BusinessMirror May 25, 2024

FORGING FRIENDSHIP IN SHADOW OF WAR

PHILIPPINE FOREIGN POLICY, DFA CHIEF ENRIQUE MANALO SAYS AT BUSINESSMIRROR’S ENVOYS&EXPATS NIGHT 2.0

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

AMIDST the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo briefly chatted with Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian at an event hosted by the BusinessMirror Thursday night.

Manalo was the guest of honor and speaker at the “Envoys & Expats Night.” Thirteen heads of missions, including Huang Xilian, also attended the event, as did the officers and representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in the Philippines.

Manalo did not say what the Chinese Ambassador raised with him during a brief chat. Huang also declined to be interviewed.

Assert WPS rights

IN his speech at the Envoys & Expats Night, Manalo noted how foreign affairs and diplomatic news and developments have become front and center of Philippine media coverage, calling it a welcome development. It signals, he said, how even more challenging the work of diplomats has become.

tional identity.

“This identity is deeply ingrained in our national consciousness that manifests in our actions and efforts in promoting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or Unclos and the South China Sea Arbitration Award of July 2016, which are twin anchors of the Philippine policy action on maritime issues.

“It is through the rule of law that we continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Manalo stressed.

Economic diplomacy

ON top of the priorities of Marcos’s foreign policy is to expand and deepen economic partnerships.

Since he assumed office until December 2023, Marcos Jr. has secured $72.2 billion (P4.2 billion) worth of investment pledges, said Manalo.

Some of these pledges have already been actualized “substantively and tangibly into concrete products.”

Strategic alliances

ANOTHER priority of the Marcos Jr. administration is to modernize existing alliances with strategic partners, according to Manalo.

“There are few countries with whom the Philippines has reached advance level of diplomatic maturity in terms of breath and depth of relations over the course of time.

“This has opened new opportunities such as modernizing alliances such as in defense and related areas, enabling the country to respond to internal and external threats to challenges which will affect our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Manalo said.

He did not state which countries the Philippines has forged modern strategic alliances with, but is apparently referring to the US, Australia, Japan and the European Union.

These modern defense alliances, he added, also included capacity building to withstand natural and manmade calamities and disasters.

“Coming in various forms, defense cooperation has become a prominent feature of our diplomacy with select countries, and this is expected to build a robust national defense capability in the years to come,” he added.

BM ‘Black Girl Magic’: Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo wins Miss Universe

Philippines 2024

By C. Mendez Legazpi

Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh). Chelsea Anne Manalo, 22, a tourism graduate, model and advocate of indigenous people, bested 52 delegates from around the country and overseas to earn the right to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico. At the Top 5, Chelsea was asked: “You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?”

This is her winning reply:

“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in myself, and uphold the vows that I have. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me to become the woman I am.”

Phenomenal Women

Diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing are “a bit choppy,” Manalo told diplomatic reporters Wednesday after China Coast Guard fired water cannons and harassed Philippine vessels providing supplies at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Lately, security officials and Senate leaders have asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to expel the Chinese Embassy official who wiretapped a conversation with a Filipino military commander.

Manalo said the country will continue to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“Our foreign policy shifted into high gears as soon as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office and took the mantle as the chief architect of the Philippine foreign policy in June 2022,” Manalo said.

Promoting a rules-based international maritime order is one of the priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration, he added.

“Our connectedness in the oceans and seas and our collective stewardship help define our na-

Typhoon-resilient rice, more competitive NFA key to local food security–Marcos

By Samuel P. Medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R.

Marcos,

Jr.

said securing typhoon-resilient rice varieties and a more competitive National Food Authority (NFA) are among the priorities of his administration to ensure local food security.

In an interview with reporters in South Cotabato on Friday, the chief executive disclosed the government initiatives to boost rice production through the distribution of machinery to farmers and developing new rice varieties.

“We are improving our pro-

duction. We are looking for new rice varieties, which will be resilient and not easily affected by typhoons,” Marcos said. He said they will also provide farmers with fertilizers, market intelligence, and technical information to enhance their production.

To keep the price of rice affordable, he reiterated his support for the ongoing efforts in Congress to amend Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). Under the proposed legislation, Marcos said he wants the NFA to compete with local rice traders and retailers by restoring its power

to buy, sell and import rice.

“We are doing this so we can control the price of rice due to the surge in its price,” Marcos explained.

The proposed legislation is pending in Congress.

The President also said his administration will continue to prioritize the construction of farmto-market roads to help reduce the logistics costs of farmers in selling their crops.

He said they are also mainstreaming contract farming wherein farmers and buyers agree in advance the terms and conditions of

their production and marketing of farm products.

“So these systems were dissolved in the last many years. That is why we have to reform them,” Marcos said.

He made the remark after leading the distribution of more than 4,000 electronic titles (e-title) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Region 12 on Friday. Marcos also turned over more than P15 million worth of farming tools and equipment to 15,773 ARBs.

IN a nail-biting—and bewildering announcement—Taguig’s Christi Lynn McGarry was declared fourth runner-up. Baguio’s Tarah Valencia is third runner-up. Maria Ahtisa Manalo is second runner-up. Cainta’s Stacey Gabriel is first runner-up.

The Top 20 included Nueva Ecija’s Maica Martinez, the Miss Bingo Plus; Leyte’s Angel Rose Tambal, the Runway Challenge winner; Hawaii’s Patricia Bianca Tapia, the Swimsuit Challenge winner; Tacloban’s Tamara Ocier, the Casting Commercial Challenge winner; the United Kingdom’s Christina Chalk; Laguna’s Alexandra Mae Rosales; Australia’s Kymberlee Street, Pasig’s Selena Antonio Reyes, Palawan’s Raven Doctor, and Northern California’s Kayla Carter.

A fully stacked Top Ten included Cebu’s Kris Tiffany Janson, Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo, Iloilo’s Alexie Brooks (Up Close and Personal Challenge winner), Bacoor’s Victoria Velasquez Vincent, and Zambales’s Anita Rose Gomez.

New Crowns, New Queens

AFTER Chelsea’s coronation, a new set of queens were also declared: • Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 - Tarah Valencia | Baguio ECONOMIC

CHELSEA MANALO,

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo addresses the heads of mission and other diplomatic row officers, as well as foreign chambers of commerce and expatriate executives, at BusinessMirror ’s “Envoys & Expats Night 2.0” on Thursday. BERNARD TESTA

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo chats with Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian at an event hosted by the BusinessMirror Thursday night. MALOU TALOSIG-BARTOLOME

PHL says to forge security alliances, stage combat drills despite China’s opposition

TBy Jim Gomez The Associated Press

HE Philippines will continue to build security alliances and stage joint combat drills in disputed waters to defend its territorial interests, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said Friday, dismissing China’s criticisms of such moves as paranoia.

Teodoro bluntly criticized Beijing’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, without citing China by name, in a speech before the military’s top brass at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the Philippine navy’s founding in Manila. The Philippines, he said, would not tolerate aggression and provocative moves.

Since territorial hostilities with China surged last year in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has taken steps to forge new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed a US military presence in more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact.

In April and May, the Philippine military staged annual livefire combat exercises with US forces in and near the disputed waters.

China has said such actions by the US and its allies, including the Philippines, were provocative, aimed to contain Beijing and were endangering regional security.

“Terming these cooperative activities with like-minded nations as a containment or a provocation

is disinformation and evidence of paranoia of a closed political system,” Teodoro said in a clear reference to China. “The ultimate intent is to get what they want by the threat or the use of force. This we cannot allow to continue.”

The Philippines is the US’s oldest treaty ally in Asia. Washington has warned that it is obligated to help defend the Philippines if its forces, aircraft and ships come under an armed attack, including in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines has defense pacts allowing American and Australian forces to enter the country for annual combatreadiness and disaster-response training and is negotiating a similar agreement with Japan and considering another pact with

France. It has held joint maneuvers with the US, Australian and Japanese navies this year.

In their largest and boldest annual military exercises last month, thousands of US and Philippine forces staged the retaking of an island and sank a warship in combat drills focusing on territorial defense in or near the South China Sea. They carried out aerial reconnaissance and logistical transport drills and secured an airfield during mock combat in a Philippine town near Taiwan.

“For the first time we have evolved a realistic training scenario with evolutionary hypothetical scenarios where we can actually test our capabilities,” Teodoro said. “There will be more maritime cooperative activity between us and

When history speaks, the troublemaker in the South China Sea ought to show respect

By Xin Ping

IN the past several months, the South China Sea frequently made headlines in international news. Among those heating up the issue are some politicians in the United States. Why would a non-regional country with no direct interests involve itself so much in the affairs between another two countries?

Beijing opposes ‘external interference’

CHINESE Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said in Beijing last month that “we oppose external interference, muscle-flexing, provocations and harassment in the South China Sea and oppose piecing together exclusive circles or bloc confrontation.” He said China would resolutely defend its territories.

Philippine actions to defend its internationally recognized exclusive economic zone “can, in no way, be termed by any sane person as a provocation,” Teodoro said, adding that Philippine officials were sworn to do that as their constitutional duty.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a key global trade route.

Marcos has ordered his military to shift its focus to external defense from decades of domestic anti-insurgency operations as China’s actions in the South China Sea become a top concern. That shift dovetails with efforts by US President Joe Biden and his administration to reinforce an arc of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s actions.

claim to the Spratly Islands were “based on the fact that Chinese ships and Chinese citizens have been fishing and trading for many years”. Before the 1960s, official maps and encyclopedias published by many countries, including the US, had always included the South China Sea Islands in China’s territory.

During the two World Wars, the US maintained a relatively detached position on the South China Sea issue, which did not challenge China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea. This is also the conclusion reached by British international law expert Anthony Carty in his book The History and Sovereignty of South China Sea after reviewing a large number of Western archives.

With the start of the Cold War, the US began to put more thoughts into the islands and reefs in the South China Sea. Its involvement was initially reflected in the post-war peace treaty with Japan. The Treaty of San Francisco signed in 1951, in which Japan renounced claims to a series of islands in the South China Sea, chose to be evasive about the ownership of these islands out of some unspeakable intention, leaving room for manipulation. The treaty dealt with questions concerning China’s territory, but was not signed by the legitimate government of China, the People’s Republic of China, and the statement of the Chinese government in response to the Treaty was deliberately ignored by the US.

In the late 1960s, with the discovery of rich oil resources in the South China Sea and development of international laws on the continental shelf and the exclusive economic zone, some in the region began to set their sights on the South China Sea islands, reefs and adjacent waters for economic reasons, with encouragement from the US. According to Professor Anthony Carty, US National Archives at the time showed that the US believes that it is in its interest to encourage the Philippines to lay claim to the South China Sea islands. In 1974, then French ambassador to China pointed out in a letter to the French Prime Minister that unrest in the South China Sea was caused by foreign interference. Specifically, it was the US that incited countries in the region to stake territorial claims in order to embarrass China.

Today, the US has moved from behind the scenes to the center of the stage, threatening to apply US-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines to the South China Sea and cobbling together a coalition of countries against China in the name of “defending freedom of navigation”. Yet the U.S. has never cared about the sovereignty or economic development of the regional countries, let alone the living conditions of the coastal fishermen. Its position on the South China Sea is fundamentally based on its own calculation and completely ignores facts and jurisprudential evidence.

In the South China Sea, the US is a troublemaker. Only the countries in the region can find solutions to the issues. It is time to abandon any illusion and stop placing hopes for the future of the entire region on an irresponsible and selfish overlord.

(The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, CGTN, Global Times, China Daily etc. He can be reached at xinping604@ gmail.com)

BM

‘Black Girl Magic’: Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024

• Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 - Ma. Ahtisa Manalo | Quezon Province

• Miss Charm Philippines 2025 - Cyrille Payumo | Pampanga

• Miss Eco International Philippines 2025 - Alexie Brooks | Iloilo

From World to Universe SINCE she was in her early teens, Chelsea has joined modeling competitions. It was at Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2017, though, that she entered national consciousness. She placed at the Top 15 and was a finalist at the Top Model fast-track event.

Catriona Gray crowned Laura Lehmann as Miss World Philippines 2017, in the batch that included Teresita Marquez, who won Reina Hispanoamericana 2017; Cynthia Thomalla, who won Miss Eco International 2017; and Sophia Señoron, who won Miss Multinational 2017.

