HE Philippines is forecasted to be among the ASEAN countries that could suffer from downside risks projected from the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
In its Asia Economic Monthly report, Nomura economists Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said the country cited lower remittances from tighter immigration policies under Trump’s administration as one such risk.
The country could also be thrust onto the frontline of geopolitics in the West Philippine Sea given reduced support from the United States, Paracuelles and Amani also said.
“The Philippines does not have a similar cushion and will be at risk from the impact on workers’ remittances from a possible tightening of US immigration policy and on the outsourcing sector,” the economists said.
“Increased geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea due to the lack of US security support could put the Philippines on the
front line. This could be an issue for the broader region, if China’s assertiveness in the disputed waters intensify,” they added.
However, the policies of the Trump administration on climate change ad energy could benefit net oil-importing countries including the Philippines, India, and Thailand.
Analysts have noted the policies of the Trump administration aim to reverse existing climaterelated policies and agreements as well as increase the production of fossil fuels.
The investments of Asian firms
in the US such as South Korean EV and battery companies could be adversely affected if the Inflation Reduction Act subsidies are rolled back, the two also said. However, the increase in the production of fossil fuels could increase oil drilling in public lands as well as tax breaks to oil, gas, and coal producers could benefit countries like the Philippines.
“Higher oil & gas supply should lead to lower prices in the medium term; but geopolitics-driven supply shocks could offset higher See “Risks,” A2
or the repayment of loan principal over time, shrank by 88.21 percent year-on-year to P19.758 billion in September from P167.551 billion.
Only 0.44 percent or P87 million in amortization was paid to domestic lenders while 99.56 percent or P19.671 billion went to foreign financiers during the month. Meanwhile, interest payments reached P73.852 billion, 3.36 percent higher compared to last year’s P71.448 billion.
About 75 percent or P55.405 billion of the interest payments went to domestic sources, of which the government paid P32.993 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P19.183 billion in retail Treasury bonds and P3.203 billion in Treasury bills.
THE Philippines has decided to delay the importation of sugar until May 2025 following the conclusion of the current crop year’s harvest, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said there was no immediate need for additional imports since the domestic supply of raw and refined sugar was sufficient to meet projected needs.
“Given the current situation, Administrator Azcona and I agreed that a decision on
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
sugar importation could be delayed until after May when the current harvest season ends,” Laurel said in a statement.
Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona seconded this, noting that the harvest season for the crop only recently began.
“Our supply for both raw and refined sugar are stable and we are just beginning our harvest season, so [Secretary] Laurel and I agreed to delay the decision on sugar imports
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday said the executive order issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banning the operation of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in the country covers even those with licenses issued by economic zones authorities.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, in an interview over Teleradyo on Sunday, said Marcos’s Executive Order No. 47 was issued to finally put an end to various speculations and doubts as to the new policy of
the government against POGO operations.
“This one now clears the air so to speak, that all offshore gaming operators and internet gaming licenses are covered no
matter who issued it,” Vasquez explained.
On Saturday, Malacañang directed Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) administrator and chief executive officer Katrina Ponce Enrile to ensure that the President’s executive order is implemented within the economic zone.
The Palace issued the reminder after Enrile and her father, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, previously said the ban should not destroy the operations of CEZA, including its offshore gaming licenses.
Vasquez said EO 74 made it very clear that CEZA and other economic zones have to comply with the President’s directive against POGO and other offshore gaming operations.
“With finality and clarity, this EO should erase all questions and doubts in connection with the implementation of the total ban on POGO operations in the country,” Vasquez stressed.
The Enriles argued that unlike the POGOs licensed by the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), the foreign iGaming operators licensed by CEZA all operate legally and are prohibited from soliciting and accepting bets from the Philippines and other countries where gambling is prohibited.
Comelec hails peaceful COC filing for BARMM elections
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections on Sunday
praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the six-day filing period for certificates of candidacy (COCs) and certificates of acceptance of nomination (CANs) for the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) next year.
In a text message, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the filing period from November 4 to 9 ended without any disruptions.
“The filing of the certificates of candidacy in BARMM was generally peaceful. No untoward incident whatsoever happened and not a single form of disturbance occurred,” Garcia added.
Comelec data showed 109 aspirants formalized their bids to become parliamentary district representatives— a number Garcia described as “quite high,” given that only 25 seats will be up for grabs.
“The total number of aspirants is quite high considering that… [there is] the possibility of postponement
The government also cleared P18.447 billion in interest to foreign debt sources, accounting for a lmost 25 percent of the total inter -
and resetting is present. Truly, reflective of our maturity as a democratic nation,” he said.
Among the prominent political figures who filed their COCs were Maguindanao del Norte’s incumbent Governor Abdulraof Macacua and Vice Governor Abdulnasser “Thong” Abas, who are running for representative seats in the province’s third and fourth districts, respectively.
Macacua, once known by his nom de guerre Sammy Gambar, once served as a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and was a member of its peace negotiation panel. He later became a commissioner in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission set up under the Aquino III administration.
The governor is set to face Ministry of Interior and Local Government Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ibay, who is running for the same first district seat.
Other notable candidates include Bangsamoro Transition Authority members Romeo Sema and Kelie Antao, who filed their COCs for the first parliamenta -
est payments.
For the January to September period, the government allocated a total of P1.644 trillion to cover interest
ry district seat of Cotabato City and the Special Geographic Area of BARMM, respectively. Eight regional parliament political parties (RPPPs) also submitted their manifestation of intent to participate in the 2025 polls. These include the MILF’s ruling political group United Bangsamoro Justice Party, as well as two Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) factions—the Mahardika Party, led by MNLF founder Nur Misuari, and the Bangsamoro Party, headed by MNLF Chairman Muslimin Sema.
According to PCol. Arnulfo Mangahis, Officer-in-Charge of Philippine National Police Cotabato City, a total of 550 police personnel were deployed in and around the BARMM compound to ensure a smooth filing period.
Despite recent calls from
payments and amortization on its accumulated debt.
Debt servicing rose by 17.39 percent to P1.644 trillion from January to September 2024, up from the P 1.4 trillion recorded in the same period in 2023.
This settled 81.10 percent of the total P2.027t rillion debt service bill for the year, paying P1.060 trillion in amortization and P583.293 billion in interest payments.
Broken down, amortization increased by 12.79 percent year-on-year to P1.060 t rillion as of end-September 2024 from P940.187 billion. The bulk of loan principal repayments amounting t o P879.739 billion went to domestic sources during the nine-month period, or 3.25 percent higher than last year’s P852.001 billion. Amortization paid to external sources doubled to P180.757 billion from P88.186 billion a year ago. Meanwhile, interest payments reached P583.293
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until after harvest sometime in May,” Azcona said.
The SRA chief said the current harvest season started slowly, with total cane volume reaching only a third of the amount harvested around the same period in the last crop year due to lower sugar content per metric ton (MT) of cane because of El Niño.
“Farmers had to delay their harvests to allow the cane to mature further and increase sugar content,” he said.
According to the DA, the prolonged dry spells brought by El Niño resulted in the cane being physiologically immature, which resulted in a 16-percent lower sugar content per MT of cane and constrained sugar output despite an increase in planting areas.
Citing SRA data, the agency said the area planted for sugar cane this year increased slightly to 389,461 hectares from 388,378 hectares the previous crop year.
some sectors to postpone the BARMM parliamentary elections to 2026, the poll body earlier announced that it will proceed with its preparations until a final decision is made by Congress or the Supreme Court (Related: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/11/07/comelec-to-solons-settle-barmm-polls-by-dec-13/).
If the elections proceed, a total of 65 seats—assuming that Sulu will not rejoin BARMM—in the parliament will be contested. Of these, 40 seats will be allocated to RPPPs that can secure at least four percent of the total number of votes, while 25 will go to representatives of specific parliamentary districts.
An additional eight seats will be filled by sectoral organization representatives, which will be selected through assemblies.
b illion as of end-September 2024, up by 26.77 percent year-on-year from P460.124 billion.
Interest payments to domestic lenders expanded by 31.77 percent to P418.126 billion in the nine-month period from P317.314 billion in the same period a year ago.
As such, interest payments for fixed-rate Treasury bonds reached a total P 269.221 billion while retail Treasury bonds, Treasury bills and others were a llotted P114.291 billion, P25.629 billion and P8.985 billion, respectively.
External creditors also received P165.167 billion during the nine-month period, or 15.65 percent higher t han the P142.810 billion paid a year ago.
As of end-September 2024, the government’s outstanding debt reached a new record high at P15.893 trillion and is projected to reach P16.056 trillion at the end of the year.
The SRA earlier projected that this crop year’s sugar output will drop by 7.2 percent to 1.78 million metric tons (MMT) from the previous year’s 1.92 MMT. The current crop year kicked off on September 1 and will end in August next year. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/09/05/phl-raw-sugaroutput-to-fall-by-7-29-sra/)
“[The projection] is based on the effect of El Niño on standing crops—those that were planted from October 2023 to May this year,” Azcona said.
However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said sugar production is projected to reach 1.85 MMT on the back of improving weather conditions which would allow the expansion in harvest area.
“Improvement in weather conditions from the previous El Niño is expected to provide better production in MY [marketing year] 2025,” the USDA said in its latest report. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/10/07/reportphl-raw-sugar-production-willimprove/) Ada Pelonia
US output. Lower oil prices, if it transpires, would aid disinflation and benefit large net oil importers—India, Philippines, Thailand,” Nomura stated. Overall, Nomura said the country’s GDP is expected to improve to 5.6 percent in the full year from the 5.5 percent posted in 2023. However, the country's economic performance could improve to 6.1 percent in 2025. Growth will be driven by public investment spending and is expected to remain “the main engine” of the Philippine economy. Nomura noted that the mid-term elections slated for May 2025 will boost infrastructure implementation. Further, in terms of inflation, the country may end the year with an average inflation rate of 3.1 percent in 2024 and 2.3 percent next year.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is also expected to cut policy rates by another 25 basis points in December as well as in the first three meetings of next year.
“We still think BSP is unlikely to be more aggressive with 50bp clips, in part because the substantial RRR (Reserve Requirement Ratio) cut is already providing additional easing,” it added. Meanwhile, the country’s current account deficit (CAD), nonetheless, is expected to widen to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2024 and 2.5 percent of GDP next year.
Nomura noted that these are well above the pre-pandemic (2016-19) average of 1.1 percent. This. however, reflected higher “capital goods imports due to infrastructure implementation.”
It added that food importation also contributed to the widening of the CAD. These food imports aimed to ease supply-side constraints that led to faster inflation earlier in 2024.
“We continue to caution that financing the CAD is coming from more volatile sources, with external loans now larger than net FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) inflows,” Nomura siad. Meanwhile, on fiscal policy, Nomura said political risks could arise from the upcoming elections in 2025. These risks could prevent the passage of fiscal reforms.
Nomura said the country's fiscal deficit could reach 5.9 percent of GDP in 2024, higher than the 5.6 percent target in the revised medium-term fiscal framework (MTFF). The brief noted that the fiscal deficit stayed at 5.7 percent of GDP in September on a 12-month rolling sum basis, due to higher spending.
“Expenditure disbursements tend to speed up towards yearend and revenue growth likely slows, in line with more modest GDP growth, which suggests a wider fiscal deficit in Q4 (fourth quarter),” Nomura said. Earlier, local economists said severe weather disturbances brought by climate change threaten not only agriculture but also government infrastructure projects and this could affect the country’s economic performance.
On Thursday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the economy slowed to 5.2 percent, the slowest since the second quarter of 2023. The data also showed government spending for projects slowed to 3.7 percent in the third quarter, lower than the 27.3 percent in third quarter of 2023 and 21.7 percent in the second quarter of 2024.
Rain-induced landslides loom in Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, as Nika intensifies
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
NIKA, international code name Toraji, which continues to batter Luzon while rapidly intensifying over the Philippine Sea, is threatening the southern portions of Isabela and Aurora with strong winds and heavy rainfall, the state weather bureau said on Sunday.
Now a severe tropical storm, Nika entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday and has developed into a Tropical Depression by 8:00 a.m.
Now a Severe Tropical Storm, Nika—the fourteenth tropical storm to enter PAR this year—is threatening to wreak havoc in Isabela and Aurora as a typhoon.
The southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue) and the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan) are at risk of Nika’s peak intensity before making landfall on Monday afternoon.
In its 5:00 a.m. Weather Bulletin on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa said heavy to intense rain is forecast over Isabela, Cagayan, and Aurora on Monday, and warned that “widespread incidents of severe flooding and landslides [are] expected.”
Tropical cyclone signals MORE areas in Luzon were placed
under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 2 by Pagasa in its 2:00 p.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.
These are the northern and central portions of Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, the southern portion of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the eastern portion of Benguet, the northern portion of Nueva Ecija and the northeastern portion of Pangasinan.
Many areas in the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila and some parts of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Luzon, as well as the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley remain under TCWS 1.
Nika, (international name Toragi) rapidly intensified since Saturday morning upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
In its 11 a.m. Sunday Tropical Cyclone update, the center of the eye of Nika was located 500 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kmh.
On the track forecast said it may make landfall over Isabela or Aurora on Monday afternoon. Nika is forecast to leave the country by Tuesday night, exiting through Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Mining companies told to activate emergency teams THE Mines and Geosciences
Bureau on Sunday advised mining companies to activate their emergency response and preparedness teams as Severe Tropical Storm Nika batters Nothern Luzon.
“It is strongly advised that mining companies, particularly in areas included on the Department of Environment-Mines and Geosciences Bureay list and Pagasa forecast, coordinate and work hand in hand in enforcing preparedness and response protocols to minimize and lessen the impacts of geohazards that can be triggered by Nika, the 14th severe weather disturbance to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR),” the MGB said.
In its Geohazards Threat Advisory 1 issued at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday for Nika, then just a Tropical Depression category storm, Pagasa’s forecast rainfall is generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas.
“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are most likely to occur in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to geohazards as identified in the MGB Flood and Rain-Induced Landslides susceptibility maps.”
Mines are susceptible to geohazards such as landslides, especially because of the destructive nature of mineral extraction. In open pit mines, forests are shaved, and mountains are flattened. To dig minerals using an open-pit method, a giant bowl is formed, creating a
catch basin. Heavy rainfall often results in landslides in these areas, or the collapse of tailings dams that pose a risk to communities, exposing them to serious environmental and health problems main on alert.
Preemptive efforts pay off
EARLY and swift evacuation efforts in hazard-prone areas has led to zero casualties from the effects of Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing), according to the President Marcos.
The Chief Executive, however, said the latest weather disturbance, which hit the country last week has left many areas devastated, which need to be rehabilitated with the aid of the national government.
In his speech during the distribution of government assistance in Buguey, Cagayan, on Sunday, Marcos lauded the preemptive government efforts to prevent deaths and injuries from Typhoon Marce.
“The very good news is that we have Marce pass through here and the entire Philippines without resulting in any casualty. The reason this happened was due to the swift and early evacuation of people,” he said partly in Filipino before the beneficiaries in Baguey.
As of 8:00 am on Sunday the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it got reports of one reported
House
panel to 7 OVP officials: Appear at hearing or face arrest
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Sunday issued a final warning to officials from the Office of the Vice President (OVP): Appear at the hearing scheduled for Monday, November 11, or risk being arrested.
The panel, led by Manila Rep. Joel Chua, is investigating the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The committee has summoned these officials multiple times, yet they continue to disregard our lawful requests to appear,” Chua pointed out. He added: “These absences reflect a blatant disregard for the authority of Congress and are unacceptable. If they fail to appear again, we are prepared to issue orders for their arrest.”
The congressional probe took a contentious turn after it was revealed that OVP Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez left the country on November 4, a day before she was scheduled to appear before the panel. Lopez, along with six other OVP
officials, was subpoenaed to explain the handling of confidential funds under Vice President Duterte. At the request of the House, the Department of Justice put the seven official in the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (Ilbo).
While the bulletin does not prohibit departure, it heightened the committee’s concerns about their non-compliance.
The other subpoenaed OVP officials include Lemuel Ortonio, assistant chief of staff and chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee; Rosalynne Sanchez, Director of Administrative and Financial Services; Gina Acosta, special disbursing officer; Julieta Villadelrey, chief accountant; and Sunshine Charry Fajarda and Edward Fajarda, former DepEd aides who reportedly joined the OVP after Duterte’s resignation from the department.
Chua said only Sanchez and Villadelrey have confirmed attendance at the November 11 hearing, while the rest risk severe repercussions for continued non-compliance.
“The committee has been more than fair in giving these officials ample opportunities to cooperate,” Chua pointed out.
November 11,
Customs seizes ₧1.9-B suspected illicit goods
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
BUREAU of Customs (BOC) operatives backed by the Coast Guard swooped down several warehouses in Guiguinto, Bulacan, and seized some P1.944 billion worth of smuggled goods like dried tobacco, counterfeit products and used clothing.
In a statement over the weekend, the bureau said the threeday operation was conducted by the Manila International Container Port-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (MICPCIIS), together with the bureau’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and the Coast Guard.
In the first warehouse that was raided on November 6, smuggled used clothing, used shoes, intellectual property rights infringing goods, branded bags, toys, electric fans, wireless speakers, steel
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fatality and one injury from Marce. However, it noted it is still validating the said incidents.
The said casualties was much lower compared to the reported 292 casualties (158 deaths and 134 injuries) from Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Kristine” (international name: Trami) and Typhoon “Leon” (international name: Kong-Rey).
