6-storm series bolsters PHL bid for L&D fund
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
ASENIOR lawmaker on Sunday strongly backed the Philippine government’s proposal to use the unprecedented series of six cyclones that battered the Philippines within a month as a “test case” to access financing from the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FrLD).
Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, whose province of Camarines Sur bore the brunt of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, said this fund, created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to help vulnerable countries cope with the devastating
impacts of climate change.
“President Marcos is spot on in wanting to use the unprecedented devastation wrought by six cyclones this October-November period alone as ‘baseline’ for what climate-vulnerable nations have been enduring—and will be enduring in the future—plus the immense resources they need to access right away for their recovery from the disasters and preparations for future calamities,” he added.
The lawmaker’s stance aligns with the Philippine government’s advocacy at international climate forums, particularly in the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the Philippines has been vocal about the need for wealthier, high-
emission nations to fulfill their commitments to climate finance.
Villafuerte emphasized that the Philippines, which contributes only 0.3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, disproportionately suffers from extreme weather events caused by global warming.
In the past COP summits in Egypt and the UAE, as well as in the ongoing one in Azerbaijan, Villafuerte has consistently pushed for much higher reparation from affluent country-polluters for highly vulnerable economies like the Philippines that have been suffering the most from the world’s rising temperatures and sea levels even though they are the least polluters.
In the wake of Kristine, Villa-
fuerte proposed a P20-billion Bicol Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund (BRRF) in the 2025 national budget to support the region’s recovery. He also called for the revival of the Bicol River Basin Development Program (BRBDP), which President Marcos instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to revisit following his visits to typhoon-hit communities in CamSur. T he BRRF, if approved, will serve as a multiyear initiative to restore Bicol’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, and water systems, and boost disaster preparedness.
BusinessMirror
See “Series,” A2
8-MO EXTERNAL DEBT TO GDP RATIO UP TO
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE country’s external debt ratios remained healthy, but more needs to be done to encourage businesses to invest in the Philippines, according to an economist.
Based on the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country’s external debt to GDP ratio was at 28.9 percent in the January to August 2024 period.
Th is inched up from the 28.5 percent posted in the same period last year. It was the country’s highest external debt ratio since 2012 when it was at 30.5 percent.
A cause for concern is when the external debt ratio reaches 50 percent. Given that the external debt ratio is at 28.5 percent, this means our debt can be amply covered by our GDP,” Alvin P. Ang, an economist working for a regional think tank, explained to BusinessMirror over the weekend.
A ng explained that the external debt ratios are useful tools for investors. External debt ratios help them decided on whether to invest in a country or not.
However, Ang said healthy external debt ratios are just one of the major considerations of investors. Other key considerations include ease of doing business policies; energy prices; and labor costs. [External debt ratios] are really for investors. They want to find out if we can pay our debts abroad. This can also help boost investor confidence in the Philippines,” Ang said.
BSP data also showed the breakdown of External debt to GDP ratio in the public and private sectors. The public ratio is 17.7 percent while the private is at 11.2 percent.
The public external debt to GDP ratio is the lowest since 2022 when it was at 16.7 percent while the private external debt to GDP ratio was the highest since 2018 when the full-year rate was at 11.3 percent. Meanwhile, external debt to Gross National Income (GNI) also improved to 25.7 percent in the January to August period in 2024 from the 26.4 percent in the same period last year. The external debt to GNI ratio was the lowest since 2020 when the full-year rate was at 25.3 percent. GNI, meanwhile, combines GDP and Net Primary Income.
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as PagIBIG Fund, is keen on lowering interest rates on its housing loans but such a move would need to balance the interests of non-borrowers to ensure fairness and fund sustainability.
At the sidelines of Pag-IBIG’s Online Public Auction facility launch, Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the shelter agency offers the lowest interest rates on housing loans in the market.
“ While it may be possible that we can lower our interest rates, kailangan balansehin din namin yung interest ng non-borrowers [we also need to balance the interest of
non-borrowers],” Acosta said.
The agency’s chief said that if they reduce interest rates to as low as 3 percent, it would disrupt the market since this would encourage all borrowers to take out a loan from Pag-IBIG. What we want is more players in the market. Even banks are now participating in retail housing loans,” Acosta stressed.
Pag-IBIG’s housing loan interest rates were reduced to 6.25 p ercent per annum under a threeyear repricing period from the previous 6.375 percent.
For the five-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-year repricing periods, rates have also been reduced to 6.5 percent from
PICKING UP THE PIECES AFTER PEPITO (Clockwise from top left) Residents of Viga, Catanduanes,
3 storms force flight delays, no-sail orders, road closures
By Lorenz S. Marasigan
THE combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Nika, Ofel, and Pepito have caused disruptions across the Philippines, with road closures, canceled sea trips, and flight delays affecting thousands.
Authorities are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of the severe weather as heavy rains and strong winds continue to affect various regions.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that in Northern Luzon, seven national
Housing…
6.625 percent, 7.125 percent from 7.375 percent, 7.75 percent from 8.00 percent, 8.50 percent from 8.625 percent, 9.125 percent from 9.375 percent and 9.75 percent from 10.00
road sections remain impassable due to landslides, soil collapse, and washed-out infrastructure. Specifically, the agency said the following roads have been closed to motorists as of Sunday noon: the Claveria-Calanasan-Kabugao Road in Apayao, the Banaue-Hungduan-
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percent, respectively. Minimum-wage and low-income earners can also take out a housing loan through the Pag-IBIG Fund Affordable Housing Loan, which offers
Benguet Bdry Road in Ifugao, and the Basco-Mahatao-Ivana-UyuganImnajbu Road in Batanes.
It said DPWH Disaster and Incident Management Teams, comprising nearly 7,000 personnel and over 1,300 pieces of equipment, are on standby for road monitoring and clearing operations. Their efforts are focused on restoring access to these critical routes as soon as conditions permit.
Sea travel has also been affected, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
T he agency reported cancellations of trips due to the Philippine Coast Guard’s enforcement of a nosail policy in response to rough sea conditions. Cancellations include all routes under the Port Management Offices of Batangas and Min -
a subsidized rate of 3 percent per annum for home loans in socialized subdivisions and condominiums.
Pag-IBIG’s net income reached P39.54 billion as of the third quarter of 2024, while it posted a record-high net profit of P49.79 billion in 2023. “ Take note that whatever earnings of Pag-IBIG fund goes back to its members in terms of dividends,”
doro, as well as trips to and from major areas in Bicol, such as Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Albay.
A dditionally, operations under the Panay/Guimaras office, including Trans Asia and Starlite Ferries, have been suspended. Travelers relying on maritime transport have been advised to monitor updates as conditions evolve.
In the aviation sector, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said it has resumed operations in airports previously affected by Typhoon Pepito, such as Virac, Naga, and Legazpi.
However, flight cancellations continue in some areas.
Tuguegarao Airport reported the cancellation of six flights, affecting 712 passengers, while Cauayan Airport saw four flight cancella-
Acosta added.
The agency is mandated to declare at least 70 percent of its net income as dividends but last year, the Pag-IBIG Board approved a 97.86 percent payout ratio.
This allowed them to distribute P48.76 billion in dividends to its members, with an annual dividend rate of 6.55 percent for Pag-IBIG Reg-
tions, affecting 350 passengers.
At Surigao Airport, four flights were canceled as a precaution. Restoration and inspection efforts are ongoing to ensure that facilities, equipment, and runways are safe for resumed operations.
At Cauayan Airport, four flights were cancelled, affecting 350 people; two flights each at Dumaguete Airport and Davao International Airport, and one flight at BoholPanglao International Airport were cancelled; Zamboanga International Airport, four flights, affecting 269. Authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution, particularly in areas severely affected by the typhoons. The government advised travelers to stay updated on advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and prioritize safety.
ular Savings and 7.05 percent for the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2).
Acosta said Pag-IBIG’s aim is to have the dividends it distributes to members to be around 6 percent, and not lower than the Bloomberg Valuation (BVAL) benchmark rates used to determine the value of government securities and other fixedincome instruments.
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who received the award under the “Emergent Leadership” category, also spoke about the ongoing challenges in protecting the environment.
“Although it is my name inscribed in the medallion, this recognition is not mine and will never be mine alone. The conservation work and Leuser Ecosystem is being done by the entire community of dedicated and passionate individuals,” she said.
Bhutanese scholar Karma Phuntsho, the first awardee from his country, was recognized for his contributions to preserving and promoting Bhutanese culture. What Bhutan lacks in size and number we try to make up in spirit and sense,” he said. “I see this award as a token of recognition of Bhutan’s pursuit of holistic development under the visionary leadership of our monarch.”
Th e Rural Doctors Movement in Thailand, which was honored for its work in improving healthcare access in rural areas, emphasized the importance of universal health coverage.
RSA…
On complaints about the bedlam at the arrrival area leading to Immigration counters at the Naia3, Ang explained that, “Ideally, only two wide-body aircraft should arrive within an hour, but what happen is 6-8 planes arrive [within that time frame] because of flight delays.”
Chaotic arrivals at Naia-3
THIS reporter personally experienced the chaos upon arrival on November 13 at around 11 pm, with no Immigration officers on the floor helping facilitate the lines nor explain the sluggish pace of processing. As per data provided by the NNIC of that arrival date at Naia-3, there were 12 aircraft that made it to their final parking area for passenger disembarkation between 11:08 pm and 11:57 pm.
BI announced in late October the hiring of 58 new officers to beef up its 1,818 officers deployed in sea-
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During COP29, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, head of the Philippine delegation, signed a host country agreement (HCA) with FrLD co-chairs Richard Sherman and Jean-Christophe Donnellier, solidifying the Philippines’ role as the inaugural host of the FrLD Board meeting this December.
Yulo-Loyzaga echoed President Marcos’s sentiments, saying the Philippines’ experience with consecutive typhoons this year serves as a powerful example of the urgent need for accessible and timely climate financing.
A fter Kristine, Leon, Marce, and Nikka, the Philippines was hit by typhoons Ofel and Pepito in quick succession.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said this is the first time since 1951 that four successive tropical cyclones have passed over the Pacific Ocean. US weather experts described the serial cyclones coming so soon after each other as “unusual.”
According to reports, almost a half million people had been evacuated in Bicol alone before Pepito, the sixth storm to hit the country in three weeks, made landfall over the weekend.
A s the FrLD Board convenes in December, the Philippines will push for greater financial commitments under the Paris Agreement and advocate for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to replace the $100-billion annual climate finance target set to expire in 2024.
Villafuerte believes this will ensure that high-risk countries like the Philippines receive the support needed to mitigate climate-related damages and build resilience against future catastrophes.
This award is a significant encouragement for us to move forward…we believe that this universal health coverage is crucial, and we would like to see every country make efforts to achieve universal health coverage in the near future,” the group said.
Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, represented by Studio Ghibli’s Yoda Kenichi, reflected on his long-held belief in the power of art to illuminate the human condition.
I n a letter read during the ceremony, Miyazaki also addressed Japan’s wartime actions, acknowledging its painful history.
V ietnamese physician Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, honored for her work with victims of Agent Orange and her advocacy for obstetrics and gynecology, reiterated the need for international cooperation and conflict resolution.
“ This prestigious recognition sends a strong and resounding message to the global community that we need international understanding, not warfare; we need conflict resolutions and not weap -
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ports and airports nationwide. This is in addition to the 23 hired in April.
P reviously, the NNIC executive said he would pray for corrupt government personnel operating at the Naia, even as his managers expressed confidence the government agencies have been cooperating in with the private airport operator. (See, “RSA to ‘pray’ for corrupt officials at airport,” in the BusinessMirror, September 10, 2024.)
Meanwhile, Ang said the Bulacan International Airport is scheduled to open partially in 2027 “with one runway”, and fully in 2028. It is just incurring a minor delay because “ kinulang kami ng panambak (we didn’t have enough backfill), so we’re buying even if it’s expensive. We believe that backfill, one more year, we’ll get to the right level, then the contractor can start connecting [the infastructure].”
ons of mass destruction. We need peace,” she said.
Since its inception in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award has honored 336 individuals and 27 organizations. Of these, 247 are male awardees, while 79 are female. In terms of regional distribution, the Philippines leads with 65 awardees, followed by India with 59, and Indonesia with 30.
From 1958 to 2008, the Award was given in several categories, including Government Service (50 awardees), Public Service (57), Community Leadership (58), Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts (50), and Peace and International Understanding (46).
I n 2009, the number of awardees ranged from three to seven per year, with the last Filipino recipient being peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, honored in 2023 for her peacebuilding efforts.
E ach awardee received a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President Ramon Magsaysay, a certificate with their citation, and a cash prize.
Damage…
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A ccording to the PCIC, P16.046 million was given to 918 beneficiaries in Occidental Mindoro, while P8.684 million was allocated to 519 affected farmers and fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro. The government insurer added that the compensation could aid in their recovery from the typhoon’s damage to crops, fishing equipment, and other livelihood assets impacted by the storms.
PCIC’s swift action follows the series of typhoons that battered the provinces in recent weeks. The storms caused widespread destruction in areas that heavily depend on agriculture and fishing for economic survival. The indemnity checks provide critical financial relief for farmers and fisherfolk,” said the DA chief. Ada Pelonia
Wage board approves pay hike for Eastern Visayas workers
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
MORE than 183,000 minimum wage earners and domestic help in Eastern Visayas are set to receive an increase in their salaries starting next month.
In a statement released on Friday, the labor department said the Eastern Visayas Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board would implement a two-tiered P15 minimum wage increase for workers across all sectors under Wage Order RB VIII-24. For workers in non-agriculture and service or retail establishments employing 11 workers and more, the new daily minimum wage is set at P435. Meanwhile, employees in smaller service or retail establishments (with 10 workers and below), cottage and handicraft industries, and agriculture sector will receive
Go reaffirms support for ’25 defense budget, military modernization
DURING the Senate plena -
a new minimum wage of P405 per day once the new wage order takes full effect.
The WO RB VIII-24 said the increase will be rolled out in two tranches: the first adjustment will take effect on December 2, while the second will follow next year on June 1.
Aside from minimum wage earners, the regional board also approved a P500 increase in the monthly pay of Eastern Visayas domestic helpers.
This adjustment will bring the new monthly minimum wage of domestic help to P6,000 for those working at chartered cities and first class municipalities and P5,500 for those in other municipalities, effective December 2 as well.
The WO RB VIII-24 is expected to directly benefit 126,095 minimum wage earners and 57,080 domestic workers.
The Department of Labor and Employment said the new wage order considered various factors, including the needs of workers and their families, capacity of employers or industry to pay, and the requirements of economic and social development in the region—as stipulated in the Wage Rationalization Act.
“The Regional Board, comprised of representatives from the government, management, and labor sectors, likewise conducted consultations and a public hearing in the region as part of the minimum wage determination process,” the department added.
House leader vows swift release of funds for Typhoon Pepito victims
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE leader of the House of Representatives on Sunday pledged the swift release of funds to assist areas or congressional districts affected by Typhoon Pepito, with the allocation aimed at repairing damaged homes and providing food for affected families.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said members of Congress whose districts were hit by Typhoon Pepito are expected to submit their requests for financial assistance for their constituents by Monday.
“We are waiting for reports from our members regarding the extent of damage in their areas so we can allocate funds to aid the victims of the typhoon,” he said.
For his part, the House Committee on Appropriations chairman, Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co heightened disaster preparedness efforts to protect residents in the typhoonbattered Bicol region.
“In any calamity, our priority is the safety of everyone. Ako Bicol will continue to provide relief packs and ensure readiness for disasters,” Co stated. “Now more than ever, solidarity within the community is crucial.” Co said new rubber boats have been distributed to towns and government agencies to boost emergency response capabilities. Heavy equipment have also been deployed to address potential landslides, floods, and other hazards.
“These resources, such as rubber boats and heavy equipment, are investments in the safety and resilience of our region,” Co stressed.
“The funds will primarily go toward repairing damaged homes and providing food for families, especially those who may have lost their livelihood due to the storm,” Romualdez explained.
ry deliberation on Thursday, November 14, Sen. Christopher Go firmly expressed his support for the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies. In his interpellation, Go highlighted the critical roles played by the Armed Forces in national security, civil defense, and disaster response.
utmost support to our Armed Forces who are the ones in charge of our nation’s defense and security. They protect our country’s sovereignty,” said Go. Go recounted previous efforts to improve and promote the welfare of uniformed personnel, particularly the salary increase in 2018.
“I also want to express my
Go dedicated a substantial por -
tion of his address to honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel. “Our soldiers often find themselves in risky situations that threaten their safety and wellbeing, while also endangering the future of their families and loved ones, buhay po ang sinakripisyo nila para mapanatili ang seguridad ng bansa,” he said.
Go specifically acknowledged
the role of the AFP during the Marawi siege, recognizing the soldiers’ contributions to restoring peace in the area.
Highlighting the importance of military modernization, Go emphasized the need for the necessary tools and resources to allow the Armed Forces to fulfill its duties effectively. “It is for this reason that we must provide them with the necessary equipment, infrastructure, and support to enable them to perform their duties,” he explained.
Go also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the military’s needs, particularly in securing funding for modernization programs. He expressed his call to further improve and avoid budget cuts in the modernization initiatives.
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Monday, November 18, 2024
Pepito hits Aurora at peak intensity
By Jonathan L. Mayuga
SUPER Typhoon Pepito battered Southern Luzon with lifethreatening violent winds, storm surges, and coastal inundation as it maintained strength and made landfall in its peak intensity on Sunday afternoon in Aurora province.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its latest storm update that at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Pepito made landfall in the vicinity of Dipaculao, Aurora.
Coastal areas in Virac, Catanduanes, and nearby areas were battered by as high as to four- to five-meter walls of waves that hammered breakwalls, dumping sea water over and causing flooding in coastal communities.
Many areas in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Bicol regions were still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Kristine when Pepito hit. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 5 was hoisted over the central portion of Aurora, the southern portion of Quirino, and the southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya.
“Very strong winds of more than 185 kilometers per hour may be expected in at least 12 hours,” the state weather bureau said.
Evacuation
PAGASA said under the weather conditions, “the situation is potentially very destructive to the community and that evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed since it may be too late under the current situation.”
Meanwhile, the rest of Aurora, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Quirino, the southern portion of Ifugao, Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur, La Union, the eastern portion of Pangasinan, the northern portion of Nueva Ecija, and the northern and eastern portion of Polillo Islands are under TCWS 4 which means that winds of greater than 118 kmh up to 184 kmh may be expected in at least 12 hours.
Many other areas in Luzon remain
under wind signals 3, 2, and 1. Gale warning is also up in areas where sea travel has been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have cancelled as early as Saturday several flights in typhoonaffected areas.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded as seaport operations were also affected by the inclement weather.
In Daet Camarines Norte, a 76-year-old man was reportedly killed after he was caught in a vehicular accident due to hanging internet cables along Bagabas Road.
Exit PEPITO is forecast to exit the landmass of Luzon by Monday morning and will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility and move more westward or west-southwestward on Tuesday under the influence of an incoming northeasterly wind surge, the state weather bureau predicted.
“It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone,” it said.
PAGASA warned that heavy rainfall are expected to continue until Monday afternoon, possibly causing more floods and triggering landslides.
Preemptive evacuation
LOCAL governments in Metro Manila, begun on Sunday morning preparations anticipating the impact of Pepito as it traverses the Luzon landmass.
Preemptive evacuations have been conducted in the City of Manila in areas near water bodies. A report over the radio said that at the President Corazon Aquino High School, residents from the coastal area in Barangay 649, Baseco Compound, started to arrive in the wee hours, anticipating the violent storm surge in Manila Bay and the overflowing of major rivers like Pasig River and Marikina River.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said all its 71 pumping stations in Metro Manila are fully operational in anticipation of Pepi -
to’s onslaught. “First of all, our MMDA Chairman is making sure that the 71 pumping stations are in full operational condition and that the damaged navigational gate has been repaired,” MMDA Public Safety Division officer-in-charge Crisanto Saruca Jr. said at the Presidential Communications Office-Office of Civil Defense media briefing.
He said the MMDA has activated its Emergency Operations Centers and deployed manpower and rescue and retrieval assets to strategic locations for emergencies.
“Our Public Safety Division personnel and other units are ready as well as our rescue and retrieval assets. We are already in position and we will deploy personnel if necessary,” he said.