Chelsea joins a club of MWP alumni who have gone on to win MUPh, such as Rachel Peters, MWP 2014 Fourth Princess, later on MUPh 2017; Gazini Ganados, MWP 2014 semifinalist, later on MUPh 2019, last Binibi; Catriona Gray, MWP 2016, later on Miss Universe 2018; Michelle Dee, MWP 2019, later on MUPh 2023.

Black Girl Magic BORN to a Bulacan maiden, Contessa, and an African-American

father who died when Chelsea was young, she experienced ridicule for her hair and skin color. Raised by her mom and her stepfather, it was her extraordinary looks that made her a darling among young designers. Because of her victory as the first black Miss Universe Philippines, she also joins an exclusive club of trailblazing women who were the first black winners of their pageants, such as Carole Gist, Miss USA 1990 from Michigan; Janelle Commissiong, Miss Universe 1977 from Trinidad and Tobago; Denny Mendez, Miss Universe Italy, 1997; Titi Ayanaw, Miss Universe Israel 2013; Vanessa Williams, Miss America 1984 from New York; Jennifer Hosten, Miss World 1970 from Grenada; Jeymmy Vargas, Miss International 2004 from Colombia; and Ariana Miyamoto, Miss Universe Japan 2015.

From Bulacan to the universe

BULACAN has produced Alethea Ambrosio, Miss Philippines Supranational 2023, and Michelle Aldana, Miss Asia Pacific 1993. Chelsea, the La Bulakenya, hopes to make her province even prouder of its awesome women.

A day after her monumental triumph, she wrote on her socials:

“I once thought that a fallen star can never be reborn. For years it kept itself absorbed in the dark void. But it once again found its light.

“I was that star and last night I shone brightest because of all the

love and support I received.

“Mom and Dad, you both served as my pillar of strength and inspiration. I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands. Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude.

“To my Bulacan Team, you all are my heroes. The challenges I was confronted with were overcome by your magic, kindness and generosity. You never made me feel I was alone. I was empowered because I knew you were all by my side.

“To my MUPh sisters, my home. The past months have allowed me to find a home away from home. You treated me like family. I learned many lessons from you that I would carry throughout my journey.

“To those who supported me, it was beautiful to know you were all cheering Bulacan even if I didn’t know all of you. Your voices echoed in my head, reminding myself that I should believe in myself because there were people believing in me.

“Sa’yo mahal kong Pilipinas, gagawin ko ang lahat para iuwi ang pang-limang korona. Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito. Maraming Salamat po.

“Again, this is Chelsea Manalo

“From Bulacan Philippines to the Universe.”

like-minded nations.”

Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.

NAVY men stand beside an AW109E helicopter and BRP Laurence Narag ship as they are displayed during the 126th Philippine Navy anniversary in Manila on Friday, May 24, 2024. AP/AARON FAVILA

www.businessmirror.com.ph

May 25, 2024

Maharlika to boost grid devt, stabilize Palawan power

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

STATE-OWNED Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) is looking into constructing energy transmission lines to improve the grid development of Palawan and stabilize its power supply.

MIC President and Chief Executive

Officer Rafael Consing, Jr. signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Palawan Electric Cooperative (Paleco) General Manager Engr. Rez Contravida on Friday.

“Today, we embark on a transformative journey to strengthen Pala-

wan’s electric grid—a journey that promises to uplift communities, boost tourism, and unlock the full economic potential of this magnificent region,” Consing said.

Through this partnership, Consing said that MIC will conduct feasibility studies to assess the present electrical system of Palawan in which the

corporation can determine exactly how much it will invest to improve it.

Almeda said that by the end of the third quarter of 2024, NEA and MIC will have a “clear vision” and details on how to proceed with the collaboration.

Professor Rowaldo del Mundo explained that Palawan currently has only one 69-kilovolt transmission line

that in the event of a line fault, the whole region would lose electricity.

“Under the plan that would be invested by the MIC, a transmission loop would be constructed in the south,” del Mundo said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Del Mundo said the power plants and system in the south could stand by itself if a problem would occur in the grid.

Puerto Princesa would also have its own transmission line loop in the north, which will simulate the level of reliability of the Luzon grid, del Mundo added.

See “Maharlika,” A

Trade cooperation, security concerns on Marcos agenda in Singapore, Brunei

By Samuel P. Medenilla

PRESIDENTFerdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be pushing for economic cooperation and raising the country’s territorial security concerns during his trip to Brunei Darussalamand Singapore next week.

On Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the President will be accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos toBrunei from May 28 to 31, 2024 for a state visit.

During the visit, the country is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on agriculture, maritime cooperation and tourism with Brunei.

DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau said the President may also discuss energy matters with Brunei’s Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

“Without preempting the discussions between the two heads of states, but we want to focus on economic cooperation. As you know, Brunei is a powerhouse in terms of energy but they are also a good market also for us,” Rau said.

The President will also meet with the Filipino community and attend a business forum in Brunei.

Good platform

MARCOS will then fly to Singapore on May 31 to give the keynote address at the 21st the International Institute for Strategic Studies (ILSS) Dialogue in Singapore.

“DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza said the forum will be a good platform for the President to expound and articulate its position” on key defenserelated issues.

Rau said Marcos may also use the event to counter disinformation related to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Department of Defense (DND) and the National Security Council (NSC) have accused the Chinese embassy of engaging in misinformation in its attempt to legitimize its activities in the WPS.

At the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Marcos will have a brief meeting with former Prime Minister and currently Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Marcos will also meet with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

In Singapore, the President and other members of the Philippine delegates will exercise “special health protocols” amid increasing incidents of Covid-19 in that country.

SteelAsia ships ₧1.5B worth of bars for Canada subway

By Andrea E. San Juan

STEELASIA, the flagship steel company of the Philippines, has already shipped around P1.5 billion worth of reinforced steel bars to Canada for its Subway System.

“I think we’ve had six shipments already to the Canadian Subway System,” Rafael C. Hidalgo, Senior Vice President for Business Development of SteelAsia, told reporters at a briefing in Cebu on Thursday.

Hidalgo said SteelAsia is set to have three or four shipments to Canada this year. He noted that the rebars exported to Canada are meant to be used for “high strength steel for infrastructure” of the subway system.

The SteelAsia official divulged that each order costs around P250 million. In terms of volume, Hidalgo said the steel firm has by far shipped 41,418

tons for the six shipments which is valued at P1.5 billion.

“This year, we’ve had three shipments. And the rest were other years,” Hidalgo noted.

For his part, Benjamin Yao, Chairman and CEO of Steel Asia, said the firm was able to export because it supplied the bar for the Cebu-Cordova bridge.

“This is all because we supplied the bar for the Cordova Bridge. And the contractor was Acciona,” Yao noted.

“And Acciona is also the contractor for the Vancouver, Canada, South Coast,” the SteelAsia CEO also noted.

As the country’s “flagship” steel company and industry leader, the firm operates steelmaking, rebar manufacturing and rebar fabrication plants in Bulacan, Batangas, Cebu and Davao.

Last April, SteelAsia announced that the Philippines’s first steel sections mill in Lemery, Batangas will be fully commissioned in 2025 and will substitute the importation of steel sections products like H beams, I beams, and angle bars that are used for infrastructure like bridges, railways, high-rises, industrial buildings, telco towers and transmission towers.

“The mill will be the company’s seventh plant, the others being rebar producers. Apart from rebar, the Philippines imports over 80 percent of its steel requirements,” SteelAsia said in a statement it issued in April.

The country’s first steel section plant which will start producing beams and bars next year is expected to bring down construction costs and generate tens of thousands of jobs for Filipinos as the industry reduces dependence on imported steel.

Escudero, Atienza twit House on divorce bill voting

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz & Butch Fernandez

THE Senate has gotten unsolicited advice from a former veteran lawmaker not to join the congressional bandwagon and reject the divorce bill, saying it will destroy the Filipino family, which he called the genuine strength of the nation.

Former Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza of the Buhay party list made the admonition on Friday, two days after the House of Representatives, by a close vote passed House Bill 9349, or the Absolute Divorce Bill, on its third and final reading on Atienza to Wednesday night.

“We have been through such political and economic trials and have always survived because of the Filipino family. The separation of some couples should not affect the welfare of the entire nation,” said Atienza, a staunch pro-life and pro-family advocate.

Despite the House passage of the absolute divorce bill, it is not likely to have easy sailing in the Senate, where the new Senate president noted the lack of a “majority” vote on the measure, even as he vowed to encourage a total conscience vote on the same in his chamber. By a narrow margin of votes, the House of Representatives late Wednesday approved House Bill 9349, aiming to establish absolute divorce as an alternative means of ending irreparably broken or dysfunctional marriages.

Senate President Chiz Escudero, replying

to questions at Thursday’s Kapihan sa Senado, noted the voting in the House: 126 affirmative, 109 negative, and 20 abstentions, saying this indicated it was not a majority. “May mapupulutan [That could provide basis],” he said, for the anti-divorce bloc to question the outcome.

Escudero’s observation on the House leadership’s move to adjust the vote a day later did not escape Atienza’s notice.

“Even the counting of the votes on such a crucial and controversial bill couldn’t be done properly, with the House Secretariat correcting itself as to the total number of votes cast for and against the measure. What was earlier announced as only 126 yes votes would not have been enough to get the bill passed, following the rule of half of the majority plus one voting in favor of the bill. But the Secretariat issued the correction that the yes vote was actually 131! ” Atienza, who has consistently opposed the divorce bill, said.

According to the Office of the Secretary General of the lower chamber, the measure received 131 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes and 20 abstentions.

Conscience vote

ASKED how the Senate would vote, Escudero said he would rather that senators vote not as political blocs but as individuals espousing their own honest conviction on the matter.

Pressed about his own personal stand,

Escudero said he would “rather expand, and make more affordable” the annulment process now prevailing.

The most recent instance of the House granting final approval to a pro-divorce bill was on March 19, 2018, during the 17th Congress by a vote of 134-57 with two abstentions.

Constitutional principles ON Friday, Atienza also emphasized the importance of constitutional principles in his opposition to the divorce bill.

He urged the lawmakers to carefully examine the Constitution, pointing out that the proposed legislation would contravene Article II, Section 12, which upholds the sanctity of family life and mandates the state to protect and strengthen families.

Atienza also cited Article XV, Sections 1 and 2, which recognize the Filipino family as the cornerstone of the nation and emphasize the inviolability of marriage as a social institution.

He warned against the potential legal challenges the bill might face in the Supreme Court if passed.

Atienza stressed the lasting damage divorce could inflict on children and underscored the resilience of the nation, attributed in part to the cohesive structure of Filipino families.

He urged policymakers to safeguard this foundation by rejecting the bill and preserving the integrity of the Filipino family unit.

DBM has released ₧1.398T

of budget for ’24 at end-April

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

THE state has released P1.398 trillion of the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 as of end-April, according to data released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The status of notice of cash allocation (NCA) utilization rate improved to 93 percent from January to April, up by 3 percent from the 90 percent posted in the same period a year ago.

The 93-percent utilization rate as of end-April corresponds to the P1.300 trillion worth of NCAs that have been used or spent by the government for various obligations.

NCA refers to the cash authority issued by the DBM to central, regional and provincial office and operating units to cover the cash requirements of the agencies. A higher NCA utilization rate shows the capacity of line agencies to disburse their allocated funds in timely manner and implement their programs and projects.

Broken down, line departments posted a 91-percent utilization rate, using P911.005 billion with a

Maharlika. . .

Continued from A

“Let’s have the level of reliability in Palawan without waiting for the grid to come to Palawan,” del Mundo said.

The transmission line would eventually connect Batangas to Mindoro and then Mindoro to Palawan, Consing said. Consing stressed that MIC will only focus on investing in energy transmission by constructing transmission lines in island grids and off-grids.

“We do not see ourselves investing in the generation side or distribution side because theoretically, when these assets that we’re currently helping [to] build get connected to the transmission grid, then we will be restricted from investing in either,” Consing said.

“We want to be able to make a difference by focusing only on the grid, on building island grids,” he added.

Due to technical issues and power supply deficiency for years, Palawan has

remaining P94.970 billion unused NCAs as of end-April this year.

Meanwhile, Special Purpose Funds given to agencies, such as state-run firms and local governments, reached an NCA utilization rate of 99 percent, amounting to P389.058 billion, with remaining unused NCAs worth P3.618 billion.

Allotment to Local Government Units (ALGUs) worth P342.927 billion of NCAs was utilized at 99 percent or P340.277 billion.