NDRRMC also reported that Typhoon Marce affected 261,787 people. Of which 34,501 were pre-emptively evacuated from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
sheets, plastic resins, housewares, kitchenwares and other general merchandise items that were untaxed were seized.
These items alone were estimated to be valued at P1.25 billion, CIIS Director Verne Enciso said.
The Customs raiders then inspected another warehouse two days later and found sacks of dried tobacco and cigarette filter rods that can produce P649.4 million worth of 6,944 mastercases of cigarettes. The warehouses were padlocked while awaiting inventory of the seized items that will be conducted by Customs examiners. Should the warehouse owners and operators fail to present the documents proving legitimate importation and payment of duties and taxes, charges for violating Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) and Section 1400 (Misdeclaration in Goods Declaration) in relation to Section
It said Typhoon Marce also damaged at least 20,930 houses and 49 infrastructures.
Marcos attributed the damage not only from the rains brought by Typhoon Marce, but also to its strong winds, which he said was almost as strong as Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name; Haiyan).
“Based from the report I received, the wind velocity here [in Cagayan] were close to that of Yolanda at 240 [kilometer per hour (kph)]. For Yolanda, it was 260 kph with gustiness of 300 and plus. So it is in the super typhoon category that is why it is concerning,” he said. Typhoon Marce exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility last Friday. With Sam Medenilla
1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will be filed, the statement said.
They will also face charges in accordance with Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines for infringement of trademarks or copyrights as well as Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train Law) for tax evasion.
The BOC will also file cases against the owners of the smuggled dried tobacco products for violating the newly enacted Republic Act (RA) No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment and fines of up to five times the value of the smuggled items.
“Big operations like these take a lot of time and resources but as a testament to the enduring commitment of our officers, we were
able to inspect many warehouses in three days and come up with a staggering amount of the smuggled goods being stored there,”
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.
Deputy Customs Commissioner Juvymax Uy who supervises the Intelligence Group said the warehouse owners and operators were given 15 days from the service of the Letter of Authority to submit documents proving the subject imported goods were legitimately imported and duties and taxes were duly paid.
Uy said an operation will only be successful if the BOC can file and pursue cases against individuals and organizations. “For that to happen, we make sure to follow the rules and procedures, including the courtesy we extend to the owners of these goods to provide us proof that these did not enter the country illegally.”
Marina eyes improvement in maritime education
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has partnered with the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) to strengthen maritime education and training (MET) in the Philippines through advanced technologies and faculty development.
In a symposium, Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the need for the Philippine maritime industry to keep pace with rapid innovations reshaping areas such as navigation, logistics, and safety.
“With this rapid innovation comes an urgent reality, our educational systems must keep pace, or we risk falling behind. As leaders, educators, and innovators from across the maritime industry, we gather here to discuss how we can evolve our training methods and educational frameworks to meet the demands of a changing world,” she said.
The symposium spotlighted two critical themes: integrating advanced technologies in maritime education and enhancing faculty skills to meet future demands.
Discussions focused on utilizing immersive technologies to improve training onboard, incorporating simulators for competence-based learning, and upgrading digital
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“If they fail to appear this time, they leave us no choice but to impose heavier penalties, including contempt and potential arrest and detention,” he reiterated.
The panel seeks explanations from
proficiencies among MET faculty members.
“New technologies are emerging— digital solutions, automation, and responses to the reduction of greenhouse gases—all of which create challenges for maritime education and training providers. We need to think differently, think smarter, and prepare smarter people to serve the industry. The changes I mentioned also include the global regulatory regime,” Malek Pourzanjani, Head of Naval Education at MLA College in the United Kingdom, said.
Panelists also focused on the discussion of essential skills for maritime educators, exploring topics such as fostering critical thinking among students, aligning seafarer education with revisions in the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, and promoting academic excellence within maritime higher education institutions.
Marina STCW Office Deputy Executive Director Vicente C. Navarro urged participants to prioritize faculty upskilling and the integration of new technologies.
“Embrace the technological advancements discussed and prioritize the upskilling of your faculty. Together, let us transform our MET programs and cultivate a future-ready workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the maritime industry,” he said.
the seven officials on the alleged misuse of P500 million in OVP confidential funds and an additional P125 million allocated to DepEd during Duterte’s tenure as education secretary. The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged nearly half of the total and disallowed P73 million of the P125 million spent by the Vice President’s office in just 11 days at the end of 2022.
Increase in biodiesel blend lowers GHG emission—ERC
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Department of Energy (DOE) said an increase in biodiesel blend has led to the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions that contribute to global warming.
The increase in biofuel blend is being implemented in phases, beginning with a 3 percent coconut methyl ester (CME) blend in all diesel fuel sold nationwide effective October 1, 2024. This blend will increase to 4 percent by October1, 2025, and further to 5 percent by October 1, 2026.
In 2007, the country implemented a 1 percent biodiesel blend (B1) in compliance with the Biofuels Act adopted in 2006. The blend increased to 2 percent (B2) in 2011.
The agency reported a notable avoidance in GHG emissions, totaling 7,433 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent based on the April 2007 to September 2024 sales data from accredited local biofuels producers. This achievement highlights the positive impact of biofuels in mitigating GHG.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Carbon Emission Calculator, the 3 percent CME blend would displace around 300 million liters of pure diesel annually. This translates to an estimated 1.11 percent reduction in carbon emissions, equating to around 298.2 kilotons of carbon dioxide. This reduction will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution commitments to combat climate change.
In addition to environmental benefits, biodiesel combustion produces fewer harmful emissions, such as particulate matter and sulfur dioxide compared to conventional diesel fuel. This improvement in air quality can lead to reduced respiratory problems and yield health benefits for the population.
Beyond environmental and health impacts, the DOE emphasizes the positive economic impact of biofuels. As of 2023, the local biofuels industry has generated 3,260 jobs, contributing to rural employment and income. These green jobs beneficiaries are also entitled to benefits under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Social Amelioration and Welfare Program including death and maternity benefits,
livelihood assistance, training and education assistance, social protection and welfare benefits, emergency assistance, and funding for socio-economic projects. The increased CME blend is also expected to boost demand for coconut farmers, biodiesel producers, and other stakeholders in the coconut industry. The DOE estimates that around 900 million additional coconuts will be needed to produce the extra CME required to meet the mandated blend percentages, translating to approximately 100 to 120 million liters of additional CME supply.
Additionally, the DOE said consumers stand to benefit from improved fuel efficiency and cost savings when using diesel with a higher CME blend. Extensive on-road testing with a five percent CME blend showed a 10-percent increase in mileage which is roughly equivalent to an additional one kilometer per liter. This efficiency means a vehicle that typically achieves 10 kms per liter on pure diesel will run for 11 kms with the five percent CME blend. The extra kilometer of mileage translates to approximately P5.00 in savings per liter, based on the September 24 to 30, 2024 average fuel pump price of P54.70 per liter.
The DOE said it continues to monitor the compliance of the oil firms on the mandated three percent CME blend in all diesel fuel sold nationwide.
Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to the higher biodiesel blend. “Oil companies have been given ample time to make this adjustment, and the OIMB ( Oil Industry Management Bureau) will now conduct inspections at bulk depots to enforce compliance. Timely action at the depot level is crucial to maintaining an up-to-date and efficient fuel distribution chain,” Sales said. In the coming weeks, the OIMB will gradually expand its inspections to include gasoline stations. In the meantime, the DOE reminds that non-compliance with the 3 percent biofuels blend will result in penalties of P200,000. Non-compliance is considered adulteration , while possession of biofuels blend that fails to meet the Philippine National Standards (PNS) requirements is also considered adulteration. For repeat offenders, a fine of P300,000 will be imposed, which may also lead to the revocation of their accreditation or registration.
PHL pressed to comply with ban on mercury use in cosmetics
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
STRESSING the urgency of enforcing the ban on mercury in cosmetic products to protect human health and the environment, the toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the government to step up the campaign against the illegal sale of unauthorized products, including skinlightening creams that are popular among Filipino women.
EcoWaste has been monitoring mercurytainted cosmetics since 2011 and has called for the strict enforcement of the ban amid the unchecked sale of imported cosmetics laden with mercury in online shopping platforms and some physical stores.
The group observed that in time for the 11.11 shopping sales, third-party vendors continued to peddle dangerous cosmetics with mercury content in defiance of the published rules of e-commerce platforms against the listing of prohibited and restricted items.
The group also conducted the monitoring as the yearly National Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week is observed, noting that mercury, a powerful poison, in cosmetics is known to cause rashes, scarring, and uneven skin color, as well as diminish skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.
The uncontrolled violation of the ban on mercury-containing cosmetics in Lazada and Shopee, two of the major online shopping platforms in the Philippines, are too “blatant” to be ignored, the group emphasized.
For instance, online sellers flood ecommerce sites with product listings for Goree Beauty Creams made in Pakistan and banned in several countries, including the Philippines, due to their dangerously high mercury content of over 20,000 parts per million (ppm) to 58,400 ppm, way beyond the 1 ppm limit under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Cosmetic
Directive (ACD).
Facebook Marketplace and Tik Tok are also awashed with promos luring netizens into buying and using Goree to attain a lighter skin tone, claiming “no side effects,” the group said. The same is true with Thailand-made Dr. Yahnee skincare products. Despite being banned by FDA Thailand for containing mercury and other restricted substances, and despite the more recent moves by FDA Philippines banning their sale, online sellers still import and sell these dangerous products with impunity.
The situation in the offline marketplace is no different. From January to September 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition monitored the unchecked trade of mercury-containing cosmetics in numerous local government units in Benguet, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Rizal, and Cebu Provinces, and in Metro Manila, particularly in Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon, Taguig and Valenzuela Cities. The group even provided Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna with a map showing more than 50 retail stores where banned mercury cosmetics are sold. The efforts of the government and civil society are obviously not enough to put a stop to the unlawful and unethical trade of mercury cosmetics, which poses serious risks to public health and the environment. For this reason, the EcoWaste Coalition repeated its call for a solutions-focused summit involving various stakeholders to end the scandalous proliferation of mercurycontaining cosmetics in the marketplace. Last July, the EcoWaste Coalition wrote to FDA Director General Samuel Zacate to propose a multi-stakeholder summit led by the agency to solve, once and for all, the seemingly interminable trade of mercury cosmetics.
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
‘PHL may set new rice imports record in 2024’
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Philippines’s rice imports this year could surpass the record-high purchases it made in 2022 as El Niño and the storms that struck the country destroyed standing crops and reduced domestic output in recent months.
In its latest report, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusted upward its estimate of the Philippine’s rice imports for this year to 5 million metric tons (MMT) from the previous 4.7 MMT.
The report noted a surge in shipments from Vietnam as the country grappled with the impact of El Niño and storms.
According to the international agency, the Philippines is importing record amounts due to a combination of population growth and reduced import tariffs.
“Thus far in 2024, the Philippines relied on Vietnam for more than 80 percent of imports,” the USDA added.
President Marcos Jr. earlier
“Global imports are up with higher imports for the Philippines,” the USDA report read.
Global food prices hit 18-month high in Oct–FAO
THE benchmark for world food commodity prices surged to its highest level in 18 months in October, led by a sharp increase in vegetable oil quotations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported Friday.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globallytraded food commodities, averaged 127.4 points in October, up 2 percent from September and 5.5 percent from its value a year ago.
“Nevertheless, the index remained 20.5 percent below its March 2022 peak.”
FAO said its vegetable oil price index spiked by 7.3 percent in October, hitting a two-year high as a result of rising quotations for palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oil, driven mainly by concerns about production.
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 0.9 percent in October, led by rising wheat and maize export prices. “Global wheat prices were affected by unfavorable weather conditions in major northern hemisphere exporters as well as the re-introduction of an unofficial price floor in the Russian Federation and rising tensions in the Black Sea region.”
Corn prices were also higher, driven in part by strong domestic demand and transport challenges in Brazil due to low river levels.
“By contrast, the FAO All Rice Price Index declined by 5.6 percent
in October, reflecting lower indica rice quotations driven by expectations of heightened competition among exporters following India’s removal of export restrictions on non-broken rice.”
FAO said its sugar price index inched up by 2.6 percent amid persisting concerns over the 2024/25 production outlook in Brazil following extended dry weather conditions.
“Rising international crude oil prices also contributed to the increase in sugar quotations by shifting more sugarcane toward ethanol production, while the weakening of the Brazilian real against the United States dollar limited the increase.”
Meanwhile, the FAO Dairy Price Index rose by 1.9 percent in October, averaging 21.4 percent above its level the same time last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher international cheese and butter prices, while quotations for milk powders declined.
Bucking the general upward trend, the FAO Meat Price Index dropped by 0.3 percent from September, mainly due to lower pig meat prices resulting from increased slaughter rates in Western Europe amid weak domestic and international demand.
“World poultry prices fell slightly in October, while those of ovine meat remained stable. By contrast, bovine meat prices increased moderately, underpinned by stronger international purchases.”
slashed rice tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent until 2028 as part of the government’s effort to cut rice prices.
Data from the Bureau of Plant
Industry (BPI) showed that rice import arrivals as of October 30 reached 3.79 MMT.
Of the volume that arrived in the Philippines, BPI data showed
that over 2.97 MMT came from Vietnam, which maintained its status as the country’s top source of imports.
Meanwhile, the USDA also raised its rice imports forecast for the Philippines in 2025 to 5.1 MMT on higher consumption of the staple.
“Global imports are forecast up with increases to Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Philippines,” the international agency said.
The USDA also said that developments in the global grain market could affect prices across Asian suppliers, such as India’s recent lifting of its ban on non-basmati rice and scrapping the minimum export price (MEP).
‘Looking ahead, prices across Asian suppliers have been under pressure by India’s market re-entry. Given renewed competition from India, Vietnam is forecast to export less in 2025,” the international agency said.
It also forecasts a reduction in Indonesia’s rice imports from Viet -
nam as the government increased its domestic procurement, but noted that such would not be the case for the Philippines.
“The Philippines is expected to remain a primary destination for Vietnamese exports due to a combination of logistical advantages, competitive prices, and rising consumer demand for high-quality rice.”
Former Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian recently said the Philippines’s rice imports could exceed 4.2 MMT by yearend as bad weather widened the projected shortfall in domestic production.
He said a minimum of 400,000 metric tons (MT) could enter the country in the last two months of 2024.
“It could be more depending again on how our traders will also be reacting to the global market.”
Ubra: Lower farmgate prices may dent poultry output
THE poultry subsector would be hard-pressed to maintain its strong performance until the end of the year due to the recent drop in farmgate prices, according to the United Broiler Raisers Association (Ubra).
Among all the subsectors, only the poultry subsector recorded growth in the July-to-September period, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Ubra Chairman Elias Jose Inciong attributed this to higher production. He said, however, that lower farmgate prices are discour -
aging poultry raisers from further increasing output.
“Farmgate prices in the third quarter have not collapsed. It is possible that the collapse of farmgate prices will happen in the fourth quarter,” Inciong told the BusinessMirror in an interview.
He noted that farmgate prices fell to as low as P50 per kilo in some areas, such as Central Luzon, which have been experiencing a supply glut. Other areas in Luzon registered farmgate prices ranging from P75 per kilo to P77 per kilo.
Inciong also said farmgate pric -
es of poultry in the Visayas and Mindanao are now on the decline.
Based on PSA data, the poultry subsector was able to maintain its positive performance for the third consecutive quarter this year.
Agricultural production in terms of value shrank by 3.7 percent in the third quarter. The crop, livestock, and fisheries subsectors registered declines.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the retail prices of chicken in Metro Manila markets stood at P140 to P220 per kilo.
Last September, Inciong said the country would have enough
supply of local chicken during the holidays. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/09/11/ ubra-phl-will-have-enoughpoultry-this-holiday-season/)
“Based on projections and past experiences, (chicken) supply would be more than sufficient,” he told the BusinessMirror However, Inciong said the expected spike in demand for poultry meat during the holidays will have an impact on prices.
“The holidays may exert upward pressure depending on the supply of pork and fish; imports may exert downward pressure.” Ada Pelonia
Sustainable fishing practices to improve food supply–group
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
THE Philippines must immediately adopt sustainable fishing practices given its heavy reliance on fish for food and livelihood, according to a nongoverment organization.
Oceana senior adviser Michael Hirshfield said the adoption of sustainable practices will secure the country’s food supply and ensure economic stability.
“Why the Philippines? They catch a lot of fish, they eat a lot of fish, a lot of people are dependent
on fish,” he said during Oceana’s 10th anniversary event.
With its more than 7,600 islands and 36,000 kilometers of coastline, the Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot in the Coral Triangle, as it has more than 2,600 marine fish species.
It is also a key player in global aquaculture production, ranking among the top 10 countries, according to a report by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
Hirshfield outlined Oceana’s strategy, which combines science,
CDC calls for expanded testing for bird flu
FEDERAL health officials on Thursday called for more testing of employees on farms with bird flu after a new study showed that some dairy workers had signs of infection, even when they didn’t report feeling sick.
Farmworkers in close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment even if they show no symptoms, said Dr. Nirav Shah, principal director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new guidance comes after blood tests for 115 farmworkers in Michigan and Colorado showed that eight workers—or 7 percent—had antibodies that indicated previous infection with the virus known as Type A H5N1
influenza.
“The purpose of these actions is to keep workers safe, to limit the transmission of H5 to humans and to reduce the possibility of the virus changing,” Shah told reporters.