Generator sets, health emergency teams ready
THE Department of Health (DOH) said it has secured generator sets and power stations in its hospitals in Metro Manila to ensure medical services would not be interrupted.
The DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development (CHD) also allotted P600,000 worth of logistical support for medical and public health needs.
“This fund was used to prepare medicines for skin problems, coughs and colds, hypertension, and antibiotics and multivitamins in addition to hygiene kits and other health emergency commodities and supplies,” the department said in a news release.
Barangay health centers, rural health units, and alternate command centers were also alerted to respond to typhoon victims once it hits the region.
The DOH Metro Manila CHD will also conduct disease surveillance in evacuation centers to prevent the spread of diseases after the evacuation of affected residents in NCR areas.
Storms’ impact
THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the combined impacts of Nika, Ofel, and Pepito prompted the pre-emptive evacuation of a total of 514,576 persons from Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon,
Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), and Region 5.
As of late Sunday afternoon, a total of 238,982 families or 852,475 persons have been affected in 2,152 barangays in 211 cities and municipalities across 19 provinces in the five affected regions.
A total of 111,658 persons were displaced and had to be taken to different evacuation centers. There are currently 566 evacuation centers where relief and aid are being provided by the government.
A total of 178 areas in Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 remain flooded as of Sunday afternoon.
Owing to the inclement weather, classes were suspended in 623 cities and municipalities. Work was also suspended in 308 cities and towns due to the typhoon.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Aurora Province reported that several areas in the province had already lost power because of Pepito. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said it has mobilized crews in affected areas to restore power and electricity connections.
Humanitarian assistance
THE Army (PA) announced that its units in Luzon have deployed humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams to help with possible relief missions that might be required in typhoon-affected areas.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesman for the Army, said the Ninth Infantry “Spear” Division deployed 81 HADR teams in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate, to support search and rescue operations in the Bicol Region.
On the other hand, the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division deployed three teams to help in the repacking of relief goods at the Global Aseana Park 2 and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 3 Warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga.
“The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division also deployed rescue personnel and three KM450 trucks to Buenavista and San Rafael towns
Thousands of public schools missing localized anti-bullying policies–execs
ABy Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
TOTAL of 10,018 public schools are missing localized anti-bullying policies, as required under Republic Act 10627, the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, Department of Education (DepEd) officials told congressmen at a recent House of Representatives’ Committee on Basic Education hearing.
The hearing, led by the legislative Education Committee 2 (Edcom2) co-chairman, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, reviewed the current implementation of anti-bullying policies across DepEd schools.
Edcom 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee presented data showing a clear link between bullying and poor student performance.
Findings from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) revealed that Grade 4 students who experienced bullying scored significantly lower in math and science compared to those who were not bullied.
“Students who were never bullied scored 351 in math, while those who reported being bullied weekly scored 269. In science, those
who were not bullied scored 318, while those who reported being bullied weekly scored 214,” Yee said in a Edcom 2 statement.
“Aside from depriving our students of a safe school environment, there really are tangible effects of bullying among our students. As we can see with the TIMSS 2019 data, student performance in the classroom is severely affected,” he added.
Data from other international assessments, including the Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa) and the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), have also highlighted the Philippines as having one of the highest bullying rates. A 2022 study showed that 43 percent of girls and 53 percent of boys reported being bullied at least a few times a month—double the OECD average.
Guidance counselors
DURING the hearing, Edcom 2 also emphasized the critical shortage of guidance counselors, which it previously flagged. Yee noted that at the current rate of production, it would take 14 years to address the gap in guidance counselors nationwide. DepEd
reported 4,460 counselor vacancies, with some regions, such as Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Eastern Visayas, seeing no graduates with a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling since 2018.
To address this shortage, the Mental Health and Well-Being Act (Senate Bill 2200 and Hour Bill 6574) was submitted to Malacañang last November 12.
Romulo explained that this proposed legislation would expand eligibility to psychologists and allied course graduates with at least 18 units in behavioral science, helping to fill these crucial roles. The bill also proposes an upgraded salary grade of SG 16 to 24, enhancing the career path for registered guidance counselors and psychologists.
“Plus, if you are a registered guidance counselor or psychologist. The career path is clearer now. Under the proposed measure, the salary grade will be from SG 16 to 24. We now have thirty days—either it will lapse into law, be signed, or be vetoed,” he said.
IRR defective
ROMULO highlighted the need to amend the implementing rules (IRR) of the Anti-
Bullying Act, specifically DepEd Order 55, series of 2013.
“According to studies and consultations conducted by Edcom 2, the law enacted in 2013 is not the problem. The problem is with the IRR of DepEd [DepEd Order 55, series of 2013]. It must be amended. The law itself is good; the problem is with the IRR,” Romulo said.
EDCOM 2’s recommendations for amending the IRR include (1) clarifying definitions of bullying types and related prohibited acts, (2) requiring each school to implement a localized anti-bullying policy, (3) formalizing the Learner Rights Protection Office, (4) providing training for guidancedesignates, teachers, parents, and learners, and (5) allocating funds for school-based anti-bullying initiatives.
“Amending the IRR or DepEd Order 55 is crucial in our mission at Edcom 2. We remain committed and hopeful that DepEd, with the help of the Commission, can iron out the issues with the IRR to support students in our schools and provide safe, protected spaces for learning that each and every Filipino learner deserves,” Romulo said.
in Quezon province and Capalonga, Camarines Norte, to assist in HADR operations in the said areas. The 59th Infantry Battalion deployed two military trucks to assist in the Quezon provincial government’s rescue efforts,” Dema-ala said.
Search, rescue and retrieval
MAJOR units have placed 534 search, rescue, and retrieval and water search and rescue teams on standby for HADR operations in typhoon-stricken communities.
Dema-ala said HADR teams remained committed to providing immediate assistance to communities affected by the successive typhoons that struck the country.
Rapid assessment
THE Air Force, through the Tactical Operations Group 2 of the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon conducted rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (Rdana) and relief operations in areas affected by the recent typhoons that hit Northern Luzon.
In a coordinated effort with the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office 2 and the Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Air Force, utilizing a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter, conducted Rdana to assess the extent of damage caused by the recent typhoons that hit the region.
The Air Force spokesperson, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, said the Rdana will help identify priority areas for immediate relief and recovery operations.
On the same day, using Black Hawk helicopters deployed by the major service’s Air Mobility Command, the Air Force delivered essential relief supplies to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan.
A total of 470 boxes of family food packs and hygiene and sleeping kits from the (DSWD) were distributed to the communities of sitio Valley Cove and sitio Camunayan.
Relief caravan
MASSIVE relief caravan carrying 24
truckloads of goods and P750 million in financial assistance is set to head to the Bicol Region as part of the government effort to provide aid to severely affected areas, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced on Sunday.
President Marcos, in close coordination with Romualdez, the House of Representatives, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, has launched the “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief initiative, rolling out the financial assistance and relief goods to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region.
Dozens of truckloads carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essentials will depart from the House of Representatives on Monday, November 18, to bring aid to thousands of families.
The initiative focuses on providing relief to communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay, which were severely affected by Typhoons Kristine, Carina, and Pepito. “This is the directive of President Marcos—to provide immediate assistance to those affected by typhoons in Bicol. This initiative is our way of showing that we stand shoulder-toshoulder with our Kababayans in Bicol during these challenging times,” Romualdez said.
Shelter-grade tarpaulins
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has activated government shelter clusters and has coordinated with humanitarian groups to supply shelter-grade tarpaulins: 1,500 units for Region 5, 1,500 for Region 2, and 1,250 for Region 1.
Following recent impacts from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Typhoon Leon, the housing agency has distributed housing materials to affected families in Batangas and Camarines Sur. Cash assistance was also provided under its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (Idsap) for households with damaged homes. With J ovee Marie N. dela Cruz, Rex Anthony Naval, Bless Aubrey Ogerio, Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco and PNA.
House vaccine expert seeks probe on implementation of UHC law
ALEADER of the House of Representatives has filed a resolution urging the House Committee on Health to conduct an inquiry on the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
In House Resolution 2081 filed on Wednesday, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin said the inquiry should focus on the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process and other provisions that may hinder timely access to necessary healthcare innovations, aiming to institute legislative reforms to improve the availability and accessibility of healthcare for all Filipinos.
Aside from the HTA process, the committee should also review the HTA Council structure and function as it may not consistently fulfill its mandate in an impartial and timely manner, the resolution said.
Garin, who represents Iloilo, emphasized the need for a thorough review of the primary implementer of the UHC law as the Department of Health (DOH) should be the primary implementer, not Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
“I urge the leadership of both the House and the Senate to make the amendment of UHC a priority. We must address the elephant in the room,” Garin said, referring to the restrictive provisions of Republic Act 11223.
“It is vital to fortify the country’s public health system and ensure timely access to essential health interventions for Filipinos,” Garin, the health secretary during the Benigno Aquino III administration, added.
She pointed out that health interventions such as medicines, vaccines, and medical devices need not undergo Phase IV clinical study as Section 34 of the UHC Law requires.
Phase IV clinical study refers to the postmarket monitoring of drugs and devices that have passed Phase III clinical trial. Phase III of a clinical trial usually involves up to 3,000 participants who have the condition that the new medication is meant to treat. Trials in this phase can last for several years. This phase is usually done worldwide.
The purpose of Phase III is to evaluate how the new medication works in comparison to existing medications for the same condition. To move forward with the trial, investigators need to demonstrate that the medication is at least as safe and effective as existing treatment options. Garin, a medical doctor and vaccinologist, likewise stressed that after the Phase III clinical trial, health interventions are already considered safe and efficacious.
“The requirement for Phase IV clinical trials under Section 34 of the UHC Act may result in significant delays in providing Filipinos access to cutting-edge medical innovations and treatments, effectively requiring that such interventions be extensively used in other countries for 5 to 10 years before being made available domestically,” the resolution read. Furthermore, the
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Israeli forces reach deepest point into Lebanon, engage in fierce battles with Hezbollah militants
By Bassem Mroue | The Associated Press
BEIRUT—Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon since they invaded six weeks ago before pulling back Saturday after battles with Hezbollah militants, Lebanese state media reported.
The clashes and further Israeli bombardment came as Lebanese and Hezbollah officials study a draft proposal presented by the US on ending the war.
Israeli troops briefly captured a strategic hill in the southern village of Chamaa, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the border, the state-run National News Agency reported. It said Israeli troops blew up the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet in Chamaa as well as several homes, but that could not be verified.
Israel’s military did not respond to requests for comment but said in a statement its troops continue “limited, localized” operations in southern Lebanon.
Shrapnel from a strike in Dahiyeh wounded a teenage girl in the head and she was in intensive care, a hospital official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about patients’ conditions.
Israel’s military said it hit multiple Hezbollah sites.
Since late September, Israel has dramatically escalated its bombardment of Lebanon, vowing to severely weaken the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and end its barrages in Israel that the militants have said are in solidarity with Palestinians during the war in Gaza.
Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs known as Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, and several other areas including the port city of Tyre. An airstrike on the northeastern village of Khraibeh killed a couple and their four children, the National News Agency said.
It said two missiles were fired at the Abu Assi School in the Shati refugee camp on the edge of Gaza City. Israel’s military said it struck a Hamas command center in the compound.
A strike on a house in Nuseirat killed at least seven, including a child and three women.
The war between Israel and Hamas began after Palestinian militants stormed into Israel on o c tober 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting 250 others.
Around 100 hostages are
A search for peace oN F riday, Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister apparently urged Iran to persuade Hezbollah to agree to a cease-fire deal with Israel, which would require the group to pull back from the border.
Israel’s military said a synagogue was struck and two civilians hurt in a “heavy rocket barrage” by Hezbollah on Haifa, northern Israel’s largest city. Police said they were lightly injured. Hezbollah said it fired missiles at five Israeli military facilities in Haifa and its suburbs. Israel said Hezbollah fired more than 60 projectiles into Israel on Saturday.
them in the past eight weeks—according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Israel has said it wants to ensure that thousands of Israelis can return to their homes near the border.
Israel’s military said a soldier died in combat in southern Lebanon on Friday.
More than 3,400 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli fire—80 percent of
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike Saturday evening on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people killed 10 and wounded 20, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
to whether the council adopts the resolution.
A copy of the draft proposal presented by the US earlier this week was handed over to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who has been negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah, according to a Lebanese official. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the secret talks, said Berri is expected to give Lebanon’s response on Monday. Another Lebanese politician said Hezbollah officials had received the draft and would express their opinion to Berri. The politician spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media about the ongoing talks. The proposal is based on UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. Berri told the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the draft does not include any item that allows Israel to act in Lebanon if the deal is violated, saying: “We will not accept any infringement of our sovereignty.”
See “Israeli,” A6
Smoke billows from a structure struck in an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, southern Lebanon on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
APEC summit in Lima: A moment of detente amid uncertainty for global trade leadership
By Isabel Debre The Associated Press
LIMA, Peru—After two days of meetings in Lima that rarely ventured beyond platitudes in discussing the strategies of the region’s major economies, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum wrapped up on Saturday with a spirit of detente that many fear the summit may not see again for four years.
The 21 leaders from economies bordering the Pacific, including President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, had descended on Peru for the annual gathering at a time when America’s President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to withdraw the United States from its leadership of a global free trade agenda.
Few could help noting that Biden’s late entrance on Saturday for the traditional APEC family photo lent itself to political metaphor, as the rest of the leaders prepared to pose onstage before looking around to find Biden missing.
They tittered for five awkward minutes before a seemingly dazed Biden emerged and took his place in the far back corner, standing between Thailand’s 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam President Luong Cuong. Biden briefly reached for Shinawatra’s hand to steady himself.
Chinese President Xi scored the best spot in the house, front and center beside the host, Peruvian President
Dina Boluarte.
Xi had draped himself in the banner of globalization this week, inaugurating a massive $1.3 billion megaport in Peru that promises to become South America’s biggest shipping hub and using his speeches to reject protectionism.
In Xi’s summit address, delivered by one of his ministers, the Chinese leader urged APEC members to “tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade,” and criticized tariffs—which Trump threatens to levy on Chinese imports—as “going back in history.”
For the annual photo-op, leaders all wore bark-hued wool scarves from Peru—in the APEC tradition of posing in some garb representative of the host country. While conference organizers typically position leaders in alphabetical order for the family photo, arrangements have varied over the years.
Reporters shouted questions as Biden left the stage Friday, asking how he felt about this being his last APEC
meeting on Saturday, november 16, 2024,
summit—and one of his last major global events as president.
Biden had hoped that APEC—along with the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he heads Sunday— would have capped his decades-long political career with a flurry of productive diplomacy and swaggering proclamations of America’s force on the world stage.
But with his party’s stinging defeat in the US election and the future of the US-China rivalry uncertain, there was little he could accomplish in Lima.
Biden sought to cement alliances that could be upended by a Trump administration. He expressed concern to the leaders of South Korea and Japan about what he called “dangerous and destabilizing cooperation” between North Korea and Russia.
After nearly four years of record stability in the Japan-US alliance—a partnership crucial for regional security—Japanese Prime Minister Shige -
ru Ishiba is now struggling to arrange a high-stakes meeting with Trump.
He told reporters in Lima on Saturday that his hoped-for meeting with Trump on his way home from next week’s G-20 summit in Brazil would not happen—explaining that Trump’s team had invoked US legal restrictions to refuse his requests.
“We are considering holding a meeting as soon as possible at a time that is most convenient for both sides,” Ishiba said.
For the first time in a year, Biden and Xi sat down later Saturday for their highly anticipated third and final meeting of Biden’s presidency.
Xi told Biden that his nation was was “ready to work with a new administration to maintain communication.”
Biden also struck a conciliatory tone, saying that such in-person talks helped “ensure that competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict.”
Japan’s foreign minister visits Kyiv as Ukraine battles North
Korean troops fighting alongside Russian army
By Samya Kullab The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—Japan’s foreign minister arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss North Korea’s deepening military alliance with Russia, including the deployment of thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Takeshi Iwaya will meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, to reaffirm Japan’s “strong support” for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and to discuss further sanctions against Moscow, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.
High on the agenda was Tokyo’s “grave concern” over growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, the ministry said.
According to US, South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence assessments, up to 12,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia as part of a major defense treaty between the countries. Last week, Ukrainian officials said Ukraine and North Korean troops engaged in small-scale fighting while Ukraine’s army fired artillery at North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk border region, where Ukraine
Continued from A5
h e a dded that Lebanon does not accept the proposal to form a committee to supervise the agreement that includes members from Western countries. A U n p eacekeeping force already operates near the border in Lebanon. Berri said talks continue and “the atmosphere is positive but all relies on how things will end.” israeli strikes kill 12 people in gaza as 3 are arrested over flares at netanyahu’s home TEL AVIV, Israel—Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed 12 people, according to Palestinian medical officials. Police in Israel, meanwhile, arrest -
launched a surprise push on August 6.
Sybiha said Saturday that Ukraine’s intelligence services believe that Pyongyang is aiding Moscow’s invasion in return for access to Russian missile, nuclear, and other military programs.
“The deepening military-technical cooperation between Russia, North Korea and Iran poses a direct threat not only to Europe but also to Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” he said at a joint press conference alongside Iwaya.
“Only strong and systematic support for Ukraine can stop Russia and bring a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace.”
Sybiha also said that the pair had discussed Japan’s involvement in implementing a “victory plan and peace formula” for Ukraine.
It coincides with a new interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who told journalists at Ukrainian Radio that he would do everything “to end this war next year through diplomatic means.” New focus has been placed on potential future negotiations following Donald Trump’s victory in the US
ed three suspects after flares were fired at Prime Minister Benjamin n e tanyahu’s private residence in the coastal city of Caesarea. The developments are the latest as the Israel- h am as war grinds on with no end in sight. Israel is also at war with the h e zbollah militant group in Lebanon, where its ground troops have advanced farther to the north.
Authorities said n e tanyahu and his family were not at the residence when two flares were fired at it overnight, and there were no injuries. A drone launched by h e zbollah struck the residence last month, also when n e tanyahu and his family were away. The police did not provide details about the suspects behind the flares, but officials pointed to domestic political critics of n e tanyahu. Israel’s largely ceremonial president, Isaac h erzog, condemned the incident and warned against “an escalation of the violence in the public sphere.”
J A pA ne S e foreign minister takeshi iwaya, left, and Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriiy Sybiha talk during their meeting in ky iv, Ukraine on Saturday, nov. 16, 2024.
presidential election on November 5.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also held their first phone call in nearly two years Friday.
But Zelenskyy warned that increased Russian willingness to engage in talks did not mean that Moscow truly wants to end the war, and urged the United States to maintain its position that the Kremlin had violated both Ukraine’s territorial integrity and international law.
“I don’t think Putin wants peace at all. But that does not mean that he doesn’t want to sit down with world
n e tanyahu has faced months of mass protests over his handling of the hostage crisis unleashed by h am as’ October 7, 2023 attack into Israel, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza.
Critics blame n e tanyahu for the security and intelligence failures that allowed the attack to happen and for not reaching a deal with h am as to release scores of hostages still held inside Gaza. Israelis rallied again in Tel Aviv on Saturday night to demand a ceasefire deal to return them.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin meanwhile seized on the flare attack to call for a revival of his plans to overhaul the Israeli judiciary, which had sparked months of mass protests before the war and remains deeply divisive.
“The time has come to provide full support for the restoration of the justice system and the law enforcement systems, and to put an end to anarchy, rampage, refusal, and at -
AS bRUtAl wAR AppRoAcheS 1,000 dAyS, UkRAine fAceS new chAllengeS Amid RUSSiAn AdvAnceS in the eASt
By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine—When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022, the conventional wisdom was that the capital, Kyiv, would soon fall and the rest of the country wouldn’t last long against a much larger enemy. Instead, it was that narrative that quickly collapsed. The Ukrainian army proved it could slow the advance of Russia’s forces and, if not drive them out completely, then—with enough support from the West—at least forestall defeat.
But nearly three years later, the outlook is again grim. Russia is expending huge amounts of weaponry and human life to make small-but-steady territorial gains to the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine it already controls. Ukraine, meanwhile, is struggling to minimize losses, maintain morale and convince allies that, with more military aid, it can turn the tide. As this brutal war of attrition grinds toward its 1,000th day, neither side seems eager to negotiate. Presidentelect Donald Trump has said he could quickly end the war, though it is unclear how or in whose favor he might tip the scales.
