for the project is being built by the Israeli military. The USAV General Frank S. Besson Jr., an Army logistics vessel, and several other Army boats are with the Benavidez and working on the construction of what the military calls the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, system.

Satellite images from Sunday and Monday by Planet Labs PBC showed pieces of the floating pier in the Mediterranean Sea, alongside the Benavidez. Measurements of the vessel match known features of the Benavidez, a Bob Hope-class vehicle cargo ship operated by the Military Sealift Command.

A US military official confirmed late last week that the Benavidez had begun construction and that it was far enough off shore to ensure that the troops building the platform would be safe. Singh said on Monday that next will come the construction of the causeway, which will then be anchored to the beach.

The US military’s Central Command early Tuesday published images of the floating pier’s construction online, after the AP’s publication of

the satellite photos.

“The pier will support USAID and humanitarian partners to receive and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” the statement on the social platform X said.

US and Israeli officials have said they hope to have the floating pier in place, the causeway attached to the shore and operations underway by early May. The Pentagon said on Monday the operation will cost at least $320 million. The cost was first reported by Reuters.

Under the plan by the US military, aid will be loaded onto

commercial ships in Cyprus to sail to the floating platform now under construction off Gaza.

The pallets will be loaded onto trucks, which will be loaded onto smaller ships that will travel to a metal, floating twolane causeway. The 550-meter (1,800-foot) causeway will be attached to the shore by the Israeli Defense Forces.

The US military official said an American Army engineering unit has teamed with an Israeli military engineering unit in recent weeks to practice the installation of the causeway, training on an Israeli

Protesters take over Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall in escalation of anti-war demonstrations in US

By Jim Vertuno, Cedar Attanasio, Jake Offenhartz & Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press

NEW YORK—Dozens of protesters took over a building at Columbia University in New York early Tuesday, barricading the entrances and unfurling a Palestinian flag out of a window in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide.

Video footage showed protesters on Columbia’s Manhattan campus locking arms in front of Hamilton Hall early Tuesday and carrying furniture and metal barricades to the building, one of several that was occupied during a 1968 civil rights and anti-Vietnam War protest on the campus. Posts on an Instagram page for protest organizers shortly after midnight urged people to protect the encampment and join them at Hamilton Hall.

The student radio station, WKCR-FM, broadcasted a playby-play of the hall’s takeover –which occurred nearly 12 hours after Monday’s 2 p.m. deadline for the protesters to leave an encampment of around 120 tents or face suspension. Representatives for the university did not immediately respond to emails requesting comment early Tuesday.

Universities across the US are grappling with how to clear out encampments as commencement ceremonies approach, with some continuing negotiations and others turning to force and ultimatums that have resulted in clashes with police. Dozens of people were arrested Monday during protests

at universities in Texas, Utah and Virginia, while Columbia said hours before the takeover of Hamilton Hall that it had started suspending students.

Demonstrators are sparring over the Israel-Hamas war and its mounting death toll, and the number of arrests at campuses nationwide is approaching 1,000 as the final days of class wrap up. The outcry is forcing colleges to reckon with their financial ties to Israel, as well as their support for free speech. Some Jewish students say the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.

At the University of Texas at Austin, an attorney said at least 40 demonstrators were arrested Monday. The confrontation was an escalation on the 53,000-student campus in the state’s capital, where more than 50 protesters were arrested last week.

Later Monday, dozens of officers in riot gear at the University of Utah sought to break up an encampment outside the university president’s office that went up in the afternoon. Police dragged students off by their hands and feet, snapping the poles holding up tents and zip-tying those who refused to disperse. Seventeen people were arrested. The university says it’s against code to camp overnight on school property and that the students were given several warnings to disperse before police were called in.

The plight of students who have been arrested has become a central part of protests, with the students and a growing number of faculty demanding amnesty for protesters. At issue is whether the suspensions and legal records will follow students

through their adult lives.

The Texas protest and others— including in Canada and Europe— grew out of Columbia’s early demonstrations that have continued. On Monday, student activists defied the 2 p.m. deadline to leave the encampment. Instead, hundreds of protesters remained. A handful of counterdemonstrators waved Israeli flags, and one held a sign reading, “Where are the anti-Hamas chants?”

While the university didn’t call police to roust the demonstrators, school spokesperson Ben Chang said suspensions had started but could provide few details. Protest organizers said they were not aware of any suspensions as of Monday evening. Columbia’s handling of the demonstrations also has prompted federal complaints.

A class-action lawsuit on behalf of Jewish students alleges a breach of contract by Columbia, claiming the university failed to maintain a safe learning environment, despite policies and promises. It also challenges the move away from in-person classes and seeks quick court action requiring Columbia to provide security for the students.

Meanwhile, a legal group representing pro-Palestinian students is urging the US Department of Education’s civil rights office to investigate Columbia’s compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for how they have been treated.

A university spokesperson declined to comment on the complaints.

In a rare case, Northwestern University said it reached an agreement with students and faculty who represent the majority of protesters on its campus near Chicago. It allows peaceful demonstrations through the June 1 end of spring

classes and in exchange, requires removal of all tents except one for aid, and restricts the demonstration area to allow only students, faculty and staff unless the university approves otherwise.

At the University of Southern California, organizers of a large encampment sat down with university President Carol Folt for about 90 minutes on Monday. Folt declined to discuss details but said she heard the concerns of protesters and talks would continue Tuesday.

USC sparked a controversy April 15 when officials refused to allow the valedictorian, who has publicly supported Palestinians, to make a commencement speech, citing nonspecific security concerns for their rare decision. Administrators then scrapped the keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu, who is an alumnus, and declined to award any honorary degrees.

The backlash, as well as Columbia’s demonstrations, inspired the encampment and protests on campus last week week where 90 people were arrested by police in riot gear. The university has canceled its main graduation event.

Administrators elsewhere tried to salvage their commencements and several have ordered the clearing of encampments in recent days. When those efforts have failed, officials threatened discipline, including suspension, and possible arrest.

Vertun o rep o rted fr o m Austin, Texas, and Mattise rep o rted fr o m Nashville, Tennessee. Ass o ciated Press j o urnalists ar o und the c o untry c o ntributed t o this rep o rt, including Hannah Sch o enbaum, Sarah Brumfield, Stefanie Dazi o , Christ o pher Weber, Car olyn Th o mps o n, David C o llins, Makiya Seminera and C o rey Williams.

beach just up the coast.

The new port sits southwest of Gaza City and a bit north of a road bisecting Gaza that the Israeli military built during the current war against Hamas. The area was the territory’s most populous before the Israeli ground offensive rolled through and pushed more than 1 million people south toward the city of Rafah on the border with Egypt.

Now Israeli military positions are on either side of the port, which initially had been built—as part of an effort led by World Central Kitchen—out of the rubble of buildings leveled by Israel. That effort halted after an Israeli airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers on April 1 as they traveled in clearly marked vehicles on a delivery mission authorized by Israel. The organization says it is resuming its work in Gaza.

Aid has been slow to get into Gaza, with long backups of trucks awaiting Israeli inspections.

The US and other nations also have used airdrops to send food into Gaza. The US military official said deliveries on the sea route initially will total about 90 trucks a day and could quickly increase to about 150 trucks daily.

Aid organizations have said several hundred such trucks are needed to enter Gaza every day.

In the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage, Israel cut off

or heavily restricted food, water, medicine, electricity and other aid from entering the Gaza Strip. Under pressure from the US and others, Israel says the situation is improving, though United Nations agencies have said much more aid needs to enter.

Gaza, slightly more than twice the size of the city of Washington and home to 2.3 million people, has found itself on the brink of famine. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the fighting began, local health authorities say.

On Sunday, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the amount of aid going into Gaza would continue to scale up.

“This temporary pier will provide a ship-to-shore distribution system that will further increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he said in a statement.

However, high-ranking Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya told the AP last week that the group would consider Israeli forces—or forces from any other country—stationed by the pier to guard it as “an occupying force and aggression,” and that the militant group would resist it.

On Wednesday, a mortar attack targeted the port site, though no one was hurt.

The Ass o ciated Press writers Tara Copp and L olita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.

Winner of $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot an immigrant from Laos who has cancer

By Claire Rush & Gene Johnson The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore.—One of the winners of a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot this month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.

Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, of Portland, told a news conference held by the Oregon Lottery on Monday that he and his 37-year-old wife, Duanpen, are taking half the money, and the rest is going to a friend, Laiza Chao, 55, of the Portland suburb of Milwaukie. Chao had chipped in $100 to buy a batch of tickets with them. They are taking a lump sum payment, $422 million after taxes.

“I will be able to provide for my family and my health,” he said, adding that he’d “find a good doctor for myself.” Saephan, who has two young children, said that as a cancer patient, he wondered, “How am I going to have time to spend all of this money ? How long will live ? ” After they bought the shared tickets, Chao sent a photo of the tickets to Saephan and said, “We’re billionaires.” It was a joke before the actual drawing, he said, but the next day they won. Chao, 55, was on her way to work when Saephan called her with the news: “You don’t have to go anymore,” he said.

Saephan said he was born in Laos and moved to Thailand in 1987, before immigrating to the US in 1994. He wore a sash at the news conference identifying himself as Iu Mien, a Southeast Asian ethnic group with roots in southern China. Many Iu Mein were subsistence farmers and assisted American forces during the Vietnam war ; after the conflict, thousands of Iu

PHL grapples with rice shortfalls in the wake of severe El Niño

NEARLY three decades ago, the Philippines suffered one of the most severe El Niño episodes in its history. The weather phenomenon that struck the country in 1997 caused below-average rainfall and dried up farmlands. Parched farms failed to produce staple crops, prompting the government to import millions of tons of rice to prop up domestic supply.

According to the World Bank, the 1997-1998 El Niño resulted in $240 million worth of agricultural damage, including a 27 percent decline in rice production and a 44 percent decline in corn production. As a result of the significant reduction in domestic rice output, the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) for the staple fell to 72.1 percent (see “R ice sufficiency level falls to 24-year low,” BusinessMirror, October 10, 2023). This meant that the Philippines had to rely on foreign sources to fill up its rice requirements in the immediate years after the El Niño episode ended.

The Philippines will again see the same rice SSR 25 years after or in 2022, when domestic rice output was able to meet only 77 percent of the countr y’s requirement. Aside from rice, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated that the Philippines saw shortfalls in corn, onion, garlic, peanut, mongo, potato, beef, pork, dressed chicken and round scad or galunggong in 2022. SSR indicates the extent to which a countr y relies on its own production resources; a ratio of less than 100 percent indicates inadequacy to cope with the demand of the population.

As for the 2023 SSR for select crops and farm commodities, the PSA may release data in the fourth quarter of this year Judging from the recent pronouncements of policymakers and the spikes in commodity prices particularly that of rice, there is a possibility that the SSR data would not be encouraging. Even the countr y’s chief economist said the Philippines’s production of key agricultural commodities is not enough to meet increasing demand (see “Neda: Imports still needed, AO 20 vital to food security,” BusinessMirror, April 26, 2024).

To keep prices stable, the Marcos administration took a cue from its predecessor and issued Administrative Order (AO) 20, which called on concerned government agencies to streamline administrative procedures and policies on the importation of agricultural products and remove non-tariff barriers or NTBs. These NTBs include sanitar y and phytosanitar y import clearances, quotas and even red tape. AO 20 repealed AO 13 issued by former President Duterte in September 2018, a few months before the former chief executive signed the rice tariffication bill.

We agree with the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) that imports remain necessar y to ensure the countr y’s food security, particularly at this time when geopolitical risks threaten to boost the prices of inputs and the current dr y spell is reducing crops output in some areas. However, the continued implementation of nontariff barriers, such as export bans, by other countries ser ve as a constant reminder to our policymakers that the Philippines should substantially raise farm output to reduce the countr y’s reliance on imports. The 2022 SSR indicated that it can be done as the Philippines is self-sufficient in vegetables, fruits and some fisher y products.

Extreme weather

TMark Villar

THE BUILDER

HE extreme heat we are experiencing now is a reminder that we can no longer ignore the dangers posed by climate change. We may not yet be in a situation to declare the adage that desperate times call for desperate measures, but we should, perhaps, start treating the extreme weather phenomenon more seriously before it completely alters our way of life.

The hot weather has already affected the schooling of our children. Schools in several areas in the country have suspended in-person classes because of the searing heat outdoor Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, for instance, announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on all levels in public and private schools in Manila on April 25 to April 26.

T he El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated the dr y weather at this time of the year And it may get worse.

Per Ana Solis, a chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster there’s a 50 percent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days because of El Niño, adding that around half of the countr y’s provinces are officially in drought.

T he hot weather and the prolonged dr y spell will come to an end around late June. The onset of the rainy season in July will bring relief to ever y Filipino, including our farmers who have struggled against the hot weather

The rainy season, however, will

bring new problems in the form of floods and other disasters that will c hallenge state resources. For t unately, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the private sectors are aware of the situation by agreeing to work together to address the problems caused by climate change.

Cl i mate C h ange Comm i ss ion

Secretar y Robert Borje stressed the effects of climate change in the countr y and the increased intensity of typhoons, which cost the Philippines P673 30 billion from 2011 to 2021.