The CDC study provides the largest window to date into how the bird virus first detected in March in dairy cows may be spreading to people. It suggests that the virus has infected more humans than the 46 farmworkers identified in the US as of Thursday. Nearly all were in contact with infected dairy cows or infected poultry.
Outside experts said it’s notable that the study prompted the CDC to take new action. Previous recommendations called for testing and treating workers
only when they had symptoms.
“This is a significant move towards the assessment that these H5N1 viruses are a greater risk than the CDC estimated before,” said Dr. Gregory Gray, an infectious disease researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Every additional infection in animals or humans gives the virus the chance to change in potentially dangerous ways, said Angela Rasmussen, a virus expert at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
“It shows yet again that we are not responding effectively to the H5N1 cattle outbreak in humans or animals and if we continue to let this virus spread and jump from species to species, our luck will eventually run out,”
Rasmussen said in an email.
The CDC study included 45 workers in Michigan and 70 in Colorado tested between June and August. Of the eight workers with positive blood tests, four reported no symptoms. All eight cleaned milking parlors and none used respiratory protection such as face masks. Three said they used eye protection.
High levels of the virus have been found in the milk of infected cows, increasing the risk of exposure and infection, researchers said.
Researchers said that efforts to monitor dairy workers for illness have been hindered by several barriers including the reluctance of farm owners and farmworkers to allow testing.
Rasmussen and others have
legal expertise, and communitydriven approaches to create lasting change. “Our approach starts from science but it doesn’t stop there.
We need lawyers, communicators, and the people.”
A 2024 FAO report showed a 4.4 percent increase in global fisheries production in 2022, reaching 223.2 million metric tons.
Meanwhile, Jurgenne Primavera, chief mangrove scientific adviser at the Zoological Society of London, explained the importance of mangroves in coastal resilience and fish protection.
She said the Philippines currently maintains a 1:1 ratio of mangroves to fish ponds. However, a study she co-authored in 2018 found that there is a need to increase this ratio for better flood regulation and ecosystem protection.
“The best way to increase mangrove hectares back over the 4:1 is by pond reversion and not by seafront planting, which, by the way, is the economically incorrect practice of planting the wrong species, Bacao or Rhizophora, in the wrong place, the lower intertidal zone.”
criticized the federal response to the outbreak as too slow and “lackluster.”
“These studies should have been performed months ago and should have been prioritized,”
THIS colorized electron microscope image released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on March 26, 2024, shows avian influenza A H5N1 virus particles (yellow), grown in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells (blue). CDC/NIAID VIA
Monday, November 11, 2024
Israeli airstrikes kill 38 in Lebanon, Hezbollah responds with rocket fire
By Mohammed Zaatari & Bassem Mroue The Associated Press
TYRE, Lebanon—An Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre left at least seven people dead, among them five siblings, three of whom were deaf and mute, officials and a resident said Saturday. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 31 people.
The rise in Tyre’s death toll came as Israel’s air force carried out airstrikes on different parts of southern and eastern Lebanon on Saturday hours after Beirut’s southern suburbs were pounded by jets, destroying several buildings, state media reported.
The Health Ministry said late Saturday that the airstrikes on towns and villages in the eastern Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel province left 20 people dead while those in two villages in south Lebanon killed 11 people, including five paramedics.
Humanitarian crisis unfolds in North Gaza as residents ration food amid Israeli siege
By Samy Magdy & Julia Frankel The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—With virtually no food allowed into the northernmost part of Gaza for the past month, tens of thousands of Palestinians under Israeli siege are rationing their last lentils and flour to survive. As bombardment pounds around them, some say they risk their lives by venturing out in search of cans of food in the rubble of destroyed homes.
The Health Ministry said the strikes on Tyre late Friday night also wounded 46 people. It added that remains also were found in rubble and DNA tests will be used to identify the victims.
Youssef Jundi, a Tyre resident, told The Associated Press that the airstrikes destroyed several buildings in the coastal city.
He said that his long-time neighbor and friend, Ghazwa Dabouk, was among those killed. Dabouk’s sisters Elissar, Rabab and Fidaa, who were deaf and mute, were also killed in the airstrike, together with Dabouk’s brother Ali, who had autism.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah group said it fired dozens of rockets on northern Israel and shot down a drone over south Lebanon. The group said that Israel’s air force struck the area where the drone crashed. There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military.
The Israeli military said it attacked
the Tyre offices of Hezbollah’s intelligence department as well as a command and control center for the group in the city.
More than 3,000 people were killed in Lebanon during the 13 months of the Israel-Hezbollah war.
Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel the day after Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allied with Iran.
For nearly a year, the conflict was mostly contained to the areas along the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The conflict dramatically escalated on September 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, leaving hundreds dead and leading to the displacement of nearly 1.2 million people.
Israel began a ground invasion of south Lebanon on October 1, causing wide destruction in border villages but making little advances on the ground inside Lebanon. Israel says it is destroying Hezbollah weapons and command centers near the border, including an extensive tunnel system built by Hezbollah. Mroue reported from Beirut.
Qatar suspends its mediation efforts on Gaza and the Hamas office there may have to leave
By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy And Matthew Lee The Associated Press
dEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—Qatar has suspended its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, it said Saturday, after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal for Gaza. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the remaining Hamas leadership hosted by Qatar must leave, or where it would go. Hamas has good relations with Iran and Turkey, and some of its leaders are now in Lebanon.
However, Qatar is highly likely to return to mediation efforts if both sides show “serious political willingness” to reach a deal, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.
Qatar told Israel and Hamas it can’t continue to mediate “as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith” and “as a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose” in Qatar, a diplomatic source briefed on the matter said. Qatar told Hamas it will have to leave if it isn’t ready to engage in serious negotiations, the source said.
In Washington, a US official said the Biden administration informed Qatar two weeks ago that the Hamas office’s continued operation in d o ha was no longer useful and the Hamas delegation should be expelled.
A senior US official said that after Hamas rejected the last proposal for a cease-fire, Qatar accepted the advice and informed the Hamas delegation of the decision 10 days ago.
A senior Hamas official said they were aware of Qatar’s decision to suspend mediation efforts, “but no one told us to leave.” Hamas has repeatedly called for an end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from
Gaza as a condition for any cease-fire deal. Israel seeks the return of all hostages taken in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and insists on a presence in Gaza.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. The Israeli prime minister’s office had no comment.
Late Saturday, the state-run Qatar News Agency published comments attributed to Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, confirming that d o ha informed parties in the talks 10 days ago that it “would stall its efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel if an agreement was not reached in that round.”
“Qatar will resume those efforts with its partners when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war and the ongoing suffering of civilians,” the report said.
There continued to be no end in sight to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the IsraelHezbollah war in Lebanon, where Israel’s military said it struck command centers and other militant infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs and elsewhere. An Israeli airstrike on the southern port city of Tyre late Friday killed at least seven, officials and a resident said.
Hezbollah “should continue (the fight) and we will continue to back them up even if we lose our families, our homes, and end up in the dirt,” said one Beirut resident, Mohammed Mekdad, as people searched the smoking rubble.
In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people on Saturday, Palestinian medical officials said, while Israel announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid in weeks to the territory’s hungry, devastated north.
One strike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City’s eastern Tufah neighborhood, kill -
ing at least six people, the territory’s Health Ministry said. Two local journalists, a pregnant woman and a child were among the dead, it said. Israel’s army said the strike targeted a militant belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, offering no evidence.
Another Israeli strike killed seven people, including two women and a child in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Israel’s army didn’t respond to a request for comment. And an Israeli strike hit tents in the courtyard of central Gaza’s main hospital, killing at least three people and wounding a local journalist, Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in d e ir al-Balah said. It was the eighth Israeli attack on the compound since March.
israel says aid trucks reach northern Gaza
T HE I sraeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, said 11 aid trucks containing food, water and medical equipment reached the enclave’s far north on Thursday. It’s the first time any aid has reached there since Israel began a new military campaign last month.
But not all the aid reached the agreed drop-off points, according to the U.N. World Food Program. In the urban refugee camp of Jabaliya, Israeli troops stopped one convoy bound for nearby Beit Lahiya and ordered the supplies to be offloaded, WFP spokesperson Alia Zaki said.
Israel’s offensive has focused on Jabaliya, where Israel says Hamas had regrouped. Other areas affected include Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun just north of Gaza City.
Us deadline is looming for israel
T HE ai d announcement came days before a US deadline demanding that Israel improve aid
deliveries across Gaza or risk losing access to US weapons funding. The US says Israel must allow a minimum of 350 trucks a day carrying food and other supplies.
A r eport by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, issued Thursday said there’s a strong likelihood that famine is imminent in parts of northern Gaza, the territory’s most isolated area.
COGAT rejected those findings and said the report relied “on partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests.” no emergency services functioning north of Gaza City
The UN estimates that tens of thousands of people remain in northern Gaza. Earlier this week, the Health Ministry said there were no ambulances or emergency crews operating north of Gaza City.
The conflict has left 90% of Palestinians in Gaza displaced, according to U.N. figures.
More than a year of war in Gaza has killed more than 43,000 people, Palestinian health officials say. They don’t distinguish between civilians and combatants, but say more than half of those killed were women and children.
The war began after Palestinian militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 250 others. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, about a third believed to be dead.
“It has been 400 days and the hostages are still in Gaza. There is a war without a direction. It’s so sad,” said Eial Tiskim, who attended the latest protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to demand a cease-fire deal. Magdy reported from Cairo and Lee from Washington. Associated Press writer Jack Jeffery contributed to this report from Ramallah, West Bank.
Powerful suicide bombing at rail station in southwestern Pakistan kills at least 26
By Abdul Sattar The Associated Press
QUETTA, Pakistan—A suicide bomber blew himself up at a train station in restive southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, killing at least 26 people, including soldiers and railway staff, and wounding about 62 others, some critically, officials said. The attack happened when nearly 100 passengers were waiting for a train to travel to the garrison city of Rawalpindi from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, according to Hamza Shafqaat, a senior government administrator.
When asked about a security breach that led to the bombing, Shafqaat told reporters that “it is usually very difficult to stop such suicide attacks.”
However, Shahid Nawaz, who is in charge of security at Quetta’s train station, insisted there was no breach as the attacker was disguised as a passenger and blew himself up among people at the station.
TV footage showed the steel structure of the platform’s roof blown apart and a destroyed tea stall. Luggage was strewn everywhere. Most of the victims were taken to a state-owned hospital and some to a military one. Wasim Baig, a spokesman for the health
department and police said over a dozen soldiers and six railway employees were among the dead at the station, where a walk-through gate has been installed to check whether anyone is carrying explosives. Still, there are multiple other entrances to the station without such security.
A separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army, claimed the attack in a statement, saying a suicide bomber targeted troops present at the railway station. The outlawed BLA has long waged an insurgency seeking independence from Islamabad.
A senior superintendent of police operations, Muhammad Baloch, said separatists frequently attacked soft targets.
“When their people are arrested, they also attack in retaliation. We all have to fight this war. We are resilient. Our teams are here and trying to save as many lives as we can.” Police said some of the critically wounded passengers had died in the hospital, raising the death toll. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the bombing in a statement, saying those who orchestrated the attack “will pay a very heavy price for it,” adding that security forces were determined to eliminate “the menace of
Thousands have staggered out of the area, hungry and thin, into Gaza City, where they find the situation a little better. One hospital reports seeing thousands of children suffering from malnutrition. A nutritionist said she treated a pregnant woman wasting away at just 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
“We are being starved to force us to leave our homes,” said Mohammed Arqouq, whose family of eight is determined to stay in the north, weathering Israel’s siege. “We will die here in our homes.”
Medical workers warn that hunger is spiraling to dire proportions under a month-long siege on north Gaza by the Israeli military, which has been waging a fierce campaign since the beginning of October, saying it’s rooting out militants. Hamas, who are still holding hostages inside Gaza, have regrouped in the area and have been carrying out hit-and-run attacks from tunnels and bombed-out buildings. The military has severed the area with checkpoints, ordering residents to leave. Many Palestinians fear Israel aims to depopulate the north long term.
On Friday, experts from a panel that monitors food security said famine is imminent in the north or may already be happening. The growing desperation comes as the deadline approaches next week for a 30-day ultimatum the Biden administration gave Israel: raise the level of humanitarian assistance allowed into Gaza or risk possible restrictions on US military funding.
The US says Israel must allow a minimum of 350 trucks a day carrying food and other supplies. Israel has fallen far short. In October, 57 trucks a day entered Gaza on average, according to figures from Israel’s military agency overseeing aid entry, known as COGAT. In the first week of November, the average was 81 a day.
The U.N. puts the number even lower—37 trucks daily since the beginning of October. It says Israeli military operations and general lawlessness often prevent it from collecting supplies, leaving hundreds of truckloads stranded at the border.
US State d e partment spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel had made some progress by announcing the opening of a new crossing into central Gaza and approving new delivery routes. But he said Israel must do more. “It’s not just sufficient to open new roads if more humanitarian assistance isn’t going through those roads,” he said.
A desperate daily struggle
I SRAELI f orces have been hammering the towns of Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya refugee camp. Witnesses report intense fighting between troops and militants.
A trickle of food has reached Gaza City, but as of Thursday, nothing entered the towns farther north for 30 days, even as an estimated 70,000 people remain there, said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, speaking from Gaza City.
The government acknowledged in late October that it hadn’t allowed aid into Jabaliya because of military “operational constraints” in response to a petition by Israeli human rights groups. On Saturday, COGAT said it allowed 11 trucks of food and supplies into Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya. But Alia Zaki, a spokeswoman for the WFP, said Israeli troops at a checkpoint forced the convoy to unload the food before it could reach shelters in Beit Hanoun. It was not clear what then happened to the supplies.
Palestinians in the north described to The Associated Press a desperate daily struggle to find food, water and safety, as strikes level buildings, sometimes killing whole families.
“We are like dogs and cats searching for their food in the rubble,” said Um Saber, a widow. She said she and her six children had to flee a school-turned-shelter in Beit Lahiya when Israel struck it. Now they live in her father-in-law’s home, stretching meager supplies of lentils and pasta with 40 others, mostly women and children. Ahmed Abu Awda, a 28-year-old father of three living with 25 relatives in a Jabaliya house, said they have a daily meal of lentils with bread, rationing to ensure children eat.
“Sometimes we don’t eat at all,” he said. Lubna, a 38-year-old mother of five, left food behind when fleeing as strikes and drone fire pummeled the street in Jabaliya.
“We got out by a miracle,” she said from Beit Lahiya, where they’re staying. She spoke on condition her family name not be used for fear of her safety.
Her husband scavenged flour from destroyed homes after Israeli forces withdrew around nearby Kamal Adwan hospital, she said. It’s moldy, she said, so they sift it first. Her young daughter, Selina, is visibly gaunt and bony, Lubna said. surrender or starve T HE o ffensive has raised fears among Palestinians that Israel seeks to empty northern Gaza and hold it long term under a surrender-or-starve plan proposed by former generals. The Israeli military has denied receiving such orders, but the government hasn’t denied the plan outright. Witnesses report Israeli troops going building-to-building, forcing people to leave toward Gaza City.
On Thursday, the Israeli military ordered new evacuations from several Gaza City neighborhoods, raising the possibility of a ground assault there.
The UN said some 14,000 displaced Palestinians were sheltering there. Food and supplies are stretched for the several hundred thousand people in Gaza City, too. Much of the city has been flattened by months of Israeli bombardment and shelling.
d r. Rana Soboh, a nutrition specialist at Gaza City’s Patient Friend Benevolent Hospital, said she sees some 350 cases of moderate to severe acute malnutrition daily, most from the north but also Gaza City.
“The bone of their chest is showing, the eyes are protruding,” she said, and many have trouble concentrating. “You repeat something a number of times, so they can understand what we are saying.”
She cited a 32-year-old woman shedding weight in her third month of pregnancy—when they put her on the scale, she weighed only 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
“We are suffering, facing the ghost of famine that is hovering over Gaza,” Soboh said.
A problem long in the making E V EN b efore the siege in the north, the Patient Friend hospital saw a flood of children suffering from malnutrition—more than 4,780 in September compared with 1,100 in July, said d r Ahmad Eskiek, who oversees hospital operations. Soboh said staff get calls from Beit Lahiya and Jabaliya pleading for help: “What can we do? We have nothing.” She had worked at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north but fled with her family to Gaza City. Now they stay with 22 people in her uncle’s two-bedroom apartment. Thursday, she had had a morsel of bread for breakfast and later a meal of yellow lentils. As winter rains near, new arrivals set up tents wherever they can. Some 1,500 people are in a UN school already heavily damaged in strikes that “could collapse at any moment,” UNRWA spokesperson Wateridge said.
With toilets destroyed, people try to set aside a corner of a classroom to use, leaving waste “streaming down the walls of the school,” she said. Others in Gaza City move into the rubble of buildings, draping tarps between layers of collapsed concrete, she said. “It’s like the carcass of
Arqouq said he goes out at night to search bombed-out buildings: “Sometimes you find a half-empty package of flour, canned food and lentils.” His family relies on help from others sheltering at a Jabaliya school, he said—but their food, too, is running low.