This backdrop appears to be driving Russia’s strategy in eastern Ukraine, according to Phillips O’Brien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Trump could try to force an end to the war by halting the supply of weapons to Ukraine, he said.
“If Trump cuts aid to Ukraine and a cease-fire leads to a frozen conflict, Russia wants to secure as much territory as it can now,” O’Brien said. For Ukraine, the key to any cease-fire would be guarantees from the West that it won’t allow Russia to re-invade in the future. Otherwise, O’Brien said, “a ceasefire is a recipe for constant instability in Europe.”
Russia advancing slowly but steadily in eastern Ukraine
leaders,” Zelenskyy said Saturday.
“For him, it destroys the political isolation that’s been built since the beginning of the war. And it benefits him to sit down, talk, and not reach an agreement.” Russia strikes Kyiv in a wave of drone attacks
The Ukrainian capital was attacked overnight by Russian drones, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv’s Obolon district. No casualties were reported.
Ukrainian air defenses neutralized up to a dozen drones, said the head of Kyiv’s military administration, Serhii Popko.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 83 Shahed drones in the early hours of Saturday morning, the Ukrainian air force reported. Of those, 55 were shot down, while another 30 veered off course or were lost after electronic jamming, it said.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said that it had destroyed 35 Ukrainian drones, including 20 over the western Kursk region and 11 over the Bryansk region. Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.
tempts to harm the Prime Minister,” he said in a statement.
Supporters said the judiciary changes aim to strengthen democracy by circumscribing the authority of unelected judges and turning over more powers to elected officials. Opponents see the overhaul as a power grab by n e tanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, and an assault on a key watchdog.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said in a post on X that he “strongly condemns” the firing of flares at n e tanyahu’s home while blasting Levin’s proposal.
“Levin should go home with rest of this irresponsible government,” Lapid wrote.
“We will not let him turn Israel into an undemocratic state.” Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Natalie Melzer in Tel Aviv, Israel, and David Rising in Bangkok contributed to this report.
With Ukraine in retreat, “we’ve now returned to a period reminiscent of the (war’s) first months,” said Mykola Bielieskov, an analyst at CBA Initiatives Center in Kyiv. “This strengthens Russia’s position—not so much militarily, but in terms of morale.”
A war of attrition requires both sides to seek outside resources
T O k eep its war machine going, Russia—like Ukraine—has turned to allies for help.
Iran supplies Russia with drones and possibly missiles, and n o rth Korea has sent ammunition—and even troops, who have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed this year that 700,000 of his troops are fighting in Ukraine. Analysts say Putin would need a much larger force to accelerate Russia’s advance, but that he is unlikely to mobilize more troops because it could stoke internal discontent.
Ukraine’s foothold in Kursk is another complicating factor for Putin, and it could be used as a bargaining chip in any future cease-fire negotiations.
Captain Yevhen Karas, a Ukrainian commander in Kursk, said the fighting inside Russia is highly dynamic, but he believes it will prove effective in diverting Russia’s attention and resources.
“Even a creeping, retreating front exhausts the enemy significantly,” Karas said.
Ukraine has asked the West for longer range missiles and its blessing to fire at air bases deep inside Russia. But its allies have so far resisted, wary of escalating tensions with a nuclear-armed Russia.
The US has provided more than $64 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the war began 1,000 days ago. Soldiers worry about what would happen without sustained American support.
In the war’s first year, Ukraine lost huge amounts of territory—but it also achieved notable victories. It resisted a much larger adversary with superior air power to survive as an independent country, and it reclaimed some land through gutsy counteroffensives, giving the underdog—and its wealthy allies— the confidence to stay in the fight.
In the second year, which was punctuated by Ukraine’s devastating loss of Bakhmut and its failed counteroffensive, the armies essentially fought to a standstill along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Toward the end of that year, the US Congress delayed the approval of a $61 billion package of aid for weapons, and economic and humanitarian assistance.
With Ukraine’s ammunition dwindling, its outlook deteriorated significantly as the war’s third year began.
In February 2024, the town of Avdiivka fell after months of airstrikes by Russia, which used highly destructive Sovietera bombs retrofitted with navigation systems.
The fall of Avdiivka created a major breach in Ukraine’s defenses. When Russia later mounted an assault on the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian troops were stretched further.
A bright spot for Ukraine came in August, when it launched a surprise incursion into Russia. It took—and still holds—hundreds of square kilometers in the Kursk region. While this could be an important chip in any cease-fire negotiations, it hasn’t stopped Russian forces from taking more land in Ukraine’s east.
“The Russians have paid a very high price to keep advancing, but they’re willing to pay that price in lives to gain a few more meters of territory each day,” said Justin Crump, head of the British strategic advisory firm Sibylline.
Tens of thousands of soldiers from both countries have been killed since the start of the war in 2022, according to estimates, and the U n says at least 11,700 Ukrainian civilians have been killed.
While the amount of land Russia has gained in 2024—about 2,455 square kilometers (948 square miles)—is equal to less than 1 percent of Ukraine’s prewar territory, it is having a psychological impact.
“Bravery, heroism, and spirit alone are not enough,” said a Ukrainian soldier in the eastern Donetsk region who spoke on condition of anonymity, in line with military rules.
The soldier estimated that where he is stationed Russian infantry outnumber Ukrainian troops 10 to 1. As the war drags on and the death toll rises, it has become increasingly difficult for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to keep replacing troops.
US will play a vital role in determining the war’s next direction Wh AT d irection the war takes next will depend in large part on how the incoming Trump administration plays its hand. Trump, who has touted his good relationship with President Vladimir Putin and called the Russian leader “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine, has repeatedly criticized American backing of Ukraine.
During his only campaign debate with Vice President Kamala h a rris, Trump twice refused to directly answer a question about whether he wanted Ukraine to win—raising concerns that Kyiv could be forced to accept unfavorable terms in any negotiations.
Without security guarantees from the West, Ukraine could find itself vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
Analysts say a cease-fire based on the current state of the battlefield would set a dangerous precedent, implying that Europe’s borders are up for grabs through military action—something that hasn’t happened since World War II.
“This would also have a lot of traction in countries like China, India, and elsewhere,” said Richard Connolly, a Russia expert at the Royal United Services Institute in London. “They could present that as a strategic defeat not only for Ukraine, but also for the West.” As another winter of war approaches, Ukrainian soldiers say they remain resolute.
“We are standing strong, giving it our all, and we won’t surrender,” said a battalion chief of staff in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. “The most important thing now is not to lose more land.” Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report.
As talks in Baku cross the halfway point, nations are no closer to a goal on cash for climate action
By Seth Borenstein & Sibi Arasu The Associated Press
BAKU, Azerbaijan—Distractions were bigger than deals in the first week of United Nations climate talks, leaving a lot to be done, especially on the main issue of money.
In week one, not a lot of progress was made on the issue of how much money rich countries should pay to developed ones move away from dirty fuels, cope with rising seas and temperatures and pay for damage already caused by climate-driven extreme weather. But more is expected when government ministers fly in for week two to handle the hard political dealmaking at the negotiations—known as COP29—in Baku, Azerbaijan. Countries remain about a trillion dollars a year apart in the big number to be settled.
“All the developing countries look very united behind $1.3 trillion. That’s not a ceiling. That’s what they want. That’s what they think they need,” said Debbie Hillier, policy lead at Mercy Corps. “The US and Canada are constantly talking about a floor of $100 billion.... So you’ve got $100 billion at one end and $1.3 trillion” on the other end.
While poor countries have come up with a number for the total final package, the rich donor nations have assiduously avoided giving a total,
choosing to pick a figure late in the bargaining game, Hillier said.
“The intention of developed countries to really come clean and show commitment is missing,” said Harjeet Singh, global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “They have not uttered a single word on what the (final total) is going to be which is very disturbing.”
Especially when it comes to this total, United Nations Climate Secretary Simon Stiell said, “negotiations on key issues need to be moving much faster.”
“What’s at stake here in Baku,” Stiell said, is “nothing less than the capacity to halve emissions this decade and protect lives and livelihoods from spiraling climate impacts.”
climate talks run on ‘brinkmanship’ AT t he moment, the sides are far away, which is sort of normal for this stage. The technical details that are worked out by negotiators now have to give way to the bigger, harder number decisions made by climate and finance ministers to make more political decisions, said Ani Dasgupta, president
of World Resources Institute.
“Member states have not moved and parties have not moved as expeditiously as they need to do,” said United Nations Environment Program Executive Director Inger Andersen. “This is causing frustration. I understand that. So the answer is to push and push more and ensure that we land where we need to land.”
Andersen said it’s not smart to judge where countries will end up after just one week. Things change. It’s the nature of how negotiations are designed, experts said.
That’s how it usually goes.
“COP works on brinkmanship,” said Avinash Persaud, a special climate adviser at the Inter-American Development Bank. “COP works on the fear of us not reaching agreement in the end, which makes the process appear
central Europeans brace for impact of trump’s
second
term: Applause and anxiety in Poland
By Vanessa Gera
The Associated Press
WARSAW, Poland—Conservative lawmakers in the Polish parliament exulted at Donald tr ump’s victory, standing and applauding while they chanted his name.
t h e prospect of a second tr ump term has excited people on the populist right across Central Europe who share his antiimmigrant views and contempt for international organizations.
b u t many others in a region near the war in Ukraine are afraid. t h ey worry tr ump could abandon Ukraine and force Kyiv into a deal that ends up emboldening Russia further, or unwind the US military presence in Europe.
t h e change in Washington means Europe will have to invest more in its security and defense rather than relying on the American protective shield as it has done for decades, argues Michał b a ranowski, managing director of Warsaw-based GM f E ast, part of the German Marshall f u nd think tank.
“We Europeans—Poles and f r ench and b r its and preferably Germany as well— need to step up,” b a ranowski said. “ o n ly by stepping up do we have a chance to keep the worst case scenarios from happening, both a bad deal in Ukraine and perhaps a lowering of US engagement in Europe.”
Poland, the b a ltic States and other nations across Central and Eastern Europe were under Moscow’s control during the Cold War. When that era ended in 1989, it freed them to turn to the West. t h ey never want to return to being satellites of Moscow.
NAt o members now, they worry that tr ump in his second term could end a decades-long commitment to securing the peace in Europe. Just this week, a missile defense base in northern Poland was inaugurated—the fruit of years of planning by Republican and Democratic administrations. Polish officials expressed hopes that it was a sign that a bipartisan US commit-
ment to the region would endure. “ t h e whole world will see clearly that this is not Russia’s sphere of interest anymore,” Polish President Andrzej Duda declared.
tr ump has a long history of denigrating NAt o, an d former administration officials say he repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from the alliance.
h i s allies have described that as bluster or tough negotiating tactics that have pushed other European allies to take more responsibility, and argue that tr ump didn’t abandon NAt o t h e change in Washington has in just a few days changed the dynamic of Poland’s presidential campaign before an election next spring. f o reign Minister Radek Sikorski, a former defense minister with ties in Washington, entered the running to be the candidate for centrist Prime Minister Donald tu sk’s party, challenging the longtime favorite, Warsaw Mayor Rafał tr zaskowski. Sikorski argues that his experience makes him the better choice for the times.
h i s opponents argue that the anti-tr ump views of his wife, the American writer Anne Applebaum, could create complications with tr ump’s upcoming administration.
t h e region is now holding its collective breath to see what a second tr ump presidency will bring.
o f ficials in Poland and the b a ltic states have been stressing their high defense spending—relative to their overall economic output—in their congratulatory messages to tr ump.
Kersti Kaljulaid, who was Estonia’s president during tr ump’s first term, told the Estonian public broadcaster ERR that Estonians, Poles and others in Eastern Europe found ways to reach tr ump before, “and i think that this skill is something that we still have today.”
All are now watching to see if tr ump will make a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, as he has promised. i t i s a cause of existential importance, because any deal is expected to shape security in the region in profound ways in the years and decades to come.
t h e biggest fear would be a deal that gives Russia significant Ukrainian territory, rewarding President Vladimir Putin’s violation of international law and allowing Moscow to rebuild its military strength.
Poland’s tu sk has stressed that no deal should be made over the heads of Ukraine and countries in the region that will be affected.
t h ere is no doubt that the new political landscape is a serious challenge for everyone,” tu sk said last week.
tu sk congratulated tr ump last week and is striking a conciliatory tone after having been critical in the past of a position seen by most Poles as overly friendly to Putin.
Duda, a conservative who has long admired tr ump, said Wednesday that he doesn’t believe that tr ump would abandon Ukraine after US taxpayers have already invested huge amounts in Ukraine’s defense.
tr ump is a “winner,” Duda said. “ i cannot imagine that he would allow Russia to destroy Ukraine.”
tr ump’s win energized Poles at an ndependence Day march on Monday organized by nationalist groups that drew tens of thousands of participants. Some there believed tr ump’s friendly stance toward Russia could help end the war in Ukraine.
“ i f h e’s pro-Russian and that means peace in the world, i think it’s o K ,” said Adrian Golik, a 23-year-old university student who joined the march with his brother and parents. All have dual PolishUS citizenship and cast their votes for tr ump in linois.
t h e leaders of h u ngary and Slovakia— both seen as friendly to tr ump and Putin—believe Ukraine has already lost the fight and shouldn’t keep getting Western military aid.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert f ico, who although a leftist is known for his pro-Russian and anti-American views, welcomed tr ump’s victory as “a defeat of liberal and progressivist ideas.” Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, Jari Tanner in Helsinki, Finland, and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.
chaotic from the outside.”
Ministers will also be consulting with their bosses half a world away and seven hours behind at the Group of 20 countries—the G20—in Brazil from Monday. The G20 is comprised of the world’s richest nations, who are also responsible for 77 percent of planet-heating gases being spewed.
Eyes are on the cOP president U S UA l ly, the second week is when the COP president takes over and pushes sides together for a deal. Different negotiations’ presidents have different styles. l a st year’s president used sharp elbows to get things done, upsetting some people.
That’s not the style of this year’s COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev.
“What I see with Mukhtar is that he uses a gentle presence, a degree of
humility in his very presence,” Andersen said.
But Mohamed Adow, of the think tank Power Shift Africa said “the presidency is not giving any hope for how he will help the world strike the right compromises.”
Babayev struck an optimistic tone in a statement to The Associated Press on how things are looking at the halfway point.
“We have made good progress in the first week. We’re feeling positive but there is still much work to do,” Babayev said. “Success does not depend on one country or party alone—it requires all of us.”
At the talks’ first week, there were many distractions M UC H of the news from the talks’ first weeks came from outside the negotiation rooms.
Host country president Ilham Aliyev triggered a few distractions himself. His combative welcome speech not only blasted neighbor Armenia and western mainstream media, but he called oil and gas—chief causes of climate change a “gift from the Gods.”
And then he got into a verbal spat with France, prompting the environment minister to pull out from the talks.
Argentina called its delegation home in what may be a preview for the right-wing ruled country pulling out of the Paris climate agreement.
At the same time, a letter signed by a former United Nations secretarygeneral and ex-top climate negotiators called for dramatic reform of the talks. But several authors said the letter was
being misinterpreted.
Activists blasted the talks as being too wedded to fossil fuels, citing Aliyev’s comments, the fact that Azerbaijan is a big oil producer and that more than 1,700 people connected to the fossil fuel industry were part of the negotiations.
A sense of optimism, but not urgency S OM E top leaders already at the climate talks expressed “cautious optimism” but added that the larger goal of climate talks should be front and center next week.
“We need to keep 1.5 alive,” said Alliance of Small Island States Chair
Cedric Schuster referring to the climate goal set nine years ago at the Paris climate talks to keep global heating to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times.
Schuster, who is also the environment minister of Samoa, a Pacific island impacted by rising seas, added that “discussions are progressing, and we hope to get there.”
Sehr Raheja from New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment said countries have gone for the “lowest hanging fruit so far” and said developed nations “will have to engage in good faith on the issues of total money needed” if there’s a chance of getting a strong outcome.
Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare called for more urgency from the talks.
“Despite the recent devastation the world has experienced and the soaring rise in temperatures, the urgency really hasn’t yet been felt here in Baku,” he said.
Kamala Harris raised $1 billion-plus in defeat; she’s still sending persistent appeals to donors
By Bill Barrow & Joey Cappelletti
AThe Associated Press
T l A NTA—Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party’s prodigious fundraising operation raised more than $1 billion i n her loss to Donald Trump, but the vice president is still pushing donors for more money after the election.
Democrats are sending persistent appeals to Harris supporters without expressly asking them to cover any potential debts, enticing would-be donors instead with other matters: the Republican president-elect’s picks for his upcoming administration and a handful of pending congressional contests where ballots are s till being tallied.
“The Harris campaign certainly spent more than they raised and is now busy trying to fundraise,” said Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist from Michigan. He said he was been asked by the campaign after its loss to Trump to help with fundraising.
The party is flooding Harris’ lucrative email donor list with neard aily appeals aimed at small-dollar donors—those whose contributions are measured in the hundreds of dollars or less. But Hemond said the p ostelection effort also includes individual calls to larger donors.
T he scramble now underscores the expense involved in a losing effort and the immediate challenges facing Democrats as they try to maintain a baseline political operation to c ounter the Trump administration and prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. It also calls into question how Democrats used their resources, including hosting events with musicians and other celebrities as well as r unning ads in a variety of nontraditional spaces such as l a s Vegas’ D OMED S phere. Internally, the apparent cash
crunch is being blamed for the campaign’s decision to stop paying many s enior staff as of Saturday, even those initially told they would be paid through the end of the year. Facing internal frustration, the campaign notified those affected in recent days that their health insurance would be covered through the end of the year, according to one person with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity to share internal discussions.
Another person familiar with the fundraising effort and the Democratic National Committee’s finances said the Harris campaign’s expected shortfall is a relatively small sum compared to the breadth of the campaign, which reported having $119 million cash on hand in mid-October before the November 5 election. That person was not a uthorized to publicly discuss the campaign’s finances and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Patrick Stauffer, chief financial officer for the Harris campaign, said in a statement that “there were no
outstanding debts or bills overdue” on Election Day and there “will be no debt” listed for either the campaign or the DNC on their next financial disclosures, which are due t o the Federal Election Commission in December.
The person familiar with the campaign and DNC’s finances said it was i mpossible to know just where Harris’ balance sheet stands currently. T he campaign still is getting invoices from vendors for events and other services from near the end of the race. The campaign also has outstanding receipts; for example, from media organizations that must pay for their e mployees’ spots on Air Force Two as it traveled for the vice president’s campaign activities.
Within hours of Trump picking Florida Republican Matt Gaetz for attorney general on Wednesday, Harris’ supporters got an appeal for more m oney for “the Harris Fight Fund,” citing the emerging Trump team and its agenda.
Gaetz, who resigned his House seat after the announcement, “will weaponize the Justice Department to protect themselves,” the e-mail said. It said Democrats “must stop them from executing Trump’s plans for revenge and retribution” and noted that “even his Republican allies are shocked by this” Cabinet choice.
Another appeal followed Friday in Harris’ name.
“The light of America’s promise will burn bright as long as we keep fighting,” the e-mail said, adding that “there are still a number of critical races across the country that are e ither too close to call or with the margin of recounts or certain legal challenges.” The e-mails do not mention Harris’ campaign or its finances. C appelletti reported from Lansing, Michigan. AP National
Iran seeks meeting with Musk amid efforts to ease tensions with Trump administration
By Matthew Lee & Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Iran suc -
cessfully sought a meet -
ing with Elon Musk, according to a US official, one in a s eries of steps that appeared aimed at easing tensions with Presidentelect Donald Trump.
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir
Saeid Iravani met with Musk—a Trump ally named this week to advise his administration on ways to cut the federal government—on Monday in New York, according to a US official briefed on the meeting by a foreign colleague.
T he official said he had been informed that the discussion covered a variety of topics, most notably Iran’s nuclear program,
its support for anti-Israel groups throughout the Middle East and prospects for improved relations with the United States.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a n on-US governmental meeting, said no immediate decisions were taken by either side. The official said the Iranians sought the meeting with Musk, the world’s richest m an, and that it did not take place at the Iranian mission to the UN.