“Climate change intersects with various social, economic, and ecosystem c h allenges, exacerbat i ng issues such as poverty, inequality, and biod iversity loss. Businesses face disruptions in operations, supply chains, and increased costs due to disasters, ultimately leading to economic instability and job loss,” says Borje.

I will leave the task of dealing with climate change and extreme weather to the experts and the ICC. I trust

By Jonathan Tirone

RAs

EGULATORS who want to get a grip on an emerging generation of artificially intelligent killing machines may not have much time left to do so, governments were warned on Monday.

officials from more than 100 countries convened Monday in

to discuss how their economies

control

of AI with militar y technologies—two sectors that have recently animated investors, helping pushing stock valuations to historic highs. Sp read i ng global confl i ct comb i ned w it h f i nanc i al i ncent i ves for compan ies to promote AI adds to t he c h allenge of cont roll i ng k i lle r robots, accord i ng to Jaan Tall i nn, an ea r ly i nvestor i n Alph abet Inc.’s AI platfor m DeepM i nd Tec h nolog ies. “Silicon Valley’s incentives might

The El Niño phenomenon has exacerbated the dry weather at this time of the year. And it may get worse. Per Ana Solis, a chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster, there’s a 50 percent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days because of El Niño, adding that around half of the country’s provinces are officially in drought.

their expertise in finding solutions to this worldwide dilemma.

But on a personal note, I believe sustainable infrastructure will help the Philippines in dealing with climate change. I share the sentiment of UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis, who stressed the critical need for resilient infrastructure to meet the challenge of extreme weather

“Quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure—including regional and transborder infrastructure—is important to sustain trade and commerce, facilitate effective transportation, connect us to virtual grids, maintain energy flows and make populations safer against natural hazards,” he said.

Mr Francis cited shocking failures such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Mar yland. He pointed out the extensive economic impact of such disasters, affecting national and global supply chains.

Transport infrastructure should withstand both human-induced and natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, he added.

On the local front, the government is taking small but sure steps in the battle against climate change. I am referring to the Edsa Greenways Project that will encourage walking, while promoting the use of public transportation.

T he $140-million Edsa Greenways Project is a five-kilometer covered elevated walkway along Edsa at the MRT-3 Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft stations.

Per the Asian Development Bank, t he project a ims to improve t he pedestrian env ironment along the four rail stations, noting that existing pedestrian facilities on Edsa are poorly designed, uncomfor table and unsafe.

Elevators w i ll be attac hed to t he elevated walkways to add ress t he needs of t he elderly, women, persons w it h d isabi l it ies, and people t ravel ing w it h small c hi ld ren, accord ing to Depa r tment of Transpor tat ion Undersecretar y Timot hy John Batan.

T he project w ill also focus on achieving travel time savings of at least 45 seconds for each pedestrian, expanding the number of pedestrians, removal of conflicts of pedestrians and traffic at grade level, and reduction of pedestrian accidents and injuries.

The simple act

not be aligned with the rest of humanity,” Tallinn said. Governments around the world have taken steps to collaborate with companies integrating AI tools into defense. The Pentagon is pouring millions of dollars into AI startups. The European Union last week paid Thales SA to create an imager y database to help evaluate battlefield targets.

Tel Av iv-based +972 Magazine reported this month that Israel was using an artificial intelligence program called “Lavender” to come up with assassination targets. The report, which Israel has disputed, said the AI system had played a “central role in the unprecedented bombing of Palestinians.”

“The future of slaughter bots is here,” said Anthony Aguirre, a physicist who predicted the trajector y the technology would take in a short

For

2017 film seen by more than 1.6 million viewers. “We need an arms-control treaty negotiated by the United Nations General Assembly.”

But advocates of diplomatic solutions are likely to be frustrated, at least in the short term, according to Alexander Kmentt, Austria’s top disarmament official and the architect of this week’s conference.

“A classical approac h to a r ms control doesn’t work because we’re not talking about a single weapons system but a combination of dualuse technologies,” Kmentt said in an inter view. Rat h e r t h an st ri k i ng a new “magnum opus” treaty, Kmentt impl ied t h at cou nt ries may be forced to muddle t hrough w it h t he legal tools al ready at t he ir d i sposal. Enforc ing expor t cont rols and human ita ri an laws cou ld help keep See “AI,” A

Musk’s trip to Beijing after India snub shows power of China

T

One of t he cou nt ries it’s been losi ng out to am id all t he upheaval h appens to be Ind i a, whose leaders Mu sk left h ang i ng ju st over a week ago, c it i ng pressi ng i ssues for Tesla.

Mu sk’s t rip i s “pa r t of t he big-

ger pict ure of t he gover nment i n

Be iji ng and local gove r nments want i ng to be more open to foreign i nvestment,” sa id You C hu anman, head of t he C hi nese Un iversity of Hong Kong-Shenzhen’s IIA Cent re for Reg u lat ion and Global Governance. Fo r t h e gove r nment, t h e r e’s t he added bonu s of be i ng seen as welcom i ng to a prom i nent US

bu si ness ju st after President Joe Biden signed i nto law a bi ll t h at forces Ti kTok’s pa rent company to sell its stake or be banned f rom app stores. “T h at cou ld be considered a signal f rom Be iji ng of how d i fferent it i s for t he C hi nese gover nment side to accept or welcome fore ign i nvestors, whi le i n t he US it i s t he opposite,” You sa id. Red carpet

MUSK’S v i sit was i n some ways a ret ur n to a safe h aven. Tesla holds a u n iqu e pos it ion among C hi na’s most-favored fore i gn compan ies. It was t he f ir st i nte r nat ional ca r make r to ope rate w it hout h av i ng to for m a j oi nt vent ur e w it h a local manu fact ure r —an except ion not g r anted to t he l i kes of Volkswagen AG or Gene r al Motor s Co. T he app roval for t hi s a rr angement was fac i l itated by L i , t he for me r pa r ty c hief of S h ang h a i w ho i s now C hi na’s No. 2 off i c i al.

T h at red-ca r pet t reatment cont r asts w it h Tesla’s long-stand i ng i mpasse w it h Ind i a, whose t r ade and tax pol ic ies h ave been u nwelcom i ng to fo r e i gn ca r makers. Mu sk sa id i n 2022 t h at Tesla wou ldn’t set u p manu fact uri ng plants i n cou nt ries where t he company i sn’t allowed to f irst sell and ser v ice ve hicles.

Tesla’s t i es to Ind i a s h owed signs of st rengt hen i ng i n recent mont h s, w it h expectat ions bui ldi ng t h at Tesla may comm it about $2 bi ll ion to an EV plant, and t he gover nment lowering impor t taxes on ve hicles f rom fore ign ca r makers t h at pledge to i nvest i n local manu fact uri ng.

“China is the linchpin to anything Tesla wants to do. China is a must-have market in terms of vehicle sales, and India is a niceto-have,” said Tu Le, the managing director of consultancy Sino Auto Insights. “Bottom line: Tesla cannot achieve any of its ambitious future goals without continuing to be successful in the China market.”

B ut any s u c h annou ncement h as been put off. Mu sk sc r apped hi s v i sit to Ind i a a day before he was supposed to land, ju st as Ind i a’s elect ions were gett i ng u nderway. T he nat ion’s econom ic ri se i s core to Mod i ’s campa ign for a t hird ter m.

T he t rip to Be iji ng d rew t he ire of some prom i nent u sers of X , t he platfor m for merly known as Tw itter t h at Mu sk took over i n 2022.

Telev i s ion anc hor Su mant h Raman quest ioned why urgent work at Tesla kept Mu sk f rom v i sit i ng Ind i a, but d idn’t stop hi m f rom t r avel i ng to C hi na.

Mu sk’s postponed Ind i a t rip may reflect a c h ange i n st r ategy. T he CEO annou nced last week t h at Tesla was accelerat i ng new models t h at t he company w i ll produce on t he same manu fact uri ng l i nes as its c urrent l i neup. Analysts h ave spec u lated t hi s cou ld mean t he ca r maker w i ll f ur t her delay const ruct ion of a new factor y i n Mex ico, not to ment ion a plant i n Ind i a. ‘Nice-to-have’ FOREIGN automakers h ave h ad t rouble f i nd i ng long-ter m success i n t he world’s most popu lou s nat ion. Ford Motor Co. sa id i n 2022 t h at it was explori ng alter nat ives for its manu fact uri ng fac i l it ies i n Ind i a, a yea r after annou nci ng it wou ld cease mak i ng ca rs i n t he cou nt r y. Toyota Motor Cor p. sa id i n 2020 t h at it wou ldn’t expand f ur t her due to hig h ta ri ffs, t hou g h it’s si nce annou nced plans to make some EV components i n t he cou nt r y. Ind i an off ic i als a re hopef u l t hat Mu sk w i ll i nvest i n t he nea r f ut ure due to recent c h anges to EV pol ic ies, accord i ng to a person fam i l i a r w it h t he matter who asked not to be ident i f ied becau se t he d i sc u ssions a re private. Ult i mately, Mu sk’s dec i sion to v i sit C hi na u nderscores t he sense of urgency to get Tesla back on t r ack. EVs make up only a f r act ion of Ind i a’s ca r ma rket. In C hi na, approval for t he system Tesla ma rkets as Fu ll Self-D riv i ng may help t he company claw back some of t he ma rket sh a re it’s lost to domest ic manu fact urers led by BYD Co.

“C hi na i s t he l i nc hpi n to anyt hi ng Tesla wants to do. C hi na i s a mu st-h ave ma rket i n ter ms of ve hicle sales, and Ind i a i s a n iceto-h ave,” sa id Tu Le, t he manag i ng d irector of consu ltancy Si no Auto Insig hts. “Bottom l i ne: Tesla cannot ac hieve any of its ambit iou s f ut ure goals w it hout cont i nui ng to be successf u l in t he C hina ma rket.”

With assistance from Bhuma Shrivastava, Advait Palepu and Craig Trudell /Bloomberg

The world is on the edge

ADr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

CCORDING to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military expenditures have been rising since the Covid-19 pandemic, averaging over $2 trillion a year. In 2023, the total reached $2.5 trillion. Almost three-fourth of this amount—$1.8 trillion—is accounted for by the 10 biggest military spenders. This amount is more than four times the $443 billion debt service (principal and interest) that developing countries paid in 2023 per the World Bank’s International Debt Report. Imagine what total military spending worldwide could have done for humanity had this spending been channeled instead to sustainable climate mitigation programs or to enhanced social protection for all.

The 10 biggest militar y spenders are the United States ($916 billion), China ($296B), Russia ($109B), India ($83.6B), Saudi Arabia ($75.8B), United K ingdom ($74.9), Germany ($66.8), Ukraine ($64.8B), France ($61.3B) and Japan ($50.2B). In the case of Ukraine, its spending, represents 37 percent of its gross national expenditures. This was further increased by the direct assistance given by the United States (around $35 billion) and its European allies; hence, there is virtual parity in militar y spending by Russia and Ukraine. All t he big m i l ita r y spenders have been focusing on the development of more modern and more powerful weapons of mass destruction with increasing help from AI and with a lot of guidance from the militar y-industrial complex of these countries. The ever-growing pile of new and old weapons are more than enough to obliterate life on Planet Earth several times over And all this is happening while a large part of humanity is wallowing in poverty and many countries in the South are drowning in debt and facing endless climate change catastrophes.

Humanity is clearly on a perilous and uncertain journey for survival. The huge militar y spending by countries around the world is fueled by wars and conflicts erupting around the world, in virtually all continents. Foremost among them are the big wars.

First, we have the US-led Nato and Russia engaged in a never-ending war in Ukraine, or what a US senator called as “forever war.” The two sides

are unable to sit down and negotiate a peaceful settlement, let alone declare a ceasefire.

American pol icy makers have been justifying the endless war in Uk raine as suppor t to American economy. President Joe Biden, in a televised address, declared: “W hen we use the money appropriated by Congress, we use it to replenish our own stocks, our own supplies of new equipment that protects America and is made in America.” He explained that most of the money allocated for militar y aid to Ukraine stays in the United States, particularly on jobs with American manufacturers. The latter include General Dynamics and other arms suppliers, who form the powerful militar y-industrial complex of America.

T he second big wa r is t he one waged by Israel. T he m i l ita r y campa ign of Netanya hu to w ipe out Hamas i n Palest i ne h as evolved into a v ir t u al genoc idal ter m inat ion of Palest in i an men, women and c hi ld ren (latest cou nt: 35,000 plus dead, mostly women and c hi ldren). T his Israel campaign, backed up by t he Un ited States and t he Un ited K i ngdom, h as now blossomed into a la rger confl ict w it h Iran, Sy ri a and Shiite m i l itants in t he Middle East. A fortnight ago, the world waited with bated breath over the outcomes of possibly violent Iran-Israel missile exchanges. Somehow, the two countries managed to reduce these into “demonstration” exchanges of drones and missiles that were blown up by the parties in the skies. None-

All the big military spenders have been focusing on the development of more modern and more powerful weapons of mass destruction with increasing help from AI and with a lot of guidance from the military-industrial complex of these countries. The ever-growing pile of new and old weapons are more than enough to obliterate life on Planet Earth several times over. And all this is happening while a large part of humanity is wallowing in poverty and many countries in the South are drowning in debt and facing endless climate change catastrophes.

theless, no one knows when a real and fier y armed conflagration between the two and their supporters in the region will erupt.