Editor: Angel R. Calso
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Russia open to Trump’s peace proposals amid ongoing drone strikes in Ukraine
By Illia Novikov & Elise Morton
KYIV, Ukraine—Russia is open to hearing President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals on ending the war, an official said, as a Russian drone killed one person and wounded 13 in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa and the European Union foreign policy chief held talks in Kyiv after the change in US leadership. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow and Washington were “exchanging signals” on Ukraine
via “closed channels.” He did not specify whether the communication was with the current administration or Trump and members of his incoming administration. Russia is ready to listen to Trump’s proposals on Ukraine provided these were “ideas on how to move forward in the area of settlement, and not in the area of further pumping the Kyiv regime with all kinds of aid,” Ryabkov said Saturday in an interview with Russian state news agency Interfax.
In Kyiv, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told reporters that Ukraine is ready to
work with the Trump administration.
“Remember that President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy was one of the first world leaders...to greet President Trump,” he said. “It was a sincere conversation (and) an exchange of thoughts regarding further cooperation.”
“Also during the telephone conversation, further steps to establish communication between teams were discussed and this work has also begun. Therefore, we are open for further cooperation and I’m sure that a unified goal of reaching just peace unites all of us,” Sybiha said.
Sybiha appeared alongside EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who said his visit is meant to stress the European Union’s support to Ukraine.“This support remains unwavering. This support is absolutely needed, for you to continue defending yourself against Russian aggression,” he said. Borrell urged “faster deliveries and fewer self imposed red lines” in getting Western weapons to Ukraine. He had appealed to allies in August to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike Russian military targets.
In Odesa, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said high-rise residential buildings, private houses and warehouses in the Black Sea port city were damaged overnight by the “fall” of a drone. He did not specify whether the drone had been shot down by air defenses.
A further 32 Russian drones were shot down over 10 Ukrainian regions, while 18 were “lost,” according to Ukraine’s air force, likely having been electronically jammed.
A Russian aerial bomb struck a busy highway overnight in the northeastern Kharkiv province, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Ter-
ekohov said. No casualties were reported. Russia is mounting an intensified aerial campaign that Ukrainian officials say they need more Western help to counter. However, doubts are deepening over what Kyiv can expect from a new US administration. Trump has repeatedly taken issue with US aid to Ukraine, made vague vows to end the war and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In Russia, the Defense Ministry said 50 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over seven Russian regions—more than half over the Bryansk region, bordering Ukraine. AP
Beyond the storm: PHL economic slowdown reveals the deeper impact of climate change
THE Philippine economy’s recent slowdown to a 5.2 percent growth rate in the third quarter of 2024, the lowest since the second quarter of 2023, has raised serious concerns. While the government remains optimistic, attributing the dip to temporary factors like typhoon disruptions, a closer examination reveals a more complex and potentially worrying picture. The confluence of severe weather events, exacerbated by climate change, and their impact on both agricultural output and crucial government infrastructure paints a concerning picture for the country’s long-term economic prospects. (Read the BusinessMirror story: Climate risks to agri, infra to hurt growth, November 8, 2024).
The slowdown in government spending on projects, plummeting to 3.7 percent in the third quarter compared to 27.3 percent in the same period last year, is a significant red flag. Economists point to the seven typhoons that ravaged the country this year, disrupting project implementation and contributing significantly to the overall GDP decline. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts further typhoons between November 2024 and April 2025, casting a long shadow over the projected economic performance in the first half of 2025. The damage extends beyond mere delays. Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante Canlas highlights the substantial destruction to roads, bridges, and ports, necessitating costly rebuilding efforts that strain the government’s already tight fiscal space. The need to “build back better,” incorporating climate resilience into infrastructure, is crucial but financially demanding. This echoes the concerns of Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona Jr., who argues against solely relying on public infrastructure spending for economic growth, particularly given the potential for increased debt or unpopular tax hikes.
The agricultural sector, already vulnerable, suffered a 2.8 percent yearon-year decline, further compounding the economic woes. This underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient agricultural practices and investment in flood control projects, as advocated by Lanzona. The consistent allocation
of funds for such projects should be prioritized and separated from other expenditures to ensure their sustained implementation.
While Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasizes the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and improving the ease of doing business, a more proactive and evidencebased approach is necessary. De La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas rightly suggests improving project management, integrating climate change considerations into disaster risk reduction, and accelerating construction during favorable weather conditions. Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development Director Ser Percival Peña-Reyes adds that the government must prioritize projects with significant economic impact and address pressing public needs, rather than engaging in mere pump priming. The current slowdown is not merely a temporary setback; it’s a stark warning. The Philippines must move beyond reactive measures and adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses climate change’s profound economic consequences. This involves robust investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, improved disaster preparedness, and a shift towards sustainable and climate-conscious economic policies. Ignoring these challenges risks jeopardizing the country’s long-term economic stability and prosperity. The government’s optimism, while understandable, must be tempered with a realistic assessment of the significant and ongoing threats posed by climate change.
BusinessMirror
A month for books and reading
NOVEMBER is National Reading Month and National Book Development Month, a time to celebrate literacy and the cultural projects that promote learning and growth, especially among children and students. The National Book Development Board (NBDB), as the government’s primary agency for these efforts, leads a range of initiatives to strengthen the Philippine book publishing industry.
Recently, the NBDB and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC), announced the winners of the 42nd National Book Awards (NBA). This annual award honors the finest books authored, designed, and published in the Philippines. This year, 326 titles competed across 31 categories and four languages. For the list of winners, please visit the NBDB’s Facebook page. The NBDB
is also preparing for the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse, where the Philippines will be the Guest of Honor at the world’s largest book fair.
This November, another significant literary event occurs: the 2024 PEN Philippines Congress on November 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Verdure, 4th floor, Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, Taft
Avenue, Manila. Titled “VIAJERO: The Journey of Philippine Fiction,” the event is presented by The Cultural Center of the Philippines and hosted by De La Salle University, the Jose Family, Solidaridad Bookshop, and PEN Philippines. This two-day congress celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist F. Sionil Jose.
Jose Dalisay will deliver the annual Rizal Lecture, while the Free the Word presentation will feature an excerpt from the play “Balete”, adapted by Rody Vera from F. Sionil Jose’s novel “Tree.”
Tanghalang Pilipino and Chris Millado will stage the play. Panel discussions will also explore F. Sionil Jose’s legacy as a writer and examine the challenges and opportunities facing Philippine fiction today.
This month, as we celebrate reading, books, and literature, let’s find time to read more and make it a part of our daily lives. Let’s support local authors and share the joy of reading with friends, family, and especially with the younger generation.
On November 28, the second day of the event, “The Man from Rosales: The F. Sionil Jose Conference” will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This conference, featuring papers selected from a call for submissions, will include keynote addresses by Saul Hofileña Jr. and Rody Vera. The F. Sionil Jose Young Writers Award, newly relaunched by the Jose family with support from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and PEN Philippines, will be presented to its winners, who will also receive cash prizes. Additionally, a photographic exhibit on F. Sionil Jose will be on display near the venue, with guided tours available. Bookselling activities will also be part of the Congress. Seats are limited, and advance registration is encouraged. Register for free at bit.ly/FSJ100. This month, as we celebrate reading, books, and literature, let’s find time to read more and make it a part of our daily lives. Let’s support local authors and share the joy of reading with friends, family, and especially with the younger generation.
Senator Pia Cayetano: A champion for energy security and national prosperity
PRamos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso
Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan
ATRIOTISM is commonly associated with soldiers making ultimate sacrifices for their nation. However, it also reveals itself through quieter yet equally impactful actions. An example of this is currently taking place on the Senate floor, where Senator Pia Cayetano steadfastly upholds her faith in the potential of the Filipino people and the Philippines as a whole.
For weeks, Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, has faced a barrage of questions and doubts regarding a landmark piece of legislation—the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act (Senate Bill 2793). This bill could dramatically reduce, if not eliminate, the country’s dependence on imported fuel, stabilizing energy costs and boosting energy security.
“This is a unique opportunity to promote indigenous natural gas,” Cayetano explains, “which is cheaper, cleaner, and serves as a transition fuel as the Philippines shifts towards renewable energy.”
Her vision is clear: prioritize local resources to ensure energy security and price stability.
Cayetano’s persistence is remarkable, especially when faced with the uncomfortable question: Why is the Philippines so dependent on imported fuel when we have our own? It’s a challenge she poses not only to lawmakers but also to every Filipino, urging us to stop accepting the status quo and to look at energy issues through a new lens.
The reality she presents is sobering. The Philippines relies heavily on imported coal and natural gas for power generation—the back-
bone of any economy. Yet, Cayetano points out, we already possess vast natural gas resources. Her bill provides the key to energy security.
SB 2793 provides the framework for our energy potential. It seeks to apply logic and strategic prioritization—promoting the use of domestic gas first for power generation, making it a viable market for investors. After all, no rational investor would pour money into an industry without a guaranteed market. The priority here is clear: Filipino gas for the Filipino people.
Cayetano also brought clarity to a misleading claim. It had been argued that imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) is cheaper than indigenous gas, citing a price of just $10 per MMBtu. But Cayetano, ever the diligent fact-checker, quickly debunked this myth.
Current LNG prices hover near $16 per MMBtu, while Malampaya gas costs around $12 per MMBtu.
With LNG’s additional costs— shipping, regasification, and geopolitical volatility—the true cost of imported LNG is significantly higher. “How could it be cheaper?” Cayetano asked, exposing the distortion for all to see.
Cayetano employs logic and practicality in her approach. She knows that LNG, while useful, is ultimately subject to external pressures—such as the war in Ukraine and rising shipping costs—making it an unreliable option. On the oth-
SB 2793 provides the framework for our energy potential. It seeks to apply logic and strategic prioritization—promoting the use of domestic gas first for power generation, making it a viable market for investors. After all, no rational investor would pour money into an industry without a guaranteed market. The priority here is clear: Filipino gas for the Filipino people.
er hand, indigenous gas, though needing proper policy support, offers a stable and more affordable alternative.
The purpose of Senate Bill 2793 is not to eliminate LNG from the energy mix but to put Filipino resources first in the quest for energy security. Cayetano cited the decline in energy exploration since the discovery of the Malampaya field due to a lack of clear and attractive policy framework for decades. Without government support, exploration has stagnated, and opportunities for growth have been left untapped. This bill is the blueprint for a Filipino solution to the country’s energy woes. “Why remain enslaved by imported fuel?” Cayetano
German vice chancellor adds to pressure for speedy election
By Kamil Kowalcze & Michael Nienaber
GERMAN Economy Minister Robert Habeck is ramping up pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to schedule new elections without delay.
Habeck, who’s also Germany’s vice chancellor, told public broadcaster ZDF on Friday evening that a vote should be held “as soon as possible” following the collapse of Scholz’s unpopular three-way coalition. He also cautioned that parties should be careful not to jeopardize the constitution or ongoing government affairs.
Germany has been plunged into a period of unusual uncertainty with the governing coalition breaking down on the same day that Donald Trump declared victory in the US election. Trump has been hostile to Berlin in the past. His return comes at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is struggling and industries such as autos and chemicals are facing disruptive transformations.
Habeck referred to a letter issued by Federal Election Commissioner Ruth Brand who warned of “incalculable risks at all levels” if the election is rushed.
The Green politician added that for historical reasons, the decision on the timing of the election lies solely with the chancellor. “We are discussing such things, but in the end it is his decision and he has made it. If he changes his mind or reconsiders it, that is also his decision,” Habeck said.
Scholz on Wednesday sacked Christian Lindner, finance minister and leader of the businessfriendly Free Democrats, in a dispute about debt-financed government spending, dismantling his three-party coalition. He proposed to pull forward the date of Germany’s next federal election from September to end of March at the latest. Until then, Scholz intends to continue governing in a minority government with Habeck and the Greens.
The chancellor intends to put the question of confidence to parliament in mid-January. Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative opposition party CDU/CSU, which has a clear lead in the polls, is putting pressure on him to start the process as early as next week to enable elections already in January.
At a summit of European heads of state and government in Budapest on Friday, Scholz said that he was ready to discuss a quicker timetable for triggering new elections, calling the current situation a “big democratic party.” Thorsten Frei, parliamentary secretary of the conservative caucus, on Saturday rejected a push by Scholz to tie the question of an earlier election date to bi-partisan cooperation on lawmaking in par -
Germany has been plunged into a period of unusual uncertainty with the governing coalition breaking down on the same day that Donald Trump declared victory in the US election. Trump has been hostile to Berlin in the past. His return comes at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is struggling and industries such as autos and chemicals are facing disruptive transformations.
liament before the vote.
“First the chancellor must ask the question of confidence, then we will be available for talks,” the RND media group cited Frei as saying. Scholz “should put an end to his obvious delaying tactics.”
Separately, Transport and Justice Minister Volker Wissing told the public broadcaster ARD on Friday that the question of the election date shouldn’t be turned into a “political issue”. Wissing left the Free Democrats to remain in Scholz’s cabinet and was appointed justice minister in a reshuffle following Lindner’s dismissal.
According to the latest Politbarometer survey by public broadcaster ZDF, 54% of respondents are in favor of holding elections before March. Only 30% support the March timing proposed by Scholz.
In an interview published on Saturday with Suedddeutsche Zeitung, SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch signaled openness to talks with the CDU/CSU holding the vote of confidence earlier, on the condition that the opposition helps to pass certain projects in the Bundestag before elections are held.
Miersch also referred to the concerns raised by Brand, that enough time must be given to ensure enough time for the logistical preparation of the vote so that it can be conducted fairly and properly. Federal and state election officials have scheduled a meeting with Brand on Monday to discuss the necessary measures for early elections.
“The election campaign is beginning, but it must not be conducted at the expense of constitutional norms and government business,” Habeck, who announced his own candidacy for chancellor on Friday, told ZDF.
(With assistance from Stefan Nicola /Bloomberg)
she aims to fill this gap, offering a stable, predictable environment for exploration and investment in local energy resources.
In aid of persecution
(Concluding part)
BROWBEATING he was! Way back October 4, 2021, former President Rodrigo Duterte issued a Memorandum prohibiting all Executive Department officials and employees from attending the inquiry “in aid of legislation” then being conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee due to the Commission on Audit (COA) report that noted a deficiency of P67,323,186,570.57 in public funds intended for the government’s Covid-19 response.
As the hearings about the underutilization of its 2020 budget and the procurement of vaccines by LGUs and private sector stretched for a few months, the former President cried foul, as he opined that erstwhile Chairperson Senator Richard Gordon degraded the dignity of resource persons, including then DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, who were all subjected to “humiliation, bullying, and belittlement.”
As Duterte’s Memorandum asserted that “the inquiry has turned into a preliminary investigation of sorts meant to identify the person or persons allegedly liable for irregularities that existing statutes already define and punish”, executive officials, one by one, excused themselves in these hearings, referencing the prohibition in the subject Memorandum. It eventually led to a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition before the Supreme Court lodged by the Senate of the Philippines against Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea and Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque III (G.R. No. 257608, July 05, 2022).
In its Petition, the Senate cited that the said Memorandum oper -
ated as an obstruction to its constitutional function to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. In response, ES Medialdea and DOH Sec Duque, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), argued primarily that the Senate (Petitioner) “mischaracterized the subject hearings as inquiries in aid of legislation. In reality, petitioner conducted the subject hearings in the exercise of its oversight functions (that is, to confront and exact accountability, to use the words of Senate v. Ermita itself when it distinguished the power to inquire in aid of legislation under Section 21 of Article VI of the 1987 Constitution and the power to inquire in aid of confrontation to seek accountability of the officers of the Executive Branch under Section 22 of Article VI of the Constitution).”
In its resolution, the Supreme Court elucidated that “the power of inquiry, “with process to enforce it,” is grounded on the necessity of information in the legislative process.”
Otherwise stated, the information possessed by those being summoned should be necessary for wise legislation on the subject matter for Congress to have the right
to that information and the power to compel the disclosure thereof. The Court further stated that this Congressional power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation is just as susceptible to abuse as executive or judicial power. The Court suggested that for such power to be used within constitutional limits is for Congress “to indicate in its invitations to the public officials concerned, or to any person for that matter, the possible needed statute which prompted the need for the inquiry.” Moreover, the Supreme Court highlighted the mandate in Section 21, Article VI of the Constitution, “that the rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries be respected.”
Given these standards, we are transported back to the time when former Senator Leila De Lima was subjected to congressional inquiry purportedly in aid of legislation. As she was badgered and pushed against the wall on matters of her alleged involvement in drugs (during her term as Secretary of the Department of Justice), to the point of accentuating the investigation in public as a persecutorial event, it was clear that our lawmakers failed to proffer the predicate for said inquiry: the necessity of legislation. To this day, I do not know of any wise statute that was formulated through the said inquiry “in aid of legislation,” and by an off chance that a bill or resolution was indeed crafted, it could not erase the fact that De Lima already suffered the brunt of the public, and spent unnecessary time incarcerated, only to be cleared later by material testimonies attesting to her innocence. Such a type of persecution is nothing new. Perhaps the worst vexation and oppression that occurred in history is the persecution of Jesus Christ. During his earthly ministry, he was persecuted relentlessly. Jesus was arrested on a charge of treason and blasphemy, was put on trial, was crucified and was killed. The torment, however, was for a precious cause—the redemption of each and every one of us. His death fulfills God’s Word as
Our “investigating” legislators ought to reassess their constitutionally vested power of inquiry in aid of legislation and ensure that its exercise should be in pursuit of a necessary objective for the common good. As we know it, the objective of these hearings is never about getting media mileage or public attention, although it can be a collateral consequence.
we can find in 2 Corinthians 5:21 of the Bible, viz.: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Truly, the persecution of Jesus was necessary for God’s beautiful gift of Grace! And as we are called to “be reconciled to God, being ambassadors for Christ” (verse 20), we see ourselves righteous because that is exactly how our Heavenly Father sees us through the sacrifice of His beloved Son. Jesus’ persecution was meant for good; I cannot say the same for all others as most of these “in aid of legislation” hearings of late follow the pattern of the shameful persecutorial inquisition of De Lima many years ago. This pattern should stop. Our “investigating” legislators ought to reassess their constitutionally vested power of inquiry in aid of legislation and ensure that its exercise should be in pursuit of a necessary objective for the common good. As we know it, the objective of these hearings is never about getting media mileage or public attention, although it can be a collateral consequence. What I understand as a lawyer and a Jesus follower is that common good is never about self but about the shared interests of believers in this country—truth and justice. May our government leaders, whether in Congress or elsewhere, consciously pursue what is true and just, as part of their mission here on earth.