The Trump transition team would not confirm or deny the meeting, which was first reported by The New York Times.
“The American people re-elected President Trump because they t rust him to lead our country and restore peace through strength around the world. When he returns to the White House, he will take
the necessary action to do just that,” Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition, s aid in a statement.
However, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported on Saturday that Iran’s Foreign Ministry s pokesman Esmail Baghaei denied the country’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani met with M usk in New York and expressed surprise at the extensive media coverage by American outlets on this matter.
Iran’s outreach comes as Trump has been announcing picks for key foreign policy posts—including Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser—who are expected to be tough on Iran.
Intelligence officials have said Iran opposed Trump’s second
term, seeing him as more likely to increase tension between Washington and Tehran. Trump’s administration ended a nuclear deal w ith Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an act that prompted Iran’s leaders to vow revenge.
The Justice Department this month revealed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Trump, c harging a man who said he had been tasked by an Iranian government official in September with p lanning Trump’s assassination. The Iranian foreign ministry rejected the report.
T he plot was part of what federal officials have described as on going efforts by Iran to target US government officials, including Trump, on US soil. Last summer,
for instance, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani man w ith ties to Iran in a murder-forhire plot targeting American officials.
M eanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed US officials, that Iran told the Biden administration in a written message delivered on Oct. 14 that it would not try to kill Trump. It was a response to an earlier warning from the US that an attempt on Trump’s life would be considered an act of war, the Journal reported. In response to inquiries about reports in the Journal and other outlets, Iran’s UN mission said it does not issue public statements about “official messages e xchanged between the two countries.”
“ The Islamic Republic of Iran
has long declared its commitment to pursuing Martyr Soleimani’s assassination through legal and judicial avenues, while adhering fully to the recognized principles of international law,” its statement said.
W hile Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final s ay on all matters of state, has repeatedly expressed his own disgust with Trump, Iran’s new reformist president has kept the door open to talks with Trump to seek relief from international sanctions.
The Trump transition team did not respond to messages seeking comment on the Iranian mission’s statement Friday. Lederer reported from the United Nations. AP reporter Michelle L. Price contributed from West Palm Beach, Florida.
TEditor: Jennifer A. Ng
aims to export more avocados to Japan
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE Philippines is targeting to ship more Hass avocados to Japan next year after it gained access to the East Asian nation’s food market.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), an agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA), said Manila wants to increase Hass avocado shipments to 484,000 kilos, or 484 metric tons, worth $1.584 million in 2025.
According to Tokyo-based Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang, the Philippines is the first country in Asia to export Hass avocados to Japan.
“This provides local producers with an excellent opportunity to capitalize on Japan’s growing demand for fresh fruits.”
grown Hass avocados to access other international markets. The successful entry of Hass avocados underscores the potential for further expansion of Philippine agricultural product exports.”
With increasing demand for Philippine fruits in Japan and globally, the DA said the Philippines is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the Japanese market and expand its agricultural exports worldwide.
“Securing access to Japan’s highly competitive market for Hass avocados is a significant step forward in our trade relations with Japan,” he said in a statement.
The Philippines recently deliv -
BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said the inclusion of Hass avocados in the Philippine export portfolio to Japan was the culmination of over decade-long efforts, with initial access requests dating back to 2011.
Experts: Open dialogue key to increasing support for GM crops
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
RESEARCHERS engaged in genetic modification (GM) and gene editing (GE) may not fully consider the broader social and ethical implications of their work, according to experts.
During a forum titled “#GeneTalks,” scientists and legal experts discussed the need for accountability and transparency in advancing genetic research and technology in the country. The forum was organized by the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science’s Office of the Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise.
According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, the Philippines is fifth in Asia and 14th globally in genetically modified crop adoption. GM maize, for one, is cultivated by nearly half a million planters.
However, a 2015 Supreme Court ruling effectively halted field testing for GM eggplant, signaling a more cautious stance toward GM technologies that now influences both public perception and regulatory policy.
During the campaign’s first session on November 4, experts discussed GM research’s role in agriculture, the regulatory landscape, and food security.
Ernelea Cao, Professor Emeritus at the UP Diliman Institute of Biology, detailed regulatory processes governing GM research, while lawyer Edmund Jason Baranda explained a recent Court of Appeals ruling restricting “use, field testing, direct use as food or feed, or processing, commercial propagation, and importation” of GMOs in the Philippines.
Given these restrictions, Pia Bagamasbad, director of the UP
Diliman College of Science National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), noted the “potential disconnect” between scientific research and its broader consequences.
“Scientists may not always be aware of the broader implications of GM research and products,” said Bagamasba, adding that there is a need for explainng how GM technology affects society.
A study cited by the Alliance for Science indicated that the economic value of GM corn grew significantly between 2002 and 2019, with GM corn acreage expanding by an annual average of 31 percent. Today, nearly a third of Filipino corn farmers, or around 460,000 families, rely on GM corn, which is planted in 835,000 hectares of farmlands.
Despite this, misconceptions about GM crops still persist. A 2023 study in the International Journal of Food and Agriculture Science pointed out that while many Filipino stakeholders support biotechnology, health risks and environmental safety concerns continue to affect public opinion.
The second session of the forum last November 11 explored the applications and ethical considerations of GE technologies. Reynante Ordonio of the Philippine Rice Research Institute discussed biotechnology’s role in agriculture, while Ron Leonard Dy, NIMBB associate professor, focused on GE’s uses in diagnostics.
Ma. Anita Bautista, NIMBB Deputy Director for Research and Extension, said open dialogue is essential and that communicating genetic research through talks provides transparency.
“When scientists share information about genetic research and their outcomes, they implicate their authenticity, accountability, and moral and social values.”
PHOTO FROM WWW.APHIS.USDA.GOV
ered its first shipment of 2,240 boxes of Hass avocados equivalent to 12,320 kilos worth $40,320.
“[The] target next year is to ship 88,000 boxes equivalent to 484,000 kilograms of Hass avocados amounting to $1.584 million.”
Japan is a major buyer of Philippine agricultural products. Last year, Japan’s purchases of local agri-fisheries products reached $1.1 billion, allowing the Philippines to enjoy a trade surplus of $990 million.
Japan is a major importer of Hass avocados, with imports valued at $160 million or equivalent to 61,000 metric tons (MT) in 2023. Key suppliers include Mexico, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The agency said the Hass variety, favored for its smaller size and pebbly skin that turns purplish-black when ripe, is particularly well-suited to Japanese preferences.
“Gaining entry into Japan’s discerning market is anticipated to pave the way for Philippine-
“This is a testament to the Philippines’ dedication to expanding its agricultural exports and the high quality of our farm produce,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.
“We are optimistic that this access granted by Japan will lead to opportunities in other international markets for locally-grown Hass avocados.”
Bad weather fails to dent unloading volume of fish ports
FISH unloaded in the country’s regional ports rose by 4.37 percent year-on-year in the third quarter despite bad weather, according to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).
In its quarterly bulletin, the agency said regional fish ports (RFPs) delivered 129,227.50 metric tons (MT) to consumers in July to September. This was higher than the 123,813.37 MT recorded in the same period last year.
The PFDA said the landed catch during the three-month period was equivalent to an average daily unloading of 1,404.65 MT.
On a quarterly basis, however, the agency said the third quarter’s volume was 30.73 percent lower than the 186,557.96 MT posted
in the second quarter.
The PFDA also said the ports opened their doors to 19,687 vessels and serviced 8,750 clients and port users throughout the reference period.
It added that the RFPs recorded ice production of 9,341.55 MT in July to September.
Meanwhile, the PFDA said the utilization rate of piers and quays reached 189 percent amid the ongoing rehabilitation for new facilities.
“Once the rehabilitation and improvements projects in PFDA RFPs come to completion, this high utilization rate could soon be addressed.”
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that fisheries output contracted by 5.1
percent in the third quarter.
The total volume of fisheries production from July to September was 965,715 MT, lower than the 1.02 million metric tons (MMT) recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.
“Decreases in production were noted in all subsectors, namely, commercial, marine municipal fisheries, inland municipal fisheries, and aquaculture,” the PSA said in its latest fisheries situation report.
The production of commercial fisheries slid by 8.4 percent to 210,850 MT from the previous year’s 230,190 MT, while marine municipal fisheries dropped by 5.4 percent to 196,130 MT from the 207,210 MT recorded last year.
The PSA said inland municipal fisheries production fell by 12.2 percent to 46,260 MT from the 52,690 MT recorded in the same period last year, while aquaculture production declined by 2.8 percent to 512,470 MT from the previous year’s 527,150 MT.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier authorized the importation of 30,000 MT of pelagic fish to augment supply during the closed fishing season.
The three-month closed fishing season started in waters northeast of Palawan last November 1 and recently in the Visayan Seas and Zamboanga Peninsula on November 15. All three areas are spawning grounds for small pelagic fishes like sardines and mackerel. Ada Pelonia
‘PHL, other SE Asian nations to buy more farm machines’
By Estrella Torres
OLOGNA
B—The Philippines is fast becoming a major market for agriculture equipment, along with Vietnam and Thailand, as nations step up food production in the face of climate change-induced disasters.
While sales of farm machines in rich countries like Europe and North America have slowed, demand for these products is growing in Southeast Asia, according to FederUnacoma, the organization that hosted the 46th annual EIMA International Exhibition.
The Philippines, with a population of 110 million is expected to increase farm machine imports by 7.8 percent, while Vietnam is expected to increase purchases by 6.2 percent in the next four years.
Thailand, which has not been buying significant quantities of imported farm equipment in the
last 15 years, is projected to boost its purchases by an average of 6.8 percent from 2024 to 2027.
Mariateresa Maschio, president of FederUnacoma said the demand for agricultural machinery will grow “significantly” due to population growth.
“In the coming years, the geography of the markets will still see Europe and North America in the foreground, yet an increasing role will be played by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, which are already recording growth in imports of specific machinery,” Maschio said during a recent press briefing held at the opening of EIMA International Exhibition held at the Palazzo dei Congressi.
She said the agricultural sector must respond to the challenges of the markets in terms of increasing production yields and sustainability.
“The agricultural machinery
sector must produce technologies that adapt to the most diverse environmental and climatic contexts, and that support agriculture in solving problems related to the lack of water resources and the loss of soil fertility.”
The leader of FederUnacoma said that while there is a contraction in the sales of agricultural equipment, this may be attributed to “cyclical factors” rather than a real decline to global demand.
FederUnacoma cited the unfavorable trend in the agricultural and industrial sectors in the first six months of 2024.
“No trend reversals are expected for the rest of the year,” said Maschio, stressing that the decline is due to cyclical factors, not to a drop in the need for technologies, driven by a constantly developing agriculture.
She said the farm sector is directly affected by the high cost of raw materials and energy supplies—
linked to geopolitical factors and the war in the Middle East—while the restrictive monetary policies implemented to contain inflation has reduced access to credit and slowed investments.
Data from Agrievolution, the organization that brings together the manufacturers’ associations of the main countries, indicate a 12 percent year-on-year drop in overall tractor sales in the first six months of the year compared to the first half of 2023.
India, which has seen an almost uninterrupted upward trend in sales in recent years, recorded a 10-percent decline as did China. Sales of American-made farm equipment dropped by 12 percent. Manufacturers in European countries, such as France and Germany also sold fewer equipment. Significant drops were also recorded in Canada (-16 percent), Japan (-28 percent), Russia (-32 percent) and Turkey (-20 percent).
Tea is a way of life in Azerbaijan and center stage at COP29. But it’s not immune to climate change
BAKU , Azerbaijan—Agreements might not yet be brewing amongst negotiators at United Nations climate talks, but tea certainly is.
It’s one of the clearest reminders that the climate summit—COP29—is hosted by Azerbaijan. Attendees who roam for miles within the indoor venue have ample options to take a pit stop for sugar and caffeine: shops stack high mountains of pastries with sugary, nutty pakhlava and cardamom-tinged, crescent-shaped shekerbura. At Azerbaijan’s country pavilion, women in Baku’s traditional dress pour the warm drink for visitors.
All of it, like daily life in the city outside, revolves around tea—which climate change threatens around the globe. As
world leaders descend on the capital city of Baku for climate talks, researchers who study tea report that in some regions around the world, tea cultivation could decrease by over half as rising temperatures, drought, heavy precipitation and erosion batter tea plants and the land they grow on. Scientists are studying ways to improve tea varieties and preparing for a future where some tea production moves north, along with many other crops hard hit by climate change.
Tea “is a source of livelihood for our region; especially for the local people, for tea producers,” said Keziban Yazici, a professor who has been studying the effects of climate change on tea, speaking in Turkish. “We need to take the necessary precautions
against climate change to make this product sustainable.”
Her team has been working on developing drought-resistant tea varieties at their university in Rize, Turkey, one of the major tea-producing areas in the Caucasus region. Yazici traveled to Azerbaijan this spring to initiate further cooperation between the countries—which have many similarities in tea culture and growing—on preparing tea crops for the threat of climate change.
The perilous future of this beloved drink serves as a reminder that if the world fails to meet the global warming goals set in the Paris Agreement, many places around the world stand to grieve not just lives and livelihoods, but also treasured elements of cultural heritage.
“Culture and the future has to be aligned,” said Fatima Fataliyeva, the senior sustainability director for the COP29 operation company, who was responsible for the design of the Azerbaijan pavilion at the venue. “My mom taught me this, so I will (teach) my kids, so it doesn’t disappear.”
Fataliyeva described the importance for her team of including Azerbaijani culture at the venue. The first thing that comes to your attention, she said, is tea.
From an early age, she learned that drinking tea symbolized hospitality and respect. Tea is for drinking with family and friends, in the home and out on dates. It’s central in gossiping and matchmaking, for grandpas playing chess, on festivals and in times of mourning. People drink it from
pear-shaped glasses called armudu that keep the bottom of the tea warm while cooling the top, sometimes served with a wedge of orange or lemon and a lump of boiled sugar.
“When you are happy, you drink tea. When you are sad, you drink tea,” said Levent Kurnaz, a professor who studies climate change and ways of combatting invasive pests that are likely to cause increasing harm to tea plants.
Kurnaz attended COP29 in part because he saw it as an important way to communicate about climate change—a topic he says isn’t talked about as widely in Turkey and Azerbaijan but that is already slamming the few subject-matter experts in the region with a vast array of problems, present and
future, in fields ranging from agriculture to immigration.
“Climate change will affect this region seriously,” Kurnaz said, especially for farmers, many of them women, who have grown tea all their lives. “They don’t have a clue what to do when tea production goes sour. But at some point it will.” Azerbaijan is 25th on the list of top crude oil exporting countries and one of the birthplaces of the oil industry, one of leading sources of planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions. The country is planning to hike its fossil fuel production over the next decade to meet demand from Europe, and their oil production has been a point of controversy since the beginning of this COP. AP
PHL: A Crucial test case for the Loss and Damage Fund
TH
e recent developments surrounding the Loss and Damage Fund (FrLD) during the 29th Conference of Parties (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan mark a pivotal moment for the Philippines and for climate-vulnerable nations around the globe. With the signing of the Host Country Agreement by Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR)
Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and the FrLD Board Co-Chairs, the Philippines is poised to play a critical role in shaping the operational framework of this much-anticipated fund. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Loyzaga: PHL may be test case for Loss/Damage Fund,” November 14, 2024).
As Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga noted, the Philippines stands as a “test case” for the FrLD, especially in light of the recent spate of tropical cyclones that have wreaked havoc nationwide. This assertion is not merely a reflection of the country’s unfortunate circumstances; it underscores the urgent need for a robust support system for nations grappling with the relentless impacts of climate change.
The FrLD was established at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt with the objective of addressing the cumulative losses faced by countries like the Philippines, which are on the front lines of climate disasters. The recent catastrophic weather events serve as a stark reminder of the stakes involved. As Yulo-Loyzaga pointed out, the devastation inflicted on critical infrastructure—hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities—highlights the immediate need for funding to facilitate recovery and resilience-building efforts.
The swift legislative support from Congress and President Marcos in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act is commendable. It not only grants the FrLD Board legal standing but also signifies the Philippine government’s commitment to addressing climate-related challenges. This cooperation sets a precedent, demonstrating the potential for effective governance and resource mobilization in response to climate crises.
However, the effectiveness of the FrLD will ultimately hinge on timely contributions from global partners. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga echoed the call from COP28 President Sultan Ahmed al Jaber for pledges to transform into actionable contributions. The urgency is palpable; recent estimates indicate that global climate finance needs surpass $1 trillion annually, far exceeding the previous $100 billion goal set during the Paris Agreement.
The Philippines’ role as host for the FrLD Board is a testament to its leadership in the global climate dialogue. Yet, it is also a heavy burden; the country is not merely a participant but a living testament to the need for immediate action. Yulo-Loyzaga’s poignant remarks about the ongoing turmoil faced by Filipinos serve as a clarion call for the international community: the time for discussion has passed; now is the time for action.
As the world gathers for COP29, the focus must shift from lofty agreements to tangible outcomes. The Philippines’ experiences can provide invaluable insights into the realities faced by climate-vulnerable countries. By leveraging its position, the Philippines can advocate for a framework that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term resilience and adaptation strategies.
The Loss and Damage Fund offers a crucial opportunity for the Philippines and other vulnerable nations. As a pilot case, the Philippines can showcase how effective and timely funding significantly improves recovery and resilience efforts. Success hinges on international cooperation and commitment, but this initiative offers hope for a future where vulnerable nations can flourish despite the challenges of climate change.
BusinessMirror
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes M.
The LRT-1 Cavite extension, just in time for the holiday rush
JuST
RISING SUN
a few years ago, commuting from northern Metro Manila, like Quezon City, to the southern part of Manila often meant taking a bus to Baclaran and then transferring to another bus to reach your destination. This journey was compounded by heavy traffic and the physical challenge of competing with crowds eager to board the limited number of buses.
The commuting landscape has significantly changed with the opening of the much anticipated first phase of the Light Rail Transit-1 Cavite extension on November 16, 2024. This development complements the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which has been operational since November 2018, offering relief to Metro Manila commuters and those using provincial buses, jeepneys, taxis, and UV Express shuttles. These infrastructures promise a faster, more efficient, and more comfortable transit option. The LRT-1 extension, in particular, is expected to cut travel time and ease
congestion significantly.
The newly inaugurated Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, while not yet reaching Cavite itself, now connects Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City. Along the way, five new stations have been opened: Redemptorist-ASEANA Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos Station (formerly Sucat Station). The extension operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., catering to all types of commuters, including students and late-shift workers.
The newly inaugurated Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, while not yet reaching Cavite itself, now connects Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City. Along the way, five new stations have been opened: RedemptoristASEANA Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos Station (formerly Sucat Station).
Early users have reported significant savings due to the new extension, with some commuters reducing their daily expenses by as much as P50. Additionally, the faster travel times have helped many save up to 55 minutes per trip, greatly improving convenience. According to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, traveling the entire LRT-1 route—from Fernando Poe Jr. Station in Quezon City to Dr. Santos Station—now costs P45, definitely an affordable option for many commuters.
The Philippines’ transportation infrastructure, including systems like the LRT and MRT, has continuously evolved across various
Can a court prevent the government from pursuing
Aadministrations. The development of these heritage projects began in 1984, with the inauguration of LRT Line 1, Southeast Asia’s first light rail system. The LRT-1 Cavite Extension traces its roots back to the administration of former President Joseph Estrada. Several other transformative transportation projects are underway, such as the North-South Commuter Railway, the MRT-7, and the Unified Grand Central Station in Quezon City. The Grand Central Station will integrate four major railways: LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the under-construction Metro Manila Subway, aiming to streamline connectivity and commuter convenience.
As the holiday season approaches, a surge in passengers using the new LRT-1 extension is anticipated. Many hope the LRT-1 administration has adequately prepared for potential overcrowding during this busy period. Nevertheless, the timing of the extension’s opening, just before Christmas, is widely seen as a practical and much-needed improvement for daily commuters, offering greater ease and efficiency during the festive (and hectic) season.
economic development goals?
LITO GAGNI
COuRTROOM drama has unfolded, centering on a crucial matter regarding the government’s mandate. This involves the Bases Conversion Development Authority and the Clark Development Authority, both facing legal scrutiny over their pursuit of an economic development initiative for the Kalangitan Landfill whose contract expired on October 6, 2024.