And now, we have the battle of the two hegemonic powers in Asia: the United States and China.

The United States, starting with t he adm i n i st rat ion of President Barack Obama, has openly declared a program of re-focusing American diplomatic and economic efforts in Asia to expressly counter China’s growing influence in the region. This is naturally opposed by an emergent and powerful China. However, the latter is unable to get the support of the Philippines and other Asian countries because of China’s aggressive grabbing of sea territories under its infamous 9-dash (now 10-dash) mapping of the seas around the China-Southeast Asia area.

In t he US-C hina confl ict, t he United States has been mobilizing t he suppor t of Japan, Austral ia, South Korea, New Zealand, India and a nu mber of nuclea r -a r med European countries. T here are no bombs or missiles being exploded yet in the US-China conflict, which is presently being fought loudest through media acoustics. However the war preparations on both sides are heavy.

The Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is increasingly seen as a flashpoint should any firing, accidental or not, happens. It is now seen as the major American partner in Southeast Asia.

Right now, an ongoing “Balikatan”

Weaker yen keeps Japanese tourists at home while visitors throng

By Supriya Singh and Akemi Terukina

ONCE renowned as avid overseas tourists, the Japanese are staying closer to home these days.

A weaker yen, high airfares and tepid wage growth are keeping outbound travel stuck well below pre-pandemic levels. Just 1.22 million ventured abroad in March, 36.8 percent less compared with the same period in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Meanwhile, a record number of tourists visited the island nation last month.

As Golden Week Japan’s annual string of national holidays gets under way this week, local travelers are opting for Kochi in the south Atami near Tokyo and other popular spots such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. In response, Japan A irlines Co. and ANA Holdings Inc. are allocating a big chunk of their seats to inbound travelers and profit-making regions with stronger demand. A recover y in outbound travel won’t happen until next year at the earliest, according to the government.

“It might be some time before I travel abroad again; it’s over priced now—food and ever ything,” said Tomoyo Shimoya, 39, who was celebrating her birthday at the Hatoya Hotel earlier this month because it was more affordable. An overnight stay with breakfast and dinner at the hotel, located a couple of hours from Tokyo, costs around ¥15,000 ($98) per person. That compares with an average of $375 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii Hatoya was a popular seaside des-

tination during Japan’s postwar economic boom. It’s now enjoying a rebound after being overshadowed by glitzier resorts at home and abroad.

“Keeping our old image intact is a good thing,” said Shigeru Haraguchi, president of Fuji Shoji Co., which operates Hatoya and sister property Sun Hatoya. His grandfather bought the property in 1945 when it was a r yokan—a traditional inn—from a magician who performed magic tricks with pigeons, which are called hato in Japanese. “We will continue to provide food and ser vices at just the right price and quality.”

Harag uchi expects Sun Hatoya’s occupation rate to be at 80 percent during the upcoming Golden Week holidays. With their architecture mostly the same since they were built in the 1970s, the Hatoya hotels have become popu lar destinations for Instag rammers seek ing retro v ibes, w ith banquet halls, dinner shows and an aquarium-equipped hot spring. Interest in local destinations has

(shoulder-to-shoulder) militar y exercise involving 17,000 plus soldiers (11,000 American, 5,000 Filipino and over 1,000 belonging to different nationalities) is taking place in the countr y. The US has positioned some rocket launchers in Northern Luzon, launchers which can release Tomahawk missiles capable of reaching major cities of China in an instant.

T he Philippines itself is now on the fast lane to moder nize its militar y by setting aside bigger budgetar y outlays for defense and getting militar y equipment assistance from the United States under a new US-Phi l ippi ne m i l ita r y compact. Is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emu lat i ng hi s fat her Ferd i nand Marcos Sr., who relied on the militar y in gover ning the countr y by citing the Communist insurgency as an excuse? Is the China threat then the excuse this time?

Meantime, there are troubling questions on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States, the recently-inked trilateral security agreement involving the United States, Japan and the Philippines, and the participation of Australian and soldiers of other countries in the US-led Balikatan exercises. Is the Philippines giving up its policy of pursuing an independent foreign policy” as mandated by the Constitution? Is the Philippines also giving up its commitment to keep the Philippine territor y free from nuclear weapons? Is the Philippines violating the Asean declarations on keeping the region as 1) a “zone of peace, freedom and neutrality,” 2) as a “nuclear-free zone” and 3) as a stockpile for “weapons of mass destruction”? Are the ongoing US-led Balikatan exercises not violations of the foregoing?

In the face of the above developments, what should we the people do?

To this writer the true battle is the battle for peace, social justice and sustainable development. These are the true solutions to conflicts and wars. This should be the focus of our leaders. We need a different Balikatan—a pro-people shoulder-toshoulder Balikatan for peace, social justice and sustainable development.

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo is a Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines. For comments, please write to reneofreneo@ gmail.com.

The lack of momentum in outbound travel is also reflected in the number of Japanese holding passports. Just 21.5 million, or 17 percent of the population, held passports as of December, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

translated into a recover y in Japanese travelers’ spending within the countr y to pre-pandemic levels, to ¥21.9 trillion in 2023 government data showed. Along with robust inbound demand, with a record 3.1 million tourists v isiting Japan in March that’s driving up hotel prices to levels that haven’t been seen in three decades.

T he ave r age da i ly room r ate last month was about ¥20,986, the highest level since August 1997 and almost 20 percent higher than the same period last year according to CoStar Group.

Although ANA and Japan Airlines posted solid results in the fiscal thirdquarter, they are at a risk of losing international market share, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Zhu Lackluster outbound travel “will likely constrain ANA and JAL’s profit potential this year with the duo needing to fight an uphill battle against foreign airlines for inbound visitors,” he said.

ANA is filling more seats on domestic routes during Golden Week, with the load factor up 3.8 percentage

points from a year earlier International flights showed a 0.9 point dip, according to reser vation data from Japan’s biggest airline. The lack of momentum in outbound travel is also reflected in the number of Japanese holding passports. Just 21.5 million, or 17 percent of the population, held passports as of December, according to the Ministr y of Foreign Affairs.

The government needs to urge people to get passports—some have called for lower fees and airlines have even offered to subsidize the costs—in order to encourage overseas travel, according to Masahiko Inada, director at the Japan Association of Travel Agents.

Event u ally, outbou nd tourism will recover with younger travelers v isit ing nea rby cou nt ries during the recent spring vacation period, according to Inada. Agencies “are already receiving bookings for autumn and year-end,” he said. “I hope the trend continues.”

Mitsuko Tottori chief executive officer of Japan A irlines, said last week t hat she’s worried younger people will venture less outside Japan because of the weaker yen. Koji Shibata, ANA’s CEO, also voiced similar concerns.

“We often discuss that the yen at the 130 level will be good,” Tottori said in a group inter view last week, before the yen slid to a fresh 34-year low of 156 to the dollar “It’s a big problem.” Bloomberg

PUV deadline: 10K drivers losing jobs on Labor Day

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

AS the Philippines commemorates the struggles of the working Filipino today, Tuesday, at least 10,000 jeepney drivers are losing their means to provide for their families.

The government remained firm on the deadline for industry consolidation on Monday, April 30, with about 10,000 operators failing to join cooperatives or corporations, thus losing their individual franchises to operate jeepney routes.  And should their drivers decide to continue operating their routes, they run the risk of being tagged as “colorum.”

On Tuesday, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz

III said the agency is “very, very confident” that it will hit “80 percent to 82 percent” consolidation rate nationwide by the end of the day, in an apparent bid to ease fears there won’t be enough PUVs on the road – a deadly scenario for workers who risk heat strokes in the extreme weather if they must spend so much time on the road waiting for a ride.

He cited an April 23 record that 150,179 units nationwide have already joined cooperatives, representing about 78.33 percent of the entire

national percentage.

“We are anticipating an increase [to] between 80 percent and about 82 percent. Case in point: right now, our regional offices are being flocked by these Doubting Thomases who thought the government will extend the consolidation or thought the Supreme Court will issue a TRO,” Guadiz said in a press briefing.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), consolidation rate should be at 60 percent today.

Guadiz confirmed that there are about 10,000 that have yet to consolidate as of writing time.

“Only about 10,000 will not be allowed to operate...with about 600 plus for Metro Manila. Unfortunately, they will now be considered as colorum,” he said.

Trimming the fat?

TRIMMING the supply of jeepneys is necessary, he said, claiming that a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) in 2016 suggests an oversupply of jeepneys on the road.

“The 10,000 [that will have to stop operations] will be considered as a transport crisis? The answer is no.

In an ideal setting in a jeepney modernization program, we really have to phase out some jeepneys, because there is an oversupply of jeepneyes in Metro Manila. We have an abun-

dant supply. There are other modes of transportation,” he said.

Guadiz clarified, however, that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is “not a jeepney phaseout.”

“It is an attempt to modernize our transport system to be on a par with other Southeast Asia countries—to cater to more passengers with fewer units,” he said. “We’re not removing the PUJs on the road, we are maintaining on the road those that joined the consolidation.”

Passenger Forum

HOWEVER, transport advocacy group

The Passenger Forum (TPF) Convener Primo Morillo questioned Guadiz’s statements.

“The 80 percent to 82 percent is pathetic—meaning 4/5th or one out of five will be removed from the road. We already have insufficient supply and now we’re still trimming it down? If we have an oversupply, Filipinos should be able to ride swiftly,” he said in a phone interview.

Transport group Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena is also puzzled by Guadiz’s claim of an oversupply in jeepneys.

“I can’t see the relevance because people find it hard to get a ride. If there’s an oversupply, why do they add more routes and units without removing some?” he said in a phone interview.

The chairman of Manibela, which joined a nationwide strike several times until Monday’s deadline, noted that their ranks can “modernize without consolidation.”

“If the government thinks that they want to arrest us and consider us colorum, it leaves a bad taste in our mouths and paints a bad picture of how this government removed our livelihood and affected our families negatively,” Valbuena said.

Due process

EFFECTIVELY, there are 10,000 franchises that will now be considered revoked. Drivers of revoked franchises that continue operating will be apprehended, but with due process.

The LTFRB will provide stickers as markers for consolidated units. Those found to have been operating without these stickers will be issued a show-cause order, with operators facing P50,000 in fines.

“Technically, those who did not join the industry consolidation of the jeepney modernization program have already lost their franchise. If you don’t have franchise, that means you are colorum and if you operate, you are susceptible to being apprehended,” he said. “If you don’t have a franchise, you will not have an alibi for going on the streets. So we can quickly resolve this.”

See “PUV,” A

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

WITH less than 1 percent of the country’s registered vehicles being electric-powered, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to fast-track the implementation of measures to promote e-vehicle use.

In a press briefing in Malacañ ang, DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella reported that of the 14.3 million registered vehicles nationwide, only 0.001 percent or 7,000 are e-vehicles.

He said the President wants to increase the e-vehicle penetration in the country by encouraging government and public and fleet procurement through the necessary infrastructure support and financing incentive.

“So there are those concerns that the President wants us to focus on. And not only the fleet, not only the financing, but it’s also the infrastructure where those electric vehicle charging stations will be placed,” Fuentebella said.

Long-term savings

FOR financing, he said they hope the long-term savings from using e-vehicles will help encourage its potential users.

When used for public utility vehicles (PUV), e-vehicles can lead to P2.4 million savings over a 15-year period for operating cost.

Battery-electric vehicles also

have the best average estimated fuel economy at P1.71 compared to P5 for gasoline, P11 for diesel, and P3.50 for hybrid.

However, Fuentebella said, interested buyers for e-vehicles must bear a 20 to 50 percent higher upfront cost compared to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).

DOE is hopeful the reduced import tariff under Executive Order No. 12, excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Discount of 30 percent for BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) for eight years will still be encouraged to buy e-vehicles despite the higher upfront cost.

Infrastructure support FUENTEBELLA said they are also working to increase the number of the fewer than 100 charging stations nationwide.

Under the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act, he said condos and malls should put up a certain number of units for charging stations.

DOE is also encouraging Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations to put up charging stations.

Fuentebella stressed the importance of the charging stations to mainstreaming the use of e-vehicles.

See “E-Vehicle,” A

DepEd pitches ‘aggressive’ SY ending on extreme heat

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HE Department of Education

T(DepEd) on Tuesday revealed that they submitted a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos  Jr., proposing the “aggressive” ending of school year (SY)  2024-2025 by March 2025.

At the Committee on Basic Education’s hearing on the effects of extreme heat on class conduct and the shift to alternative delivery modes (ADMs), DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas told the Senate panel that the “aggressive” ending of SY 2025 is one of the options that the department is looking into following a clamor to revert immediately to the April-May school break to protect learners from scorching heat.

“The department has already sub-

mitted a letter to the Office of the President presenting other options, including a more aggressive alternative of ending SY 2024-2025 in March 2025,” Bringas said. A teachers’ group welcomed the proposal of DepEd.

“Ang tugon ng DepEd ay lub o s na ikinatuwa ng TDC dahil, mas mapapaaga pa ito. Sa halip na May o 16 na siyang orihinal na plan o, ay tatapusin uman o ang SY 2024-2025 ng Mars o at mayroon lamang 165 days,” said TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas, who was also present during the hearing, in a statement.