For Budgetary Support to staterun corporations, a total of P48.781 billion worth of NCAs were used out of the P49.749 billion, with a utilization rate of 98 percent. Of the total amount of NCAs already issued by the DBM as of endApril, P98.588 billion remain in the accounts of the various government offices and have yet to be spent. For April alone, the DBM has released P438.617 billion worth of NCAs. Of the amount, P347.143 has been utilized by national government agencies, state-run corporations and local government units (LGUs), while P91.473 billion of NCAs remain unused.

struggled with rotational brownouts.  Consing said that Palawan, a province renowned for its “natural beauty and burgeoning tourism industry,” needs a modern and efficient power grid to empower businesses to expand, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

The MIC is targeting to generate $1 billion in investments for the energy sector alone towards the end of the year.

The corporation’s priority sectors for investments include physical, digital and social infrastructure; food security; aviation and aerospace; mineral processing; transportation; and tourism.

The MIC is the sole vehicle for mobilizing and utilizing the Maharlika Investment Fund for investments in transactions aimed at generating optimal returns on investments created through Republic Act (RA) 11954 (An Act Establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund).

Side streets and sidebars of life

WBy Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

HEN I was in Tokyo many years ago for a monthlong training on video production, I once went along with my group of fellow trainees even if I knew they were more excited about Japanese electronic gadgets. I was more culture-minded.

As we were walk ing down a busy thoroughfare, I spotted what seemed to be a religious shrine nestled in a quiet side street. In my excitement, I failed to inform my companions, and went directly to the mini park. There I found myself in serene surroundings, just happy to have stumbled on a Kyotolike scene in the heart of bustling Tokyo. I must have been there for quite a while because when I went back to the main street, I realized my companions had moved on and forgotten about me.

I found myself lost since there were few signs with English translations and I couldn’t speak Nippongo. But instead of panicking, I decided to use my basic homing instinct to find my way back to our hotel. Inexplicably, I felt free, no longer constrained by the personal preferences of my fellow trainees or the daily itinerar y set by our Japanese coordinators. Summoning up my adventurous spirit, I chose to walk the untrodden path, the back alleys and side streets of Tokyo. Then as I was walking, I chanced upon a little bookstore and went inside. The books and magazines were all in Japanese but in one corner I caught sight of a secluded shelf of books in English My heart skipped a beat when I found a couple of books I wouldn’t find anywhere in Manila, including a rare hardcover copy of Will Durant’s “Caesar and Christ.” It was a stroke of serendipitous luck. I couldn’t believe that I found them in the most unexpected place and all because I strayed from the main path It made my stay in Tokyo worth it, even if the cost of the books strained my meager training allowance at that instance. Feeling joyful and lighthearted, I walked through the narrow streets packed with izakayas, bars, and eateries tucked away in Japan’s busy streets. Later I learned they are called “yokocho” Japanese for “alleyway.” Obser ving snatches of the hidden life of ordinar y Japanese salar ymen, I found the sights more interesting than the shiny massive high-rises because they gave me a window into the city’s aut hent ic, more down-to-ear t h, raw human side.

To cut the story short, I successfully made it back to our hotel. But from then on, I seldom went with my group during our forays into the city during our free time. I preferred to explore places on my own, choosing to walk the side streets, which had a distinctive charm of their own.

Straying from the main and conventional path can be compared to a piece of musical composition in which the melody shifts in another direction completely away from the main melody. One hears a different melody. But then after that departure, the main melody motif imperceptibly comes back but now in a more rounded, enriched way.

If you know how to harness it, the state of being sidetracked can be an enriching and rewarding experience. As long as you don’t lose sight of the final destination, then you can allow yourself to stray from the main path as long as you know how to get back after a while. This is why I love sidebars in books and magazines. T hey are the conversational equivalent of our “by the way” (BTW) or “before I forget,” which signals the transitioning or changing of the subject in the middle of a conversation.

Some people hate to see sidebars

House OKs universal social pension for senior citizens

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

because they can be distracting or off-tracking. But to me, however, more than just a side comment, a good sidebar adds to the context, enriching one’s knowledge or understanding of the main topic. Just as an aside, for the same reason, I also like to read little footnotes at the bottom of a book. By the way, have you encountered the term “sidebar conversation? It is an informal, unplanned, untabled side discussion during a meeting. Sidebar conversations are welcome because they allow meetings to “breathe” so more out-ofthe-box ideas can be expressed during a group discussion. In my long experience in creative brainstorming, what seems like side tracking most often produces the best ideas.

I once met an assistant professor of histor y that couldn’t help i nterject sideba r conversat ions during our series of meetings for a histor y museum project. Mention a place, name or incident in histor y and he would go on to tell an anecdote or piece of information that would give the full picture of that place, name or incident. We loved his presence in our meetings even if they tended to side track us from the main agenda. In fact, our meetings would sometimes go on into the wee hours of the night but we would be so much more historically and culturally enriched ever y time. That man was a supreme sidebar conversationalist. Because of him, I got into a side passion for digging into unexplored areas of local and world histor y. I am now also into books on historical figures, which give me a feel for the eras and epochs in which they lived. Side conversations with other interesting people as well as side trips into other fields of knowledge such as quantum physics, cultural anthropology, ornithology have infused in me added knowledge and insights that give me a rounded education, which I consider still unfinished.

My wife likes to inter pose sidebar narratives about her parents, certain relatives and friends even if she has told them so many times before. One t ime, my daughter stopped her by say ing “yes yes, you’ve told t h at al ready many times.” I took her aside and gently reprimanded her Families should encourage their old folks to make sidebar conversations when they feel like doing so, no matter how many times they’ve told the same narrative. Sidebar conversations help bring to life parts of their old selves. The fact that they can remember details is a good sign their minds are working.

In the mini-reunions with former classmates, whenever our talk seems to peter out, I light it up again with timely “by the way” tidbits of info from my eclectic reading. The more they listen to my sidebars, the more I get them enthused to talk about their own personal explorations. Furthermore, I have obser ved t h at duri ng our sen ior c it i zen meetings, the informal impulsive digressions are fostering camaraderie. The off-tangent comments of our fellow seniors during meetings often reveal their deep-seated concerns and interests, and we who are listening begin to understand their motivations. This is where empathy comes in. So my fellow seniors, let your minds wander off once in a while to the side streets and roads less traveled. They can be personally en ric hi ng and rewa rd i ng. T h at way you can even develop into an engaging sidebar conversationalist. They say talk is cheap. But for people of our age, as long as we keep talking, we know we are alive and well.

MANILA—The House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading a measure granting universal social pension to all Filipino senior citizens.

With 232 affirmative votes, the chamber passed House Bi ll (HB) 10423 which seeks to expand the current social pension program to include all senior citizens, not just indigents.

Under Republic Act 7432, indigent senior citizens are entitled to a monthly stipend of P1,000 to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

If the bill is enacted into law, senior citizens who are not considered indigents shall receive a monthly stipend of P500.

The bill also stipulates that within five years, all senior citizens will also be entitled to a universal social pension equivalent to at least P1,000, regardless of any other pension benefits they may receive from other pension providers.

United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, author of the bill, said the approval is a “significant step” towards ensuring the health and well-being of all senior citizens.

“The passage of the Universal Social Pension Bill is not just for those who have walked before us, but for the generations whose journeys have only beg u n,” A qui no-Magsaysay said. “It ensures that no Filipino senior citizen today or tomorrow will ever be left behind or forgotten. It is about time that all Filipinos have a pension.”

The bill seeks the transfer of the prog ram’s management from the Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD) to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) within three years.

The DSWD, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management and other stakeholders, shall be tasked with reviewing and, if necessar y, adjusting the amount of social pension ever y two years, taking into account the diverse needs of senior citizens and relevant economic indicators.

Under the proposed law, senior citizens shall have the right to waive benefits or opt out of the universal social pension program.

According to DSWD data, there are around 4 million indigent senior citizens out of about 12 million senior citizens nationwide.

Bills enhancing benefits for seniors, PWDs

THE House also unanimously approved on third reading three measures seeking to expand the benefits of senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

A total of 235 lawmakers voted in favor of HB 10312, which proposes that the mandator y 20 percent discount, value-added tax exemption, and special discount on the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities granted to senior citizens and PWDs be applied in addition to any prevailing promotional offers or discounts extended by business establishments.

It also clarifies that discounts granted to senior citizens and PWDs

are deductible expenses of business establishments.

With 235 affirmative votes, the c h amber also passed HB 10313 which mandates a dedicated section in the eGov PH Super App to assist senior citizens and persons w ith disabilities in accessing government ser vices, including healthcare, livelihood, social ser vices, and informational resources.

Digital copies of the senior citizen identification (ID) or PWD ID shall be issued through the eGov PH Super App.

These digital copies shall be considered as a valid proof of identity of any senior citizen or person with disability for purposes of availing the rights and privileges they are entitled to under existing law.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) shall be responsible for the integration of database of senior citizens and PWDs, as well as the integration of business establishments in the eGov PH Super App. HB 10314, which seeks to rationalize the benefits and privileges of senior citizens and PWDs to ensure equitable access to essential services, was also approved with 236 yes votes.

The bill introduces a 20 percent discount and value-added tax (VAT)

exemption on parking fees and the use of expressways and skyways, as well as the grant of a 15 percent discount on the monthly utilization of water and electricity supplied by public utilities for the first 100-kilowatt hours of electricity and 30 cubic meters of water per month

It also provides employers a tax deduction of 25 percent of the salaries and wages paid to senior citizen and PWD employees.

Agusan del Sur Representative Alfelito Bascug said the proposals wou ld benef it around 12 million senior citizens and 1.5 registered PWDs.

“This will afford our PWDs and senior citizens greater financial relief as they struggle to have their budget for medical and food expenses at par with inflation,” Bascug said. “This vital legislation will surely uphold the preferential benefits rightfully deser ved by these vulnerable sectors.”

Other bills approved on final reading include House Bill 10174, which converts the Dr Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal National Center for Geriatric Health as the National Center for Geriatric Health and Research Institute and House Bill 10188, which seeks to shield senior citizens from fraudulent acts committed through the Internet, mail, and telemarketing. PNA

American retirees remodel homes for aging in place

By Anne D’innocenzio AP Business Writer

NEW YORK—Brenda Edwards considers the four-bedroom ranch-style house where she has lived for 20 years her forever home. It’s where the 70-year-old retired nurse and her 79-yea r -old hu sband want to stay as their mobility becomes more limited.

So she hired an interior designer for $20,000 and spent another $95,000 to retrofit their house in

Edwards said in explaining why the couple decided to invest in the property instead of downsizing. “We have a pool. We have a spa. We just put a lot of love and effort into this yard. We want to stay.” Even i f t hey wanted to move, it wouldn’t make financial sense, Edwards said. Their house is almost paid for and it would be too hard to purchase anything else,” she said. Like Edwards and her husband, a vast majority of adults over age 50 prefer the idea of remaining in their own residences as long a possible, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. But staying put is becoming less of a choice. Some baby boomers and older members of Generation X are locked into low mortgage rates too good to give up. Skyrocketing housing prices fueled by lean supply further complicate the calculations of moving house.

Despite feeling tied down, a subset of these older adults have enough extra cash to splurge on upgrades designed to keep their homes both en oyable and accessible as they age. The demand for inconspicuous safety bars, lower sinks, residential elevators and other amenities has given home improvement chains, contractors, designers and architects a noticeable lift.

Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement chain, is revamping its Glacier Bay brand to include sleeker grab bars and faucets that are easier to use. R ival Lowe’s created a one-stop

caregivers.

Toto USA research showed a 20 percentage point spike in ownership of the Washlet seats among consumers ages 4655 between early 2020 and the end of last year The increase indicates customers are thinking ahead, said Jarrett Oakley, the subsidiar y’s director of marketing.

“The growing older demographic is more knowledgeable about renovations and planning for their future needs, especially as they prepare to age in place,” Oakley said. “They’re looking to futureproof their homes thoughtfully and with a focus on lu xur y.”

Wendy Glaister, an interior designer in Modesto, California, who worked with Edwards, reports more clientele in their late 50s and early 60s remodeling their homes for the years ahead. The typical bathroom renovation in California costs $45,000 to $75,000, she sa id. “Your home is your safe place,” Glaister said. “Your home is where you hosted your family for holidays.” T he need to age-proof proper ties w ill become more urgent in the decade ahead. By 2034, people age 65 and older are expected to outnumber those under age 18 for the f irst time in US histor y, according to a US Census repor t rev ised in 2020. But t he i ssue h as exposed a d iv ide between well- heeled and lowe r - i

Beaverton, Oregon. The changes, which cost about $3,000, included replacing her tub shower with a walk-in version and installing a higher toilet. P e r k i ns val u es h e r i ndependence and sa id ret irement fac i

US, PHL open fellowship program for higher education officials

ANEW fellowship program will help equip local academic officials develop innovative and highimpact learning in higher education.