The Kalangitan Landfill, through its operator, Metro Clark, has obtained a temporary restraining order from a court in Capas, Tarlac, effectively halting the eviction process. However, there are concerns that this legal decision is being exploited to justify the ongoing activities at the landfill site.
In effect, Metro Clark refuses to vacate the property despite the eviction notice. Furthermore, it is continuing to operate as a landfill, contravening the government’s takeover, given that the contract has already expired.
The court’s decision appears to have attempted to rewrite the law that granted the BCDA and the CDC
the authority to oversee former US military bases transferred to the Philippine government after the termination of the bases agreement with the US. This creates an apparent disconnect between the court’s interpretation and the original legislative intent.
The landfill’s operations are now illegal without the contract, thus no Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) or permit to operate can be validly issued. The court appears to have not only failed in its obligation to clarify the situation but also enabled the breach of legal regulations.
Metro Clark contends that it is facing an unjust eviction, yet the CDC, in alignment with its mandate, finds
The court’s decision appears to have attempted to rewrite the law that granted the BCDA and the CDC the authority to oversee former US military bases transferred to the Philippine government after the termination of the bases agreement with the US. This creates an apparent disconnect between the court’s interpretation and the original legislative intent.
no alternative recourse. Primarily, the CDC is tasked with formulating and executing utilization programs for the base lands, notably the Kalangitan Landfill, with a key emphasis on fostering economic development.
After the Metro Clark contract expired on October 6, 2024, the CDC viewed this as a strategic moment to progress with plans for a more efficient utilization of the landfill site.
The CDC has full authority to pursue these actions. Failure to acknowledge this by the Capas court risks navigating perilous legal terrain that may lead to unforeseen repercussions.
The CDC’s actions are fully authorized by law, specifically Republic Act No. 7227 (as amended), Executive Order No. 80 (1993), Presidential Decree No. 66, and other relevant
legislation, within its jurisdiction over the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zones.
Earlier, Metro Clark raised concerns about a potential garbage crisis linked to the impending closure of its landfill. However, this concern was dismissed as unfounded, given the presence of three alternative sanitary landfills capable of taking over once the BCDA and CDC reclaim the 100-hectare property for enhanced economic initiatives. Both the BCDA and the CDC have contended that the purported garbage crisis is “fake news” and have proceeded to refute the allegations. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. instructed government agencies to combat false information with factual evidence to ensure that the public remains well-informed about governmental efforts to develop new economic programs. Three sanitary landfills are available to handle the waste previously managed by Kalangitan. The first is the 91-hectare Category 4 Sanitary Landfill in Floridablanca, Pampanga, capable of processing up to 3,500 metric tons, equivalent to Kalangitan’s load. Additionally, Eco Protect Management Corp. runs a 34-hectare facility, and Prime
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
Xi says China is ready to work with Trump to boost relations
By Jenny Leonard
ChInese leader Xi Jinping told Us President Joe Biden that he’s ready to work with Donald Trump to improve the relationship between the world’s biggest economies.
Speaking at the start of what’s expected to be their final meeting before Trump takes office, Xi told Biden that the US and China should strive for peaceful co-existence over the long term. He said “solidarity and cooperation” are needed to help humanity overcome difficulties, adding that “neither decoupling nor supply chain disruption is a solution.”
“China is ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences, so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-US relationship for the benefit of the two peoples,” Xi said at the meeting in Lima, Peru. Biden, speaking in response, said he was “very proud” of the progress between the two sides.
“These conversations prevent miscalculations and they ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict,” Biden said, adding that cooperation has improved on military communication, AI risks and counternarcotics.
Xi called the meeting “candid, profound and constructive, adding that common interests between the US and China are expanding rather than shrinking. He told Biden a “new Cold War” shouldn’t be fought and called on the US to refrain from any moves that have a “chilling effect.”
Biden has just about two months before he hands power to Trump, who has threatened 60 percent tariffs on China—a level that risks decimating trade between the world’s biggest economies. Early appointments by the president-elect—including China hawks Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Mike Waltz as national security advisor—suggest he is readying an adversarial stance toward Beijing.
Biden and Xi have sought to stabilize relations and build on a summit a year ago in San Francisco, which reset ties after his administration shot down a Chinese spy balloon drifting over the continental US and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, prompting Beijing to hold military exercises surrounding the island. Taiwan remains the biggest military flashpoint between the US and China, and the most sensitive issue for Xi.
Even so, tensions remain following a tumultuous four years that saw both nations take steps to become more self-reliant in preparation for a potential conflict, even if one isn’t inevitable or planned. The Biden administration has moved to deny Beijing advanced AI chips and other technology, pressuring US allies to comply with export controls designed to ensure the US maintains its military superiority over China. At the start of the meeting, Xi told Biden that major countries shouldn’t pursue a policy of “small yard high fences,” using a term coined by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to describe the US efforts to ensure China can’t access cutting-
Gagni . . .
continued from A10
Pampanga. The combined capacity of all three facilities can handle roughly 11,000 metric tons of garbage daily, three times more than the amount of waste Kalangitan disposes of each day. Therefore, there is no imminent crisis. Instead, the closure of the Capas, Tarlac garbage site is expected to enable unbridled economic growth, as development plans are being prepared for that location. According to BCDA officials, the
IF/THEN equation
Wedge technology.
Afterward, Sullivan announced that the two sides agreed to avoid giving AI control of nuclear weapons. He added that Biden expressed concern over China’s support for Russia’s industrial base and warned that North Korea’s move to send troops to help Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine had consequences for peace and security in Asia as well Europe.
The alliance between Putin and Kim Jong Un is becoming a headache for Xi. Although he’s supported both leaders, Xi has sought to portray Beijing as neutral regarding the war in Ukraine and pushed to improve ties with the US and its allies. The Kim-Putin partnership risks adding economic pressure on China, and it undermines Xi’s argument that the US shouldn’t have military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
Biden also raised China’s hack of US telecom providers with Xi, Sullivan said, without elaborating. China’s state-sponsored hack of US telecommunications systems—an effort to steal call records and communications from US political candidates and aides, including those from Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaigns—extended to T-Mobile US Inc., the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday. China has denied any effort to interfere in US politics.
For his part, Xi urged the US to avoid interfering in the South China Sea and said it should “recognize the separatist nature” of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. China claims Taiwan as its territory and his threatened to take it by force if necessary. Overall, the meeting was an opportunity for Xi to take stock of the relationship as he considers how to brace his country for a possible tariff shock when Trump returns to the White House. China’s manufacturing push has helped drive export growth to the fastest in two years, buoying an economy struggling with a prolonged real estate slump and deflation.
‘Obvious fact’
SULLIVAN said Biden noted the “obvious fact” that a new administration would take over on Jan. 20, but didn’t project ahead to what might be coming.
“The incoming administration is not in the business of providing us assurances about anything; they will make their own decisions as they go forward,” Sullivan said.
With the threat of Trump’s tariffs looming, Xi has spent much of the APEC summit positioning China as a more reliable free trade partner. He held meetings with a range of US allies and partners and inaugurated a new $1.3 billion deep-water port in Peru, while calling on APEC leaders to “tear down the walls” impeding trade, investment, technology and services.
Xi also announced that he would host the APEC summit in 2026, which would be an opportunity for Trump to potentially visit China. With assistance from Rebecca Choong Wilkins, Jing Li and Lauren Dezenski /Bloomberg
redevelopment of the former Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac will not only spur progress in the province but also create employment opportunities for a greater number of Filipinos, including those impacted by the closure of Kalangitan. The 100-hectare facility is set to undergo rezoning according to the BCDA masterplan outlined in the New Clark City Master Development Plan. It is anticipated that approximately 30,000 jobs will become available following the decommissioning of the sanitary landfill. It is essential for the court to consider this aspect: Why impede progress?
Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.
hen I took up computer language courses way back before my cadetship days, I encountered IF/Then statements for the computer to make choices—IF this is the condition, Then do this; IF that is the situation, Then do this. It is a fork where if a certain condition exists or occurs, then the program flows one way and not the other. In logic, IF serves as the hypothesis whereas Then serves as the conclusion in a typical deductive reasoning argument. In certain relationships, the IF serves as a condition that, once fulfilled, the Then, which is seen as the promise, becomes the result.
In law, these conditions (IF) are generally used to enforce or guarantee compliance of certain events before certain obligations (THEN) arise or are extinguished. As to waivers, when a person waives a claim or a right, it is usually in exchange simultaneously for a condition. In employment law, for instance, employees are required to execute a quitclaim and a waiver (abandoning any legal claim against the company) in exchange for some financial compensation and clearance. In contract law, clauses are inserted that parties waive in advance certain rights to sue (except for fraud causes) as part of getting some concessions in the agreement. These are IF/THEN statements that are transactional in nature whereas the IF/THEN statements used in computer language are
considered consequential.
When former President Duterte initially assured lawmakers conducting the Quad Committee hearings that he would sign the waiver of bank secrecy laws unconditionally, some were taken by surprise. One legislator even had to reaffirm such startling commitment by asking Duterte to reconfirm such unconditional waiver. I am not surprised that during the course of the investigations, Duterte later introduced conditions, including publicly slapping former Sen. Trillanes in exchange for his waiver. Such a waiver is important in establishing the guilt or innocence of a party under investigations since the Bank Secrecy Law states that “all deposits of whatever nature with banks may not be examined, inquired or looked into” by any
entity except under certain conditions such as “when there is written permission of the depositor made knowingly, voluntarily and with sufficient awareness of circumstances and consequences.” Some can readily agree that IF a person believes that he is not guilty, THEN he should sign the waiver. There is no need for conditions, after all, those documents should speak for themselves. But one cannot easily conclude that IF a person refuses to sign a waiver, THEN he is guilty. It is a fallacious argument. The issue on Duterte’s waiver is purely transactional and never consequential. For lawyers, there is still that evidential burden required to prove a person’s guilt. There remains a challenge in all these waivers in law. As much as a person is given a right, he cannot simply waive his right without giving up anything in exchange in most cases.
However, as believers, our daily prayers can’t have any of these IF/ THEN “transactional” equations wherein we can bargain one for the other as in any earthly contract. His Grace is overflowing and gives us exactly what we need, not necessarily what we pray for. His love for us is unconditional; we need only to accept. But the most important IF/ THEN equation, not transactional but consequential, that stood out for me in the Bible was when Jesus challenged our minds when he said—“For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Pursuing our lives remains as a personal choice. For believers, we are asked to prioritize
Tech-driven government sustainability efforts THE PATRIOT
IJoel L. Tan-Torres
DEBIT CREDIT
Part two
ConTIn Ue my discussion of the initiatives of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in using technology to promote environmental sustainability, together with enhancing its tax administration and collection efficiency.
The BIR will soon fully implement the e-invoicing system for some designated large taxpayers. This is part of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which enhances tax administration and collection with the requirement that taxpayers provide the BIR information on their business transactions on a 24/7 real-time basis for the BIR to better monitor the tax compliance of the affected transacting taxpayers. T his e-invoicing supports the sustainability environmental thrust of society with the minimization of the adverse environmental impact of printing and paper waste arising from the issuance of invoices by business enterprises. In addition,
e-invoicing can also lead to benefits in terms of operational efficiency in the transactions and recording of business entities. I just hope that the implementation of this e-invoicing mandated in the TRAIN law will soon move forward to bring in the desired positive outcomes.
I also envision that the BIR can lead the way in expanding the coverage of the e-invoicing process to include a substantial portion of the taxpayer community. In this way, the benefits that I cited above may be attained in a broader scope. This can follow the models of Korea, Italy, Brazil, India, and Mexico, which have some form of universal application of e-invoicing, covering even small and medium-sized enterprises,
One noteworthy initiative of the BIR is the recent re-launch of the Educational Tour Program for students in October 2024. The program aims to orient students to the BIR’s role in nation-building and its contributions to the country’s economic development. Aside from being briefed on the how’s and why’s of taxation, the students were able to tour the BIR National Office to observe how the tax officers do their work and engage with taxpayers. I commend this worthwhile initiative of Commissioner Romeo Lumagui in educating students who will be the future taxpayers of the land.
During the tour visits, the BIR briefed the students on the Bureau’s strategic pillars, particularly its emphasis on the delivery of excellent taxpayer service, efficient tax collection, and the importance of national internal revenue taxes in sustaining the government programs and delivery of vital services.
I suggest the inclusion of the topic of environmental sustainability and taxation. These can include discussions on the contribution of the BIR programs such as the e-invoicing and Electronic Filing and Payment System in cutting the use of paper and fuel as a result of these online transactions, tax incentive laws on renewable energy and other sustain-
eternal rewards and not worldly recognition. I was taught that true success lies in spiritual integrity, which reveals an IF/THEN paradox. IF we cling tightly to earthly ambitions such as fame and fortune, THEN we forgo His promises of eternal life. However, IF we choose to surrender these worldly metrics for the sake of God’s kingdom, THEN we are rewarded in heaven. IF we focus solely on life’s immediate comforts, THEN we are giving up spiritual blessings as part of God’s family. Quite a tall order, yet doable only with God’s grace. We can all chase after fame and fortune. We can relish and cherish human accomplishments and public accolades. We can even build multiple houses and even mansions, resorts of palace-like grandeur, drive the highest end cars and have the most expensive wristwatches, shoes, bags, etc. But in the process of doing so, we risk forfeiting our true selves as God’s creation made in His own image. This is the IF/ THEN equation that we all need to consider in choosing how we conduct ourselves while here on earth.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.
able environment measures, the future of green and carbon tax, BIR’s effort in sustainability reporting, green financing, use of technology in tax administration contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and others. This information can be printed into pamphlets (or even a book) that can be distributed to the general public. It would be a good idea for Commissioner Jun Lumagui to mandate all BIR offices throughout the country to conduct similar Educational Tour programs to maximize the positive impact of this initiative. With these efforts, it then can be said that the BIR is not only involved in tax collections but is also a leading proponent of sustainable environmental development and protection.
To be continued
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held the various positions of Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip
COP29 clash brews as Saudis resist restating fossil fuel pledge
By John Ainger & Jennifer A. Dlouhy
AFIGHT is building at the United Nations climate talks over whether countries should recommit to last year’s historic pledge to transition away from fossil fuels.
European and US negotiators see restating commitments agreed last year, including a boost in efficiency and renewable energy deployment, as essential to prevent backtracking on the global climate fight, people familiar with the matter said. Saudi Arabia is leading a push back with a mix of delaying tactics and outright blocking maneuvers, they said, asking not to be named because the negotiations aren’t public.
The disagreement comes at a delicate juncture at COP29 in Azerbaijan. A deal on fossil fuels made
it to a final COP agreement for the first time ever last year, with COP28 host United Arab Emirates successfully getting Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations on board with a message to “transition away” from fossil fuels in Dubai. A failure to double down on the language agreed in last year’s deal is seen by developed and climate-vulnerable countries as a climbdown.
A representative for Saudi Arabia declined to immediately comment.
A tussle over the agenda at the beginning of this year’s COP stemmed from disagreements over whether—and in what forum—the commitments to slash emissions made last year should be discussed.
The main goal of this year’s negotiations is to replace an existing annual $100 billion climate finance pledge with one delivering far more
to help poorer nations build green economies and resilience to global warming. The required amount has been estimated to be more than $1 trillion a year. The US and Europe want more countries to contribute funding, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia and other rich Gulf petrostates that are responsible for a large proportion of emissions.
Separately, countries are on the hook to submit new ambitious national climate strategies by next February to ensure they are on a path set out by the Paris Agreement. The landmark deal in 2015 states that countries will aim to keep global warming to 2C, and ideally 1.5C, before the end of the century.
Saudi Arabia has described last year’s agreement to transition away from fossil fuels—the first reference to the main cause of climate change in three decades of UN talks
—as simply one option in tackling rising greenhouse gas emissions. The kingdom is the world’s biggest crude oil exporter, and is also building green projects while pursuing a multitrillion-dollar plan to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil. Including the fossil fuel language in a COP deal took 28 years and “we must ensure this commitment is not lost in translation and is reinforced in all future decisions,” Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad said. COP29 talks are about to enter their second week, a period where climate ministers provide the political impetus to settle the main issues that cannot be solved at a more technical level. Pages of negotiating text need to be reduced, brackets need to be replaced and trade-offs will be bartered in closed-door meetings. With assistance from Akshat Rathi/Bloomberg
Monday, November 18, 2024
RSA may buy Naia system for fast traveler processing
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM
THE private operator of the Philippines’ premier gateway is considering to purchase the equipment and system needed to fast-track the processing of passengers arriving and departing the country.
Speaking with reporters after a press briefing on Friday, New Naia Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) President Ramon S. Ang said in Filipino, “Right. NNIC will just buy the [biometrics system], and either we donate it [to the Bureau of Immigration] or let them use it for free.”
During the briefing, NNIC had announced that the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) is currently procuring a “fly-to-gate” biometric passenger processing system. In April, the BI announced a bidding for the “Upgrade and Expansion of Electronic Gates with a Centralized Monitoring System for the Border Management of the Bureau of Immigration” project (BI-PB-2024-040) at a cost of some P1.92 billion, paid for by funds al-
located to the agency by the General Appropriations Act 2024. Almost seven months later, the project has yet to be awarded. According to the BI, it only has 21 e-gates deployed in international ports of entry/exit (IPEE) all over the country. Th e project seeks to deploy e-gates at designated IPEE, selfservice kiosks, and will include an “automated biometric identification system (ABIS)” that will “implement advanced biometric technology for facial and fingerprint capturing for efficient traveler screening and clearance [and] integrate biometric data with the [Border Control Information System] for real-time identification and validation.”
No project update yet AMONG the IPEEs eyed for the deployment of the infrastructure and system integration are: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) passenger terminals one and three, Clark International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan which will be turned into an international airport, Francisco Bangoy (Davao) International Airport, and Zamboanga International Airport.
During a prebid conference in June, prospective bidders included: NEC Philippines Inc., iWave Inc., iOne Resources Inc., Pronet Systems Integrated Network Solutions Inc., Virtual North Technologies Corp., Agent Inc., and Secur Links Network and Technologies Inc. Under the terms of reference of the bid, BI is looking for a project proponent with a 10year experience in deploying the same system. The post-qualification meeting was supposed to have taken place on September 3, 2024.
‘NIKA’
DAMAGE TO FISHERIES, CROPS, INFRA HITS P248.5M
TYPHOON Nika has damaged crops, fisheries and farm infrastructure worth P248.47 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said in its latest bulletin that typhoon Nika displaced 10,891 farmers and fisherfolk, with 11,958 hectares of farmland. Of this, 514 hectares showed no chance of recovery.
There are no reported damage and losses yet due to [typhoon] Ofel. However, additional damage and losses are expected as assessment is ongoing in areas affected by [typhoons] Nika and Ofel.”
The agency also said that the volume of production losses across regions was 8,504 metric tons (MT).
Broken down, high-value crops sustained the bulk of the damage at 5,946 MT. This was followed by rice at 2,496 MT, corn at 62 MT, and fisheries at 0.17 MT.
T he agency said these were equivalent to P97.72 million for high-value crops; P49.08 million for rice, P14.61 million for corn, and P1.71 million for fisheries.
Based on the DA report, irrigation facilities were also
hit by the storm, with damage valued at P85.35 million.
A mid the damage sustained by the sector, the DA said it provided affected farmers with several interventions. This includes P84.88 million worth of agricultural inputs like rice, corn, and vegetable seeds; as well as drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry. It added that available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) would also be disbursed to indemnify affected farmers.
The PCIC recently issued indemnification checks worth P24.73 million to farmers and fishers from Oriental and Occidental Mindoro as compensation for the damage brought by recent typhoons.
A griculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the distribution of the indemnity checks to 1,437 insuredfarmers.
The timely release of these indemnity payments is part of government’s commitment to immediately provide assistance to farmers and fisherfolk who suffered due to typhoons,” Laurel said.
See “Damage,” A2
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
ERC issues ruling on Meralco
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
Customers of the manila electric Co. (meralco) would have to await awhile for a possible refund, estimated at P16 billion, after the energy regulatory Commission (erC) released last Friday its “modified” ruling on the fifth regulatory reset of the distribution utility.