[The DepEd’s response pleases the TDC because it will hasten the end of the schoolyear. Instead of May 16 as originally planned, the SY 2024-2025 will end in March, and there will only be 165 days].

Although the “aggressive” ending of SY 2025 is not yet final, pending

the approval of the President, Basas said that they are thankful that the DepEd heeded their call.

“Nagpapasalamat na ang TDC dahil pinakinggang uman o ng DepEd ang hinaing ng mga magulang, mag-aaral at mga guro  [TDC is thankful that DepEd herd the pleas of parents, students and teachers],” he said.

Committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said that the hearing on Tuesday aims to look for solutions to protect teachers and learners as temperatures reach dangerous levels. Teaching and learning should continue in every situation,” Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Tolentino underscored the need for academic institutions to come up with short-term solutions that would enable learners to continue their studies without subjecting them to disadvantageous conditions brought about by the El Ni ño phenomenon.

“It’s not for the principals, no offense, to decide whether a Grade

“DepEd,” A

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

DMCI: Synergies will allow Cemex to post gains in ’25

By VG Cabuag @villygc

ENGINEERING conglomerate

DMCI Holdings Inc. said the turnaround of Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. may happen next year due to its ongoing expansion and the synergies provided by the businesses controlled by the Consunji Group.

“W hile cement demand is currently soft, we expect it to rebound as our turnaround plan progresses, supported by the ‘Build Better More’ program and the anticipated easing of interest rates next year,” DMCI Chairman and President Isidro A. Consunji said.

Cemex is the countr y’s fourthlargest cement manufacturer It reported losses of P1 billion in 2022 and another P2 billion last year, primarily attributed to escalating costs and reduced sales volumes.

The company, however is in the process of constructing a 1.5-million-ton integrated cement production line at its Solid Plant in Antipolo, R izal.

T hi s expans ion w

t he company’s cement produ ct ion capac ity i n L u zon. It w i ll also boost Cemex’s ove r all i nstalled annu al product ion capac ity by 26 pe rcent to 7.2 m i ll ion tons f rom 5.7 m i ll ion tons.

The new cement production line is scheduled to commence operations

by September

DMCI said it anticipates power, fuel and other production supplies costs, which represent 73 percent of Cemex’s cost of sales in 2023 to ease due to “normalizing market prices” and the transition to a more affordable energy supplier, Semirara Mining and Power Cor p.

Administrative and selling expenses, which accounted for 52 percent of last year’s operating expenses, are expected to decline from talent and bu si ness process onshori ng initiatives, following the exit of its Mexican owners.

Semirara Mining expects a significant increase in its coal sales to Cemex, estimating a 227-percent rise to 500,000 metric tons (MT) annually compared to 2024 levels.

In addition to coal, the energy company can also supply Cemex w ith 50 megawatts of electricity and fly ash

Based on historical consumption patterns, DMCI and DMCI Homes are estimated to source around 400,000 MT of cement from Cemex.

This volume has the potential to

expand further subject to growth in DMCI’s order book and a recover y in DMCI Homes’ project launches, the company said.

Last week, the Consunji Group signed a purchase agreement with Cemex Asia B.V. to acquire its 42.14 million common shares in Cemex Asian South East Cor p. (CASEC) for $305.6 million.

CASEC is majority shareholder of Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP), holding 89.86 percent of its outstanding capital stock.

“T hrough t his ag reement and subject to the satisfaction of various pre-closing conditions, the buyers would become the 89.86 percent indirect shareholder of CHP upon closing,” it said.

DMCI Holdings, the listed holding firm of the Consunji Group, is set to acquire a 56.75 percent stake in CASEC, comprising 23.91 million shares, while Dacon Corp., will secure 32.12 percent of the shares, totaling 13.53 million shares.

Semirara Mining will purchase the remaining 11.13 percent or 4.68 million shares.

TQE to build $1-B gas plant in Quezon

TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura

HERMA Quezon Energy Inc.

(TQE), a subsidiar y of Aboitiz Power Corp., plans to develop a $1-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 1,310 megawatts (MW).

Dubbed as Pagbilao 4 and 5 LNGto-Power Project, TQE is ta rget ing to sta r t t he commerc i al operat ion of t he ter m inal in t he f irst qu a rter of 2028.

“Therma Quezon Energy Inc. is proposing to develop, construct and operate two power blocks in Pagbilao, Quezon, to be comprised of two power blocks that will utilize LNG in a combined cycle gas turbine [CCGT] to produce a combined 1,310MW of gross power output from both blocks,” the company said in a filing with the Environmental Management Bureau

Once the env ironmental compliance certificate is issued for the project, TQE will proceed with the detailed engineering. Construction could be completed in 2028.

“The initial estimated capital expenditure for this project covering LNG terminal and CCPP development is approximately $1 billion. This amount is subject to change until further details about the project is determined and progressed,” TQE said.

The LNG to be used for the proposed project will be delivered to

a floating storage unit (FSU) and onshore buffer tank, which will be regasified and transported to the power plant.

The LNG terminal will send out natural gas to the new proposed combined cycle power plant (CCPP) which w ill be located adjacent to the facility, on the south, while the existing coal-fired Pagbilao Power Plant 1, 2, 3 is located southeast of the proposed new facility.

Therma Luzon Inc. (TLI), another subsidiar y of AboitizPower, is the independent private power administrator (IPPA) for Pagbilao 1 and 2 and holds a 50-percent ownership stake in Pagbilao 3

TQE said the proposed CCPP and LNG terminal aligns with the evolving energy trends globally to phaseout coal or other hydrocarbons such as diesel oil or condensate.

“Using LNG for power generation and the construction of this LNG terminal and CCPP is a strategic choice and an important step towards the cleaner energy future of the Philippines,” it said.

Pagbilao 4 and 5, it added, will be beneficial to the env ironment as natural gas is cleaner and more env ironmental friendly compared to other fossil fuels. LNG produces relatively lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to an improved air quality.

“Coal is no longer considered for Pagbilao 4 and 5 in support of cleaner fuel, hence only natural gas (in the form of LNG) is considered,” it said.

Initially, LNG can be imported from the Middle East and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. TQE said it will consider alternatives sources during detailed engineering.

Separately, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI), the renewable energy (RE) arm of Aboitiz Power, announced Tuesday the timely inclusion of the 159MW peak (MWp) Laoag Solar Power Plant in Aguilar Pangasinan to help provide additional capacity and help minimize grid strain.

“Toget he r w it h t he 94 MWp Cayanga-B u gallon Sola r Powe r fac i l ity—also b ui lt on slop i ng, non-ag ric u lt ural land in Pangasinan and energ i zed last October 2023 —bot h sola r projects w i ll accou nt for about 200 MW of total sellable capac ity t h at w i ll event ually cont ribute muc h-needed elect ric ity to t he g rid.

We are eager to contribute to our countr y’s journey toward energy security, especially during these challenging times,” said ARI President Jimmy Villaroman.

Following these solar power projects, the 17-MW Tiwi Binar y Geothermal Power Plant will also come online within the second quarter of this year Co-located with the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant in Albay, the binar y plant har vests residual heat from the hot brine side of the geothermal production process, other wise unutilized before reinjecting back to the earth to produce more electricity.

AirAsia hires more pilots amid travel boom

BUDGET carrier AirAsia Philippines has conducted a one-day mass pilot recruitment event, underscoring the crucial role of pilots in the aviation sector

According to A irAsia Philippines CEO R icky Isla, the mass-recruitment event was held in commemoration of the World Pilots Day, noting that it aims to address the growing demand for travel while providing opportunities for aspiring pilots.

“Opportunities for pilots have been limited over recent times,

ENERGY Development Cor p. (EDC) was recogn i zed for its env ironmental, soc i al and gover nance (ESG) pract ices by its shareholder, Macquarie Asset Management (MAM).

T h e Lopez-led f ir m was bestowed an ESG Leade r s hi p Excellence Awa rd for Soc i al Impact during MAM’s Asi a Pac if ic Asset Leadership Foru m. EDC was c ited for its exemplar y cor porate soc i al responsibi l ity (CSR) prog rams, whic h h ave been benef it ing its 121 pa r tner commun it ies and t he env ironment since the company started operating over 48 yea rs ago. “We included a categor y for soc i al impact for t he f irst t ime to recogn i ze how cor por ate soc i al respons ibi l ity [CSR] was i mplemented to d rive better and more susta inable commerc i al outcomes for our por tfol io compan ies’ businesses,” sa id MAM Sen ior V ice President and A PAC Susta

commu n it ies, MAM has been commend ing its por tfol io companies in Asia Pac if ic t hat have demonst rated, outcome-oriented excellence in workplace healt h and safety and sustainability in their respect ive cou nt ries and indust ries.

EDC’s

look for ward to,” Isla added. Currently, A irAsia Phi l ippines employs 138 Captains and 116 First Officers. Isla added that as Labor Day approaches, AirAsia Philippines aims to recognize the contributions of its more than 2,000 employees, who play a pivotal role in ensuring flight safety and operational excellence.

“As pa r t of our value to ‘make a d ifference’ here at A irAsi a, we rema in ded icated to connect ing people, places, and passions—st riv ing to create an impact in the industr y,” Isla added. Lorenz S. Marasigan

tion Group, there’s so much more to

Microinsurers’ collections rose 17.35%

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE national government only raised P94.734 billion this April, falling short of its borrowing target of P150 billion from the tender of long-term government securities as investors did not relent from high asking yields.

The Bureau of the Treasur y (BTr) made a full and partial award as well as a full rejection of bids for Treasur y bonds (T-bonds) this month

T he Treasur y capped Apri l i n Tuesday’s auction by making a partial award of the reissued 20-year Tbonds on Tuesday’s auction, raising only P27.476 billion due to higher bid yields. With a remaining life of seven years and two months, the T-bonds fetched an average rate of 7.058 percent, higher than the comparable 7-year PHP BVAL yield at 6.94 percent as of April 29.

The average yield was also higher by 0.759 percent than the 6.299 percent previous 7-year T-bond auction yield on April 2.

Data from the Treasur y showed that offers made by investors for the yield ranged from a low of 6.900 percent to a high of 7.180 percent. According to the Treasury, the auction was 1.2 times oversubscribed as the total amount tendered reached P36.8 billion.

“With its decision, the Committee raised P27.5 billion out of the P30.0 billion offering, bringing the total outstanding volume for the series to P283 3 billion,” the Treasur y said in a statement after the auction. According to R izal Commercial Bank ing Cor p. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. R icafor t, the increase in average auction y ield is due to high US Treasur y y ields, which mostly posted among 5.5-mont h highs recently.

R icafort also pinned the “weaker peso exchange rate versus the US dollar among the weakest in 17 and a half months that could lead to higher importation costs that could lead to some pick up in inflation.”

Most of these, the RCBC executive said, was triggered by geopolitical risks, such as the Israel-Iran tensions and China’s water cannon incidents on some Philippine ships recently. Last week, the government also made a partial award of the reissued 20-year T-bonds, raising P16.633 billion out of the P30 billion programmed amount. Reine Juvierre Alberto By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Bank of Commerce (Bancom), an affiliate of conglomerate San Mig uel Cor p., announced last Tuesday it has star ted the public offer of its peso bond issuance with a minimum size of P5 billion with an oversubscription option.

T he bonds represent t he second t r anc he of t he lender ’s P20-bi ll ion bonds prog r am. T he Series B Bonds h as a tenor of 1.5

THE microinsurance industry collected over P13 billion in 2023, up by 17.35 percent yearon-year, as more low-income Filipinos and households protect their lives and hard-earned assets with a reasonable amount of insurance products.

The Insurance Commission (IC) said last Tuesday that total premiums collected under microinsurance policies reached P13.54 billion last

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

DOMESTIC claims of other financial corporations (OFCs) again posted double-dig it growth in the last quarter of 2023, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The data showed other financial cor porations’ domestic claims grew 15 percent in the last quarter of 2023 from 17.8 percent in the third quarter of 2023

Based on the data, this is the fourth consecutive quarter when it posted a double digit growth but was the slowest since the first quarter

“T he growth is attributable to the rise in the sector’s claims on the central government, the private sector and the depositor y cor porations. In particular, the sector’s claims on the central government expanded on account of higher holdings of government- issued debt securities,” BSP said.

“Moreover, the other financial cor porations’ claims on the private sector rose as its investments in equity shares issued by the other nonfinancial corporations and loans extended to the household sector grew,” it added.

Based on the data, net claims on central government increased 21.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, faster than the 15.1 percent posted in the third quarter of 2023

This was followed by claims on depositor y cor porations, which posted a growth of 20 percent. However, this was significantly lower than the 40.4 percent posted in the third

bi ll ion it repor ted i n t

iou s yea r, and considered t he hig hest g rowt h r ate posted by a l i sted Phi l ippi ne bank for t he yea r At t he end of 2023, ret ur n on equity stood at 9.52 percent, an i mprovement f rom t he prev iou s yea r ’s 7.01 percent and more t h an double t he bank’s I PO prospect u s ROE of 4.22 percent. T he bank’s record hig h prof it was backed by g rowt h i n its core lend i ng bu si ness. Net i nterest i ncome was up by P1.61 bi ll ion or 24 percent yea r -on-yea r Growt h was reg i stered ac ross all lend i ng segments.