The “Higher Education Innovation Leaders Fellowship Program,” which is part of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) five-year, P1.6-billion ($30 million) “United StatesPhilippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Life-long Learning (UPSK ILL)” initiative, will bring together 16 senior academic officials from across the Philippines for an eight-month learning experience that will empower them to drive innovation within their organizations.

“This fellowship program represents our investment in developing leaders who will inspire change and strengthen the country’s higher education sector through innovation and collaboration,” Mission Director Ryan Washburn of USAID Philippines said during the May 13 launch.

The inaugural cohort is composed of two officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and senior academic

officials from Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle UniversityManila, De La Salle UniversityLaguna, Far Eastern University, Mapua University, Mariano Marcos State University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines, and the University of San Carlos.

The fellows will engage in learning sessions covering global trends in higher education, driving organizational reforms, and crafting innovative solutions to enhance the impact of higher education programs. The program’s highlight is a week-long immersion at Arizona State University, which is ranked as one of the most innovative universities in the US.

“These fellows will be bringing contributions and cultivating advocacies of transformation through the fellowship program,” said Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, who is the chair of CHED. “I look forward to

seeing [them] working collectively toward a goal of a strengthened higher education system leading to inclusive growth in the Philippines.”

During the launch, USAID and CHED also signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes collaboration areas between the US and the Philippines under “UPSK ILL.” Through the program, USAID will provide technical assistance in crafting the Philippines’s Higher Education Sectoral Development Plan and implementing the Philippine Qualifications

Framework.

The aid agency will also support CHED’s development of “OneTouch Management Information System:” a unified platform that will help streamline access to essential services and data visualizations for the commission and its stakeholders.

USAID supports the Philippines’s efforts to strengthen its educational system. Since 2012, the former has invested more than P3 billion ($60 million) to improve local higher education.

Manuel T. Cayon

25th Philippine Academic Book Fair slated this June

THE Philippine Academic Book Fair, presented by the Academic Booksellers Association of the Philippines (ABAP), is set from June 5 to 7, 2024 at the Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

With the theme: “Thriving Amidst Technological Advancements and Global Challenges,” the Philippine Academic Book Fair will underscore the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of education.

Long recognized as a premier

FILIPINOS have embodied resilience, adaptability, and ambition.

Across countries and cultures, Philippine-based migrants and overseas workers have been forging paths to brighter futures for themselves and their families. At the heart of this journey lies proficiency in the English language as a gateway to global opportunities and a catalyst for diaspora integration.

For many Filipinos aspiring to study, work, or migrate abroad, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a fundamental requirement. Achieving their target band score is often the first step toward realizing their global dreams.

World’s leading high-stakes English test FOR more than 30 years, IELTS has set the gold standard for English language testing that helps people achieve their professional, personal, and academic goals. It is the world’s most trusted, recognized, and secure English language test.

More than 3 million of its tests are administered each year, as IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional institutions.

Its rigorous testing criteria evaluate the test taker’s abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking,

event for educators, academics, and book enthusiasts alike, the Philippine Academic Book Fair will present hundreds of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of academic book titles, publications, resources, and technologies that cater to the academic sphere.

“In an era defined by global technological advancements, it is important that educators stay abreast with the latest trends and tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences for students,” said ABAP president Evelyn Millar. “The 25th

ensuring that they possess the language skills necessary to thrive in English-speaking environments.

IELTS offers two test types: the “Standard IELTS” test, and the “IELTS for U K VI” which is approved by the United K ingdom Home Office for work, study, and migration purposes. There are also various flexible ways of taking the IELTS test: It is available on paper, on computer, and online.

The “IELTS Academic Test” is often a required measure of English language proficiency for an academic, higher education environment. With it, a test taker can study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level anywhere in the world, apply for “Tier-4 Student Visa” at a Tier4 sponsor university in the U K , and work in a professional organization in an English-speaking country. Meanwhile, the “IELTS General Training Test” measures English language proficiency in a practical-everyday context. Test takers can train or study secondary education or vocational courses, work or undertake job-related training in an Englishspeaking country, or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules are available in standard IELTS and IELTS for U K VI.

Facilitating international integration

ONE of the most significant impacts

Philippine Academic Book Fair serves as an avenue for educators and schools to find the latest print and digital resources, and innovative strategies to navigate the challenges of the modern academic world.”

Exhibitors in this year’s fair include industry-leading publication houses and booksellers such as Bookquick Marketing, Book Trends Enterprises, C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, CD Books International Inc., Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd., F&J de Jesus Inc., Fastbooks Educational Supply Inc., Forefront

of IELTS on Filipino diaspora communities is its role in empowering Filipino professionals advance their careers overseas.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or Filipino workers who worked abroad between April and September 2022 was estimated at 1.96 million, with a total of 18 percent working in Europe, North and South America, and Australia.

For OFWs in English-speaking countries, a strong performance in the IELTS not only enhances job prospects, but also instills confidence, enabling them to excel in diverse professional environments, while contributing meaningfully to their chosen fields.

Moreover, IELTS also unlocks access to global education. With an impressive IELTS score, doors to prestigious universities and colleges around the world swing open for Filipino students who dream of pursuing higher education abroad.

IELTS also serves as a powerful tool for facilitating cultural integration. From participating in social gatherings to engaging in community activities, proficiency in English bridges the gap between Filipino migrants and their host societies, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Global Filipino companion AS Filipino migrants, students, and

Book Co. Inc., GALE, and Golden Books Services Inc. Also joining the event are Linar International Book Resources Inc., Megatexts Phil. Inc., Mind Mover Publishing House Inc., Reader’s K nowledge Bookstore, Rex Education, Serv Enterprises, University of the Philippines Press, and Vibal Group Inc.

The 25th Philippine Academic Book Fair is jointly organized by Primetrade Asia Inc. For more info, call 8896-0682 or 8373-3301, or email info@primetradeasia.com.

overseas workers continue to navigate the complexities of life abroad, IELTS remains a steadfast companion, giving them the confidence to communicate and connect with their new communities.

IDP Education Philippines, coowner of the IELTS test, continues to lead the sector today by making IELTS accessible to Filipinos nationwide. Senior Operations and Business Development Manager Hannah Esguerra of IDP IELTS said that their firm plans to continue to expand its IELTS testing footprint around the Philippines.

“Our goal…is to bring IDP and IELTS closer to our customers by opening offices in all key cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” said Esguerra.

IDP provides free IELTS review and practice materials for Filipino test takers to support their test preparation, and help them achieve their best score on test day.

It administers the IELTS test nationwide, and has 16 “IELTS on Computer” labs in Pasig City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, City of Manila, Laoag City, Baguio City, Naga City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Boracay, and in the provinces of Pampanga and Laguna.

For

Editor: Mike Policarpio

PRC ranks Univ. of Perpetual Help in Top 5 for nursing licensure exam; grad among 5 highest

THE University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA (UPHSD) landed as one of the Top 5 higher education institutions in the May 2024 nursing licensure examination.

According to data released by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), the university was ranked fifth among schools with 30 to 50 examinees, and with at least an 85-percent passing rate, with 87.8 percent.

Perpetual Help nursing graduate Jhanevhie Cordova Grabillo was ranked fifthhighest among examinees. She is currently employed at the Perpetual Help Medical Center.

The university also recorded a 100-percent passing rate for all first-takers of the nursing licensure exam from its Las Piñas, Molino and Calamba campuses.

Based in Las Piñas City, UPHSD has consistently produced professional board passers and examinees who have topped their respective board exams, in pursuit of its goal to deliver quality education. In line with its desire to produce graduates who will become “Helpers of God,” UPHSD aims to develop a new generation of Filipinos guided by its motto: “Character Building is Nation-Building.”

Honda conducts road-safety training for Taguig, Pateros students, academia

PART of its program to develop road safety mindset, riding and driving proficiency among the academic community, Honda Foundation Inc. (HFI) recently tied up with the Taguig City local government and the Department of Education-School Division Office of Taguig City and Pateros (DepEd TAPAT) for the first-ever “Students on Safety (SOS)” event in Signal Village National High School (SVNHS).

SOS provided practical roadsafety know-how to students, faculty members and school personnel in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable learning approach.

More than 250 road users composed of junior- and seniorhigh school students, teaching and non-teaching personnel of the Taguig secondary-learning institution joined in the funfilled learning experience.

HFI president and concurrent head of Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. Seiji Fujimoto underscored the importance of their tie-up with the government, academe and the public in mitigating the rising number of traffic-related road crashes.

A mobility firm with a wide array of products and services, Honda wants to move people physically, “and their hearts,” through the value that it provides.

These statements were also highlighted in the message

of HCPI president and fellow member of the HFI board of trustees Rie Miyake, who said that the company’s corporate social responsibility or CSR arm is committed to continuously drive road safety for every family.

Dr. Jose F. Abisado Jr., who is the DepEd TAPAT Education Program supervisor and Dr. Reynaldo A. Nama, the SVNHS assistant school principal I, expressed his appreciation and support to HFI’s advocacies, especially its program of instilling road-safety mindsets to the students and school personnel, with the ultimate goal of protecting the lives of people in the community.

HFI’s thrust on “Road Safety Program for our Family,” undertaken through Honda Safety Driving Center-1 Honda Road Safety program, is aligned with the car and cycle maker’s global driving campaign: “Safety for Everyone.”

Integral to the vehicle manufacturer’s worldwide direction, a comprehensive roadsafety strategy—by way of a close partnership with the government, academe and private organizations—is essential to achieve its goal of reducing the number of road-crash fatalities involving Honda’s motorcycles and automobiles, with the ultimate goal of zero traffic-collision fatalities by 2050. Roderick L. Abad

GRABILLO

A YOUNG learner garbed in full driving gear is taught road safety.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III and USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn

Tourism&Entertainment

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

BusinessMirror

MORE TO LOVE IN ILOILO

The City of Love shines spotlight on more tourist attractions to explore

By Maan D’Asis Pamaran

Photos by John Eiron R. Francisco

ILOILO is a popular destination for its cuisine, with visitors eagerly making a trip to enjoy comforting bowls of La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, at Langka), and bring home pasalubong faves like Butterscotch, Biscocho, and Siopao from Roberto’s.

It was officially recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023. With the City Government’s Visit Iloilo campaign, travelers can come for the food and stay for the adventures that showcase the rich history and culture of the City of Love. Throughout history, Iloilo has played pivotal roles in the development of the Western Visayas region. It was first inhabited by Ati and Suludnons, followed by a contingent of Malays under Datu Paiburong who is said to have traded a golden salakot and a necklace for its land. The Spanish colonial period saw Iloilo as a center for commerce, with sugar and the handwoven textile called Hablon as the main commodities. It was also during this time that religion flourished in the region and beautiful churches are part of the local landmarks.

Iloilo was elevated as a charter city during the American Period, and locals who were able to obtain grants to study in the US, brought back American influences into their architecture and society life. Environmental sustainability plays a part in the city’s continued development, as the local government under Mayor Jerry Trenas promotes efforts to keep the city clean and green. These historical and cultural facets shine in the spotlight with the Visit Iloilo initiative.

History at home SOME of Iloilo’s ancestral houses are open

to the public as museums, cafes, and events places to showcase genteel Ilonggo living.

The Lopez Heritage House or Nelly Garden is an imposing structure that is owned by one of Iloilo’s most prominent families. It was built in 1928 by Don Vicente Lopez and his wife Doña Elena Hofilena who hosted sorties attended by socialites and dignitaries. Today, the Beaux-Arts mansion with its impeccably glistening wood floors and priceless muebles is available to the public for tours, weddings, private dinners, photoshoots, and other events.

Another prominent heritage house is the Lizares Mansion, which stands out from the other Spanish-inspired structures with its French design influences. It was used as a family home until the Japanese Occupation, where it was commandeered and used as a prison. It is now part of the Angelicum School, with a chapel and quarters for the priests. It has been declared by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) as an Important Cultural Property that possesses exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance.