Tech-driven government sustainability efforts
(Part 1)
Iasked, challenging both lawmakers and citizens to think critically about their energy choices. By prioritizing local resources, we not only ensure a more stable energy future but also create jobs, generate state revenue, and lower costs for consumers. In the 1990s, over 100 natural gas exploration projects were initiated, but most disappeared after Malampaya’s discovery. Why? Because, Cayetano reveals, there was no clear policy framework to attract investors. With SB 2793,
Cayetano’s work is far from easy. It requires not just legislative skill but an unwavering belief in the potential of Filipino solutions to Filipino problems. As she continues to champion the bill, she stands as a beacon for energy selfsufficiency—a lighthouse guiding the Philippines toward a more stable and secure energy future. Heroes often wear uniforms and carry weapons, but some, like Cayetano, fight with facts and vision. They deserve our full support, for they too are working to defend the future of the nation.
JUST attended last November 7, 2024 a Global Educators Forum in Kushing, Malaysia. This event, hosted by the Asean Accounting Education Workgroup and the UCSI University, focused on the topics of technology enabling environmental sustainability efforts and its impact on global business. I was given the topic on what government is doing in this area. Having been in government in various leadership capacities for over two decades, I shared my insights in the collaborative and enabling role of government in addressing the environmental issues confronting the country and the rest of the world.
I discussed the importance of public sector leadership initiating and promoting sustainability initiatives, from the Philippines and Asean perspective. I cited what technology and regulatory frameworks and measures adopted to address environmental challenges.
As environmental issues intensify globally, the role of the public sector in fostering sustainability through technology has gained importance.
Governments and public institutions are increasingly recognizing the necessity of innovative, data-driven, and technologyenabled solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, man-
age natural resources more efficiently, and promote sustainable development.
Technology plays a critical role in addressing environmental challenges, offering solutions across multiple domains. For instance, advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence enable governments to predict environmental impacts, optimize resource allocation, and implement more effective regulatory policies.
Geographic Information System mapping allows for better management of natural resources, tracking deforestation, water levels, and pollution sources. Similarly, Internet of Things sensors are instrumental in real-time monitoring of air and water quality, waste management, and energy usage, empowering public sector agencies with data for informed decision-making.
Moreover, blockchain technology is gaining traction for its potential to increase transparency in sustainable initiatives, such as carbon credit trading and renewable energy distribution.
Blockchain creates a reliable, tamper-proof ledger that governments can use to ensure accountability in sustainability reporting and track environmental footprints more accurately. Cloud computing also enables institutions to handle large data volumes without significant energy consumption, facilitating scalability for environmental monitoring applications.
The growth of Data Centers is also facilitating the use of large data to come up with more efficient operational and decisionmaking capacities.
I shared the experiences and practices in the Philippines of two government institutions that I headed several years ago, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy.
The BIR has taken several measures to incorporate sustainability and environmental responsibility into its operations and regulatory functions, aiming to align these with national and global sustainability efforts. Here are some of the key initiatives and efforts by the BIR in this area:
In Revenenue Memoranduum Order No. 27-20, the BIR launched its 10-year Digital Transformation Roadmap in 2020. The roadmap aims to improve revenue collection and taxpayer experience through digital innovation and modern technology. Now on its fifth year of implementation, several digital enabled services have been implemented that resulted in favorable outcomes in BIR efficiency in rendering taxpayer service and collection of taxes, better taxpayer engagements with the BIR, and positive results in environmental sustainability.
The Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) is the most recent online service implemented by the BIR in 2023. The ORUS provides an end-to-end process for registering taxpayers and updating their information.
As environmental issues intensify globally, the role of the public sector in fostering sustainability through technology has gained importance. Governments and public institutions are increasingly recognizing the necessity of innovative, data-driven, and technology-enabled solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, manage natural resources more efficiently, and promote sustainable development.
With the implementation of ORUS, taxpayers may skip the long queues in BIR offices and register and update their information electronically via the online process.
The BIR has long implemented the Electronic Filing and Payment System (EFPS) since 2001 with the issuance of Revenue Regulation No. 9-2001. The EFPS provides online filing of tax returns and payment of taxes by taxpayers. This EFPS
Monday, November 11, 2024
2nd Front Page
WTM opens new markets for PHL sellers, but cost an issue
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror
LONDON—The recent World Travel Market (WTM) has opened new markets for the Philippines to explore and sell to international travelers, but at the same time, raised connectivity issues that make travel to and within the country more expensive than other Asian nations.
This developed as Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita M ontemayor Nograles told the BusinessMirror, “Our participation at the WTM in London has b een an incredible success, generating an initial P430 million in s ales leads, which is significantly higher than last year’s P259 million in sales leads.” There were also 40 bookings actually closed between the Philippine sellers and foreign buyers, she added, so the final sales figures could be higher. She said, “The Philippine stand captivated an international audience with a vibrant showcase of F ilipino culture, featuring traditional crafts and dances, global f ashion, experiential activations, and a strong and inspired sales force. Every element highlighted not only the Philippines’s rich heritage, but also our commitment to r esponsible tourism practices. The overwhelming response affirms the growing global interest in the Philippines as a unique and sustainable travel destination.” The T PB is the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism. Many of the sellers confirmed the heightened interest in the
Entreps told: Supply govt its needs under Tatak Pinoy Act
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
FILIPINO entrepreneurs are being urged to explore the idea of s upplying to the government as a step toward eventually penetrating the export market, according to the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).
In a statement at the weekend, it noted that Joel Rodriguez, OIC-vice president for international trading services of the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), h ad encouraged businesses to take advantage of the new Tatak Pinoy Act, which gives priority to domestic companies as suppliers of the administration’s requirements.
P ITC, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), provides a service package to international buyers to make purchasing from the Philippines “more c onvenient and economical.”
The PITC is also engaged in the importation of various commodities and products to “stabilize” supply and prices in the domestic market, the DTI website noted.
“If you supply the government under the Tatak Pinoy law, priority is also given to local industry,” Rodriguez said in a recent trade convention.
T he Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act or Republic Act No. 11981 was signed into law on February 26, 2024 to empower Philippine industries to come up with “high-value and sophisticated” goods and services that will m ake them more competitive in both the global and domestic markets.
Philexport, also quoted Rodriguez as saying that it is a “good tactic” to supply to the government because the state has the biggest budget for procurement.
In fact, he said the country is doing “countertrade,” under which the government obligates foreign suppliers
t o buy from the Philippines.
“Under countertrade, we obligate foreign suppliers to buy from the Philippines. As of to date we have gener -
ated countertrade deals over US$500 m illion,” Rodriguez said. “Particularly [to help] the export industry h ere, we ask the foreign suppliers to buy products from the Philippines.”
Rodriguez explained that wouldbe exporters are being encouraged to do business with the government because buyers often ask how well the supplier has been performing in the local market.
“It’s very important for you, the exporters, to establish a good track record in the domestic market, and we inform the buyer about it,” Rodriguez said.
T his way, he noted that Filipino exporters would have a bigger chance to p enetrate mainstream market overseas if they have a good “track record” i n the domestic market.
Philexport said with a network of Philippine manufacturers, PITC’s export basket include fresh and processed food, wearables, furniture and f urnishings, giftware, holiday decor and novelties, natural and wellness products and construction materials and commodities, among others.
S ome of the products Rodriguez recommends for businesses to offer to the government are giveaways such as handicrafts and food items.
Meanwhile, as he described the current export scene in the country, Rodriguez underscored that it is vital for firms to know that demand is g rowing, particularly fast for food products.
In the non-food sector, demand is strong for furniture, décor, and handicrafts as well as for innovative designs made of natural and sustainable materials.
Philexport said foreign buyers now prefer to buy in smaller quantities from different sources and no longer purchase in bulk.
Rodriguez also stressed that the export market is open to micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) producers that have export-ready products that offer competitive prices and comply with international standards.
Philippines, sharing that many European travel buyers are trying to offer “something new” to their clients, who have already been to other Southeast Asian countries.
‘A new destination’
L O URDES B A N z ON , p resident of Sharp Travel Services, said she met with travel buyers from Greece, Canada, Costa Rica, Spain, the United States, South Africa, Uzbekistan—and most of them are already selling holidays to Asian countries l ike Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Korea, India. “It will be their first t ime to sell the Philippines as there has there been no demand before, according to them. So they’re focusing on the P hilippines as a new destination, and will be combining it with other destinations i.e., Thailand-Philippines, or P hilippines-Indonesia.”
Banzon also said a new market has opened up for the Philippines, as she has been requested to package tours exclusively for women travelers. “These are widows who came into money after the passing of their husband...so in this new market, we offered them a shopping, spa, and beach relaxation package i n Cebu and Bohol.”
Matt Poonin, general manager of Travelite Travel and Tours said she met with about 50 buyers during the three
days of the WTM. “On the first day alone I met with 20 buyers for about 30 minutes each, meaning they were really serious buyers,” she said. The buyers came from the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden.
“They want to go to less touristy destinations in the Philippines,” she added, so s he pushed Boracay island, where there are now fewer foreign tourists than before the pandemic. But top of mind for h er buyers were still Palawan (El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton in San Vicente, and Balabac); Cebu and Bohol; along with Siquijor, Dumaguete, Camiguin; and Northern Luzon, in particular Banawe and Sagada.
‘Volunteerism’, halal tours
Wh ILE s he said no contracts were actually closed—meetings at the WTM usually take one to two years to bear fruit— there were many requests for group tours from the not-the-usual buyers from like Bulgaria and Romania.” Poonin also noted her buyers’ desire for more “experiential travel, like community-based p rograms. These are tailored-made programs helping communities, sustainable tourism programs, and their travel spend will go directly to the local communities. So we offer them volunteerism tours [in partnership with] Gawad Kalinga and local government units.”
20
AS the market prices for imported rice continue to rise, a h o use of Representatives leader said on Sunday that the Department of Agriculture (DA) should be the only entity permitted to import rice from other countries, saying this would be accomplished by passing legislation. h o use Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo together with ACT-CIS Representatives Edvic Yap, Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo plans to file on Monday a bill granting the DA the authority to directly import rice and sell it in the local market.
“The President already lowered tariffs on imported rice for private traders, yet prices remain between P50 and P60 per kilo in the market,” Tulfo pointed out.
“Don’t tell me the tariff reduction is pointless. So where are the tariff savings going? Shouldn’t they benefit the people?” he added.
Tulfo hinted that it appears only importers are benefiting from the current situation, prompting him to say, “we need to act now.”
With this, Tulfo said a bill proposing to give the DA the powers needed to import rice that would be sold in the market will be filed.
In the proposed bill, at whatever price the DA purchased the imported rice from other countries, it should also be sold at the same price in the market in the Philippines.
“Since the DA currently cannot sell rice directly, we will include in the proposal that interested rice retailers may apply to become licensed Kadiwa outlets under the DA,” Tulfo explained.
“We thought prices would go down with the tariff cut, but it turns out the profit only goes to the importers,” Tulfo remarked.
Tulfo said that once the DA is authorized to import rice regularly, it will create competition for private traders, effectively pressuring them to lower market prices.
h e a dded that their bill also proposed that during the harvesting season of rice, the DA should stop issuing import permits for rice in order to protect the locally manufactured rice and the interests of the local farmers.
Fil-Ams make it in US local
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
AT least 20 Filipino-Americans led by incumbent Virginia Rep. Bobby Scott won i n the recent local elections in the United States, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) said.
S cott, 77, remains the highestranking elected official of Filipino ancestry in the US. The Democrat lawmaker was re-elected with 69.9 percent of the votes in District 3. he h as been serving Congress for 32 years.
“This election cycle saw historic wins for Filipino-American leaders across the United States, each advancing a shared vision for a more i nclusive nation,” NaFFAA said in a statement.
Of the 4.2 million FilipinoAmericans in the US, over 2.14 million cast their votes across the nation, especially in key battleground s tates, NaFFAA said.
9 Fil-Ams win state legislative polls
Th R EE Fi lipino-Americans were
elected for the first time to the state legislative bodies—Christopher Cabaldon at the California State Senate District 3, Jessica Caloza at the California State Assembly District 52, and Angelito Tenorio at Wisconsin’s State Assembly D istrict 14.
They joined six other Fil-Am legislators who were re-elected in last week’s elections: n Genevieve Mina—Alaska State Representative, District 19 n Junelle Cavero h a rnal—Arizona State Legislature, District 11
n Trish La China— h a waii’s h o use of Representatives, District 37
n Steven Raga—New York State Assemblymember, District 30
n Maria Cervania—North Carolina State Representative, District 41
n Justin Jones—Tennessee State Representative, District 52
1 Fil-am mayor in San Diego
S A N D iego Mayor Todd Gloria survived the bloodbath among incumbent mayors and won a re-
election bid. Gloria is the first Fil-Am, first person of color and first openly LGBTQ+ individual who became mayor of San Diego. There are around 200,000 Filipino-Americans in San Diego.
City legislative bodies T WO ot her neophyte Fil-Am candidate in big city legislative bodies i n California also won—Ysabel Jurado of the Los Angeles City Council D istrict 14 and Rynn Schumacher of San Buenaventura City Council. Meanwhile, four former mayors were re-elected to their respective city councils: Juslyn Manalo of Daly City Council, California; Mark Nagales of South San Francisco Council, California; Alexander WalkerGriffin of he rcules City Council, California; and Corey Calaycay of Claremont District 1, California
Also re-elected to the city councils were:
n Nikki Villavicencio—Maplewood City Council n Emily Ann Ramos—Mountain
elections
View City Council, CA NaFFAA also reported that FilAm Tatiana Yokoyama Bui was elected to a school district in Los Angeles county, California—the ABC Unified School District Board of Trustees, Area 4.
NaFFAA to Fil-Ams: Stay engaged
NaFFAA extended its congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory and said it “reaffirms its commitment to empowering the Filipino American and broader Asian American c ommunities.”
“As President-elect Trump transitions into office, we invite Filipino Americans to stay engaged, i nformed, and united in shaping our community and our nation.
“Our votes are powerful, our voices matter, and our unity is our strength. Together, let’s advocate for our rights, promote our heritage, and inspire future generations to lead with conviction and c ourage,” NaFFAA President-elect Ryan Namata said.
CHRISTOPHER CABALDON, California State Senate District
VIRGINIA Rep. Bobby Scott campaigning for US House of Representatives for November 2024 elections. He has been serving US Congress for 32 years. Unlike in the Philippines, there is no term limit for members of the US House of Representatives. BOBBY SCOTT X
Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Deals for natural hydrogen exploration under scrutiny
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
The Department of energy (DOe) will soon endorse to the Office of the President the award of service contracts for the exploration and development of native hydrogen, a promising technology that could significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the energy and transport sectors.
DOe Secretary Raphael Lotilla said five applications are being “thoroughly evaluated” after having passed the completeness check. The comprehensive legal, technical, and financial evaluation of all qualified applications will be completed within this quarter.
“Well, that’s proceeding. But then the service contracts have to be submitted to the Office of the president for approval. So i don’t want to preempt the Office of the president from acting on it. a nd so we will make the announcements when the president has approved the same,” said Lotilla during the The pi lipinas Conference 2024 held in Makati City last Friday.
The highest-ranking applicants from this evaluation will then be endorsed to the Office of the president. i think that’s for announcement, but they already had their deadlines,” added Lotilla.
Under the recently concluded 2024 philippine energy Bid Round, the DOe received three applications for service contracts that fall under the pDa-pH-1 and two applications for in pDa-pH-2. These are all in
Central Luzon.
Native hydrogen, as defined by the DOe is gas that naturally occurs in geologic formations. a nd fortunately, the kind of geology in which these are found occur in the philippines.
“So while we may not be as gifted as the Middle east and our neighboring countries in Southeast asia with fossil, natural gas and petroleum, at least there is the possibility that naturally occurring hydrogen will be found in sufficient commercial quantities in the country. a n d since this is practically selfreplenishing, it will provide a big boost to the country’s energy transition,” said Lotilla.
The identities of exploration firms will be divulged
Maynilad Water plans to list on PSE in 2025
Taipei—Maynilad Water Services inc., the west zone concessionaire, is planning to make its debut on the philippine Stock exchange (pSe) next year, according to its chief executive.
Ramoncito S. Fernandez, the company’s president and CeO said the company has already appointed its financial advisors for the deal, which will be in charge of valuing the company. He said, however, that “it is too early to talk about the valuation,” as the company is still in the initial stages of preparation. HSBC, Morgan Stanley and UBS were tapped as advisors, according to Fernandez.