T he bank also saw g rowt h on its ser v ice c h a rges, fees and comm i ssions d riven by revenues f rom its i nvestment bank i ng, c red it ca rd, and t ru st bu si nesses. T he bank appoi nted ING Bank N.V., Man i la Br anc h and Phi l ippi ne Commerc i al Capital Inc. as joi nt lead a rr angers and joi nt bookru nners for t hi s i ssu ance.

BankCom i s also act i ng as a sell i ng agent for t he offeri ng, toget her w it h ING and PCC Capital.

quarter of 2023

Claims on other sectors, meanwhile, grew 9.7 percent in the last qu a r ter of 2023 But, BSP data showed, this was slower than the 10 percent posted in the third quarter last year

Meanwhile, domestic claims of the other financial corporations rose by 2.7 percent in the fourth 2023, slightly higher than the 2.1 percent growth quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) in the third quarter of 2023

The domestic claims of other financial corporations stood at P9.055 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2023 from P8.818 trillion in the third quarter of 2023 and P7.873 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2022.

BSP said the quarter-on-quarter growth in OFCs’ domestic claims stemmed from the rise in its claims on the other sectors, the central government and the depositor y corporations.

“T he ot her f i nanc i al cor porations’ claims on the other sectors, particularly the private sector grew on account of the sector’s increased investments in equity shares issued by other nonfinancial cor porations and higher loans extended to households,” BSP said.

“The sector’s claims on the central government increased as its holdings of government-issued debt securities rose. Similarly, the sector’s claims on the depositor y cor porations grew owing to its higher holdings of bankissued debt securities and deposits with the banks,” it added.

The data also showed net foreign assets of the sector climbed at

Infrastructure

LET us be minded, if there is one good news about the government (I hear and read too many bad news items), it is the relentless pursuit of building and reinforcing infrastructure projects around the countr y. Its build, build more program augurs well for establishing the foundation for future economic growth For where infrastructure goes, economic activity follows.

W hen we talk of inf rast ruct ure, we refer pa r t ic u la rly to four sectors: energy or power; t ransportat ion; telecommu n icat ions; and water and san itat ion. Investments in t hese sectors a re almost always big t icket items and h ave been pursued t hrough publ ic sector f inancing, e.g. tax and non-tax revenue, publ ic bond f inanc ing, borrow ings, off ic i al development assistance and g rants.

T he magn it ude of t he need for inf rast ruct ure f inanc ing, however, requires private sector f inanc ing whic h is t he inf rast ruct ure investment gap desired to be f i lled up. To put t his inf rast ruct ure investment gap in context, I sh a re w it h you por t ions of t he presentat ion by ADB Spec i al In it i at ives and Fu nds Director Ad ri an Torres at a recent t ra in ing workshop co-sponsored by t he Assoc i at ion of Cred it Rat ing Agenc ies in Asi a and t he Capital Ma rkets Development Fou ndat ion Inc. last Apri l 18 to

a slightly higher rate of 48 percent year on year in the last three months of 2023 from the 47.6 percent year on year growth posted in the third quarter of 2023

The BSP noted that the growth in the sector’s other liabilities is due to the rise in its shares and other equity issuances and insurance technical reser ves.

The net foreign assets of OFCs climbed by 4.8 percent on a quarterly basis to P388.7 billion from P370.9 billion as the sector’s investment in nonresident-issued debt securities expanded, lower than the 6.4 percent upturn posted in the third quarter of 2023

The BSP said the sector’s other liabilities rose mainly on account of the increase in its shares and other equity issuances and insurance technical reser ves.

The OFCs Sur vey is a comprehensive measure of the claims and liabilities of these entities other than the central bank and depositor y corporations. OFCs refer to institutional units providing financial ser vices other than banks, non-banks with quasi-banking functions, non-stock savings and loan associations and the central bank.

These institutional units are comprised of non-money market funds of trust institutions, trust corporations and investment companies, private and public insurance cor porations, hold ing companies, gover nmentowned or -controlled cor porations engaged in financial intermediation and other financial intermediaries and au xiliaries.

Apri l 19, 2024:

“Developing Asi a needs $26 t ri ll ion, or $1.7 t ri ll ion per yea r, for inf rast ruct ure investment in

“As a percentage of g ross domest ic product (GDP), investment needs across reg ions: Pac if ic—9.1 percent

Sout h Asi a—8.8 percent Cent ral Asi a—7.8 percent

Sout heast Asi a—5.7 percent East Asi a—5.2 percent.”

“In ter ms of sectors, power accounts for 56 percent of needed infrastructure investments w ith transpor t 32 percent, telecommunications 9 percent, and water and sanitation accounting for 3 percent.”

T he adverse consequences of cl imate c h ange—suc h as t he intense heat we’re experienc ing in t he cou nt r y right now—h as upped t he costs of m it igat ing cl imate c hange and cl imate inf rast ruct ure investments. For Asi a and t he Pac if ic, t hese a re “est imated at $200 bi ll ion per yea r, la rgely needed for investments in t he power sector (renewable energy, sma r t g rids and energy eff ic iency).” For example, t he basel ine est imate of investment needs for power (2016-2030) was $11.69 t ri ll ion.

CHRO, Sirega r w i ll sh a re hi s decade of leade r s hip expe rience spann i ng banking, technology and insurance. He prev iously ser ved as the head of Human Resources for Manu life Business Processing Ser v ices in the Philippines and as Manu life Indonesia’s CHRO. As par t of Manu life’s senior leadership team, Siregar w ill have a key role driv ing Manu life’s c u lt ure, talent st rategy and employee engagement; enhancing its talent acquisition and retention; and strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

Cl imate-adjusted est imates h ave inc reased to $14.73 t ri ll ion. Cl imate c h ange indeed w reaks f inanc i al h avoc. Torres points to a “st rong need for pol icy refor ms” and t his is where t he reader of t his a r t icle— presu mably a serious refor m-m inded advocate in t he business commu n ity—can look for t he opport u n ity to pa r t ic ipate in somehow, someway, advanc ing any of t hese pol icy refor ms. Torres makes t hese proposals: “Pol icy c h anges h ave to be made to bridge t he inf rast ruct ure gap and w iden t he f inanc ing sources: publ ic f inance refor ms to w iden t he f iscal space explorat ion of innovat ive f inanc ing met hods suc h as inf rast ruct ure bonds inst it ut ional and reg u lator y refor ms suc h as enabl ing env ironment for PPPs deepen i ng of t h e r eg i on’s bond ma r kets to u nlock longte r m f u nd i ng by i nst i t u t i onal i nvesto r s encourag ing

Santiago F. Dumlao Jr.

Show BusinessMirror

MR. TANTRUM

WHO is the celebrity who threw a mini tantrum during the launch of a line of products he is endorsing he sta f of the company as ed the celebrity to do something that was part of his contract anyway He refused and ga e the sta f member a piece of his mind. He had a point because he and everyone else was busy but he didn t need to castigate the sta f member who was just following orders. The celebrity is notorious for being a bully. He and his posse are nown for being bullies. He is powerful right now because his name is associated with big celebrities who have a lot of industry clout.

PAYING FOR IT

HOW true is the rumor that the comedian is cheating on her husband with a male model? She isn’t just cheating, but she’s also paying for it. The model is allegedly charging the comedian for every step the relationship ta es. or e ample, if he has to ta e o f his clothes, she would have to pay a speci ic amount. Anything beyond that is also subject for payment. If all this is true, it’s very strange behavior for the comedian who has always been nown to be a faithful wife and partner. Her e es have cheated on her but she was never reported to have cheated on them. This is the irst time that she has been named in cheating allegations.

SEPARATED

ALTHOUGH they have been spotted together recently, the businesswoman and her husband are said to be separated. According to the grapevine, the businesswoman has had enough of her husband’s controlling ways. or instance, he chooses what she will wear. He chooses what furniture they should or shouldn’t buy. The couple still live together because the businesswoman’s family doesn’t want to roc the boat. Compared to the guy, the businesswoman has more money and power. Her family told her to hang in there until a solution that will wor for them both can be found. The businesswoman has told her friends that she no longer loves her husband and would rather be a single mom.

HER REAL PERSONALITY

WHICH broadcast personality was spotted publicly castigating her assistant because of a mista e the latter made? It was embarrassing for people around to watch as she was cussing at the assistant who was trying to e plain what happened. The broadcast personality is nown for her amiable personality so it was a big shoc who witnessed that incident. When she was still actively wor ing, the broadcast personality was already nown for being nice only to those on her level or higher in ran

LEADING broadcast company GMA Network clinched the 15th spot in the Tubular Leaderboard Worldwide Rankings in March 2024, making it the highest-ranking media company in Southeast Asia. The list boasts of global content powerhouses, such as Walt Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros., Moonbug (Cocomelon), and Sony Pictures. For the same period, GMA’s consolidated data from its official

Nicole

Kidman,

who ‘makes movies better,’ gets AFI

Life Achievement Award

The Associated Press

LOS A G L S organ reeman spo e the words, but pretty much everyone who too the stage at the presentation of the A I Life Achievement Award agreed: “Nicole Kidman. She ma es movies better.

The line came in a video parody of Kidman’s AMC Theatres “we ma e movies better ad that opened the Saturday night ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. It got huge laughs from the crowd of multigenerational A-listers there to honor the 40-year career of the 56-year-old Australian that has included roles in Moulin Rouge, Eyes Wide Shut and an Oscarwinning turn in The Hours

Meryl Streep, Kidman’s The Hours costar who presented to Streep the Life Achievement Award that she won herself in 2004, got laughs nearly as big when, in a moc -boastful voice, she described the hardest part of being “incessantly called the greatest actress of my generation.

It’s when you come up against someone else who is “really, really, really, really, really, really great and you realize they did things you couldn’t do, as happened with Kidman the irst day they wor ed together on the HBO series Big Little Lies, Streep said.

Streep and their Big Little Lies costar Reese Witherspoon both did spot-on, Australian-accented impressions of Kidman that had the audience in stitches. Streep also drew tears from Kidman when describing what she believed motivated her.

“People call it bravery when an actress bares all and leaps o f into the un nown and she dives deep into the dar er parts of what it is to be a human being, Streep said. “But I don’t thin it’s bravery. I thin it’s love. I thin she just loves it.

News and Entertainment accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube amassed 3,578,640,774 video views, ahead of ABSCBN’s 2,450,406,260. On Facebook, GMA tallied 2,012,720,557 video views, while ABS-CBN registered 1,155,212,390. On TikTok, the network reached 857,054,658 views over ABS-CBN’s 541,692,980. On YouTube, it recorded 708,865,559 video views.

Kidman teared up for the irst time in the evening when her husband and fellow Australian, singer Keith Urban, said she showed him “what love in action really loo s li e when his substance abuse problems emerged almost immediately a ter they wed in 2006. our months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months, Urban said, loo ing at Kidman where she sat on a dais with their two daughters and other family. “Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are years later.

Kidman said the night was the irst time she allowed their teenage daughters to join her on a red carpet. She also has two children with her irst husband, Tom Cruise. She accepted the A I award in the same venue where she accepted her Oscar in 2003 for playing Virginia Woolf in The Hours. She than ed by name every director she has wor ed with, including Stanley Kubric , ane Campion, Baz Luhrmann, So ia Coppola, orgos Lanthimos, Sydney Pollac and Lars von Trier.

“It is a privilege to ma e ilms. And glorious to have made ilms and television with these storytellers who allowed me to run wild and be free and play all of these unconventional women, Kidman said, wearing a loor-length, glittering-gold gown. “Than you for ma ing me better at my cra t and giving me a place, however temporary, in this world.

Previous A I winners include Orson Welles, Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcoc , Gene Kelly, Sidney Poitier, Barbara Streisand, Tom Han s, Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington and ulie Andrews. The ceremony originally was scheduled for une of 2023, but delayed because of Hollywood’s stri es. It will air on TNT on une Others honoring her included Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Zoe Saldana and Mi e Myers.

Data from Tubular also showed impressive numbers for GMA’s socialmedia accounts aggregated across its official pages on News, Entertainment, Public Affairs, and other operating business segments, with a cumulative total of more than 395 million subscribers/followers as of March 2024. Besides social media, netizens also tuned in to www.gmanetwork.com for the latest news and entertainment updates,

resulting in a total of 130 million page views from 25.8 million users year-to-date as of March 31, 2024, according to Google Analytics. The strong performance of the network’s online portal has consistently placed it among Similarweb’s Top Sites in the Philippines.

More information is available at the network’s website and official social-media accounts on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

Size

Distance

Negotiate

Put your energy where it counts, and educate yourself before meetings that can influence your reputation, position or goals. A partnership appears problematic if you are trusting or eager to please.

Everything will flawlessly flow if you leave well enough alone and proceed with a positive attitude. Concentrate on learning, expanding your skills and making updates that ensure you take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

You don’t have to spend to have fun. Use your imagination to implement a plan that includes someone you enjoy being around. An activity that prompts a lifestyle change or home improvement will encourage you to pursue your dreams. Stop procrastinating.

Learn from the experience, but refrain from buying into someone else’s dream. Let what you discover pique your imagination, and you’ll find the path that offers positive change, opportunities and new beginnings. Romance is on the rise.

Pay attention and make revisions, and you’ll lower your overhead. Home improvements you can do yourself will save you a bundle. Show patience with others; you’ll receive respect and support when needed.