Casa Gamboa, an initiative of the Tinukib Foundation, was opened to honor Patrocino Gamboa, also known as “Tia Patron,” one of the first revolutionaries in Panay Island to battle against Spain. It now houses a café where one can savor local coffee and native snacks before

ADDING LYF TO MALATE

By Benjamin Locsin Layug

THE 207-room lyf Malate, which opened last June 20, 2023, is poised to revolutionize the concept of connection, work, and fostering a supportive community, all within a single space. It spearheads a movement of encouraging the current generation of workers, travelers and professionals to step out of their typical routine and experience the new era of hospitality.

It aims to provide modern co-living spaces, with community-centric activities, to those who seek more than just a place to catch some shuteye; craving a communitydriven and enriching environment that offers a sanctuary for collaboration, inspiration, and growth. Their diverse lineup of guests includes digital nomads, technopreneurs, creatives, self-starters, and anyone craving a sense of community while climbing their respective career ladder.

As opposed to the cookie-cutter approach adopted by most accommodations, lyf Malate Manila dares to be different by evolving with the times and embracing the spirit of community. Located at the corner of Malvar and Vasquez Streets, it sits on the buzzing University Belt and is in close proximity the Manila City Hall and the

Walled City of Intramuros, Manila’s seats of power, giving a perfect juxtaposition of the country’s past and present. lyf (which means “live your freedom” and stylized as lowercase) is a globally present brand specializing in long stay and co-living, a global phenomenon and a new way for people to live in cities, focused on community and convenience. With 26 properties in 11 countries across Asia, Europe, and Australia, their vision is to open, by 2030, 150 lyf properties worldwide. lyf Malate is the first and one of two lyf properties in the Philippines managed by the Singaporean group The Ascott Limited (wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment), one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. The other is the 159-room lyf Cebu City, opened last January 16, 2024. Breaking free from societal norms, lyf offers a distinct and unparalleled experience unbeknownst to the typical expectation that comes with traditional accommodations. Under the leadership of lyf Champion (Residence Manager) Joyce Pascual-Agsaway, an experienced industry expert with extensive knowledge gained through years, her dynamic leadership style encourages collaboration and creativity, spearheading a talented lyf crew dedicated to de-

browsing through the souvenir items made by artisans in the region.

There’s also the Camiña Balay nga Bato, a century-old ancestral house that serves a thick tablea chocolate drink, a memorable Pancit Molo, and a delicious grilled pork dish that comes with a satisfying crunch. At Glory’s Cafe Arevalo, a converted heritage house, one can try the traditional heritage black coffee, poured by the family’s third generation with a method they have used since 1948. For satisfying meals with a taste of history on the side, there’s Café Agatona which offers a beautiful vista of the Jaro Plaza, and Balai Remedios that brings together heirloom recipes and new takes on traditional food.

Spaces for art and discovery

ILOILO has 20 museums that highlight art, history, and culture, among these is the Iloilo Museum which houses precious historical artifacts. The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University is a show-

case for the school’s contributions to the country’s maritime industry through seafarer training.

Two of the most recent additions to the city’s lineup of museums to visit are the National Museum of the PhilippinesIloilo and the Museum of Philippine Economic History. Both are well-curated modern museums that highlight important events and discoveries that helped shape the country through eye-catching displays.

Travelers who want to try their hand at weaving hablon fabric can visit the Arevalo Woven Products Workshop and learn from the skilled weavers how they produce items such as the official UP Sablay. Those who want to have their fill of art can visit the UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage and the Adoro Gallery Museum, which provide the region’s artists with a space for expression. Art collector Ed Valencia, owner of Adora, likewise has pieces on display at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMO-

CA). Located at Iloilo’s Festival Walk, the three-story museum that features works by the country’s notable modern artists.

Right beside ILOMOCA is the Brandy Museum allows visitors to learn more about the care needed in distilling fine Spanish spirits and how to best appreciate them.

On the greener side, Iloilo’s Esplanade showcases the transformation of the Iloilo River as a sustainable tourism destination, winning recognition as a Galing Pook awardee for championing ecological sustainability. Sunset cruises are also available for groups who want to experience the clear waters of the river up close.

“Iloilo has long been recognized for its culture, heritage, and hospitality. We want to continue sharing all these things, and our Visit Iloilo campaign is an invitation for everyone to experience Iloilo’s rich history and premier attractions first-hand—especially our museums. I believe we may have the most number of museums in a single city, and that’s something to be truly proud of,” shared Allan Tan, president, Iloilo Festi-

vals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).

Department of Tourism data shows that in 2023, Iloilo recorded a significant number of tourist arrivals, with about 886,000 visitors coming into the city.

“Visit Iloilo is more than just a showcase of our heritage, food, and festivals. It is our way of building our legacy and giving back to the Ilonggos, whose collective efforts have molded Iloilo into what it is and what it’s yet to become. We are very excited to share who we are not only to the whole country, but to the rest of the world,” Tan adds.

Aside from IFFI, among the multisectoral groups supporting the campaign include DOT-Region 6, the Tourism Promotions Board, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, and the Iloilo Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Alliance.

Know more about the Visit Iloilo campaign and to discover more destinations, click on https://www.facebook.com/visitiloiloph.

Into the Pokeverse

WHEN I was asked what I thought was the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, my immediate answer mouse has been around almost forever.

So, I was quite surprised when I learned that Pikachu and pals are actually way bigger than Mickey and his friends. Pokémon actually dwarfs heavyweights, like Mickey Mouse, Harry Potter, Mario, Barbie, and Star Wars combined with a brand recall of over 2 billion fans represented in 183 countries.

Pokémon’s success can be attributed to its broad appeal and ability to evolve with its audience. What started as a pair of video games has grown into a vast universe encompassing various media. The franchise’s adaptability and relentless innovation have kept it relevant for nearly three decades. Pokémon has sold over 380 million video games worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises ever.

The trading card game has sold over 52.9 billion cards, and the anime series has garnered over 2 billion viewers across 183 countries. This vast reach and impact underscore Pokémon’s unparalleled success and enduring legacy.

This month, Filipino fans can immerse themselves in all things Pokémon at Pokeverse happening from May 31 to June 2, 2024, at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall. Pokeverse is a Pokémon-themed expo organized in collaboration with the country’s top Pokémon licensed distributors and collectors such as Hobby Stadium and Arken. The event aims to celebrate the Pokémon Universe, exploring a variety of interactive activities, gaming tournaments, cosplay showcases, and live performances, all in one venue.

In an interview with Kirck Allen, one of the lead

AT the scalp care center I go to, I would see millennials who play games on their mobile phones while getting their treatments. The coolest ones usually use a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. I use a Samsung S23 Ultra, which is the perfect phone for me since I always attend concerts, but I have a secret love for the Fold because it looks so cool. In the Korean dramas I watch, the chaebols always carry this phone.

I finally got the chance to test the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5, which recently got a a software update that includes Galaxy AI. Galaxy AI is an umbrella term for several software features that launched on the Galaxy S24 series.

To have unlimited access to the features of Galaxy AI, you need to create a Samsung account. You can also opt to create an account directly on the Samsung website by clicking Create Account. Follow the steps and start filling up your personal information. You will also need to set up a two-step verification. Finally, you need validate your email so you can start using the account.

My favorite Galaxy AI feature is Circle to Search, which lets you draw a circle on something you see on the web— say, a pair of shoes or a bag—and then the phone will let you know where you can find it. That’s amazing, right? This feature is very useful for me as I am very interested in beauty and fashion. Galaxy AI also has a Browsing Assist feature which summarizes and translates articles on the web in a snap. The summarize and translate tools also work in downloaded PDFs on your device and voice recording transcriptions. This is very useful for work. I barely use it for writing my columns but I do utilize it for my side hustle, which involves a lot of numbers.

I’m traveling next week so I am excited to try the language

producers of Pokeverse, and a lifelong fan of the franchise himself, he said, “While we’ve had several Pokémon-themed events in the country, Pokeverse distinguishes itself from previous conventions and meet-ups with its unprecedented scale, design and in Veronica Taylor, the beloved original voice actress of Ash Ketchum, and Jason Paige, the original singer of the Pokémon theme song, as guests for our event— something that is a dream come true for most fans.”

Allen, the son of Feng Shui Master Marites Allen, adds, “Unlike typical conventions, which might cosplay, Pokeverse spans three days, encompassing these elements while capturing the childhood essence every Pokémon fan, from children to adults, is looking for. The event will feature a comprehensive museum with vintage Pokémon products, competitive competitions themed toward the Pokémon IP, and a lineup of local celebrities reigniting their passion and

translation feature. Live Translate supports 13 languages— English (US/Great Britain/India), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain/Mexico/US), French (France), Korean, German, Italian, Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Hindi, Polish, Thai, and Vietnamese. You can download language packs to help you get real-time translations through phone calls and text messages, making communication seamless between both parties. After enabling Live Translate, you can also use the Call Assist Feature.

Chat Assist can help you compose messages in your intended conversational tone as well as translate messages in real time. Another feature is Note Assist, which can help you be more productive with your note-taking. Galaxy AI can create summaries for you. I have not tried this but I know that you can even personalize this with your own templates, cover pages, and stickers.

Photo and video editing are also important areas of focus for Galaxy AI. For example, Generative Edit makes it possible for you to manipulate or erase objects in photos. Meanwhile, Instant Slo-mo lets you preview clips in slow motion just by pressing and holding your finger on the video.

I feel that at this point, Galaxy AI is not yet fully optimized for foldables but this update gives me a glimpse of what it would be like in the future. It also tells me that when making important updates, Samsung considers all its users.

STARBUCKS EXPANDS

FOODSHARE COVERAGE

STARBUCKS Philippines has extended its food donation program to the North Luzon and Visayas regions, specifically in the cities of Pampanga and Bacolod.

FoodShare is a joint partnership with the Philippine FoodBank Foundation and Grab Philippines. Participating Starbucks stores work with Grab drivers to pick up and deliver rescuable food and deliver it to the Philippine FoodBankFoundation.

From there, the food is distributed to

sharing their journey with the brand. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where true Pokémon fans can fully immerse themselves in the world of their favorite brand in real life.”

At a recent media conference, Veronica Taylor joined via livestream to share her own Pokémon journey.

Media guests were also able to chat with Jason Paige, who was at the airport on his way to making another appearance in the US. His impressive vocal career includes touring as the lead singer for Blood Sweat & Tears and performing alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and Enrique Iglesias. His powerful delivery of the legendary “Gotta catch ‘em all!” line in the Pokémon Theme Song, helped make it an anthem for fans worldwide. But it wasnt until the release of Pokémon Go that people became really interested about who actually sang the Pokémon theme song. It changed my life when Pokémon Go came out in

underserved communities.

To date, Starbucks Philippines has donated over 1 million rescuable food items to beneficiaries that include Bahay Pag-Ibig House of Prayer (Home for the Aged) and Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth Inc. (Home for the Abandoned and Handicapped Special Children) in Pampanga, CICM Mission Center, Caritas Bacolod, and Senor Sto. Nino Home/ Orphanage in Bacolod. The announcement was made as part of Starbucks Philippines’ marking its annual Global Month of Good in April. Every year, the company encourages neighborhoods. Global

2016. The children that grew up on Pokémon didn’t really know who sang the song. It wasn’t important who sang the song; it was only important that the song moved them. It’s like a great piece of art that you see on the wall. You don’t think about who painted that piece of art, you just see the art and experience the art, and that’s the beauty of it. So, these children then grow up and now as adults they realize somebody sang the song, and that was about in 2016 when they came of age and they started playing the song again on all these streaming services like Spotify and YouTube and Amazon music. Paige shared that the Pokémon song became so popular that it got voted to the top 200 songs of all time in the Netherlands. It’s like from Jason Paige, then there was Queen, Rod Stewart, all the greatest musicians in history are right there surrounding the Pokémon theme song.

Month of Good started with a mission to promote the importance and value of community service. Meanwhile, Starbucks customers nationwide continue to enjoy a P10 store discount whenever they buy drinks using their personal reusable cups. Starbucks Rewards members also receive an additional Bonus Star with every purchase and when using Starbucks for-here drinkware. Running until June 3, this effort aims to involve the most loyal customers in making the planet a better place by practicing sustainability in their own

JASON PAIGEVERONICA TAYLORKIRCK ALLEN

Ttinyurl.com/ yc7tznhr

hello@pokeverse.ph

Harmie escapes with Villamor title

By Aldrin Quinto

HARMIE CONSTANTINO came up with some nifty escape shots in a nerveracking finish to outduel Gretchen Villacencio in the second playoff hole on Friday to retain the Philippine Ladies Masters title at the Villamor Air Base Golf Course.