“I am very happy that the commission unanimously this time modified our earlier split decision in August regarding the Meralco reset. It has always been my position that EPIRA requires the Commission to conduct a proper rate review, and this October 30 decision allows us to fulfill this mandate.
The timelines are very aggressive, but with everyone’s cooperation, I believe this can be achieved,” said ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta in a Viber message on Sunday.
Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the ERC is mandated to establish and enforce a methodology for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates for a distribution utility. In this case, Meralco is subject to a performance-based regulation wherein it is required to undergo a
rate reset prior to the start of the next regulatory year. In a nutshell, the ERC’s 21-page decision granted Meralco’s motion to withdraw the fifth regulatory period (5RP) application, covering July 2022-June 2026, and ordered Meralco to refile its 5RP application to cover a different period, 2025 to 2028.
“After careful review of the arguments submitted by all parties, and taking into account the developments in the four year regulatory period as filed covering years 2022 to 2026, including the regulatory years that have already lapsed as of date, the commission considered the most reasonable and achievable le procedure within the new regulatory rate reset will be completed,” the order, which was promulgated last October 30 and publicly released late Friday, read.
The rate-rest process, according to Dimalanta, is usually a forward-looking exercise that requires Meralco to submit forecast spending and proposed projects over a five-year period. The ERC will review and adjust distribution rates accordingly since this will be the basis of the distribution rate that Meralco will pass on to its consumers.
Meralco’s last rate reset process, or 4RP, covered the July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2022 period. The 4RP resulted in a refund of at least P40 billion or around P0.73 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
The split decision that Dimalanta referred to was when ERC ruled to “forego” Meralco’s 5RP. Simply put, this meant that Meralco’s 5RP is already considered lapsed. This ruling was done prior to Dimalanta’s suspension and was not made public at the time.
According to Meralco Senior Vice president and Head of Regulatory Management Jose Ronald Valles, this decision was supposed to result in the refund of P16 billion to its customers.
“In our initial estimate for at least three years, that would be around P16 billion. So that’s a big, big, big relief for consumers. That’s why we want to have that closure already.”
When Dimalanta reported for work, she said the commission, which was then led by Officer-in-Charge Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, issued a modified decision, which was also not publicly released.
Two weeks after Dimalanta’s reinstatement, the ERC has finally re-
leased the much-awaited decision on Meralco’s rate reset. “The motion for partial reconsideration, dated May 27, 2024, filed by Meralco is hereby granted with modifications: the Commission’s order dated April 16, 2024 is hereby partially reconsidered; the motion to withdraw the 5RP is hereby granted; Meralco shall file its 5RP application in accordance with the rules to be adopted by the Commission,” the order read.
Further, the ERC will initiate a rule making process, which will be subject to public consultation, to amend the commissions’ Rules for Setting the Distribution Wheeling Rates (RDWR). These amendments include “the regulatory years for 5RP of Meralco shall be modified to cover the regulatory years 2025 to 2028; and all other provisions of the RDWR to enable the commission to achieve a fair and just resolution of the 5RP as modified.”
Dimalanta described the latest ERC ruling as “twins.”
“The order itself plus the notice of rules amendment which requires public consultation,” she said via Viber.
When sought for Meralco’s comment on the latest ERC order, Valles confirmed that Meralco has received a copy of the latest order.
“The order says it is subject to public consultation and final deliberation of the Commission. So nothing is final yet. We will study the draft rules very carefully and submit our comments thereon as soon as the draft is released,” he said via Viber on Sunday.
Lance Gokongwei bags AEE award
LA nCE Y. GOkOnGWEI President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, has been named the recipient of the esteemed EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence (AEE) award.
This prestigious honor acknowledges Gokongwei’s leadership and significant contributions to the Southeast Asian business landscape. He is set to receive the award on november 18 in Singapore.
The EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence (AEE) award, established in 2015, is a celebration of business leaders who inspire excellence across industries. This award is presented by professional services organization, EY, and Bank of Singapore is the presenting title sponsor. It recognizes successful Southeast Asian entrepreneurs who drive not only economic growth but also create positive societal change for the region.
Gokongwei’s leadership at JG Summit, one of the region’s most diversified and impactful conglomerates, exemplifies these values. His focus on innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainability has helped position the company as a key driver of economic progress across Southeast Asia.
Reflecting on his guiding principles, Gokongwei shared, “I want to make a positive and lasting difference in everything I can do and pay it forward.”
This belief has been the cornerstone
of his leadership, where profitability is balanced with a commitment to creating value for stakeholders, employees, and the communities his companies serve.
Through its subsidiaries, Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and Cebu Pacific (CEB), JG Summit has successfully broadened its presence throughout ASEA n URC has established operations in major markets including Hong kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam, providing products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers across the region. Similarly, Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ leading airlines, contributed to regional connectivity, with flights spanning Southeast Asia, driving tourism, trade, and mobility.
‘Average power rate of ECs in Mindanao highest
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
ElEctric cooperatives (Ecs) in Mindanao charged the highest power rates nationwide in 2023, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on the PSA’s Compendium of Philippine Environment Statistics, electric cooperatives in Mindanao charged an average of P10.99 per kilowatt hour (kwh). This is higher than the average of P10.49 per kwh in Luzon and the P8.50 per kwh in the Visayas.
The national average power rate in 2023 reached P12.09 per kwh, according to the agency.
“The Compendium of Philippine Environment Statistics is a compilation of environment and related socioeconomic statistics collected from various government agencies,” PSA said.
The data showed there are variations in electricity prices in Mindanao. The highest rates were charged by electric cooperatives based in Davao region at P12.09 kwh followed by Northern Mindanao at P11.56 per kwh.
The lowest rate was recorded in Caraga region with an average rate of P10.40 per kwh followed by Zamboanga Peninsula at an average of P10.47 per kwh in 2023.
However, PSA noted that average electricity rates were incomplete in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where the average rate
Last week Share prices plunged for the fourth straight week, with the main index returning to the 6,600-point level on concerns about international trade and global growth.
The benchmark Philippine Stock exchange index fell 300.53 points to close at 6,676.65 points. The index was down almost all week long, except on Friday, when it gained 119.56 points.
“The local market’s technicals continue to show a bearish bias with the bourse already falling for four straight weeks, the last one being the deepest so far. The market has also broken below multiple crucial lines and zones, the last one being the 6,70006,800 support range,” Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financials Inc., said. Volume of trade reached an average of P5.58 billion. Foreign investors, who cornered 48 percent of the trades, were net sellers at P5.96 billion. all other sub-indices closed in the red, led by the all Shares index that fell 111 to 3,772.80, the Financials index declined 42.21 to 2,222.38, the Industrial index retreated 338.53 to 9,379.97, the holding Firms index plunged 357.50 to 5,588.26, the Property index dipped 130.16 to 2,535.50, the Services index plummet 71.33 to 2,078.61 and the Mining and Oil index tumbled 602.77 to 7,764.42.
For the week, losers outnumbered gainers 172 to 61 and 27 shares were unchanged.
Top gainers were Metro alliance holdings and equities Corp. B shares, asiabest Group International Inc., Makati Finance Corp., Seafront resources Corp., Omico Corp., anchor Land holdings Inc. and acesite (Phils.) hotel Corp.
Top losers, meanwhile, were Pacifica holdings Inc., Jackstones Inc., SFa Semicon Philippines Corp., Benguet Corp. B, MrC allied Inc., Imperial resources Inc. and Bloomberry resorts Corp.
this week
Share prices may rise this week but mainly on bargain hunting.
“The market’s four-week fall has brought it to even more attractive levels, opening the possibility of bargain hunting in next week’s trading. h owever, if our current headwinds are still present next week, then the risk of another decline is still high,” Tantiangco said.
headwinds include the weakness of the local currency and the rise of long-term local and US yields. It also includes concerns over the prospects of protectionist policies in the US and its impact on the global economy. On a positive note, our sound nine months corporate results may give the market support.”
Broker 2Tradeasia said broad-based rallies are not seen in the very short run due to the recent barrage of global uncertainties, on top of real erosion in present fundamentals, such as the rapid weakness of the peso.
“Inflation is looking to be more manageable than regional peers, but the country’s part-reliance on imports will likely be felt, and geopolitical tensions around this side of the globe plus upcoming typhoons in the remainder of the fourth quarter are all expected to cause some impact to growth.”
Chartwise, the market’s support is seen at 6,400. resistance is seen at the 6,700 to 6,800 range.
stock picks BrOker regina Capital Development Corp. advised clients to hold the stock of ayala Land Inc. after its price plunged below 200-day moving average, reflecting a sharp decline.
“The M aCD shows strong red histograms,
was recorded at P10.91 per kwh.
Data for Cagayan de Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao were not available in 2023. Apart from last year, data were also unavailable for Cagayan de Sulu in 2019-2021 and 2014-2016.
In the case of Lanao del Sur, electricity rate data was also missing for 2016-2018. Data for 2018 was also unavailable for Maguindanao.
Among the provinces nationwide, ECs in Mindoro Occidental charged the highest rates which averaged P19.55 per kwh in 2023. This is also the highest average recorded by the province over a 10year period.
Private utilities T H E PSA data also showed that among private utilities, electricity rates that these firms charged averaged P8.95 per kwh nationwide. The highest was recorded in the Visayas at P9.99 per kwh followed by Luzon at P8.95 per kwh and Mindanao, P7.92 per kwh.
In Luzon, the Public Utilities Department (PUD)-Olongapo charged
average of P13.29 per kwh followed by the Manila Electric Co. at P10.74 per kwh; First Bay Power at P10.50 per kwh; and Angeles Electric Corp., P10.46 per kwh.
In the Visayas, the highest rate was recorded by the Bohol Light & Power Co. at P11.41 per kwh followed by Balamban Enerzone at P10.47 per kwh and Visayas Electric Co., P10.27 per kwh. In Mindanao, the highest rates were charged by the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co. (P9.53 per kwh) and the Iligan Light and Power Co. (P9.18 per kwh).
Nonetheless, the data released by the PSA showed there were missing rates from the Bauan Electric Light System; Ibaan Electric and Engineering Corp.; Manaoag Utiliy Inc.; and Mansons Corp. for 2023.
Data for 2023 was also unavailable for San Fernando Electric Light and Power; Clark Electricity Distribution Utility; Malvar Ecozone; Mactan Electric Company Inc.; and Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD) (PPUD)-Bohol.
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
AFTER earning kudos for the timely opening of the first phase of the LRT Line 1 extension, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) was called out by senators for failing to fully utilize loans as well as delays in some key projects.
Senator Joel Villanueva, senior vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, raised concerns over the low loan utilization rate and project delays. He also called into question the rationale behind taking out foreign loans if the agency is not yet ready or capable of implementing the projects.
Noting the significant gap between the loans availed and the actual disbursements, Villanueva cited the DOTr’s outstanding loan portfolio totaling $13.78 billion (approximately P813.86 billion) from 26 foreign loans, vis-a-vis the department’s loan utilization rate that remains at a low 33.8 percent. This inefficiency, Villanueva said, has led to the accrual of high commitment fees.
“Why are we taking these loans if we are not ready or if we don’t have the capacity to implement these projects?” Villanueva asked. He emphasized that the delay in major infrastructure projects, particularly big-ticket railway projects, is not only wasting resources but also becoming a huge financial burden on the government.
The senator drew attention to the South Commuter Railway Project, which incurred the highest commitment fee in 2023 at $2.41 million (about P142 million). “This P142 million went to waste, and the public still hasn’t seen any tangible progress on these projects,” according to Villanueva.
Commitment fees are incurred by the government when funds from
AS the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) kick in next year, senators are keen on ensuring that programs are firmly in place in next year’s budget for helping thousands of Filipino workers employed by these online gaming firms.
Sen. Sherwin T. Gatchalian aired his concern regarding the impending displacement of workers at plenary deliberations on the proposed budget for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies in 2025.
Gatchalian, one of those who pushed hard for the POGO ban in marathon Sen-
Banking&Finance New peso swap market seen to help SMEs seeking loans
foreign loans are not drawn down as expected. Villanueva noted that these fees are a significant drain on national resources, which could otherwise be allocated to more immediate and effective programs. He called on the DOTr to outline a concrete catch-up plan to accelerate project implementation and minimize further commitment fees.
“We need to do something as legislators while we deliberate on the National Budget. If we continue with this cycle of delays, we will only be paying commitment fees without any real progress,” Villanueva said.
Aside from the payment of commitment fees, interest rates on these loans should be a concern, the senator stressed, as interest payments begin as soon as the loans are approved.
In 2023, the DOTr accounted for two of the top five projects with the highest commitment fees, including the South Commuter Railway and the Malolos-Clark Railway Project, both of which involved substantial payments to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Department of Finance reported that the total commitment fees capitalized by the National Government from 2002 to August 2024 amount to P6.72 billion, underscoring the long-standing issue of inefficient loan utilization.
Villanueva urged the DOTr to take immediate action to address the root causes of the delays, particularly issues related to land acquisition and right-of-way concerns, which have been key factors in the slow pace of development.
“We must be prudent in our use of public funds. The government must prove that it can effectively implement projects before taking on more loans. Otherwise, we will continue to pay for commitment and interest fees without seeing the intended benefits,” Villanueva said.
ate inquiries that began three years ago, quizzed labor officials on their program to reintegrate displaced Filipino workers. He also asked about the agency’s provisions of assistance and safety nets, which includes the upskilling and reskilling of the displaced workers. Gatchalian explained that Executive Order 74 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on November 5, appoints the DOLE as vice chairperson of the technical working group on employment recovery and reintegration of displaced Filipino workers. He added that based on the labor department’s position paper, the DOLE proposed the following programs: employment facilitation; employability
SBy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
MALL businesses and consumers can now hope for greater transparency when loan shopping with the launch of the “Peso Interest Rate Swap Market” (Peso IRS), according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
This was after the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) recognized the Philippine Overnight Reference Rate (ORR) of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP). It is the ORR where the derivative instruments will be anchored at the short end.
This crucial announcement of the ISDA is the final step to opening the Peso IRS, envisioned to be one of the key steps in deepening the capital markets, according to the BSP.
“This means interest rates will be more transparent, making it easier for SMEs and consumers who are shopping for a loan to expand their business or make an important investment or purchase,” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. was quoted in a statement as saying.
“For the central bank, this will make it easier for the BSP to transmit monetary policy, maintain price stability, and promote sustainable growth and job creation,” added Remolona.
The BSP said the opening of the Peso IRS marks a significant step toward boosting trading and liquidity in the domestic bond market. This
and livelihoods development services; effect of stoppage and assistance for foreign nationals; termination-related assistance; and, other DOLE programs and interagency coordination.”
He then quizzed DOLE officials whether they have “identified and accounted all the Filipino workers affected by this closure.”
Sen. Loren Legarda, sponsor of the DOLE budget, said that 27,790 Filipino workers were identified in four regions— National Capital Region with 19,754; Region 3, 142; Region 4A Calabarzon, 7,837 and Region 7 Visayas, 57. Legarda said the DOLE has programs meant to assist the displaced workers including
is part of a plan to deepen the local capital markets.
A deeper capital market is expected to enhance savings and investment in the Philippines. As a side benefit, it will also strengthen the transmission of monetary policy.
“The enhanced Peso IRS market aims to promote development of yield curves to further support the pricing requirements of short-term credit instruments, such as loans, in the market,” BAP Open Market Committee Chairman Paul A. Favila said. According to the BAP, it developed the Philippine ORR based on the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase rate (RRP), to which the BSP shifted last year.
The BSP said that, for the first time, some 16 banks have committed to be market makers for the ORRbased IRS.
The central bank added it will ensure there will be prices for swaps of various maturities, from one-month to 10-year, providing a new way to hedge or take positions.
“A benchmark curve will help banks and other lenders price loans at various maturities. This whole effort
job matching, referral placement, and adjustment measures program, among others.
When he first made the dramatic announcement to ban all POGOs by the end of 2024 in his third State of the Nation Address in July, Marcos Jr. had issued two major marching orders.
One is for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to ensure the smooth winding down of all licensed POGOs. Another is for the DOLE to ensure a good work transition for the Filipino workers in POGO outlets, then estimated at 40,000.
Last week, the President issued an executive order further clarifying the ban.
is just one of many steps the National Government, the BSP, and Philippine and foreign banks are working on very closely together to achieve these objectives. Foremost among these is to provide the liquidity investors need to invest in our fast-growing economy,”
Remolona explained.
The BAP said that apart from these market makers, five banks will serve as regular participants: BDO Private Bank Inc., Maybank Philippines Inc., Mizuho Bank Ltd., MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.) and the SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.).
The organization that the “enhanced” Peso IRS market will use the Bloomberg trading platform. Through widespread trading among market participants, the BAP said this would promote the creation of enhanced benchmarks—leading to the pricing of loans that reflect the needs of the market.
“Now that the enhanced Peso IRS market has gone live, it is time to work together and ensure that the reforms we have pursued will fulfill their goals,” BAP President Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco said. “The launch of the Peso IRS market, together with the creation of a repo market for government securities, are valuable steps towards growing our Philippine capital market.”
Aside from Peso IRS, the National Government, the BSP, Philippine banks and foreign partners are also working on other efforts to deepen the capital market, according to the central bank.
The BSP added that the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) had this month set the procedures for residents of 43 countries covered by tax treaties with the Philippines to only pay the
rate agreed in these treaties, rather than paying the full tax then seeking a refund. It said that the BTr is also creating more liquid benchmarks by concentrating issuance and bond reopenings in a few selected maturities.
The BSP also said it is working on adopting Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA) contracts, allowing it to actually deliver Treasury bonds to banks when they enter into repos as part of monetary policy operations.
This is expected to boost the government securities repo market, currently mostly interbank, as banks gain access to BSP’s Treasuries, which they can repo as well for added profit. As the BSP’s shift introduces some banks to GMRA, they may start engaging in other repo transactions as well. The expanded repo market will provide a strong alternative benchmark alongside the PESO IRS.
Further, the Department of Finance (DOF) has pushed for legislation that would simplify tax rates for passive income, financial intermediaries, and deepen the capital market. BSP said the DOF is working on more ways to make Philippine bond markets more competitive in terms of taxation.
The BSP also said officials are engaged with credit rating agencies, financial market index providers, and other stakeholders in pursuit of making Philippine assets more accessible to local and foreign investors. Philippine USD bonds are rated BBB+ by S&P Global, and Baa2 and BBB by Moody’s and Fitch. In October, JPMorgan & Co. said the Philippines is one of two countries “on the radar” for inclusion in its Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets index.
BDO breaks ground on new corporate center in Makati
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
THE Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has given the green light for the second tranche of toll rate adjustments for the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which are set to take effect on Tuesday. The adjustment will impose an additional P0.64 per kilometer for Class 1 vehicles, P1.29 per kilometer for Class 2 vehicles, and P1.93 per kilometer for Class 3 vehicles, addressing adjustments that were originally scheduled for 2021 and 2023.
To wit: those driving Class 1 vehicles, such as cars and SUVs, from Mabalacat City’s Mabiga Interchange to Tarlac will pay an additional P25. For Class 2 vehicles, including buses and small commercial trucks, the toll will rise by P50, while Class 3 vehicles, such as large trucks and trailers, will see a P75 increase.
Similarly, travelers from Mabalacat City to Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan, near Subic Freeport, will face additional charges of P41, P81, and P121 for Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively.
Earlier, the TRB said that the toll adjustments were divided into three tranches to minimize the financial impact on motorists, particularly amid recent inflationary pressures. The first tranche was implemented on October 17, 2023. According to Nlex Corp., between 2020 and 2023, the company undertook “numerous infrastructure and enhancements projects as part of its commitment to improve motorists’ safety and convenience while traversing the expressway.” These include upgrades to roadway lighting and signage, which provide better visibility and navigation, as well as enhancements to toll plazas and pavement repairs. It also included maintenance efforts such as crack sealing and repairs to guardrails and fences, along with bridge rehabilitations at Porac Gumain, San Matias, and Pasig Potrero. Furthermore, RFID and toll system upgrades have been undertaken to facilitate smoother transactions. To address environmental and functional needs, rainwater collection systems have been constructed at rest bays in Floridablanca and Dinalupihan.
RICHARD Chong Woo Shin, the Korean-Canadian chief financial officer of local fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corp., has been named as the “CFO of the Year” in awards organized by the ING Bank N.V. Philippines and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex).