Make home your comfort zone. Rid yourself of complications. An emotional issue will substantially grow if you don’t act fast. Get together with friends or colleagues who challenge and spark your imagination. The outcome of a conversation will take you on a worthwhile adventure. Romance is prominent.

A transformation is in order, but first, ask questions, learn and be sure that whatever you do is for the right reason. Don’t follow someone else or allow anyone to manipulate what you do next.

Dig in and get things done. Don’t let money slip through your fingers. You can’t buy love and shouldn’t make a habit of paying for others. Your stability and security stem from changing situations that aren’t ideal.

You are emotional, stubborn and innovative. You are thorough and persuasive.

HONOREE Nicole Kidman addresses the audience during the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to her on April 27, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. AP

Image BusinessMirror

New coffee table book reflects evolution and future of architecture

AFTER 18 years of original, innovative, and forwardthinking design solutions, award-winning architecture firm Buensalido + Architects ushers in a new chapter as Barchan + Architecture, marking the milestone with the launch of a limited-edition coffee table book Shifting Sands.

Founded in 2006 by Arch. Jason Buensalido, Buensalido + Architects made its mark on the local architecture landscape with its dedication to introducing fresh, bold, and innovative concepts to the Philippine design setting. This commitment is evident in its range of projects including the vibrant CIIT Philippines campus, the inventive Project Smarthome, among many others.

“We’re proud of what we did at Buensalido + Architects, and since 2006, with the support of our partners, architects and clients, we have grown into a structured architectural design collective,” Buensalido says.

“With plans to continue to push the envelope here at home and take on projects beyond the Philippines, we embrace a new name.”

The firm’s new name comes from the word “barchan,” a crescent-shaped dune found in deserts. Barchans exist without consuming natural resources, letting themselves be shaped by nature.

“The barchan symbolizes our belief in architecture shaped by context. Like barchans, our designs tell stories of nature and human aspiration, preserving memories and enabling new legacies,” Buensalido explains.

The firm reveals its new coffee table book Shifting Sands to mark the company’s new identity and design philosophy, serving as a testament to past achievements and challenges, and symbolizing a collective step forward.

Written by Edson Cabalfin and designed by branding firm Design for Tomorrow, the book offers a deep dive into Barchan Architecture’s embrace of authenticity, altruism, aspiration and advancement.

Through vivid imagery and insightful narratives, the book demonstrates how the firm’s projects embody and exemplify each of these principles, resonating with anyone no matter their background.

This new chapter showcases how the firm’s design practices have evolved into a team effort. Together with Barchan’s key management (vice president of admin, finance, and culture Arch. Nikki Boncan-Buensalido, vice president of operations and associate architect Ems Eliseo, associate architect for design and lead project Arch. Jerome Bautista, and associate architect for culture and lead project Arch. Cholo Ramirez), the firm shares that it has adopted a more mature design practice that will explore new ways to express culture in architecture and improve lives through design.

“This book embodies our new identity as Barchan and serves as a reflection on past achievements and challenges, representing a step forward for all of us together. It reaffirms our commitment to addressing Filipino identity in architecture amid evolving projects and clients,” Eliseo shares.

A copy of Shifting Sands is available by emailing barchan.inc@gmail.com. More information about Barchan Architecture can be found at www.barchan.com.ph/home/.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Discovering the best leadership style for you

WHILE I was mentoring aspiring managers, I was particularly struck by the idea that leadership is a blend of art and science. Indeed, leadership can be cultivated through learning, but it also involves understanding what strategies are e fective for the speci ic team you are leading. ust as individuals have unique strengths, values and personalities, so too should your leadership style re lect those di ferences. Finding the best leadership approach for you requires re lection and self-awareness. By identifying your strengths, preferences and the needs of your team and your organization, you can discover the most e fective leadership style that works for you.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the various leadership styles because there are various leadership styles to consider. Autocratic leadership involves the leader making decisions for the team with minimal input from team members.

In contrast, democratic leadership entails team participation in decision-making, thus promoting collaboration within the team. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams toward a shared vision. Transactional leaders give rewards based on performance. Servant leaders prioritize their team’s needs, emphasizing empathy and collaboration. Understanding these leadership styles helps identify your own approach and evaluate which style best suits your team’s needs.

In identifying your own leadership style, re lect on

your strengths, weaknesses and natural inclinations. Ask yourself questions like: Am I more analytical or empathetic? Do I excel at strategic planning or relationship-building? Do I work well with others, or do I prefer to work alone? Listing your answers to these questions will help you have an accurate inventory of your skills and identify what skills need to be improved to e fectively manage your team. Understanding your innate abilities will guide you toward a leadership style that leverages your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses.

Aside from self-re lection, ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or team members about your leadership style. Understand how others perceive your strengths and areas for improvement because their insights can provide valuable information on which leadership style suits you best. Avoid comparing your leadership style with others because the best leadership style largely depends on your team’s needs and dynamics. The best leadership style o ten depends on the situation. Analyze the context in which you lead. Factors to consider include the size of your team, organizational culture, urgency of tasks, and the level of expertise of team members. For example, a small group might bene it from a more lexible and collaborative leadership approach compared to a traditional corporate setting where decisions are handed down from senior management to the rankand- ile. There are also days when you have to be autocratic, and there are days when you need to allow your team to experiment and collaborate to arrive at the best solutions. You also need to consider the needs and preferences of your team members. Some teams thrive under a visionary leader who provides clear direction, while others prefer a leader who fosters open communication and collaboration. Familiarize yourself with the various personalities within your team and what motivates them. This way, you can adapt your leadership style to meet speci ic team needs to enhance their performance and morale.

The costs of workplace violence are too high to ignore

Florida International University

VIOLENCE and harassment on the job are all too common: More than 1 in 5 workers worldwide have experienced it, according to the International Labor Organization, with women slightly more likely to be a fected than men. In the US, more than 2 million workers face violence on the job each year—and those are just the cases that get reported.

The e fects of workplace violence are profound, including physical and emotional su fering, destroyed careers and harm to companies and society. And it comes at a remarkable economic price. Although estimates di fer, researchers have put the cost of workplace violence at as much as US$56 billion annually—and that’s likely an undercount.

As a professor who researches tourism, a ield in which workers are o ten mistreated, I’m all too aware of the dangers of violence and harassment. In this article, I’ll be following the International Labor Organization’s Convention No. 1 0, which de ines “violence and harassment” together as acts that “result in, or are likely to result in, physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm.”

SERVICE WORKERS ARE AT RISK NO industry is free of violence, but the problem

is prevalent in the service sector. For example, in 2021, 10,4 0 violent crimes were reported in US restaurants. Up to 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men working in this ield reportedly encounter some form of sexual harassment.

Similarly, a survey by the AFL-CIO found that 53 percent of hotel workers had experienced harassment on the job. From 201 to 2020, the number of assaults in grocery stores rose 63 percent, while assaults in convenience stores rose 75 percent. Meanwhile, 3 in 4 health care workers report exposure to workplace violence. At the same time, men of color and women of all races, who are at elevated risk of having already experienced discrimination, are overrepresented among service industry employees. These are the people who stand to bene it the most from a cultural change around workplace violence.

COMPANIES FAIL TO PRIORITIZE SAFETY

A 2001 poll of executives by the insurance company Liberty Mutual showed that, on average, for every dollar invested in improving workplace safety, approximately $3 or more is saved. The potential for cost savings was made clear in another Liberty Mutual report published about two decades later. It found that on-the-job violence cost the health and social services sector nearly half a billion dollars in 2022 alone. Despite this fact, only about 30 percent

of businesses have established safety and health programs, according to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In other words, companies are willing to shell out billions of dollars to deal with the e fects of violence—lawsuits, insurance claims, sta f turnover and property damage—while failing to invest in prevention.

The good news is that violence is now recognized by OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a signi icant public health issue in many workplaces in the US. In many instances, industry and government are taking the issue seriously. But what can be done?

OPPORTUNITIES AND SOLUTIONS EXIST

SEVERAL big studieshave looked at the e fectiveness of variousinterventions against workplace violence. By implementing preventive measures such as training programs, e fective reporting systems and regular risk assessments, and by maintaining a healthy work environment, organizations can signi icantly reduce the threat of workplace violence. Research shows that a diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging lens in the workplace helps create a feeling of safety and con idence that fosters security. Many employees will have experienced forms of discrimination in varying degrees of

Understanding what your team needs will help you plan your team’s workload, lead them to complete their tasks, organize their deliverables, and monitor their progress e fectively. Also, do not be afraid to experiment with di ferent leadership styles. Start by incorporating elements of various styles into your leadership approach and see which one works or fails by observing how your team responds so you can adjust accordingly. Adaptability and an in-depth understanding of how your team works are key traits of e fective leaders. Knowing your leadership style is valuable, but it is most e fective when complemented by what works best for your team. Regularly assess your leadership style and its impact. Re lect on what is working well and what can be improved.

In all of these, ensure that your leadership style aligns with your personal values and ethical principles. Authenticity plays a crucial role in e fective leadership. Being authentic means leading in a manner consistent with your values that will develop trust and respect among your team members.

Everyone in your team needs to understand that you can create a safe space for them to be nurtured and unleash their potential, as well as o fer support when they make mistakes. When they truly believe this, you will be amazed by how much more they can contribute to the team’s success.

Ultimately, the best leadership style for you is one that is true to your personality so embrace your unique strengths and qualities as a leader. Strive to create a positive impact by leading with empathy, purpose and integrity. Identifying the best leadership style for yourself is a continuous process that evolves over time. By engaging in self-re lection, seeking feedback, and adapting to changing circumstances, you can cultivate a leadership style that brings out the best in both yourself and your team. Remember, e fective leadership is not about conforming to a particular mold but rather about leveraging your individuality to inspire and empower those around you.

severity throughout their time in the workplace. By adopting a DEIB-informed approach and expressing cultural sensitivity, workplaces can become safer environments for everyone.

It’s also crucial to have good data about the issue.

Unfortunately, statistics on workplace violence are o ten siloed by industry—or even at the company level—and lack detail about important factors such as gender, age and disability. Without better data collection, researchers will continue to have an incomplete understanding of the problem.

Finally, there’s a role for social enterprises in ighting workplace violence. Speaking personally, in 2022 I became aware of a Chicago-based company, PAVE Prevention, which, using a human development approach, has developed organizational assessment tools to deliver curated human safety training. Their evidence-based approach encompasses a variety of interventions against workplace violence and works toward creating meaningful change in industries across the country.

It will take robust cultural change to end harassment and violence in our societies, including in the workplace. But such change is possible. Using moral imagination, managers can lead businesses ethically and successfully. Pro it doesn’t need to come at the cost of human well-being—or vice versa. THE CONVERSATION

B5

NEW PHILIPPINE RED CROSS BUILDING INAUGURATED AT QC HALL COMPLEX

ANEW three-storey building now stands inside the Q uezon City Hall complex for the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City (PRCQC) Chapter. The new building is testament to the partnership between the Q uezon City government and the PR C.

The building hosts a Blood Center at the ground floor ; a command center, a training room, and a multipurpose hall. Its construction was funded by the Q uezon City government that also provided furniture and fixtures needed by P R CQ C.

It is located alongside other City Health Department buildings, with the city government ensuring it was built taking into consideration the re q uirements of the P R C Q C to enhance its capacity in responding to emergencies and provide blood assistance to Filipinos residing in the National Capital R egion.

The new building was inaugurated last April 15, 2024. The inauguration was one of the activities to celebrate the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine R ed Cross. It was on March 22, 1947 when then President Manuel R oxas signed R epublic Act No. 95, known as the PR C charter. Its first chairman was Aurora Q uezon and its inaugural ceremony was held on April 15, 1947.

Among those present during the inauguration were Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health P R C Chairman and CEO R ichard Gordon, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang, Q uezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Q uezon City R ep. PM Vargas, former Q C Mayor & Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Governor Ernesto Isla, Chapter Administrator Janice Melody Adolfo, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health & Medical Service Connie Angeles, and guests from different Red Cross chapters.

In his welcome remarks, Isla, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the Q uezon City Chapter was one of the R ed Cross chapters already in operation in 1947 and was formerly part of the R ed Cross Manila Chapter.

The history of the P R CQ C is closely intertwined with the history of Q uezon City. The relationship between the local government and the R ed Cross demonstrates a strong, constant partnership which enabled vital humanitarian services to reach the most vulnerable in the city.

During the stint of Engr. Ponciano Bernardo as Q uezon City Mayor (1946-1949), the city government supported the R ed Cross by providing space and building at the old Q uezon City Hall. Bernardo also served as the first chairman of the Q C R ed Cross.

Succeeding Q uezon City chief executives also extended support to the Q uezon City R ed Cross. The city government during the term of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte funded a two-storey building for the organization. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mayor Joy Belmonte made sure the Red Cross in Quezon City has a modern and well-equipped building within the Q uezon City compound.

“The Q uezon City chapter has become the ‘always first, always ready, always there’ for the people of Q uezon City because of that support of the local government,” Isla said.

“This has made not only the R ed Cross strong but Q uezon City as well. It has transcended not just from being a city of stars to a city of dedicated humanitarians and volunteers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte recalled that during the pandemic, the LGU partnered with the Red Cross in looking for quarantine facilities. Isolation

Tand attract foreign investments. All ambassadors were one in expressing their appreciation for the invitation and were enamored by the natural beauty of the white powdery beaches of Boracay and its magnificent sunset.