The 22-year-old Constantino squeezed back into position from deep in the trees after a wayward tee shot to the right and a second shot that hit a tree branch.

She stuck her approach shot close and two-putted for bogey and her third straight crown in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) season.

Villacencio, meanwhile, could not convert from a better position on her second shot, her approach sailing just over the green and the chip shot stopping well short.

She putted to within three feet, which she was still unable to drop, and ended up with double-bogey. Constantino and Villacencio made par on their first playoff hole on No. 18. Constantino credited her sister Mikhaella, who was on the bag and kept her focused when she got another case of back-nine blues.

“I never say this to anybody but I get nervous quite a lot,” Constantino said. “My sister keeps me focused when things get really tough.”

Ironman in Subic draws huge field

THE Ironman (IM) Group is gearing up for an unprecedented turnout for the Fourth Century Tuna Ironman Philippines and the 11th IM 70.3 Subic Bay set June 9 at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. The 5-km Century Tuna Super Bods Underpants Run is also set on June 7 and the Choco Hero Ironkids triathlon on June 8. Also on tap are the competitions in various age groups—individual and relay—along with the novel team tents competition.

Century Pacific Executive Vice President and COO Greg Banzon emphasized the pivotal role Century Tuna has played in the Philippine triathlon scene, saying the company has supported events from small sprint races to the prestigious Ironman Philippines for over a decade. He also highlighted the rise of Filipino athletes, such as Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, as a testament to the company’s commitment to youth development in triathlon. Forty-four countries will compete in the race with Japan, France and the USA leading the charge with 54, 18 and 16 entries, respectively. Singapore and Vietnam will field 10 participants each and the Philippines 147 competitors.

Carlo Endaya, Vice President and General Manager for the Domestic Tuna Business of Century Pacific, also underscored the broader impact of their support for triathlon events.

Participants in the IM 70.3 will tackle a 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21.1-km run (70.3),

Constantino closed with a 75, needing par on the 72nd hole to stay alive after Villacencio submitted the day’s best 70, highlighted by a chip-in eagle on No. 13, to get to six-over 222 in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. It was an agonizingly difficult finish on a day when Constantino looked set for a breezy win after her two co-leaders slid early.

Pauline del Rosario dropped from the leaderboard right on No. 2 with a disappointing triple-bogey 8, while Florence Bisera made five bogeys in her first seven holes to also fade out. That allowed Constantino to move

ahead by five strokes, getting by with pars and making her first birdie of the day on the par-three No. 12, and never knew her lead has been erased until she reached the 18th when she saw the scoreboard.

Among the gallery there was Villacencio, eager to see Constantino finish.

“I never thought of going back to the practice green,” Villacencio said, adding that she has no regrets after pulling her putt that would have saved her round.

“I was so nervous waiting for Harmie to putt … my father just helped calm me down, telling me I had nothing to lose,” Villancencio said, referring to dad Arnold, a one-time PGT winner.

Figure skater gets Sen ‘Tol’ full support

Constantino made it three straight wins after topping Palos Cerdes and Caliraya Springs, and notched her ninth title since turning pro during the pandemic, this one worth P101,250.

Villacencio, meanwhile, again settled for runner-up honors after placing second behind Princess Superal in the 2018 Riviera Classic. She bagged P67,500. Del Rosario, competing on the LPGT while on break from the Epson Tour in the US, wound up alone in third after a 76 for 223.

Seoyun Kim was fourth at 225 after a closing 77, Mikha Fortuna also carded a 77 and finished solo fifth at 226, while Bisera

MAJORITY Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino—former chair of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights— sponsored a measure which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to Russian figure skater Aleksandr Sergeyevich Korovin.

Tolentino said during Wednesday’s plenary session that Korovin proudly stood and vowed to give his 100 percent when representing the Philippines in international events.

Senate Bill No. 2461 seeks to grant citizenship to Korovin beyond the Olympics, according to Tolentino, “because Mr. Korovin is committed

shot an 81 and wound up tied for sixth at 228 with Chihiro Ikeda, who shot a 76.

Eagle propels Rho to t

birdie-eagle

giving him the top spot entering the final round.

The 19-year-old Korean, who made noise in the opening round with a holein-one on the 195-yard No. 4, drew cheers from the crowd at the finishing hole when he hit his approach to tap-in range. Rho got another round of applause when he stroked the ball in for a 3 and a 68 for the solo lead at six-under 210.

not just to winning us a medal at the Olympics but also imparting skills and a Champion’s heart to our youth,” the majority leader said. Korovin won a prestigious Grand Prix medal and a silver from the 2018 Skate America.

Tolentino said that his talents on the ice made him successful in the International Skating Union (ISU) Challenger Series, where he has amassed a substantial collection of medals. Notably, he secured gold at both the 2018 Challenger Series Nebelhorn Trophy and the 2018 Challenger Series Golden Spin of Zagreb.

Retamar signs with many-time champion Cignal for pro career

CIGNAL added more firepower to its already formidable roster by signing one of the country’s top setters Joshua “Owa” Retamar recently at the team headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion chose Cignal as his new home after spending five

fruitful years with the National University Bulldogs.

“I believe that I’ll grow further with Cignal as the next stage of my volleyball career,” said Retamar, a two-time UAAP Finals MVP.

“Cignal’s the most successful teams in the country and I want to be part of its winning tradition.” Retamar won his first UAAP title

when he was a rookie Bulldog in Season 81 when he teamed up with then-MVP Bryan Bagunas.

Vietnam topples tall Kazakh foes to go unscathed in AVC spikefest

VIETNAM was unrelentless in defending its crown by staving off a tall K azakhstan squad in four sets, 25-14, 25-19, 14-25, 25-23, to stay unbeaten in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup for Women on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Opposite spiker Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen racked up 30 points—26 on attacks—three blocks and one service ace—to help the Vietnamese top Pool B with a 3-0 won-lost card.

The Vietnamese opened its bid by beating Singapore, 25-8, 29-27, 25-10, and Hong Kong, 25-13, 25-17, 25-16, earlier in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Vollyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara and supported by Meralco, PLDT, Smart, Akari, AyalaLand, Nuvali, Foton, POC, PSC, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Maynilad, Makati ShangriLa, Rebisco, Cignal, OneSports, OneSports+ and PilipinasLive.

“We really didn’t have a game against K azakhstan for a long time, like six years,” team captain Tranh Thi Thanh Thuy said. “This time, they are really tall and strong, so they are a little bit intimidating.”

“But our team did pretty well today. I’m very proud,” she added.

The Vietnamese go for a sweep of Pool B if against Indonesia on Sunday at 10 a.m.

“With all the players we have now, we are confident to take the championship because now we have a good connection,” Thuy said.

Iran rallied past Chinese-Taipei, 24-26, 25-20, 25-18, 28-26, to go 1-1 in Pool A also on Friday and bounce back from its 17-25, 23-25, 21-25 loss to India on opening day.

Aytak Salamat delivered 23 points, 22 on attacks, and Shadehsari Poorsaleh had 18 kills for Iran, which faces host Philippines on Saturday at 7 p.m.

“It was necessary to keep calm,” skipper Dorsa Fallahkordkhel said.

“We don’t have enough experience last time but now that we’re in our second match, so we watched their movements and we listened to all that coach.”

recently steered Cignal to the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title.

He was part of the national team in the Philippines 30th Southeast Asian Games and is one of the setters of the Alas Pilipinas for the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 in Manila.

“It’s both an honor and a privilege to have a setter of Owa’s caliber,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor, who

He led the Bulldogs to a 16-0 sweep in Season 85 before capping his collegiate career with a victory in Season 86 last week at the expense of the University of Santo Tomas Tigers. Retamar is no stranger to Spiker’s Turf action having previously won the Best Setter award in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference for Sta. Elena.

THE Philippine Badminton Association (PBad) named former top national athlete Kennie AsuncionRobles as its program director. As program director, AsuncionRobles is tasked to push PBad’s initiatives not only for the national squad, Smash Pilipinas, but also for the development of the sport in the country overall.

“It’s not an easy feat to win three UAAP titles, much less the Finals MVP award as a setter,” Clamor said.

“We’re looking forward to having him on the same side of the court for many years as he sets up our spikers which will hopefully lead to wins and more championships.”

Editor: Angel R. Calso

UN Court to decide on South Africa’s plea to stop Israeli military operations in Gaza

By Mike Corder The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—

The top United Nations court is ruling Friday on an urgent plea by South Africa to order Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza and withdraw from the enclave.

Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a ceasefire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an increasingly isolated Israel as it continues its military assault on Gaza following the deadly October 7 attacks by Hamas-led militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under heavy pressure at home to end the war.

Thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations calling on the government to reach a deal to bring home Israeli hostages in

Hamas captivity, fearing that time is running out.

The International Court of Justice has broad powers to order a cease-fire and other measures, but it does not have its own enforcement apparatus. In another case on its docket, Russia has so far ignored a 2022 order by the court to halt its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Friday’s ruling comes just days after the prosecutor of another court in The Hague, the International Criminal Court, announced he is seeking arrest warrants for

Netanyahu, Israel’s defense minister and three Hamas leaders.

Reacting to the ICC announcement, Netanyahu said: “No amount of pressure and no decision in any international forum will prevent Israel from defending itself against those who seek our destruction.”

The cease-fire request is a preliminary part of a case filed late

last year by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide during its Gaza campaign. Israel vehemently denies the allegations. The case will take years to resolve, but South Africa wants interim orders to protect Palestinians while the legal wrangling continues.

At public hearings last week at

China sends dozens of warplanes and ships near Taiwan to show anger over island’s new leaders

By Christopher Bodeen

The Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan tracked dozens of Chinese warplanes and navy vessels off its coast on Friday, the second day of a large military exercise launched by Beijing to show its anger over the self-governing island’s inauguration of new leaders who refuse to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

China has issued elaborate media statements showing Taiwan being surrounded by forces from its military, the People’s Liberation Army. A new video on Friday showed animated Chinese forces approaching from all sides and Taiwan being enclosed within a circular target area while simulated missiles hit key population and military targets.

Despite that, there was little sign of concern among Taiwan’s 23 million people, who have lived under threat of Chinese invasion since the two sides split during a civil war in 1949. Taiwan’s parliament was mired on Friday in a dispute between political parties over procedural measures, and business continued as usual in the bustling capital of Taipei and the ports of K eelong and K aohsiung.

The defense ministry said it tracked 49 Chinese warplanes and 19 navy vessels, as well as coast guard vessels, and that 35 of the planes flew across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, the de facto boundary between the two sides, over a 24-hour period from Thursday to Friday.

Taiwanese marine and coast guard vessels along with air and ground-based missile units have been put on alert, particularly around the Taiwan-controlled island

chains of K inmen and Matsu just off China’s coast and far from Taiwan’s main island.

“Facing external challenges and threats, we will continue to maintain the values of freedom and democracy,” Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, told sailors and top security officials Thursday as he visited a marine base in Taoyuan, just south of the capital, Taipei.

In his inauguration speech on Monday, Lai urged Beijing to stop its military intimidation and said Taiwan was “a sovereign independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.”

China’s military said its expanded exercises around Taiwan were punishment for separatist forces seeking independence. It sends navy ships and warplanes into the Taiwan Strait and other areas around the island almost daily to wear down Taiwan’s defenses and seek to intimidate its people, who firmly back their de facto independence.

“As soon as the leader of Taiwan took office, he challenged the one-China principle and blatantly sold the ‘two-state theory,’” the spokesperson of China’s

Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, said in a statement Thursday night.

The one-China principle asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China under Communist Party rule. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has been upping its military threats even as the island’s electorate overwhelmingly favors de facto independence.

In Beijing, international relations professor Shi Yinhong at Renmin University of China said the drills and China’s verbal condemnations of Lai were intended to show Beijing’s anger toward Lai and his administration’s policies. Those include a continuance of his predecessor Tsai Ingwen’s policies of building a

strong national defense and resisting Beijing’s efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.

“It may be regarded as chiefly necessary for convincing the Chinese people about the government’s determination and the armed forces’ progress in capability,” Shih said.

“But Lai, and in a degree the Taiwanese in general, experienced numerous such things. It will not change them and will make the U.S. and its core allies do more in their military support to Taiwan,” Shih said.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it was following China’s drills closely.