Shin became the first non-Filipino to win the country’s longest-running honor for finance chiefs in the country. He has worked with various global companies across different sectors in a career that spans nearly three decades. In 2022, he was appointed as CFO of Jollibee, a company that aspires to become the top five fast food company in the world.
Under Shin, Jollibee achieved record system-wide sales and revenue in back-toback years in 2022 and 2023. The 57-yearold CFO is also one of the chief architects of the five-year enterprise strategy to triple the business in five years—grow its income by three-fold by end-2028 and reach 20 percent enterprise return on invested capital. Key to the plan were game-changing deals for Jollibee Group. This includes acquisitions of South Korean value coffee brand Compose Coffee and the assumption of full ownership of Hong Kong dim
sum restaurant chain Tim Ho Wan, along with a significant investment in beverage tech company Botrista.
Shin’s strategic vision and risk management expertise have also been pivotal in navigating the complexities of global expansion and sustaining operational excellence, the body said.
“While I’ve only been with Jollibee Group for about two years, this recognition affirms the collective achievements and shared vision of our entire team,” Shin said.
“In only his first two years at the post, the minimum tenure required to be even nominated for the ‘ING-Finex CFO of the Year,’ Shin has exemplified the qualities of a ‘Game Changing Difference Making CFO’ (for this year),” the award body said.
Since 2006, the body is given by a permanent partnership between the Dutch financial giant and the Finex, the country’s premier organization for finance and business professionals.
“Shin’s exceptional leadership at Jollibee Foods Corp. exemplifies the very qualities that this award seeks to celebrate— visionary financial stewardship, strategic growth, and global impact,” said ING Managing Director Leoncio A. Palanca. VG Cabuag
BDO breaks ground on corporate center in Makati BDO Unibank Inc. announced recently its top executives led a time capsule-laying ceremony last Friday, marking the commencement of construction of the lender’s new corporate center in Makati City. The lender said its Makati complex is one of three BDO main office complexes, alongside the existing BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City and the nearing-completion structure of BDO Corporate Center Cebu in the Visayas. Combining five separate plots into a unified business hub comprising of two towers and an annex building, the towers feature an innovative exoskeleton structure, allowing open, flexible spaces without the need for conventional pillars. Embodied carbon and whole lifecycle carbon management have been integrated into the design. The
lightweight structural system not only reduces the concrete content of the buildings by over 65,000 tons, it also simultaneously improves performance in the country’s seismic environment. In addition, operational energy will be reduced by more than 40 percent, radiant cooling systems drastically reduce energy demands, and over 70 percent of potable water is recycled and reused on site. The overall design includes 75 percent of its
covered in
an urban farm, an auditorium, and event areas—all of which contribute to making the center a positive and inclusive addition to the city.
the
and
Monday, November 18, 2024
Multilateral banks are key to nancing the ght against global warming. Here is how they work
By Mary Katherine Wildeman | e 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, oods, heat waves, droughts and wild res 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. at will take trillions of dollars. Enter climate nance, a general term that means di erent things to di erent 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 nance 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 de ning how poorer nations can respond to climate change. ey 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.
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 nance in the years to come. e nonpro t research group Climate Policy Initiative estimates the world needs about ve times the current annual amount of climate nancing to limit warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) since the late 1800s. Currently, global average temperatures are about 1.3°C (2.3°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.
“ e core of it is getting a goal that is going to catalyze the actions that lls the really signi cant climate nance 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 o ce.
“ e 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. “ at has forcednance to be ever-more prominent at the COP discussions, because ultimately it comes down to who pays.”
Developing countries most dependent on multilateral banks DEVELOPING nations are much more reliant on these banks for nancing climate projects than industrialized countries.
In the US and Canada, commercial banks and corporations provided funding for more than half of climate-friendly projects in 2022, according to Climate Policy Initiative. In sub-Saharan Africa, those private lenders only accounted for 7%. is is because it is harder for developing countries to get low interest rates.
“If you’re Kenya, and you want to borrow from private lenders, they might charge you 10% interest rates because your credit rating isn’t very good,” Hirschel-Burns said.
But the multilateral banks have better credit ratings than many countries do. For example, the International Development Association—an arm of the World Bank and the top international aid provider to Kenya—has the highest possible rating from Moody’s Investor Service, while Kenya itself has a junk rating.
e banks borrow money with that better rating, then lend to de-
veloping countries in turn, o ering a more reasonable rate than governments could get if they borrowed directly from private lenders.
Some bank projects work against climate goals
THE multilateral banks’ development goals are wide-ranging. ey seek to improve people’s health and the environment, expand energy access and end poverty. Addressing energy access has meant the banks have provided billions of dollars for fossil fuel power plants, according to an AP analysis, though their policies have improved and fewer such projects have been funded in recent years.
Investment in fossil fuels continues to rise worldwide, reaching $1.1 trillion in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency. And multilateral banks continue to rank among the biggest funders of fossil fuel-prolonging projects, helping to “lock in a high-carbon pathway” for countries, according to a report by the Clean Air Fund, which lobbies for the funding of projects to improve air quality.
“ is is development aid we’re talking about, and it should be assisting countries to leapfrog,” said Jane Burston, CEO of the Clean Air Fund, referring to the idea that developing countries could industrialize with renewable energies and skip over development that rich nations historically made with fossil fuels.
“It’s ba ing why development assistance is being given to something that continues to make people unhealthy as well as harms the planet,” she added.
Seemingly contradictory actions can be seen in a loan made by an arm of the World Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruc-
tion and Development. It loaned $105 million toward rehabilitating coal plants in India, with their last loans toward the project going out in 2018, according to an Associated Press analysis of data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Coal spews carbon pollution, contributing to climate change and creating breathing problems for people who are exposed. However, the improvements made coal plants more e cient and reduced their greenhouse gas emissions, according to project documents.
e Clean Air Fund’s report estimated the World Bank provided $2.7 billion in “fossil fuel prolonging nance” between 2018 and 2022. During that time, the bank also loaned about 32 times the amount for renewables as they did for nonrenewables in India, including $120 million for rooftop solar.
“Renewable energy support is always our rst choice as we work to provide access to electricity to the nearly 700 million people who still cannot power their homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses,” a World Bank spokesperson said in a statement. e bank’s policies still “selectively support natural gas as a transition fuel” if its research shows the project is low risk to the climate, the spokesperson said. e bank’s recent policies require rigorous vetting for every project to make sure its investments reduce climate impacts.
e World Bank delivered $42.6 billion in climate nance in its most recent scal year, a 10% increase from the year before. And at the most recent COP, the bank promised nearly half of its lending will soon go toward climate nance.
In Vietnam, about half of power generation comes from fossil fuels, primarily coal power. e Asian Development Bank loaned about $900 million on coal in Vietnam, with their spending on the fossil fuel in the country ending in 2017. e bank’s updated climate policies “will not support coal mining, processing, storage, and transportation, nor any new coalred power generation,” the bank said in a statement. e bank put $9.8 billion toward climate nance in 2023, and aims to nance $100 billion in climate-friendly projects between 2019 and 2030. e country’s biggest growth area for energy is in wind. e Global Energy Monitor ranks Vietnam seventh in the world in planned wind power. And the Asian Development Bank committed about $60 million in loans toward wind energy in Vietnam between 2021 and 2022. e banks have made broad commitments in recent years to align with the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. But those promises leave pathways open to continue funding fossil fuels, said Bronwen Tucker, global public nance co-manager at Oil Change International. According to the green group’s monitoring of the banks’ commitments, all nine of the major banks tracked can fund gas projects in at least some cases. Rich countries should step in and ll the trillions of dollars in need for climate action with donations to less developed countries “to avoid climate breakdown and save lives,” Tucker said. “ e MDBs can’t be climate bankers if they are still fossil bankers,” she said. “Relying on banks that are locking in fossil fuels and the worst-ever debt crisis is not working.”
PEOPLE examine the damage at an area badly a ected by a ash ood in Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Indonesia, May 13, 2024. AP/ALI NAYAKA
‘Antipolo Wedding Museum’ vows to make the city a top bridal destination
Ever Bilena holds beauty workshop for Mutya ng Pilipinas
EVER Bilena, the popular Filipino beauty brand, conducted a Social Graces and Makeup workshop at Romulo Cafe in Jupiter, Makati, in collaboration with Mutya ng Pilipinas.
The event aimed to equip the 31 candidates with the essential skills to create stunning beauty pageant-ready makeup looks. Ever Bilena makeup artist and head for events and digital PR Martin Orosa guided the participants through the workshop. The ladies learned valuable techniques and tips to enhance their natural beauty and exude confidence onstage.
To further support the candidates, Ever Bilena provided generous gift packs filled with their latest innovative products and beloved bestsellers. These carefully curated items are designed to help the girls achieve their desired winning looks.
The president of the Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization, Cory Quirino, was present to witness the workshop and express her appreciation for Ever Bilena’s partnership. As the official sponsor of Mutya ng Pilipinas, the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability aligns perfectly with the organization’s core values.
The workshop was a resounding success, empowering the Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates with the knowledge and tools they utilized to shine brightly in the recently concluded Mutya ng Pilipinas Coronation Night.
NTIPOLO prides itself as the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.” It boasts of magnificent churches, chief among them the Antipolo Cathedral, which houses the Marian image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, or the Virgin of Antipolo, brought in from Mexico in 1626. Another is Boso-Boso Church, or the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish Church, in Sitio Old Boso-Boso, Barangay San Jose, whose first structure was built as a mission church by the Franciscans in 1669.
Now, the component city and the capital of Rizal Province also wants to be known as a top wedding destination, offering a more enchanting alternative to the venues of saturated Metro Manila.
MADRIAGA FAMILY VALUES
AT the forefront of this effort is the energetic and enterprising Joy Madriaga. Her highly successful family-owned business, Madriaga Catering & Food Service Inc., has been organizing wedding fairs for several years together with her husband Nelson, daughters Sophia and Bianca, and son Lorenzo.
This year, the fair is titled “Antipolo Wedding Museum,” held on October 26 and October 27 at the Marikina Convention Center, with close to 80 suppliers for every wedding needs.
“When my eldest daughter Bianca graduated from college, she helped with the family business as the marketing director. That’s when the bridal fairs started. It was a good marketing strategy [for our catering business],” Joy said. “From one wedding, two weddings, three weddings, now we can cater up to 15 weddings maximum. But all in the Antipolo and Rizal area only.”
She emphasized, however, that the “wedding museum” was founded not only to entice cutomers to their business but more so to help generate income for her fellow wedding suppliers.
“Parang aim din nitong bridal fair namin is to bring Antipolo closer to the clients because most of our suppliers and exhibitors are from Antipolo. That’s why our local government is very happy and supportive of this effort,” Joy shared.
A BRIDAL ELEGANZA
“SO why museum? We want to showcase the beauty of Antipolo weddings, from the beautiful churches and the venues which are, of course, the highlight of this event, and our incredible professional local suppliers,” explained Bianca.
“The Antipolo Wedding Museum aims to break the norms of bridal fairs. As a wedding supplier who always joins bridal fairs, we see the same patterns— the tiring ingresses, the same promos. Madriaga Catering aims to reinvent Antipolo weddings. And our main purpose is to make Antipolo the next wedding destination,” added Bianca.
To make the bridal fair more exciting, the Madriagas thought of holding a bridal fashion show for the first time. So Joy enlisted the help of her cousin, renowned fashion designer Albert Andrada, to showcase his latest bridal collection.
Joining Andrada were his protegee, Jezelle Haute Amorado, who presented her Romantically Abstract” collection, and homegrown Antipolo talent, Rica Siena.
Siena specializes in made-to-order and made-torent bridal pieces. She also creates dresses for special occasions that have been worn by celebrities such as Yassi Pressman, Alexa Ilacad, Michelle Dee and Nadine Lustre. For the fair, she showed immaculate looks in pristine white in feminine silhouettes.
Andrada has lately tempered his Dubai Bling aesthetic and opted to offer refreshing takes on the utilitarian denim. Some of the looks are from his “Denim Romanticism”collection he recently showed at the Panaad show at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
“Denim is used unexpectedly, adding a bold, modern twist to corsets, tailored jackets, or accents like belts and trim, while still maintaining a sense of refinement. Shades of blue range from deep, classical navy to soft sky blue, combined with pristine whites, reminiscent of ancient Greco-Roman frescoes,” the designer explained. “This collection offers a bold reimagining of bridal fashion, where history meets
Tried and tested: Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum
FRAGRANCE is a very personal thing. What smells good on one person may have a different effect on another. Fragrance also complements your style and is the perfect way to complete a look because isn’t it the last thing you put on when you leave the house?
One of the fragrances that I tried recently is the Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum, which was created by Amandine Clerc-Marie and Marie Salamagne. This has top notes of Pear, Blackberry and Gardenia; middle notes of Patchouli, Ambrette and Jasmine; and base notes of Praline, Sandalwood and Moss.
This scent is described as “a playful, vibrant ode to empowering female friendships, evoking glamorous and memorable nights.”
The scent joins Jimmy Choo’s perfume family, which includes I Want Oud, JC L’Eau, Iris Crush, and Rose Passion. This may be a fruity floral but the spicy-woody effect is strong on me and I love this. It opens sweet and I smell blackberry and praline but dries down earthy, thanks to the patchouli and moss. Personally, I would describe this as a floral woody. Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum opens with vibrant notes and then turns creamy. After that is my favorite part, when it becomes rich moss amber, sandalwood and praline. These notes, I believe, are what leave a lasting impression. Some people have said that Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum reminds them of Miss Dior Parfum 2024, which combines patchouli with the sweetness of fruit. I don’t see or smell the similarity though. Perhaps what these two scents have in common is that they are not meant for warm weather.
To me, they are autumn scents. Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum is encased in a translucent golden glass bottle adorned with the iconic JC monogram. It’s not very purse-friendly but the fragrance lasts long (about 5-6 hours) so that is okay.
Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum is available at major department stores and Rustan’s Beauty Source online.
LEVI’S REOPENS IN SM MAKATI
innovation, and romance blends with contemporary edge.”
Amorado, who is fast making a name for herself with major shows at the Marriott Hotel and Crowne Plaza, drew inspiration from her fondness for the works of the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.
“I wanted people to look at the bride and feel as if they were watching a work of art walk down the aisle. I also wanted the audience to feel and see the bride’s individuality come through.
“Saying yes to joining the bridal show was something that I did without hesitation because the invitation came from my dearest mentor and father in fashion design, Albert Andrada. Throughout my career, he has guided me and helped me grow in the fashion industry, so when he invited me to be part of the show I immediately said yes knowing that it would also be a good place for me to reach new/ potential clients.
“I have not yet had a Rizal-based bride, but I look forward to working with them down the road. Hopefully, they were able to see a sneak peek into the unique pieces I can offer on their special day.” ■
YEARS ago, I shopped for Christmas gifts at the Levi’s store in SM Makati. I had shirts printed in the Levi’s Tailor Shop. I am happy to learn that Levi’s has reopened in SM Makati as part of the label’s rollout of its Next-Gen store concept. I revisited the store a few weeks ago to check out what’s new. This is the first shop-in-shop channel in the Philippines to carry the updated format and Levi’s SM Makati sets a new benchmark in providing an immersive, modern and convenient shopping experience. The revamped store has advanced digital features, attractive displays of Levi’s merchandise, and the Levi’s Tailor Shop which will feature an artist who can bring every denim lover’s customization dreams to life. The artist feature is unique to Levi’s stores located in select premium SM Supermalls. This is where customers can personalize their denim pieces by adding patches, embroidery and other creative touches. Being the busiest Levi’s in the Makati and BGC area, Levi’s SM Makati has been strategically upgraded to match the standards of other recently revamped Levi’s boutiques. At 100 square meters, the store adopts the Next-Gen format, which integrates cutting-edge design elements that reflect the brand’s heritage and style, with a focus on an enhanced customer experience. Levi’s in SM aims to continue transforming more branches into dynamic spaces, offering a seamless shopping journey that encourages creativity and personalization.
“SLI wants to continually upgrade Levi’s in different SM channels to bring better and more exciting store experiences for our customers through the Next-Gen store concept,” said
MUTYA ng Pilipinas candidates happily pose with Cory Quirino during their Ever Bilena makeup workshop.
Converge participates in Fiber Network Council APAC 2024
THE Fiber Network Council APAC (FNC APAC), the Asia Pacific’s organization of broadband and telecommunications industries, held its flagship conference in the Philippines on November 5, 2024, focusing on emerging technologies and how fiberbased solutions can propel these further.
The FiberConnect APAC Conference 2024, in partnership with leading Philippine fiber broadband and technology solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., featured experts, industrialists, internet service providers, and various stakeholders in the fiber industry who imparted insights on the current developments driving fiber deployment in the region.
“As the pioneer of fiber technology in the Philippines, it is my honor to bring the region’s foremost fiber professionals and specialists to the country and showcase not just our company’s growth, but the development of the fiber industry as a whole, especially in the context of rapidly growing technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing,” noted Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO of Converge ICT, a founding member of the FNC APAC.
“Converge ICT is the first broadband operator-member of FNC APAC from the Philippines and they are a prime example of what fiber transformation can do in the Philippines’ case. We want to highlight how fiber networks can be sustainable in a geographically challenging country, coupled
Philippine airports), which now connects 10 million unique users nationwide, creating access to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial possibilities that were previously out of reach.
AS the holiday season approaches, the hunt for the perfect gifts can feel overwhelming. You want to give thoughtful presents without breaking the bank, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to make your gifts both budget-friendly and fabulous. Here are some tips to help you shine as a gift-giver this year, plus a sneak peek at an exciting shopping opportunity coming your way. Know Your Recipients. The first step to giving great gifts is understanding the interests and preferences of those you’re shopping for. Take some time to think about what each person truly values. Personalizing your gift choices will make them feel special, no matter the price tag. Look for Unique Finds. Sometimes the best gifts come from unexpected places. Local markets, thrift stores, and online marketplaces can be goldmines for unique treasures. But to clear out your shopping list with ease, go for big discount shopping events like the upcoming Black Friday Sale at the Paseo Outlets. From November 29 to December 1, 2024, you
158 Designer’s
with high technical skills in supporting industries such as call centers and design engineering firms. If people around the world are designing smart cities, they should know a lot of the brain work is being done in the Philippines,” noted Dr. Fouad ‘Frank’ Jaffer, FNC APAC’s Conference Chair.
Lending his insight and support to the industry event is Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, who underlined the government’s primary initiatives to catalyze fiber network growth and fiber broadband penetration in the Philippines.
“Through the National Fiber Backbone Project, we are building the infrastructure that will sustain our ambitions. Highspeed networks now reach from Laoag to Quezon City, providing stable connections to 14 provinces and critical national centers. With Phases 2 and 3 set for early 2025, this backbone will empower our public sector, streamline services, and connect Filipinos with reliable internet,” said Uy in his speech.
Uy also highlighted the government’s Free Wifi program (of which Converge has a counterpart, a Free Wifi project in
The conference’s esteemed panelists include executives from Nokia Bell Labs, YOFC, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Japan, EXFO, PLDT, and Globe Telecom, among others.
Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin “Santi” Santos also touched on a current innovation of the company in network management – the infusion of artificial intelligence and automation in its operations.
“What differentiates Converge as a technology company is our synergized approach to digital transformation. We have built our national digital highway and international network. We are building the digital infrastructure with our cloud and multi-edge data center strategy. And we are also looking at the solutions that go on top of the infra from videos, to gaming to apps, including IoT. We can only do these because we have a world class network to begin with,” noted Santos.
Running alongside the conference is a roster of exhibitors from the broadband and telecommunications industries, showing the latest fiber products and innovations.
Honda Foundation donates P1M to aid Typhoon Kristine victims
IN a ceremonial donation event held at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI) reaffirmed its commitment to bringing relief and comfort to the community amidst calamity and disaster by generously donating P1 million to the Philippine Red Cross last October 29, 2024. Through
this donation, Honda aims to provide hope and inspiration to the families severely affected by Typhoon Kristine, particularly in Batangas Province within CALABARZON, as well as in Region 5 and Northern Luzon.
“PRC has been a trusted partner of Honda in reaching out and helping communities for decades, notably during
the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Recently, in September 2024, PRC received life-saving generator sets to power up Philippine Red Cross chapters nationwide. Honda will continue nurturing its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, sharing the common value of saving Filipino lives,” said the Honda Foundation Board.