“Yes, we are poised to list next year. Our target is to be prepared for two possible dates before the elections—april, or in July, after the elections. So our plan is to be push-button ready so we are now pushing our team to apply already by the first quarter of next year,” Fernandez told reporters in a briefing. The valuation will determine how much the company will raise. “This is a major listing that will not be funded only by local investors. We really need a portion (for foreign investors),” Fernandez said. “Up to (30 percent of outstanding balance) is required for the franchise but we’re happy if it will be bigger.” The issue, however, is the dilution of shares of the current investors.
Conglomerate Metro pacific investments Corp. owns 52.8 percent of Maynilad, the Consunji Group controls 25 percent while Japan’s Marubeni Corp. has 20 percent. The remaining shares are owned by other shareholders.
Marubeni stayed on as a strategic investor of Maynilad during its contract review with the government, during which the company was not able to access loans, according to Fernandez. a concession agreement was signed in 2021, which indicates that Maynilad will provide water and wastewater services in the West Zone until the end of July 2037.
“They are the most sensitive actually in being diluted. We haven’t discussed the dilution (of ownership), if it will be equal (to all major shareholders). But they (Marubeni) don’t want to dilute their board membership. That is what they are most critical about. Of course, they want to consolidate their financials,” Fernandez said.
Maynilad said it will spend some p163 billion from 2023 to 2027 for infrastructure projects, according to a business plan it submitted to regulators. VG Cabuag
upon award of the service contracts. DO e Undersecretary a l essandro Sales had said that “wellknown international players in hydrogen and petroleum exploration and production have shown interest and participated in this year’s bid round.” in the philippines, major power firms have expressed interest to pursue hydrogen development.
aboitiz power Corp. earlier said it was working with Japan’s largest generation company, JeR a Co. inc. (JeR a), for the conduct of a feasibility of co-firing ammonia on coal plants and hydrogen on liquefied natural gas facilities to reduce carbon emissions during thermal power generation.
aCeN Corp. president er ic Francia said said green hydrogen could also be considered in the philippines. in 2022, aCeN and the puri Usaha
Group have agreed to work together in a platform for the joint development of groundbreaking renewable energy projects in indonesia focusing on large-scale solar power plants, battery energy storage system and green hydrogen projects.
p a cificLight po wer, a subsidiary of Meralco po werGen Corp. (MGen), will soon take part in Singapore’s bidding for new power plants after Singapore’s energy Market a uthority ( eM a ) invited private players to participate in the bidding for two new hydrogenready combined cycle gas turbine generating units, with a capacity of at least 600 MW each.
“We might participate in the bidding for the new plants that Singapore wants to do, two 600-megawatt (MW) units, so we might bid for one,” Meralco Chairman Manuel V. pangilinan had said.
Isuzu Gencars Batangas celebrates anniversary
ISUZU Gencars Batangas celebrated its 28th anniversary with the theme “Moving Forward Together,” gathering company executives, officers, employees, and business partners to honor nearly three decades of dedication and service in the automotive industry, held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at isuzu Gencars Batangas. The celebration began with a
Continued on B2
thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Onofre “Bimbo” pantoja, setting a reflective and grateful tone for the event. a s attendees joined in prayer, they acknowledged the blessings and guidance that have helped i suzu Gencars Batangas grow through the years, laying a meaningful foundation for the rest of the celebration.
Isuzu Gencars Batangas celebrates anniversary Bo’s Coffee aims to expand international store network
Cebu-based bo’s Coffee is on an expansion spree as it is expected to open by the end of the year its 160th store in the country.
“For this year, we are targeting to open 35 stores nationwide which is the most we will open in a year. In fact, within the next six weeks, we are planning to open 10 stores,” Bo’s Coffee SVP-Chief Operating Officer Rachel Fallarme said in an interview during a recent event held at its Makati branch.
lA s T week
Share prices fell, with the benchmark index returning to the 6,900-point level, as Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential elections spooked markets outside of the US.
The benchmark Philippine Stock e x change index
After establishing a strong presence in the local market, Fallarme said Bo’s Coffee is also expanding overseas by opening 20 stores in the Middle East, 16 of which are in Qatar. The company will open four stores in the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Fallarme said Bo’s
fell 165.78 points to close at 6,977.18 points.
“The local market continues to exhibit bearish movements, this time breaking below the 7,000 support line. Foreign funds have been exiting the market,” Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst
Coffee will enter the Canadian market in 2025. “We have a master franchise for 10 stores in the Greater Toronto area.”
She said the company is active in forming partnerships with Filipino companies that uphold the Filipino culture. “What we want to do is to promote everything good about the Filipino.”
Fallarme said Bo’s Coffee had formed partnerships with Lily’s Peanut Butter and Annie’s Sweets Manufacturing and Packaging Corp., manufacturer of the iconic Choc Nut brand.
“We’ve been using Choc Nut for some time as an ingredient.”
at Philstocks Financials Inc., said.
av erage daily trading reached P5.6 billion. Foreign investors, who accounted for 49 percent of the trades, were net sellers at P7.75 billion.
a l l other sub-indices ended in the red. The broader a l l Shares index fell 73.41 points to close at 3,883.80 points, the Financials index declined 67.28 to 2,264.59, the Industrial index was down 132.11 to 9,718.50, the h o lding Firms index decreased 132.11 to 5,945.76, the Property index plunged 127.91 to 2,665.66, the Services index was down 21.65 to 2,149.94 and the Mining and Oil index retreated 287.12 to 8,367.19.
For the week, losers led gainers 156 to 71 and 30 shares were unchanged.
Top gainers were Pacifica h o ldings Inc., Jackstones Inc., Metro a l liance h o ldings and e q uities Corp. a Dito CM e h o ldings Corp., DFNN Inc., a s iabest Group International Inc. and Lorenzo Shipping Corp.
Top losers, meanwhile, were a c esite (Phils.) h o tel Corp., e v er-Gotesco r e sources and h o ldings Inc., Primex Corp., Omico Corp.,Global- e s tate r es orts Inc., SBS Philippines Corp. and Berjaya Philippines Inc.
This week
Share prices may go down this week as emerging markets, such as the Philippines, are expected to take the brunt of Trump’s return to the White h o use in the short-term.
This is amid the strengthening greenback, fund flows repatriation, trade reshuffling and overall anxiety in the geopolitical space, broker 2Trade as ia said.
“Potential comeback of protectionist policies, US tax cuts, swift implementation of tariffs, among many other changes come 2025, are expected to shift economic expectations, particularly inflation. To illustrate, the 10-year US treasury yield is back at July highs, effectively erasing gains from disinflation in the third quarter.”
It said the noise over US election results overshadowed the US Federal r e serve’s expected 25-basis point cut, alongside strong probabilities of another similarly sized cut in December.
“The BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] is likewise seen to track consensus expectations, such
She said Bo’s Coffee wanted to bring Choc Nut to the global stage and position it as an “innovative snack brand.”
Fallarme said the partnership with Choc Nut enabled Bo’s Cafe to tie-up with Lily’s Peanut Butter. “They are also very low key and not much into marketing but very popular.”
She said the partnership with Lily’s Peanut Butter started in June this year. Bo’s Cafe took two months to conduct research and development in the creation of new products. “A lot of us gained weight because we kept tasting the products.” Rizal Raoul Reyes
as another cut in December 19, although with weaker certainty in the face of a sharply weaker peso relative to the US dollar and slightly quicker inflation in October,” it said.
h o wever, following a threeweek successive drops, Tantiangco said the local market is deemed to be at more attractive levels.
h e nce we may see some bargain hunting in next week’s trading. a strong ascent is not expected yet however as investors may continue to deal with our slow third quarter economic growth, weak peso, and the challenging global economic outlook due to the possibility of protectionist policies in the US amid a Trump presidency.”
The market may retest the 7,000 level. If the market is able to get back above the said level, it will still be considered as its support while immediate resistance would be at the 7,100-7,150 range. If it fails to do so however, then 7,000 would be its resistance while next support would be at the 6,700 - 6,800 range, according to Tantiangco.
sTO c k picks
May B a N k Securities gave a buy rating on Monde Nissin Corp. after its core income for the third quarter was in line with its consensus estimates.
“Performance was mainly driven by the ( a s ia Pacific) business, coupled with the 310-basis point gross margin expansion. We make no changes to our 2024-2025 estimates and maintain our buy call with target price of P12, driven by Monde market-leading position and sustainable growth in the a s ia Pacific segment.”
Monde shares closed last week at P10.58 apiece.
Meanwhile, it gave a hold recommendation on the stock of Wilcon Depot Inc. as it “think the industry will remain weak and cyclical in the short term implying SSSG [samestore sales growth] in the low single-digit level.”
Its nine-month income was behind consensus and its estimate.
“We cut our 2024-2025 profit forecast by 6 percent and 9 percent to factor in lower SSSG of -4.5 percent and 2 percent (from -3 percent and 3 percent), which in turn resulted in a lower target price of P17.50 per share.”
Wilcon’s share price closed at P15.90 apiece on Friday. VG Cabuag
Continued from B1
In his speech, Branch Manager William L. Abril shared with the employees some guiding principles that are vital to achieving success. “Congratulations and happy 28th anniversary to all of us! I want to share and remind our employees of these three mantras: Love your job, listen to your job, and learn from your job,” he said. Abril believes that these values have been essential to attaining success and encourages everyone to embrace them as they continue to strengthen the Gencars legacy.
In a heartfelt message, Operations Executive Giannina Eunice A. Cabangon expressed her appreciation to the entire team for their steadfast dedication over the years. “Twenty-eight is no joke. We’re almost at 30—that’s three full decades. At the end of the day, kung iisipin talaga natin, we would not have reached this milestone kung hindi dahil sa inyong lahat. On behalf of my family and the management, gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa inyong lahat. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and efforts. Sana tuloy-tuloy. And even though in the past months, ang daming nagbago, ang daming challenges, ‘yung naging constant pa rin was your presence.”
President Lerma O. Nacnac echoed her gratitude, “To our officers and staff, thank you for your hard work, commitment, and teamwork. I also want to thank our business partners, who have joined us in this celebration. And finally, to God, we are grateful for the gift of life and the many blessings that make our success possible.”
Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon also expressed his deep appreciation to the team, saying, “We would not have achieved this milestone without you, our dear officers and employees. Always remember to love our
company, and rest assured that the Cabangon family will always be here for you. Magtulungan tayo.” He fondly recalled the dealership’s humble beginnings, saying, “I remember when Gencars Batangas was one of the few establishments in the area. Now, it stands at the heart of a bustling and progressive area in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. God is good, and with the continued guidance of Dad, our founder, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, we will work hard to reach new heights. Of course, we extend our gratitude to Isuzu Philippines Corporation for their unwavering support. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!”
On October 18, 2023, Isuzu Batangas was relaunched bearing the Isuzu Outlet Standard. With a revamped façade and interior, the showroom has become a well-known landmark in the area. Inside, the spacious showroom can now display up to six light commercial vehicles and two trucks, providing designated spaces for sales transactions, a kids play zone, and a comfortable customer’s lounge.
The dealership’s 5,184-squaremeter property also includes a newly equipped service shop, with eight bays for light vehicles and an additional bay for trucks, ensuring readiness to service all Isuzu models. This upgraded facility underscores Isuzu Gencars Batangas’ commitment to delivering top-notch service and staying at the forefront of customer experience standards. The anniversary celebration underscored the values and dedication that have driven its success, inspiring all to continue “Moving Forward Together” with a renewed commitment to excellence, community, and innovation.
Isuzu Gencars is part of the ALC Group of Companies and is currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
November 11, 2024
Loans for production lifted bank lending in Sept—BSP
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
MORE loans extended for production boosted bank lending in September, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The data showed bank lending rose to P12.4 trillion in September 2024 from P11.17 trillion in September 2023. According to the BSP, this growth was faster than the 10.7-percent growth in August. On a month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, outstanding U/KB loans, net of RRPs, rose by 0.8 percent.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort attributed the pick up in bank loans growth in recent months to “improved business and economic conditions.”
Ricafort noted that improved data on employment in recent months is still among the best in nearly two decades or since revised data started on 2005. The improved conditions, he added, was also seen in the easing inflation trend to be the slowest in about two years.
Ricafort further said that the growth in the country’s gross domestic product was among the fastest and best in the Asean region and in Asia, “as the economy recovers further from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The better economic conditions he also pinned on the continued recovery of foreign and local tourism, of micro-sized,
Govt steps in amid public backlash vs GCash
FOLLOWING online reports on fraudulent activities involving the e-wallet business GCash, the government‘s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is advising victims to report incidents directly to the Inter-Agency Response Center (IARC) rather than posting on social media.
“We encourage the public to please report to CICC if they were affected by the recent e-wallet losses. We may be able to assist them if they call 1326 so they can be assisted in the investigation instead of posting their losses in social media,” CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos said. Ramos emphasized that while social media may provide a platform for users to voice frustrations, it does not facilitate effective action or recovery of lost funds.
“Your social media platforms will not in any way assist you nor resolve your losses in your e-wallets,” he added.
Last Saturday, GCash users voiced on social media concerns about unauthorized transfer of funds.
Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), which touts itself as “an industry leader in providing digital financial services to Filipinos, issued a statement last Saturday saying that “a few” users were affected by “errors in an ongoing system reconciliation process” and called the incident “isolated.” Lorenz S.
small-scale and medium-sized enterprises, of other services and of many other businesses/industries that were hit hard by the pandemic, “as the economy normalized further.”
On the one hand, the BSP said, outstanding loans to residents, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements, increased by 11.3 percent in September from 10.9 percent in the previous month. On the other hand, outstanding loans to non-residents decreased by 0.3 percent in September after rising by 1.5 percent in the previous month.
Loans for production activities grew 9.8 percent year on year in September, faster than the 9.4 percent year on year growth posted in August. Production loans accounted for 85.5 percent while consumer loans had an 11.9 percent share.
“This growth (in production loans) was largely driven by bank lending to key industries such as real estate activities (14.2 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (12.0 percent); manufacturing (10.6 percent); and electricity, gas, steam & airconditioning supply (7.5 percent),” the BSP said.
Loans extended to real estate activities amounted to P2.55 trillion; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, P1.43 trillion; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, P1.33 trillion; and, manufacturing, P1.296 trillion.
Based on the data apart from real estate activities; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; manufacturing, and electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, there were other activities that posted double-digit growth.
These included the following: mining and quarrying at 16.1 percent; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities at 36.2 percent; accommodation and food service activities at 17.7 percent; and, transportation and storage at 24.6 percent.
However, the fastest year on year growth was posted by loans for professional, scientific and technical services, which grew 50.7 percent.
Meanwhile, the central bank said consumer loans to residents grew by 23.4 percent in September from 23.7 percent in August. This was mainly due to sustained growth in credit card loans, the BSP explained.
Consumer loans amounted to P1.47 trillion. The largest share was accounted for by credit card loans worth P845.28 billion in September followed by motor vehicle loans with P435.66 billion; Salary-Based General Purpose Consumption Loans, P155.28 billion; and, other consumer loans, P36.2 billion.
Credit card loans grew 27.7 percent in September 2024 while motor vehicle loans grew 18.6 percent;
Salary-Based General Purpose Consumption Loans, 15.2 percent; and other loans, 26 percent.
“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to ensure that domestic liquidity and lending conditions remain in line with its price and financial stability objectives,” the central bank said.
Domestic liquidity
MEANWHILE, the increase in bank loans boosted the country’s domestic liquidity (M3), which posted a 5.4-percent growth to P17.58 trillion in September 2024 from P16.67 trillion in September 2023.
Domestic claims expanded by 9.6 percent year-on-year in September, compared to 10 percent in the previous month.
Claims on the private sector grew by 12.4 percent in September from 11.9 percent in August with the sustained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.
Net claims on the central government grew by 6.6 percent, slower compared to 8.5 percent in the previous month, as the increase in the National Government’s (NG) deposits with the BSP tempered the increase in NG borrowings.
Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 8.6 percent year-onyear in September from 2.4 percent in August.
The BSP’s NFA grew by 14.2 percent, reflecting the increase in gross international reserves. The NFA of banks contracted, largely on account of higher bills payable.
M3 is composed of currencies in circulation, bank deposits and deposit substitutes, such as promissory notes and commercial papers owned by households.
US inflation progress gets harder in last mile down
By Molly Smith & Craig Stirling Bloomberg
US inflation probably moved sideways at best in October, highlighting the uneven path of easing price pressures in the home stretch toward the Federal Reserve’s target.
The core consumer price index due on Wednesday, which excludes food and energy, likely rose at the same pace on both a monthly and annual basis compared to September’s readings.
The overall CPI probably increased 0.2 percent for a fourth month, while the year-over-year measure is projected to have accelerated for the first time since March.
“The October CPI report will likely support the notion that the last mile of inflation’s journey back to target will be the hardest,” Wells Fargo & Co. economists Sarah House and Aubrey Woessner wrote in a report.
“Excluding the more volatile energy and food components, the unwinding of pandemic-era price distortions has proven to be frustratingly slow.”
They added that prices of core goods probably rose again in October, due in part to higher demand for cars and auto parts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Evacuation orders from the storms also forced more people to stay in hotels, continuing what’s been a “glacial slowing” in services prices.
Even so, “the story is very consistent, with inflation continuing to come down on a bumpy path,” and one or two bad reports won’t change that pattern, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday after the central bank cut interest rates by a quarter point.