“We urge the relevant parties to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions in the region,” he said in a statement Thursday.

the International Court of Justice, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, urged the panel of 15 international judges to order Israel to “totally and unconditionally withdraw” from the Gaza Strip.

The court has already found that Israel’s military operations pose a “real and imminent risk” to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Israel’s offensive has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a near-famine.

“This may well be the last chance for the court to act,” Irish lawyer Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, who is part of South Africa’s legal team, told judges last week.

Israel rejects the claims by South Africa, a nation with historic ties to the Palestinian people.

“Israel takes extraordinary measures in order to minimize the harm to civilians in Gaza,” Tamar K aplan-Tourgeman, a member of Israel’s legal team, told the court last week.

In January, ICJ judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent

death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive. In a second order in March, the court said Israel must take measures to improve the humanitarian situation.

The ICJ rules in disputes between nations. A few kilometers (miles) away, the International Criminal Court files charges against individuals it considers most responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

On Monday, its chief prosecutor, K arim K han, said he has asked ICC judges to approve arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and three top Hamas leaders—Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh—of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israel is not an ICC member, so even if the arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution. But the threat of arrest could make it difficult for the Israeli leaders to travel abroad.

More than 100 people killed by landslide in Papua New Guinea–Australian media

By Rod Mcguirk The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia—More than 100 people are believed to have been killed Friday in a landslide that buried a village in a remote part of Papua New Guinea, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. The landslide reportedly hit Kaokalam village in Enga province, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) northwest of the South Pacific island nation’s capital of Port Moresby, at roughly 3 a.m. local time (15:00 GMT), ABC reported.

Residents say current estimates of the death toll are above 100, although authorities have not confirmed this figure. Villagers said the number of people killed could be much higher. Videos on social media show locals pulling out bodies buried under rocks and trees. The Papua New Guinea government and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Elizabeth Laruma, who runs a women’s business association in Porgera, a town in the same province near the Porgera Gold Mine, said village houses were flattened when the side of a mountain gave way.

US pushes for Ukraine aid, united front against China’s trade practices at G7 finance meeting

By David Mchugh Ap Business Writer

FRANKFURT, Germany—The US sought to build support for squeezing more money for Ukraine out of frozen Russian assets and for uniting against China’s trade practices as finance ministers from the Group of Seven rich democracies opened a two-day meeting on Friday on the shores of northern Italy’s scenic Lago Maggiore.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is pushing at the meeting in Stresa for “more ambitious options” to unlock money from some $260 billion in Russian central bank reserves frozen in Europe and the US after the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion.

Aid for Ukraine has become more urgent as Kyiv’s finances look shakier against the prospect that

the conflict will last through next year and beyond, and as Russia steps up its destruction of civilian infrastructure such as power stations.

The US Congress has passed legislation allowing the Biden administration to seize the roughly $5 billion in Russian assets located in the US, but most of the funds are in Europe. Citing legal

concerns, European officials have balked at outright confiscating the money and handing it to Ukraine as compensation for the destruction caused by Russia. Instead they plan use the interest accumulating on the assets, but that’s only around $3 billion a year—about one month’s financing needs for the Ukrainian government.

Proposals include borrowing against the future interest income

from the frozen assets, so that Ukraine could be given as much as $50 billion immediately.

Host Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said that extracting more for Ukraine “legally is a very complicated discussion but also politically sensitive.”

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire praised Yellen for setting aside a proposal that he said would have undermined international rule of law, and added that “the US proposal is now consistent with international law.”

“Let’s compare the proposals,

let’s see what is the most convenient, the most efficient, the most rapid proposal that could be put in place,” he said. “The key point is not the method that we use, the key point is to ensure the right and strong and longstanding financing of the Ukrainian government.”

Ukraine spends almost all its tax revenue on the military and needs another $40 billion a year to continue paying pensions and the salaries of doctors, nurses and teachers. Support from allies and a $15.4 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund was

initially thought to have secured the budget for four years, but the prospects of an extended conflict have darkened the outlook for next year.

Yellen has also called for a clear united front against China’s state subsidies for manufacturing of solar panels, semiconductors and electric cars, saying that China’s production capacity exceeds the needs not only of China but also of the global economy as a whole and threatens the existence of competing companies in both Group of Seven and developing countries. Ahead of the meeting she said that countries needed to take a common stance so that China’s leaders understand that “they face a wall of opposition to this strategy that they are pursuing.”

The finance ministers are working to set up final decisions at the summit of G7 leaders that will take place June 13-15 in Fasano, in southern Italy’s Puglia region.

The G7 is an informal forum that holds an annual summit to discuss economic policy and security issues. The member countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United K ingdom and the United States. Representatives of the European Union also take part, but the EU does not serve as one of the rotating chairs.

3 more hostages killed in Gaza recovered, ICJ to rule on Israel’s military operations

By Sam Mednick The Associated Press

TEL AVIV, Israel—The bodies of three more hostages killed on October 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza, Israel’s army said Friday, as the top United Nations court prepares to rule on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.

The bodies of Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were found and their families have been notified. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found the bodies of three other Israeli hostages killed on October. 7.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted around 250 others in the October. 7 attack. Around half of those hostages have since been freed, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire in November.

Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he’s made little progress. He faces pressure to resign, and the US has threatened to scale back its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

On Friday Netanyahu said the country had a duty to do everything to return those abducted, both those killed and those who are alive.

The country is also expecting a ruling Friday afternoon by the International Court of Justice to decide on an urgent plea by South

Africa to order Israel to cease operations. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a cease-fire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an increasingly isolated Israel.

On the hostages, Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas. On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little.

Anger is growing at home at the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.

Earlier this week a group representing the families of hostages released new video footage showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on October. 7.

The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. In one scene, a militant tells one of the terrified women she is beautiful.

The video sparked more protests across the country calling for the hostages’ release.

The army said on Friday the hostages were found during an

operation in Jabaliya. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a news conference that the army was able to retrieve the bodies based on “critical intelligence” uncovered last week by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.

The group representing the families of the hostages said the bodies had been returned to their families for burial.

Nisenbaum, 59, was a Brazilian-Israeli from the southern city of Sderot. He was taken hostage when he went to rescue his 4-yearold granddaughter.

Oryon Hernandez Radoux, 30, was a French-Mexican citizen taken from the Nova music festival, which he attended with his partner Shani Louk. Louk’s body was one of those found by the army nearly a week ago.

Yablonka, 42, a father of two, was also taken from the music festival. His family in December told the AP that he loved music. Yablonka’s family had no news of him for nearly two months after he’d been taken, not knowing if he was alive or dead.

Israel’s offensive since the war began has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a nearfamine.

RELATIVES and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold photos of their loved ones during a performance calling for their return in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday, May 23, 2024. AP/ODED BALILTY

New York sets aside money to help local news outlets hire and retain employees

By Maysoon Khan

The Associated Press/Report For America

AN.Y.—New York is offering up to $90 million in tax credits for news outlets to hire and retain journalists in an effort to help keep the shrinking local news industry afloat. The US newspaper industry has been in a long decline, driven by factors including a loss in advertising revenue as outlets have moved from primarily print to mostly digital. That prompted state lawmakers to help in a measure passed in the state budget.

New York’s three-year program allows some news organizations to tap into refundable tax credits each year, with a single outlet able to receive tax credits of up to $320,000 annually.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said preserving journalism jobs is vital for the health of democracy. As evidence, he cited the weakened New York news media’s failure to research the background of George Santos, a Republican who fabricated many details of his life story, until after he had been elected to Congress.

“Some of my colleagues have dubbed this credit the ‘George Santos Prevention Act’ because many believe it was the lack of local press coverage that enabled Santos to spin his web of lies undetected,” Hoylman-Sigal said.

While it is intended to benefit small community news sites, larger media organizations could also potentially benefit. The tax credits would mostly only be available to news outlets that are not publicly traded, though there would be an exception for certain media businesses that can show a reduction in circulation.

Hoylman-Sigal said he is open to making revisions to expand the legislation to include nonprofit news organizations and digital-only media outlets, which are currently left out of the program.

“This is the first time in American history that we have created a tax credit structure to support journalism jobs,” Jon Schleuss, president of the NewsGuild-CWA, a labor union for journalists, said.

Lawmakers in several states have weighed various approaches to help struggling news organizations.

The state governments in California and New Mexico help fund local news fellowship programs.

The California Legislature is considering a bill that would require tech giants like Google, Facebook and Microsoft to pay a percentage of advertising revenue to media companies for linking to their content. Google pushed back recently by temporarily removing California news websites from some people’s search results.

In Illinois, lawmakers have proposed a journalism scholarship program, a tax credit and a requirement that news outlets notify the state of plans to sell their operations four months in advance. Bills in Connecticut and Illinois would direct that some money the state spends on advertising go to local outlets.

Most of the measures advancing this year have been in Democrat-controlled states. But Anna Brugmann, director of policy at Rebuild Local News, which advocates for government help for journalism, said there is interest in the idea in red states, too. The hang-up, she said:

The initiatives can be expensive.

She noted that in Wisconsin, there were both Republican and Democratic news aid bills this year.

“We’re certainly looking at red and purple states, for the next legislative session,” Brugmann said.

About 203 counties across the US do not have any local news outlets, according to a report last year from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. More than 1,500—nearly half the counties—have only one.

New York’s program, which would start in 2025, will divide tax breaks into two pots, with about $4 million worth of credits available to help newsrooms hire staff and about $26 million in credits to help with staff retention.

Newsrooms could receive $5,000 worth of tax credits for each new hire, with a cap at $20,000, or four new positions. Newsrooms could get up to $300,000 worth of tax credits to help retain staff.

“In a day and age where there’s so much information, having trained journalists who can ask the tough questions and hold elected officials and other public figures accountable is critical to our democracy as a country,” said state Sen. Jeremy Cooney, a Democrat who represents parts of the Rochester area in western New York.

News businesses applying for the tax credit wouldn’t be evaluated based on whether government officials like their coverage, state officials said.

Zachary Richner, the founder of Empire State Local News Coalition, said he hopes regulations for the program will be drafted in a way that prioritizes tax credits for “the news outlets that need it the most.”

Tom Wiley, publisher at The Buffalo News, said the tax credit will help them invest in frontline journalism.

“We think the tax credit will help us continue to be the key source for local news in western New York,” Wiley said. “Our work is what sustains an informed electorate in our environment of misinformation and falsehoods.”

The Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, contributed to this report. Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Security Council to vote on resolution decrying attacks on UN aid workers, demanding protection

UBy Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

NITED NATIONS—The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote Friday on a resolution that strongly condemns attacks on humanitarian workers and UNpersonnel, and demands that all combatants protect them in accordance with international law.

The Swiss-sponsored resolution expresses grave concern at the growing number of attacks and threats against UNand humanitarian personnel along with the continuing disregard and violations of international humanitarian law by combatants.

“The goal of the resolution is as simple as it is important,” Switzerland’s UNAmbassador Pascale Baeriswyl told The Associated Press on Thursday. “It’s about protecting the men and women who work and risk their lives—every day—to help people affected by armed conflict.”

The draft resolution does not single out any conflict, but it is being voted on as battles rage in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and many other hotspots around the world.

It is the seven-month war in Gaza, however, that has seen the greatest number of attacks on UNand humanitarian personnel. Over 190 UNstaff have been killed, a death toll unprecedented in the United Nations’ nearly 80-year history, according to UNSecretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The war has also seen the killing of other humanitarian personnel, including seven World Central K itchen workers who died in an Israeli airstrike last month.

Baeriswyl said in a statement to AP that the resolution is being put to a vote at a very timely moment. The Geneva Conventions, which Baeriswyl described as the cornerstone of international humanitarian law and a reflection of our common humanity, commemorates its 75th anniversary in August.

The draft resolution calls on all countries to respect and protect humanitarian and UNpersonnel as required by international law. And it calls on all nations and parties to armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and their obligations under the Geneva Conventions. It “strongly condemns attacks and all forms of violence, including sexual and genderbased violence, threats and intimidation against humanitarian personnel and

United Nations and associated personnel.”

The draft urges combatants “to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities and refrain from attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population.”

The proposed resolution also urges warring parties to facilitate “full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, and to promote the safety, security and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel.”

On another issue, the draft condemns “disinformation, information manipulation and incitement to violence” against humanitarian and UNstaff and it encourages all countries and the United Nations to take action to address these threats.