This momentous event was made possible by Michelle Taylan, president of One K lik Events, in cooperation with Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and Malay local government unit.

“This gathering of diplomats and businessmen is a rare opportunity to further explore the potentials of Boracay. I strongly feel that it has more to offer, not just the natural beauty and exciting events but also the rich culture and heritage as well as the people who were responsible in placing Boracay in the world map of global tourism,”Taylan explained.

One common suggestion among ambassadors was to invest in infrastructure like improvements in the airport its exterior, capacity and convenience

of the tourists have to be addressed.

“Airport improvement is important because it is the first thing that a tourist sees and it creates a first and lasting impression with the visitors. There is room for improvement for the airport in Boracay,” said Malaysian Ambassador Dato Malik Melvin Castelino, Malaysian Ambassador.

Another worthy piece of advice is sustainability.

“A lot of improvements were made in Boracay, several hotels were built and thousands or even millions visit Boracay every year but all of these come with a cost. We should never forget our responsibility to our environment. There should always be a balance,” Pakistan Ambassador Dr. Imtiaz A. K azi emphasized. Also, a popular suggestion among ambassadors from Muslim countries is halal tourism. “There should be a credible agency that certifies halal food in Boracay. When we talk of halal food it is not just from a religious point of view but also from a culinary perspective,” Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo explained.

“Maybe there can be more halal establishments in Boracay where Muslims can enjoy halal food. And if possible more establishments can put up secluded

facilities were constructed at the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University campuses by the Q uezon City R ed Cross chapter.

“We recognize your value not only in helping us care for our citizens during the most difficult times but also in training us to be volunteers for life,” told guests during the inauguration, adding, “if there is an organization that people should feel proud to volunteer for, it is the R ed Cross.”

She also disclosed that the local government is crafting an ordinance to make Q uezon City the volunteer capital of the Philippines.

According to Gordon the organization is committed to provide a transformative service to the Filipino people. “Our aim is to always provide assistance that will transform the lives of many. This inauguration shows how we always seek ways to improve and exceed our own achievements.” Gordon was introduced by Angeles who is an active member of the humanitarian organization.

SM Foundation is among the active partners of Red Cross. It collaborates with R ed Cross in the conduct of SM Foundation medical and dental missions and blood-letting activities. The bags of blood collected during the blood donation drives in SM malls are stored in the P R C blood bank. SM’s Operation:Tulong Express where volunteers travel to calamity-stricken areas to distribute relief packs is also conducted in partnership with the R ed Cross

After the inauguration and unveiling of the building marker, a mass oath-taking was held at the nearby Liwasang Aurora in Q uezon Memorial Circle.

Over 5,000 new R C 143 volunteers in Q uezon City participated in the oath-taking where they affirmed their commitment to uphold PRC’s mission and values.

halal areas for them,” added Brunei Ambassador Megawati Dato Padaka Haji Masas.

Other notable suggestions include improving connectivity or providing direct flights to the Philippines. Furthermore, one diplomat even suggested to provide visa-free privileges to some visitors like what Taiwan has offered to Filipinos going into their country.

After a spirited, free for all exchange of ideas, all ambassadors committed to promote Boracay in their respective countries and will encourage their businessmen to visit Boracay to check for business opportunities.

Malay, Aklan Mayor Frolibar S. Bautista took note of all their suggestions and promised to study them.

“I’d like to say thank you for accepting our invitation and for actively participating in this lively and fulfilling forum. We were very much enlightened by your ideas and I’m sure that Boracay will greatly benefit from this conference,” he said.

Other speakers who joined the forum include Vietnam Ambassaor H.E Lai Thai Binh, Indian Charge d’affaires Dr. Sadre Alam, Indian Charge d’affaires

R ep. Wallace Minn Gau Chow of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office ; Cambodian Ambassador Phan Peuv, Laos Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay, Aklan Governor Jose Enri q uez Miraflores ; R icardo Isla of Air Asia CEO Phils. ; Paula Marie Chiong Navarro, Country Manager, United Airlines Phils. ; Leonard, Bryan Sansolis, Head Philippine Sales, Philippine Airlines and Art Boncato of Megaworld.

AYALA Land, Inc. (ALI) and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) have officially started the countdown to the storied hospitality brand’s return to Makati City, the commercial heart of the Philippines.

Anna Ma. Margarita “Meean”B. Dy, ALI President and CEO ; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, ALI Senior VicePresident, Leasing and Hospitality Head ; George C. A q uino, President and CEO, Ayala Land Hotels and R esorts Corporation (AH R C) Christoph Mares, MOHG Chief Operating Officer and James Mabbutt, MOHG Development Director visited the new site of the Mandarin Oriental Makati last April 22, 2024. The new Mandarin Oriental, located in Ayala Triangle Gardens at the corner of Paseo de R oxas and Makati Avenue, is slated to open in 2026. The hotel will have 276 rooms with an extensive range of amenities including a premium selection of restaurants and its signature spa.

A q uino says, “Mandarin Oriental Makati reflects our commitment to exceptional q uality and to continually setting new standards that solidify our leadership in the Philippine hotel industry.”

The original Mandarin Oriental was a defining part of the Makati City skyline from 1976 through 2014. “We’re excited to welcome Mandarin Oriental back to the Philippines, and to Makati City specifically. More than just a physical landmark, the brand was also a cultural landmark, with the

hotel hosting celebrations and special events. Ayala Land is thrilled to bring the brand back to the country to help future generations of Filipinos mark milestones and create memories.” said Zobel de Ayala.

The new hotel will be at the forefront of the evolving landscape of Makati City. The city is embarking on a new 25-year plan geared at enhancing its livability, diversity and sustainability. “Makati City has always been the commercial center of the country. We’re working to make it the cultural heart of the country as well, keeping pace not just with the changing lifestyles of Filipinos but also with global trends,” said Dy.

Mares emphasized Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to the Philippines. “As a brand that was born in Asia, Mandarin Oriental has always been at the heart of the region’s development and evolving culture. We’re optimistic about the future prospects of the Philippines and are happy to be returning to the country now,” said Mares. The Ayala and MOHG executives expressed their shared anticipation for the reemergence of Mandarin Oriental, reflecting on the hotel’s deep-rooted connections with the city and their commitment to creating a destination that seamlessly integrates the heritage and modern aspirations of Makati City.

MULTIAWA R DED and trusted developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) recently held a mass house turnover ceremony in Rosewood Place within the Wood Estates township in Trece Martires, Cavite. The 13-hectare development offers close to 2,000 Abegail rowhouse units designed to put homeownership within reach of hardworking Filipinos.

As a builder of Filipino dreams, FLI’s diverse range of projects caters to people in all stages of life. With over 60 years of experience, the company has developed different brands to meet the housing needs of Filipinos nationwide. Construction of houses in R osewood Place started in the last q uarter of 2022 and now the community has welcomed its first batch of homeowners. A total of 78 units were turned over with more units scheduled in the near future.

The event was supported by Megaworld Hotels and R esorts, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Movenpick R esort & Spa Boracay, Southwest Tours, Henann Group of R esorts, Savoy Hotel Boracay, BITATOA, BFI, BWSA and Air Asia. motorcycle

This milestone was a tie-up event between Filinvest Land and government financing institutions. Among those who attended were FLI representatives Ethel C. Balicanta, Vice President and Area Head for Cavite and Malene Breboneria Pe Benito, R egional Operations Head for CaLaBa, alongside Marketing

and technologies.”

Officer R odel Leocario from National Home Mortgage Financing Corp (NHMFC).

As the major government home mortgage institution, NHMFC specifically caters to the housing needs of low-income and undeserved sectors of the society by utilizing long-term funds from various government institutions. FLI has partnered with them to assist in providing affordable housing loans for the Filipino homebuyers, since their goals align with the company’s Pabahay Dream

THE photo shows organizers, local government executives, diplomats and business executives pose to celebrate the successful Boracay Business Forum.

Editor: Tet Andolong

Aboitiz Land ‘cautiously optimistic’ on property sector

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @ br o wnindi o

ABOITIZ Land, the property development unit of the Cebubased conglomerate Aboitiz group, is upbeat on the local property sector pointing out that things have been improving after the pandemic.

“I would say we have a cautiously optimistic view of the property market going forward after pandemic so I think there are a lot of good things going on right now in the industry and so we can we continue to see very good growth, particularly in the areas outside of Metro Manila,” explains David Rafael, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Aboitiz Land in a recent online press briefing.

Rafael said the changing mindset of the buyers in the post Covid period has been beneficial to the company as they prefer to live outside the National Capital Region. He has also observed that buyers have developed a new set of preferences in the post Covid on where to live and build a healthier environment. This has defintely benefited Aboitiz Land because it does not have any projects inside

and outside of Metro Manila.

Moreover, the overseas Filipino market (OFW) has also been a growth driver of Aboitiz Land as remittances continue to be steady. Other growth drivers, according to Rafael, are the country’s young demographic profile and the six million housing backlog. “That’s a very good fundamental for property because young people buy property,” said Rafael.

However, Rafael said there are some challenges to reckon with such as the geopolitical tensions, high interest rates, inflation, supply chain issues and others. “Overall, I think the pluses outweigh the minuses,” said Rafael.

He said The Strides located in the company’s LIMA Estate in Batangas has been experiencing great sales takeup.

After the successful launch of The Strides mid-rise condominium, Rafael said Aboitiz Land is launching the second building

FLI, KMC launch JV firm to open more flexible offices in PHL

LBy Roderick L. Abad

EVER AGING on the growing demand for flexible job sites in the country, Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), a leading Philippine developer, and K MC Community Inc. (K MC), a global coworking space provider, announced the launch of their joint venture (JV) company, Our Space Solutions Inc. (OSSI), with the unveiling of the first two of its shared offices called FLX located at the Axis Tower One in Filinvest City’s Northgate Cyberzone.

Their JV agreement entails the establishment, operation, development, management and maintenance of flexible workspaces. This includes offering private serviced office seats and co-working arrangements within commercial buildings nationwide.

“The rise of remote work has significantly reshaped the landscape of office spaces,” FLI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tristan Las Marias said during their ceremonial pact signing held last April 25 at OSSI’s initial coworking spaces in Alabang, Muntinlupa. “Our partnership with K MC, a recognized leader in the coworking industry, allows us to address this growing demand with innovative and adaptable solutions under the Our Space Solutions Inc. brand, and further provides alternate rental solutions to improve occupancy of FLI and F R EIT office spaces.”

On their part, Michael McCullough, CEO for WorkSpace Solutions and cofounder at K MC, expressed excitement on their collaboration with a major developer like FLI, as they envision to become a “premier flexible office space provider” in the country.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Filinvest Land Inc. to introduce OSSI. By combining K MC’s global network and expertise with FLI’s established presence in the Philippine market, we are confident that OSSI will become a leader in the coworking space industry here,” he noted. Bringing their extensive experience in designing and managing vibrant coworking communities to the table, FLX’s tenants, according to him, can expect “maximum flexibility” and “very conducive environments” with it’s well-thought of training, mind-body and sleeping rooms,

HOMEGROWN developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) and global coworking space provider KMC Community Inc. (KMC) announce the launch of their joint venture company, Our Space Solutions Inc. In photo are: (sitting down, from left) Venus Mejia (FLI chief financial officer, Tristan Las Marias (FLI, president and chief executive officer or CEO), Michael McCullough (WorkSpace Solutions CEO and KMC Solutions Inc. cofounder), Tracy Ignacio (KMC Solutions Inc. chief operating officer), (standing up, from left) Joseph Yap (Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) chairman and former ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore), and Maricel Brion-Lirio (FILRT president and CEO).

as well as onsite clinics, ample meeting space, and super high tech Internet and audio visual systems.

Filinvest R EIT Corp. (FIL R T), the company that owns Axis Tower One, expects a more new tenant mix here.

“We are delighted to welcome OSSI as a valued locator at Axis Tower One. This innovative partnership perfectly complements the dynamic and forward-thinking atmosphere we strive to cultivate within our office buildings,” said FIL R T President and CEOMaricel Brion-Lirio.

She gave assurance to the tenants that they will continue to enjoy the “green” features of this LEED Gold certified building, including a 100-percent solar power system come June. OSSI is looking at opening more coworking spaces in FLI’s Makati, Q uezon City, and Pasig City office properties.

Positive reception

FLX is a welcome development for the entire office market which, per Colliers Philippines Director Joey Bondoc, experienced a “pretty elevated vacancy” in Metro Manila at a rate of 19.3 percent last year compared to at most 5 percent pre-pandemic.

“The good news is that there’s an offshoot from this increasing vacancy from

the office sector in general. And that is the flexi space. In fact, the vacancy of the flexi space in Metro Manila dropped to 16.7 percent in end-2023,” he cited. “[This is] definitely a vast improvement because at the height of the pandemic in 2021, vacancy in the flexible space market even increased to 41 percent.”

For Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Madrid the launch of OSSI and its shared offices are a “prime example of the future workspace that our industry will lead.” Today’s trends reveal that the design of the workspace needs to be done more creatively with the employee experience in mind, meaning more collaborative and open spaces for training, working, and relaxing. Also, the constant evolution of the hub and spoke model has led to a good spurt of growth in microsites and satellite offices.