The US government will also re-
lease wholesale inflation figures in the coming week, which probably picked up after stalling in September. Meantime, earnings growth that continues to outpace inflation likely contributed to another decent gain in retail sales, in data due Friday.
On Tuesday, Fed Governor Christopher Waller is due to speak at a banking conference before the central bank releases its latest Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey. Powell is scheduled for an event later in the week, while New York Fed President John Williams and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan are also on the calendar.
In Canada, meanwhile, home sales data for October will reveal whether the central bank’s rate cuts are starting to jolt the sluggish housing market.
A packed week for data elsewhere includes a range of economic numbers from China, wage and growth statistics in the UK, and multiple inflation readings, from India to Argentina. New European Union forecasts will also be published.
Asia
A DATA blast from China may show the economy’s performance improved marginally in October, with industrial output, fixed asset investment and retail sales all seen picking up a bit as the downturn in property investment moderates.
Even so, the data will underscore the necessity of the broad stimulus steps undertaken since late September as President Xi Jinping seeks to achieve his growth goals.
China’s slew of figures comes at the end of the week, on the same day that Japan is expected to report that its economic growth slowed to an annualized 0.6 percent quarter on quarter in the three months through September.
India’s inflation is projected to have picked up to 5.72 percent in October, while industrial output is seen rebounding in September in figures due on Tuesday.
Australia gets consumer and business confidence surveys on Tuesday before releasing a number of labor-market statistics later in the week.
Editor: Dennis Estopace
DBM allots ₧72B for digitalization, hikes cybersecurity budget 315%
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will allocate P72.08 billion in next year’s national budget to accelerate digital transformation across various government agencies and improve bureaucratic efficiency.
This, as the agency also gave the cybersecurity budget a whopping 315- percent increase to P1.36 billion in 2025, from the current year’s P330 million, in a bid to ensure the safe and seamless implementation of government’s digitalization efforts.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the DBM allotted P72.08 billion in the proposed national budget for 2025 to support the ICT-related programs and projects of government agencies.
This allocation is 11.6-percent higher than the P64.6 billion set aside in the national budget this year.
“To harmonize and ensure the interoperability of all ICT-related programs across government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges, we will employ a whole-of-government approach and utilize the MediumTerm Information and Communication Technology Harmonization Initiative (MITHI),” Pangandaman said at the Singapore FinTech Festival on November 9.
The DBM will also launch “Project Bumblebee,” which is aimed at integrating digital payment systems across government agencies in the Philippines. This e-portal will centralize and streamline all digital payments and disbursements within the government to make financial transactions more efficient.
Another initiative to improve project oversight and ensure the use of public funds is the revival of Project DIME (Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation), which
uses technologies such as satellites, drones and geotagging to monitor the status of government projects and compare fund utilization with actual project completion.
“This is especially useful for farflung areas to ensure that infrastructure development is realized, and adequate public service is delivered throughout the country,” Pangandaman added.
IFMIS, funds
THE Budget secretary also cited the full adoption of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) across all government agencies to reduce inefficiencies, eliminate duplicative financial processes, and minimize risks of corruption.
She cited as well the launch of the “Public Financial Management Reforms Roadmap 2024 to 2028” and the development of the “Budget and Treasury Management System” (BTMS) to improve resource allocation and allow real-time monitoring of obligations and disbursements were also highlighted. The BTMS is expected rolled out at the end of the year, according to the DBM chief. The DBM also increased the budget for cybersecurity to P1.36 billion in 2025, up by 315 percent from the current year’s P330 million to ensure the safe and seamless implementation of the government’s digitalization efforts.
Pangandaman noted that more than 50 percent of retail payments in the Philippines in 2023 are now digital, a significant improvement from the 10 percent share in 2018. There are also over 393.6 million active e-money accounts, higher by 52.8 percent from 257.5 million in 2022.
“This only proves that Digitalexclusive banks have been growing rapidly, with initiatives aimed at integrating the unbanked population,” Pangandaman added.
Multilaterals key to funding fight against global warming
By Mary Katherine Wildeman Associated Press
AS climate change leads to a seemingly endless stream of weather disasters around the world, countries are struggling to adapt to the new reality. Preparing to better withstand hurricanes, floods, heat waves, droughts and wildfires will take hundreds of billions of dollars.
And then there is confronting the root cause of climate change— the burning of fossil fuels like coal, gasoline and oil—by transitioning to clean energies like wind and solar. That will take trillions of dollars.
Enter climate finance, a general term that means different things to different people but boils down to: paying for projects to adapt to and combat the cause of climate change.
Financing related to climate change is especially important for developing countries, which don’t have the same resources or access to credit that rich countries do.
International mega banks, funded by taxpayer dollars, are the biggest, fastest-growing source of climate finance for the developing world.
Called multilateral development banks because they get contributions from various countries, there are only a handful of these banks in the world, the World Bank the largest among them.
How these banks allocate resources are some of the weightiest decisions made in defining how poorer nations can respond to climate change. They were a key reason why, in 2022, the world met a goal countries had set in 2009 to supply developing nations with $100 billion annually to address climate change.
Who pays?
AT the annual UN climate conference that opens Monday in Azerbaijan, global leaders are expected to discuss how to generate trillions of dollars for climate finance in the years to come. The nonprofit research group Climate Policy Initiative estimates the world needs about five times the current annual amount of climate financing to limit warming to 1.5 C (2.7 degrees F) since the late 1800s. Currently, global average temperatures are about 1.3 C (2.3 degrees F) higher.
A new goal needs to reach higher and hold institutions and governments accountable to their promises, said Tim Hirschel-Burns, an expert at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center.
“The core of it is getting a goal that is going to catalyze the actions that fills the really significant climate finance gap that developing countries face, which is much bigger than $100 billion,” he said.
As the international community has come to accept the reality of climate change, the debate has shifted to the question of where the money to fund the energy transition will come from, said Dharshan Wignarajah, director of Climate Policy Initiative’s London-based office.
“The question is not ‘are we going to transition?’, but ‘how quickly can we engineer the transition?’” said Wignarajah, who helped lead the climate talks, called the Conference of Parties, when the United Kingdom was host in 2021. “That has forced finance to be ever-more prominent at the COP discussions, because ultimately it comes down to who pays.”
Marasigan
GLOW UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS, THE JAPANESE WAY, IN BGC’S HIDDEN BEAUTY GEM
IT’S the kind of beauty salon a woman would like to gatekeep. Chic and cozy, Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty salon is tucked in a quiet corner of Bonifacio Global City. For the past 10 years, celebrities and the women-wholunch set find solace in its calming ambience and menu of on-trend beauty services.
Salon owner Kiyosa Kato, a very demure and very charming Japanese expat, said that when she moved to the Philippines, she immediately fell in love with the place and its people. She found Filipinas as naturally beautiful and this inspired her to open a beauty salon where their natural beauty could be enhanced instead of masked.
Not surprisingly, Kato developed a loyal list of clients that included showbiz personalities, socialites, corporate women and, of course, ladies from the Japanese community who keep returning for the well-mannered team and Japanese salon techniques and products.
In time for the holiday season’s social whirl, Kiyosa Salon recently relaunched its newly renovated place. Gracing the occasion were Kato’s clients who took part in the salon’s 10th anniversary celebration. Spotted were young star Barbie Imperial, beauty queen and entrepreneur Priscilla Meirelles, and socialite Tessa Prieto.
“We are actually the first Japanese salon that’s offering services using Japanese techniques and technology. Before the pandemic, we didn’t have any competition but after that, there were a lot of Japanese salons that began offering the same services that we carried. “We needed to upgrade the salon so we can continue to lead the way. We improved the salon and flew in a Japanese trainer to keep the staff updated on the latest trends in Japanese salons.”
On the salon’s first floor, clients can have their hair cut, colored, permed, or treated. Likewise on the same floor, nail services are also done and include manicure and pedicure using Kiyosa’s own gel polish or acrylic, and hand and foot spa services. Kiyosa Salon also offers the latest magnet nails that uses metal particles to “move” the nail polish, thus creating texture and a wavy effect. Kato added, “Magnet nails are safer because they don’t have the smell of chemical that ordinary nail polish have.” On the second floor, spa beds are laid out for clients who avail themselves of the eyelash extension services. Besides the standard application, the salon is also offering LED lashes using LED light to attach a special adhesive gel that ensures a safer and more comfortable process.
Drying of the adhesive gel is also faster with little waiting time and the lashes stay longer on the lids. According to Kato, the two beauty trends—the magnet nails and LED lashes—require high precision and training, which her team underwent. Besides the junior or senior staff, clients may also opt to have Hamano, Japanese hair director, and Ayaka, Japanese nail director, to render the services.
There’s more to Kiyosa Salon than just being a space for one’s regular grooming routine, explained Kato. Defining “total beauty,” she said, “It isn’t just about having beautiful hair, lashes, or nails. Total beauty is about selfcare and loving yourself such that when you spend two hours of pampering in the salon, you feel good inside and out. That’s what it means to me, when you feel good and happy about yourself.”
n Kiyosa Japanese Totaly Beauty Salon is located on the ground floor of F1 Hotel, 32nd street corner Lane Q, BGC, Taguig City. For inquiries, 8805 to 8888, or 0939 915 8888. Home services are also available.
Chanel show wrestles with designer void
By Thomas Adamson The Associated Press
PARIS—A giant empty cage greeted Chanel’s guests at its return to the Grand Palais on Tuesday. Though perhaps not intentionally symbolic, the décor seemed to capture the current state of the house itself: a majestic structure empty of creative direction. With Virginie Viard’s recent departure, Chanel finds itself at a crossroads, as the fashion world eagerly awaits the appointment of a new creative leader.
Meanwhile, in a powerful step toward embracing diversity, Chanel announced Lupita Nyong’o as its newest ambassador.
The appointment of the Oscar-winning actor, who is Kenyan Mexican, comes at a pivotal moment for the French fashion house that had faced criticism in the past for its lack of inclusivity. This move follows the widely-lauded appointment of British-Indian Leena Nair as Chanel’s global chief executive in 2022, making her the only woman of color at the helm of a major luxury brand.
The spring collection delivered many familiar elements from Chanel’s vast repertoire—chiffon
YOU know it is a very important event for SM when the Sy family is present. As Watsons marked the grand occasion of opening its 8,000th store in Asia, SM Investments Corp. vice chairman Tessie Sy-Coson expressed SM’s continued support for the brand.
“Watsons is one of the main reasons that we can say we’ve got it all. It is our honor and privilege to be part of this global company,” she said.
Also present at the event, titled Celebr8000 Elizabeth Sy, the president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., as well as SM Prime’s Hans Sy. Dr. Malina Ngai, group CEO of AS Watson Group, led the opening ceremony.
“Today, I’m excited to celebrate the opening of Watsons’ 8,000th store in Asia, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion. The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson,” said Ngai.
capes, slit skirts, embroidered transparent shirt dresses, trench coats adorned with multicolored feather prints, aviator jackets with Peter Pan collars, total pink or blue tweed looks, and the iconic little black dress that Chanel herself introduced to the world. Tweed, jersey, faille, transparent embroidery, sequins, fringe, pastel knits, and sparkling platform shoes all made an appearance, forming a showcase of the house’s signatures. Yet despite the breadth and richness of the offering, something was amiss. There was little cohesion, and at times, the collection lacked the unmistakable soul that once characterized Chanel’s shows. A series of foulard-printed gowns seemed out of place—as if borrowed clumsily from another narrative altogether.
With a snip of scissors, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel freed women from their corsets. Today, Chanel itself needs liberation. The applause at the end of the show, which featured designs that often felt uninspired, was distinctly muted, with critics visibly shifting in their seats. Star appearances by Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough, who capped the show with a funky vocal performance of a Prince hit from inside the
gilded cage, as well the starry presence of Nyong’o, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Vanessa Paradis, Margaret Qualley and Naomi Campbell, seemed like an effort to divert attention from the elephant—or the empty cage—in the room.
Chanel is unquestionably a fashion juggernaut, and it will weather this moment of transition. However, there is no overstating the importance of the decision the house now faces. Chanel must find a designer who can reshape and redefine its vision for the future.
The industry is rife with speculation. Potential successors include Daniel Roseberry, known for his dramatic work at Schiaparelli; Marc Jacobs, a seasoned classicist with Paris experience; and Nadège Vanhée, the skilled designer from Hermès. Viard, ousted this summer, succeeded Karl Lagerfeld upon his death in 2019 and was his closest collaborator for decades. She had overseen record sales for Chanel, reaching a reported $19.7 billion last year. Ready-to-wear sales reportedly increased 23 percent during her tenure. Viard was only the third creative director in Chanel’s over 100-year history, following Lagerfeld and legendary founder Chanel herself. n
“The Philippines is a very vibrant country with a population of over 110 million and a lot of you have increasing needs in health, beauty and personal care.
This is Watsons’ expertise, so that’s why we are here for you,” Ngai added. The 8,000th store, located in SM Mall of Asia, highlights Watsons’ commitment to enhancing the O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.
This means customers can come and shop at Watsons stores. These stores are also connected to digital platforms, meaning the product offering is not limited by shelf space. In a few clicks, shoppers can
The new store has an expansive layout and well-lit interiors. There are designated zones that include a premium beauty zone featuring brands, like Clinique, Origins, Dr. Jart+, Abub, Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, Goodal, and many others. At the entrance of the store from the street is the zone for Sustainable Choices, which offers a refill station for selected Naturals by Watsons products and a wide selection of clean beauty and eco-friendly products. One of my favorite zones in
KIYOSA KATO with celebrity guest Barbie Imperial at the salon’s relaunch. PHOTO BY FRANCINE MEDINA
MODELS wear creations from Chanel’s spring/ summer 2025 collection in the October 1 show in Paris. AP
PRESENT during the opening of Watsons’ 8,000th store in Asia are Danilo Chiong (from left), managing director of Watsons Philippines; Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee, SM Prime Holdings Inc.; Dominic Lai, chairman of AS Watson Group; Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chiarman, SM Investments Corp.; Dr. Malina Ngai, group CEO of AS Watson Group; Elizabeth Sy, president SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; and Robert Sun, regional managing director, H&B Asia, and international commercial director of AS Watson Group. PHOTO BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ
Asia’s
Pinnacle Awards 2024:
A Night of Triumph at Okada Manila
GET ready for an unforgettable evening as the Asia’s Pinnacle Awards 2024 takes center stage on November 15, 2024, at the prestigious Okada Manila. This grand celebration, themed “A Night of Asia’s Triumph,” will honor remarkable individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts in business, public service, and the entertainment Industry.
The Asia’s Pinnacle Awards aim to showcase the achievements of those who have not only excelled in their fields but have also inspired others to reach new heights. This prestigious recognition provides a platform for deserving individuals and entities to shine brightly within their respective industries.
This year’s ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup of distinguished guests, including:
■ Senator Bong Revilla
■ Senator Manny Pacquiao
■ Arnold Clavio, renowned radio and television newscaster
■ Zen Hernandez, esteemed anchor from ABS-CBN
■ His Excellency Tull Traisorat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand
■ H.E. Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino,
■ Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines
Hosted by Asia’s Golden Icons Awards and Events Inc. (AGIA Inc.) and founded by the visionary Dr. Ronnel P. Ybanez, the event promises to be a spectacular evening of recognition and celebration. The selection of awardees was meticulously conducted by an esteemed Executive Council, composed of eight highly competent leaders, including:
AS the Philippine government pursues its goal to make healthcare more accessible, RHEA Generics stands as a beacon of hope, championing access to essential medications for all Filipinos. Their recent Generics Awareness Month 2024 event, where they partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) and Mercury Drug Corporation, underscored their commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions.
The event, held on September 24, 2024 at the Mercury Drug Q-Plaza Branch in Cainta, Rizal, focused on the theme “Generics para sa kalidad na alaga at ginhawang abot kaya!” emphasizing the importance of making essential medications accessible, affordable, and available to Filipino families.
The celebration was attended by notable figures including Neogin Evangelista, President and General Manager of PHILUSA Corporation; Johanna MallariAbella, Unit Head of the Policy, Program Development and Research Unit of the DOH, and Corazon Sy Lim, Vice President of the Merchandising Division at Mercury Drug Corporation, among others.
Pathway to Affordable Healthcare
■ Senator Gringo Honasan, Former Senator of the Philippines
■ Dr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., President, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)
■ Consul Enunina Mangio, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
■ George Chua Cham, Board Member, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
■ Tereso Panga, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
■ Undersecretary Vidal D. Villanueva III, Deputy Director General, TESDA-
Operations
■ Owen SP Sanchez – Senior Vice President and Asia’s Pinnacle Awards International Ambassador
These awards are the result of a fair and just deliberation process, recognizing those whose influence and impact resonate profoundly within their fields.
The Asia’s Pinnacle Awards 2024 is proud to be supported by the ALC Group of Companies. The founder and Chairman of Asia’s Pinnacle Awards is grateful for the support of ALC Chairman, Mr. D. Edgard A. Cabangon.
Join us on November 15 for a night of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. Let’s gather to honor these trailblazers and ignite the spark in the next generation of leaders, helping them reach the pinnacle of their success.
long been integral to ensuring that even low-income families can access the medicines they need without sacrificing quality.
Mallari-Abella added, “Hindi natin kailangan ng mamahaling solusyon sa ating kalusugan [We do not need expensive solutions for our health]. With our annual celebration of Generics Awareness Month, we aim to raise public awareness on the value and benefits of generic medicines, which offer affordable solutions for managing health conditions without sacrificing quality.”