If approved, the resolution would express the council’s determination to take steps to provide for the safety and security of humanitarian and UNstaff. It would ask the UNSecretary-General to make recommendations within six months on measures to prevent attacks, ensure accountability and enhance protection of humanitarian and UNstaff.

‘Green blitz’: As election nears, Biden pushes slew of rules on environment, other priorities

By Matthew Daly The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—As he tries to secure his legacy, President Joe Biden has unleashed a flurry of election-year rules on the environment and other topics, including a landmark regulation that would force coal-fired power plants to capture smokestack emissions or shut down.

The limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fueled electric stations are the Democratic president’s most ambitious effort yet to roll back planetwarming pollution from the power sector, the nation’s second-largest contributor to climate change.

The power plant rule is among more than 60 regulations Biden and his administration finalized last month to meet his policy goals, including a promise to cut carbon emissions that are driving climate change roughly in half by 2030.

The regulations, led by the Environmental Protection Agency but involving a host of other federal agencies, are being issued in quick succession as the Biden administration rushes to meet a looming but uncertain deadline to ensure they are not overturned by a new Congress—or a new president.

“The Biden administration is in green blitz mode,” said Lena Moffitt, executive director of the activist group Evergreen Action.

It’s not just the environment

THE barrage of rules covers more than the environment.

With the clock ticking toward Election Day, Biden’s administration has issued or proposed rules on a wide range of issues, from student loan forgiveness and affordable housing to overtime pay, health and compensation for airline passengers who are unreasonably delayed, as he tries to woo voters in his reelection bid against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

In all, federal agencies broke records by publishing 66 significant final rules in April, higher than any month in Biden’s presidency, according to George Washington University’s Regulatory Studies Center. More than half the rules—34— were considered likely to have an economic impact of at least $200 million, the center said.

That tally is by far the highest issued by a recent president in a single month, the center said. The next closest was 20 such rules issued by Trump in his final month in office.

Biden is not shying away from promoting the rules. For example, he went to Madison, Wisconsin, to promote his actions on student loan relief after the Supreme Court rejected his initial plan. More often, Cabinet officials are being dispatched around the country, often to the swing states, to promote the administration’s actions.

The problem with rules POLICIES created by rulemaking are easier to reverse than laws when a new administration takes office, especially with a sharply divided Congress.

“There’s no time to start like today,” Biden said on his first day in office as he moved to dismantle the Trump legacy. Over the course of his presidency, Biden has reinstated protections for threatened species that were rolled back by Trump. He also has boosted fuel efficiency standards, reversing the former president.

The Education Department’s gainful employment rule targets college programs that leave graduates with high debt compared to their expected earnings. And the Department of Housing and Urban Development moved to restore a rule that was designed to eliminate racial disparities in suburbs and thrown out by Trump.

It’s widely expected that Trump would move to reverse Biden regulations if he were to win in November.

Deadlines loom

executive branch finalizes them. Congressional Republicans used the onceobscure law more than a dozen times in 2017 to undo actions by former President Barack Obama. Democrats returned the favor four years later, rescinding three Trump administration rules.

The law requires votes within 60 legislative days of a rule’s publication in the Federal Register, a shifting deadline that depends on how long Congress is in session. Administration officials say they believe actions taken so far this year will be shielded from the review act in the next Congress, although Republicans oppose nearly all of them and have filed challenges that could lead to a series of votes in the House and Senate over the next few months.

Biden is likely to veto any repeal effort that reaches his desk before his term expires.

“The rules are safe in this Congress,” given Democratic control of the Senate and White House, said Michael Gerrard, who teaches environmental law at Columbia Law School. If Republicans take over Congress and the White House next year, ‘’all bets are off,” Gerrard said.

Rule-making to establish a legacy

BESIDES the power plant rule, the EPA also issued separate rules targeting tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks and methane emissions from oil and gas drilling. The Interior Department, meanwhile, restricted new oil and gas leases on 13 million acres of a federal petroleum reserve in Alaska and required oil and gas companies to pay more to drill on federal lands and meet stronger requirements to clean up old or abandoned wells.

Industry groups and Republicans slammed Biden’s actions as overreach.

“This barrage of new EPA rules ignores our nation’s ongoing electric reliability challenges and is the wrong approach at a critical time for our nation’s energy future,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

In addition to climate, the EPA also finalized a long-delayed ban on asbestos, a carcinogen that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year, and set strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The EPA also required more than 200 chemical plants nationwide to reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer, mostly in poor and minority communities already overburdened by industrial pollution.

While recently delivered, many of Biden’s actions have been planned since he took office and reinstated or strengthened more than 100 environmental regulations that Trump weakened or eliminated.

The rules come two years after Democrats approved a sweeping law aimed at boosting clean energy that is widely hailed as the most significant climate legislation ever enacted.

Taken together, Democrats say, the climate law and Biden’s executive actions could solidify his standing with climateoriented voters—including young people who helped put Biden in office four years ago—and help him fend off Trump in a likely rematch in November.

“Every community in this country deserves to breathe clean air and drink clean water,’’ said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “We promised to listen

to folks that are suffering from pollution and act to protect them.’’

‘Challenging times’

ALONG with votes in Congress, the rules likely face legal challenges from industry and Republican-led states, including several lawsuits that have been filed already.

“Part of our strategy is to be sure that we understand the current court culture that we’re in, and make sure that every action, every rule, every policy is more durable, as legally sound as possible,” Regan told a conference of environmental journalists last month.

Still, looming over all the executive branch actions is the Supreme Court, where a 6-3 conservative majority has increasingly reined in the powers of federal agencies, including the EPA. A landmark 2022 ruling limited EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming, and a separate ruling weakened regulations protecting millions of acres of wetlands.

A case pending before the court could put EPA’s air pollution-fighting “good neighbor” plan on hold while legal cases continue.

“We are living in challenging times in so many ways, but we at EPA are staying focused on the mission,’’ Regan said at the April conference. “And then we have to really just defend that case in court.’’ Rules issued by other agencies also face legal challenges.

Republican-led states are challenging the administration’s new Title I X rules that provide expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students and new safeguards for victims of sexual assault. They’re also suing to overturn a rule requiring background checks on buyers at gun shows and places outside stores.

Gerrard, the Columbia law professor, said the threat of executive-branch actions being overturned by Congress or the courts “makes it hard for either side to build up any momentum.’’ That uncertainty also makes it harder for the industry to comply, since they are not sure how long the rules will be in effect.

Staying power on climate?

GERRARD and other experts said the climate law and the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 are more durable and will be harder for a future president to unwind. The two laws, combined with executive branch actions, will put the country on a path to meet Biden’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, environmentalists say.

The climate law, which includes nearly $400 billion in spending to boost clean energy, will have ripple effects on the economy for years to come, said Christy Goldfuss, executive director of the Natural Resource Defense Council and a former Obama administration official. She pushed back on complaints by industry and Republicans that the power plant rule is a continuation of an Obamaera “war on coal.”

“It’s an attack on pollution,” she said, adding that fossil fuels such as coal and oil are subject to the Clean Air Act “and need to be cleaned up.”

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who led the challenge in the 2022 Supreme Court case, said EPA was adhering to what he called Biden’s “Green New Deal’’ agenda.

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., June 19 2023. Biden talked about climate change, clean energy jobs and protecting the environment. AP/SUSAN WALSH

Mexico’s poorest receive less government funds under president who brought poor to the fore

By Christopher Sherman The Associated Press

MEXICO CITY—President Andrés Manuel López Obrador swept into office nearly six years ago with a simple motto laying out his administration’s priorities: “For the good of all, first the poor.”

His administration scrapped a host of existing social programs and installed their own, quickly increasing overall social spending to unprecedented heights for senior citizens, unemployed youth, students, farmers and people with disabilities.

But less noticed was that the new roster of social programs dramatically shifted who was getting that money. Suddenly, Mexico’s poorest citizens were receiving a smaller portion of the spending and less money than under previous administrations.

Meanwhile, some of Mexico’s wealthiest started getting money they didn’t really need.

The shift owed largely to a massive “universal” pension benefit for seniors that López Obrador launched on a chilly January day outside Mexico City in 2019, just weeks after taking office. He announced he was more than doubling the existing federal pension—it has since doubled again—and expanding it regardless of income to people who previously didn’t qualify, like those who received another pension from their former employer.

If much more money isn’t poured into the system, “universal programs spread benefits more thinly over the whole population with the result that the people who were most in need get worse,” said Robert Greenstein, a fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington. “Poverty can go up. Inequality can be greater than it would be under a more targeted scheme.”

But López Obrador’s social programs have proven so popular that even the opposition candidates running to replace him in the June 2 election have promised to expand them. Some 28 million Mexicans will benefit from one of the programs this year. In Sunday night’s final presidential debate, candidate Xóchitl Gálvez said she would lower the minimum pension age to 60 from 65.

The pension is the largest social program by budget in López Obrador’s slate of handouts, far surpassing the also well known Youth Building the Future, which pays young adults who neither study nor work to apprentice, and Sowing Life, which pays farmers to plant fruit or lumber-producing trees on their land. Combined with the elimination of predecessors’ more targeted programs that had focused on Mexico’s most in need, experts say the pension dramatically shifted the distribution of government funds.

Four months from the end of López Obrador’s six-year term, several million people have escaped poverty. But factors beyond the social programs are involved, including López Obrador’s nearly tripling of the minimum wage and Mexicans abroad continuing to send home record amounts of money to relatives. Curiously, there are about 400,000 more Mexicans in extreme poverty than at the beginning of his term, according to government data.

A government report published every two years that divides Mexico’s population into 10 segments by income says the very poorest segment in 2018 received about 19 percent of social spending. Just two years later, that poorest group was receiving only about 6 percent, said Manuel Martínez Espinoza, a researcher at Mexico’s National Council of the Humanities, Sciences and Technologies. For reasons unknown the government has not published the 2022 report.

Cash to families, but with a catch AT a counter in a central Mexico City market, Arturo García leaned over a steaming bowl of tripe stew on a recent morning. The 73-year-old retired cab driver said he stopped taking fares during the pandemic.

Now the $362 (6,000 pesos) he receives from his universal pension every two months and some money he gets renting out a storage space in his home to street vendors are his only sources of income.

“You have money or you don’t have money, they give it to you,” García said of the pension. “The government is trying to make us all equal.”

One of the programs López Obrador ended when he took office was called Prospera. It had targeted Mexico’s poorest families for some two decades under various names with what were known as conditional cash transfers. Poor families received money, but it was restricted by income level and recipients had to meet some requirements to get it, like taking their children for medical checkups.

The president said the program was clientelist and suffered from systematic corruption, though instances of corruption have also been found in López Obrador’s programs.

Targeted social programs like Prospera attempt to be more precise in steering public funds to specific segments of the population. For that reason they tend to be less expensive than universal programs.

Critics, however, say they stigmatize the poor; have less political support, which makes them vulnerable to being cut; require more administration to determine eligibility and fewer people enroll, said Greenstein, the fellow at the Brookings Institution, adding that those risks are not inherent in targeted programs.

Mexico’s Welfare Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Prospera’s funding was redirected to López Obrador’s programs, principally the universal pension, signaling an important shift from a means-tested program that largely benefitted poor children to one that provided cash to all senior citizens.

One of the more cynical criticisms of the shift is that children don’t vote, but seniors do.

People who don’t really need it are getting more

THE other side of Mexico’s poorest receiving a smaller proportion of social spending under this administration is that people who don’t really need it are getting more.

One morning in late April, César Herrera brought his elderly mother to a branch of the Banco Bienestar, or Welfare Bank, in Mexico City to withdraw her pension payment. The bank was created by López Obrador as a vehicle to get payments from his administration’s programs directly into the hands of Mexicans.

Herrera said he and his mother had driven by in February when the last pension deposit was made and saw the line stretching down the street. But unlike many seniors who live payment to payment, Herrera said his mother didn’t need the money, so they left.

“However, it’s there,” he said when they returned a month and a half later.

“Of course you have to take it.” The ninth out of 10 income strata, or the second highest, analyzed by the government went from receiving about $4.40 of every $100 in social spending in 2018 to getting about $10 in 2020, said Martínez, the researcher at the humanities, sciences and technologies council.

Martínez said his field work in Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, found many people who were not receiving as much money as they had previously under Prospera, but who nevertheless fervently supported López Obrador.

“I’ve talked with a lot of people in my field work, they feel valued, they feel the president values them, which they didn’t feel before,” Martínez said.

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