“Many of our investors, who are maybe just launching their first presence in the Philippines, need the flexibility of starting with a more manageable number of employees and more limited workspace. This kind of workspace gives them that flexibility,” Madrid said.

called Amber ahead of schedule.

The Strides is almost 80 percent sold out.

“We plan to focus on accelerating the development of existing residential projects in Batangas, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Cebu,” Rafael said.

He says the immediate focus of Aboitiz Land is the maximization of its existing landbank, which remains sizeable across Luzon and Cebu, as well as that of the various real estate holdings of the different Aboitiz business units including the economic estates, through the development of residential enclaves.

Furthermore, Rafael said Aboitiz Land will introduce innovations to the buyers in its residential projects in Cebu, Batangas, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija through the development of new, large, and high value projects that will also drive sustainable growth.

“We also intend to generate

value for various real estate holdings of the Aboitiz units including the economic estates through the development of residential enclaves,” said Rafael.

Being bullish on the return to office setup, Aboitiz Land is tapping the rental market through Point Blue that offers private micro studios located in key business areas Makati and BGC.

Digitalizing the buying process for OFWs

ABOITI Z Land recently introduced OneVecino, an innovative digital ecosystem that will make investing for overseas Filipinos who want to invest in Aboitiz Land projects a seamless experience from initial property search to ongoing management.

With its intuitive interface, OneVecino facilitates virtual property exploration and empowers users to make well-informed decisions. It offers peace of mind,

allowing users to closely monitor their investments. OneVecino ensures overseas Filipinos are equipped with the information and confidence they need throughout their home buying journey, providing convenience, transparency, and security.

For overseas-based Filipinos seeking secure and lucrative investments, Aboitiz Land has beach condominiums called Seafront Villas at Seafront Residences in San Juan, Batangas, and The Strides at LIMA in Lipa, Batangas. With high potential for rental income or resale value appreciation, they cater to investors looking to diversify their portfolios while ensuring long-term returns. Moreover, it also offers The Villages at Lipa in Batangas, Ajoya communities in Central Luzon, as well as notable projects in Cebu including Amoa in Compostela and Foressa Mountain Town in Balamban.

Ensuring a great ‘home’ buy with Sta. Lucia Land

AHOME often stands as the crowning glory of your achievements—a realization of your aspirations and hard work over the years.

Beyond just having the funds to realize this dream however, it often takes more to find the right home for you. Especially for first time homebuyers, the need to research and to do your own “due diligence” is necessary since the Philippines has numerous property developers offering multitudes of options catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. No doubt, it’s easy to get lost in this sea of options.

So how and where do you start? Here are simple tips that will surely come in handy in your q uest for your dream home.

1. Set a budget

SET a budget based on your savings and income. Make sure you choose a property that won’t saddle you with overwhelming financial obligations.

R emember, it’s not just the downpayment and monthly amortizations that you’ll have to think about. In most financing schemes, you’ll need to make lump sum payments. You also need to allocate a budget for taxes, title transfers, home construction if you’re looking at a lot, and so on.

One sound, practical option is Sta. Lucia Land Inc.’s expansive portfolio of q uality developments—whether you prefer lots, condominium units, or townhouses. With this publicly listed developer, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from, depending on your needs and more importantly, your budgets.

2. Know which location is ideal for you

IT’Snot just about choosing a strategically located property that would afford you

ease of access to key establishments and institutions. It’s also about finding a home whose location is ideal for you, depending on your priorities.

Do you want to live within urban centers or in the so-called fringe areas where lifestyles are more laidback yet still modern? Would you rather live near Metro Manila or be in your hometown in the provinces? Either way, Sta. Lucia Land ensures that you will always be conveniently near modern comforts such as commercial areas, transport hubs, major thoroughfares, as well as schools, hospitals and offices.

3. Check if a property will fit your lifestyle

MO R E than just providing shelter, a home and its community should be able to meet the growing lifestyle needs of your family. There should be community amenities and facilities that would enable neighbors to gather and converge, while open spaces and other common areas should offer ample room for residents to move about. At the same time, the community should make residents feel safe, providing them conducive spaces to grow their families.

Sta. Lucia Land has long excelled on this front, with its gated subdivisions, security personnel and host of amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and multipurpose courts of-

fering opportunities to lead a well rounded lifestyle.

4. Research the developer’s track record

IT’S a simple tip that is often forgotten when presented with the allure of a beautifully designed property. However, researching the developer’s track record is essential for making an informed decision. Look into their past projects to assess their q uality, reliability, and reputation in delivering on their promises. In doing so, you ensure that you’re investing your hard-earned money in a reputable developer with a history of success and integrity.

Sta. Lucia Land and the entire Sta. Lucia Group tout more than five decades of experience in building q uality projects that include subdivisions, golf courses and clubhouses, lakeside developments, resorts, farm communities, hotels and condotels, offices, residential condominiums, among others. It’s evident in the warm reception from Filipinos over the last five decades that its projects are truly properties built to last—one you can even pass on to the next generation. Finding your dream home may be tedious, but having that safe space that embodies your lifestyle will be truly worth all the effort. Make sure to find that dream home today with Sta. Lucia Land.

LIMA Estate

BOARDWALK, Seafront Residences

AMOA, Compostela

Editor: Jun Lomibao

MADRID—After spending more than three hours on the court and earning a hard-fought victory, Rafael Nadal was feeling optimistic again.

Nadal’s body withstood its toughest test yet at this Madrid Open in a 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3 win over 91st-ranked Pedro Cachin on Monday.

He didn’t show any signs of physical limitations in a victory that earned him a spot in the round of 16 at the clay-court tournament where he is the record five-time champion.

“It’s positive, now I don’t feel that something went wrong on my body, but I need to wait until tomorrow, being 100 percent honest,” he said. “I am trying my best to keep dreaming. Tomorrow is another day to keep dreaming. To keep playing in front of this amazing crowd and, to me, that means everything.”

Nadal will next face 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka. He said he needs “to find a way to be able to play days in a row and still be competitive.”

“I don’t know if I am in that moment yet,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said. “Let’s see what can happen tomorrow.”

The 37-year-old Nadal is trying to get in shape for next month’s French Open. Since his latest injury layoff,

had two matches in Barcelona and was pessimistic about his physical condition after arriving in Madrid. But he’s won three more times in the capital.

Nadal again looked comfortable early on against Cachin. The Argentine rallied in the second but was broken twice while serving for the set before eventually prevailing in the tiebreaker.

Nadal didn’t look as loose in the final set, but did look tired. He wasn’t as consistent with his shots but picked up three breaks to seal the victory to the delight of the local crowd in the Caja Magica.

“I took more risks in the third set, but it’s hard after so many months without competing,” Nadal said. “I hadn’t played a match like this in a long time. I don’t know how I’m going to wake up. But I’m already happy for

Diaz scores double in SALT net tourney in Valenzuela City

JANA DIAZ toppled the top two seeds in the girls’ premier division to emerge as the lone double winner in the San Jose SALT National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Jethro Sports Center in Valenzuela City over the weekend.

Diaz brought down No. 2 Sandra Bautista, 7-5, 6-0, in the semifinals then dominated top seed Chloe Mercado, 6-2, 6-2, in challenging conditions to secure the 18-andunder singles crown of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

The rising star from Bacoor (Cavite) also lived up to her top billing in the 16-and-under category witth a resounding 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Bautista.

Diaz’s stellar performance earned her Most Valuable Player honors in the event sponsored by Keizan Steel Trading, while Olongapo City’s Troan Vytiaco emerged as the top player in the boys’ division by clinching the 14-and-under trophy at the expense of Brendan Morales, 4-6, 6-4, 10-2. Despite his impressive play, Vytiaco fell short of matching Diaz’s achievements as he bowed to Julio Naredo, 6-1, 6-2, in the semifinals of the 16-and-under category.

Naredo, playing out of Quezon City, went on to claim the crown with a 1-0 (ret.) win over Morales in the final.

said Perez, who earned the weekly award for the period April 24 to 28 after two victories put the all-Filipino titleholders firmly on top of the standings.

Rafa again feels optimistic

Fifth-seeded

having won three matches in a row.” Cachin asked for Nadal’s shirt after congratulating him at the net, and received the gift moments later.

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner was not at his best but had enough to defeat Pavel Kotov 6-2, 7-5. Sinner, who has been dealing with a hip issue, will face 16th-seeded Karen Khachanov.

“I have been struggling a little bit with my right hip,” Sinner said. “We’re trying to find a solution and I don’t think it’s anything serious. Sometimes I feel it more like today and some days are a little bit better.”

Third-seeded Daniil Medvedev was two points from defeat before he rallied to beat Sebastian Korda, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

6-4.

SWIATEK ADVANCES TOP-RANKED Iga Swiatek remained on track for a first Madrid title with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Swiatek dropped just five points in the second set en route to the quarterfinals of the only high-profile European clay tournament she is yet to win.

The 27th-ranked Sorribes Tormo was the last Spanish woman in the draw.

Swiatek, who lost last year’s Madrid final to Aryna Sabalenka, will next face 11th-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated fifthseeded Maria Sakkari, 6-4, 6-4.

3 PHL teams vying in touch worlds

THREE teams will represent the Philippines in the Touch World Cup 2024 slated July 15 to 21 at the University of Nottingham in England.

Touch football has become a competitive sport only in the past few years despite having been played in the country the past two decade.

The country sent teams to two previous worlds with an mixed open team finishing ninth and a women’s open squad winding up 12th in the 2015 edition in Coffs Harbour, Australia.

A men’s open squad placed sixth and a women’s open team 15th in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in 2019.

Touch Association Pilipinas (TAP) chairman Colin Steley said they are aiming for a top-five finishes in the men’s and women’s and mixed divisions.

“The World Cup is the highest level of competition for the sport and

everybody playing the sport is aiming to play in the event which is held every four years,” Carl Majabague told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“This is very similar to rugby minus the tackle, touch football is played by six players a side and a game has a duration of 40 minutes, 20 minutes per half,” Majabague—who played in the 2019 team—said in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT and ArenaPlus, the 24/7 sports app in the country Australia and New Z ealand, where the sport began, are among the top countries in the sport, while the Philippines is considered the second strongest team in Southeast Asia after Singapore.

Women’s

Mirra Andreeva celebrated her 17th birthday with a 7-6 (2), 6-4 win over 12th-seeded Jasmine Paolini.

The Russian teenager rallied from 5-2 down in the first set to reach the quarterfinals, a round further than she managed in Madrid a year ago. Fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina defeated teenage qualifier Sara Bejlek 6-1, 6-3. AP

Gentleman’s game on trial

“I’ll always try to be consistent and play my best regardless of which team we play,” he said. Perez is the second straight San Miguel player to

the

given

by reporters tasked to cover the PBA after

of the

1983) Crispa in the Philippine Basketball Association, said on Monday the NGAP has yet to receive a copy of the case.

But he was gracious enough to viber me a copy of NGAP’s response to the lawsuit. Here:

“The National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), Inc. held the election of its board of trustees last April 5, 2024. “Contrary to the allegations put out in certain news publications, NGAP maintains that it complied with all the requirements for a valid election. The duly constituted

Lassiter.

in the

(10-0), whole TNT was the last team to sweep the eliminations with nine straight victories in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup. Presto also accomplished the feat in the 1990 Second Conference (10-0) and Crispa in the third conference or Philippine Cup (9-0) in 1980.

San

By Josef Ramos

targeting a medal of any color, a goal set by the 17-yearold who’s in good company training at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in Dallas where Gabby Douglas, the first Black to woman to win the all-around gold medal in London 2012.

“I do believe we can win a medal,” Jung-Ruivivar told BusinessMirror via n internet call on Tuesday from Dallas. “We just have to keep going and dream big.” Jung-Ruivivar advanced to Paris by clinching silver—her first international medal—in the uneven bars at the fourth and last International Olympic qualifier in Doha last April 20. With a ticket to Paris done, she’s back in Dallas honing her skills under elite coaches Valeri and Anna Liukin— Valeri Liukin won two gold medals for then Soviet Union in Seoul 1988 before embracing US citizenship in 2000.

“He’s [Veleri] my coach from the very start,” said JungRuivivar, daughter of former Philippine actor Anthony Michael and Yvonne Jung. “So my goals are to keep improving my form, increasing my difficulties and consistency, and enjoying the process.”

She’ll be seeing action in the uneven bars, floor exercise, balance beam and vault in Paris.

Despite being young, the Los Angelesbased Jung-Ruivivar also has eyes on coming to the Philippines and teach kids about her sport.

“I plan to go to the Philippines and do some clinics with the younger generation and to spend some time with the rest of the national team,” said JungRuivivar, who’s bound for college at Stanford University.

NOMELEC, in charge of all matters pertaining to the election, carried the election in accordance with the prescribed rules as established by the NGAP’s By-Laws and by Philippine law.

“Two losing candidates who failed to secure seats in the Board of Trustees filed a suit to annul NGAP’s election.

Casper Ruud beat Cameron Norrie 6-2,

Sabalenka, the champion in Madrid in 2021 and 2023, advanced by beating No. 15 Danielle Collins, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The result ended Collins’s 15-match winning streak, and sent Sabalenka into her first

Tennis Association 1000 quarterfinal of the season.