“Furthermore, Honda, with deep gratitude to the Filipinos who continuously patronize Honda products, will always stand alongside the community in rebuilding and realizing the dream of a bright future for every family. Together for Tomorrow.”
HFI is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Honda companies in the Philippines, comprising of Honda Philippines, Inc. (manufacturer/ distributor of motorcycles and power products), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (automobile products), Honda Parts Manufacturing, Inc. (manufacturer/ exporter) and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone Corporation (storage/ warehousing).
HFI was established and registered as non-stock, non-profit organization on December 23, 1992; since then, HFI is One with the Community in its advocacies of Protecting the Environment, Supporting the Youth for the Future, Addressing Community Needs and Promoting Traffic Safety. Honda will aspire to become “a company that society wants to exist,” and will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, by serving people worldwide with the joy of expanding the people’s life potential through its social contribution initiatives.
American Eagle Outfitters Outlet; Adidas outlet; Bench Depot (Cotton On, Call It Spring, Kashieca, La Senza, Pedro); BrandSmart (Zara, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear); Crocs Outlet; F&F (Calvin Klein, Dune London, Superga etc.); Fusion Outlet (Sperry, Keds, Skechers, etc.); Giordano Outlet; Levi’s Factory Outlet; Marks & Spencer Outlet; Nike Factory Store; Puma Outlet; Oakley Vault; Park Outlet (New Balance, Havaianas, Jordan, etc.); Payless ShoeSource; Samsonite Outlet; Skechers Outlet; Speedo Outlet; Sunglass Haven Outlet (Ray-Ban, D&G, etc.); The Outlet (Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy); Timberland Outlet; Time Collection Outlet Store (G-Shock, Casio, etc.); Under Armour Outlet; USDS Outlet; West Elm Outlet and Pottery Barn Outlet. Quality Over Quantity. It’s better to give one meaningful gift than several generic items. Focus on finding that special something that truly reflects your loved one’s personality. During the Black Friday Sale, keep an eye out for standout items that are both highquality and affordable. Create Gift Bundles. Consider putting together a thoughtful gift bundle! Combine a few small items that go well together like gourmet snacks, a cute mug, and a cozy blanket for your coffee-loving friend. This approach not only elevates presentation but also adds a personal touch. Plus, with the incredible deals at the Paseo Outlets, you can curate fabulous bundles without overspending. Find Gifts with Some Star Power. On December 1,
Malls
CONVERGE Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin “Santi” G. Santos spoke about how AI is changing and advancing the Converge fiber network.
IN the photo are, from left, President and COO of ComClark Network and Technology Corp. Benedicto Bulatao, FNC APAC Conference Chair Dr. Fouad “Frank” Jaffer, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, FNC APAC President Dr.Xiong Zhuang, Shoichi Hanatani, Vice President of FNC APAC, and Rusafie Alam, Secretariat Advisor of FNC APAC)
IN the photo are, from left, HFI Board of Trustee & HTPE President Tomoyuki Mabuchi; HFI & HPMC President, Seiji Fujimoto; PRC Assistant Secretary General Dr. Christie Nalupta; and PRC Security & Safety Services Office Manager Leonardo Ebajo
Who are the Gen Z and why should they matter to the PR/Marketing industry?
IFINALLY read an exhaustive but understandable article about the Gen Z which made it totally clear to me who they are, and why they are such an important target market that all brands are trying to win.
For my recent birthday, I was gifted with two exact books from two people who must have known that I would love the topic and would want to share my learnings. The book is “Ten Talks, Ten Cities —Global Advertising Secrets and Lessons from a Creative Icon”— written and illustrated by Merlee Cruz-Jayme.
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Merle but she is described in the Foreword as a “Global multiawarded creative, a global CEO, Global advertising ICON, and the world’s only Chairmom.”
She was also an ex-nun who lived three years in silence in a monastery followed by a degree in communication and a career in persuasion. That description alone was enough to convince me that this woman must have so much interesting information to share with the world.
Merle wrote: “Through the years, I found myself teaching advertising techniques that personally worked for me, sharing reallife experiences from the struggles of creating great work, presenting my passions and purpose, to being seen and appreciated as a woman in a field dominated by men.”
Merle started by giving talks in small groups at first, and soon her audience had expanded as did the topics she was asked to speak about. Some of the places where she has given talks include Bali, San Francisco, Amsterdam, New York, Singapore, and Croatia. She estimates that totally, she may have given talks in almost thirty cities. For this book, she only chose 10 cities with talks that are very much relevant today: “developing brilliant work, connecting and understanding target audiences, and creating a 2.0 version of ourselves.”
Her particular topic and talk that I’ve chosen to share here is
i n addition to this historic
s o undesign hauled 12 other audio craftsmanship awards from the same awarding body.
t h e audio craft category was launched to recognize the growing importance of sound in modern-day marketing, where auditory elements are often as impactful as visuals. c r eative g u ild p r esident Angie t i jam-toj id commented: “ t h is year we added the Audio c r aft category, and we also launched c r eativity u n limited, where we looked beyond our industry to celebrate creativity in all forms. We’ve received a total of 692 entries...even the number of entries is [in hyperdrive] as well.”
i n this sense, s o undesign m an ila exemplifies how great sound can trans -
what she spoke about in Minsk, the capital and largest city of Belarus, located in the Svislach and the now subterranean Niamiha rivers. I have never been to that country so I can only imagine that Merle Jayme delivered a most impressive and unique presentation which I will try to summarize for us communicators who want to understand and work with the GenZ.
Who are the Gen Z?
Gen Z members are those people born between 1997 and 2015 which means their ages are between 8 to 26 years old in 2023.
Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history, the most creatively empowered, and therefore, the most in demand. They are also the WOKE generation which means they have a heightened awareness of social and racial justice issues.
Merle Jayme explains that being called “woke” is important to Gen Z as “they struggle to come to terms with, and accept, society’s flaws, which they have inherited from the generations before them. They are the ones who must face harsh realities so they feel that they must fix their world because there is no going back to how things were.”
Two important characteristics of Gen Z are 1. they believe in diversity, and 2. they are our first “digital natives.”
Their generation has experienced so much, from the moment they were born, they already saw a phone camera and their growing up years were documented by that ubiquitous gadget every single day.
Gen Z also witnessed changes in the family structure such as single parents, same gender parenthood, and the reversal of roles between stay-at-home fathers and working mothers, which may have paved the way for their openness to embracing diversity in race, sexual orientation or religion, compared to previous generations.
As digital natives, they were the generation born at the peak of technological innovation. They had access to immediate infor -
form a campaign and engage audiences in powerful ways. r a ul b l ay, s o undesign m an ila p r esident, expressed pride in the audio house’s achievement: “We’ve always believed in the power of sound to help tell stories in effective ways that visuals alone can’t.” f or more information about s o undesign m an ila, you may visit https://www.soundesignmanila.com/
n tHe national alliance of readinG advocateS HoldS itS firSt conference WitH a focuS on tHe pH readinG criSiS
m A n il A philippines t h e n at ional Alliance of r e ading Advocates ( n A r A), an organization composed of over 100 reading advocacy organizations, educators,
mation, and social media became the main means for acquiring and sharing knowledge, gaining friends, and living life in general. What are the distinctive traits of the Gen Z?
1. They are pragmatic and financially conscious, having witnessed their parents’ financial struggles so they are driven by pragmatism and security.
2. They are discerning as consumers. They study their brands, their backgrounds, even the “vision, mission and how and who these brands hire.”
“Gen Z’s consumer behavior reflects their values, identity and the influence of a digitally experiential world. Their communities are tight. They rely on their tech savvy and extensive social networks to make informed purchasing decisions. They are more likely to be swayed by the recommendation of real-life users or influencers than by celebrities. Authenticity impacts their purchasing decisions,” writes Merle Jayme.
How does the Gen Z compare to the marketers’ previous favorite target: the Millennials?
Millennials are born in the year 1981-1996. This makes them 2743 years old this 2024. One might think that millennials share the same values and beliefs as the Gen Z but this is not the case. The difference in their years has also shown a marked difference in how they think and respond.
According to a research by Salesforce in 2022, the Millennials and Gen Zers don’t respond to marketing campaigns in the same way. The products they buy and their
and change-makers across the p h ilippines, will hold its first conference at the n at ional m u seum of f ne Arts in m an ila on s at urday, n o vember 23, 2024. t he first n A r A c o nference, which carries the theme ” p am itinan ng l ing kod- m a mbabasa,” is convened by the n at ional b o ok Development b o ard ( nb D b) t o address the challenges and seek out opportunities to help resolve the country’s reading crisis.
t he conference’s theme, inspired by the limestone cave found in the foothills of the majestic s i erra m a dre mountain range, represents the hope to spark a movement united for reading.
“We have gathered reading advocates from across the nation for a very important reason: We want them to
buying habits are quite different. Because Millennials may already have families and more responsibilities, they want to save money and therefore look for discounts, intelligent deals and options to lower their monthly expenses.
With no accountabilities nor the need to maintain a household, Gen Zers are not as cost conscious. But they still are attracted by “ buy now, pay later” schemes, love secondhand products , and frequent vintage stores.
Millennials may love online shopping but they have returned to real live shopping in stores so they can get the products immediately instead of waiting for delivery. They expect stores to have easy access, layouts, and seamless check outs.
In comparison, Gen Z grew up with brands like Uber, Grab, Lazada, Shopee and other on demand services so to them, speed is important. They are more impatient and demanding compared to the Millennials.
One similarity between the two generations is that they expect more innovation from companies. They both demand for companies to upgrade their existing products and services into digital experiences.
Both generations are also quick to adapt and discover innovations born out of the need to make their lives more convenient. So both love apps that bring meaning to their passions and lifestyles, such as music, arts, news, games, health and fitness.
Millennials love brands that champion transparency, but Gen Z is even more obsessed with finding brands that mirror their ideals.
talk and cooperate with each other.
o u r nation’s readership problem is multifaceted, which means it cannot be addressed by a single entity or the government alone. As secretariat of the n A r A we will exhaust all means to advance p h ilippine readership through collaboration and innovation,” according to nb D b r e adership Development
Division c h ief Daniel m a riano.
t he conference will look into the s t ate of the r e ading n at ion, a showcase of innovative literacy programs, and networking opportunities. t he alliance will also ratify and declare the n A r A Agenda, a cornerstone document that details and highlights the areas and goals that will address the nation’s reading crisis.
Gen Z wants to see “the attainable, not the overly art-directed and polished. Influencer marketing will only work if these are trendsetters they already respect, are legit, and who share their values.”
The Minsk talk (chapter 6) concludes with four ways on how brands can engage and connect with the Gen Z successfully, but I will purposely leave out those four gems of advice here so that I can entice the readers—you—to go and purchase the book of Merle Jayme and read it as quickly and as seamlessly as I did. She cites a number of actual campaigns as her examples so there is much to learn from this inspiring woman’s talks. Thank you Merlee Jayme for talking and writing about topics that can serve as a useful reference in our communications work.
Allow me to thank my friend Cathy Sanchez Babao-Philbrick and cousin Pol Moral too for gifting me with two copies of this very relevant book.
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 premiere association for senior communications professionals around the world. Joy Lumawig-Buensalido is the President and CEO of Buensalido PR and Communications. She was past Chairman of the IPRA Philippine chapter for two terms.
PR Matters is devoting a special column each month to answer our readers’ questions about public relations. Please send your questions or comments to askipraphil@ gmail.com
t h is is a groundbreaking move in advocating for our national readership. i n a historic plenary of reading stewards, practical solutions and innovative strategies to advance the nation’s reading culture will be in focus. We look forward to seeing participants engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations centered on holistic approaches to readership development,” said nb D b e x ecutive Director c ha risse Aquino-tu gade. m e mbership to the n A r A i s open to reading advocates who are committed to help improve p h ilippine readership. f o r more information and details on how to register, visit bit.ly/joinnara or contact the nb D b r e ading c am paigns s e ction at campaigns@books.gov.ph.
tH e author, Merlee cr uz-Jayme
Sports BusinessMirror
Editor: Jun Lomibao
Teen giant Tyler Reyes dreams of NBA
By Josef Ramos
ONLY 15 years old, 6-foot-
8 and with a basketball pedigree, Tyler Reyes dreams of playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) sooner or later.
“My goal like many other young players is to play in the NBA,” Tyler Reyes told BusinessMirror from Cincinatti over the weekend. “But of course, there are other options.” Reyes has outgrown by an inch his dad, Jay-R Reyes, a former center for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroon who played for eight teams in his 16 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association. Besides his dad, Reyes also has volleyball in his blood through his mom, Jennifer Ablan Reyes, who played varsity also for UP.
“I’m more than willing to give my NBA dream a shot if the opportunity presents itself,” said Reyes, who’s already journeyed the leagues at a young age.
His basketball CV includes: De La Salle Zobel (University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, United Basketball League City Hoops 18U, Philippine Athletic Youth Association 16U and 3x3 U17 in the Private Schools Athletic Association.
He has played abroad in the 2023 International Youth Basketball Championship in Thailand and was named to the 2023 Arizona Select Basketball (UA Circuit future 14U). The NBA and a basketball career runs hand in hand with school for Reyes, who hasNBA superstars Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as idols.
“I have a plan to get a college scholarship here in the US to be able to play in the US NCAA,” he said.
He’s currently in Ciniannati with her elder sister, Tiffany—whose own basketball career is on the way up having played for the national U18 squad—where they are attending training camp to polish their skills. Reyes admitted he’s got to improve his handles, defense and decisionmaking inside the court to turn into a total package.
“I prepare and train myself in all aspects—physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said. “I make it a habit to stay consistent and be disciplined… working out four times a week and having a deep and close relationship with God.” A stint in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform
speaks before the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal.
EVERY single athlete, coach, delegate and fan will “feel at home” when the Philippines solo hosts for the first time the FIVB Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 in September next year. And the world of volleyball will get to find out that the sport is well-loved by Filipinos.
“ We can’t get enough of volleyball,” Ramon “Tats” Suzara told the 39th FIVB World Congress during its main session in Porto, Portugal, over the weekend. “The Philippines is a country that loves volleyball.” Suzara was elected in September as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation only three years into his term as head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
A nd before more than 200 members of the sport’s world
body—including newly-elected FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and former president Ary Graça, both of Brazil, and secretary-general Hugh McCutcheon, of New Zealand, Suzara showed a glimpse of what to expect in the MWCH the country is hosting from September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The rest of the world do not know that yet…that we love volleyball and that Filipino volleyball fans set the standard,” he said, mentioning unprecedented response by Filipinos to the Volleyball Nations League, or VNL, that the country hosted for three years in a row.
We scream and cheer louder than anyone else,” added Suzara, noting that fan attendance was pegged at an average of 8,000 in those hosting with 19,000 recorded at one time last June.
“ We bring our love for the game in the arenas, online and wherever we go,” he said. “We warmly welcome anyone who play the game, that even foreign players and fans feel right at home because as long as you love volleyball, the Philippines will feel like you’re home.”
Suz ara also proudly announced to the congress delegates that from a low 117th in the world, the Philippine men’s team jumped to No. 64 in under three years in the post-pandemic.
PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and director Tonyboy Liao joined Suzara in the congress.
Slots on national juniors cycling team to Asian tourney staked in Batang Pinoy
THE podium finishers in the 16-17 years old category of the road cycling competitions of the 2024 Batang Pinoy that starts this weekend in Puerto Princesa City will get priority slots on the national junior team to the 31st Asian Junior Road Cycling Championships in Thailand in February. Philippine Olympic Committee Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, head of the national federation for cycling PhilCycling, also announced on Sunday that the 2025 National Championships for Road are set February 24 to 28 in Tagaytay City and provinces in Cavite Province’s Eighth District primarily Ternate and Maragondon. Thailand is hosting from February 7 to 16 next year’s Asian championships—organized annually by the Asian Cycling Confederation—that also includes the 44th championships for elite and under-23 and the 13th staging of the para championships.
Iron Mike’s done, Paul wants more
ARLINGTON, Texas—Jake Paul believes he can fight for a championship belt within two years. Mike Tyson might be finished in the ring after the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion’s first sanctioned pro bout since 2005.
An event hyped like a prize fight turned into a glorified sparring session, the eight-round bout won by Paul in a lopsided unanimous decision at the home of the National Foottball League’s Dallas Cowboys on Friday night.
There will continue to be questions for Paul over when he will fight a contender in his prime, as opposed to aging former champs, mixed martial artists or journeymen boxers.
The 27-year-old YouTuber-turnedboxer’s answers have been consistent, and now he has a timeline.
“I think it could happen in the next 24 months,” Paul said. “I truly, truly believe in my skills and my ability and my power. And the cruiserweight
division is seemingly open for the taking on that timeline.” Tyson, whose last fight before retiring was a loss to Kevin McBride 19 years ago, said he was confident in taking on Paul because of an entertaining exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in front of no fans during the pandemic in 2020.
A shorter fight (instead of 10 or 12 rounds) with shorter rounds (two minutes instead of three) and heavier gloves fell far short of entertaining.
The International Boxing Hall of Famer came at Paul hard in the opening seconds, and briefly again to start the second round. Otherwise, he mostly let Paul come to him, and Paul said he thought Tyson was too fatigued to be a threat beyond the third round.
Still, Tyson wouldn’t say immediately afterward it was his last fight after the officially recorded loss dropped his record to 50-7 with 44 knockouts.
“It depends on the situation,” Tyson said before suggesting a fight with Paul’s
older brother, Logan Paul, who was standing near him in the ring.
“I’ll kill you, Mike,” Logan Paul shot back, using an expletive for emphasis.
But Tyson said he had gone in the ring “one last time” in a social media post Saturday that provided details about the health scare he faced that forced the postponement from the fight’s original date this summer.
“I almost died in June,” Tyson wrote on X. “Had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital and had to fight to get healthy to fight so I won.”
T here’s no question the younger Paul will be back in the ring. The former social media influencer started boxing about four-and-a-half years ago and has always said he wants to be a championship fighter.
“He’s a very good fighter,” said Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champ from 1987-90, after Paul won 8072 on one judge’s scorecard and 79-73 on the other two.
Paul still has plenty to prove, though. He is 11-1 with seven knockouts, the only loss to Tommy Fury, the less-accomplished brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. T he former Disney Channel star has proven he can create hype for just about any fight.
The first live sports event on
Organizers estimated the AT&T Stadium crowd at 72,000, and it appeared to be a legitimate number.
“There may never be another moment like this in boxing, but I believe we can find something,” Paul said. “And I think there are a few names out there that make sense, that the events will be just as big.” In the days before his fight with Tyson, Paul mentioned super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, considered one of the best boxers in the world. AP
Former jungolfer Aw wins Mabuhay Miles Elite golf
e PhilCycling again intends to send a full contingent to the Thailand championships just like in this year’s edition in Kazakhstan last June. t least one slot each in the national
junior team for boys and girls in individual time trial (ITT) and individual road race (IRR or massed start) to the Asian championships will be up for grabs in the Batang Pinoy.
The ITT events are set on November 26 and the IRR on November 27 with both events featuring both the start and finish lines inside the Iwahig Penal Colony—known world-wide as the “Prison Without Walls.”
Parents or guardians of participants in Batang Pinoy cycling are advised to secure passports for their athletes for the smooth processing of their registration—upon the approval of an Evaluation Committee created by the PhilCycling—for the Asian championships.
Criterium is not in the Asian championships program.
For the National Championships for Road, the Criterium and ITT will still be staged around the Tagaytay City Atrium and in the Lian-Tuy national highway in Batangas, but the roads in Agoncillo, Laurel and Talisay leading to the Sampaloc or Sungay climbs will be shelved next year.
The Criterium races for the 2025 road nationals will be on February 24, ITT on February 25 and the road races dor Men Junior on February 26, Men Under-23 and Women Elite on February 27 and Men Elite on February 28.
a full time businessman the last 23 years—business full time for the last 23 years—topped the 28th Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf tournament at the composite Midlands and Lucky 9 course. Aw sh ot a net five-under-par 67 using the System 36 method.
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Blue Eagles edge out Lady Blazers for fifth place
JAKE PAUL (left) and Mike Tyson embrace after their match. AP