This message aligns with the global movement towards making healthcare more affordable by promoting the use of generics.
Meeting International Quality Standards
Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Raises Funds to Support ChildHope Philippines
ADMIRAL Hotel Manila - MGallery upheld its commitment to give back to the local community as it promoted a lifestyle of mindful wellness through “Run for ChildHope: Turn Your Mile Into a Smile.” The fun run was staged last October 13, 2024, aiming to raise funds for ChildHope Philippines. This non-profit organization uplifts the lives of street children in the country by providing access to education, health care, and a safe environment.
Run for ChildHope was the first event of its kind organized by Admiral Hotel, and the first ever run event initiated within Manila. The route started in front of Admiral Hotel going all through the historic lane of Roxas Boulevard, providing all runners the great panoramic view of Manila Bay. It’s the best way to boast the city’s scenic gems while cultivating wellness.
“The date perfectly coincided with Manila City’s Move Manila project, closing a portion of Roxas Boulevard for bikers and runners every morning of Sundays. Hence, it was a great early-morning run, not just for the Run for ChildHope participants, but also for all the run and wellness enthusiasts who happened to be in the area,” said Admiral Hotel Special Projects Manager and CSR Champion Eli Bondoc.
The event featured two run categories: 5 km at P800 registration fee, and 10km at P1,500. All of the participants received a singlet and a loot bag containing the products of the event sponsors, plus a buffet dining voucher at Admiral Club Manila Bay for all the 10 km runners. Gift certificates were raffled off to treat the lucky winners to stays
in Admiral Hotel and its Accor sister property, Movenpick Hotel & Resort in Boracay. This significant initiative was made possible with our event partners (Rideout Manila, Sip Purified Water, Sip Plus Electrolyte Drink, Lavojoy, and Y.O.U.), media partners (The Manila Times, Chinoy TV, ALL-Star Magazine, and NRK Digital Media) and event donors (City of Manila, Benibana Hair Atelier, Caidmar Enterprise, Kratos Printing Services, JC Seafoods Supply, JJS Sound System, Delsan Office System Corp, MJJB Construction, NCH, and Alusys Aluminum).
Initially targeting 150 participants among its partners, guests, and Heartists, the hotel had 220 registered runners and was able to raise P170,000. The proceeds will be donated to ChildHope to support its programs for education (KalyEskwela), healthcare services, psychological support (KliniKalye), and life skills training (Project Bamboo), all aimed at empowering street children to overcome their circumstances and achieve their full potential.
SPEAKING about the importance of generic medicines, Lim remarked, “Today, we gather to commemorate the importance of generic awareness and its impact on our daily lives.” Generic medicines, which contain the same active ingredients as their branded counterparts, have
the implementation of the Generics Act of 1988, has continuously provided affordable yet high-quality medicines for conditions such as epilepsy, thyroid issues, and gout, as well as vitamin supplements.
“Epilepsy, thyroid problems, gout, even vitamin products po, madami ang RHEA, all priced affordably for Filipinos,” Mr. Evangelista said, reinforcing the company’s long-standing commitment to affordable healthcare.
Aiding Public Health through Collaboration
THE celebration saw participation from various community groups, including members of the Manggahan Pasig City PWD Association, Karangalan Senior Citizen Group, and Women’s Unity Empowerment Federation Inc. RHEA Generics provided free consultations and health services, further demonstrating their commitment to healthcare accessibility.
This collaboration between RHEA Generics, DOH, and Mercury Drug Corporation reflects a unified effort to support the Universal Health Care Act, ensuring that all Filipinos have access to world-class, affordable medicines.
ONE of the persistent misconceptions about generic medicines is the notion that they are of lower quality than branded alternatives. Evangelista addressed this during his speech: “Access to healthcare is not a privilege but a right of every Filipino. Kaya po kami sa PHILUSA, we are dedicated to ensuring that this right is realized by every Filipino family. Itaguyod po natin ang generics.” He emphasized that RHEA Generics meets the same international standards as branded medications. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) ensure that generics undergo rigorous testing to guarantee their safety and efficacy. RHEA Generics, a pioneer in the field even before RHEA Generics partners with DOH, Mercury Drug for Generics Awareness Month 2024
In conclusion, this event is a testament to the collective effort to promote generic medicines as a solution to healthcare challenges in the Philippines. By working together, RHEA Generics, the DOH, and Mercury Drug Corporation aim to create a more informed and health-conscious community, ensuring that every Filipino has access to high-quality, affordable medicines.
RHEA Generics are available at Mercury Drug Store branches nationwide. RHEA Generics products is a homegrown brand of Philusa Corporation and a pioneer in the generics industry with more than 40 years of experience in producing world-class quality and affordable healthcare products. For more information and updates, follow the social media pages RHEA Generics PH on Facebook at rheagenericsph on Instagram.
MWELL, the Philippines’ health and wellness mega app, recently announced an enhanced collaboration with Metro Pacific Health (MPH) the country’s largest private hospital network. This partnership reflects a shared commitment towards providing highquality, compassionate healthcare services to Filipinos. As a result of this strengthened alliance, mWell app users can gain seamless access to MPH’s extensive range of health and wellness services nationwide. In a recent signing ceremony held at the Boardroom of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the two groups formalized a strategic referral partnership aimed at broadening healthcare services to Filipinos. The event highlighted innovative solutions of the mWell platform in integrating digital healthcare services with MPH’s established hospital network. mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan says,
fully integrated digital platform enables us to make quality healthcare accessible and more convenient for our countrymen.” Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer and President and CEO of mWell says, “Our mission in mWell is to streamline the healthcare journey for
www.businessmirror.com.ph
GiftinG PR style
‘TIS the season for preparing gift lists for family friends, clients, media partners, and colleagues. But what do we give our fellow public relations professionals and marketers?
Jessie Stivers of Conye PR shares with us some holiday musthaves that will surely add cheer to the PR pro in your life in The Ultimate Gift Guide for the PR Pro.
n waterproof notepad
Wh I le Stivers admits that this may sound strange, the fact is some of the best brainstorming happens in the lease expected
Design D u o Yabu Pushelberg unveils vision for Park v i llas MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Ayala Land
Premier recently hosted an exclusive lounge discussion, “The Art of Design: A Conversation with Yabu Pushelberg,” at The Conservatory in The Peninsula Manila, to welcome the globally renowned design firm in the country. The guests were treated to an insightful preview of Yabu Pushelberg’s design vision for Park Villas, a luxury residential development located in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. Park Villas marks a significant milestone as it is Yabu Pushelberg’s first venture in the Philippines led by the acclaimed design duo, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg.
“Our design philosophy begins the moment you step through the door or exit the elevator. It’s not just about the
materials we use, but about the quality and essence of the space itself. We focus on how it feels, how it flows, and how it enhances the experience of those who live there,” said George. Distinctly known for their modern yet timeless approach, Yabu Pushelberg has built an international reputation for creating transformative spaces that push the boundaries of design. Their impressive portfolio spans luxury developments such as the Four Seasons New York Downtown, Aman Residences Tokyo, and Park Hyatt Shenzen. When asked about the caliber of design behind Park Villas, Glenn emphasized the human-centric approach.
“This project was crafted with people in mind. The clientele of Park Villas are individuals who have seen the world in all its grandeur—many of them likely own properties across the globe. It was crucial for us to design at that level of sophistication. At the same time, we wanted to weave in the subtle nuances of Filipino life and bring an experience that can only truly be appreciated here.”
Park Villas stands as a highly sought-
places, like on a walk, in the car, and “yes in a shower.”A waterproof notepad “will help them keep track of creative ideas while their conditioner sets in.”
n Portable Phone Charger
Mo S T PR Pros are forever communicating with media, clients, vendors, while capturing content throughout the day. In a profession where being connected is key, a portable phone charger is a lifesaver.
n smartphone tr ipod and Microphone k it PR professionals often find
after address. Located across the Ayala Triangle Gardens, this exclusive residential development offers guests unparalleled privacy, with only 45 villas in total, each occupying an entire floor. Each villa spans an expansive 610 square meters. The development is a joint venture between Ayala Land, Inc. and the Tagle Group.
“Our partnership in Park Villas promises to deliver one of the finest living experiences in the country, and represents a leap forward for Ayala Land Premier,” said Joseph Carmichael Jugo, President at Ayala Land Premier. “We are confident that with Yabu Pushelberg, we can integrate global best practtices with our own innovations and continue to help reshape Makati as a hub of culture, creativity, and commerce.”
Vincenzo Tagle, Managing Director at Griffinstone, Inc., also shared how this partnership has been instrumental in bringing this story to life. “Yabu Pushelberg’s renowned design philosophy, which marries elegance with functionality, has brought our vision into reality. Their innovative approach makes us ex-
themselves in situations where they need to capture a highquality video or audio on the go. That’s why “a portable tripod and microphone kit can be a handy addition to their toolkit.”
n Mug war mer
Co M MU n ICAT oR S l ove coffee. As they go through meetings, client class, and unexpected media requests, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot cup of coffee or tea. A mug warmer “is a perfect way to help them stay caffeinated no matter what the day brings.”
n au diobook su bscription s ervice
h e l P them make the most of long commutes by gifting a premium audiobook or podcast.
n er gonomic Desk Chair
Mo S T PR pros have a home office, and it would be wonderful to treat them to an ergonomic office chair “that can provide the support needed to power
cited about the transformative impact we will make on Park Villas and the lives of those who call it home.”
Joint g M M between 4 a s Phili P P i nes, asa P, CP h g , a n D Pa na u n Pa C k s the eDD i e g a r C ia l aw an D its i M Pa C t on a D v ertising
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Advertising industry leaders gathered last October 29 at Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City to discuss the relevance, impact, and implications of the newly legislated Republic Act 11996 (better known as the Eddie Garcia Law) on the practice of Philippine advertising.
The joint General Membership Meeting (GMM) brought together the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As), Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP), Commercial Production Houses Group (CPHG), and Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), with key members reviewing the provisions of the Eddie Garcia Law and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), identifying
through pitching, strategy meetings, and more.”
n Personalized st ationery
P U B l IC R elations is also about relationships. And while most communication is today done online, “ a handwritten note included in a media mailer or sent as a thank you note in showcasing their personality or building rapport with journalists and influencers.”
n aP st yle Cheat sheet
Wh I le Stivers admits that this may be boring, it is definitely very useful for PR practitioners. She also suggests pairing it with a playful vinyl sticker about the o x ford Comma, to strike a balance between functional and fun.
n Daily wr iting Prompt b ook
We’ve all been there before— staring at the page, rewriting the same sentence, waiting for the words to come. When writer’s block inevitably hits “these quick prompts are a fun way to
challenges resulting from the law, and proposing possible solutions.
R.A.11996 was initiated by film stakeholders in 2019 following the untimely death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia caused by an accident on set. Signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on May 24, 2024, and the IRR following on September 30, the law aims to protect the welfare of workers in the film, television, and entertainment industries. It establishes standards for worker safety, fair working hours, and health protocols, while requiring clear definitions for terms such as “out-of-town shoots,” written contracts for workers, health committees on set, and the submission of production details to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at least 24 hours in advance.
“We have to understand the law because we want to continue to work in a fair, safe, healthy, and respectful environment,” said Madonna Tarrayo, President of UXS Inc. and of CPHG, and Chairman of ASAP. “In order for all of us to thrive, we need a concerted effort, a collaborative effort, involving all stakeholders in the ad industry.”
get them out of one’s head and get the creative juices flowing again.”
n noise Cancelling he adphones
Wh I le we love it when the office is bustling with chatter and creative ideas, these have their down side. These headphones “will help block out the noise, and crafting a perfect press release or taking a call from their desk.”
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Millie Dizon, the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications of SM, is the former local chair.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.
“This implies a paradigm shift for all of us, not just for those in production,” added Paolo Villaluna, Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines. “The Eddie Garcia Law will affect everyone in advertising, from agencies to clients, pushing us to change our ways of working to ensure we protect our workers as they deliver creative outputs. There will be big changes.” The main presentation was followed by an in-depth panel discussion with sectoral representatives from the industry weighing in on the challenges and solutions for implementing the measures prescribed by the law.
“I think the advertising industry already has a strong foundation of discipline, fairness, and respect for people’s time and effort. While this law is primarily designed for film and TV, we support its principles and can adapt its provisions within our industry-specific processes. It’s vital, however, we collaborate to ensure compliance. We should lead the way in upholding these standards ourselves,” said Margot Torres, Managing Director of McDonald’s Philippines.
Aussies, Chinese dominate Asian Srs beach Volley meet
of Santa Rosa, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Akari, Sip, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports Plus, Pilipinas Live, Asian Volleyball Confederation and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. Our team connection was really good,” the 22-year-old
Bachmann opens para nat’l games
HILIPPINE Sports Commission
Pchairman Richard Bachmann will declare open on Monday the return of the Philippine National Para Games at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Joining Bachmann in the opening ceremony of the games that were shelved for five years are Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is the distinguished guest in the 4 p.m. opening ceremony of the games that were last held in 2019 in Malolos City, along with Michael Barredo, president of the Philippine Paralympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently-Abled.
More than 900 para athletes from 72 cities and provinces are competing in nine sports in the games that will be staged simultaneously at the Manila facility and at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.
Archery, athletics, badminton, boccia (precision ball sport), chess, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball are featured in the games that end Thursday.
Our objective to champion para sports development and inclusion remains,” said Barredo, a former PSC commissioner. “We want to continue to instill the values of sports and discipline, courage and equality among the participants.”
Athletes will be represented in the Games, which kick off with a classification seminar held November 7 followed by the classification proper for Para athletes from November 8 to 10.
Tiffany Reyes hones hoops smarts in US
Reyes: TNT conquest bigger than basketball
By Josef Ramos
TNT Tropang Giga is basking in the glory of their conquest of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup—an accomplishment Chot Reyes described as “bigger than basketball.”
A lot of players are going through a lot of personal adversities—and that is why we said it was bigger than basketball,” said Reyes after coaching the Tropang Giga to their 10th championship for the Manuel V. Pangilinan franchise.
TIFFANY ANNE ABLAN REYES is in the US pursuing a college scholarship and, equally as precious, get better—if not the best—in the sport she and her family loves, basketball.
“I’m working and training under Coach Dante Harlan for about three months now here in the US,” Reyes said.
Excited about AFF futsal in Manila
“E verything happens for a reason,” added Reyes, who got back full-time for TNT after his sting with Gilas Pilipinas last year. “There’s something special about this team and I am filled with gratitude.”
TN T whitewashed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 95-85, to win the series four games to one before close to 15,000 rabid fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Friday.
Each and everyone on the TNT bench contributed to the conquest most notably Jayson Castro who at 38 years old was up, running and hitting those baskets to emerge as the series Most
“It is great to learn and experience a lot of things and improve everyday to pursue my goals and be the best.”
Only 14, five-foot-11 and growing, Reyes has sports running in her veins— her dad is 6-foot-7 Jay-R Reyes who played a significant 14 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association after
Valuable Player on averages of 10.4 points and 5.0 assists. I t was his third award after hosting the trophy twice in the 2010-2011 season.
While Rey Nambatac finally earned a ring after laboring and journeying in the league for seven seasons, 43-year-old Kelly Williams bordered from being charismatic to emotional about his ninth PBA title.
“Personally, this is my toughest championship,” said the 2008 MVP who Reyes plucked from retirement years ago. “Just like everyone else…family stuff, personal hurdles and things that you got to climb and get through.”
dominating the shade for Letran and University of the Philippines, while her mom, Jen or Jennifer, donned the national volleyball team colors. Her elder brother, Tyler, is also carving a basketball career and are together in Cincinnati training under Harlan as well as coach Christopher Thomas.
“ This year has been particularly tough,” added Williams, who wished his sons, Charlie, 15, and Roman, 12, were in the stands to witness their Dad and the team win the title—they’re both in Oakland.
“I wanted my sons to be here to watch these finals,” he said. “I don’t want to say it’s bittersweet but seeing everyone with their families and their kids? Obviously, I am happy for my teammates.”
He added: “But on the other side of me…I wish my sons were both here.”
Conference Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson anchored the team’s journey in winning back-to-back
Governors’ Cup titles and had 31 points, 10 in the crucial fourth quarter, with 16 rebounds and eight assists in Game 6.
He had averages of 25.8 points, 12 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals and one block in the series, numbers worthy of perhaps a return to the National Basketball Association?
“If the NBA calls me, I’m ready,” said the former player at Brooklyn, Toronto and Portland from 2015 to 2021. “But right now, I am in the era of appreciating the people that are in front of me.”
Emotions also enveloped the naturalized player for the Jordan national team which Gilas Pilipinas beat for the Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou last year.
“I feel there is a point in your life when God puts you where you need to be,” he said. “He puts you where you need to be. I think where we go wrong is we fight that.” We fight…so we miss the little things, we miss the moments where we can enjoy and cherish the people right in front of you,” he added.
Harlan has a reputable US NCAA Division I career highlighted by 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Angels and once handled Kai Sotto, Jack Animam and Sage Tolentino, while One World Dominator founder Thomas’s been a professional coach for more than 20 years and made remarkable rounds in the European leagues. R eyes already made her mark at a ripe age—she’s one of the reliables in the Gilas Pilipinas Under-18 program, having played in the Southeast Asia
ketball Association in Thailand last May w here the Philippines was unblemished in three games.
